davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-04-22
War as a Mental Tonic.

In two or three letters from CORE
spondents near the front there have been
references TO certain railway cars sup
posed TO be set apart especially for the
accommodation of the insane. As all
observers agree that this spectacle is the
most depressing on the lines between the
battefelds and the base hospitals, so it
is commonly spoken of as something in
evitable in war, and we hear of ear
loads" Of soldiers made mad by the strain
of battle as mere commonplace of
everyday observation.
1t is difficult TO guess how an AmSter-
dam correspondent comes by the infor-
nation that among the German infantry
men engaged in the recent battle of Neuve
Chapelle 300 were driven insane by the
British artillery fire" but it is not I'M
likely that this report as well as some
others concerning mental conditions at
the front, is founded largely on free and
irresponsible conjecture. Not that it is TO
be denied that life in the trenches is
often Of u kind that must tend to upset
the unsound and break such minds as are
i'll balanced. The very want of rest spoken
Of In so many of the soldiers letters as
the most trying circumstance under
such conditions as prevailed at Neuve
Chapelle might alone be sufficient 10 settle
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-04-22
Judge Holt in the Civil War.
the Editor of The Tribune.

To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: While all the world is talking Of
and most Of its men and women are, directly
or indirectly, suffering from the frightful
conflict now abominally retarding, if not
by degrees wholly consuming, great nations,
those of US who took any part in our own
Civil War are naturally attracted by such
A headline, Crawford War Collection to
Co." as prefaces an entire column in your
issue of to-day Such fragments of men,
cries, from serving the purposes of future
selections and thoroughly sfted history, can
but be wonderfully interesting to any APP
preciative survivor who saw something of
the inside of the Civil War. But, all the
same, perhaps you may think it worth while
to accept a correction of anhistorical error
that has clipped into your article.
Throughout the Civil War | served as as
sistant secretary, and not infrequent-
ly as acting general secretary, of the
United States Sanitary Commission, for
during most of the time | was the
only one of its several widely scattered
secretaries who resided continuously in
Washington, and my duties brought me into
personal communication with many Of the
government officials, including the Secretary
Of War and the judge advocate general; and
don't think my memory can be at fault in
recalling that the only two Secretaries Of
War during the conflict were, first, and for
only short time, Simon Cameron, and
afterward and beyond the war Edwin Stan
ION. Judge Holt filled the high Office of Judge
advocate general. and had occasion to see
him q number of times in my successive eff
forts to save the lives Of various soldiers
who lay under generally uniust) sentence
by courts martial OF death for alleged de-
serton. For nine such men got reprieves
from President Lincoln, and in several in
stances certain legal peculiarties of the case
had in hand required the interpositon of
the Judge advocate So | can safely say
that. although it is quite true that Judge
Holt bore conspicuous part in various
courts and military commissions" 1t is a
mistake to say he twas Secretary OF War in
Lincoln's Cabinet" A. J. BLOOR.
New York, April IL, 1915.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-04-22
New York the Surprising.
he Editor Of The Tribune.

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: Every time | pay my annual visit
% New York see something unusual in the
old town. | think l understand the general
scheme of most things, but last night, COM
ing up Fifth Avenue, noticed something
that fairly puzzled me. There were two pict-
ures in a Window winter scene, one Of
hem. They surely weren't painted, but a
real sunlight shone through the trees and
cleaned on the snow. That snow was the
real, dazzling Minnesota brand. Broadway's
white lights are tame in comparison with
such things. How Is this done. and what's
the idea? This was near the Public Library.
New York, April Is, 1915. &C.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-04-22
From S18.0OO.OOO to S23,OOO,OOO:

The decision Of the Republican leaders
in the Legislature to levy a direct tax Of
S23 100000 instead Of $l8,0OO,OOO should
surprise no one i'm this city.
For whole month the project to plum
der New York CITY has been discussed in
the public press. and not one Republican
member Of the Senate or Assembly repre-
senting a metropolitan district has raised
his voice in protest.
The Republican Controller Of this town
has devoted his energies to defending the
PROPOSAL of the Republican Legislature.
At the outset ne produced figures to war
rant levy of S5.OO0OOO When Albany
appetite expanded he had more figures to
Justify an SIS.OOOOO0 levy. His figures
supporting $23.0OO,OOO will be just as
trustworthy a. any of the preceding sta
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-04-22
In Syracuse.

Twice before in recent years the politi-
cal history of this state has been passed
in review at a public trial or investiga-
ton. In the Insurance Investigation, in
the Aids trial, all that had been con-
cealed behind the closed doors Of political
conferences and legislative lobbies was
spread upon the public records.
Enthusiastically the Syracuse trial is a
third and conceivably the last review Of
twenty years of Republican history in
New York the period which saw the su-
premacy, the decline and fall of the late
Senator Plat and the dissolution Of his
machine.
Comment on the present proceedings at
this time is manifestly improper, but there
can be no installing the fact that polti-
cal history is being made in each days
events at Syracuse.
When the Barnes-Roosevelt case has
passed from the hands of the trial jury it
will remain for many months in the grasp
Of that greater jury which is the public
opinion of the state and even Of the
nation, and what may not now be COM
mented upon will supply the text Of much
discussion bearing on political conditions,
future as well as past.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-04-22
Where Are Those Dreadnoughts ?

A weakness in too many Of the German
appeals to neutral judgment lies in the
use Of arguments presupposing ignorance
or stupidity on the part of those to whom
they are addressed. Dr.. Dernburg him
self, with all his ingenious candor, occa-
sionally falls into this error, as if count
ing on an extraordinary want of think
ing or even of common observation among
his hearers. Thus, charging on his recent
peace proposals, he undertakes to show
that of all countries Great Britain must
profit most by what he calls his neutral
sea policy" His reasoning is that the
submarine has driven out the battleship,
and by way of proving his point he invites
US to consider the present apparent i'm
potence Of the British navy. where"
he asks, "are those dreadnoughts now?
Where will they be soon? Well, those that
are not sunk will be subjects for the Brit
ish Museum. Already the British
dreadnoughts are packed away in oil and
cotton in safe harbors."
1t seems hardly necessary to point out
that the only question Of Importance is
whether they are serving their purpose. If
they are, it matters very little whether
they happen to be at sea or in the British
Museum The Admiralty figures showed
that in the first month Of the much adver-
tised submarine blockade 5970 vessels
reached or left British ports. OF these
were indeed sunk, yet during the
month Of March British sea-borne COM
merce reached the total of something more
than S5OO,0OO,OOO. What was done in
the way of German commerce on the sea
in the same period? The answer to this
question is of more consequence than any
answer to DR.. Dernburg's question about
the whereabouts Of the dreadnoughts. IF
in oil and cotton they can paralyze Ger
man trade and keep the seas open for the
Allies, why, the Allies will be very well
content TO keep them there
When Hawke blockaded BreSt. when
Nelson watched the feet at Toulon, there
was no complaint that the British navy
was doing nothing The occasional ex-
,ursions of Latouche Treville were regard
ed with equanimity, and rightly so, by
Nelson. He spoke of the enemy as cutting
,apers," and that is about all that can be
said Of the rare appearances Of the Ger
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-04-22
the fate Of the mentally unstable. For

the fate Of the mentally unstable. For
the rest, 1t is manifest that in a great
army such as the Germans havo In the
field il would be difficult to have as close
an eye to mental stability and fitness as in
the selection, say, Of men for the British
feet. where the Importance of a strong
head Is now as clearly recognized as the
necessity of sound body.
But if war is in some ways promoter
Of insanity it seems in others to have
steadying effect on the minds of some
who might be thought peculiarly sus-
ceptible to It's evil influence. Thus, IN
the annual report of the Royal Edinburgh
Mental Hospital, DR.. Robertson, the physi-
clan superintendent, observes that 1t seems
10 have worked as a sort of mental tonic
en- the nation. During the last four
months of 1914 there was a general fall
ing off in the number of admissions TO
various Scottish asylums, falling oil
50 remarkable that DR.. Robertson feels
justified in concluding that the war has
preserved the sanity of many. ut has
taken people out of themselves" he ex-
plains, "and by making them think OF
others, sympathize with others, and in
many cases work for others, it has prob
ably done our country mental as we'll as
moral and social good by bringing all
classes closer together"
That a considerable number Of new
cases are in some measure attributable
directly to the war is certain. DR.. Robert
son himself cites fifteen in which the war
appears as one Of the Geological factors.
That, however, is almost an incOnsiderable
since it is well known that
.he news Of the day is invariably reflected
more or less in case-books of hospitals
for the insane. A murder mystery,
public scandal, any great excitement OF
the kind, serves as well as a war to de-
termne the particular manifestations IN
such instances. The friends of the pa
tents usually regard them as a sufficient
cause, while in reality they are often no
more lnan Ine OCCASION NhdI PiCOIPI'''
The event or establishes the form it takes.
DR.. Robertson remarks that the common
est war delusion he has met with is "the
belief of many melancholc patients that
they are individually responsible for the
war and all its misery" while others be-
ieve themselves to be the Kaiser. Here
is a clear example of how apt these I'M
rortunates are to fasten upon occasional
The Kaiser delusion is
now a favorite among the depressed pa
tents; a year ago it would more probably
nave been fastened upon by the expansive
sort as q delusion Of grandeur.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-04-22
The Tribune's Grand Work. "

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: The grand work done by The New
York Tribune during the last few weeks has
protected the people with the continuance OF
the Office Of State Superintendent of Weights
and Measures, and we all feel quite sure
that The New York Tribune is in the organi-
.ation Of weights and measures to stay.
predict that the growth of honest weights
and measures can be stimulated, and that be-
ore long il will echo from Maine to Califor-
ia in the protection of the peoples rights
against dishonest competition. You have
done grand work in your fight against dis
honest advertising, which is practically an
lther name for dishonest weights and meas
ures it is presuming that which is not.
NATHANIEL T. M'GRANE
New York, April 10, 1918
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-04-22
For a Greater National Academy.

Mr.. Harry Watrous has always been
one of the most energetic and industrious
of those who have endeavored 10 secure
an adequate building for the Natlonai
ACADEMY of Design, and when Mr.. John
Alexander retired from the presidency
confessing defeat and disappointment IN
his tireless efforts in the same direction
NJ Watrous was commonly thought to be
his most probable successor. 1t appears,
however, that he has now withdrawn MS
candidacy on learning that many OF the
Academicians desired the appointment OF
Mr.. Alden Weir, and in doing so he ex-
Mains that he would not for the world en-
courage any fractional differences, for the
very reason that they might possibly de-
Law the end he so strongly hopes for.
Mr.. Watrous's argument has always
been that at never pays in New York to
do things on small scale" There may
be something TO say for the argument, yet
seeing people will not support the com
paratively modest entertainment the Acad-
envy now provides, are we justified IN be-
Ueving that they will support one hve
times as great and five times as expensive
Two or three years ago it was made known
that the Academy was losing something
IN the neighborhood of ST., 500 or $4,000 on
every exhibition. At that time Mr.. Alex
ander reasoned that this deplorable state
of affairs might be remedied by giving the
public something more for their money.
Under current conditions it was impossible
TO exhibit more than 20 per cent Of the
works of art sent in. Give us, therefore,
an opportunity to show them all-so the
argument ran-and it will not be necessary
for the Academy to pay for the privilege
Of playing the host to the artists of the
country.
Ten years ago, when the Society OF
American Artists was flirting with the
Academy and a union was manifestly I'M
minent, it was boldly predicted that at the
glorious prospect of salon Of Partisan
"the great American pubic
would 90 down in their breeches pockets
for the necessary cash to endow such an
institution with all things necessary for
It's work" Two million dollars was then
talked of lightly as the probable tax on
he American pocket, yet all the far rea-
sons put forth by Mr.. Alexander and Mr..
Watrous have not sufficed in the meantime
10 meet even the more modest demands of
today. And now, instead Of talking OF
popular subscription, Mr.. Watrous specu-
ates on a possible "benefactor" and on
he grand opportunity for some one to-
mmortalize himself as a patron Of art
~ providing a building that will properly
,ouse this institution"
A benefactor may come in time, but as
'ar as the public goes the outlook is not
-erv hopeful. There must still be some
difficulty in convincing those who visit
he annual exhibitions that the shOrtcom-
ngs of the Academy are wholly quanti-
.ative.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-04-22
PAINTED POSTUM"
But One Misgiving Remains for Disin-
terested Lookers-On.
the Editor Of The Tribune.

To the Editor of The Tribune
Sir: Those who lamented that the Hon.
William A. Prendergast hailed from Painted
Post and that the benefit of his financial as
tuteness was denied to the City Of New
York will be consoed by Mr.. Prendergast's
latest exposition of state finance Speaking
Of the supply bill Mr.. Prendergast says:
"The account for state education was shy
$4,000, so that officers Of the State Educa-
ton Department had to 90 down in their
own pockets for such routine items as post
age stamps The members of the State Board
Of Regents have had TO bear personally the
expense of their Office know of one dis
tinguished resident Of this city. a member
of the Board of Regents. to whom the state
has owed S1l65 for months"
As matter of fact this appropriation Of
$4,000 is for distribution among the vari-
Gus school districts Of the state. 1t is for
the support Of the states schools and not
for the Office expenses of the Educational
Department or even of the Board of Regents.
Any member of the Department of Education
at Albany, or any Regent who attempted TO
use this money for the purchase OF postage
stamps would place himself in grave danger
Of joining the Hon tom" Osbornes school
at Sing Sing.
The only point that puzzles the disinter-
ested observer is whether the Hon. William
A. Prendergast. of Painted Post, has made a
mistake of $4,000 in his latest statement or
whether his mistake, like the recent mistake
OF Chairman Tanner, amounts only to the
discouraging sum Of two cents.
BROADWAY.
New York. April 90. 1915.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-04-22
a Concert Fund.
tor Of The Tribune.

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: read with a good deal of interest
he letter you published this morning Of II
Henry D. Klinker May | make further
-ucrestion? believe there are over a thou
and different singing societies on Manhat-
IAN Island. Why not let them adopt Mr..
Khnker's suggestion and give a concert, and
give the money thus received 10 the honor
able Board Of Estimate and Apportionment
8ut in place Of using this money only for
concerts in Central Park, let the above men
toned board spend the money thus collected
~ the nearest park. A. LEM.
New York, April 10, 1915.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-04-22
The Slang Of the Fighting Line.

From the Manchester Guardian.
Something may be added to my paragraph
Yesterday on the new army phraseOlogy about
the new army slang. 1t is gradually broaden
ing down from precedent to precedent in
many odd ways. In the South African War
a battle was always called "a show" In the
present war the term is still kept for ordi-
nary engagements, but for big vents the term
rs "a picture show" You hear the phrase
ONE times, ooh, you were in the picture
how at Ypres." This means the famous
Engagement there, when the Prussian Guards
,rled to break through. To be captured is
20 be "scutted," TO be wounded is to be
washed out" There are many phrases about
being killed. One sounds particularly brutal,
ut indicates very clearly the dauntless spirit
with which our soldiers face death. 1t Is
-allcd ITO be put in a bag" Another phrase
used is "To be scuppered."
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-04-22

mans. In short, II must be clear enough 70
Tho most superficial observer that, for the
time being at least, the German fleet Is
belpless. while the British fleet serves us
purposc to perfection. In the face OF this
obvious fact Or. Dernburg's reasonlngs
will hardly convince even the dullest oil
his audience
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-04-22
The Tribune Graphic Section.

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
SIT: Everybody's admiration OF the illus
trations Of your Graphic Section and uni
versal resolve TO preserve them prompts me
20 suggest that without delay you devise an
arustlc' not very expensive. portfolio for
thelr safe Keeping Such a collection would
be an endless source Of pleasure in any
household for all time to come.
H. H. THOMPSON.
Passsic, y. J.. April IL, 1915.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-04-22

In Lorain, O., they are cheerier than IN
New York, where the undertakers merry
bid for trade is billboarded. Eldred & Co..
in Lorain, advertise: wall paper season
is now on. Get your order in and we Will
save you your date for hanging
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-04-22
Protection for Pedestrians.

To the Editor Of The Tribune
Sir; Please keep up your good work foi
the protection Of the people who walk Tn,
lawlessness Of motor drivers has passed al
endurance. GEORGE L. ROBINSON.
New York, April 10, 1915.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-04-22
Jersey City y

Senator jim Smith has discharged his
dramatic editor, Mr.. Irving r. Bacon, be.
cause Bacon hit Billy Sundays trail
This Tower, while not so broad as it once
was, is not narrow enough to do a thing
like that. Any contrib who wishes to hit
the Sunday Trail is welcome to do it, and
he need not fear dismissal. The only
thing a contrib can be barred for is 70
have his stuff not good or bad enough.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-04-22

personal and "Flowers-Rush' MAYBE
the Summit of Superhuousness; but per-
haps some day we shall discover why
contribs address letters 70 THE Tribune
Park Row."
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-04-22

At the instant of foot-faulting TO press
it doesn't look as though it would be the
Giants who would furnish the 1915 stra'
for the Braves to crack under.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-04-22
Please Pass the PURGE Of Toma,o.

Sir: We accept your invitation 20 have o.,
firm name inscribed in your Tower Of Far.
We are actuated, however, By an even mo-.
important constipation than 20 get free Al.
vertising in your column. We think il IN.
portant that consumers know that statener,
derogatory Of the canning industry shogi
not be applied in a general way.
The following is the policy Of this Coz
pany:
lst-Entire plant always oQen during bust.
ness hours and visitors welcomed
2nd-An meats, poultry ard vegetables re.
ceved fresh daily ard used same day
3rd-No preseryatIyes OF any kind used
4th-Only good competent help engaged
and all treated fairly.
The best evidence that we would not sdt,,
the 70 hour per week schedule is TIA, a.
present law permits go hours per week an.
our help, male and female, work 1914 ho.n
per week and are paid on the basis o. g
hours.
A good warm luncheon Is served FOR s-.
ployees each day at less than cost, and real
interest taken in the welfare Of all employees
We are,
THE FRANCO-AMERICAN FOOD co.
Taraev Ci+v y
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-04-22

Students Thesis Cheapens Cooking
Tribune headline.
Is this, Abbab inquiries, another suO'"
tute for coal?
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-04-22

II object" Mr.. WINS said yests,s..
"That is hardly material. You niigI, !.
well put in the first chapter Of Genes :
"Pd accept that too, if it was shox, ;.
be material" observed the court-P,,~
the Syracuse battle report.
And there was evening and there w.,
morning, a third day.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-04-22
ONLY 10 oslleE A cosrsls.

Sir: Would you call that unusual movie "sau'a-"
revenue ofeers love snaIr WIKI the moonh'ner' oaa'
rumantlc7 H''
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-04-22
Masterpieces of the Worlds Best Literature

BY OUR OWN ROBERT BROWNING
| saw them and | knew them all; and y"
Dauntless the slug-horn TO my lips | SET
And blew. IF. p. A. TO the nth poN'
came"
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-04-22

Disagreement with Governor Hush.. =,
Mr.. Barnes wrote 10 the Colonel /, sos,
meant that man was rascal" To -
narrow notion, that is what disagrss,,...
in anything essential-with Mr.. Ur.,.
comes pretty close to meaning. We 49,
know anything about politics, "A yoi..'
"You said something's but we k,n-
whom we like; and his name is Cb,,I.'
Evans Hughes.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-04-22

AS to algebraic terms, (TR)' appear,
to be firmly established.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-04-22
The Coming 7oue,
VOTES FOR WONEyy

BY THE MALE TENNIS PLAYERS rr,,,.
Give her, ne pray, tho ycarued-for -.
Grant her the benson Of the Jallo,, W.
Az, let her man the wel-knovn Re-,
And r0ieId the parliamentary maJl,,,
Let her decrease the nati0n's cy,,,.,
Give her some jobs 10 90 away on,
Take up her too, too leisure time
And Leave rs tcnnis-courts 10 nlc,
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-04-22

It would be impossible to exaggerate the
endowment Of Ex-Governor njamin b. Odell,
IT, in his daily newspaper just now. This
enjoyment is not lessened by the fact that
any verdict will satisfy him.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-04-22

He takes one sentence and parley'
into five paragraphs.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-04-22

Landing troops at Enos, when Troy was
so near, seems a wholly unattractive modern
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-04-22

His task is entirely otherwise.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-04-22

A gift, undoubtedly, but how fatal 70 >