davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1915-12-24
MILITARY MOONSHINE

Under the above headline, the Sat
urday Evening Post covers the hys-
terical idea some people have about
big armies and navies, with the fol-
lowing sensible editorial:
Probably the country just now
feels itself too little prepared for
war. That is our impression of its
temper today. But more adequate
preparations involves a settled and
continuing policy. Fleets and armies
are not to be had in a year. Simply
to get competent officers for them re-
quiring long training. v
"Some years ago we had a naval
program, but never stuck to it. If we
increase army and navy budgets this
year, that will only start program
which, to become really effective,
must be consistently followed year af-
ter year. By whatever amount we in
crease military appropriations there
will be a waste, unless the appropria-
tons accord with a plan that is to be
followed up.
"The probability that any plan we
now adopt will become settled and
continuing policy directly depends on
its modesty. If military appropria-
lions should be greatly increased
they would certainly be reduced the
moment the country again felt at
ease in its foreign relations.
It looks automatic that any coun-
try's preparation for war will be in
exact proportion to its fear of war;
which probably implies that a rela-
lively small degree of preparation
is all that can be permanently main
tanned in the United States. Anything
like universal military training strikes
us as moonshine."
The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1915-12-24

President Wilson and Mrs. Nor
man Gait were married last Saturday
evening at the home of the bride in
Washington City. 1t was a quiet af-
fair for people of their public posi-
ton and prominence, which is to be
commended. They Immediately left
for Hot Springs, Va, to enjoy their
honeymoon, drawn thither by the lit
tie bit of sentiment that they were
both born in that State. The Presi-
dent will keep in close touch with the
capital during their sojourn at the
Springs, and keep his hands on the
steering wheel of the old Ship of
State. A whole nation joins in con-
gratulations and best wishes to the
President and his gracious First
Lady of the Land"
The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1915-12-24

1t is surmised by some that he will
try to raise another army and car
nv on a sort of bandit warfare
against the Carranza government,
but deserted by his own following it
is more probable that he will try to
make his escape to the United States.
The news is encouraging, as it fore
shadows the beginning Of peace in
Mexico, though it may take the Car
rama government some months yet
to quell the insurectos in other parts
of the country; but Villa has been the
most formidable and troublesome of
the enemies of the de facto govern
ment, and with his power and influ-
ence broken the outlook is better than
it has been for months. Surely the
better class of Mexicans, now that
there is a prospect of Carranza es-
tablishing his rule, will encourage and
uphold him in the hope that peace
will come to their distracted coun-
try.
The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1915-12-24
ADVERTISERS AIM
is SATISFACTION
By Holland

One of the biggest retail merchants
in the world, with stores in two Of
Americas largest cities, and who nat
urally is one Of the largest advertis-
ers in the world, insists that his ad-
vertisement writer's confne them
selves to strict truth, and any prom
Use made by one Of his clerks is cor
sidered to have been made personally
by the head of the firm.
A woman bought fine tablecloth,
and after taking it home there was q
slight imperfection found. It was
nothing to affect the wear of the ta-
blecloth, but she took it back, explain.
ing that she had paid a high price foQ
the article and that she had intended
it for her 'best." She was somewhat
apologize for returning a purchase
with such slight imperfection.
"You are a stranger in this city
asked the floorwalker, and the womaa
nodded. 81 thought So" he said
"You do not understand our systeM.
Had you kept that tablecloth yes
would have done yourself and US an
injustice. When you buy here you
must be satisfied. If you are dissat-
isfied for any reason you are not fair
to us unless you tell US and give ns
chance to satisfy you"
That spirit is behind big advertisers
everywhere. 1t is another reason fas
doing business with advertisers.
The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1915-12-24
THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT
By TheO. ID. Fisher.

Christmas, the 25th of December,
is observed as the anniversary of the
birth of the Christ, though the exact
day or period of time is not known
when, in humble manager in Bethle-
hem, lay the babe which was to give
to the world the most luminous reve-
lation Of Divine Love in all the ages;
or Of that night when the shepherds
tending their focks on the. Judean
hills were at once awed and made
glad with the angels appearance and
salutation "Fear not; behold 1 bring
tidings of great joy, which shall be
70 all people, for unto you is born this
day in the city Of David Savior,
which is Christ the Lord" and heard
the angelic hosts join in the anthem,
"Glory to God in the highest and on
earth peace to men Of good will"
The inspired writer's make no rec
ord of the date; the glorious fact that
Savior was born with them over
Swallowed all minor details. The
Love, the Truth, the Life, He lived;
the sacrificial death which transform
ed the shame of the Roman cross in
to a halo of glory, and the power
which sundered the bonds of death
when He stepped, in the dawn of the
third day, from the darkness of the
tomb into the marvellous light of the
resurrection, sealed the crown of d.
vinity on the head on which human
pride, blinded with prejudice and ira
dition, had pressed crown Of thorns.
These were the essential features of
truth upon which the inspired writer's
dwelt; they who wrote that men might
believe, and believing be saved; who
wrote for all time, until He shall
come again in all His glory, and
might and power.
1t was not until the fourth century
of the Christian era that an effort
was made to fix the date of the Saw
ior's nativity, although it had been
long celebrated by the Catholic
Church as a movable festival. Then
Pope Julius l ordered an investiga-
ton to be made concerning the ma
tivity of the Christ, and the result
was, the fixing of what now conforms
to our 25th day of December by the
ologians and scholars of that period,
based principally upon the tables of
censors in the archives of Rome, al
though there was no authentic proof
Of the days identification. But what
matters? It is the spirit of the day
the Christ spirit-that we would keep
alive in our hearts. And that spirit,
what is it? Two simple words ex-
press it---Loving, Givingl
The Christ brought to the world the
incompatible gift of Lovea love that
spent itself freely, unselfshly, divine
The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1915-12-24

1t is said that the inhabitants of
the Philippines, which Uncle Sam re-
Gently acquired at considerable cost
from Spain, after subduing quite an
active little rebellion in the pur-
chased dominion, are now going
strong for polygamy. The Filipinos
are surely interesting little creatures,
but if they can get by with polygamy,
would there be anything unbeconling
in giving them try-out at manag-
ing their own little affairs?
The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1915-12-24

There was certainly no lack of
firmness of spine in the Presidents
note to Austria-Hungary for the sink
ing of the steamship Anconia by an
Austrian submarine and the drowning
of helpless non-combatant passengers,
men, women and children, among them
nine American citizens. Such viola
tons of the rights Of neutrals by bel
ligerent nations are atrocious and in
human, and can continue only against
the earnest protest of the United
States and every loyal American cit
izen. This nation may not be able
through its protesting notes to stop
such naval buceaneering, and the
most it may be able to do may be to
emphasize its displeasure and abhor-
ence by breaking off its friendly and
diplomatic relations with the nations
that refuse to listen to its protests
against such murders on he high seas.
The day may come when they shall
be called on to account and to pay for
their violations of international law,
but what poor indemnity can they
make for the murdered lives of Amer
lean citizens for which they are re-
sponsible?
The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1915-12-24
PAYABLE IN ADVANCE

The State Health Department con-
tinues to exclaim "Swat the fly" In
fact, that department claims that win
ter is the most important season of the
entire year to totally anihilate the
fly, claiming that flies apparently dead
at this season of the year usually be-
comes very much alive at the moment
when it can be of greatest service to
its race. Therefore, it is the opinion
of experts in that particular industry
that winter is the most advantageous
season of the year, not only to swat
the fly, but also to burn its body.
The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1915-12-24

The Standpat Republicans appear
to be in a poor way for presidential
building-out of timber, so to speak.
They freely acknowledge that they
haven't an available man in their
ranks, that there is but one Republic
can throughout the broad land who
can beat Wilson, and he is Pro-
gressive, and they are afraid that he
can't be made to stand hitched Our
metaphors may be little mixed, but
so are the Republicans, for that mat
ter. And then, too, they have the
gravest sort of doubts that Teddy
can do the job of beating either.
The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1915-12-24

Though not unexpected, few deaths
have occurred in our midst that were
more generally and sincerely regret
ted than that of Joseph E. Cover. He
was a manly man in all the relations
of life-in business, in the church, in
the social circles, and in that most sa-
cred and intimate of all relations, the
home. He looked out upon life with
a broad and tolerant view, a love Of
humanity deep in his heart, faith
that always searched out the bright
er and more hopeful paths, and a
spirit undaunted even when the vi
tai spark was weakened with disease
and the white spectre approached
with slow but certain steps. With
mind, his messages to loved
ones were given in the cheerfulness Of
a profound faith, and as a Christian
and brave man who dies but once,
he clasped his hands with death and
his trusting spirit walked out into
the mysterious unknown. The writer
was glad to call him friend and ex-
tends sincere sympathy to his loved
ones in their great sorrow.
The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1915-12-24

] ly, for humanity; in words of comfort
for the sorrowing, in healing to the
I sick and suffering, in giving hope to
the soul cropping in darkness and doubt
! in revealing the Fathers yearning
love for His hayward children-giv
4 ing, always giving, until the supreme
moment when He gave His life on the
cross, was Gifted up that all men
might be drawn to Him" and through
Him receive the promise and hope Of
life eternal,
The Christmas spirit is the Christ
spirit---love. Love must spend itself
in giying-it cannot withhold. At
Christmas we are reminded Of this by
the custom of making gifts to our
friends-outward expressions Of our
love; desire to make them glad and
happy-to see everybody happy.
We need one day in the year for
renewing or reviving the spirit of
giving and reminding us of it's bless
edness, that we may be encouraged
to keep it alive in our hearts at all
times. So, as we pass along the high
ways and the byways of life let us
not forget the lesson of the Christmas
time, but be ready to give the cheer
full smile and greeting that carries
gladness to other hearts; the word of
comfort and cheer to the weary and
discouraged; the helping hand to the
needy and distressed; the warm hand
pressure and tear of sympathy to the
sorrowing.
Little things, they seem, and APP
parently so easy to bestow; but oh,
how we neglect them in our selfish
anxiety to get on in the world, our
consuming passion for material sue
cess, and in brooding over our own
disappointments and failuresl We
neglect to cultivate the sweet habit
of giving these little things which
mean Sc much and are fruitful of so
much happiness and peace to our
selves as well as to others. And this
neglect dwarfs and shrivels up the
soul, making US supremacy selfish.
1t is not the great things we do
that make up the sum of human life
and happiness; it is not the munifcent
gifts ostentatiously made in endowing
great charities and institutions that
we may shine as world-beneficent
philanthropists, but it's the little gifts
of kindness and love, making glad the
hearts of those about us, which count
the most and make for the happiness
of others and ourselves.
whatsoever shall give to drink I'M
to one of these little ones cup of
cold water in the name Of a disciple,
verify ! say unto you he shall in no
wise lose his reward"
The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1915-12-24

News comes from across the sea
that Henry Ford's peace party will
not be allowed to hold meetings in
Copenhagen, Holland, but that he
would go there nevertheless to select
the delegates TO accompany his peace
party to the Hague. It is said that
his peace purpose is greatly admired,
but is unfortunately vague and with
ont plan. however, that it will figure
in history. In NEST brawls it is the
unsuspecting peace maker that comes
out with broken head, but we all
wish better luck to Henry.
The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1915-12-24

All prophets agree that the session
of congress which began on December
9Th will be a very long one. Not the
least potent reason for this belief is
the fact that so many Republican
members have speeches attacking the
Democratic administration that they
desire to get into the record for cam
paign use. Apparently the idea has
never penetrated that these purely
partisan arrangements have practic-
ally no effect upon the minds of the
voters.
The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1915-12-24

The Missouri crop for 1915, accord
ing to the report of the State Board
of Agriculture totals $219,313,00
This does not include the apple,
peach and other small crops, nor
poultry products, which alone are es-
timated at S5O,O00,OOO. What a mis-
fortune for the Republican party that
it is net in a position to claim credit
for this abnormal prosperity.
The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1915-12-24

News comes from Mexico, through
a special wire from Ell Paso, Texas,
that the Carranza de facto govern,
ment is now in official control of the
former Villa State of Chihuahua, the
organization of the Villa government,
including 1000 troops, the principal
cities of that State and all border
points, which by agreement have ac-
cepted the Carranza government. I'm
der the agreement amnesty is granted
to all but Villa and his brother Hippo
Tito. Thus deserted by his following
Villa left the capital with 400 or 500
men and his whereabouts are unknown.
The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1915-12-24
As 1916 draws near, signs continue

AS 1916 draws near, signs continue
to multiply tending to indicate con-
tinued Democratic success at the next
election. Even now there are, evil
dences that the split between the
stand-pat and progressive wings of
the Republican party are as acute as
ever, and that the division will be as
distinct next year as it wasiin 1912.
Theodore Roosevelt continues to be
the sole possible candidate of the Pro-
gressives, but it does not now appear
that he is any more acceptable to
the Standpatters than he was before.
It is too bad to have a house thus d.
vided against itself, when there is
really some very good furniture in it.
The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1915-12-24

The business men of Mexico, says
Governor Ferguson of Texas, think
that the rebellious days of that rev.
olution districted country are near
ly over He says that the President
did not make any mistake in recogniz-
ing Carranza; that he is the only
Mexican who can rehabilitate that
country. We hope that the Governor
is true seer.
The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1915-12-24

Col. Bryson of the Louisiana Press
Journal deposes and says: "Evange-
list Scoville has cleaned up jefferson
City, converted 1000 people, knocked
out dancing, bridge whist and poker.
1t would be shame to let the wicked
Republicans ge tback there in 1916
and undo all his good work"
The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1915-12-24

Mr.. Fisher wishes to express his
appreciation of his old friends of the
Southeast Missouri press for the beau
tiful bouquets they have been throw
ing at him since he has been taken on
by The Times as it's associate editor.
It feels like old times to be back in
the harness.
The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1915-12-24

The old year is coming to close.
1t has been a good year to the most
of us and helped to revive our droop-
ing hopes of the last two previous
droughty seasons. Let us buckle on
the armour of faith and go forward
with cheerful hearts.
The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1915-12-24

Secretary of State Roach makes
out a strong alibi against the silly
charges of nepotism in his office. You
will find it in this issue of The Times.
Do him the justice to read it, for you
will find it interesting and snappy.
The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1915-12-24

A total value of 219,313,OOO is claim
ed for Missouri field crops in 1915.
The largest single item is corn, of
which the return claimed is 220,235,
900 bushels, valued at $123,64O,0OO.
Figures on live stock are not yet
available.
The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1915-12-24

Missouri's soil and climate are
great; they have given us approx
mately $3OO,OOO,OOO in grain and
fruit this year-over 100000 in
cereals.
The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1915-12-24
$1.0O PER YEAR

Merry Christmas, readers, all, The
Times is wishing you, that for each
its joy bells ring in chimes both glad
and true.
The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1915-12-24

There is whisper in the air that
a Vice Presidential bee is buzzing
around in hearing of Governor Ma
Tor. and that he is listening,
The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1915-12-24

0Hly very unusually hungry man
can eat advice and enjoy it.
The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1915-12-24

Adversely lifts up many man
whom prosperity has knocked out.
New-York tribune., 1915-12-13
MISSIONS RESCUED
RETURN IN AUTOS
McAuley Converts, Now Sue
cesses, Tell of Fight on Rum
at Add Anniversary.

With a fresh coat of paint on its
walls and its piano almost in tune. the
McAuley Mission celebrated its forty
third anniversary yesterday. Instead
Of the usual line of shivering men at
the doors, a row of limousines blocked
Water Street, and within there were
as many frock coats as flannel shirts
and sweaters.
A score of prosperous business men,
who had been dow and out fifteen
years ago, told no the mission had
put them on their feet again. More
recent converts. th.l and emaciated
confessed they had come TO the mis-
sion for cup Of coffee and a sand
wich and had gone away with new
hope, inspired by the kind treatment
Of Superintendent Jc n II. Wyburn and
his wife.
"I've kept from whiskev four days."
testified one, land now I've job
Twenty years ago | was a railroad
engineer" said another, IS Z ! went
10 church regularly. But ,hought:
What do I want Of religion? | can
run a locomotive Then whiskey got
me. like il gets all unbelievers, and /
landed in New York with my hotel ac-
commodations under the Brooklyn
Bridge. came here for handout,
and now look at me. It's this mission
that did il, and you can lay TO that"
"Gawd picked me out O. the middle
Of the China Sea-" declared retired
sailor. "and | decided then il was time
10 sing his praise. which | am here to
do. never was bum. but | was
New-York tribune., 1915-12-13

cord il? II the report came IN manu-
script. where Is it? Answer or no
answer, this much is clear, some officers
Of the army aud navy heard the report
at Vera Cruz
Father Tierney denounccs as IN
worthy the testimony Of Father Pare
des. who deserted the cassock for q
Carranza uniform, and asks how could
il be expected that a traitor could be
relied upon 20 tell the truth in con-
troversy in which the people ne be-
trayed were interested.
The priest charges that after Car
ranza's published pledge Of religious
freedom 20 be granted in Mexico, heXl-
can papers, recognized Carranza organs
were preaching against the CathoHcc
Church, urging the continuance oi
seizing Church property and reporting
cases Of churches seized and converted
into halls, etc.
Father Tierney says that the issue is
mot personal or political not between
man and man, or party and party, but IT
is between brutality and humanitarian
ism, between deviltry and righteous
ness, a naked question of principles
that pertain exclusively 20 no creed or
sect or group, but to the human race
precisely because the race Is human
and not brutal"
New-York tribune., 1915-12-13
WOODS MOTHER
MUST TESTIFY
p. S. Investigators to Send Own
Physician to Examine COM
missiOner's Parent.

Determined 10 get the testimony Of
Mrs. Alico r. Wood. mother of Public
Service Commissioner Wood. if she is
physically able. the Thompson legisla-
tive committee Will tomorrow send its
own physician to her home. If the
committees physician reports that she
is too i'll to ieave her home sub-com-
mittee Of the Investigators will be ap-
pointed TO 90 to her home to take her
deposition.
At the session Of the committee on
Thursday Commissioner Wood testifie
that he had borrowed $4,000 from his
mother, but he declined TO tell what he
used it for. on the ground that the
loan was contracted two or three years
before he became commissioner.
Senator Thompson then issued a sub
ppna for Mrs. Wood. but before IT
could be served Commissioner Wood
produced q physicians certificate stat
ing that his mother was suffering from
nervous prostrltion. This was on Fri
day.
The Thompson committee is also de-
termined TO run down the trail Of the
S5S,000 slush fund before completing
its work, and some startling develop
ments are expected within the next day
or two. The trail. it is understood, is
now so pronounced that the committee
expects at its session this morning to
be in a position 70 make some startling
disclosures.
IL is said that AZ least one person IA
miliar with the getting together and
disposal of the fund has made con-
New-York tribune., 1915-12-13

fession, but Senator Thompson refused
70 confirm this fact The committee
has been hampered in its investigation
by the absence from the city Of a num-
Der of important witnesses, the testi-
mony Of whom the investigators are
anxious 10 get
IL has already been decided to pre-
sent charges against Commissioners
Williams and Wood TO Governor Whit
man. on which their removal will be
demanded, some time this week The
committee had also expected 70 give
the time between now and the conven-
ing OF the Legislature to the prepara-
tion OF amendments 10 the Public Ser
vice Commissions law. The develop
ments in the slush fund investigation
have assumed such proportions, how
ever, that Senator Thompson and his
Investigators have now decided 70 re-
main on the job until the question of
the mysterious fund is disposed Of.