davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-12-13
PLAN NEW POSTOFFTCE
HERE TO COST $4,000, 900


with, which would mean a saving OF slO3,-
600 i'm fixed charges annually.
Although all the plans have not yet
been completed, 1t has been decided that
the proposed building shall be 3S4 by 3OS
feet. 1t viii he erected at first to a
height of only two stories and so that
additional floors may he added as bust
ness requires.
BY way of contrast, the Postmaster
said that the new building, If placed on
Market street. would have 10000 square
feet on the first floor while tho present
building has but 10000 square feet.
The recommendations made by the To-
cal Congressman will be embodied in n
report to the Treasury Department and
this report will he given to Congress-
man Clark, Of the Public Building Com
mlttecs.
The bill providing for an appropriation
will then he introduced before Congress.
The Postmaster said there was alb
solutely no politics in the matter and eX-
pressed the hope that all members Of
Congress. regardless of party affiliations,
would work to together for its realization.
II. ]. Berlet, OF the Walnut street Bust
ness Mems Association, said in discussing
the plans for the new postottice:
"All Of the sites are so close that there
isn't much choice between them, unless
the Arch street site fronts on the Park
way. Then ! should say put II there.
That's the place for municipal build
ings.'
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-12-13
ELECTRIC co. FILES
LIST OF ALLOWANCES
Appraisal Expert Gives Public
Service Commission Item
lied Account

An itemizcd account Of the allowances
added to the actual valuation of the
Philadelphia Electric Company was fur
nishcd the state Public Service Commits
sion today by Prof u. G. Jackson, the
appraisal expert. who made the valua-
tion for the Philadelphia Electric Com
pany, at the resumed hearing of the COM
paint by Director Cooke and others
against the cOmpany's rates FOR current
The total amount of these allowances
is S3Sl3.93O, this sum being included in
the total valuation figures OF $jl,j62, ,oi5
Professor jackson had not prepared the
actual figures for the various items un-
der the head of allowances at the hear
ings last week, and produced them today
by order of the commission,
Most of the sums making up the all
lowanCe total We're obtained hy adding .
per cent. although In the item of super
ntcudeuCc the addition was per cent.
The largest single item in the list Is Of
Sl,352, eco for interest on money at Il per
cent. during the course of constructions
Professor Jackson gave the figures un-
der direct examination of the company's
attorneys. General Fred W. Flcit2, Of
Scranton, ana Ralph J. Baker. The lat
ter asked him if the per cent addition
was fair estimate, in his opinion.
Yes" he said. "all companies use it
Tho Bell Telephone Company, in fact,
added per cent. on some items, in Il
case now before this commission
but you must remember" interrupted
Commissioners Monaghan, that we have
not accepted that estimate AS yet"
|. was announced that the commission
will not sit tomorrow, as there will be an
executive session ut Harrisburg.
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-12-13
MISSING BOYS FATHER
THINKS PAL SPIRITED
son AWAY FOR SPITE
Luke Meekins Tells of Confed-
crate in House-breaking Who
Thought He Had "Peached'
to the Police
HE HAD MADE THREATS

Luke Mcckins. father OF Richard Neck
ins. years old, of 2iia South 6lst street,
missing for two weeks and who the po-
lice believe. was kidnapped, today for the
first time since the disappearance Of his
som named a person whom he suspects
us being the kidnapper
The man named is known to detectives,
having served a prison term. He has
been missing from his usual haunts since
last week Detectives are trying to hnd
him.
Though no general alarm has been sent
out for the man the police Of several
cities have been requested TO look out for
him Ills motive FOR Kidnapping the boy,
according to the father, would have been
spite.
The man named by Meeklns. according
to his own statement. was his Corfed
crate about year ago, when he was
arrested for forcing an entry into a house
in the central part of the city. For this
offensc Meekins served six months in the
county Jail His confederate escaped.
Meekns believes that the man kidnapped
his son because he believed he had
''peached" on him to the police.
when I was taken to City Hall, after
my arrest" said Meekins today, II was
asked who my friend was who aided in
breaking into house. l refused to be
a squcalcr Before my boy was kid
mapped word reached me that my friend
who was with me that night had Circu-
lated n story that | had implicated him.
This man also had fears that he would
be arrested He Is said to have made
threats against me. | am beginning to
feel now that 1t was this man who took
away my boy, | would never have vlO-
lated the law if had been sober that
night"
West Philadelphia business men are
considering Offering u reward for the
arrest and conviction of the kidnapper
At least two organizations, the Woodland
Avenue Business Mems Association and
the Elmwood Avenue Improvement Asso-
citation, will take ny the matter at their
meetings Thursday night. John 7. Ped
low, president of the Woodland Avenue
Association, said today that he would
propose the subject at the meeting How
large a sum would be voted, he did not
know. He also was In favor of appoint
ing a committee to visit Councils with the
request that the city offer a substantial
reward.
The Rev. J. William r. Heintz. direc-
tor I'm the Emwood Avenue Association
mortal Church, at SD street and Elmwood
avenue. also said that his association was
seriously considering the offering OF "A re-
ward. The Rev. Heiutz is holding prayers
for the return of the lost child at each
service in his church. Last night he de-
livered a sermon in which he mentioned
Mrs. Mee<ins. He also prayed that she
would have sufficient strength TO bear up
until her son Is returned to her
Mrs Annie Meekins, mother Of the
boy, today was overjoyed
when a womGI visited the 65th street
and Woodlani avenue station and said
that she wdS positive she had seen
Richard Meekins last Saturday night.
The woman was Mrs. Susan Boyer. of
Is North Dearborn street. She said:
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-12-13
WOMAN FIGHTS THIEF
WHO GRABS 500


she was stopped by yout!l about % years
old
Wait minute, lady" said the youth,
as he confronted Mrs. Kirshner.
81 don't know you; let me alone" re-
piled Mrs. Kirshner.
Mrs Hirshner was about to 20 mp the
steps leading to the front door of the
Bird home, when the youth began to rain
blows ON her head She fell on 2 pile OF
snow, and the youth seized he purse.
Before he had a chance 10 run away Mrs.
kirshuer was on her feet. She threw her
arms around his neck and grapped with
him. For several minutes the woman
and the youth fought Across the street
stood several mothers and children who
were witnessing the affair. one of the
women went 10 a nearby store and tele-
phoned to the G5th street and Woodland
avenue station. Police Lieutenant Marple
sent n squad of policemen to the scene.
Before they arrived, however, Mrs. Kirsh-
ner was dealt a blow which rendered
her unconscious.
The robber ran down Gibson avenue,
He was followed by men and women.
The chase led into 6lst street and up
Elmwood avenue. After reaching Elm
wood avenue, the youth disappeared. lie
is described as being about 20 years old
5 feet inches tall He weighed about TO
pounds and wore dark clothes and a red
sweater lAe uolu-up was reported 10
Captain of Detectives Cameron, who i'm
mediately assigned several detectives TO
the case.
When Captain Cameron heard that Mrs.
Kirshner intended TO pay her SON 5
funeral expenses with the money stolen
from her he said:
That's, the meanest thief | have heard
of since l began my career on the police
force"
The scene of the hold-up is only block
away from the home Of Richard Meekins,
eight years Old of 24i9 South 6lst street,
who has been missing for two weeks. and
who. the police believe. was kidnapped.
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-12-13
TWO DAYS STUDY
EACH WEEK FOR
WORKING PUPILS
Continuation School Hours
Fixed for Children Be
tween Ia and 16
EMPLOYERS TO HE L P


r,budro, bc,v,c., ,be mos of IA and 1s
-, - -, e.-,.u,,, r
''"p''N'" 'i ''e ''O''' "''"
this city viii attend continuation schools
for two davs each week. according to an
announcement made today M tho head
-. - ,r. d., 30 ,,a,,,.,,,or b,,
'"''' '''' VI '"' w
Louis Nusbaum, associate superintendent
of schools
Mr. Nesbau,,,,s decision is Of Interest
to tba 70 Oo0 bows and Girls affected by
tho now child labor law and to the many
burdreds of omn,overs who win be
Obliged to meet its requirements. 1t was
known that theae minors would be
Obliged 10 attend the continuation classes
but tbo number of dgvs on which at
tendance would be required had not been
determined.
Eight hours Of study are definitely
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-12-13
BY THOMAS +. M1LLARD

WASHINGTON, Dec. 13-The real Sig
niiicance of Yuan Shi-Kais reported ac-
ceptance Of the dragon throne Of China
at this time does not appear on the sur
face, but lies behind a veil Of diplomatic
intrigue. with Japan as prime mover In
the game. Any understanding Of present
conditions of China turns on this funda-
mental fact
There Is nothing in a change from So
called republic to II constitutional mon
archy. Of itself. TO disturb China at this
time or to menace the peace Of the Far
East" as lshy, the japanese Foreign
Minister is quoted as saying in the Jap
anesc Diet China is not now and never
has in recent years menaced the peace
OF the Far East or any other part OF the
world The main points should be got
straight and then the course OF events
can be understood.
SUITS VAST MAJORITY.
First, there Is no doubt that the rever-
sion to q monarchy suits vast majority
OF Chinese and that this same majority
also prefer Yuan to continue at the head Of
the Government It is also true that most
Of the foreign residents of China think
n monarchy better suited to China at this
stage of her development, as making for
internal order and stability. While it Is
true that this change. and the election Of
Yuan as Emperor. is accomplished by
"Cut and dried" political methods. 1t Is
also true that II nevertheless Is as ac-
curatc reflection of popular opinion as
ii is possible to obtain by any method
POLITICAL INTRIGUE.
The international settlements of Shang-
ha are the hotbeds of political intrigue
directed at China's national existence. |
have private advices that the seizure of
Chinese gunboat Mt Shanghai a week
ago was caused by Japanese intrigue, as
the arms and funds used by the rebels
were traced
There is not the slightest danger Of dis
order in China now, because of the pro-
posed change of Government, unless the
revolutionary elements are provided with
arms and funds by an outside Power
Japan has warned China that disorder
may occur. which will justify interference"
by Japan; and we can be sure this dis
order will occur as scheduled If Japan
can start it. thus providing the preteXt
for seizinE control Of China's administrd-
tive functions while majority of other
interested Powers are involved in the
great war Japans game is secretly to
fomcnt internal disorder in China, then
use that disorder to intervene
Americans should understand that i'm
such Il course by japan the Hay doctrine
probably will be destroyed and the "open
door" finally closed.
Americans also should understand that
change to a monarchy does not involve
any real change in the Chinese Govern
ment or its working principle. 1t only
will consolidate its administrative power,
which is "A good and necessary thing.
| notice that Yuan has accepted, hut
sets no time for the actual change, which
can he deferred indefinitely. Thus Yuan
may be trying to force Japan to show her
hand. But that, at this time. seems
risky game to play.
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-12-13
"EXTREE! PEACE DECLAREDw
"Newsies" Startle Collingsdale With
Repertoire Is Arrested

Two ncwsboys startled the residents of
COllingdale, Sharon Hill and Darby yes
terday by ending the European war and
dividing the spos to their own satisfac-
tiOn The lads We're selling The Reporter,
a weekly publication and with cries of
"Extree. cxtree! Peace declared" dis
posed of record number of copies
When the readers searched the news
columns and failed to find any mention of
the subject. Charles Jones, of Coling-
dale, Justice of the Peace, received more
than IA hundred complaints by telephone.
In consequence, he arrested Joseph Mediz-
now, one of the offenders. The boy will
probably be arraigued today on the
charge of obtaining money under false
pretense. His pal escaped.
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-12-13
PILGRIMS SPRING
REVOLUTION ON
FORD PEACE SHIP
Delegates Split on Resolu-
tion Opposing Prepared
ness by United States
SOME GUESTS MAY QUIT

ON BOARD STEAMSHIP OSCAR H.
BY wireless via Steamship Noordam and
CAPE Race. n. f.. Dec. iS--mtruduction
of resolutions opposing American pre-
paredness caused split IN the Ford
peace expedition today. Efforts are being
made to patch up the differences that
arose, but 1t is possible that some OF the
delegates will leave the ship at the first
opportunity after reaching Europe
Eight members OF the delegation re-
fused to sign the resolution The in
surgents are Governor l.. 3. Hanna, OF
North Dakota ) S. Mcclure the editor;
Herman Bernstein. of New York John
D. Barry, of San Francisco; Senator
Helen Ring Robinson. of Coiorado Judge
Ben b. Lindsey, Lars =. Nelson. of Den
yer. and Mrs. Ben Il. Lindsey.
WELCOME HOLDS GOOD.
Henry Ford signed the resolutions and
deiended them i'm the debate that fol-
lowed their introduction, but said that
the delegates who refused 20 accept them
would nevertheless continue to be well
come guests on the expedition.
Mr.. Mcclure protested bitterly against
the resolutions. which he said cUniicted
with the invitation extended to the peace
delegates While he did not threaten to
ieaNt the purity al lnt UiSl CNauGt, ne as
serted It was Impossible for him to con-
tinue in cooperation with it.
Ellis q. Jones. of New York. replying
TO Mcclure. sharply defended the resolu-
eiors. denied that they conficted with the
spirit OF the invitations extended and aC-
cused those failing to sign the resolutions
of having neglected to study the invita-
tions,
FRAMED BY PREACHERS.
The resolutions were framed by a COM
mittee consisting of the Rev. Jcnkin
Lloyd Jones, of Chicago: the Rev. Charles
I. Aked, of san Francisco, and several
others. They asked that the resolutions
be adopted as the platform of all the
delegates. Mr.. Ford added his support
20 that of the members of the Resolutions
Committee lie said that to have force.
the resolutions should be accepted by ALL
This failed to sway the insurgents, how
ever.
The debate frequently became acr-
monious and ended only when the in
surgents withdrew. At subsequent
meeting Of the insurgents they took un-
der consideration the advisabiltv of send
ing wireless dispatch to President WI
son stating their position on prepared
ness. No decision was reached
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-12-13
BANANA TRUST" CASE
KEEPS IT'S TIRELESS WAY
Sixth Week of s15,OOO,OOO Suit Be
gins-Likely TO Extend Into 1916

The Banana Trust suit, wherein the
Bluehelds Steamship Company is suing
the United Fruit Company. In Judge
Thompson's branch Of the United States
District Court. is dragging through an
other day.
This marks the beginning Of the sixth
week OF the trial, in which possibly $l5.-
10000 is at stake and the plaintiffs case
Is still being heard. Every day for he
last two weeks the confident expectation
has been that the Bluehelds Company
would rest its case. but what with count
less arguments between opposing eoun-
sci, new forms Of preparation by the ae-
countants and additional witnesses, there
are developing some skeptcs who now fear
the case will never end.
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-12-13
THE WEATHER
Official Forecast

" WAHHINUIUNl Dec. -.
For eastern Pennsylvania: Probably
snow this afternoon and night Tuesday
partly cloudy; not much change in tenn
perature; fresh west winds
Tue storm that was coming up the
ahlo Valley Saturday morning recurYed
and made a freakish movement southeast
ward 70 the Georgia coast. II has since
moved up the coast line and has Joined
with a disturbance Ia the Lake region to
form 2 trough-like depression These de-
vtloaments delayed the arrival OF the
slieW al Philadelphia q hours beyond the
IS aetcd tiple. The temperatures have
seu same8 hHt in the northeastern por-
tsru b tha caunlry, while a cold wave
Ia atcf spread the M.ssOuri basin aud the
seiA caDad IAN vlofiaces.
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-12-13
Dentist Wins Verdict

A verdict OF 1876 was found today in
the Municipal Court before Judge Bonni-
well in favor of Dr. Charles Peckelman
a dentist, against DR., Samuel S. Barr,
also a dentist The latter admitted that
ne sold to Doctor Peckelman a college
certificate of no value, but contended
that Doctor Peckelman could not recover
because ne knew the certificate was no
good.
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-12-13
Leweler Pleads Guilty

William Waltz, of Lansdowne avenue.
watch repairer, pleaded guilty in Quarter
Sessions Court today TO charges OF lar
ccny by bailee of Il score of watches left
i'm his possession for repair. a crowd ot
witnesses were in court to testify against
Waltz but only fCw persons were heard.
Waltz who comes from Virginia. has,
made restitution in nearly every case, his
father having come to his aid by sending
him $3.50. Judge Ralston deferred sent
ence and ordered probation officer Hack
ney to investigate WaltZ's case.
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-12-13
Police Seek Mail Box Robbers

Thefts from mail boxes in apartment
houses. office buildings and factories have
become so frequent that the postal aI-
thorites have asked Acting Superintend-
ent of Police Davis TO make an effort 10
catch the thieves. The acting superntend-
ent sent out an order TO the police today
urging more vigilance in watching these
mnIl boxes.
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-12-13
JAPAN PRIME MOVER
IN INTRIGUE TO RESTORE
MONARCHY IN CHINA
Nothing in Placing of Yuan on
the Throne to Menace
the Peace of the
Far East"
FOREIGNERS FOR CHANGE

The JoHoUip0 statement tUds pre-
pared especially for the United Press
bv Thomas r. Willard editor Of the
china Press, Shanghai, author OF
"The Neto Far East" "Americd and
the Far Eastern Question" aud inter
nationally recognised as one Of the
foremost american authorities on Far
Eastern SUBJECTS. Niidrd arrived in
WASHINGTON from china last tUCCk.
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-12-13

wood, OF New York city.
The lid Will be kept on the Tender,o,r
Just as tight as II has been during ths
present administration, and other plans
for the enforcement of law and order in
augurated by Mayor Blankenburp ,,i,,
be continued. Mayor-elect Thomas n
Smith and the new Director of pubiio
Safety made this assertion this altar
noon In the course of a visit to Director
Of Public Safety Dripps.
Present at the conference was Cant.,,
Harry c. Davis, who will be assistant
director under MIR. Wilson II was alec
learned that the incoming officials also
approved of the school for training police,
men and tiremen and will continue n
during their administration
~ was assured" said Director DrIn,.
after the conference. that the new Mayor
and his Director Of the Department of
Public Safety would keep the lid on ths
Tenderloin with as much energy as il Ia
being watched at present"
After visiting tho Director the incon,-
ing officials called on the Mayor.
When the vice quarantine was es,ab.
lished more than leo men were used After
the big end of the job had been accom-
plished this force was reduced to 70
divided between patrols from the nth
and Winter and Sth and Buttonwood
streets station The men worked an
than IL men on duty Mt n time
At the present time only eight men
from both districts arc on what is known
as the quarantine squad" One force
goes to work at midnight and the other
at u o'clock noon. The od-tiners in
the TendcrlOin. because of this openly
laugh at the statements that the lid ia
not to be lifted.
Director Drpps is the authority for the
statement that most Of the old resorts
have been rented at high prices. and
that many of them are doing business
quietly. lie asserts that every possible
means will he taken to prevent the re.
opening of the Tenderloln, however. Yet
habitues of the district say 1t is i'm.
possible to keep down tho lid with l5
men working In shifts of S.
New York's vice problem is being
solved by the reports spread broadcast
throughout the country that Philade-
phia is to he wide open" Police Com
missioner Wood, of New York, is quoted
by newspapers in that city today as say
ing that those who thrive by vice have
been hoclSinE to this city in large num-
bers.
The big obstacle to swift action in
clearing up the district, according to Di-
rector Drpps, is the rule of the Municipal
Court that street walkers shall not be
sent to Jail until they appear before the
court a second time. Because of the diff
ference of opinion between the depart
ment and the courts as to what constl-
tutcs evidence, convictions are difficult.
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-12-13
asure ,Nuf" Snow in Baltimore

BALTIMORE, Nd, Dec. l3.-To the de-
Hight of the small boy, Baltimore was
visited today by a sure 'nuf' snowstOrm.
Street car and other traffic was badly
hampered The snow began 10 fall at
midnight and at s a. m, when it was
three inches deep. there was no indication
OF a let-up.
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-12-13
White Blanket for Virginia

WASHINGTON, Dec, l3.-The first real
snow Of the winter blankets northern
Virginia and the District of Columbia TO
q depth OF three inches, slightly impend-
ing railway trafhc and interfering with
telephone and telegraphic communica-
ton.
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-12-13
Chilly in Northern New York

NEW YORK, Dec. l3 - Below-zero
weather is reported today from Carthage,
Massena, Potsdam and other points of
northern New York
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-12-13
n. Y. civ Gets Toueh of Winter

NEW YORK, Dec. l3.-This city and
vicinity has a touch of real wintry
weather today. The cold of last week
was followed by a fall of snow in the
early hours, but at daylight 1t had turned
10 rain.
Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-12-13

For Christmas

Gold Bracelets articles of adonment of which lady
have Our stock includes almost every pattern
and is distinctive for beauty of design and workmanship
special engine turned design in four widths $50 $500
exceptional value. In addition: