davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1914-12-22

10 inquire before running the chance Of
belnE disqualified by violating the few
simple rules laid down for this contest.
Lhese rules. stated many times during
the contest. follow:
All answers must be in The Times
ofnce within one week of tomorrow,
when the final question will be pub
lished
Answers must be in the contestant 8
penmanship. written on one side OF
the paper only. and must bear the
name Of the competitor
Pupils of Central. Eastern. WesternI
BUSINESS. ana NJ Street High Schools
ana Mckinley and Armstrong Manual
Training Schools are eligible.
These rules cover the essential con-
ditions of The Times contest. Ne Sou-
pons are TO be submitted. and there are
no conditions OF subscription to The
Times necessary to enter
Decisions will be based first on ac-
curacy, and next on English compo-
sition. form, neatneSs. and penmanship
OF the answers
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1914-12-22

Nicola Tesla has an invention to
end the war. The name of Il Is Time
New Jersey man claims 20 haze
found eighteen pearls in one oyster
Looks like a dastardly trick to at
tract attention from the European
war.
The President may be able to save
the country from the horrors of war,
but he will find il impossible to keep
everybody from lighting cigarettes near
Christmas trees.
Bureau Of Census finds more insane
in the cities than in the country. Sure.
No revolving doors in the country.
It's too late now to shop early. Have
to think about something else. How
about hollering for S0-cent gas?
II you're going to give the old man
gold collar button for Christmas. hide
II under the bureau. He'll never find it.
Christmas only comes once a year,
which seems TO be about twice too much.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1914-12-22

time, surely its development would
have been set back a long way, if
the Turk instead of the Christian
Pole had triumphed in that tremen-
dous struggle under the walls of vi
emma, then the southeastern outpost
of Occidental civilization and cul-
ture.
That was the westernmost irrup-
ton of the Turks; and from that day
to this Europe has viewed the Turk
as a disgrace to its system. The feel
ing against him has grown stronger
as the civilization of other parts of
Europe has expanded and blossomed.
The contrast between Turkey and
modern nations has become more and
more impressive. So Europe kept
hands off while the little Balkan
communities almost completed the
work that Europe as whole ought
long ago to have accomplished. The
work was not quite finished; and now
Vienna and Berlin appear to imagine
that the little countries will suddenly
change front and become allies, or
at least adopt complaisant attitude,
while the Turk is rehabilitated. 1t is
utterly impossible.
Just as Berlin failed to appreci-
ate what civilization would think of
the rape of Belgium, so it has failed
to gauge the Christian worlds emo
tons at prospect of Turkey becom-
ing one member of a triumvirate of
powers that would rule Europe.
Neither the great outside neutral
states nor the little countries that
have suffered so much at the hands
of the Turk, will be misled to such
an extent. Dragging Turkey in was
just such another error as the viola
ton of Belgium; an error which be-
speaks medieval incapacity to I'M
derstand that there is such a thing
as public opinion in this world, or
that it is really the greatest force in
the world.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1914-12-22
ASK RESTORATION OF
2-DAY TRIP TICKETS
Metropolitan Branch Commut-
erS Also Will Ask for Contin-
uance Of Family System.

A night for the restoration or two
day round-trip tickets to all points
west Of Rockville. and restoration OF
the twenty-five and fifty trip famiI )
Communication tickets is to be made b.
the Metropolitan Branch Commuters
Association, the organization formed by
commuters on this branch OF the Bal
timore and Ohio railroad.
Though the Interstate Commerce
Commission suspended most Of the ad-
vances in Communication fares made by
the railroad, IL has developed that tar
ifs Withdrawing the two-day excur-
sion tickets and the twenty-five and
nifty trip family tickets were permitted
to become effective.
At a meeting of the executive COM
mittee of the Commuters Association
yesterday IL was pointed out that the
withdrawal OF the two-day excursion
tickets was made effective only beyond
Rockville, where there is no electric
courages Sunday visiting along the
line. il is declared. and results in hard
ship to many residents Of Montgomery
and Frederick counties.
The executive committee took up
the question OF a conference with
representatives of the railroad, as
suggested by company officials, but
no definite action toward such a meet
ing was taken. Members of the COM
mittee believed that il was not q
pressing question. in view OF the sus-
pension of rates by the Interstate
Commerce Commission. and that there
was plenty of time for consideration.
l.. Cabell Williamson. chairman: ]. G..
Gurley, secretary: NJ. W. Phillips, e.
w. Moore. and II. G. Armstrong at
tended this meeting.
The question Of meeting with rail-
road officials to discuss a possible
compromise on rates will be post
poned until after the holidays. It was
reported to the COMMITTEES that the
financial and organization work OF
the committee is proceeding satisfac-
torily.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1914-12-22
Urges Public Golf Course For
Washington.

To the Editor OF the Mail Bag:
At infrequent intervals one reads
something about the proposed publ
golf course in lower Potomac Park. but
il never seems to get any further than
Z rough sketch on paper.
Washington has need for this i'm
provement. and any other city in thu
country would have had il years ago Il
such a park were available. II will
cost no more to construct the course
now than later. ana we are missing all
the recreation II might be bringing. The
laying out of the course does not have
to wait till all the other proposed i'm
provements are completed.
| have played over. public courses in
a number of cities, and | have yet 10
learn of one that Is not throngcd every
day of the week during at least SiN
months OF the year. Its benefits are
TOO numerous TO recount here. but 7
wish to assure Congress and the Dis
trict authorities that hundreds Of play
ers, young and old. are hopefully wait
ing an opportunity 10 tee Off in Po-
tOmac Park. GOLFEls-
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1914-12-22
Scout Reports of Plot
On Corregidor Island

Reports OF an instruction plot At the
CcrreCidor island fortress, at the en-
trance 10 Manila bay. are secuted by
War Department officials.
News dispatches from Manila reported
the disarminS of two companies OF
Philippine. Scouts by regular army
troops after the discovery of a. plot TO
free the inmates of the Corregidor
prison. The fact that neither the Ad-
iutant General. nor the Bureau OF In
sular Affairs had received any report
of the incident was taken TO indicate
that the trouble was OF small conse-
quenCe.
Neither the War nor the Navy De-
partmeuts had any advices to con-
firm reports OF Japanese and British
landing parties to search the German
wireless stations in Panama.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1914-12-22
Raised 12-Pound Potato.

FORSYTH, Ga, Dec. "A twelve
round sweet potato raised by #. o,
Smith on his patch here caused Il. NJ
Maynard. a local warehouseman, e.
''CraWiish'' out Of an agreement that
lac had made. Listening to Mr. Smith.
Dragging about the size Of some OF his
potatoes. Mr. Maynard stated that he
could eat lat one sitting" the biggest
potato that Smith could raise. When
Smith hurried home and returned with
O tubcr that tipped The beam at twelve
pounds and reSemblcd prize uu.nr-
kin rather than swee, roiato. NJ.
MAYNARD begged TO he relieved from his
aascement. The potato. w'tch Is i
specimen Of unusual size has been on
display a. one Of the banks.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1914-12-22
THE INSURANCE RATES.

The situation of the fire insurance
business in Washington, in view OF
! the large increase in rates, is GER
tainly worthy of detailed inquiry by
the proper authorities. There was a
time when vigorous competition OF
local companies was an important
element in the local insurance field.
That competition served to democrat
ize rates, according to the outside
companies, which complained that
they were unable to get their share
of the business. AS a result they
finally came into the field and wrote
business at rates which made it i'm
possible for the local companies to
do business profitably; and the local
underwriting power was greatly re-
duced. Then, when this factor had
been lessened in Importance, the
companies announced the increase in
rates.
Washington is reputed one of the
best insurance risk towns in the
country. The fire protection facili-
ties are magnificent, and the result
has been apparent in a low ratio Of
losses, though in recent times there
has been period of unusually heavy
losses, which, with rates low, has
hit the companies hard.
The question at bottom seems to
be whether the town has gotten in
the past, and will get in the future
under the new rates, a reasonable
amount of indemnity for the dollar
invested in insurance premiums. 1t
costs money to manage the bust
ness; nobody questions that, or that
it is perfectly legitimate for it to
cost a good deal more to the whole
body of insured than they can expect
TO get back in indemnities. How
much is the reasonable measure of
cost for running the business?
Insurance is a highly important
commodity. Every mans business
solidity depends on his carrying a
proper insurance. He cannot expect
to borrow money on his home or on
his business, unless he can show that
he is insured against the danger of
fire. 1t is an absolutely necessary
basis of credit. But when a change
of per cent in the cost of another
public service-the transportation Of
freight by rails received as an
important concession to the rail-
roads; when that concession is or
dered by public tribunal, after re-
peated and detailed investigations;
there is ground for inquiry whether
an entirely private interest ought to
have the power to raise insurance
rates many times 5 per cent, and no
appeal be possible to any regulatory
authority. If the recent increase in
rates in Washington is justified by
the whole situation in Washington,
the fact ought to be made very clear;
if it is not justified, it ought not to
be permitted.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1914-12-22
Physician Sees His
Own Appendix Taken

AURORA. Ill, Dec. 22.-Dr. W. p.
Sherman has conducted many little
appendix parties In his time. and con
sidered that he knew all there was
to know about that particular organ.
But he has Just learned what it is 10
have one cut out. He watched the
operation this time not from the point
Of the surgeon. but from that of the
patient.
DIR. ]. w. Macdonald his friend. was
the man with the knife. He begged DIR.
-. rn'1n ." TAX" an anesthetic. but the
latter would not.
.'It was painful said DR.. Sherman,
but il was a valuable lesson to me-"
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1914-12-22
Women Oppose Shipments
Of Arms to Other Nations

resolution indorslng the Crosser
bill. which provides for Government
manufacture of war munitions and the
prohibition OF shipment of such NUM-
lions 10 foreign countries b. private
manufacturers. was adopted at a meet
ing Of the Washington branch OF the
Womans Movement for Constructive
Peace. yesterday at the residence OF
Mrs. Christian Hemmick. i6c6 Rhode
Island avenue. Copies Of the resolution
viii he sent TO the House Committee
on Military Affairs and TO all branches
II the womans Movement for Construc-
tive Peace.
Tho Legislative committee Of the or
SANITATION consists Of Mrs. Winston
Churchill. wife OF the novelist; Mrs
George Odell. and Mrs. Huntington
Jackson.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1914-12-22
Servants ScapegOats Fer Domestic
Inefficiency.

To the Editor Of the Mail EaS-
Complainings from the American
housewives about the servant supply
its quality and qantity. are incesSah'.
Servants ar inefficient. lack initiative.
are wasteful \ thousand and one
things rufflc the temper of the home
keeper and spoil the harmony OF the
home.
If the house wives were a little closer
nv, the lob they would not have so
much complaint TO make Of the servant
The situation is one that cannot Ce
relieved by national organizations or
enc sort or another. by government &C
ton or Red Cross aid II is up to
each individual woman to organize her
household. and by her own initiative
and scientific management to overcome
any d'fncuItIcs that may beset her.
Housekeeping is womanS business
.uJ fiDdiuc fault with the servant class
is not making good
A HOUSEWIFE.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1914-12-22

Wnen was territorial form OF gov
eminent established in Washington, and
when was it abandoned?
Question No. % in The Times Educa-
tioual Competition turns attention OF
high school pupils to an interesting
transition period in the history Of Wash
ington's municipal government.
Without an understanding of The vari-
Gus municipal experiments tried here.
students of Washington history can lot
hope TO understand the present form of
city government. For nearly a century
the manner Of governing the National
Capital has been a problem. and even
vet its financial and administrative as
meets are causing study on Capitol Hill.
as we'll as among the citizens Of Wash
inGtOn.
\ former question focused attention
upon that period when the Capital was
governed by mayors. with a general sys-
TEN much like that OF other American
cities. The present commission form is
evidence OF the peculiar problems that
confront a large and thriving city. which
is the host OF the National Government.
Principals. teachers. and pupils Of high
schools in Washington assert that no
competition Of any sort in recent years
has aroused so much interest as The
Times contest
Il would tremble RI I had to TAX,
that examination myself" remar RI 81
Dr. William Tindall today. DIR. TindaI
is a Judge in the contest. and is al
authority on the history OF Washington
Yet none Of the questions have beer
catch questions. and answers to at
Of them can easily be ascertaincd ny
reference to records easily accessible
20 students.
Pupils should remember that all Ques-
tons reSardius the terms of the con
test viii he gladly answered. II any
points are not clear It would be Visit
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1914-12-22
Community Christmas Tree Deserves
Support.

To the Editor Of the Mall Bag:
Washington should show IiberaItty in
responding to the call made for fund,
70 finance the community Christmas
tree plan Last year II required nearly
500 to pay the expenses of the under
taking. but the city was well repaid
through the enjoyment that the coca
sion furnished for the children Of the
CITY. A S H
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1914-12-22
a MUNICIPAL PROGRAM.

The District Commissioners out
lined a program of municipal better
ments which they hope to secure, at
the meeting of the Monday Evening
Club last night. They will doubt
less be set down by some people as
dreamers; but they are dreaming of
things that other cities have accom-
plished, and that this city needs.
For example, Major Kutz, Engi-
neer Commissioner, talked about a
garbage plant. The idea was worked
out to the point of definite plans a
few years ago when Major Judson
was head of the engineering division.
1t is not experimental; it has been
done in other cities, with the re-
suit that some of them have proved
it possible to handle the garbage and,
by properly retaining and reduc-
ing the elements of value in it, turn
ing it to profit where now it repre-
sents only cost and waste. Washing
ton, we have been told, produced a
very high class of garbage, which
may or may not be complimentary
to the domestic economies of the
town. Anyhow, it signified that un-
der reduction it would turn out a
very high proportion of valuable
soap-making grease, fertilizer, and
the like. The plan is completely
successful and profitable in places
where it has been operated. Why
not here?
Concerning a new municipal mar
ket establishment, The Times has re-
peatedly urged its Importance as a
means to help the people get their
necessaries of living at lower costs.
The Superintendent of Markets has
outlined his plan, which is modest
and unambitious in the extreme COM
pared to the great projects along the
same line that various other cities
have undertaken and are on the point
of undertaking.
Need of new municipal hospital
has been recognized for years, and
the effort of the authorities to get
it has been unremitting.
The idea of a reformatory that
shall not be a prison, but model of
really reformatory effort and facili-
ties has been discussed for a consid-
cradle time. Commissioner Newman
outlined the purpose of the present
administration to make thoroughly
modern establishment, in which re-
forming of men, not their punish
ment, shall be the ideal. The splendid
work that has been done at Deco
guam quite justifies the belief that
social service of the most important
kind can be performed by working
out the plans which have been out
lined in general terms.
There is a social-service tone
about the whole program of the mu-
nicipal government, that will not fail
to earn for it the commentator of
the great body of public opinion
which nowadays is thinking along
these lines. Washington has some of
the institutions Of a model city, and
in some others it sadly lacks. The
things the Commissioners have sug-
gested do not represent very large
investment, considering the size and
needs of this city; they are not Wis
ionary.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1914-12-22
Congressman Eligible for District

To the Editor Of the Mail Bag:
1t would be great thing II Wash
inston could some day find its
municipal destinies in the control Of
some body that knew something
about municipal affairs.-Times OF
December 16.
Congress undoubtedly contains mem
bers who, as aldermen In large cities.
have, by study and experience, qualified
themselves to provide for and direct
municipal development
Why are not sCch men put on the
House of Representatives Committee o.
District of Columbia Affairs? WHY d
any Congressman eligible for service or
that committee who does not come
from large city?
1t is obvious that members. who have
alwa;'s lived in country villages, are
absolutely without 4 conception Of q
standard for a city. and therefore hos
tile to the normal and conventional re-
duirements of maintenance and growth
OF CITY. DAILY READER
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1914-12-22
IndorSes Times Plea For Municipal
Lodging House.

To the Editor az the Mail Bag:
am heartily in sympathy with the
suggestions made in the Mall Bag sew
erai days ago concerning the concen-
tration of effort on the part OF District
residents for a modern municipal lodS-
ing house and an inebriate asylum.
Such reclamation work as is done in in
sttutons Of this caliber Is essential to
tbs benefit of the community. 1T must
Re done In some manner, 30 why not do
II under conditions which will bring tho
best results? Give US these new inst
utions as soon as possible. One can
never tell. especially one in modarate
near and dear to them may perchance
be - ven to become a charge on the
municipality. so let us prepare for
emergencies. NINA
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1914-12-22
Ohio Railroads Ask
Repeal of "TWO-Cent" Law

COLUMBUS. Ohio. Dec. s2.-Thc first
r.rbl'c move Of railroads or Ohio. i'm a
! respective campaign for repeal Of the
taken today. when passenger agents of
al roads operating in the State ar
ranged and the public utilities commits
siCn opened a conference.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1914-12-22

sent, or cash may be left, at The
Times office, or addressed to the As
sociated Charities, 923 II street
northwest, and will be promptly &C
knowledged.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1914-12-22
FOURTEEN KIM AS
OPPORTUNITIES

Here YOUR chance TO play Santa Claus and bring real happ
the peS of fortunate brothers, The Times and
the Associated Charities join asking help Every Of
your contribution Mill go directly the family in whh
interested The Washington Times wH act for the fund
money Editor The Times office
MunSey Building
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1914-12-22
More Street Car Straps Needed.

To the Editor OF the Mail Bag.
am an habitual strap-holder on the
East Capitol street car line-that is. !
would be If there were more straps
Please provide more straps.
GOVERNMENT CLERK.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1914-12-22
MAIL BAG
(FY0m The Times Readers

Communications to the Mail Bag mus,
onfy: must not exceed go words IN
Length and must De signed with name
and address Of the sender. Ths pub
LEGATION Of letters in The Times Mall
Bag does not mean the endorsement
bv The Times of the opinions Of the
writer The Mail Bag IL an open forum
where the citizens OF Washinxton can
argue m OF questions.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1914-12-22
Opportunity No. IA. = Deserted.

Before the birth Of her youngest
child, three years ago, the father
deserted the mother. The church
and relatives have been assisting
her. II will require $3.50 from the
outside to support the family for
another year.
Contributions: Previously acknowl-
edged, SO. ]. T. E, 8; P. T. NJ. 81;
N. L. NJ. 81; E. II. B.. 81; Mrs. c.
W: X, g.; S. r. F.. IS; N. A, 81.
Still needed. s177.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1914-12-22
The Silver
Lining
Edited by ARTHUR BAER.

Today is the shortest day in the
year in more ways than one.
Did the MeXicans ever stop to think
that a bullet can stray both ways
across the Rio?
The KhediYe's uncle is now the
Khedive, which makes the E-hedive
the Khedive's nephew.
Interstate Commerce Commission
finds that rotten ties are the cause
of big railroad wrecks. Think twice
before you buy hubby that pink and
blue one.