davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-08-01
PLANS FOR REVISING THE CALENDAR

DO not worry about the calendar
for 1916. 1t will contain the same
number OF days in each month, with red
figures indicating the holidays. as the
calendar that has been In use. with
n few exceptions. since the one that
was worked out by julius Caesar, 46
r. c.
The calendar you have consulted all
your life has been a target for sci
entists for generations II these wise
ones had had their way, the calendar of
your forbcars' forbears would have
been shot full OF holes long ago.
While memory affectionately fondles
the old calendar, and while we do not
cxpect TO see it materially changed in
this, our, day, there comes an in
defnable notion that 1t isn't what it
ought to be. But the tinker often
leave a kettle in worse condition than
IT WAS when LETT 10 him to patch up
The present calendar is an awful puz-
zle when one undertakes to analyze
it. Many people, no doubt have short
ened their lives by worrying over the
fact that the calendar did not fix
Christmas and the Fourth of July so
they would fall on the same day every
year Many who were born on the
goth of February have fretted them
selves into premature old age because
every three years they found that they
were born one day later. Scientists
have explained this to their own salts
faction. but it isn't every one who cares
to untwist scientifically, why one year
contains q little more time than three
other years, or why. in tho name OF
common sense, ii Is necessary for that
fraction Of day to butt in"
f2ut one must keep step with the
procession or be run down. Tho cal
Iar H. to tn, N
latest, so far rs we are advised Is a
minister of the gospel-Rev. IL. r.
flames. n curate in a New York Fpis-
copal Church. His Is "a practical. in
genious solution of the problem" OF
making calendar which will mako all
months equal and add one more to tho
present twelve. The latter feature VIII
appeal to people who are employed at
so much n year, as government clerks
arc employed. but 1t adds to the ex-
pense of n man who leases house the
annum.
The calendar proposed by the New
York curate may he a practical solu-
ton Of the problem" of calendars. But
that is what all calendar rebuilders
have said, and the structure lis not yet
simplified.
The common lot that has more to
do with calendars than scientists will,
we think, be satisfied with an outline
Of this latest proposed timekeeper. Any
way. an outline is all that. we can now
offer.
1t is made to conform to tho lunar
system and consists OF thirteen months
of twenty eight days each, with an
extra day without legal date, called
New Years. Eve, following. Immediate
ly after December % each year. and
two extra days without legal dato
every leap year Except once in 400
ycars,. This second extra day falls
between the 18th and 18th OF Holiday
(Which is tho new month, introduced
between June and July, and which
will be known as a general holiday.
Inauguration Day will be changed
from March to May 4. We had sun
posed that Congress was the only body
that could change tho date of a prcsi-
Dental inauguration, but the curate's
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-08-01
Cheaper Gas in Sight

w ITH the approval of the Finance Com
w mittee, the ordinance providing for
S0-cent gas now is assured of passage. There
is every reason to expect that within COM
paratively short time the larger part of Rich
mond's population will be buying gas at a
price that will compare very favorably with
that prevailing in other cities Of similar size
The Administrative Board should remem-
Der. however, that a considerable section OF
the city is not reached by the city mains, and
that in that section the gas company there
operating charges S1.10, minus a small dis
count. for its product. Certainly something
should be done TO correct this inequality
deduction In the price of gas sold by the
city plant means reduced earnings for the
department and larger taxes than the general
public otherwise would pay
All the people who pay the taxes should
share in the benefits of cheap gas. That
obvious fact ought TO be kept in mind
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-08-01
Municipal Gratitude.

Three hundred years ago in England
1T occasionally happened that a celeb
rity received from his town testi
mon!al in recognition OF his supposed
service for the public welfare In this
Soodly city OF indianapolis il has not
happened that any city official. from tho
Mayor down to and including the hmm
blest servitor at the City Hall. has ever
received such recognition either when
living or in n public monument "a
mark his last resting place. Here ia
testimonial from the ancient records
OF Nottingham, England, 1909: "Jt Is
agreed that the town shall on Wed
nesday next, present the recorder Sir
Henry Iferrepont, with n sugar loaf
shillinss; lemons. l shilling nence.
white wine, one gallon, . shillings
pence; claret, one gallon. shillings q
pence: muskadyne, one bottle, 2 shIl-
iinss pence; sack. one bottle. shi,-
lings. Total, 20 shillings pence" a
year later the town recoenized the
merit of citizen by ordering that "a
veal. mutton, Il lamb, a dozen of
chlckens, two dozens of rabbits. two
dozen or pigeons and four capons"
should be presented to him. WHY the
testimonial in one case should have
Dcen all drink and in the other all
ioou doeS not appear
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-08-01

Grated to western lands. have been
htane lertiie and productive by Cana
niah ana European immigrants. whose
ancestors have Il He'd the soil intensive-
~ for centuries and know how TO max.
II yield crops.
or the S7s.73s, 325 acres OF farm lana
IN the United States. but 47S45iT 50
acres are now improved, leaving 400
"t''''a acres unimproved These farms
average i3s acres, with fifty-four acres
improved and forty-fve acres unim
proved.
Ihat there is national awakening
10 the great waste in land and fores,a
Is evident however. Recently at tho
oahk.'-iafmcr conference held in Chi
caSo II was demonstrated that fabulous
proHts nave resulted from the rchabiN-
Iah"n of abandoned and WORKOUT
farms
woman. Mrs. c. H. Matthias. of
montgomery. Ala, who was employed
by the Alabama Bankers Association
as travelling lecturer to explain to
the farmers how they can improve their
crops. was the genius who worked the
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-08-01
Protect the Humble Crab

GRABS are in need OF protection Tho
~ rapid decrease in the number OF crabs
on the Eastern Shore has already alarmed
Marylanders, and is subject OF thought for
Firginians. The Legislature, at It's coming
session, should take means TO stop the wauton
destruction OF crabs, along with game birds
and rabbits.
Crab packers on the Eastern Shore heva
been hit hard by the destruction of crabs IN
the hay waters The chief abuse Consists IN
the catching of young crabs from one inch n
five inches long which should be returned N
the water and allowed the chance to grow :,
maturity AT present crah-cookine plants
take all crabs TO be found dsregarding the
former rule OF putting back hab by crabs ne
cause Of this sacrifice of the youthful sbcll-
backs, crabs are becoming scarce and prices
are steadily going up.
One of the greatest attractions OF seaside
Virginia is the delicious seafood hitherto co
abundant and cheap. The crab ia one .of ,be
most delec,ab!e Of Virginia products and he
should be carefully guarded against exter
nIinat!on.
II might seem a needless precaution to e.
tend protection 10 so numerous a race ss the
crabs, II sad experience did not warn MS that
the most apparently e1haustless species may
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-08-01
LITTLE TALKS ON THRIFT
By S. w. STRAUS
hsHdenf american SsG<U fer Thin

transformation in values She Ia
seoiogist and soil chemist and knows
before beginning what the soil lacks
Five times Mrs. Matthias has bought
worn-out farms. some of them enor-
nous plantations. paying usually not
more than 70 per acre Then. by proper
tertilizntion. rotation OF crops, raising
OF live stock, Hhc has transformed them
INTO fertile acres and has sold them
from ten 10 thirty times the amount in
vested "
we are just beginning to know that
We nave much TO learn from the Euro.
peans in the outstanding OF resources.
VIC are learning our lessons from tho
stories of the war that Is now devastat-
ing Europe. Day after day the press
reports impart the knowledge OF the
value OF thrift when early instilled. Our
correspondents marvel at the remark
able evidences OF this Unborn virtue
IL the peoples of these countries are
schoolcd in thrift, lacking as many OF
them do the advantages of education.
how much easier 1t would be for our
people to lead the world in the wsv,
OF thrift. having all the advantages OF
the experience of our Old World peo-
pies, ana OF scientific education and
training at our command.
Another laudable step toward the re-
ducton or the national land waste ia
the movement TO use the convicts to
build roads so that arabic lands NAV
be opened for settlement. Many of tho
western States now have laws permit
ting them to use this labor. California
is the latest state 10 pass such a law and
expects TO place 1900 convicts in road
making through the mountains where
thero are 100000 acres Of arabic land
on the eastern plateau OF the Sierras
that can be opened for settlement next
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-08-01
New Police Commissioners

# HAT a man Of the character and standing
1 of Augustine Royal has been elected to
membership on the Police Board and has ac-
copied the appointment is gratifying to the
public and creditable to the Madison Ward
delegation and the City Council as whole
We do not favor the administration OF de-
partments Of the municipal government by
large commissions, but if the plan Is to be
followed, Mr.. Royal is just the type of man
that should be chosen for membership OH
such boards.
He is good citizen and an able man.
Under the commission plan, it Is assumed
generally that professional skill and expert
ence will he supplied by the chief and sub
ordinate officers, while the members of the
commission exercise a general oversight and
control broad policies. For such work the
new commissioner is we'll fitted
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-08-01

to make new applications. It remains to be
seen how generally tho invitation Will be
cepted This war has done more than slaughter
men and destroy treasure; 1t has altered whole
train of ideas relative to the conduct OF n great
war 1t has reieSated old theories to the dis
card. and is in process of establishing many
ones Any one theory that appears in process OF
destruction. Is that to be good fighter
must be an Adonts. In trench lighting, for In
stance, small man appears to have some advan-
taGes over large one Long marches arc
seldom required under the dspcnsatlon.
The days Of bareback and tho prime necessity
OF teeth able to mastcate 1t have gone. To an
oNtent too, not hitherto possible. II has been
found possible to give soldiers regular and not
infrequent leaves of absence for recuperation
away from the strident music of the shells.
Physical excellence will never be held amiss.
certainly But this one lesson OF tho war con-
tains some consolation for those who, for one
reason or another, not blessed with bodies
suitable for Illustration on the cover of q physi-
cal-culture magazine.-Clereland Plain Dealer
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-08-01
The Voice of the PEOPLE
Wants Rond to the Northeast

TO me EdNUf OF The Times Dspalch:
Sir--liearing so much agitation reference
to more direct communication with the north
eastern section of the State with Richmond, it
certainly seems to that the first thing for
our ADMINISTRATIVE Board and Chamber OF Com
lnercc to do would he to realize that il is next
10 impossible to get out OF Richmond going
direction. 80 :
=, There is section from the eastern corporate
limits or Highland Park Addition to Venable
street street on Church Hill on which there is no
street SI, or entry to the city, except through
chelsea Hill This crosses the Chesapeake and
Ohio tracks at Hospital Street after coming
down TINS NIL. on road of which the grade is
the same that the first COW went up when
repair " " 49, o''u
~, All OF this section is attractive land near to
Inc business section. and If there any way
To get to II probably some of the people from
chants. VOTER FROM TIIE, NORTI1T S m't
Richmond, July 81, 1915
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-08-01
what Is England Doing,

to PlIe ibIIlVT UI NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.:
S}ir'--As subscriber and constant reader of
your paper. and one who has been Interested In
the present world war; I want to ask you what
England mas done in the present conflict.
II seems at present to be war between Cor
mary and Russia with France holding the lines
IN the west Italy has done nothing worthy
Of comment. and. as far L can learn from
your columns gland seems to be a neglic ible
QUANTITY Where is her splendid army and
navy, and where her army and naval nr6wnssa
Perhaps there is some excuse for italv os ~
latest power to enter the fray. and from whom
strength 81. but England. proud England. has been
results achieved have been to- the plorv anS
honor OF the colonies. rather than the mother
country.
Is Enslnnd n. coward? Is she unwilling to
that accomplish anything or a navy which
has Accomplished anything in the present
struggle?
am absolutely neutral. but it seems that
Germany is putting up mans fight 10
Russia. and It does look, Judging from " Your
reports, as If England has done absolutely moth
ing except what her colonies have done for her
y little light Would he he, most welcome.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-08-01

be killed out by wanton methods. Fifty
years ago our friend the lobster seemed as
numberless as the sands of the sea. but owing
to lack OF protection, he has disappeared from
some OF his former haunts, quite killed out.
HOLSTERS, once the cheapest Of food, are now
expensive If we do not look out for the
crab in few years he may become one OF
tho highest-priced items on hotel menus.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-08-01
SONGS AND SAWS
aThe Cnu.e,, In Arc,dy.


There dwelt n maid in Already
Beloved by shepherds many
Indeed. twas talked around that shc
Was courted more than any
Maiden In that country raro,
Where every maid was sweet and fair.
She had--this maid of Already
a manner most beguiling
That every one who CHANGED to see
Responded to her smiling;
They also knew this damsers dad
AT storing cash was not half bad
This pretty maid of Already
Had thus her choice of wooers;
In fact. 1t took agility
To distance her pursuers,
Wherein this early suffragette
Perceived a chance to win bet
Election time In Already
Quite oft was rather stupid
Arcadians preferred to be
Engaged with Danny Cupid
But when this maid we speak of urged
Her slaves to vote they fairly splurged.
Thus long ago in Already
The seXs wrongs were riRhted
The women gained equality
And scorned lands more benighted
But since-and here's the fateful hap.
No Arcady's adorned the map.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-08-01
identified.

Identified.
Did you see Binks down
the road?'
II don't know Binks. but
I saw two men. one OF whom
was being forced to listen to
lecture on war strategy"
The other man was Binks.
Thank you"
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-08-01

One advantage OF the prevalent absorption
or American manufacturers in the production
or munitions Of war should not be over
looked; If we do get into trouble we shall
nave made start already in providing ways
TO supply trouble to the other fellow.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-08-01

An m m e n 8 e
amount OF farm
land is allowed 10
go TO waste every
year because the
farmers do not
deem II necessary
TO use II for crops,
or because they
allow il TO deter!-
crate for lack OF
p 70 p er fertiliza-
ton.
The abandoned
farms Of y e w
England. deserted
by n generation Of
farm erS that mi
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-08-01
Queries and Answers
Eirst Automobile.

First Automobile.
Can you tell me who owned the first automo-
bile in Richmond? SUBSCRIBER
Probably Hon John Shelton Williams but
there seems to be some doubt about tho matter
A I'm britannica.
Did mob attempt to and feather a
Governor Of Virginia about 1850 for Dardonipr
negro? ALEX DOUGLAS.
No.
Wireless
Please give address OF private school of
wireless telegraphy In Richmond.
r. g. MORRISON
There Is mono.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-08-01
Not Needed.

The faithful lover has no wings
To help him conquer at loves game
But when the mall summons brings
He flies to answer, just the same
THE TATTLER
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-08-01

The Oxford Ledger generally reliable hurts
It's reputation somewhat by publishing the fol-
lowing: "A report comes from Beaufort Coun-
ty that ten bears Git might have been only sjx,
made raid on the hogs of a farmer named
jackson. Two who saw the bears fired
on them with bird shot. The bird shot only
stlng the bears into action. The men were
compelled to take the trees until the animals
thinking better of It, took to the woods"
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-08-01

Showing a woman over fortyfoot en-
bankment Is one OF the ''attra ctions" of
summer resort down in Maine The first
victim Is Philadelphia society leader. 1t is
singular fact that whenever Philadelphians
go away from home they get into trouble
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-08-01

Advocates OF subsidies for American mer-
chant vessels are discovered occasionally IN
tno hoSI unexpected places. Every now and
then you run across one who claims to be a
Democrat
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-08-01

In Georgia, Tennessee and Ken
Moonshine lucky the last six months have
and brought to light unusually
proh;hit;,, large number OF illegal liquor
factories n small SCALE and
the opinion has been expressed
frequently that only n small per cent of them
has been found by the revenue officers. who, In
many Instances Handicapped because the
stills are hidden by experts in the art of hidin,
them, are usually in almost inacccssible places
and are protected by the loyalty of the neighbors
to the distiller. 1t may not be that moonshine
are more active for the reason that store liquor
Is harder for them and their nciEhbors to get,
hut III tho absence OF any other plausible rea-
SON this ono will likely be generally accepted.
II the predictions Of prohibition orators arc
fulhllcd and national prohibition is in effect by
1929 II will not be surprising If a marked In
crease in moonshninE dates from that year. for
while the risks of the business may be greater.
Will he Its profits. which makes 1t certain
that the number and activity OF revenue officers
Will increase so far as the moonshiner is
cerncd he is as much an outlaw now az he would
be If national prohibition in effect. lie Is
forbidden now TO make whisky, because he de-
clines to pay for license to make IT. And
II he cannot he prevented from making it now
he will hardly be prevented from making II if
there Is n national prohibition law, unless tho
number Of officers engaged in suppressing moon
shining is very considerably incrcased-Savan-
nah Morning News.
Neither the Bryan sideshow nor
All Fves the Roosevelt sideshow is getting
Arc ~, the largest crowds. From the
nj. o, two extremes advocated by the
'iS Sho" Colonel from New York and the
Colonel from Nebraska tho multi
tuce turns wearily away and fixes its eyes upon
real gamer from all\this clamor and contention
OF the rival spicers. And perhaps 1T is AS well
for him and for us all that. since there is a
BRYAN going about the country preaching milk
and water, there should also he n Roosevelt
going about the country preaching fire and
birthstone. Each OF these serves somewhat as
an antidote for the other and helps. 1t may be- to
concentrate public confidence In Wilson,
Charleston News and Courier.
The moro urgently nation
Fighter ,eeos men IA an emergency the
Need Not w. Li1 ,t ..o'''Ss as 10
hc h"""'s belligcrents not insisting
nowadays that their regiments
be flled with eugenic models. Just ordinary
Inalo mortals possibly possessing n physical
defect or two welcomed. statement made
by the British War Office the other day has been
interpreted an invitation to heretofore
rejected as applicants for entrance to the army
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-08-01
Making n Choice.

Making Choice.
Grubbs-Which candidate do you expect to
support at the coming election7
Stubbs-The one that will have the greatest
need OF support in he is defeated
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-08-01

Richmond seems to have about made IN
her mind that she Is entitled to one of the
more modern and fashionable charter cos
tunes with which other cities nowadays are
bedecking themselves. Tho old-style hobble
skirts are no longer in vogue for municipal
wear. and the more flowing garments of to-
day permit much more rapid progress
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-08-01
Chats With Virginia Editors

Talking of hot weather and its discomrorts
rays the West Point News, do you ever think
or the PARTNER at ,nlc doing a fox trot around
hot stove? Don't forget her. She supplies
the gas thar makes your engine 60 and being
very human, she VIII doubtless appreciate q
Kind word bout the good things she serves you
and bit of Ice cream and then; also
kiss and hug would not amiss, or did
you leave that all behind the minute she was
not Miss any longer?"
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-08-01

The Pessimist Says,
This war may not have developed a military
genius. but 1t has developed whole lot of un-
military bores.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-08-01
A Matter of Ter,ninolorx

First Sweet Young Thing-Miss Oldgrl saws
men grow more and more unattractive
Second Ditto-She means unattrscted
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-08-01

Published every day In the year by The Times
Dispatch Publishing Company, Inc Address NIL
concentrations to THE TIMES DISPATCH,
Tim Dispatch building, 10 South Tenth Street
Richmond.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-08-01

This curious item comes from the Chase CITY
Progress; Bud Biggs. having made a trip to
Richmond the other day, observes and rises to
remark that If the chickens seen on Broad
street are an evidence of the kind OF poultrv
raised In Richmond the industry is quite suc
cessful.'