davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Omaha daily bee., 1914-12-31
The Closing Year.

Characterized by the outbreak Of the worst
war Of history. the year 1914 bequeaths to its
successor heritage of horror, yet relieved by as
sublime an opportunity as ever fell to the lot Of
any cycle. the restoration Of peace to the world.
For, let us believe that the war viii nave ended.
II even, perforce, in the temporary exhaustion
of national energies, leaving lasting lessons Of
peace, before another year rolls around. And
when this return OF orderly existence arrives,
the saying, Peace hath her victories no less
renowned than war" will take on a new mean
ing.
The shock OF the war was the more pro-
found coming 81 did on the heels of year
distinguished by the systematic efforts of ma
tions own conspicuously, to advance the
cause OF peace through a series OF treaties sub
ordlnating the bulwarks Of force to the exalta-
tlon of friendly arbitrament. And as the United
States led in this world suit in 1913, it is
pected to lead. IL summoned, in the more active
task of mediating between the warning nations
Of Europe, at the suspicious moment, whether
IL be in 1915 or later.
But there is much beside the war by which
to remember the dying year. 1t has its peaceful
and orderly triumphs in no small degree. And
in these, too. our nation stands forth leader
1t has put into operation the Panama canal
character. We have avoided embroiIing our
selves in further trouble with Mexico, although
failing to effect tangible improvement by our
outside influence in the conditions of that dis
tracted land.
Internally, the year has meant much to the
people of our country. 1t gave us new prodig1es
In agricultural wealth. the results OF which will
be more marked as the floodtide OF necessities
beats back from foreign shores upon us. 1t wit
messed the completion or Inauguration OF much
new national legislation, such as the federal
reserve banking system, provision for building
the first great Alaskan railroad. and final
though not wholly satisfactory. disposition OF
the much-mooted canal toll question.
And now, as last sweep back over the big
things of the year for us, let us not overlook
the occasion II has afforded for bountiful Amer
lea to visualize its love Of its ancestral lands by
coming to their relief at time Of crucial dis
tress.
Omaha daily bee., 1914-12-31
THE OLD YEAR

Goodbye, old Year. The last line now is
The last deed we can do has now been
The last words we can say have all been
. The oid Years ended and the New be
gun.
You brought US sorrows, yes, but they're
You Brought us joys and treasures un-
You brought US knowledge that will make
A little t better for the year that's rsst
Your page that once was new and clean
Is now filled with the records we have
made, ,,
Some shining characters are found
Some biots. alas! that time alone can
fade.
You gave to us your minutes all I'M
sullied
It's we who'ye furnished them to our
own end. ...
You've given us far more than you have
taken,
And been TO us as one who was
friend.
You've given US your best. each precious
second
Nor asked us for our noblest in return.
IL we have failed to use the time allotted,
'Tis that humanity has much to learn.
And If we did not seem to prize your mo-
ments.
And sometimes wasted them with sigh
and tear;
Prone 70 transgress Goodbye! Coos
bye! Old Year!
Omaha. DAVID
Omaha daily bee., 1914-12-31
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~ c%HlH lzk4x4s GsMA

The old year duly ushersd out with the usual
watch parties and entertainments
A. 81. Phiomenas hall the operetta Dress Re.
hearsal was given. with cast of Character which
included these amateur performers: Nellie Thonp-
son. Rose oconnor Della Casey Celia Hantina
Nellie Heelan, Rose Ford Julia Mahoney Alice roft
Mary Dewitt Rosanna Bradley and MAgEie Hellan
Overland Brotherhood Of Locomotive Engineers
gave their annual bail crounses hail. during which
banaer given by the women was presented In "a
neat speech by Judge Hulf The committee IN eharse
was made up OF +. NJ Call q. C. Fair NJ Murphy
>. C. sheehy. D. T. Kinney r. ]. Gentlemen f. W.
Perkins. w. II. Bay and G. 4. Anderson.
An exceedingly large crowd gathered AZ the ROLLER
skating rink. which provided extra excitement BY
the distribution Of valuable prizes by lot
n. s. Atkinson and s. W. +. Daley were the only
winners present and whether they carried off the
water set, The cake basket. the nickepated roller
skstes or the don Is not stated.
Messra sternsdorff and Cook pulled off a private
masquefade az Masonic hail. attended by fifty couples
dressed In al kinds OF fancy clothes. On the com
mittee on arrangements H. Z. Gray, T. c. Jones.
". Q Kelly and W, c, Ward.
A. the watch meeting at the South Tenth street.
church beautiful silver communion set ana bap-
usrnal fount presented Rev r. s. Rowe making
she speech ana Hev z. G Fowler tbs response.
Omaha daily bee., 1914-12-31
05eG8eesAa
s&MsSRoa4H
WIN Women win the BALLOT

VIII Women Win the Ballot
COUNCIL BLUFFS. Ia, Dec 500
the Editor OF The Bee To this question
] emphatically answer yes For II Is in
harmony with sound logic. common sense
and the Bible. The Bible teaches us
that womsn's moral stability is stronger
than mans. Remember It took old
satan, the prince of this world, with that
satanic lie. (thou shall not surely die),
to cause woman to fall We see Mother
Eve looking at Adam with a winsome
smile and a twinkle in her eve. saying
Adam. take bite of my apple" and
poor. weak. moral man did not resist
And so It will be with the ballot
Who is It that treads softly through
the silent chamber at night TO give a cool
drink of water TO the feverish boy? 1t
is mother.
Who is it when the boy becomes the
age OF q and goes forth to seek a homo
in other lands. that packs away in his
trunk a little book called the Bible? 1t
is mother
And yet we hear the tyrants voice say
ing. Mother. you have no right to say
what klnd Of n country this boy shall
live in"
p. S.-Was Paul a bachelor? If Mr..
Layman would read'1 Cor. rs, 9, it would
convince him Paul was not married.
A. MORAINE
p. ST. thank you. Mr. Editor. for pub
fishing my other little letter, and also for
this one IL II is not too silly.
Omaha daily bee., 1914-12-31
People and Events

One OF the problems passed up to the new year
by the experts is that OF ventatng street cars dur
ing the rush hours Of short wipter dayN
Oklahoma contributed to the gaiety Of the season
2s5e crates OF nistetoe. The state is Dan
cupid's chief Of staff
The municipal payroll ghost OF 81 Louis hs 3
been induced to make its rounds twice month. and
the job OF the job holders rivals the enthusiasm OF
kids at Christmas tree.
One OF the great leakAges in railroad revenue
figured out by expert Is the hreakAse OF aotoOOo
egga In transit every year General efficiency should
at % and take notice.
Omaha daily bee., 1914-12-31
civilization and war.

BEATRICE. Neb., Dec 9O.-To the
Editor OF The Bee: There was never
better time than now to speak up in
meetin'," or consider questions OF peace
and war. Just now when the life blood
Of nations Is being poured out on battle
fields, with the German crown prince
quoted as saying. 1T seems to nae that
this whole war is senseless. unnecessary
and uncalled for"
In face OF the facts at hand, why
should VIC be startled at the magnitude
and cost in human life and treasure of
this terrible conflict
Since the manufacture Of the crudest
weapons OF warfare in the earliest his
tory Of mankind. ingenuity and inventive
minds OF the human race have been
busy, and what are the results? Larger
navies and battleships are advocated to
preserve the peace and dignity of ma
tons
So jealousy guarded is the building OF
= guns and munitions Of warfare used by
some nations that comparatively few
men know of the entire construction, lest
the secret becomes pubic property; and
this among peoples of earth. where the
spires OF churches cathedrals and other
places OF public worship abound. many
OF which are now rendered useless by
the sinews of war.
1t was well said by the prophet of old.
that "The words of his mouth were
smoother than butter but war was in
his heart"
Is il possible TO believe with Burke,
that ''Our manners. our civilization and
all the good things connected with man
neFs. ana with civilization. have, in this
European world Of ours. depended for
ages upon two principles-"the spirit OF
gentlemen. and the spirit OF religion
or shall We believe they are forever lost?
To the mind Of the writer there is but
one way 10 stop war. and that IL to stop
the mRnufacture OF weapons that can
be used to enforce peace at the price OF
human blood.
Let US begin 10 educate the youth Of
our land the Tight OF others 20 live more,
and have q being; to help build up. rather
than tear down. To so back to mush
and milk and first principles and 1000
years hence this dominating military
spirit Of the people OF this good old earth
win replace them with the motto OF
Live and LEI live" ana nations near
: and far ready Tor the bright morn Of
Omaha daily bee., 1914-12-31
Annexation.

SOUTH OMAHA, Dec. so.-To the
Editor Of The Bee: I noted letter from
the pen OF F, A. Agnew as to that city
hall meeting. l want to say stand with
that bunch that was opposed to forcible
annexation as being unjust as well as
unconstitutional. IL a majority of the
two cities should vote for annexation
win submit gracefully and boost for
Greater Omaha, but not so by force" as
1t Is unAmerican. 1t is amusing TO note
the statement from the judge that he had
never heard one word in favor of an
nexation. and make the same state
ment Now some one give us facts and
figures and do not simply say "It will be
a good thing for South Omaha" know
It will not, and II The Bee will publish
same 1 will give hundreds OF good rea-
sons why. j. G. BLESSING.
Omaha daily bee., 1914-12-31

The Bees annual statistical review OF
omaha's progress during the year win appear
in tomorrow's issue. This review gives Just the
facts and figures you want to send to out-of-
town friends and business connections. Place
your order for extra copies at once.
Omaha daily bee., 1914-12-31

Postal consolidation OF the territory am
oraced In Greater Omaha has already taken IN
all our suburbs except Florence. II Greater
Omaha can be single dot on the postoffiea
map its unifiestion for other purposes OF gov
ornamental administration would certainly helm
in a similar degree. As'p
Omaha daily bee., 1914-12-31

perfect day and the peace that 'Passeth
all understanding with the prayers
learned at mothers knee, in. the long
ago. having the desired effect.
TOM ]. HILDEBRAND.
Omaha daily bee., 1914-12-31
Tc.timoninl to Congressman Lob

Testimonial TO Congressman Lobeck
OMAHA, Dec. 3O-To the Editor of The
Bee: ] wish to impress on the mind OF
every voter VINO reads this so he may
ascertain why he votes the republican
or democratic ticket. Ninety per cent of
the general public vote their tickets as
an Inheritance OF his ancestors or, in
palmer words because they voted that
way before him. Permit me to state that
/ am a republican, and am one by m
heritance. During this European war
my father was caught stranded in Asia
Minor on the verge of starvation, but
with plenty Of means here to assist him.
but all plans OF helping him were cut
off. Now during that miserable hour Of
need, when one knows that their old
sray-haired father is facing starvation
II certainly is hard problem to face
In my case / appealed to Hon. c. O.
Lobeck, at that time In Washington, and
advised him OF the conditions, advising
him I was a salesman for a local con-
Germ, and wired him SEQ towards my
fathers relief, and he showed me the
same consideration, or more, than he
would have shown John ID. Rockefeller.
1t kept him busy hustling from his office
to the State and Treasury departments
TO help me, common citizen. in dis
tress Now, dear public, you have elected
an honorable gentleman that holds a
seat in congress, and he is credit to the
White House, and the man that bears
brotherly love and feeling to mis- fellow
men. poor as well as rich. To vote for
an honorable gentleman like c. o.
Lobeck IL an honor and a credit to- any
! one. He has proven to the outside world.
especially around the vicinity of my
father, that a citizen of the United States
can get assistance anywhere on this
globe. and this occurrence has brought
on most respect to our stars and stripes
from across the waters
JOSEPH STEINBERG,
20l9 California Street.
Omaha daily bee., 1914-12-31

The coming year viii be an "off year" polit-
icAlly in Nebraska Nothing doing whatever
for the politicians except to pull city election
in Omaha and lay the wires for determining the
presidential succession in 1916.
Omaha daily bee., 1914-12-31

One candidate for clerk Of the house prom
ises to run bis part Of the legislative session
for sll'4oO. Good. so far as 1t goes, Now. let
the house invite proposals and award the Job
10 the lowest responsible bidder -.
Omaha daily bee., 1914-12-31
Advice for Miss Elaine Dodge.

OMAHA. Dec. 1910 the Editor OF The
Bee: Let me say to Miss Elaine Dodge
that I read of her trouble in The Bee.
| would advise Miss Dodge to read the
Menace, published at Aurora, Mo. 1t
may help you 20 solve the problem that
concerns you and yours.
Wishing you good luck and Gods bless
ing, l am, ]. IA FRIEND.
Omaha daily bee., 1914-12-31

It is feared that President Wilson has In
Cured the eternal enmity Of Governor Colquitt
Of Texas by refusing to sanction the latter's
plan for invading Mexico and subsidizing the
cotton kings.
Omaha daily bee., 1914-12-31

Certain statesmen in washington are again
willing to cut the salaries Of somebody besides
Observation-Disclosures this tims--in the In
terest of economy.
Omaha daily bee., 1914-12-31

My, but wouldn't It be awful to have $1,000
chopped off the salary attaching to the Omaha
postoffice Just before 1t comes the turn Of a
democrat to draw the job?
Omaha daily bee., 1914-12-31

Salem Is queer old spot, known to the
world chiefly through series OF unusual hap
penings-first, the burning of witches. then the
burning OF the town. now the recalling OF a
mayor.
Omaha daily bee., 1914-12-31

II congressional sessions were paid for on
the time-limit basis of state legisIatures. we
would see more business in given period. and
much shorter sessions.
Omaha daily bee., 1914-12-31

F1fty-seven licensed pool halls in Omaha
The pool hall is another institution to be ranked
as a poor mans club.
Omaha daily bee., 1914-12-31

tough. troubIous, tempestuous old year
has 1914 been. but withal with some compensa-
lions.
Omaha daily bee., 1914-12-31

What did BILLY" Sunday do to Des Moines
We shall soon see what We shall see.
Omaha daily bee., 1914-12-31

And here is another catch-ascatch-can mar
riage performed at the Omaha matrimonial bar
gain counter ending in early dissolution.
Omaha daily bee., 1914-12-31

Whose duty is it to see that deadly dope Il
not dispensed at will?
Omaha daily bee., 1914-12-31
A Gorneous Affair.

The whole ceremony started simple basis
in independent goodnatured outdoor frolics
In which TO help along the fun the participants made
themselves up in ludicrous fashion mokes. clowns
old men, servant girls and host OF other trivial
DISCUSSES
The customs that figured in the revels then
homemade. The materials in them represented
outlay Most of the stuff simply converted into
parading use from some cast-on garment,
The parades were a hit, for Philadelphia has ever
been strongly partial to the street procession.
Then some downtown business places got stroke
OF enterprise and began offering prizes to the clubs
which should make the finest display which should
have the best humorous features.
Then were prizes for the best individual attire
This made the competition keen But that excite
ment nothing TO what developed when the munic
ipality took hand in the game. erected a judges
stand the plaza of city hail. offered some 5000 in
prizes ana invited guests from all over to see the
display.
mediately there up the fiercest imaginable
rivalry to win the prizes.
Broad street, the main thoroughfare Of the city
thirteen miles long, and straight a ray OF light
lie the parade ground the court where for brief
day the king must get tile glory and the Difference
money.
Broad street is a wide thoroushfare lined by
handsome residences
Yet its width is not too great the cape Of the
gown worn by this king.
II lie first condition that it's spread must take in
the entire street from gutter to gutter.
To keep II out Of the dirt fifty pages required
to hold up the folds. and these pages in order
the effect CARRIED in colors similar to the gor-
seous robe worn by the monarch OF the day.
Along the line he goes. scepter in hand taking the
applause. lie takes his prizes he returns to the
clubhouse and reaps more paudts.
Next day at the shop he perhaps borrows money
for lunch but he is content
Omaha daily bee., 1914-12-31

subscribers leaving the city Temporarily
should have The Bee mailed TO them. Ad-
dress will be changed rs often as requested
Omaha daily bee., 1914-12-31

Somebody in Chicago claims to have found
a use for street car straps. But the street car
companies over the country beat him to It aud
then some.
Omaha daily bee., 1914-12-31

Safety first rule: Don't look for gas leaks
with lighted match.
Omaha daily bee., 1914-12-31

The bells that ring out the old year will not
carry much Of a regretful tone this time
Omaha daily bee., 1914-12-31

Johnny Bull doubtless also appreciates Pres
ident wilson's fine command Of English.
Omaha daily bee., 1914-12-31
Observances Abroad.

In England the smallest of the parish
chapels have their decorations of holly and fir and
watch night services particularly popular the
Methodist and Baptist communities In grand old
St Paus. In London every New Year morning in
the edifice is crowded to its very While west
well patronized. no place to Londoners is the
place TO attend New Years day than St Paul's
lifting its beautiful domes above the throbbine heart
OF the great city.
Long ago, In old England Yuletde not only marked
the tollificaton from Christmas to New Years but
until Twelfth Night" Epiphany. January s. put an
end to the annual merry-makings. The yule log or
yule clog. stili popular feature OF the holiday
season in Europe Is believed 10 have down from
the Scandnavians. II a feature Of their worsbin
called Joul, at the time of the winter solstice In
ancient times among many different nations IL was
usual to kindle enormous fires in honor of Thor
Yule logs still glow in many a chimney corner in
humble English cottages, well as in the great
hreplaces OF the lordy houses. 1t is cus-
tomary TO light the yue log Christmas eve and n
succession OF logs may be necessary to keep up the
festivities which end on the date upon which the
three wise men are supposed to presented their
rich gifts 70 the Christ child.
In Germany, Russia and many other countries
New Years eve the days merrymaking ends near
midnight with all going to watch meeting at the
church Many calls ate received and paid and one
OF the chief obseryances OF the opening year IL In
sending out cards. Enormous numbers OF New Years
cards are distributed.
Throughout Germany there Is the pretty custofs,
Of having each member of the household sign these
cards. More than this. any friend or acquaintance
who happens to be handy is asked to sign too The
result Is miniature autograph album 1t IL often
surprise TO foregners to receive cards from German
friends containing the names OF unknown persons OF
whom they have never heard.
Omaha daily bee., 1914-12-31
GOOdby, Old Year, GOodby!
III knee-deep De the wInter snov.

Full knee-deep lies the winter snow
And the winter winds YEARLY sighipg
Toll ye the church bells sad and slow,
And tread softly and speak low.
For the Old Year lies a-dyingi
In these words Tennyson outlined the sentiment
which should prevail among the serious-mnded on
the eve Of a now year II Is hardly 10 be doubted
that the sentiment obtains among the elders, and
becomes pronounced with each passing year
u finds expression In various WAYS in the quietude
OF the home I'm thoughtful retrosDection and in watch
meetings In religious surroundings. Youth, with its
abundance OF years and TO burn. regards The
going OF the old and the coming OF the year
occasion for festivity and jolty. accompanied by
various degrees OF noise In the large American
cities "he lid disappears spiritual exhilaration
becomes the noisiest OF the noise makers.
Only one city in the United States gives
ganized seni-offcialiy whoop to the passing All
other whoops are individual. inooherent. Philsde-
pha's alone is unlike anything else the country
Omaha has its Knights Of Ak-sar-Ben, New Orleans
its Mardi Gras Philadelphia it's Royal Mummers
Omaha daily bee., 1914-12-31

Last chance to write it "1s1| without be-
ing called.
Omaha daily bee., 1914-12-31

Now, get the big glad on for the New Year.
Omaha daily bee., 1914-12-31
A French Custom.

Among the many charming fashions Of the French
one that should be adopted by our matter-of-fact
practical Americans is that of teaching the young
generation reverence and duty TO old people
Young America Is very apt to go about cock sure
OF itself The wisdom OF experience is nowhere On
comparison to the youthful know-it-an OF the Amer
lean child. Mother and father may be IiHtened to
with patient tolerance. but when grandmother and
grandfather undertake TO give the fruits OF OBSERVE
ton and actual experience the children will have
OF IT,
In France New Years day is observed with the
beautiful obelsance to these older people who seated
In state. are visited by every child OF the family,
each carrying either big cluster OF sweet-smeInR
flowers box OF delicate bonbons tied with CAV
ribbons. to be presented those dear old grand
DANES and sires, who after fighting the battle with
courage are now patiently waiting for the peace
that passeth understanding"
Babies not yet able to toddle are carried TO give
sweet moist kisses and obey the command OF the
well-bred nurse to give the box to Grand-Mere its
little hands willingly releasing the package they can
scarcely hold The older children greet with laughing
faces and wishes for "A Happy New Year the dear
old grandparents. who In turn bestow a bessin.
upon each young head.
Young mothers make their courtesy To belo,,ea
ones so soon 10 esve the sight OF mortals forevsy
Fathers Just enjoying the first delights OF caressne
their own babies remember the father and mother
whom they recall having given OF tiLr own
youth without thought stint
Is not this lovely custom and well worth emu
latinEg
Norwich bulletin., 1914-01-05
THREE BROTHERS WITH
BIRTHDAYS JANUARY, .5TH.
All Left Handed. Too-CharIes, Herr
and Elmer Harris Make Unique
Family Record.

The three Harris brothers of Salem
Charles, Henry and Elmer-all with
birthday anniversaries on the same
date in the same month, challenge the
country with record unique in family
birthdays, for the natal date of each
one was Jan. 9TH. If it should happen
that any family could equal this, the
three Harris boys have one more dis
tinction which can probably not De
matched, for they are all left handed,
although that popularity was not no
ticeable in their parents. who were
both right handed.
Charles Walter Harris, the oldest,
who is a genius in inventing, was bora
on Friday, Jan. 5, 1866. He was LETT
handed, but this occasioned no partic-
ular remark until his brother, Henry
Clay Harris, was added to the family
on Thursday, Jan. ), 1872. When this
boy began to use his hands it was seen
that he favored his left hand for gen.
eral use, and the left handed trio of
brothers was completed when Elmer
Christopher Harris was born on Mon
day, Jan. 5, 1874.
Henry Clay is a mason and Elmer
Christopher is an engineer and all still
live at the Harris homestead with thtcir
mother, Mrs. Harriet d. Harris. Their
father, who was Francis d. Harris, died
Is years ago on Oct. Is. There is an
other brother in the family, but he
does not show the left handed trait.
He was born on Saturday, Nov IA,
1868, and now resides in Phenix, Ariz.