davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-01-11
War News Fifty Years Ago
tFrom Richmond Dispatch. Jan. II, 1869

The Smelling of Buffers dredging machines
In Dutch Gap was heard with unusual distinct
ness yesterday and appeared. from the sound
10 be conducted with uncommon vigor.
a.. with the exception OF slight cannonading on
mo extreme left for about hour yesterday
morning, there was nothing doing on the Peters
burg lines.
General Grant is absent from his army having
gone TO Fortress Monroe to confer with Secre-
go from Fortress Monroe to Hilton Head and
thence to Savannah. Some devilment Is surely
The only news at the War Department from
the effect that some OF Sherman's troops have
crossed New River the road to Grahamville
. Z. General Wheeler Is watching the
ment, and when opportunity presents itself
harassing the enemy no little
The latest from General Forrest Is that
he fell upon rniding party of the enemy
near Russellville Ala, and gave them a severe
drubbing, capturing all OF their stores and
quite number OF prisoners and horses.
Congressman Blair has offered bill in tho
United states Congress- creating the Office OF
Northumberland for Sherman, hut the bill
provides that Grant shall still keep supreme
command of all OF the armies of tho United
States.
AT the request of George n. Prcntiss. Lincoln
has consented to the return to his home In
Kentucky OF Lieutenant Governor Jacobs, who
has been in exile in the South for than
n year.
Mr.. Fesscnden, the United States Secretary OF
War. has been nominated by the Republicans to
be United States Senator from the State OF
Maine.
Deserters coming into the Confederate lines
Yesterday report that Butler has been called to
Washington to explain why he failed to cap
ture Fort Fisher.
recently captured by Colonel Witcher In Western
Virginia reached here yesterday and
signed TO comfortable quarters in Libby.
1ncendary fires becoming too umerous
In this city. There is suspicion that Of
them, II not all. are tho work OF fro hends who
have found their way here from tho encmy's
lines.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-01-11
Dream of a Tax Millennium

NNE of the curious delusions that seem
~ to possess the minds Of the advocates
Of the sort OF Tax Commission recommended
by the majority Of the special committee is
that il will be certain to provide, not only
cqualized assessments, but assessments at
or near the true market value, on real and
tangible personal property throughout the
State
They indulge in long speeches and compli-
Gated arguments, Of which this remarkable
theory is the basis.
The fact is that ali the proposed Tax Com
mission will have power to do is to advise
with local assessors in counties and cities
and trge them ret,~n property at fair and
equal values The Tax Commission will
have no power to review assessments or to
alter them in any particular. Doubtless, it
would be able to make things better, but
that it would bring on the millennium Of
which its advocates prate is exceedingly
iridescent dream.
While being accurate, let us be
accurate all along the line.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-01-11

usai England and Germany possess three
iourths OF It's 100000 square miles OF terri
tory. the natives hold Liberia and Abyssinia.
some 100000 square miles In ALL Frances
african holdings twenty times it's area,
and France has spent hree-quarters OF a billion
dollars in public improvements since her occu-
patton. Seven thousand miles OF railroad have
been built. and the 700 post-oif1ces In French
Africa handle 100000 pieces OF mail annually
Modern education is replacing tho old Ptolemaic
theories taught by the famous Moslem Univer-
sity at Cairo. and the burnoosed Arab is lea rn-
ing to dodge automobiles. Millions Of dollars
worth OF Improved machinery Is imported every
year: land values have advanced beyond the
price of boom towns" in tho United states. and
the Sahara is found to be as susceptible to
irrigation CALIFORNIA; "goldon sands" Tho
Arab is being forced into tho procession, and
once In tho ranks. must keep step. AS a matter
or fact he is glad OF the personal safety and
the security of property under the new regime
and not the least OF his benefits is relief from
the oppressive taxation and extortton Of native
rule. The patient camol Is being replaced by
tho untiring iron horse, and when this railroads
now projected are built, they will be event
ually. Africa will emerge from darkness It
will be TO these progressive promising colonies
that the nations now ut war--exceDt Russia
which has no possessions In Africa-will turn in
The hope to renew their strength through their
own resources.-Detrolt Free Press
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-01-11
I the Days Best Cartoons.

Republication of industry, crab-
Hshment OF public employment cx-
changes. Systematic distribution Of
public work. prevention or absorption
or surplus labor, unemployment insur-
ance. and constructive care OF the un-
employable. are the six steps proposed
In practical program for the preven-
tion OF unemployment Just Issued in a
twenty-page report by DR.. John b.
andrews. secretary OF the American
Association on Unemployment, from
the associations headquarters ut 1871
East Twenty-third Street, New York
me time liz past" says DR.. Andrews
when the problem Of unemployment
could be disposed OF either by ignoring
II. as was the practice until recent years
In America, or by attributing II to mere
lazincss and inenicicncy. We are be-
ginning to recognize that the causes OF
Unemployment are not so much indi-
Vidual, and due to tho shif,lessness OF
won't works. as social and Inherent
In our present method of Industrial or
gaRization."
employers employees and the public
as consumers. 1t is pointed out, all have
n duty In helping to rcgularizc Indus
try. BY establishing employment de-
partments In their plants. planning out
put ahead. Offering inducements for
slack season trade. and in other WAYS
employers are urged to do what they
can to make every Job steady Job. AT
the same time employees are advised to
encourage adjustments through short
time and overtime agreements rather
than by discharge of part of the force.
while discouraBing excessive overtime
by demand for double pay for such
work. The slogan OF the consumer
should become shop regularity" says
the program, In deprecating irregular
and capricious purchasing.
Public employment exchanges arc ad-
Hanced as n matter of business organi-
cation, and not of philanthropy Both
municipal and State exchanges are ad-
Hocatcd, supplemented by Federal
bureau OF employment to secure SINH
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-01-11
Years failure Record

There was marked expansion in the
business mortality In the United States
during 1914. commercial failures, as re-
ported TO r. g. Dun G. Co.. number
Ing 1880 and supplying 1857, 908,s59 of
defaulted indebtedness. This contrasts
with 1G.037 suspensions in the proceed
Ing year for $272.672.2ss. and in both
respects the returns compared adverse
ly with all earlier periods. The unus-
ually heavy liabilities, however. were
largely due TO comparatively few
insolvencies OF exceptional size, the
financial difficulties Of prominent dry
goods house, with Its various afiilia-
tions, alone accounting for more than
one-tenth or the total amount involved.
In regard to the numerical increase,
this In n measure was trnceable to tho
effects OF the European war; which &C
centuated the depression In trade and
industry and exerted particularly IN
favorable influence on conditions In tho
South because of the consequent COL
lapse OF cotton prices. Losses were
materially swelled by this event and
more reverses occurred in the last three
months than In any other quarter of
the year, while tho best exhibit in
point Of number was made in tho
spring, as is invariably the rule Since
more new enterprises are constantly
being launched. some growth in the
commercial mortality OF tho country la
to be expected each year and the ratio
OF defaults to firms in business in 1914
was lilo per cent, or the highest in
fully decade and n half.
Only two Of the nine States included
In the South Atlantic group disclosed
any reduction, numerically, while in
the District of Columbia there was no
change from 1913 Moderate improve
ment in this respect appeared in both
Virginia and South Carolina. but this
betterment was much moro than Offset
by the increases elsewhere, SO that tho
total for this division showed 2,O67 de-
faults for $25.s75.S74 against 1883 in
the preceding year for $24,77S,I46. In
point of number, the least satisfac-
tory record was made by Florida. where
there were more than twice as MANY
failures as In 1913, besides which the
liabilities rose nearly $50 per cent. Had
IT not been for this pronounced expan-
sion the returns for the South Atlantic
states would have made favorable
comparison with the previous year.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-01-11
From tho St. Joseph Ncws-press.

larity OF operation and OF information
throuBhout the country. Neutrality in
labor disputes IL made Il cardinal prin-
ciple for all exchanges.
Public work. says tho program,
should be made to act as a sponge
absorbing the reserves OF labor In bad
years and slack seasons, and setting
them Tree again when the demand for
then increases again in private busi-
ness. successful operations OF public
works In several countries is cited
Limitations on child labor thorough
Industrial training, Il revival OF agri-
culture and country life. and con
structive policy OF regulating and dis
tributing immigration are coupled with
The regulation Of working hours OF
adults as possible steps in preventing
or absorbing the surplus of labor, which
intensifies the Unemployment problem
In large Industrial centres
For those who nevertheless are IN
employed. although able and willing
10 work, IL Is proposed that uncInploy-
ncnt insurance, such as is in operation
In England since 1913. be csta blished
IN America also. Out-of-work benefits
by trade unions, either assisted or not
assisted by public contributions. and a
national system of public uncmplov-
inent INSURANCE are suggested as nos
siblc methods All have found SUCCESS
ful applications in various countries.
when all these steps have been taken.
II is pointed out. there still remains
the problem OF the uncmployable, in
Guiding those who AFRO sick, aged. In
efficient feeble mndcd. or semi-crim-
inal. as well as those who refuse to
work. To these different groups It In
proposed to give varied constructive
care, aiming wherever possible at their
early restoration to normal working
life and independence.
The general scheme OF economic re-
construction and organization outlined
VIII. It's hackers believe. lead to con-
spicuous and permanent Improvement
The plan Is being widely circulated for
criticisms and suggestions
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-01-11

feared that other deaths will result. from
shock. from inhaling smoke and from the
struggle in the inferno which those crowded
cars must have been.
The Investigations now in progress will. in
all likelihood, result In still further assuring
the safety Of passengers. For one thing. 1t
is clear that the lighting system Of the trains
should be independent Of the current which
feeds the third rails, for the darkness must
have been the browning horror, and 1t is
also an inducer of panic. In electrical rail
way operation. however, short circuits can
scarcely BIO avoided. They have been COM
mon enough in the New York subway. but
have hitherto not resulted in anything worse
than Inconvenience through delaying the
trains In the recent accident conditions
were right for fire in the cable installations
after the short circuit. But, in spite OF that,
the casualties were relatively neither nu-
merous nor severe.
Electrical science and American passenger
transportation methods have made ii pos
sible, as in New York, to carry hundreds Of
millions of passengers a year at great speed
and in what would have been called up to the
other day, and in what was for ton years,
perfect safety.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-01-11
An Apology without Merit

a BOUT the worst apology for the violation
"A Of Belgian neutrality that has yet been
made is represented by the pamphlet being
sent broadcast over the country, and sup
posedly descriptive OF an alliance" between
Belgium and England. This so-called .'al-
lance" is held by German apologists to JUS
tify what has been done
The documents In evidence consist of al
legged records of conversations between the
Belgian Minister of War and the British mill
tary attache at Brussels. Giving them all
the value they can be given possibly. they
represent offer on Britain's part to aid
Belgium should Germany violate her neu-
trality. Any assistance from Britain is con-
ditioned positively a prior invasion by
the kaiser's forces. There is no showing
moreover, that Belgium ever accepted this
tender.
To say that this excuses Germany is to
trife with facts and with the intelligence Of
the American people. All that the docu-
ments reveal positively was suspicion in
Belgium's mind that Germany would regard
the neutrality 4lreaties as scraps OF paper"
should they .ever stand in the way Of Ger
many's plans. That that suspicion was en-
,irely justified nobody now can doubt
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-01-11
High Filters.

High Filters.
''Oh, had the wings OF r. bird"
Sang the poet In plaintivo refrain,
"A trip I would make
Where liked and not take
chance on wooden coach train"
Washington Star
'Oh. had the wings OF n lark"
Sang the bard as nc strummed his Lutte.
II could save up the dimes
That ] get for my rhymes
And not have TO pay to commute"
Chicago Herald.
"Oh. had the wings Of a hawk"
Sang the rhymcster sings who feels,
II could travel content,
Wherever went.
And not dodge the omobiles"
Grand Rapids News.
"Oh. had the wings OF n chicken,
Or turkey, or pigeon goose,
could drive away some
Writer'S cramp from my tum"
Sang the poet, but what la the use?''
Houston Post
oh. had T a gray goose wing"
sang an archer who read the above,
Some arrows I'd tip
And start on n trip
That would win me the whole worlds love,
THE TATTLER.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-01-11
puzzle Education" Under Fire

THAT very sprightly and interesting publi
L cation the New Republic, in the course
Of a discussion of what it calls puzzle edu
cation, describes experiment recently
conducted at Springfield, ILL.,, which must
have brought JOY to the hearts of all the
young Of that city who were privileged to
witness it.
The New Republic which Is something of
an iconoclast, dares to curl its lip at that
educational theory which has it's principal
basis in what is called training the mind"
with small regard to the utility in after life
Of tho scraps Of information the patient &C
quires in the process.
All Of ns were told in youth that the
training at which we rebelled and the hard
facts that were crammed down our reluctant
threats would be useful to us in after life.
The Russell Sage Foundation, to demonstrate
or disprove the accuracy of this conception,
assembled class of what rightly may be
regarded as successful men and tested their
knowledge OF matters called for in the cur
rent examination papers of the city public
schools. The class consisted of State Sena-
tor former Lieutenant G overnor "A manu-
facturer, a city official, banker, a physician,
merchant, lawyer, editor. an engineer
and a clergyman Says the New Republic,
with an unholy elation:
The results. it need hardly be said.
were n complete demonstration of the
intuition OF our childish precocity. Not
one OF these eleven successful and intel
liEcnt gentlemen made SO much a
passing mark In any subject. In the
spelling match the best record was six
words out of ten, while man. prob
ably the editor failed In every word.
only one Of the pupils knew the capital
Of Montenegro, while neither he nor any
OF the others had the faintest reaction
to Atncama or the Pamir Plateau, much
less to the length of South Americ;. or
the distance in degrees from Portugal
to the Cral Mountains Only of the
eleven could do the thermometer prob
lem--he must have been In Paris once
in January-and one knew the
specific gravity OF alcohol when litrea
weigh 1.5S kgms. AS for the ten his
torical dates selected from ninety-one,
the only date that many men
knew was tho attack Sumter. Only
one Identified the date of the Mexican
War. only the surrender OF Corn
wallis.
Many men, it Is safe to say look back on
their youth with a feeling OF resentment for
what they were made to suffer Most feel,
1t Is likely, that their real education began
after they left school and college and came
into actual contact with the world. They re-
call few teachers, perhaps, who inspired them
to learn anything. The principal memory OF
their school days is likely to be OF a success
sion Of mental indigestions.
There really must be something wrong
with n system that dcvotes so much time to
imparting knowledge that vanishes complete
ly before a man attains maturity and that is
Of no value in the conduct Of his daily affairs.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-01-11
Employment Bureaus Manager

a MANAGER for the Public Employment
a Bureau is to be named tonight Rich
mond looks TO the board to which this cleo
ton is confded to disregard all political con-
siderations and choose man who can be
relied on to resist political pressure In the
discharge of his duties.
1t is of the highest Importance that the
bureau should start right 1t has great
opportunities. 1t may do much for the city
and contribute something permanent and
substantial to the solution Of tremendous
problem. which the whole country now Is
facing. II can win the confidence of en-
ployers and of the public at large 1t NAV
prevent or mitigate the seasonal unemplny-
ment which makes precarious many trades
and vocatons.
There is ample opportunity 10 the manager
elected 10 make himself OF highest useful
ness TO Richmond If he starts out with Tho
right equipment and the right contention of
his duties. he may rise high In the estimation
OF his fellow citizens. He may carve out for
himself an honorable career OF distinction
and worth.
There is, Of course the other way of dis
charging the functions of the office. It can
be made partisan and useless-a mere an
pendage TO political machine an ins,ru
ment for comforting Jobs in return for votcs
The board understands all this exceed,ng-
ly well. The issue is in its members hands.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-01-11
The Voice of the People
Another Word for Tree planting.

sir.-.In .yes,erday's paper an enthusiast on
the old trees already there need attention ''N'
s q e = SSs
Si,mate Is 50 tayo5aSe % tree gTow.h ,ha 1
is done to assist nature. l'''-
have trees in town without any attention 'i from
the tree &c doctor but the changed conditions
The buildings crowd the tree. The. soil is
aed f0 on a tnd
leaves from coal smoke. Retoiiation by Leaf
sock moth elm beetles es Also feG sSmond duf is
Moth III o scale 10th saa
infect the bark Of shade trees trees. such as maple
Kings ,aSs to 'f XII some ans
Re LEOPARD meth larvae vii and 1 go
only cut Into the Wood Of that s's are es
sroWths etc, They many and various % Kinds
q c and they the H the os
are not seen until too late:
srses me %sshSas q hanainE t@ess have
and ny me Srn II the be
Charlottesville. Va. January g. 1915
= . Solder. as n,shway Builders.
TG the Ct that
Ct the minoritgy mHmbe n Of both houses Of
dance over the condition OF our national de-
tense. Amidst all the tom tom din and con-
fusion we see noble and beloved President
standing at the helm directing the old ship OF
state with calm and rcsoiute eve through
the tangled drift of European war and war
between the states Of Mexico.
All lovers OF peace and prosperity stand
sclidy by President Wilson in his endeavor to
keep this great country out Of the inhumnn
vortex of II these political tango wa r
da ncers would direct their efforts to Securing
O national highway from Maine Florida from
FLORIDA to Texas and from Texas along the
Pacific Coast to the Canadian border, thew wouiS
accomplish more effective line Of defense for
the nation than the great stone wall did for
China. .
work in place Of idieness In barracks? The
days of inactivity on the firing line are monu
ments to his genius, and American soldiers
would be in better trim, after moderate work
than after long period OF deness.
II the editors who eternally ding
donging at the administration would stop thar
tango war music and direct their efforts IN
the national highway, they would please tho
people and aid In bringing prosperity to our
country.
The hounds OF war,
Unleashed, all abroad.
And wars trade, again is made
Mans leading aim In life,
Blood dyes the pillows and the sod;
The very winds rife
with tales of slaughter"
Jacksonville. Fla. January 9. 1915.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-01-11
Queries and Answers
hitting the Thumb.

biting the Thumb
Can you inform why biting the thumb
wac considered an insult in Romeo and
Juliet" IT will bite my thumb at them. which
is disgrace to them IL they bear it,?
HIGH SCHOOL.
The thumb represented a fig tnco), and 1t was
ms much as to say. "A hg for you" Lodges
."Wits Mserle" (1596) has the explanation
exactly: "Behold, next Contempt march
Ing forth, giving me the fco. with his thumb In
his mouth"
Verses Wanted.
Can you publish for me the verses. Death in
the White House?" t.as L. NJ
viii some reader kindly send oepyf
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-01-11
The New York subway Acci,en.

w HEN en-, the re, people Of New York cool off
w they will probably come TO understand
thal 'he acclocht III their subway tends more
to prove its safety than its danger Had
there been an inherent flaw in the engineer
ing principles governing the oporatiop or
the tralna, there would have been a holocaus,
instead OF one death. When The shor, cir
cult set fire to the insulation Of the feoder
: cables every train OF the many In the tubes
came to standstill automatically and in
stantly. There were 10 collisions a,,horah
the tunnel quickly filled with black smote
which blotted out all signal lights. MOI a
car took fire. and the Unfortunate vom.n
VINO died appears TO have lost her lif.
through fright
Nevertheless, the accident was a ,hinp ~
horror. Hundreds Of persons were suddenly
imprisoned, in the dark, underground. and
s, the acrid smoke speedily overcama scores
tSnon scores OF them. either III the cars or
siT s,s, gling along the tracks. 1t ia TO be
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-01-11
SONGS AND SAWS
Hurrah,

Perha ps thero are some folks who doubt
That Wilson plans to run
ihey're those who want him to keep out
of next years fight and fun.
nut they'll be disappointed men.
It's suro as anything
nc PRESIDENT Will run again
His hat is In the ring.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-01-11
NIcditntions of the Cat

feel suro I cannot stand
this sort OF thing much
longer without being fright
ened out Of seven or eight Of
the nine. stood for the
punching bag and tho medi-
cine ball. but I'm free TO say
that this performance gets
my goat.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-01-11

agreement In restraint OF trade I do
not know whether the effect is to in
crease the price to the United States
government. nor do 1 know whether
mat government is aware OF the prac-
tice that Is adopted. / apprehend that
II Is not"
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-01-11
No Trouble mt All.

Cruhbs--What sort of luck YOU having
with your car?
Stubbs--Fine. since ] bought it last week
have only been stalled twice. had three pune
lures and been arrested four times.