davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-10-04
A Remarkable Prophecy.

Many people with a gift for looking
ahead foresaw the present European war
1t didn't require extraordinary acumen to
predict the great crash after the rise OF
the Triple Entente as a CONFERENCE.-THE to
the Triple Alliance. But a remarkable
capacity for divination must be conceded
10 the prophet who way back in 1882 could
set "1o1O or thereabouts" as the date for
q clash between Great Britain and Ger
many on the issue Of world supremacy.
70 was am extraordinary man who made
this extraordinary prediction-Charles
George Gordon C"Chinese Gordon'O, an
undoubted genius and one Of the most
picturesque and heroic figures in British
military history A letter by Gordon to
Sir. James R. Purdy, dated 1882, has re-
Gently been published in "The Morning
Post" Of London, from which the follow
ing is an extract:
Every Briton should think Of the future
of his country and cause each one to insist
on the government passing q measure for
compuIeorv universal military trainngl 20
far as England is concerned, she need not
for the next quarter Of a century be under
orv apDrehcnsion Of serious difficulties aris-
inc with any of her European neighbors, but
I'm 1910 or thereabouts there will have arisen
a naval power which may prove mighuer than
he. and should She Germany gain the su-
Dremacy. England win become extinct both
us a sea and a land power, and all her de-
tendencies. including India will fall into
germanv's clutches. You may live 20 see
This. shall not. but when that time comes
remember my words.
In 1889 Germany was not a sea power,
rad no colonies and had not been bitten by
imperialistc ambitions. Bismarck was
encouraging France to occupy more Afri-
can territory and to dispute priority in
that region with Great Britain. But Cor
don looked far beyond the superficial fric-
ton Of the hour between Great Britain
and France, and had a true vision Of Ger
many's role as the ultimate challenger
Of Britains sea power and oversee
pretensions.
Gordon was part soldier, part states
man, part mystic. 1t has been granted
to few humans 10 have his immense range
of experience or to read the future as
clearly as he did.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-10-04
Sir John French's Bet.
CFrom The Dundee Adrcriis,rJ

(Frop The Dundee Adueriiscr)
One night at dinner some officers were dis-
GUESSING rife shooting. Sir John French was
listening. as was his wont, without making
any remark. until at length he Clipped in
with: "IIl bet any one here" in his calm
quiet. deliberate way. Chat ] can fire ten
shots at FIVE hundred yards and call each shot
correctly without waiting for the marker
I'll stake box Of cigars on it," The major
present accepted the offer, and the next morn
ing the whole mess was at the shooting range
TO see the trial Sir John fired "Miss!" he
announced. He fred again. "Miss!' he re
peated A third shot. "Missl" Hold on,
there," protested the major What are you
doing? You are not shooting at the target
at all" But French finished his task.
"Miss!" Miss" Miss" "Of course, I
wasn't shooting at the target" he said; 81
was shooting for those cigars
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-10-04

asm caused by the sinking Of the three
Cressys may be recalled. Most Germans
were then confident that their submarines
we're capable Of anything. Our own Herr
Riddcr gravely predicted that before this
wear was out the British fleet would be
no more formidable than the German.
There was no talk at that time Of starv-
ing Britain. Ambition ran high and
nothing less than the destruction Of the
overgrown navy was predicted. 1t was a
long time after that the alternative prof.
ect Of piracy and murder was preached
and what was in itself confession OF
failure has now to all appearances col
lapsed completely.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-10-04
Our Alien Population.

To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: Will you kindly explain, in an edl-
torial or otherwise, what this country is COM
ing to, with reference to the different nation
alities that go to make up the country, when
one notices what difficulties we have to over
come in lending money, getting an efficient
army or navy, selling wheat, or anything that
savors Of an attempt to look out for the in
terests of the United States Of America as
against some other country?
The first thing that we appear to have to
consider ia whether the former citizens of the
country with which the loan or deal is not TO
be made will approve. ! think that the most
important thing to be considered after the
war is over will be whether the naturalzed
American citizens, formerly Of another coun-
try, understand what they are doing when
they swear allegiance 10 these United States.
am afraid that when the different prominent
men come out with the statement that they
have no doubt Of the stand of the naturalized
citizens formerly Of another country, and that
they will be found with the United States in
any difficulty they doubt what they say.
| personally have my doubts, and imagine
that great many other good Americans have
their doubts. about the Germans or Italians
or. for that matter, any prominent race where
the fatherand is drummed INTO them from
the time that they are born. The fact that
they are making a living here does not count
when it comes to choosing between the land
OF their birth and the land of their adoption.
CHARLES II. WILSON.
Ramsey n L. Sent % 1915
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-10-04
AMERICAN MERCHANT SERVICE
Lose No More Time Developing !!
Along Sensible Lines

To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: The many reasons that require d.
DEVELOPMENT of an American merchar.
marine were ably summarized in the recent
address Of Senator Weeks 20 the Chamber Of
Commerce. The assurance Is gratifying thai
when tina question Is raised-as it inevitably
will be-before the next Congress America
shining will have a we'll informed and el'-
ouent champion in the Senator from Mas'a'
chusetts.
There are two points OF view from "hicn
Senator Weeks sees the necessity for building
up an American merchant marine. one
business expedency. The other is its rela'
lion 10 preparedness for war. From the pure
" business point OF view, he points out ne
folly of paying s8OO.OOOOOO year to foFes'
steamship companies for transporting cg'
products. Not only Is this vast sum annua''
lost TO the country, but American exporters
ere handicapped as well by the necessity o.
shining on lines controlled b. their foreis'
councillors. From the naval point OF VIEW
he argues. the incslculable benefit q iafs'
feet of merchant ships would be a' suh"'
iaries to the navy in case Of war.
The method Of developing q mere'sn'
marine favored by Senator Weeks Is the "','
and proven method of subsidy, or mall SUD,
vention. All the great maritime nations u
the world have built up their fleets IN WE
way and have made it impossible ioF i'''
favored shipping lines, like those OF Ams''''
20 compete.
A great deal Of precious time has Oe."
lost to this country b. President "'''0'
obstinate attempts TO force the passage ',
his futile ship purchase bill, and oh'o-
harm has been done 20 American sn'Pp'I'
BY the passage Of the pernicious sea"'"'
law. But.it is not too late 10 make 'ne "
ginning Of an American merchant marine,
Aroused public opinion will force tne n,A,
Congress to repeal the seamens ia" =.
take the necessary steps toward pu'''ns
American flag back upon the seas. ncu
QUINCY ADAMS MOhO"
Brooklyn, Sept 20, 1915.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-10-04
Army Reorganization.

The country cannot be kept much longer
in ignorance of the plans which the viii
son administration is making for the reor-
ganization of the army When President
Wilson wrote to Secretary Garrison on
July p last, urging him to get to work
on a programme Of military development
(which will be Of such a character as to
commend itself to every patriotic and
practical mind it was by no means clear
Just what that injunction meant. It is
very little clearer now.
The President unfortunately left the
way open for back-steppng when he quail
fled his approval of plans for a moderni-
cation of the army with the proviso that
the Secretary of Wars programme "shall
be in every way consistent with our ira
ditions and our national policy" Our
military traditions and policy have been
thoroughly unsound and unavoidable. SO
that any programme which harmonizes
with them is destined in advance 10 made.
quacy and failure
washington uispaWhcs say that Secre-
tary Garrison will recommend an increase
in the size Of the regular army TO 10000
or 100000 men. Such an expansion would
represent only a minimum concession to
the needs of the national defence. 1t is
obvious that if we are going to make prep
arations to defend the country against in
vasion by any military power Of the first
class we must have a force Of from 2OO,-
900 to 100000 men capable Of mobiiza-
ton within two weeks after a declaration
Of war. We must have real standing
army for that purpose, cutting loose from
a foolish dependence on the organized
militia or even on regular army reserves
Tor immediate use. An army Of from
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-10-04
4 Gary School QUESTIONABLE
To the Editor Of The Tribune.

To the Editor Of The Tribune
Sir. VIII any Of your readers, preferably
teachers who are in Garyized schools answer
,bese questions? Perhaps the much adyer-
|Hsed schools -45, The Bronx, and 49, BROOK
Ilvn-can offer the greatest light on the SUD
;ect. ,
Fret Why do you favor the Gary plan
socond-Does the plan encourage truancy?
Third Is the discipline what you wish II
to be?
Fourth Since there is always at least one
crorn IN the outer Fairgrounds (and as all
other available spaces are occupied what 90
YOU do in stormy weather?
Fifth-How do you manage the Gary as
sembly, which IS really, believe, an ungraded
ratherngl 90
visit library, museum, church, synagogue etc,
and how DO YOU keep record Of such pupils
attendance?
Seventh-How do parents Ike the system
rigb+b-How many classes under this sys-
tenn visit the gym" or playground at the
same time? What is done there!
Ninth Have teachers any definite respohsi-
bility?
Tenth-Does the Gary plan IN your schooa
Justify It's spread among other schools
Please give reasons.
Many parents have inquired about the pro
posed plan, and those who know something
about II. pro or con, may do much toward
enlightening those IN and out Of the schools
who are interested. Particularly anxious are
we 10 learn the private. untarnished Judg-
ments Of the principals and teachers OF inc
above mentioned schools. M' D
Now York. Sept. 20, 1915.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-10-04
A Story of Mr.. Greeley,

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir. In a recent issue Of The Tribune you
referred in kindly way TO an old veteran
from the Far West going to Washington TO
the encampment by way Of New York 1t was
all very pathetic, and his love and regard for
The Tribune were a genuine and true com
nliment. / will venture ne went downtown
and with uncovered head viewed the build
ing
Did the oil "vet" think that the teachings
Of The Weekly Tribune and the mastery edi-
torials Of Mr.. Greeley were respons Bile 1or
his enlistment? Not a doubt Of II, and tho1-
sands upon thousands more. The power c.
Mr.. Greeley's editorials I'm the sos was won
derful. and has never been equalled before or
since. With the exception of Mr. Watterson'
Of Louisville, we know little or nothing OF
who writes the editorials in our leading
papers in these days.
I'm the SOS Mr.. Greeley told q story on him
self that's good. In those days we had lect-
ure bureaus through the cities of the North
and Mr.. Greeley lectured here on his return
trip from Southern Indiana and Illinois. He
gave his lecture and the committee paid him
the fee of $500, all in 81 bills, in what was
known in those days as wildcat money" Mr..
Greeley said there was a hat full Of it. As
he was coming back TO the East he just did
not know what he could do with this stun,
and he told them so very plainly. But that
was all they had, so he offered to compromise
by taking some good counterfeits Of Eastern
money. Well, we all roared, of course. All
those good fellows are gone save your humble
servant. ATHENHUM
Pocbes+er Y Y Sent 90 1915
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-10-04

be engaged. The fight was really between
500 British and the American fotilla men,
80 Admiral Mahan states that before the
advanced British light troops reached the
bridge "a few rockets passing close over the
heads of the battalions supporting the
batteries, starting them running, much as a
mule train may be stampeded by a night
alarm" this being taken from General
Winders report.
90 Commodore Barney's report states
that even when his guns were being brought
into battery in other words. before even the
whole of the British advanced brigade came
up-"the engagement continued, the enemy
advancing, and our own army retreating be-
fore them, apparently in much disorder
Barney's report is quoted by Mahan, page
347)
All the official accounts of the battle, both
American and British, then, agree in stating
that Winder's army, including all units ex-
cept Barney's gunners and marines, was
routed by the British advanced brigade OF
light troops. A careful study of all the de-
tails shows that not more than a part of the
advanced brigade was engaged when, 70
quote General Winder himself, "a universal
flight" Of the first line began, and even when
the flight OF the whole army had become one
OF 'auSOlule ana lOLdl ulSOEuttf iHuti
mentions only "the enemy's light troops
pressing in pursuit" As TO the number OF
British troops thus engaged, accepted
Admiral Cockburn's 1900 rather than the
100 of Gleig, who should have known the
number more accurately, because / wished tn
be conservative.
Space forbids my quoting original sources
in reply to Mr.. Carson's other assertions, ex-
ccpt in one case. He says the American
army at Lundy's Lane was not "mostly
regulars" and that il was composed almost
entirely of volunteers from New England
New York and Pennsylvania" As he
names Henry Adams 70 his authority,
shall quote from Adams who says: 1.-TWO
small brigades OF regular troops and one
still smaller brigade of Pennsylvania volun-
teers, with a, corps Of artillery. composed the
entire force" Volume s, page 34). "The
militia brigade" he points out on page 81
Consisted of 600 Pennsylvania volunteer
militia the only troops not regulars. We
need not co. then, 10 army records, TO con
vince Mr.. Carson.
Perhaps Mr.. Carson had better study the
origira. sources before he accuses me OF
writing an account "oristling with inaccu
racies' AMERICAN CITIZEN.
Annapolis, Nd. Sept IA, 1915.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-10-04
Keir Hardie's Hat.

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: Keir Hardie's headgear suffered the
fate Of woman. Whatever il was or what
ever it did, it was never right The last occa-
sion on which took great" men seriously
was when / heard an indignation meeting on
Keir Hardie's hat in one Of the London clubs
being held by a Cabinet Minister another
well known member Of the government and
private Member Of Parliament They were
pouring abuse upon my poor old friends head
because be had been seen sailing up White
hall in a clark green velvet" chapcau. Short
ly after this Joined Keir Hardie in a meet
ing at Hanley, North Stafordshire He had
just finished telling the audience that coming
in the train TO the meeting one politician had
remarked that Lloyd George ought to be
hanged, but hanging was too good for Keir
Hardie"
When Mr. Hardie sat down beside me
told him Of the disturbance his hat was
causing IN high circles lie protested that
the hat was good and durable; in fact, was
sitting on 10 az the moment
He promised me that after he had worn his
hat ten years, assuming he lived so long,
should have IL.
Curiously enough, twelve months later
many distinguished heads were seen going
about London adorned with precisely the
same type OF hat. Even his late majesty
King Edward VII
All that was the matter with Hardie and
his hat was that he was little ahead Of
his time. EVA WARD.
New York, Sept. 2s. 1916.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-10-04
American Apple. for the Fighters.

The United States having furnished al
most everything for the war at one time
or another, from mules TO munitions from
dollars to doughnuts, it is now proposed TO
send abroad to the contestants an enor-
NOUS shipment of American apples. The
idea is to supply a sufficient quantity TO
give each fighter, whether in line or hos
pital or internment camp, at least one
tig juicy fellow. Fruit is said TO be
scarce; fruit juices are recognized as valu-
able in the dietary Therefore, the apple
growers are combining to ship, on October
%. National Apple Day, a cargo which one
dealer estimates would have to contain
about 5O,OOO,OOO apples-an undertaking
likely 10 cost 100000.
Such a contribution ought to be re-
ceived most thankfully. An American
apple is not to be despised in Europe at
any time. As an addition to the some
what monotonous field fare, it should be
especially pleasing. The likelihood that
the apple dealers may not be actuated
wholly by philanthropic motives will not
detract from the benefits of their course,
for the apples are sure to be good. So,
even if they don't set all Europe hankering
for the fruit to such an extent that big
permanent export trade results they will
at least have given pleasure and satisfac-
ton 70 the soldiers privileged once TO eat
good American apple.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-10-04

10000 70 200. 900 would be insufficient in
a real emergency. An increase such as
Mr.. Garrison is reported to have in view
would therefore be a mere lodging Of the
military problem. unless it were under
stood that a further increase would quick
ly follow.
But why make two bites of o cherry!
If we undertake a military reorganiza-
ton next winter it might as well be an
ADEQUATE one. A couple Of years will be
required to get the enlarged military ma
chine into operation, and the expense Will
be distributed, whether we make one suiii-
Gent increase or follow up one half meas
uro by another
Now is the psychological moment to put
our army on a modern basis, just AS the
close OF the Spanish war was the psyche
logical moment for increasing the old
army's strength from $4,000 to 100000.
The country has had its eyes opened by
the European war and sees clearly what
is needed. Temporizng, makeshift meas
ures will only postpone our day Of secu-
rity and make the cost of adequate prepa-
ration heavier than it ought to be.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-10-04
A War Time Dinner Party.
CFrom m Maachestsr Guardida)

tFron1 The Manchester Gurrctdn)
The following story is one that will be read
with what is called mixed feelings" but it
is an actual incident, and may leave it for
the use Of the social reformer-or farce
writer-of happier timesf lady who has
title and a house IN Mayfair has Joined
the ranks Of the munition workers, and the
other evening she gave a dinner party TO
celebrate the completion Of her first month
OF productive industry. Her guests were
duchess. the wife of Cabinet Minister, a
Red Cross nurse and a woman OF the WORK
ing classes. whom her hostess introduced TO
the others as mabel, my mate in the shop.
The hostess and her "mate' wore print
dresses and had red handkerchiefs swathed
abor+ their heads their Working uniform.
They sat down M q table covered not with
linen but with white oilcloth, and the hostess
EXPLAINED: mabel put me up 20 this. il Is
"a war saving You just sponge it over and
It doesn't need 10 go to the laundry The
dinner was Joint. vegetables, sweet and
cheese. A maidseryant carried in the dishes
and then disapneared. The hostess carved
and the guests helped each other TO vege-
tables. "The simple life the hostess eX-
plained. mabel and I only get fifteen bob
a week. and it won't run to more" The little
party had a jolly meal, and the hostess ana
her innate" talked "shop," 20 the delight OF
the others. The duchess, taking her depart
ure. ventured an inquiry: "Has Grggs en-
Bsted?" ooh. dear, no." said the hostess
81 sent him TO a theatre to get him out OF
the way" Griggs Though that Is not his
ro,1 nane) is the butler
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-10-04
Nature Endures.

To the Editor of The Tribune. go a.
Sir: The question as Nature peNe''. .m,.
ar interesting one, even though u y ~
what academic. But 10 seems TO me ''s "a.
,ion is really "What is Nature| some.
have much broader conception Oh -.
Than others. To me, for instance '' =.
means the immensely and eternity v .,s
universe. the entirety OF life. When We us,
se.tled this question we can better d''''
he matter Of perfection y...r, q
II would appear, however ihat - 90, ,hs.
perfect. in proof Of which oHer inc
he endures. 49,.
Leu Us near w ALDEN WAR"
- vi coo, 90 IqIa
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-10-04
Irish at the Front.

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: BY last mail l received the following
letter. which may interest some Of your
readers as showing the morale Of the Irish
troops at the front:
First Irish Guards. No. go Company, No go
Platoon, B. +. F.. France Sept 6. 1915.
"Sr: ! and my comrades thank you very
much -or sending us so many cigarettes. !
got them in good time, just as / was running
short There is nothing that cheers sol
der out here as well as a good cigarette
smoke Although we are far away from our
dear homes in old Ireland, still there are
kind and generous people who are thinking
Of US. We are lighting hard for a glorious
victory which will be ours soon Once again
thank you for being so kind and wishing
you good luck, ! remain,
Your Soldier Friend,
As the soldier was probably not seekine
notoriety. I have left blank portions of the
letter. Perhaps / may add that, however
much the Irish may dislike the English. they
despise the Germans more. and the Irish AZ
home regard any lrishman in America who
sympathizos with the Germans as o renegade.
Such sympathizers In the United States may
be good as agitstors, but they are not desir-
able as citizens. XPER.
New YORK, Sept 20, 1915.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-10-04

You can purchase merchandise advertised
a TIE TRIBUNE with absolute saie'l-ioI
if dissatisfaction results in any case HE
TRIBUNE guarantees 60 pay your money
-acN upon request. No red tape no qulo-
sl--. Vie make good promptly If the ad-
.crtiScr does not.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-10-04

Our townsman, DR.. Cook, has been arrested
I'm India as SPY. in that calling the Doc
tors prolific purple patch" Imagination
would easily have put him among the worlds
masters.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-10-04

How many Of tho city's newly-made per
sonalty-tax-list "millionaires' could borro"
$4,000 apiece on the strength Of the rating
magnanimously thrust upon them by the cry
Tax Board?
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-10-04

New YOsA. Sept. 20. i91A