davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-06-15
Socialists Against Premature Peace

IN the New Review, a leading organ of in
ternational socialism in this country,
Anatole France declares, on behalf Of French
Socialists, against any and all consideration
of terms of peace at the present stage OF the
great world conflict.
LAS for me-" he says, "if should hear
that Frenchmen were allowing themselves to
be seduced by the deceptive phantom of a
hideOus peace, l would ask Parliament to de-
clare traitor every man who proposed to
treat with the enemy, as long as they occupy
any part OF our territory or that of Belgium -
The writer asserts that every party in
France is united in the common purpose to
drive the invader from French soil. lie says
that time fights on the side of the allies, and
that ultimate victory is assured 1t is the
special duty of Socialists, he procaims, to
'liberate Europe by breaking the formidable
instrument of oppression which Germany has
forged. That duty we shall perform
up to the hit.''
Expressions such as this afford ample indi-
cation of the fact that International socia ism
is suffering an at least temporary eclipse
German members of the order with some few
exceptions, are as militant in the support of
government policy as their brothers In Eng
land or France. In each country Socialists
have become nationalists, at any rate for the
time. The red flag of liberty, equality and
fraternity is replaced by another of the same
color, which has been dyed by Socialist blood
The words of NJ. France are interesting
however, from another viewpoint-the deter
mination they express to accept no COM
promise that does not include the German
evacuation Of Belgium and such compensation
as Germany can make for the atrocities COM
mtted in that unfortunate land. If that Is
not good Socialist doctrine it is a sentiment
that Socialists are wholly likely to entertain.
va w Of
the population in the allied nations.
That is as it should be. Whatever may
be said in eXtenuation excuse of German
invasion of Belgium, cannot reduce the over
towering duty of France and England at the
expenditure Of their last ounce of blood and
treasure, to avenge Belgiums sufferings.
Whether it be true that German invasion of
Belgium was wanton and unprovoked-as we
believe-or whether-as the Germans say
invasion was justified by Belgian alliances
with France and England the obligation OF
the allies remains the same. If they fail to
redeem it, they and their people will be dis
honored forever in the estimation of all
honest men.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-06-15
A DEFENSE OF MR.. BRYAN

render our rights. The more inst and
humane our rights and demands the
better case we would have in m.
great international court. The year
OF reflection would make war almos,
Impossible. Let US not blame Nr
bryan too harshly for his act in re-
s,Snihs from the Cabinet. In all prob
apility The mon who agitate and bring
on war. II war should come. will none
OF them cd the fighting. He w..
trinkinS Of my boys. OF your boy,
Mr' Editor, when he resigned from
the Cabinet in order TO align his
side OF peace. II was a great sacri-
nee that he made. He was willing out
OF the great love he bore his Savior
the Prince OF Peace. to step down from
power and popularity to serve his
country and prevent the carnage Of
the battle field. knowing that for a
while at least the contempt OF his
own country and many OF his friends
would be poured upon him. None hu,
great man would do IT, none but
the very great could survive It,
Mr.. Bryan Is like Nr. BIaine-he
Is too big 10 be President There are
too many politicians who may profit
by criticism and abuse OF him for
him TO get again the Democratic nomi-
nation. ! do not believe ne is seek
Ing II. but is going to put his hear,
and soul In great effort TO keep back
the swelling sentiment for war. lie
sees with prophetic clearness tho
trench SCARED fields Of France COW
cred with our noble and brave young
men and boys; he sees their dead
and wounded bodies rotting and SUI
fering under the summer skies. lilo
well knows the hearts of the good
mothers and fathers of this land are
not In favor OF war. He knows that
these same mothers and fathers much
prefer the doctrine of arbitration The
politician and the hot-head nghter,
who want the soft and easy jobs in
time OF war, may call for war and
have II, but they will call on our
country lads to do the fighting. Mr..
Bryan Is Christian. He believes in the
promise. blessed are the peace
makers" o. why can't our nation
exercise the highest hravery-Chria-
tian patience and charity? Then would
our light shine The world could then
lean on US for disinterested advice and
guidance. We now almost have to
feed Il and nurse II. Why not per-
suade II to be good? Hold back the
strife. Mr.. Editor! Keep cool! For
should we fail in our Christian duty
at this hour. what hope has the world
for peace? Let US uphold the doctrine
Of Christ. If we do. We Will save the
world from destruction and prevent.
AT this time. the obliteration OF all
that Is for peace. love and humanity
Our influence and power will stop the
war. All nations will then honor us
and love us. We will then be too good
TO be feared and. envied. too powerful
in our new strength TO be afraid
p. A. l.. SMITH.
Cardwell. Va. June II. 1915.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-06-15
Out for IL New Charter

D edmond should feel we'll satisfied with
N the meeting held last night 10 discuss
changes in the city charter The represen-
tative men i'll attendance, the public spirit
displayed, the evident Willingness TO work
for new organic law that will aid rather
than handicap Richmond's progress, we're all
highly encouraging.
Nobody showed any desire to "Prussanize"
or "Russianize" Richmond whatever that
may mean. The sole ambition was to bring
the city charter into harmony with modern
theories OF government and modern ideals Of
efficiency
IL ought TO be possible--and we believe il
is possible-to unity public sentiment in favor
OF such plan. Both in Council and out
the first steps have been taken. To frame
the sort OF charter that is needed, the best
thought OF the city is demanded There
should be no jealousy, save in service
Richmond has outgrown her swaddling
clothes. She must have the sort of garments
in legal way that encourage the freedom
-oi her stride-such as are being fitted nova
nays TO the bodies and limbs OF other Ameri-
can municipalities that read arigh, the vision
OF The fgturc
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-06-15
A Word for Anthony Comstock

~ RDlNARll.Y judicious persons through
~ out the country are expressing too much
satisfaction. are inclined to believe, over
sthe separation OF Anthony Comstock from the
: salary, perquistes, allowances and eNtraor-
binary privileges of post-otfice inspector
Recognizing his crudites and absurdities,
they fail 10 give him credit for the possession
OF large stores OF that paving material so
much used in an undesirable quarter Of the
other world
Anthony means well. unquestionably-and
more than that, he has done well on many
occasions. Men such as he have their use in
the world. If il is their wont TO discover
immortality and vice where healthier minds
find only poetry and beauty, they express a
real and effective adherence of actual and
unmistakable vice which tolerant civiliZa-
ton has come to endure. if not to accept.
If Comstock has the defects Of his quail
ties. he has also the courage of his convic-
tions. Even his enemies-whose name is
legion-admit that he is Il good fighter and
will breathe easier. perhaps, when his activi-
ties are circumscribed.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-06-15
News of Fifty Years Ago
ORION Newspaper Files. June Is, 1869

r. II. Gillette. formerly of Washington. but
now resident and practicng attorney of lie
bunon. n. Y, has been retained counsel for
Mr.. Davis. He has notified the United States
commissioner in the District of Columbia where
Mr.. Davis was indicted. Mr. Gillette informs the
commissioner that he wns retained by friends
of the accused who reside in New York State
Reliable information has reached the friends
of General John c. Breckenridge at Lexington
Ky, that he has arrived safe in Cuba and is
well. How he got there they, of course, refuse
to say, even II they know.
The state Department at Washington has re-
ceived information of the formal resentment by
the government of the Netherlands of the order
granting belligerent rights to the Confederate
States of America. Holland is thus the first OF
the European powers to take this step.
General Grant reached Chicago Saturday after
noon and had enthusiastic welcome. Gen
erals sherman. Anger and Hazen and Governor
Yates among the notabes present. At
night Grant was serennded.
Ex-Governor Moore and Colonies Gale and
Pettus, of Alabama have been arrested by tho
United States military authorities and taken to
Mobile, from which place they will be carried
to Washington as prisoners Governor Moore
seized the MI. Vernon arsenal Fort Morgan and
Fort Gaines when Alabama seeded
A general order has been issued by the general
commanding the district that hereafter military
permits for merchandise or passes for persons
east OF the Mississippi River.
The trial of Lewis Rosenthal and j. b. Mer-
rick, known in the North as the Lake Erie
commissioner at Cleveland. The principal wit
against them is man who claims that
he lin the plot and turned States evidence.
General Grant has issued general order for
reducing the artillery service of the armies.
The companies relieved Will be Washing
ton, Louisville and Cairo for their pay and for
final mastering out. The artillery horses will
be sold.
A well-executed counterfeit 500 grecnback
bill has made its appearance. II is said that
it is especially intended for circulation in the
VERY FAR liar
with greenbacks
Major General Meade has arrived in Philadel-
pha and assumed his command. He was
cordially welcomed by Governor Curtin.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-06-15

To the Editor Of The Times Dispatch:
Sir,-Wa Democrats have been back
ing up the President and Mr.. Brvao
put we have reached the forks of the
road The President Is right. Mr.
Bryan thinks he is right, and Is per-
forming his duty as he sees it,
The President means TO tell the world
that this country will not leave amy
word unsaid, or "act" undone In order
to protect American citizens on the
high seas acting within their lawful
rights. meaning that this country
would enforce the observance OF such
rights. The sinking Of tho Lusitania
and the killing OF over 100 Americans
is but an instance of the violation of
such rights. Mr.. Wilson asks Of Cor
many three things: % disavowaI Of
such acts. CD redress so far as redress
can be made, and CD assurances that
will safeguard American citizens on
the high seas lawfully following their
several pursuits.
To all OF which we subscribe. II
Germany desires TO refer the matter to
arbitration we are more than willing;
the President almost invites arbitra-
tion, except In one particular; there
must be no unlawful injury TO Ameri-
can citizens in the meantime by the
submarine warfare. On this feature OF
the Presidents note there can be no ar
bitration Nothing but assurances for
the future Will do. We cannot gee why
any one should hesitate here. The coun-
try is behind the President. The Presi-
dent is q good man. trying TO act as a
Christian should. He knows that tho
word OF God tells us to live peaeeably
with all men as far as the power with
in US lies; but ne knows that It is our
duty to protect our homes, our coun-
try and the weak and helpless from
aggression and murder.
The President has placed our feet on
firm rock. when he presents our plea
civilization against barbarism.
When / last wrote you, Mr.. Editor
the ways OF the President and Mr..
Bryan were the same. To-day Mr.. Bry-
an is gone. and another has his ONCE.
What must we do. Mr.. Editor? We
cannot let him go like this we must
write few words in his behalf We
who have followed him so long with
trust cannot let him retire to private
life without some defense OF his seem ,
ingly ineXcusable conduct.
Mr.. Bryan is a man "zealously affect
ed, always in good thing" He ad-
vocatcs the doctrine which this coun-
try has been for years laboring to
persuade all nations TO adopt. viz, to
arbitrate all disputes and not to de-
clare war for year, within which
time the arbitration should be held
thus giving the nations cooling time"
This would not mean that we sur
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-06-15

save child is a hero. The fool who
walks tight-rope over the whirlpool
rapids of Niagara 10 win notoriety is a
cheap. theatrical idiot. The thing which
differentiates tho fireman from the
tight-rope walker is the matter OF SER
vice rendered.
The real question is, would Mr.
Bryan's method render a larger service
to humanity. Germany and America,
than MIR. Wilson's method? Christian
idealism will address itself to answer
ing that question with its best intelli-
gencc. never dreaming that there is
ready-m made, mechanical answer to
prattle. 1t is principle to be applied,
not rule to be bllndly obcyed.
sweet priest of Paris was once
assaiied without cause by a rowdy who
struck him on the cheek. with superb
self-control he rebuked the british fell
low by turning his other cheek, saying,
My Master hath hidden me when smit-
ten on ono cheek to turn the other"
The insensate degenerate. with a sneer,
struck the priest a resounding blow on
the turned cheek, saying. What does
your Master say now?" The priest
began rapidly to divest himself of his
long coat, saying, The authorities arc
somewhat in disagreement on the
point. but the preponderance Of the
pTeCeueHtS seem 10 me 10 indicate that
should give you the soundest drub-
hing that rascal ever got" and there
with he
Proved himself most orthodox
BY apostolic blows and knocks"
He was, think, a fine exponent of
Christian idealism. lie was able to
speak two languages. The first few
learn to speak and few understand.
The second language was well under
stood and was justified, both by the
service rendered the thug, and by that
taught the world, that Christianity is
not soft. sickly weakness, that it is
sometimes a force, never farce.
20! Jerusalem. Jerusalem, how oft
would ]. but ye would not hut
now" The reading of the context of
this quotation gives the two sides to
Christian idealism which 1t seemg to
me that your admission loses sight of.
HOWARD LEE JONES.
Richmond, June 10, 1915.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-06-15
ANOTHER CHRISTIAN IDEALIsM

To the Editor of The Times Dispatch:
Sir.-Will you permit "an old Rich
mond boy" who is spending a brief
season in this beloved city. to take
issue with you on one point in your
otherwise admirable editorial of June
10, entitled. organs Reason for Re-
tirement"?
You say: "Mr. Bryan seeks to in
auGuratc the reign of peace OH earth.
and he thinks that this can be done
by resolutely refusing to go to war
under any circumstances. This is
Christian idealism."
BY every norm of the teaching and
example of Jesus Christ. this is a most
dangerous pervcrsion Of Christian ideal
ism. 1t would be useless to match de-
tached sayings of Jesus. such as u
come not to bring peace on the earth.
but a sword" against other sayings,
which, unrelated to the whole body and
spirit of His teachings would seem to
commit Him beyond all question to nom
resistance. The principle which har-
monies these seeming contradictions Is
likely to be the truth He held and
taught Since this principle is directly
taught by Him in word and example.
Christian ethics, there can remain no
doubt about the idealism of Christ.
which is the only true Christian ideal
ism What is this highest law Of
Christian ethics? 1t is the law of love,
which is the law of service There can
be no true application of the law of
love which does not render service.
Jesus enioined the cultivation of a
self-control so perfect that It would
be able to receive a blow on the check
and turn the other to be smitten. But
He did not say that this self-control
must be exhibited when it can render
no service, nor beyond the point where
ii is serviceable. The skilled surgeon
must train hand and eye to perform
the most delicate operations. but nc is
no longer a true surgeon. but brutal
butcher, when he performs the oper-
alton without the least hope Of render
ing service and with the distinct con-
seriousness that 1t will be to the injury
Of his helpless patient. a fireman who
risks life and limb by walking the
narrow coping Of a burning building to
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-06-15
louisville. Va. June 10, 1915.
virginia Mt the Exposition.

To the Editor OF The Times Dispatch:
Str.-I notice with pleasure the decision OF the
Chamber of Commerce to advertise the State in
San Francisco and on the outward going trip
OF five weeks in the grounds of the exposition
however. ] noticed the imperative need of some
man the ground--some capable representa-
tive of the state. who could answer the qucs-
lions OF the passing crowd and put interested
parties in touch with practical sources Of in
formation at home.
This man should be hand day in and day
out. and should be located in some prominent
building where home seekers are most likely
go for Information. Il would suggest the Agri-
cultural Building as one of many suitable Dlaces.)
He should he well supplied with real estate facts
need of manufacturing plants water-powcr
figures, taxation, etc. OF course he should have
a store Of practical literature
The need for such an agent is imperative. I
was told by the Bellwood brothers, whose splen-
did exhibit attracted widespread attention. that
they were asked countless questions every day
by parties who seemed to be really Interested in
the State and eager for facts and figures
concerning its advantages. Literature is all
very we'll. but at best its influence is transient
Where millions of circulars are scattered abroad
every day the crowds grow careless and even
the finest appeals" are trampled in the dust
ad iibitum. Like butterflies. their existence
however. they handled with discretion and
backed up by the personal touch Of a capable
representative, their influence is Increased fifty
Why not send out an efficient man on the Gov
ernors train and let him be stationed at or near
the Bellwood agricultural exhibit and from this
and other points talk up" the countless advan-
tages of Virginia.? The cost would he small, and
the returns would be of inestimable value
Richmond, June a. 1915. j. w. e.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-06-15
War and Cost of Living

Q ONE explanation Of labor troubles in Great
~ Britain, even in the face of war, is af-
forded by an investigation Of food prices Just
made by special correspondent of the New
York World. He finds that food prices have
increased 43 per cent since the beginning OF
the war, and that the higher cost of living lis
giving the people OF England and the govern
ment more concern just now than anything
else, except possibly the supply of ammuni-
ton and other munitions of war"
Naturally enough, one would think Wages
in England are not particularly high, and for
five years before the war began their increase
had not kept pace with advances In the price
OF food. The margin, at the outbreak OF
war, between the family income and the
family expenditure was not great Increase
the latter by 43 per cent, and it is easy to
understand why there should be insistence
on more pay that eventuates in some cases
in strikes.
Germany meets problems of this sort quite
simply, by taking over sources of supply and
agencies of distribution. fixing maximum
prices. limiting consumption and by all the
other devices of highly centralized and
paternalistic government. England stops
halfway. The country labors under the dis
advantages OF democracy but the accident Of
war has strangled many OF freedoms ad-
vantages
There seems good reason to expect that
England will find it necessary to take leaf
from Gcrmany's book and Organize" her
civil population we'll as her armies in the
field. Obviously war conditions require diff
iercnt treatment from those applicable to the
piping times OF peace. If a war is to be
prosecuted successfully, provision must be
made for the care OF those left at home, not
less intelligent than that made for the mon
who fight the countrys battles.
1t is a little hard TO believe all that has
been said about the drinking habits Of Eng
lands working population. England would
scarcely have attained pre-eminence in the
manufacturing way if her workmen had been
so besotted by drink as lately they have been
described. 1t seems much more probable
that the increased cost of living has had a
larger part 10 play in the production of dis
content and resulting incfiiciency.
Al any rate, it is very vital problem that
the new coalition Cabinet will have to meet
and solve.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-06-15
Queries and Answers
NirgInInn Diamond.

] have recently seen in book the statement
that once n diamond which c,it n weight of
twenty -four carats was found Richmond
Is this true? T.. /. PETERS.
You behind the times with your current
fiction" Substantially. this statement is made
In Jacques Futrelle's The Diamond Master" pub
lished In 1903. The author worked here for
while. and possibly heard some twisted tale of
this find" Not long before the diamond
was picked up during some street excavation in
Manchester. We have never heard the weight
after cutting-stated at more than three carats.
No one seems to know what became of 1t after
ii had been bought for n trine--from the woman
to whose children ii had been given play
thing-and cut in New York. Of course, "by
TIFFANY" and "sported' for a while by the un-
scrupulous purchaser. The legend is that he
lost 1t in one Of the gambling places, of which
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-06-15

disputes. for courts and force. Governments
and individuals must be dealt with for what
they are. Persuasion has It's uses, OF course,
and may be invoked to certain point by in
nViduals or governments but where persuasion
rails tho alternative of compulsion necessarily
follows. The second note to Germany Is quite
as hrm as that which MIR. Bryan signed
more SO; 1t is quite conciliatory, il not more
SO, and 1t tracks law and usage without vara-
tion. The country will stand by the note and
the President. because there is occasion for
the fictitious issue which Mr.. Bryan is trying to
raise.-Houston Post.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-06-15
Where Is Brynn'n Eaunif

To the Editor OF The Times Dispatch:
Sir:-I note your editorial OF the llth instant.
entitled Two Messages and Two Men" In your
editorial you criticize William jennings Bryan
in Unjust manner from the writer's stand
point Permit me to ask you: Has any other man
given much thought and study to the ques-
tion involved Mr. Bryan has? Furthermore
could Mr.; Bryan do more, right wrong, than
be guided by what he thought was his duty in
making his decision? Could any man O more?
subjects?
No man has right to his opinion unless he
has given the question involved much thought
and study AS the man who has come TO a con-
setentious conclusion. Mr.. Bryan is certainly
one OF the smartest, If not the brilliant
men America has ever produced. and I might
add the world. and do not believe there is a
him in debate on any, Issue. national inter
national Mr. Bryan has only drank deem
OF the "Perian spring" but drank II up to ali
that try TO cope with his intellect Can you
point out Mr.. Bryans equal, giving YOU tho
globe as your territory? If you can. name him
V. G. DAVIS.