davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1914-12-26
Snow and Good Citizenship.

Every snowfall brings ar opportu-
nifty to the Washingtonian to show his
sood citizenship. Owing to q pecul.
iarity OF the laws in force here, there
is no effective way for the municipality
to require him to clean off the side.
walks in front of his house or place of
business. The streets belong to the
United States. and the courts have held
that 1t Is not Just to compel the house
holder to clean Off the property of the
government. So, In the absence of pro-
vision for governmental cleaning, the
matter Is left to the individual to do as
he pleases.
1t is to the credit Of the average
Washingtonian that he cleans his walks
just as conscientiously in the absence
of law compelling him to do SO as
though there was requirement backed
by fine. He regards 1t as his duty,
regardless Of possible punishment for
inaction. He knows that not only he
and his family must use the walks but
that others must use them, and also
that what he Is doing in front of his
premises for others those others are
in their turn doing for him.
The only necessity for q compulsory
law or, in the absence OF such, an en-
actment that would Withstand court
scrutiny for governmental sidewalk
cleaning springs from the fact that
a few people are careless or obsti-
nate about this matter Of clearing
of snow. They refuse to do their
part because they are Indifferent
or lazy. or because they insist upon
standing on their rights and waiting
| TOR the law to compel them to do what
they should be glad to do without
pressure. While the District waits for
such a lav, IN mako eyeYybodv do wha
Evening star., 1914-12-26
Magnitude of the Movies.
from the Philadelphia Bulletin

From the Philadelphia Bulletin.
Some idea of the extent to which the
motion picture business has grown in
the last few years may be gathered
from the announcement that the state
board Of censors examined more than
six million feet. or about a hundred and
fifteen miles. Of film submitted for ap-
proval during the six months from
June I to the end of November. Each
film averages thousand feet in length
and runs fifteen minutes, SO their exhi-
bition alone would occupy over sixty
two full days of twenty-four hours. or
one hundred and eighty-seven working
days of eight hours each. AS the aver
age fve-cent show includes four such
reels. it can be seen that enough films
have already been inspected to give at
least fifteen hundred such performances
without repetition or duplication When
such facts as these are brought to
light 1t becomes clear why the So
called Legitimate" theatrical business
has struck the worst slump this season
ever known In its history.
Evening star., 1914-12-26
A Bill for Fifty West Points.
from the Columbus Dispatch.

from the ColumDuS Dlspatch.
The McKellar bill to provide for mill
tary education may be all right, and it
may be all wrong; it may be a wise
precaution, and it may be a wholly un-
necessary expense. All will depend
upon the state of public opinion
throughout the so-called civilized world
when the war has come to an end.
The bill proposes the establishment of
fifty military schools, one in each of
the forty eight states, one in the Dis
trict of Columbia and one in Alaska.
To each of these 1t is proposed that the
government shall contribute $4,000 a
year. if the state in which it is located
will contribute $4,000 a year. Each
school is to have capacity of 900
students: the course of study will be
academic, as well as military, and all
of the students, selected by competitive
examination, are to be housed, fed
clothed. maintained and educated with
out cost to them, the only requirement
being that each youth so educated shall
for seven years after graduation hold
himself ready to respond to a call to
service In the army, if needed
Evening star., 1914-12-26
Col. Heistand's Views,

The Chicago dispatch printed in The
Star yesterday, giving the views of
Col. Heistand on the subject of the
country's unpreparedness for war and
what should be done by way of rem
edy. is worthy of consideration and
comment He is a trained soldier and
states his case with a soldiers en-
phasis. Maybe he states 1t a little
strongly for civilians. Nevertheless,
he says things OF interest to every
body. whether in a soldiers or civil
ian's toggery. If war should come
everybody would be affected. Hence
the argument that every civilian
should know how to take care of him
self and do good team work in case
Of being suddenly called to the camp
and field. The argument is persua-
sive everywhere except in milienniaIis-
tic circles.
Col 7 islands reading of history
will shock some folks. And yet there
is much to support IT. Great Britain
was not In position to give us her
whole attention in either Of her wars
Evening star., 1914-12-26
The Picture Book.

The calendar which friendly thought
sends round to me each year
Is like a splendid picture book. replete
with grace and cheer.
There's January, with it's scenes of
revelry so gay,
And February, white with snow that
soon must melt away.
The clustering winds Of March surprise
the view with reckless fun
And Aprifs rainbow echoes back the
smiling of the sun.
Then gentle May and rosy June make
way for fierce July,
Ere Midas gold in August falls un-
welcome from the sky.
September sighs and drots tear. Octo-
ber comes along
And with November paints the woods
wine colors bold and strong,
Like those with which the twilight
sky mysteriously glows.
Until December brings once more the
shadows and the SHOWS.
On pictures serious or glad in turn it
bids us look,
This friendly calendar which makes so
fine picture book.
Evening star., 1914-12-26

with us; and In the first war British
sentiment was not unanimously against
US. Her two foremost statesmen
Chatham and Burke-were against the
war. and practically predicted British
defeat.
..s to our civil war, Col Heis.dnd
employs terms that were employed
years ago by Won Moltke. the military
hero of the Franco German war.
Asked his views about the American
operations in the early stages of the
war. the German commander was
quoted as saying that they were not
interesting or instructive to soldier;
that America was not a mi itary ma
ton: that all he could see was two
armed mobs following each other over
the country and fighting with varying
fortune whenever they collided.
At the outset, and for a time. both
sides did show the lack of prepared
ness. although the leading command
ers On both sides were trained men;
and both sides paid an appalling price
for their condition. But at the close
of the training and the fighting, mag
nificent soldiers appeared; and Gen.
Sheridan. who observed operations
from the German side in the Franco
German war, expressed the opinion
upon his return home that Grant
with his veterans could march any
where he pleased in Europe.
We are not in the right shape on
either land or sea, but in better shape
on sea than land. The matter should
be remedied; and now is the time to
begin. The titanic struggle in Europe
how Unexpectedly war may
come, and what it is when it arrives,
and instructs US as to our duty to
ourselves. There Is nothing so press
ing on either Congress or the country.
Evening star., 1914-12-26
Christmas Giving.
From the New York Times.

From the New York Times.
The opinion has been expressed in
England that the response Of the
American people to the appeals for
aid for the sufferers from the Euro
pean war has been without a parallel
in history. Money, food and clothing
have been dispatched in great guam
titles to relieve the wants Of the home
less and afflicted Yet the fears Of a
few Americans that the needs of the
poor and temporarily destitute in our
own land would be overlooked in this
outpouring Of charity for our kinsfolk
abroad have been proved baseless.
There never was such a Christmas it
seems. for giving. Reports printed
yesterday and today in the Times from
all parts Of the country show that
great efforts have been made to diffuse
warmth. comfort, nourishment and
good cheer. The record Is gratifying
and reasuring.
Evening star., 1914-12-26
Italy Occupies Avlona.

The latest development of Importance
In Europe is the action of Italy in land
ing marines at Avlona, the principal
sea port of the newly created state of
Albania. This was done for the purpose
of protecting Italian interests there,
which are considerable. Ever since the
Balkan wars Italy has been concerned
in the Albanian situation, in the ad-
justment of which at one time she was
acting harmoniously with Austria, her
traditional enemy. Now, however. new
conditions have arisen. Prince William
of Wied, the titular sovereign who was
selected by the powers, chiefly at Aus
trian instigation, has fed the country,
and Essad Pasha, an Albanian, has set
himself up as ruler, under scarcely dis
Suised Italian sympathy. Lately an in
surrection has been in progress, TO-
mented, it is charged, by Austrian
agents, and conditions have developed
to serious point affecting foreign in
terests. Naturally the Italian concern
is keen, inasmuch as Avlona Is directly
across the Adriatic from Brindisi at
the narrowest point of the Straits of
Otranto. Italian occupation of Avlona,
even for temporary purposes of main
tanning the peace. cannot fail to be
extremely disquieting to Austria
From the Austrian point of view
permanent holding by Italy on the
eastern shore of the Adriatic is un-
thinkable. 1t would give Italy COM
mand of the sea at its mouth, and would
thereby place the control of Austrian
commerce in Italy's hands, as the entire
Austrian seacoast is north of this
is expected to go from Vienna to Rome
regarding the occupation of Avlona,
unless Austria is restrained from such
a course by Germany, which has no
desire to see Italy brought into the
war on the side of the triple entente
Popular feeling in Italy is so strong
against Austria, and also against Ger
many as Austria's ally. that it is doubt
full if the Italian government can be
expected to adopt a placatory course
toward Austria in case a sharp remon-
STRANGE should come from Vienna 1t
is known that the Italian people are
eager for an opportunity to enter the
war so that they can strike a blow
against their hereditary enemy.
Germany has already exercised her
influence with Austria to restrain that
power in its tendency to irritate Italy,
and has also been instrumental in mod
flying the nature of Turkish replies to
various Italian protests against actions
by the Moslems directed against Italian
interests. This is the most serious af-
fair of all. however. and it remains to
be seen how far the influence Of Berlin
can go in checking the natural Aus
trian resentment of Italys occupation
of Avlona.
Evening star., 1914-12-26
A Patronage Commission.

Why not a committee, a r.'',mission
what you will, to consider and report
on the meaning of the words, by ana
with the advice and consent OF the
Senate in the Constitutional provision
as to the more important part of fed
eral patronage? 1t is the day of special
inquiries and adjustments. and here
is a question worthy of such attention
Mr.. Wilson is having no new eX-
perience. Nearly all his predecessors
In the White House have collided with
the Senate on the same matter. Some
of the collisions were lively in the
extreme. Some laid the foundation for
important political history. In that
way old machines have been smashed,
and new ones constructed.
Mr.. Cleveland owed his remarkable
career to two rows between rival re-
publican factions produced by patron
age and machine politics. A republican
division elected him both to the gov
ernorship of New York and to the pres
idency of the United States. Had the
republicans of New York stood to-
gether in 1852 Judge Folger. their can
didate for governor, would have won.
while republican unity throughout the
l.
Blaine President
he foundat on of the fatal faction
ism had been laid in 1881 in the dis
tribution of the New York patronage
by President Garfield. He had not
only ignored the wishes of the two
New York senators in filling the most
influential federal office in the state,
but had filled it with a man inimical
to them and bent on their destruction.
Out o that grew the turmoil which sub
sequently cost the party dearly in both
state and nation.
President Garfield as was asserted
in his behalf by his friends. would not
be dictated to by the -Jew York sem
ators. In behalf of the two senators
it was asserted that the could not
but vigorously challenge lie Presi-
dents effort, directed by their enemies
both inside and outside the state, to
destroy them. Each side stood pat,
and the party paid the price.
Mr.. Wilson is probably not trying to
build up any machines in his own in
terests for 1916. He does not need
them. If his party refuses to renom-
mate him it will confess failure, and
its campaign under any other leader
ship will be foredocmed. Success will
be impossible. So that the real ques-
tion Is: In ignoring or antagonizing
democratic senators, in whose interests
is he working? Whom has he in mind
in New York for Mr.. O'Gorman's seat.
in New Jersey for Mr.. Marines. and
in Missouri for Mr. Reeds?
Evening star., 1914-12-26
Christmas Rites.

From the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
One of the charms Of Christmas Is it's
of ancient rites and Gus
toms. The Christmas tree. the mistle-
toe and the holly. the chants and an
thems. Santa Claus and the reindeers-
all bark hack to earlier centuries when
life was simpler and mankind sought
its joys on a less intensive plan. In
ern Christmas, though we may give II
q modernist touch here and there
Evening star., 1914-12-26

should be done cheerfully by all with
out compulsion, there is much slipping
in front of the houses occupied by citi-
zens who have failed to realize that in
community every member Is depend
ent for his comfort and security upon
the performances Of others.
Evening star., 1914-12-26
House and Prohibition.
rom the Springfield Republican.

After all, it Is an impressive fact
that a majority OF the national House
Of Representatives voted for national
prohibition, although the national pro-
hibition party has never carried a sin
gle state in the Union in a presidential
election. This may not be the hand
writing on the wall. but it looks like
the handwriting on the wall of the
House.
Evening star., 1914-12-26

Any moonshining mountaineers who
may be left in the North Carolina
mountains will surely have the cour-
tesy to abandon their occupation when
Mr.. Bryan settles down on his newly
purchased farm in their neighborhood.
Evening star., 1914-12-26

A definite settlement of questions per-
tanning to the transportation of Harry
Thaw from one state to another might
be secured If the matter could be turned
over to the interstate commerce COM
mission.
Evening star., 1914-12-26

The sincere admiration and respect
with which the King Of the Belgians is
regarded is a reminder of the fact that
history has always found the martyr
greater than the conqueror.
Evening star., 1914-12-26
No Idle GOSSIP.

There's one thing I can say" said
Mrs. Waggles, land that Is that I never
indulge in idle gossip"
NO." replied Miss Cayenne. You
must be given credit for industry in
whatever you undertake"
Evening star., 1914-12-26

Some folks say dat mere words don't
count" said Uncle Eben. but de fact
dat some folks think enough of you to
say Happy New Year to you helps
some"
Evening star., 1914-12-26

After history develops on its present
destructive lines for few more months
the U. S. A. will probably be found as
well prepared for war as any other
country on the map.
Evening star., 1914-12-26

A board Of education finds itself con-
fronted with subjects requiring even
harder study than the dead languages
and higher mathematics.
Evening star., 1914-12-26

Announcements that the Senate will
have a protracted fight on
hand are always interesting. though
they have long since lost all novelty.
Evening star., 1914-12-26
SHOOTING STARS.
BY PHnANDER JOHNSON.
Different Forms of Exercise.

when I was a boy said Mr.. Cum
rox, II walked eight miles to go to
school,"
And yet" rejoined his son Clyde. in
tone of gentle reproof, you blame
me for going in so strong for physical
culture"
Evening star., 1914-12-26

Military experts insist that a nation
should be peaceful as a matter of vol
untary cnoice and not as a matter of
necessity.
Evening star., 1914-12-26

green Christmas" may be a mem
ace to health. but not as serious a
menace as leisurely thaw in city of
uncleaned streets.
Evening star., 1914-12-26

Every delivery wagon man wishes
there were a sure enough Santa Claus
who drives his own sleigh.
Evening star., 1914-12-26
A Qualified Reformer.

II made a lot of resolutions last
year,
"And kept 'em all?'
Every one of them. The only thing
I can do now is to think up resolutions
for other people and try to have them
enacted into laws"
Evening star., 1914-12-26

rvIn order 10 avoid delays on account Of
personal a'snncc letters TO THE STAR 3 on
not he addressed TO any inli idual conhe ted
with .he office but simply to THE STAR. to
the Editorial or business Dcpa rtment ac ORD ng
TO purpose.
Evening star., 1914-12-26

1t Is as naval strategist only that
Richmond P. Hobson favors the bot
ting process.
Evening star., 1914-12-26

1t can never be said that this coun-
try's unpreparedness for war is due to
any scarcity Of colonels.
Evening star., 1914-12-26

A holiday recess finds Congress with
SO much on its mind that the vacation
cannot be considered complete.
Evening star., 1914-12-26

PAYABLE in advanca-by mail. postage prepaid:
Daily Sunday included. month 80 cents.
Daily Sunday excented. ore month. 40 c nts.
Saturday Star. 81 yea; Sunday Star. 81 10 !elr.
Evening star., 1914-12-26

Tho Evening Star, with the SUNDAY morning
edition Is delivered by carriers within the city
al IS -ents per month: drilv only. 25 c'nts per
month: SUNDAY only. 20 cents pr month. Orders
NAV he sent by mail or telephone Main 2t40.
Collection is made by carrier at the end of each
month
Evening star., 1914-12-26

Like many another competent think
er. the news censor is unable to re-
member names and numbers
Evening star., 1914-12-26
1hs Evening star Newspaper Company.

Business Office lith st. and Pennsylvan'a avenue
New York Ofi"e: Tri u nuidn-.
Chicago Once: First National Bank Building.
European Office: Regent St, London. England
Evening star., 1914-12-26

Merry Christmas" sounded like a
hollow mockery in most parts of Eu-
rope.
Evening star., 1914-12-26

Entered as second-c class mail matter at the post
Office at Washington. d. G.
Evening star., 1914-12-26
Desperate Days for the Dove.

The Dove of Peace aloof doth dwell.
It's very hard to meet him.
If he grew careless-who can tell
Some one might try to eat him.
Evening star., 1914-12-26
Three-piece Suits-Entire Remaining
Assortments Greatly Reduced.

1All our Handsome Three-piece Suits or
Costumes reduced to nearly half price. They
are very elegant and fashionable creations in
Velvets, Broadcloths, Silk Poplins: all good
staple and rich shades such as black, brown,
green and purple.
$4,000 Suits reduced to $3.50.
Sl65.OO Suits reduced to $o7.5O.
S135.OO Suits reduced to $500.
S125.OO Suits reduced to $500.
$1,000 Suits reduced to $3.50.
$500 Suits reduced to $3.50.
SS7. so Suits reduced to $4,000.
Grand Forks daily herald and the evening times., 1914-07-08
Little Bedtime Stories
RUNAWAY MITE BECOMES LOST,
BY THORNTON w. BURGESS.
(Copyright, 1914. by ]. G. Lloyd.

Copyright, 1914, by ]. G. Lloyd.)
Mite, h e littlest and smartest and
most headstrong of the four children
Of Danny and Nanny Meadow Mouse,
had run away. Yes, sir, he had run
away from home. For some time he
had planned to do it, and now he
actually had done it. 1t wasn't be-
cause he was unhappy at home. 1t
wasn't because he wasn't loved by
his father and mother and brother
and sisters. The fact is he was so
small and cute and smart hat he was
very much loved by all of them. The
reason he had run away was simply
because he wanted to see the great
world, and he believed himself SO
smart that he could do it without
getting into danger. You see, he had
little Mite-such a good opinion Of
himself that he thought he knew
more than Danny Meadow Mouse and
used to turn his head to hide a smile
when Danny would tell of how dan
gerous it would be for one of them
to SO much as peep out from the
shelter of the pile of old cornstalks in
the middle of which was their home.
Il don't believe it is dangerous at
ALL" said Mite. II guess I'm smart
enough to keep out of danger, any
way And If l should find trouble all
I've got to do is to turn around and
scamper home again"
So he had watched his chance, and
slipped out along one of Danny's pri-
vate little paths. He scampered along
it as fast as ever he could, fearing
that he would be seen and called
back. He took the first patch that
branched off and followed this until
this branched, and here he turned off
a poir Ryr fhiS, fir1n l.. wa 1,,;{
sure that 10 had seen him, and
SO, of course, that no one was follow
ing him, and he began to enjoy his
freedom. 1t was very delightful and
DOL down there, with walls Of grass
stems on either side and with a green
roof where the grasses met above the
little path and through which the
merry little sunbeams crept here and
there.
Every few minutes Mite stopped tc
sample tender, young, juicy grasses
and once to his great delight he found
a strawberry. Later he caught sigh,
of a fat cricket just disappearing
around a turn in the path, and with
a sharp little squeak of excitement he
started after it. But when he got
around the little turn in the path the
cricket was nowhere to be seen. Mite
hunted until he was tired. Then he
sat down to rest.
II guess thought he, "it is about
time 1 started back home" RICH,
then and there he received the frs