davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-08-04
PHILADELPHIA. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST .. 1915
Coordinate Mans Powers and Opportunities

TT THE failure of modern civilization could
i be summed UP In one phrase, it would
be- lack of coordination. Man has moved
far on the road toward a life of balanced
powers and opportunities of materials and
demands. Yet he stands only on the threshold
of problems in social organization which are
vital to his prosperity and happiness
Turn to any field of effort and there you
will find some failure to equalize supply and
demand. We face that question in the labor
market. How is mans labor, mnnfestly the
thing upon which wealth and comfort rest, to
be fully utilized? How is he to be prevented
from squandering II In a season of full-time
work for every one-only to see 1t idle at
times when work is slack. though the appe
tite still stays? Similarly, what is to be done
with such a problem as the oversupply OF
foodstuffs now acute in Philadelphia? Is
man to win no profit from natures bounty?
Is he to lack food while vegetables rot in the
fields because it will not pay to market them?
Surely civilization is not civilization till 1t
has met and solved such problems
They call for much thought and perhaps
great daring, new conceptions of the public
life, new functions Yet while we await a
communal thought which will see the sig
niheance of such questions, there seem sug-
gestions here in this very matter of the truck
crop which Philadelphia institutions might
null over, Why don't the charitable organ
izations take things in hand? During the
winter they wanted $4,000 for poor relief to
put food in the mouths of families on the
verge of starvation. Why can't they put a
sum like that at work in the summer build
ing for the winter? All this store of produce
that now goes to waste could be bought for
song, canned comparatively cheaply and
stored away to meet another winter of con-
ditons like those of last year without such
provision as the charities might thereby give
us, progress must continue to be slow.
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-08-04
What a God Would Do

re- GOD set out to build a healthy city. he
would begin with the babies If he were
3 modern god, he would probably devote
good deal of attention to the hospitals where
the little frames Of future citizens are nursed
back into health And IL he were quite the
god he ought 10 be, he would see that in the
summer, Of all times there were all the
nurses all the beds and all the facilities that
the eity's hospitals need 10 accommodate
every sick baby brought to them He would
certainly rage in godlike anger at stories OF
infants turned back to die in the heat ana
art OF city sium life because institutions
such as the Babies Hospital can't hnd such
sums as 1900 20 establish 10 more nursing
beds sins
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-08-04

was a hotbed OF revolution and chronic
disturbance It has become territory Of
stable republican Governments erected on
democracy and baliasted by large industriel
development and the Investment Of foreign
capital Where dictator-rdden Mexico be-
came only better field for rebellion by rea-
son of the robberies committed by foreign
concessionaires, the big countries Of South
America have become healthfuly prosper
GUS through constructive investments from
abroad. Moreover, the placing Of these in
vestments equally In nelghboring countries
has given what were once rival States com
mon interests In keeping the peace South
America is growing up. She may now be
taken into partnership.
Consulting the "A b. c." is good first
step, II may do much to clear UP the Mexl-
can situation. But some permanent policy of
conference and common action would do
more. II a Pan-Amerlcan league cnn thus
be effected, in whose charge the enforce
ment of the Monroe Doctrine can be placed,
then America will have gone a long way
toward establishing a genuine police weapon
for the permanent peace of half the world.
While Europe quarrels America can put her
house in order
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-08-04

DH1LADELPH1A has no room for croakers.
L This city is going ahead, whether the dry
rot of political corruption likes 1t or not. I'm
fortunately we have the croakers always
with us; but If they must be endured. let
them be properly tagged. They are the men:
Who tell us that we don't need rapid
transit
Who would dispose of the Convention Hall
and its priceless commercial value in ex-
change for few ward votes,
who insist that we already have too many
Fairgrounds
who oppose the appropriation of money for
sanitary schoolhouses.
Who cry hard times to frighten investors.
Who would strangle the progressive spirit
Of the city
Benjamin Franklin in his day had to deal
with the croakers. one Of whom by his dismal
wailings almost persuaded the youthful print
er not to embark in the career that made
him one of our two greatest Americans,
What Franklin says of this type of citizen
in his Autobiography is worth printing for
its application to the same type today;
There croakers in every country,
always boding It's ruin. Such one lived in
Philadelphia, n person of note, an elderly
man, with wise look and very grave
manner Of speaking. This gentleman, a
stranger to me, stopped day at my door
and asked me II was the young man who
had lately opened a printing house.
Being answered in the affirmative, he said he
was sorry for me, because 1t was an ex-
pepsive undertaking and the expense would
be losts for Philadelphia was a sinking
place. the people already half bankrupts, or
near being So And he gave me
such detail of misfortunes now existing.
or that were soon to exist that he left me
half melancholy. Had I known him before
l engaged in this business. probably | should
never have done II. This man continued to
live In this decaying place. and TO declaim
in the same strain refusing for many years
TO buy house there because all was going
TO destruction; and at last had the pleasure
of seeing him give five times as much for
orc as he might have bought 1t for when
first he began his croakng,
The Franklin sort of sanity and leadership
must underlie the advance of Philadelphia
today,
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-08-04
A Disgraceful Trick

THE menace cf equal suffrage becomes
L gloomier every day. Heavier and heavier
hangs over the head of the anti. Presently
the votes for women campaign will press so
closely around mere men that there won't
even be room for a graceful bowling to the
inevitable.
The latest outrage perpetrated by the suf-
fragists is an entirely unexpected one. Con-
trary to all precedent, the propagandists who
insist upon taking the Declaration of Inde-
pendence seriously have been logical. This
the antis could forgive. But they will never
forgive the suffragists for learning politics.
1t is a low-down trick, and the antis will be
justified If they won't play any more
BY some stroke of luck, the suffrage
amendment will lead off on the list of pro-
posed amendments to be voted on at the
next election. And the suffragists are quite
willing to admit that this accidental advan-
tage will give them $4,000 votes NJ. Quay
couldn't have arranged 1t better
OF course the suffragists don't want TO
win their victory by trick or chance But
they want to win
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-08-04
TURTLE BACKS ON HIGH SEAS
Lake Freight Steamships Driven to Seek
Trade on Salt Water.

new type of merchantmen is soon to carry
the American flag in the Atlantic trade. 1t is
the Great Lakes fretghter, long and narrow
with the engine placed so far astern that when
the vessel is sailing light the bow sticks up
high in the air.
The interior of these craft is wholly given
up to freight space owing to the fact that they
We're built chiefly to carry iron ore and coal
SO long low and clear is the stretch of deck
space amidships that in rough weather II Is
impossible TO pass forward or aft
These freak ships will doubtless attract much
interest abroad. Though intended only for the
lakes, they are said to be adapted equally we'll
to ocean trafte. The Atlantic is seldom
rougher than the Great Lakes are at times
storms, too, are not so sudden and freaksh
at sea, and when there is a hurricane the shin
can run from It as it cannot do In the con
fined lake region.
This reinforcement of our foreign and coast
wise fleet Is due to the decision OF the Inter
state Commerce Commission to the effect that
II Is Illegal Tor the railroads TO operate freight
lines on the lakes. Sixty-three OF the largest
steamers, many OF them capable OF CARRYING
lZ,UOO-ton eargoes, must be got rid Of A dozen
or more have already been sold TO Atlantic
transportation companies. They win be cut IN
OF the Welland Canal on their Journey 10 tbs
Atlantic via the ST. Lawrence River
The result Is not expected TO lower freight
rates on the Great Lakes through increased
competition II may even bring higher rates
enabling the independent boat owners n ,,,stss
a better living than they have for some vears
Ine supply OF boats has exceeded the demand
and the rates established by rallroads MAJ
oldnt nave 70 show a profit took the proat
away from their competitors.
ihe tfafne affected Is tremendous -one-solrth
OF the tonnage OF our entire merchant rnarlns
ana nearly one-third as much ton miIeses s
ls carried By all the railroads OF the Tfngfs9
states-Taeoma Tribune
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-08-04
Putting More Parks on the Map

TT is very doubtful II there is a single city
in the United States that is not under
parked, few. like Philadelphia. New York
and ST. Louis enjoy large area OF parkage,
but find 1t located in single great plot
Fairmount Central or Forest Park. All the
rest lack even more any handy areas of grass
and trees where children and men and
women get a little of that summer airing
which is the first need of life in a city 1t is
the most obvious OF platitudes that any step
to increase the park area and particularly
to create new parks in new districts Is a step
to be quickly taken.
Philadelphia can acquire 800 acres of park
age. an area fully sixth OF Fairmount Park.
II Councils will assist the Department OF
Public Works in plans for improving and
beautifying the land surrounding the city's
filtration plants. Many Of them are Ideally
located, both as TO sites and as TO neghbor-
hood; they AFFORD rare opportunities for
creating beauty spots close to residential
or Industrial districts. The expense will be
comparatively small; the gain too great to
estimate.
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-08-04
VIEWS OF READERS ON TIMELY TOPICS
Suggestion of Way Settle the QuestonThe Gt in the
Fruit and Produce Market-Disputed Authorship of
Familiar Quotation

To the Editor Of the Epenin0 Ledger.
Sir-Having had more diversified experience
than Colonel David II. Lane, my esteemed
friend and political collaboration OF so years. in
political conferences OF public character
through the columns of the EVENING LEDGER /
take the liberty of suggesting how he may bring
his Mayoralty conference to a successful ter
mination with credit to himself and satsfae-
tion to the people:
IL is for Colonel Lane to call an early confer.
ence of the five political leaders. and as its
chairman say to his confreres; Il give you one
hour to agree upon a candidate that will COM
mand general unanimity. Failing in that | shall
adjourn this conference OF five for a conference
OF all the Republican voters of Philadelphia, and
as your chairman l shall at once proceed 10
take out nomination papers for Senators Pen
rose and McNichol and Congressman Ware for
the MayoFaHy-the only method whereby the
strength of each can be determined-and that
one OF the three receiving the highest primary
vote shall be declared by me, as chairman OF
this conference, and chairman of the Repub-
ltcan Campaign Committee. the unanimous or
party choice, of the Republicans for Mayor OF
the city OF Philadelphia, and he must be accord
ingly supported
And from this ruling OF your chairman there
can be no appeal-t must be agreed to by entire
and sincere unanimlty."
JOHN ". FRAZIER.
PhiladeDhia.
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-08-04
PROTECTION FoR AMERIoANs

10 fae Editor ot the Evening Ledger.
Sir-in a recent issue OF the EVENING LEDGER
a correspondent under the signature Of George
Watson" expresses, among other things his
views on the duty OF the United States 10 pro-
teet its citizens in a foreign country (tha for-
eign country being, IN the communication rep-
resented by the British steamship Lusitania)
Evidently he does not agree with the Govern
ment in thinking It should. / wonder what Mr.
Watson would do If he got into trouble abroad7
Il does not require many guesses as 10 the
action he would take. Would he not seek ref-
uge at The American Consulate. ana would he
not complain bitterly II he were not properly
protested?
However. the words Of Robert J. Ingersoll
express my views far better than I could ever
write them, and do not take up anything ike
as much space;
The nag that does not protect Its citizens
abroad as at home Is a dirty hlthy rag moi
worth lighting for ana eontaminates ne very
air il floats M
Would MI watson Ike any one 10 bs h q
position g say that about his naaa
g Tie United states did not attempt q obtain
RESTITUTION for The death IS IS rlllzsns.
sAeeAa e aahamea e p eallsa 50 American
STEWART s. EEMoA
philadelphia Aazusz
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-08-04
''Why Should the Devil Have All the Good
Tunes?"

WHEN Rowland Hill. the hymn-writer
asked this far'ous question he had no
Philadelphia politics in mind And Phlla-
aeiphia politics has not in the past had any
too much to do with the hymn book.
The present situation makes one suspect
that the devil has all the good tunes In the
discussion of the next mayoralty campaign,
the men mentioned are almost invariably
Organization candidates. 1t is a question
whether this Ware man or that Harmony
candidate will be selected. Too many have
rorsotten that an honest man, too. is de-
sirable
Why2 Is August too hot for men to be
virtuous? Or wartime too turbulent for vir-
tue TO be active? Or haven't the uncorrupted
voters OF Philadelphia learned the first les
son from the orsanization-the lesson which
is in its very name?
The power OF dishonesty is nlne-tenths in
its organization. But to organize is not
necessarily TO be corrupt
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-08-04
PaLLIng AmerIea.s Honse i order

TTlaE representatives Of the "A. B. c."
: Powers and OF three other south ana
Central American Republics are TO be called
into conference with Secretary Lansing on
the situation In aexieo. Such Joint speech on
fan-American affairs is not only fortunate.
E should be changed into action. Il might
sHen 50 far toward establishing permanent
peace for the two Americas
Aa Z stands, the Monroe Doctrine Is both
boon and burden, It insures protection
aaa Justice to the Western Hemisphere but
aE the price Of constant danger 10 The t7gltsd
States. America @has become the euardian
e the rest Of the two continents. ana there
fore an object q jealousy 10 certain Euro
pear Interests. Unfortunately. we labor un
asF ne further ard pFohtless diaeulty of
ofksn being mistHasted bs the very peoples
ssek taas to protect We md int5lerabls
seaa.fIens = Mexico. yet We hesitate 10
sHea9 - ssneaas aad dansera q inteFsen-
zIee = - Eies e sals Interest which i
~ 1aHIH HHzHIza
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-08-04
THE GLUT IN THE MARKET

To the Editor Of the EveHinO Ledger:
Sir-In an editorial you say there is glut in
the fruit and produce market In PHILADELPHIA
the city being choek-a block with produce the
truckers not beng able to sell all their product
etc; yet as you say, there hasn't anybody
noticed any cheaper prices at retail that any
body knows Of Between the producer who
cannot sell all he has produced and never gets
what he should for what he does sell at any
time and the consumer, there evidently is
"somet thing rotten In Denmark"
1t looks on the face of IL as II the retailer
and dozen or more middlemen wholesalers
In between are the ones who are doing the heec-
ing Isn't It a fact that the dealers are known
to dump tons and tons OF produce In the rivers
or some other place during gluts 20 keep prices
uD instead of even giving 1t away to thousands
OF the poor? l have heard that boatoads of
stun are dumped in the waters around the city
of New York for that reason
Whether there Is something rotten in Den
mark or not, the time TO put Smelling con-
mission on the job is when the glut Is on, as
Il at least looks though there Is very rlpe
fruit for investigation. H. M ri
Philadelphia August q
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-08-04
Philadelphia, August 2.
WHO SAID IT7
. ne Editor Of ne Epeainq Ledger.

TO the Editor Of tAe Eueaing Ledger
Sr-Your Germantown correspondent John
Rogers. Is right. Horace Greeley was not the
author OF the saying The only way to resume
is 10 resume" II made by John Sherman,
the original Free Silver man Horace
Greeleys two most famous sayings were, "On
10 Richmond" and Go West. young man, 60
West" If General Mcclellan had needed the
first saying he would have ended the trouble
right there and then. The second saying sank
deep In thousands and thousands Of young
mems minds and vas fortunate in hearing
Horace Greeley read some letters from the
stage of the Cooper Institute from some OF
those who had taken his far sighted advice
RYER5ON ". JENNINGS
Philadelphia. August g.
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-08-04


practiced in your midst. For 10 years he has
been an Assistant City Solicitor, and he has
filled that position with promptness, energy
and methodcalness. He will sit on the bench
and he will not lose his temper and show
that he cannot control himself"
He Kept His Temper
This prophecy was fulfilled in the course of
events. For when, later Judge Barratt faced
the most violent storm of public denuncia-
tion that had been the lot of a Judge here
in many years, he did not lose his temper,
and he did control hmself; to the extent, in
fact, of refusing absolutely to lower his judi
cial dignity by answering his accusers. The
judgment of Mr.. McCurdy was particularly
interesting because it coincided so accurately
with the prediction of Mr.. Durham made
about a fortnight before the primaries, of
which the conventions actions and oratory
were the fruit and flower.
Mr.. Durham had been closeted with
Messrs. Ashbridge and Penrose hours at
time for several days, 1t said that Dur
ham had Offered the Judgeship to City So
licitor Kinsey, but that Kinsey had refused
it, saying he'd rather remain City Solicitor"
but it is hardly likely that Mr. Durham
would have Offered" an office that was the
peoples gift to bestow and not his He had
second man had been offered the Judgeship
and mad refused It after considering the mat
ter for three hours. IT'S a man whose name
has not been mentioned publicly" Durham
remarked. Philadelphia may never know the
name of this man whom it so nearly had the
chance to elect to a ten years term as
Judge.
There was yet another conference, and at
the end of 1t Durham opened the door and
solemnly said 1T is Barratt." Amazing
prophet! When shall we have a greater
Barratt's name was the only one presented
to the convention, curiously enough. Ash
bridge said Durham had nothing to do with
it; later Barratt was his choice from the
first, the Mayor maintained.
That year, 1902, was Judge Barratts big
year. His good fortune began with his ap-
pointment as John Weavers First Assistant
District Attorney. Then he was elected pres
ident of the Young Republicans defeating
Horace D. Cav by a small majority after a
hot fight. Cav had been president for sew
eral years, but his time had come. He and
other leaders of the club had been suspected
of actually desiring things that were not
pleasing to the Big Men at City Hall; they
had been heretically inclined to support Roth
ermel for reelection as District Attorney.
1t was natural that the young man Che was
80 them who had Just been made Weaver's
assistant should stand up as the champion
of Weavers powerful friends, and oppose
Cav and all the Caviar heresies. The Young
Republicans elected Barratt, but only by a
small margin
Then, later in the same year. he had his
first boom for Mayor boom gives a man |
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-08-04
THE FoRoEg oF CIVILIZATION

70 fha Editor 81 fhe Evening Ledger;
Sir-In the EVENING LEDoaR Of today there
appeared editorial on the progress Of the war
In which the Balkan nations we're mentioned as
e possible deciding factor "a the struggle II
these peoples Would only join the forces of
civilization then al would b well But Who
may ask. are ths forces of elyillzalions's can
Ensland ae meant with her s. vars s conquest
- Eae lasi haif aealaHsf nla shs Tsaten Allles
zzouE tha cara - zaszse k4azz s nll az4laat
aEe mea q Eaea Ha as france
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-08-04

surance Of receiving
effusive plaudlts be-
fore and after their
efforts. The conven-
tlon Of September u,
1902, was no excep-
tion. The delegates
we're treated to a
speech by George Nc
Curdy, who rose to
nominate Norris S.
Barratt TO succeed
Mr.. Pennypacker as a
Judge of the Court of
Common Pleas. Mr..
McCurdy was at his
best, as these excerpts
from his eulogy Will
indicate.
uFor 1R ypnra he
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-08-04
a WORD To PANCHo VILLA

Faheho' why stoop to such utter banality?
faaFe some regard for our boasted neutralU
Stop and reflect, and be done with this ehsh
tering;
Pride VIII not stop us from going a-batteFfa
~ A'9 you 10 war indirectly inviting US?
10 II on Filla that you would be lighting o.
He's MheFe's your strategical foresight traditional
" would you convert US to foemen additional
II II, lhere be aught In your words OF sincerity
e. Souio you night on 20 years, OF verify?
1ou may be spanked II you don't start pIaeat.
5ll 5iat lNs oqtpouring Of childish profanity.
:, ~ 70 aepelop some sign Of urbanity.
ing
NV. Jomp INTO Mexico. yours Is the blunderlng.
hsnslble;
10 be good boy and try to be sensible
ZIP
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-08-04

have done2 Are the Turcos the champions of
civilization? Ireland has been crucifed by this
brand of civilization. 1t would be more correct
to say that there is no civilization"
PADRAIC LAGAN.
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-08-04

to have the substance and not the mere shados
OF power In the Empire of the Romanoffs.-
Brooklyn Eagle.
The exhibition to the Empire States Belshas-
zars of the handwriting on the volI was he
more impressive because Elihu Root was The
eAnioitor' No one has ever accused Mr. Root
or being radical" Public discussions OF Ills
character and conduct have proceeded on Just
'"' contrary hypothesis-chieago Herald
In times OF crisis Americans have usually as
Quilted themselves with credit IN the varlous
helas OF government, that OF diplomacy Ia.
GUIDED In the present emergency America
diplomacy Is seen at its best-Cbieago News
me various interests OF our injured trade an
making strenuous efforts to have our Covers
ment shatter this blockade and embargo 10.
sututed by the Allies. and that 1t will De %.
eolnphshed In short time the country hops
and demands.-Cincinnati Eouirer
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-08-04
NATIONAL POINT OF view

HUNGER may yet cause the bulk Of the Next
accept help.-indianapolis News
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-08-04

Unfortunately, the Federal Reserve Boards
plans for crop moving don't extend to the
truck gardens round Philadelphia ana cam
den
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-08-04

II Germany is willing to swap Belgium for
the Congo. II may be due 70 the latter's wide
reputation as a field Tor atroeities