davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New-York tribune., 1915-03-14
Orville Wrieht's Vision.

Somewhere in the being of Orville
Wright there repoSes a confidence in the
future of the aerOplane amounting to a
vision. This undoubtedly he shared with
his brother when, a decade ago. the two
were first realizing their joint dream of
human flight. 1t sustained them through
those early trials, made them impervious
to Encouragement and ridicue; it steered
them like compass through the subse-
quent hysteria of optimism; it caused
them to continue their scientific expert
mentation when the whole world was
madly demanding aerial circus entertain
ment. And now it helps the surviving in
ventor TO a proper appraisal of the aero
planes achievement, actual and potential,
in war.
In the interview with him printed in
the special feature section of to-day's
Tribune Mr.. Wright, the man with the
inner vision, with the cear-eyed calm of
intense faith scorns to make those ex-
travagant claims for the aeroplane as
military engine which the superficial en-
thusiast still insists upon. He points out
its great value with certain limitations)
as a scout, and he admits its almost com
plete failure in offensive warfare. Some
of the most important obstacles TO its
military efficiency. he indicates. are those
imposed by the necessity of rapid flight.
In the meantime gathering dust in Mr..
Wright's shed rests a motorless machine
in which four years ago at Kitty Hawk
he hovered in practically motionless flight
New-York tribune., 1915-03-14
REGULATED TO DEATH
This the Great Evil in City Govern
ment, Says a Reader.
To the Editor Of The Tribune.

To the Editor OF The Tribune.
Sir: The condemnation CT so-called "calam-
ity howlers" is largely justified on the
ground that the charges made by these
critics are usually without sufficient founda-
ton. This is especially true Of charges that
the city is facing bankruptcy or insolvency
This charge can be easily refuted, as 1t IS
not constitutonally possible for the city to
become bankrupt. It can and will always be
able to meet its obligations through taxa
tion. There is no limit to the tax rate that
can be exacted to pay the city's debts.
The city's credit OF borrowing power. how
ever. can be and is in grave danger of being
exhausted. This is due TO the serious at
tacks permitted against the taxable values
Of real estate, the assessed value of which IS
the base of the city's borrowing power The
exhaustion Of the city's borrowing power for
considerable length OF time would be grave
calamity. Work on great public improve
ments would be checked or stopped alto
gether and thousands Of workers would be
thrown out OF employment Calamity is not
however, synonymous with bankruptcy.
The critics OF our present policy Of eXag-
ecrated social service" which is about all
some of our officials can talk about, or pro-
gressve socialism. are equally mistaken when
they declare that excessive taxation has
killed the market for real estate. The real
estate market has not been taxed to death
II has been regulated TO death. And IT can
be proved that many of the most harassing
demands of inspection departments are OF
no benefit whatever TO tenant or workman.
The talk OF bankruptcy does great harm
by diverting public attention from this real
menace 10 the city.
You are urged not to accept as final the
opinion Of our great millionaire philanthro-
pists and faddists at the head OF our charity
lists, or the more jealous socialists at the
bottom of those lists, but to interview the
borrowers and loaners of money. Ask the
officials OF the life insurance companies, saw
ings banks, title companies and realty com
panies the men 20 whom the small tax
payer must 20 to borrow few thousand dol
lars on his house or mis- shop.
What these men say privately, but do not
dare to say for publication, will be fully as
impressive as anything they will permit you
to quote. They probably won't tell you how
may Of their mortgages they don't dare to
call 1t might be OF interest also to hear
from some Of the unfortunate people who
have handed their deeds over to the mort
gagee to avoid the expense of foreclosure.
March S. 1915. JUDSON e.. WALL.
New-York tribune., 1915-03-14
Praise for the Eric.

To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: Your extremely amusing editorial Of
this morning regarding the collision between
Mr.. Wilkinsons wagon and the Erie locomo
tive has led me to thinking seriously enough
about the Erie TO make it seem worth while
to say a few words about the road as seen
from the commuters point of view.
The Erie is and has been for years the
railroad goat" and during fourteen of those
years | have been a commuter on it. The
stations are shabby in the extreme, the cars
are in many cases aged and the through
trains are slow. Right here justihabie criti-
csm Of the train service stops. There Is no
railroad running out OF New York which
makes better speed on its suburban trains,
no railroad which has so great proportion
of its trains on time, and very few railroads
whose trains are so conveniently arranged
for the commuter and frequent at the
commuters hours. To this it can be added
that during the fourteen years of my use Of
the railroad have never seen a single in
stance Of dscourtesy on the part of any one
of the train crews and ! have seen very
many instances whore Objectionable passen-
gers were treated with the utmost forbear-
ance, courtesy and patience.
The poor equipment and the poor stations
are. as every one knows, due to the fact that
the road is and has been for many years on
the verge Of bankruptcy, but tho excellent
train service is due to a skilful and intelli-
gent management; and when one considers
;hc limited facilities that the road has for
handling traffic and the lack of money for
improvements and expansion, the prompt
ness and efficiency Of the service are beyond
comparison with any other railroad running
out of New York City.
Practically every cmploye Of this road is
paid little less than the men who hold
similar positions IN the other more fortu-
nate railroads operating out OF New York,
and every patron Of this road is using out
worn stations and outworn rolling stock not
because the road is inefficient but because
+. is poor. AYMAR EMBURY II.
New-York tribune., 1915-03-14
a Partial Victory for Thaw

Thaw's acquittal Is an unquestionable
victory for him. Though it was blow to
his hopes that Justice Page forbade any
sanity test. the conspiracy case was so
cleverly conducted by his lawyers that this
acouittal was obtained without any admis-
sion or pleading of insanity and with
Thaw's own testimony on the record that
he considered himself sane and had been
advised that it was no crime TO flee from
Matteawan under the circumstances. All
this is bound to be helpful to him in any
habeds corpus proceeding which his
lawyers bring to try out the insanity issue.
1t is idle to speculate whether Mr..
jerome, if he had been retained. could
have fought the states case to different
end What is done is done. The fact re-
mains that Thaw, murderer, paranoac,
whose money has been spent like water to
enable him to escape the consequences of
his acts, is in a better position to accom-
plish what he desires than he ever has
been before.
The case just decided, fortunately, was
not conclusive. There are at least two
other actions in prospect hearing on
the question of Thaw's return to New
Hampshire, which is largely formal, and
the hqbeas corpus proceeding, which is the
important one. If Thaw is to go back to
Matteawan, where, as the state contends,
he belongs, it behooves the states legal de-
partment to sit up nights studying ways
to meet the keen minds of the killers eX-
pensive and adroit legal staff.
New-York tribune., 1915-03-14

over the same spot for ten minutes Az
tention to lawsuits has prevented his
further experimentation with it. ms
machine is the wagon the Wright broth
ers hitched to their star; it represents
their most advanced attempt to realize
that confident vision common to both re-
vealed shortly before his death by Wilbur
Wright in this sentence: Everybody who
has ever seen a buzzard flying knows that
there must be method whereby human
beings can also remain in the air once
they really find themselves aloft.'
Obviously in its development lies a
remedy for much of the aeroplanes disa-
bility both as scout and as an agency
of destruction. Military science should be
the gamer when Orville Wright takes up
again the work of its perfection.
New-York tribune., 1915-03-14
Count Sergius Witte.

To the Western mind Count SergiuS
Witte loomed largest among the Russian
statesmen of the last two decades. He
seemed more in touch with Western
ideas than any other Russian leader He
stood for the industrial and commercial
development Of the empire, for financial
reorganization, for the development Of the
arts of peace, and Cnasmuch as progress
in these directions is dependent on rails
ing of the level of popular intelligence
and efficiency for the political reforms
which eliminated in the introduction Of
rudimentary constitutional institutions
into Russia and the material modification
of the Cars old-fashioned autocracy.
As a great railroad constructor, a pro-
moter of manufactures, a financial ad-
ministrator through whose efforts the
gold standard was firmly established, he
was one of the most powerful agencies
on the side of progress, one Of the real
builders OF modern Russia. He served as
Minister of Railways, as Minister Of
Finance and as Premier in the first Cabi-
net after the constitutional regime was
proclaimed and the national legislature
was created. Sent as Russa's chief rep
resentative to the Portsmouth conference,
where the treaty of peace with Japan was
concluded, he obtained what looked like a
most liberal concession from the Mikado's
representatives and scored notable per
sonal triumph as diplomat. His fame
outside Russia naturally came to over
shadow that of any of his rivals and asso-
ciates.
Since 1906 he had been in retirement.
His policy of development on peaceful
lines and his indifference to the complca-
tions which were making for Russia S
participation in another great European
war put him out of touch with the politi-
cal influences dominant at Petrograd. He
had no share in the aspirations, probably
soon to be realized of unhampered Rus
sian access to the sea. He may not stand
eventually in history with Sazonoff and
the other statesmen who are now eX-
tending Russian dominion toward the
shores of the Egean. But in his own
way he served Russia honorably, wisely
and well.
New-York tribune., 1915-03-14
Become a Militiaman.
: of The Tribune.

To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: Every patriotic man should serve in
the national guard or naval militia for the
national protection.
Many employers. when told by an employe
that he would like to join one of the branches
of service, bring up the question of time.
The employer should remember that although
it is true that members of these services
must be away several days a year at camp
or on a cruise at rifle practice and on an
occasional parade yet men who have served
five years in either branch of service are cX-
empt from jury duty in the state.
The employe, if ne has ever thought over
the subject of being a guardsman. possibly
has thought it would take too much time
and be too expensive. Not so. The drill sea-
son in most organizations starts in October
and ends the first of April-six months out
of twelve. There are about twenty-four
drills, one night a week; several reviews,
rifle practice one day. and, as rule. camp
to make every other year for the national
guard and cruise for the naval militia.
As for expense, it is not very much, the
dues averaging as low 80 cents a month.
He is fully equipped with uniforms in the
majority of regiments. In some he buys the
full dress uniform at nominal cost.
The enlistment is for three years, at the
end of which, as a rule. most men re-enlist
for two years, since men who serve five years
and receive full and honorable discharge
are exempt from jury duty in the state.
Most regiments are equipped with gym
nasiums, swimming pools, Libraries and other
places for amusement. The discipline re-
ceived and friendships made will always be
looked back on with appreciation.
Do not hesitate. Join now.
P. L. CLARKE.
Now York March 10 1915
New-York tribune., 1915-03-14
Belsium's Sacrifice.

a. Whether Belgium saved Europe" as
DR.. Charles Sarolea suggests in the title Of
his interesting book describing the heroism
and suffering of his country, the world
agrees that Belgium did save the Allies.
And in saving them she was herself sac
rificed TO strategic necessity"
France and England were not ready. DR..
Sarolea accepts this fact WITHOUT protest.
But it is impossible not TO sympathize with
him when he flames up Indignantly at the
flamboyant early invasion of Alsace, for
strategic reasons, because it could not be
sustained and led directly TO the fall of
Namur.
As to Winston Churchill and his naval
brigade in Antwerp, DIR. Sarolea says
nothing-neither accepting nor rejecting
the German gibes. But he does say justly
that Antwerp, like Namur, could have held
out for weeks, as Verdun had done, if only
the allied troops had come to stand with
the Belgians in the trenches.
"Where are the EngliSh?" Where are
the French" All Belgium asked these
questions in August and September, and
is repeating them nowk DR., Sarolea as
New-York tribune., 1915-03-14
A Case foi Investigation.

1t seems incredible in this day and age
that the wards of the state should have to
endure what Mr.. John II. Delaney, retiring
Commissioner of Efficiency and Economy,
alleges the inmates of the State Training
School for Girls at Hudson have had to.
Washing out the mouth with bitter drugs
or soap, the water cure" and kindred
forms of discipline" belong to past era
of penology. If there is any holdover
from that time in state institution,
proper corrective measures should be
taken at once.
Unfortunately, Mr.. Delaney's word can
not be accepted at its face value in
this official report. Once before he
made an official report setting forth the
existence of vile conditions in the kitchens
and food supply of various state hospitals.
Subsequent investigation tended to dis
prove his statements, and he himself, if
not actually denying them, did not back
them up.
There should be prompt and thorough
investigation Of the training school by
the State Board of Charities or leg
islative committee. Meantime it will pay
the public to maintain Judicial poise.
New-York tribune., 1915-03-14
Giving America the Worst of 1t.

The most remarkable comment made SO
far on the Frye case is that which ap-
peared Friday in Mr.. Herman Riders 5
war article in the "Staats-Zeitung." Mr..
Ridder says that he has traversed all the
authorities on international law, from Gro
thus to Moore, without finding any justltl-
cation for condemning the jettlSonlng OF
the Frye's cargo of wheat and the sink
ing Of the ship itself by the commander
of the Prinz Eitel Friedrich. lie declines
TO admit that the cargo was not condi-
tional contraband, and intimates that
Captain Thierichens was within his rights
in assuming that it was contraband IN
view of Great Britain's present attitude
toward foodstufs intended for importa-
ton into Germany.
This view is extraordinary, because 1t
runs absolutely contrary to the contraoand
policy announced by the American govern
ment and the German government. In
order to absolve an over-zealous German
naval officer Mr.. Ridder accepts the mar
row British view of neutral privileges
which the United States and Germany are
earnestly combating. He even cites the
Wilhelmina case as an answer to those
who say that the destruction Of the Frye
was a high-handed violation of the rights
of neutral commerce.
The United States has not assented TO
the action of the British government IN
detaining the Wilhelmina. We are trying
10 get Great Britain to abandon the novel
doctrine upon which it acted in seizing
that vessel, and Germany has virtually
promised US to annul the "war zone
proclamation and to cease torpedoing enc
nv merchantmen without notice if Great
Britain will acknowledge the right of neu-
trails to ship into Germany food intended
for the use of non-conbatants.
Mr.. Ridder regards with cold indiffer-
ence those joint efforts to re-establish
neutral rights on the high seas. Rather
than confess that the captain of the
Prinz Eitel Friedrich committed grave
political blundcr he let's American and
German diplomacy go hang together. The
only consideration which seems to appeal
TO him is that Captain Thierichens evened
up a score against Great Britain at the
expense Of the United States-an innocent
bystander The British government seized
one of our food carriers; therefore the
German captain felt free to seize and
even destroy another. That the United
States should get the worst Of it from
both belligerents seems to sum up Mr..
Riders policy of genuine neutrality"
New-York tribune., 1915-03-14
AbolishinG Ben Lindsey.

Various attempts to get rid OF Judge
Ben b. Lindsey, of the juvenile court
in Denver. have come TO naught. The
Colorado Legislature seems to be lending
itself TO the latest one. which is to abolish
the court over which he presides, for the
lower house has passed three bills for that
purpose. 1t is greatly to be hoped that
this will prove as futile as the political
attacks on him have been heretofore.
The value of special courts for chill
dren is generally admitted to-day. Judge
Lindsey was among the pioneers in this
branch of work for humanity, and the
success of his methods in retaining way
ward children has been heralded all over
the country. His fellow townspeople have
voted on it several times and have paid
him the tribute of handsome majorities.
As TO the desirability of getting rid of
Ben Lindsey now, they, of course, must
be the judges. There can be no question
whatever of the undesirability of abol-
ishing his court Such step would be
even more reactionary than the political
and economic conditions which came to
light during Colorado's coal strike.
New-York tribune., 1915-03-14

From the Manchester Guardian.
It would appear from the quality of the
latest arrivals of mules here that they are TO
be used for cavalry purposes. The lot at
EPSON are declared by experts to be as clean
as polo ponies. able to gallop, and quite big
enough for the purpose they are about
fourteen hands two inches high. They
would outrun any of the heavy stamp of
horse. Of which there are plenty left. whilst
horses suitable for cavalry purposes are
scarce all over the world. Mules, of course,
are used by Spanish and Mexican cavalry.
but they have not hitherto been used in the
British army except for transport and for
mountain batteries. The likelihood is that
there will be a revival of the mounted in
fantry idea. to take light cavalry men who
are now working in the trenches from place
70 place where motor traffic is impossible
Sir Garnet WoSeley in 1872 foretold some
thing Of the kind in his "Wellngton Essay"
where he said that mounted infantry on
mules or even in carts. accompanied by a
small proportion Of real cavalry, would be OF
signal use in days 10 come. The mules and
ponies that formed the whole of Sir Frederick
Roberts's transport from Kabul 10 Kan
daher he had no oxen or camels-carred
.wo "maunds." which is about 100 H.. but
were capable OF carrying much more. A
mountain battery mules load runs up 70
22O b.. but he IS never as big as even four
teen hands.
New-York tribune., 1915-03-14
Women's Service in Hospitals.
Editor of The Tribune.

10 lllc iullOI Ol lHt IlDuIts
Sir: 1t has come to my notice that in
your paper of February 26 there was a letter
from DR.. Josephine Walter relative to an
article in your Sunday edition of February
p entitled, professional Women Tell of
Handcaps." In this letter DR.. Walter re-
ferred to her services as inferno in one of the
New York hospitals which considerably ante
dated my experer e, saying (which for the
moment DR.. Barringer seems TO have forgot
ten"
Realizing that the reporters version of so
long a paper was necessarily incomplete, |
should like TO quote directly from my notes
Just what did say al the feminist meeting
because Of my affectionste esteem for DR..
Walter and respect for her accomplishment,
and further, as a matter of record, to have
no seeming inaccuracy stand. | can assure
DR.. Walter that did not forget" but on the
contrary made special mention Of her signal
victory. which | quote as follows: "0n fur
ther study found that other women had re-
peatedly applied for admission. and in some
isolated cases had been successful. in one
case in private hospital and in several in
stances in infant or children hospitals under
the city organization, but all these places
had closed up again, and it was like the
waters closing over a pebble; the situation
was as impenetrable as ever"
Again. in regard 20 the question OF prece-
dent, said referring TO the completion Of
my own hospital service: a precedent had
been established in that one city hospital had
New-York tribune., 1915-03-14
Tenants Union Protests.

To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: The following message has been sent
by the executive committee of the Tenants
Union TO Governor Whitman:
ITO sign the bill repeating the alien labor
law you place your party and yourself in the
attitude of protecting American citizen labor
when it is self-protecting and opposing
American citizen labor when it needs pro-
lection and defence. The logical sequence of
this act, if it be righteous, would be to en-
poy aliens for all positions in the public
service if they are found to be more eff
cient and cheaper than American citizens. In
our opinion, the state belongs to its citizens
not to its servants, whether executive. legis-
latiye or judicial"
CORNELIUS DONOVAN, President.
New York, March 10, 1915.
New-York tribune., 1915-03-14

serts. Now il is not question of troops
not just now, at least--but Of succor for
what he calls a nation OF unemployed, on
the SOIL in the towns, and in strange lands
The whole world is giving freehandedly
to these sufferers, but England's status is
one Of responsibility, not charity. Says DR..
Sarolea; "If the British people and the
British government are not going to help,
! ask, who. then. will help? Until the
Teutonic invader is expelled the Belgian
people are under the sole protection and
dependent on the generosity Of their
British brethren"
DR.. Sarolea's appeal is direct and elo-
ouent, his book distinctly worth reading.