davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Imperial Valley press., 1913-12-18
Edgar Brothers
Are To Open Store
II

J. H. Edgar, president of the Ed,
gar Brothers Company, today closed
with w. T. Bill, lease for a one
story building so by 120 feet with
storage basement under the whole
building, in which to open the com
pany's largest salesroom IN the val
lev. The building is on Main street
near Fourth, opposite the C. E. Cog
gins garage, and the construction OF
the building will be begun at once,
to be completed and occupied about
March /.
Edgar Brothers Company began
business in the valley in 1901 and have
built up business houses in every
town in the valley except Ell Centro,
where they will now build their largest
salesroom.
The company will also secure a stor-
age yard as near to the store as pos
sible.
Imperial Valley press., 1913-12-18
Suspicion Of Graft

Washington, Dec. 18.-The war de-
partment and isthmian canal commits
sion are on the trail of transactions
of John Burke, manager of the canal
commissary department, with head
quarters at Cristobal, Colon, who is
at present in New York city. The
accusations under investigation are
that Burke has profted from the con-
tractors from whom he buys supplies
and has enriched himself.
The investigation is not yet con-
cluded and at the war department
surprise was expressed that the facts
had become known. The investigation
has progressed so far now that inn
portant developments are likely soon.
Reports received from Panama have
indicated that the commissary scandal
was at the bottom of the rumOred
friction between Col. George w. Goe-
thals, chairman of the canal commits
sion, and Richard L. Metcalfe, former
editor of the Commoner, who was re-
Gently appointed member of the
commission, especially in charge OF
civil affairs in the canal zone.
Secretary of War Garrison said that
there was no truth in this report and
the official record of the action of the
canal commission on the matter shows
the two men acting together and in
harmony. Any suggestions that
Colonel Goethals would oppose such
an investigation because it was urged
by Mr.. Metcalfe was secuted as abb
surd on the face of it, and as not
in accordance with the facts of record.
The situation in regard to the pur-
chase of supplies on the isthmus is
this: Under the general supervision
of the canal commission are several
departments, including that of subsist-
ence. At the head of this department
is Lieut. Col. Eugene T. Wilson. sub
sistence officer Capt. Frank 0. Whit
lock is assistant subsistence officer
in charge of purchases for the govern
ment or army establishment. John
Burke, manager of the commissary de-
partment, makes purchases only for
the Panama railroad, and these do not
include machinery or materials for
construction, which are purchased
through the Washington officer of the
commission, under the charge of Mai.
F. c. Boggs, general purchasing Of
ficer and chief of the office. Major
Boggs, however, purchases no com
missary supplies for the railroad.
which are handled by Mr.. Burke and
by the railroad office in New York.
Imperial Valley press., 1913-12-18
Mexico Embassy Urged

Washington, Dec. 18-Secretary
Bryan asked the house foreign af-
fairs committee today to include in
the pending diplomatic and consular
appropriation bill $150,000 each for
embassy buildings in Mexico and
Toxic and $140,000 FOR Berne. He
was asked if he did not think it would
be advisable under the present Mex
lean situation to pass over the
Mexico City building for the present
and he replied that he had confidence
in Mexico's future, and that there
was no reason why the United States
should hesitate about buying en-
bassy property there.
Imperial Valley press., 1913-12-18
Fine as a Source of Revenue


New York Times: A committee of
the French senate, after considering
for several years that country's de-
clining birth rate, with the serious
ness it deserves, is reported to have
drawn bill soon to be presented for
legislative action which will impose a
special tax on both bachelors and
husbands with no children. Every one
of these, if the law passes, will give
the state $18 annually, and though the
man with one child is let off for two
thirds of that amount and the man
with two for one-third of it, not less
than three will earn full exemption,
that number being considered neces-
sary in each family even to keep the
population of the country at its pres
ent' level. That the senator's are Of
single purpose in the formation of
this scheme is made little, or more
than little, doubtful by the satisfac-
ton with which they announce that it
will increase the nations revenues by
something like $100,000,00O year.
Of course, if it achieved the avowed
object of booming the cradle market
in France, it would be no such money
maker as that, and whatever the
measure of success attained by just
so much would the tax on celibacy and
sterility be decreased. AS a lessened
birth rate has everywhere and al
ways accompanied advancing civili-
zation among men, just as it accom-
panies higher organization among ami
mails, attempts at it's prevention or
reversal are rather hopeless. Statu-
tory law has the hardest sort Of an
antagonist in natural law, and has
never beaten it yet If the French
statesmen are worried about what
looks like the slow extinction of their
estimable and able race, probably the
most and best they can do is by the
wisdom of their rule to make France
economically prosperous. Good times
and high birth rates do tend to coin
eide, in spite of the fact that the
larger families are everywhere among
the poorer people and the smaller ones
among those better able to provide
for them. The problem is an enor.
mously complex one, and only wild
optimist expects to solve it by the
simple expedient of putting an SIS
tax on the childless. The dispatches
at hand do not state whether or moi
the plan includes the exemption Of
fathers whose children are dead. II
shouldn't. While the senators arr
about it, why don't they put a still
heavier tax on fathers who let the
children they do have die of prevent
able diseases, and the largest of al
on those whose children are of sucl
evil heredity or environment as t,
become a burden to the state? Their,
would be fine consistency abou
that! @
Imperial Valley press., 1913-12-18
Will Teach Economy

Washington, Dec. 18-Girl pupils
of the Washington public schools will
be taught how to keep family of
father, mother and three children on
SO a week in. the new model house just
arranged by the Neighborhood House
Settlement workers. The Misses Mar
garet and Eleanor Wilson, Miss Cen
evieve Clark, Mrs. Barney Hemmick,
Mrs. Walter Tuckerman and Mrs.
John Jay White are interested in this
work, and attended a special recep-
tion at Neighborhood house. when the
model house was opened to the public
for the first time.
Imperial Valley press., 1913-12-18
Merchants Tell of Great
Christmas Shopping this
Season, with Early Buying

over last year. People are shopping
earlier"
H. C. Smith-"Business is fine and
getting better"
William Michaels-"Trade has been
fair with US. We have no kick COM
ing"
L. w. Martyn-"We have sold more
in two weeks than in all last Decem-
Der. We can't catch up with the bust
ness"
r. E. Couch-"Christma business
so far has been very satisfactory"
w. H. Greenleaf-"Trade is fair
for this time and is coming up good"
r. P. Moore-"Christmas trade is
very good indeed"
w. F. Harper-"I have but recent
ly taken over the Lone Star Groc-
cry, but trade is fully up to expecta
tions. We haven't had time TO open
all our Christmas specialties."
j. M. Julian--"This month shows q
normal gain and prospects are good
for the Christmas trade
B. Salomon-"Christmas trade is all
right"
Frank Reading "Trade in general
is very fair. New parties are looking
up goods and prospects Tor the next
year were never so good"
George Watkins-"We have all we
can do. Christmas trade is exception
ally good"
C. T. Collier-"C Christmas trade has
been quite satisfactory for the last
two weeks"
J. E. Davis-"Trade has been good
with us. Christmas business this year
is double that of last year."
Ern. w. Snow-"Business is fine.
That's a sure thing. The ladies' de-
partment is especially busy"
Frank Preston-"C Christmas trade
has started out in nice shape and will
continue"
Louis Legakes-"B Business is very
good in the fancy Christmas special
ties"
Mrs. A. M. Johnson Business is
way ahead of last year and is very
pleasing"
S. Silverman of Colonial Cloak and
Suit Store" Business is all right"
G. M. Trade is up to ex-
pectations and the clerks are all busy"
Imperial Valley press., 1913-12-18
Want Ruef PardOned

(By United PresssAssociations)
"a. San =, Francisco, Dec. 18-Another
petition asking the governor to par
don Abe Ruef, ,ex-political boss of San
Francisco, serving fourteen-years'
sentence in San Quentin for robbery,
was circulated here today. 1t reads:
eve, Jewish residents of San Fran
cisco, hereby petition for pardon of
Aberaham Ruef. We fully admit his
guilt, but believe if he were pardoned
he would make good member of so.
ciety. The others have mot expiated
their crimes, sand we think Justice
should be tempered with mercy
Imperial Valley press., 1913-12-18
To Ignore State Eugene Law

Milwaukee, Wis, Dec. 18-The Mil
waukee Medical Society has decided
not to comply with the state eugeni:
marriage law providing that all can
didates for marriage must prove their
physical fitness by the production OF
9physician's certificate. The doc,
tors, tay they cannot afford to give
such an examination for SO, the statu-
tory price. A committee mas beer
named to put the problem before the
state board of health : ,s--s
Imperial Valley press., 1913-12-18
fRv Irnited Press Associations)

(By United Press Associations)
Mexico City, Dec. 18-The air was
thick with conflicting rumors OF i'm
pending attacks on the capital. One
report said the zapatists are closing
in on the south and another that Villa
is ready to move southword from Chi
huahua with $4,000 men. A third re-
port says the rebel force beaten at
TampicO is preparing to descend on
Mexico City or Vera Cruz. The bank
runs continued and big failures are
expected hourly.
(By United Press Associations)
Brownsville, Tex, Dec. 18-Two
hundred and fifty armed rebels have
left Matamoras, opposite here, to at
tack Monterey. They cut the rail-
road between Nuevo Laredo and Mon
terey to prevent reinforcements
reaching the federals.
Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, Dec. 18
In lengthy report received today
by General Carranza, it was denied by
General Villa that any foreigners
were molested in Chihuahua city with
the exception of the Spaniards who
were expelled.
Villa took occasion to reassure the
constitutionalist commander-in-chief
of the "loyalty and constancy of your
most affectionate subordinate"
The Chihuahua constitutionalist
commander also suggested to the su-
preme leader of the revolutionists
Imperial Valley press., 1913-12-18
McCOmbs Gives Reason

New York, Dec. 18-William F. Nc
Combs, chairman of the Democratic
national committee, gave his reasons
today for declining appointment as
ambassador to France.
"The post entails the expenditure
of about $15O,O0O year. he said. It
pays $17,5O0. I could not afford to
accept it. l am going back to the
practice of law and hope to make
some, money"
Imperial Valley press., 1913-12-18
WOULD MAKE 1T CRIME
TO URGE ON WAR

Paris, Dec. 18.-International law,
making criminally liable any, news
paper printing falsehoods about ma
ton, will be proposed to the peoples
of the world at Leipsic next spring
at a meeting of eminent Frenchmen
and Germans, who have organized to
bring about a better understanding
between France and Germany.
"We believe that it is largely the
fault of the chauvinistic and venal
press that Europe is kept in con-
tinual turmoil of suspicion and jeal-
ousy," said Alexander Mercereau.
M. Mercereau is the leader OF a
French school Of young writer's and
thinkers and is secretary OF the or
ganization in question.
"When the first Franco German
conference was held in Brussels a
short time ago." he declared, "three-
fourths of the delegates were noted
journalists. Various measures were
proposed with the sanction Of such
men as Senator La Fontaine, who was
awarded this years Nobel peace prize.
These measures were nearly all aimed
at forming some check on unre-
strained Justification by newspapers in
dealing with international affairs. The
journalists absolutely refused to. listen
to these proposals, saying they would
infringe on the liberty OF the press.
''The truth seems to be that the
continental press Is venal. This was
shown at the time of the recent Krupp
scandal, when it was practically
proved that the Krupp manufactory
paid some newspapers to cause q war
scare in order that cannon might be
sold to the government. They say
that some French newspapers are not
incapable of similar detestable crimes.
ut is known that certain wine mer-
chants reported typhoid epidemic
when none existed so they might sell
more wine and bottled waters during
an otherwise dull summer.
"In the same way it is suspected
that the money of certain syndicates
is behind the various war scares start
ed by the European press. Thus if the
nations would accept law making
falsehoods about nations criminal
offense we believe one of the greatest
causes of war would be destroyed"
M. Mercereau hopes also to organize
n series VI iltcfAdIloiioA iCSCuA GO
whereby the leading artists, authors
and poets of all nations will appear
publicly in other countries. thus in
ducing better international under
standings. In accordance with this
scheme the noted French poet, Emile
Verhaeren, is giving series OF lee
lures in Russia. M. Mercereau is also
one of the founders of a great pub
fishing scheme whereby the contem-
porary poetry of every nation that can
be translated will be translated into
French, one volume being cOnsecrated
to each nation.
Among the members of the society
for better Franco German under
standing are such men as Charles M
Widor, Raoul Pugno, Andre Messa-
ger, DR.. Roux, director of the Pasteul
Institute; Prof. Rudolph Eucken
Hugo Won Hoffmannstal, Arthur
Schnitzler, Hermann Sudermann and
Frank Wedekind.
Imperial Valley press., 1913-12-18
Mexico City Has Rumors
Of Rebels Approaching
From North and South

that the Chihuahua state capital be
made his provisional capital.
General Villa argued that the en-
tire state was in the hands of insur-
gent forces and that it's center loca-
ton would make the move most adj
vantageous.
1t is said here that General Car
rama had made no decision in the
matter, but was considering it.
(By United Press Associations
Mexico City, Dec. 18-American
Charge d'Affairs, O,Shaughnessy and
Foreign Minister Mohena joined ir
Misunderstanding as "Onother lie" the
story telegraphed to oday'sSpapers ir
America stating that O'Shaughnessy
had handed to Huerta a modified de-
mand for the latter's retirement.
(By United Press Associations)
Ell Paso, Dec. 18-A new revolution
broke out in Mexico today. Generals
Orozco and Salazar, the most power
full of Huerta's commands, have unit
ed with Felix Diaz and Emilio Gomez
These leaders assert that Zapata, lead
ing the southern rebels, will join the
movement. This development eX-
plains yesterdays break, when Orozce
and Salazar deprived Mercado of the
command Of the federal troops at
Ojinaga. Between them the leaders
control 1000 troops formerly in the
federal service. r They are we'll armed
but have been unpaid for many weeks
Imperial Valley press., 1913-12-18

A canvass of the merchants of Ell
Centro resulted in the unanimous ver-
dict that the city's Christmas shop
ping this year is going beyond ex-
pectations and is way ahead OF any
previous year.
Expressions from various merchants
on the state of trade are given here
with:
F. S. Wing-"Haven't got time to
talk. Trade couldn't be better. We
just unloaded two carloads of Christ
mas furniture"
F. L. McCune-"Christmas trade
beats last years, and is. even better
than expected"
r. L. Harrell-"We have heard from
our Christmas advertising in very
substantial way"
G. G. Beynon-"Business is increas
ing considerably and looks good this
year to me-"
E. H. Jobes of Varney Brothers &
Company-"Trade is excellent and we
have all we can attend to. We will
remain open until 10 o'clock to ac-
commodate those who will not be able
otherwise to do their shopping on Mon
day, Tuesday and Wednesday"
j. D. Eads-"Business is booming
in electrical goods"
Sam w. Dunaway-"C Christmas
trade shows a very satisfactory gain
over last year and all previous years.
People are shopping earlier and are
demanding better class of goods"
V. M. Bishop-"Business is coming
up in very good shape. This is our
first Christmas in Ell Centre and we
are very well pleased"
B. Barney of Rumsey's Depart
ment Store-"C Christmas trade is good
and is coming along nicely. We ad-
wise people to do their Christmas
shopping early"
C. H. Hersee-"Christmas busi-
ness is good, yes sir"
Joseph Hamilton-"We find bust
ness coming fine and it beats any
previous year. We are getting nice
Christmas trade"
Wolflin-Hamilton Company-"Busi-
ness is very satisfactory. People are
buying higher class of goods"
Dill Ross-"Daily averages are run
ming good and show considerable gain
Imperial Valley press., 1913-12-18
Apostolic Delegate to Cuba

(By United Press Associations)
Rome, Dec. 18.-Following the re-
cent nomination by Pope Plus of Mon
signor Nouel, archbishop Of San Do
mingo, as apostolic delegate to Cuba.
the Vatican today gave out the sta
tistics on which the elevation Of Cuba
to the dignity Of having diplomatic
representative from the Vatican is
based.
The three dioceses into which the
island is divided are said to have a
Catholic population of 2,400,O00, OF
which 275,000 are colored. This has
resulted in the province Of Santiago
being raised to the rank of a metro
politan see. The new apostolic dele
gate was for two weeks the president
Of the republic of San Domingo, but
resigned at the request of Pope Plus,
Imperial Valley press., 1913-12-18
Anti-Steel Hearing

New York, Dec. 18-Hearings in
the cases which have been brought
against the United States Steel cor
porations will be held in several south
ern cities in January. Conve Niences
of witnesses is the cause of the
southern trip, which will open with a
hearing at the Piedmont hotel, Allan
ia, January 5.
1t is proposed to hold session in
Birmingham January z and IN New
Orleans January 9 to IL.
Witnesses for the defense were
heard today.
Imperial Valley press., 1913-12-18
HITCHCOCK'S AMENDMENTS
DOWNED ONE BY ONE
(By United Press Associations

Washington, Dec. 18-The senate
worked hard on the currency bill. One
after. another Hitchcock's amendments
were voted down. The amendment by
which he sought to increase the gold
reserve from 33R per cent to 45 was
lost AZ to 40 The Democratic caucus
agreeing to increase the reserve from
$3,0OO,O0O to $5,000,000 was defeated,
40 to AZ. Root supported the Demo-
Gratis, opposing the plan to have the
government, instead of member of
the banks, choose a majority of the
directors of the reserve board. The
vote in favor of bank control was A
to 36.
Imperial Valley press., 1913-12-18
France Purchases Relic

(By United Press AssOciatiOns)
Paris, Dec.> 18.-"Mary Stuart's
house" at Roscoff, tiny port on the
coast of Brittany, purchased by the
government, today was dedicated as a
national relic by the minister of fine
arts. 1t was once a chapel built to
mark the spot where Mary, Queen of
Scots, landed: from Scotland in l54o
to wed the French dauphin.
Imperial Valley press., 1913-12-18
Root Declines to Run

Washington, Dec. Ex-senator Root
declared in the senate yesterday he
"could not and would not accept the
Republican presidential nomination if
it were offered to him."
"My friends who have made these
kindly suggestions forget" he said
"that before this administration
comes to a close I will have reached
the age of seventy-two years; that
before the next administration could
complete it's services I would have
reached the age Of seventy-six. 1t
would be manifestly impossible that
Il should be president Of the United
States"
Imperial Valley press., 1913-12-18
Western Fuel Trial

(By United Press AssOciatiOns)
San Francisco, Dec. 18-Secretary
David C. Norcross of the Western
Fuel Co., was recalled to the stand to-
day when the trial of eight of the
company's officials and directors on
charges of conspiring to defraud the
government was resumed. The morn
ing session was spent reading into the
records Of the company's minutes ex-
tending from 1908 to 1910. The rec
ords Of dividends of the company
were declared to be ready. 1t is
expected that Special Treasury Agent
Tidwell will take the stand today.
Imperial Valley press., 1913-12-18
Germany Out of It

(BY United Press AssOciatiOns)
Berlin, Dec. 18-Director Balm of
the Hamburg-American steamship
lines, admitted today that his fight to
force the German government to ex-
hibit at San Francisco exposition had
failed. Ballin formed special COM
mittee Of German business men to
work for private exhibition. Today
he called them together and admitted
the futility of trying to proceed with
out government, support.
Imperial Valley press., 1913-12-18
Signs Hetch Hetchy Bill

San Francisco, Dec. 1S-"Thomas
Jennings, acting mayor of San Fran
cisco-President signed the Hetch
Hetchy bill yesterday afternoon Con-
gratulations to San Francisco.
JAMES ROLPH, JR."
This message came from Mayor
Rolph in Washington, where, with
others who participated in the fight
to get the Hetch Hetchey bill passed,
he watched the final stage.
Imperial Valley press., 1913-12-18
Investigating Potatoes

(By United Press Associations)
Washington, Dec. 18.-The question
of exclusion of diseased potatoes from
all foreign countries was considered!
today in public hearing at the de-
partment of agriculture. Department
experts were inclined to admit such
potatoes as are free from potato dis
eases, in order that there may he no
famine of "murphies" :his winter.
Imperial Valley press., 1913-12-18
Exposing Schmidt's Past

(By United Press AssOciat1Ons)
New York, Dec. 18-Hans Schmidt
on trial for the murder of Anna Au-
muller, had recovered today from a
nervous collapse he suffered last
night. He was pale when he appeared
in court today and took no apparent
interest in the proceedings. The re-
port of the commission that examined
witnesses in Germany who knew
Schmidt was read at the defense,s re-
quest. 1t showed Schmidt was a
forger and had posed as "Mental
Specialist" and "Hypnotist."
Imperial Valley press., 1913-12-18
Frost Warning Issued

(By United Press Associations
Los Angeles, Dec. Especial frost
warnings were issued for the citrus
belt today by Forecaster Carpenter.
A high pressure area is coming in
from the Pacific, which indicates cold.
er and frost in the morning. Smudg-
ing and all precautions are advised.
Imperial Valley press., 1913-12-18
President Feeling Better

(By United Press Assoclations)
Washington, Dec. 18-The 'presi-
dents cold is improved. He announc-
ed however that he will not visit the
executive offices this week. He is
attending to his duties in the white
house offices.
Imperial Valley press., 1913-12-18
Morton is Pardoned

Washington, Dec. 18-D. William =.
Morton, who served term in Atlanta
for completely in mining stock selling
frauds, has been pardoned by Presi-
dent Wilson to restore his civil rights
as Of December lG.
Imperial Valley press., 1913-12-18
Canvas Owned by San Die,

San Diego, Dec. 18-Word has been
received from New York that the
beautiful painting, est Anthony and
the Christ Child" owned by Mrs. Em-
ma Sheldon of San Diego, is declared
by the noted expert, Jaccaci, to be an
original of the school of Domenichino,
who was born in 1881.
Details are lacking other than the
expert placed the value at probably
$4,000 or more, as devotee of art
might become impressed with its
beauty and subject.
Imperial Valley press., 1913-12-18
Steamer Ashore

(By United Press Associations
Aberdeen, Wn., Dec. ia tele-
phone message from 'Moclips says In
dians have brought news of an un-
identified three-masted schooner
ashore between Point Elizabeth and
Raft river, fifty miles from Aber-
deem. They said the schooner passed
the point Tuesday so close to shore as
barely to miss the reef. A tug has
been sent from here.