davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The weekly soliphone., 1915-09-24

Philadelphia, Pa, Sept. 17.-Wil- liam Jennings Bryan has signified his willingness to go to Europe and to bring about peace.
 Whether or not he will go Will be decided at a conference between the publishers of foreign language newspapers and himself in Wash ington today.
 The announcement of Bryan's de- cision was contained in a letter re- ceived by the editor of an Italian newspaper from Dr. William Forgo of Brooklyn, who heads a movement to have Bryan try to stop the war, The announcement was accompan- jed by an invitation to attend the conference.
 "After the talk l had with Bry- an," writes Dn Forgo, "l am under the impression that, provided it de- velops at his meeting with the edi- tors that his going abroad is ad- visable, he will for the love of the
The weekly soliphone., 1915-09-24

ed these qualifications. No one
 has ever had the effrontery, the
 imprudence, the brazen egotism, to offer for the office unless he had
 most of the aforesaid qualities in
 some degree. It was to have been
 expected that some prosecuting at
 torney, or eX-prOsecuting attorney,
 or some cX-circuit judge, or some
 distinguished practitioner would be
 appointed. There are many able
 lawyers, earning good incomes, who
 would have relinquished their pri-
 vate practice at a sacrifice to serve
 the state. The governor, having
 himself been a circuit judge, is supposed to know something of the
 needs and responsibility of the
 great office, and to have an eXten- sive acquaintance at the bar. He
 is also supposed to know that in making appointments of this kind he reveals his own capacity and his proclivities. Now, in spite of all these things, His EXcellency selects youth of twenty-seven, who had skipped from one school to anoth- CT, who had avoided the court of his own county and had procured his license in the court where the governor, as judge, was presiding, who had not been admitted to prac- tice in the supreme court or the federal court, who probably had never tried a case independently of his law partners, and who, in short, was absolutely unknown except as the son of his famous father. Grati- tude to the father does not justify the appointment. Gratitude is a noble virtue, but it does not require the betrayal of an official trust; it does not demand the placing of the legal responsibilities of the whole state in the hands of a tyro. Pres ident Cleveland, who carried his into public life, declared that public office was public trust. Can it be possible that the was made to win the followers of the famous father? If so, the act should defeat itself. Democracy is a political protest against the principle of holding of flee by virtue of descent or inher- itance. In democracy every man stands on his own merits, and claims no office nor privilege be- cause of heredity. The appoint ment of an absolutely untried son on the merits of his father or to honor the father is a desceration even of the fathers name and an affront to democracy itself, There may be explanations for this ap- pointment, but there is no justifica- tion. Even if the overburdened youth succeeds, it is not justifica- tion. The fact that an untrained engineer may by good fortune bring his train safely through does not
 justify the risk when skilled engi-
The weekly soliphone., 1915-09-24
Every body's Doin' It Now

It points to the future, and gives warning that should be needed.
 Sir, I consider you have done much for your state-for the poli- tics of our state-in giving facts as you have to the people. It is a pity that every citizen in the state cannot read it.
 You are an entire stranger to me, but I just want to commend your editorial I know that it is not intended vindictively, but in the in- terest of humanity, and should for ever place you among those who are genuine devotees to the interest of the state and her people.
 With every expression of appre- citation for your editorial and de- siring a copy of it as my own prop erty. Sincerely,
 c. A. PETTUS. Bankers Trust Bldg, Little Rock, Ark, Sept. IS, 1915.
The weekly soliphone., 1915-09-24
A SERVICE TO THE STATE.

To The Editor of The Press:
 I have never seen you, never heard of you until today, which was through your paper with the edi- torial on Hays and Wallace Davis. I was so impressed with it that l determined to write you expressing my appreciation and asking for a copy of your paper with the edito- rial.
 The editorial has the ring of patriotism most attractive; it deals with the question as it should be dealt with; it tells the truth so impressively that it is calculated to penetrate into the minds of the people. With words you have painted the picture of politics in our state.
The weekly soliphone., 1915-09-24
IT BEATS THE DEVIL.

To The Editor of The Press:
 A travelling salesman insulted me yesterday. He showed me your is- sue of September the 18th wherein you expressed my sentiments about Hays Davis appointment. The in suit was not in the showing to me the paper. It was the thought of him showing me something I want ed so badly and then not giving it to me, nor furnishing me with copy. He left town alive, thing he should be proud of, for under ordinary circumstances an ambitious man would have assassinated him for most anything wanted as badly as I wanted that article. Will you please send me copy of that is sue? I will appreciate it if you will, and do anything else I can for you if ever able to show my appre- citation therefor.
 I was a Jeff Davis admirer. Ar kansas has had few governors since he left the office. But this cir cumstance beats the devil.
 Yours very truly,
 JOHN H. CALDWELL.
 Mammoth Spring, Sept. IS, 1915.
The weekly soliphone., 1915-09-24
"PITIFUL POLITICS"

The Western Methodist is not political sheet-it isn't even a newspaper, but a journal or the great Methodist church. It is the official publication for Arkansas Methodists But it has opinions
 some of which are quite positive
 Commenting upon the appointment of Wallace Davis, it says;
 "On the untimely death of the attorney general of Arkansas it be- came the duty of the governor to fill the vacancy. In the executive department the attorney general stands next to the governor in dlg- nity. and his acts may often be of greater importance. His duties as defined by law in part are: Upon request. to give his opinion in witt ing to the chief magistrate and to the heads of the several executive departments, upon any constitution al or other legal question that may concern the official action of said officers; and, upon request, to transmit his written opinion to the prosecuting attorney of any circuit who may ask it, upon any legal question that concerns the financial interest of the state; to furnish to county boards of election commits sioners an official opinion upon any inquiry submitted to him by them concerning the provisions of the election laws; to attend the several sittings of the supreme court, and maintain and defend the interests of the state in all matters before that tribunal: to institute and prosecute all suits in behalf of the state against officers of the state who may be indebted to the state; to collect penalties of railroads, and claims due the school fund, to bring suits against usurpers of office and franchises, to enforce the antitrust act; and as a member eX-officio of many boards to discharge impor- tant functions He may be reQuir- ed to represent the state in the fed eral courts, even in the supreme court of the United States, in cases involving the honor and dignity of the whole state His capacity or incapacity may affect every citizen for generations. He may bring to the treasury or cost the state mil lions of dollars. He may meet Tn laoal battle the greatest lawyers of his state or of the United States The gravity and delicacy of his null hilarious duties would suggest to the sane and unbiased mind that the attorney general should be learned in the law, experienced, of sound iudgment, and of sufficient age to compel confidence and respect While the men elected to this im- nortant position have had faults and weaknesses, all former incumb- ents have in large measure possess
The weekly soliphone., 1915-09-24
THE TELEPHONE. "
Mammoth Spring, Sept. IS, 1

The following letter was received this morning by a Paragould busi- ness man:
 'I heard an editorial read last night from a paper printed in Par agould on Gov. Hays. I think the paper is the Paragould Ziliphone or some such name. 1 am not sure enough of the name to write the paper direct, I would like to get two or three copies of this paper. Could you get them for me? I have no doubt but that the demand from over the state will be so great for this edition that they will get out pamphlets giving the editorial, and of course that would do me just as well.
 'I am not interested in politics, you understand, but that editorial is such peach, I'd like to have it to show around. Yours,
 GORDON H. CAMPBELL. Little Rock, Ark, Sept. IT, 1915"
The weekly soliphone., 1915-09-24
SURELY, SURELY, THE MAN
 MUST BE INSANE.
To The Editor of The Press:

To The Editor of The Press:
 I have just read your editorial of the 18th on the appointment of Wallace Davis as attorney general, and being so busy at the office in work hours I take the privilege to express to you my hearty endorse ment of your article with pencil, at home.
 Governor Hays was very kind to us in our work, but surely, surely the man must be insane. This last episode is slap in the face of every good citizen in the state and especially so to the lawyers of the state
 Permit me to say that I enjoy reading your paper very much and I really believe that if every paper in the state would openly and boldly stand up for the right, poli- tics would not control every move made, but efficient and honest men would have some show.
 With best wishes for the success of your paper and personal regards, I am, Yours, etc.,
 U. A. GENTRY.
 Little Rock, Ark, Sept. 16, 1915.
The weekly soliphone., 1915-09-24

That Arkansas, in her shame and disgrace, is not ignorant ot US cause, becomes more apparent each
 day as the full significance of the staggering blow struck at her hon or by Governor Hays last Saturday ill the appointment of Wallace Da- wis becomes better understood. The long chain of disappointments incl dent to his administration con stitutes an indictment of such un- usual severity that the public, the real intelligence of the state, is be- ginning to feel this shame in a very personal manner, and resentment IS kindled to pitch not known for
The weekly soliphone., 1915-09-24

and Compton by an order of the county court of Crittenden county setting aside a former judgment of that court confirming all assess .ments made in the district.
 It is alleged that the board, be- ing determined to carry out their contract with McWilliams Brothers and Compton, sought to railroad a special act through the Arkansas general assembly confirming the assessments. The bill was rushed through the house, transmitted to the senate and was railroaded through to it's third reading before the taxpayers in general became ad- vised of the attempt upon the part of the board to confirm the assess ments. Protests were lodged with members of the senate and the bill was finally referred back to the committee where it died.
 Subsequently, the board read vertised to let the contract on Au- gust 23, 1915, after the county court had confirmed the assess ments. On the day of the sale large number of bidders were pres cat, and they were notified that the successful bidder must handle the bonds. Again McWilliams Brothers, with an agent of Compton & Co.,, were upon the scene, the latter agreeing to buy the bonds at par Cu condition the contract was let to McWilliams Brothers. A. Y. Wills x Son, dredging contrac- tors, were also present with an a9cut of the Paragould Trust Com pauy to buy the bonds at par. Me Williams Brothers and Wills & Son were the only bidders for the work coming within the require nents laid down by the board. The lowla9 lid offered for tte 'yn k, conu e1ed upon sale of tho bonds at par, was made by Wills & Son, at 7.59 per cubic yard. Said boarI, not acting fairly with Wills & Son, refused to let the contract though their bid was the lowest one con- ing within the requirements made by the board, but let the contract to McWilliams Brothers upon the same bid made by Wills & Son.
 Plaintiffs allege the price ot McWilliams Brothers is exorbitant, and that but for the conspiracy and the unlawful requirements placed upon all bidders, the price would have been much less than 7.59 per cubic yard.
 It is further charged that the bonds of the district, being the best security and a large issue, should have brought, at a sale properly conducted for that pur- pose and after proper advertise ment, a large premium.
 It is also alleged that the date on which the bond sale and contract for the work were advertised to take place was changed and no proper notice was given of such change,
 The plaintiffs, therefore, pray for a hearing and ask that the board be restrained from executing and delivering the bonds; that the be removed, or such of them as are found to have vio- lated their trust; and finally that the contract awarded to McWil- Hams Brothers be cancelled.
 J. II. Mann and c. c. Mauldin are the two taxpayers who are plaintiffs in the action against the board of commissioners, the con- ractors and the bond buyers.
The weekly soliphone., 1915-09-24
YANTIS FINDS THE MISSING
 LINK.

Scott City, Kan, Sept. 16, 1915. To The Editor of The Press: Permit me to compliment you on the article concerning our Dear Gov"
 I wrote Fred Heiskell the day read of the death of Judge Moose and told him this nut" would do this very stunt.
 I suppose the word you wanted at the last was "SB" which would apply very nicely.
 Sincerely yours,
 F. s. YANTIS.
The weekly soliphone., 1915-09-24

The following letter received this morning from A. c. Miller, editor of the Western Methodist, will be read with interest by the laiety for the reason that no suspicion of po- litical bias or prejudice can possi- bly attach to Rev. Miller's position
 As one who as a private citizen and a representative for the Methodist church in Arkansas, he feels keen ly the shame brought upon the state by Gov. Hays. The editorial referred to is reproduced in another
The weekly soliphone., 1915-09-24
ARKANSAS DISGRACE BECOMES TALK
 0F ENTIRE STATE---P IS UPHELD

years. The Hot Springs Sentinel Record reproduces The Daily Press editorial of last Monday and joins with those who believe the time has arrived when political revolt alone can save Arkansas from fur ther dishOnor. Letters are begin ming to pour into The Daily Press office, all of which strongly in dorse the straightforward position taken. It is realized that the open ing gun in a campaign for eXtermi- nation of those responsible for pres ent-day conditions has been fired, and the sentiments expressed here are finding Judgment in all sections of Arkansas.
The weekly soliphone., 1915-09-24
METHODIST SPOKESMAN SEVERE IN
 HIS CONDEMNATION OF i. N|OBBLER

column of this issue. Rev. Miller says
 q am told that you have posi- lively exhausted the English lan- guage in a eulogy of the gover- nor's appointment of Davis. As l have Dictionary with over 4OO,- 900 terms and am interested in keeping up with the progress of the vocabulary, I would appreciate your sending me a copy.
 q inclose copy of my editorial on the same subject which may in terest you"
The weekly soliphone., 1915-09-24
INJUNCTION PROCEEDINGS ARE FILED
 ON BIG DRAINAGE DITCH CONTRACT

jFrom Saturdays Daily Press.)
 Alleging that J. w. Hardin, L. s. Swepson and w. s. Danners, com missioners of drainage district No. 2 of Crittenden county, confederat ed and conspired with McWilliams Brothers, contractors, and W. R. Compan & Company, bond buyers, to award a contract to McWilliams Brothers for digging a drainage ditch in Crittenden coun- ty for $450, 0,000, when a much lower bid could have been received had the commissioners not been in col fusion with McWilliams Brothers and Compton, certain landowners and taxpayers residing in the drain age district have employed counsel who have drawn up complaint asking for an injunction to restrain the commissioners from proceeding with the work under the McWil- Hams contract.
 Rudolph Isom, a we'll known at torney of Marion, spent yesterday in Paragould in consultation with J. M. Futrell and Robt. E. Fuhr, who have been employed in the case, and together the attorneys drafted the formal complaint which will be filed in chancery court at Marion Monday.
 The complaint alleges that in the year 1914 the drainage board had advertised the sale of the construc tion work, by the terms of which with the right upon the part of the board to reject any and all bids In response to the advertise ment many bidders for the con- struction work were present. It is alleged that on the day the work was to be sold the bidders were mo- tified by the board that the suc- cessful bidder would be required to purchase, or to have some one to purchase, the bonds for the distrcit at par. No such condition was re- quired in the notice.
 The bidders for the construction work who were present to bid for the work only and who had com piled with all the requirements de- manded by the published notice, were not prepared to bid for the work upon the unlawful terms and conditions demanded by the board, with the exception of McWilliams Brothers, who seem to have been previously fully advised of the plans of the board, and were therefore prepared having with them an agent of w. R. Compton & Com pany, bond buyers of St. Louis, toI purchase the bonds. The bid of Compton X Go, for the bonds was made upon the express condition that the contract for the construc- tion work be awarded to McWil-I Hams Brothers. In carrying out this scheme and conspiracy, the dredging work was awarded to Mel Williams Brothers at the price of S.76 per cubic yard, and the bonds were sold to Compton & Co. at par. Plaintiffs further allege thatI notwithstanding the unlawful re- quirements imposed by the board, | A. V. Wills & Co.,, contractors, made a lower bid than McWilliams Brothers for the work, and that Wills & Son are responsible and financially able to do the construc- ton work. It is further stated in the complaint that the board was prevented from carrying out the contract with McWililams Brothers
The weekly soliphone., 1915-09-24
BRYAN WILLING ID VISIT EUROPE
 IN EFFORT ID AID IN PEACE PLAN

cause not only sacrifice his time, but will also pay his own expenses.
 This was in answer to a num- Der of the conferees, who proposed that a fund be raised from which to pay Bryan salary and his eX- penses.
The weekly soliphone., 1915-09-24
Versatile Paragouldian.

c. w. Hampton of Paragould is the new agent, relieving H. c. for about 30 days. MT. Frizille will take much-needed rest. MT. Hampton is a young man, and we understand, unmarried. .-Bearden Courier,
The weekly soliphone., 1915-09-24
Tokio-A City of Rats.

Fifteen million rats have been killed as part of the preventive measures against the spread of plague, made by the metropolitan police board of the city of Tokio.
The weekly soliphone., 1915-09-24
Highfill Returns.

c. w. Highfill returned this morning from a business trip to Little Rock and Belleville. At the latter place he attended to business in connection with his work as grand master of the Odd Fellows of Arkansas.
The weekly soliphone., 1915-09-24
An Old Man Dies.
From Mondays Daily Press

(FrOm MOnaays UalIy PTeSsJ
 An old man named Hofler who moved to the McMackin farm in the Mt. Carmel neighborhood about a year ago, coming from Mississippi, died at eleven o'clock this morning from the effects of stroke of apo plexy received last night. Hofler is survived by his wife.
The weekly soliphone., 1915-09-24

the people. While the world is learning the value of efficiency, Arkansas is the victim of inefficien- cy and weakness. It is a good time to read the book of Kings in the Bible to learn how God dealt with the Israelites on account of their rulers.
The weekly soliphone., 1915-09-24

neers may be had. This appoint ment is Che act of an irresponsible who seems to seek his own ends and not the peoples good. If the legislature were in session it
 should impeach and remove an ex-
 ecutive who by his own folly has ieopardized the highest interests of
The weekly soliphone., 1915-09-24
BENEATH THE W0bbLER'S DIGNITY
 n NOT|CE EDITORIAL CASTIGATION

reserve and openly announce his candidacy. When asked his opin- ion about recent bitter editorial at tacks made upon him for his ap- pointment of Wallace Davis attor- ney general, he replied that he would not dignify them with a notice"
The weekly soliphone., 1915-09-24

Little Rock, Sept. 18.-The belief is growing stronger in local politi- cal circles that Gov. Hays will an nounce for another term in a few days. It is believed that certain recent events have strengthened this probability and that within the next week he will break through his
The weekly soliphone., 1915-09-24
FROM A LITTLE ROCK NEWS
 AGENCY.

To The Editor of The Press:
 Your papers go like hot cakes here. Some one steals every one I get and I want extra copies so that I will prevent thieving by giy- ing them away. That is philan- thropy if I know what the word means
The weekly soliphone., 1915-09-24
HARDAGE'S PRAYER LORD SPARE
 MEMBERS OF THE SUPREME COURT

can be said to be fitting. It is to be hoped by the people that none of the members of the supreme bench will die, or resign, during his occupancy of the governors office; if such should happen, he would appoint another Wallace Davis, un- less he departed from his hitherto unbroken record.
 "Now l see it announced in the Gazette that Mir Streepy, the as- sistant attorney general and who is rated by the Little Rock bar as a very bright and capable young at torney, is to retire from the office of assistant on Jan. 1st, and that he will be succeeded by MT. Hamil- ton Moses of Calhoun county-a briefless young lawyer of about the same attainments as Wallace Davis.
 'I sincerely wish that more of the editors in Arkansas would take up, fearlessly, the challenge as you have done. I again thank you"
 FROM THE GOVERNORS HOME.
 "Please send me two copies of your Monday of the 18th issue The Daily Press. Enclosed find 10c for same. J. B. NEWTON"
The weekly soliphone., 1915-09-24

Commentator and endorsement of the editorial appearing in Mon days Daily Press on the action of Gov Hays in appointing brief less" youth as attorney general of the state continue to reach this of flee, indicating beyond doubt the shame the governor has brought up- on the state is being keenly felt by the citizenship.
 Tn this mornings mail The Press received a letter from Hon. Josiah Hardage, former judge of Clark county, former member of the leg islature and speaker of the house of representatives during the session of 1913. MT. Hardage says:
The weekly soliphone., 1915-09-24

q thank you very much for the number Of The Daily Press of the 18th. I read with a great deal of pleasure your editorial, "Hays-A Political Jesse James" Certainly, in the appointment of Wallace Da- wis, the governors .TARFFICKING IN THE PEOPLES RIGHTS AND GOOD NAME has reached a point beyond the limit of toleration, As most people view it, he has not made an appointment, scarcely, that
The weekly soliphone., 1915-09-24

To your knitting, girls.-Arkan- sas Gazette.
The weekly soliphone., 1915-09-24

U. A. GEN l R I. Little Rock, Ark, Sept. 16, 1915