davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1915-01-24
The Alleged Dominican Shortage.

1t is earnestly to be hoped that in
quiry will disprove the report that
shortage of $4,000 has been discovered
in the funds of the Dominican Repub-
lie, over which the United States ex-
ercises a custodial supervision. The
money loss, which would presumably
have to be made good by this gov
ernment. is inconsequential. but the
damage to American prestige in the
countries of the south and the West
Indies would be serious if such a deficit
were in fact to have resulted from the
carelessness of any official named by
the United States. The strictest hon
esty and the most scrupulous care in
safeguarding the financial interests of
Santo Domingo are demanded. Espe-
cially is 1t important to maintain q
clean slate in this respect, in view of
the inquiry now in progress respecting
the influences which operated in the
selection of representatives of this
country in the island republic. The
result of the present investigation, di-
rected by the Secretary of State, will
be awaited with the keenest interest
Evening star., 1915-01-24
Bread Prices.

The problem of the price of a loaf of
bread is always vexing whenever hour
advances owing to an increase in the
wheat rates. Naturally the bakers,
proceeding on the theory that the
consumer should pay the cost of pro-
duction, seek to reimburse themselves
for their additional expense by asking
more for each loaf. The least that can
be added to the price is one cent,
which at the prevailing normal price
of five cents amounts to 20 per
cent advance, quite out of proportion
to the increased cost of the -four.
Then quite as naturally the consumer
protests on the ground of this dis
proportion. 1t has been suggested
locally that the bakers meet the situa-
tion by making a reduction in the size
Of the loaf in the ratio of the advance
in the -four price. but the bakers
answer by pointing out that their
baking pans are of certain standard
size, and that the weight of the loaf
cannot be altered without the pro-
vision of a complete new equipment.
1t is then suggested that this condi-
tion be met by putting less dough
into the standard breadpans, which the
bakers say is impracticable, as salts
factory loaf cannot be baked in this
manner though the reason for this is
not apparent
1t is obviously unfair to the public
TO charge an increase of 20 per cent
per loaf on account Of flour in
crease of considerably less, and it is at
the same time unfair to the baker to
expect him to supply a five-cent loaf
at loss. But 1t is not the publics
fault that the bakers equipment is
inelastic and it would seem to be in
cumbent on the baker to stand the loss
incidental to increasing flour prices
until he can find a way to bake a
smaller loaf. There is no law in the
District of Columbia establishing a
legal standard of bread weight. The
field seems to be open to the bakers
to meet the situation by their own
devices, with the possibility of COM
petition for trade acting as a regulator
and a safeguard to protect the con-
sumer from extortion.
Evening star., 1915-01-24
The Congressional Calendar.

No attention has been given for some
time to the proposition for a rear
rangement of the federal schedule, TO
effect not only a change of the date of
inauguration, but to revise in the in
terest OF more practical results the
These changes require a constitutional
amendment such as has been proposed
almost annually for the better part of
ii generation. Al one time the change
Of date resolution came within a frac-
tion of q single vote of passage in the
House of Representatives, but since
then ii has not advanced beyond the
committee stage. and has been consid-
ersbly complicated by counter propo-
sitions and proposed compromises
There Is no prospect of action by Con-
gress in season to affect the inaugura-
tion of 1917, inasmuch as it is neces-
sary to carry the amendment before the
state legislatures for ratification.
The present situation illustrates the
need of some sort of calendar read
justment. The second or short session
of each Congress has become a menace
TO good legislation and consequently to
good government. SO greatly has the
country's business increased since the
civil war that i, is impossible to trans
set properly all the legislative bust
ssss necessary between the LIST Of De.
Evening star., 1915-01-24

cember and the 4th of March. Any
proposal for general legislation OF a
character to arouse discussion is GER
tain to congest the calendar and to
force the most hasty and unstatesman-
like action upon the great money bills
which are the prime essentials OF each
session.
1t is impossible for Congress to ap-
propriate over a billion dollars for the
maintenance Of the government safely
and wisely in the few weeks available
during the short session. without elm
mating all other proposals. The ap-
propriation bills alone constitute
heavy sessions work during the three
months stretch. When. as in the pres
ent case, a controverted project is be-
fore the House or Senate, particularly
the latter. and the progression of the
appropriation bills is delayed the way
is open for schemes. riders. snakes"
and other bits of questionable legisla-
tive enterprise.
1t has been proposed to summon the
newly elected Congress in session early
in January. seven or eight weeks after
the election: to have the new Congress
canvass the presidential vote and to
have the President inaugurated in the
spring. BY this plan there would be no
short session, save as the work of Con-
gress permitted. Each session could
run. if necessary, for twelve months. as
is now possible in the case of the long
session merging into the short one. No
time limit would be imposed by the
Constitution upon the activities of Con-
gress save the expiration of the two
years of it's life. This plan would make
for better Legislation in the alternate
years, which are now so fruitful of
filibusters and blockades and threatening
of legislative iniquities incidental to and
permitted by the haste in the completion
of bills.
The present experience is worthy of
consideration as an object lesson to IL
lustrate the lack of reason in the pre-
vailing calendar. constitutional
amendment revising the dates is un-
mistakably in order.
Evening star., 1915-01-24
Mccormick and Bull Moosery.

:. The passing of Medill Mccormick as
an active bull mooser produces wide
comment. He was recruit from the
republican party. and one of Mr. Roose-
velt's principal props in the middle sec
tion of the country. His value as
supporter lay in his ambition and his
large means. He had taste for poll
tics. a strong position in the social
world and was a liberal spender for
causes appealing to him. 1t is not un-
derStood that he regrets his course of
two years ago. but simply is convinced
that his present duty lies in co-operat-
ing with his former republican associ-
ates As a member of the Illinois legis-
lature he decided not to fire in the air.
but make his ball and powder count by
using them in company where they
would be effective. The bull mooserS
are few and lonesome at Springfield.
This view of matters is spreading.
Many men as ardently for bull moosery
as Mr. Mccormick was two years ago
are now. as he is, cooperating with
their former political associates They
saw no reason for longer firing in the
air, and so are now firing in company
strong enough to make their marks
manship effective. 1t occasioned them
no wrench. no pain. no qualification. to
return home. Many policies to which
they had long subscribed were still to
the fore: and they are again support
ing them.
But this view has not yet reached the
leader of the greatly diminished bull
moose herd. Mr.. Roosevelt still be-
rates the republicans as roundly as he
did in 1872. He can see no good in
them. and still warns the country
against their leadership and tenden-
cies.
But Mr. Roosevelt still has the White
House in his eye. That noble mansion
fills his vision. and hides all else. He
calculates everything from that me-
ridian.
This makes it natural and necessary
for him to hold out He has feeling
probably we'll justified-,hat there is
no path for him through the repub-
hcan party to his goal. and that his
only chance lies in keeping on in his
new direction. If bull moosery cannot
land him. nothing can.
Still. while the lamp holds out to burn
even Mr.. Roosevelt may return. There
are many political possibilities in the
next eighteen months; and If when
midsummer of 1916 arrives. with re-
publicanism strong again, and democ-
racy as Objectionable to him as he
now pronounces it, Mr.. Roosevelt, see
ing that an independent candidacy
would work to the advantage of the
latter. may forego a hopeless project
and record his vote and exercise his in
huence where they will do the most
good.
Evening star., 1915-01-24
The ThaW Case,

Harry Thaw reached New York last
night from New Hampshire, in the
custody of officers to whom he had
been surrendered by the state in which
he found shelter for nearly year and
a half. This transfer was effected by
virtue of mandate of the united
States Supreme Court. Now proceed
ings will be begun in New York for
Thaw's trial on a charge of conspiring
to effect his escape from Matteawan. 1t
will be interesting to note the legal
developments of this long continued
case. If Thaw is now insane. can he
be tried for conspiracy? If he was in
sane at the time of his escape was
he legally competent to conspire? II
he is convicted of conspiracy and i'm
prisoned, will he be free of all re-
straint when he has served the term
for which he may be sentenced? The
Thaw case obviously continues the
leading legal puzzle of the western
hemisphere
Evening star., 1915-01-24
MExIco's CONTINUOUS PERFORMANCE.

From the Helena, Mont. Record.
Gutierrez has joined the host of runa-
way presidents of Mexico. The time for
Villa to assume the title is nearing rapid
ly.
From the st. Louis Republic.
The news from Mexico says Gen. Villa
will assist Cara, the new president.
Does Gen. Villa clearly understand the
difference between assist and boss?
From the Knoxville Sentinel.
It is hard to quarrel with Gutierrez
logic He reasons that a living expatri-
ate is much nicer than a dead president.
From the Pittsburgh Press.
Some person Of facetious turn of mind
Is sure to suggest. some of these days. a
reunion Of the ex-presidents of Mexico,
which 1t would be a lovely thing to have
the moving picture privileges of.
From the Syracuse Post Standard.
II Mexico would hold an election rcsus
larly every Sunday and allow every presi.
dent a fixed and secure tenure Of weeA
lin office it would help soma
Evening star., 1915-01-24
Not Superseded.

NVI 0upCA oCOCU.
The wheelbarrow man had a sinking
Of heart
When some one drew near with a horse
and cart
And he said, 1T is plain
That my chances are vain
OF holding my own with this new work
of art"
The man who was driving the horse
gave a groan
AS a motor car sounded it's threaten
ing tone.
He murmured, Il see
1t is all up with me.
My old horse and wagon will soon be
unknown"
But the motor broke down where the
road had gone wrong.
How they welcomed the horse as he
ambled along!
And a wheelbarrow load
Was dumped into the road
Where it needed more rocks to be
properly strong.
oh. the horse and the wheelbarrow
still merit praise,
Though we've often declared they have
both had their days.
Though swift be the pace,
There is always a place
For the simple directness Of oil. fash.
ioned ways.
Evening star., 1915-01-24
THE BABY IN THE WHITE HOUSE.

From the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
OF all the babies born in the White
House not one has ever become Pres
ident. The call Is still for natives OF
the humber homes.
From the Bridgeport Post
Although the Presidents grandson
NAV not be seen by all he certainly Is
heard.
From the Milwaukee Journal.
Suppose the Sayre baby does holler
some: the Presidents used to hearing
hollers from folks who come to the
White House.
From tho Brooklyn Eagle.
Francis is another nice name, and 1t
calls for honoring the new White House
baby's father. Grandpa is good at
waiting.
From the CHARLESTON News and Courier.
Never mind, there will be plenty Of
other Woodrow Wilson's.
Evening star., 1915-01-24
The District Commission Plan.

REPRESENTATIVE Underwood sounded a
warming note in the House yesterday
when he declared that it was distinctly
unfair to the District to insist upon the
johnson rider on the appropriation bill
abrogating the half-and-half provision
without a full research into the subject
of the fiscal relations between the gen.
eral government and the District The
Star hoped that the Senate would amend
the bill by substituting provision for a
commission of inquiry for the Johnson
amendment. but the proposal to that ef-
feet was ruled out on a point of order,
and now there remains the possibility OF
an agreement on a commission by the
conferees.
1t is practically assured that the House
will debate this question when the bill
comes from conference. 1t is to be hoped
that the discussion on that occasion will
be as full and we'll informed as that
which occurred in the Senate during the
days when that phase of the bill was
under consideration. The District has
nothing to fear from fair review OF Its
present condition. 1t welcomes debate IN
which members make use of facts and
figures which are easily accessible. Its
case is strong. and it has only appre-
hension lest the issues may be obscured
by misinformation and prejudice, perhaps
promoted by those who have special
theories to advance and possibly selfish
interests to promote.
If Leader Cnderwood's advice is taken
the whole case can be submitted to an
impartial commission, the Districts
actual needs can be ascertained and the
equity of a continuance of the system
under which it has been developed into
it's present condition can be considered
Given unbiased investigators. whose minds
are open to the truth. the District would
welcome such a full survey and would
cheerfully abide by the result.
Evening star., 1915-01-24

From the Pittsburgh Gazette-Times.
Perhaps that adding machine 1or tne
CITY of Mexico schools is to help hgure out
how many presidents they've had iateiy.
From the Richmcnd Times-Dispateh
It's getting to be so regular that .ne the
telegraph editor can't tell you during nls
Innch hour who is provisional president
of Mexico. He went to the water cooier
the other day to draw drink ana md ~nsn men
ceeded Gutierrez. A fine country. that!
From the Cleveland Leader.
Perhaps Gen. Villa is holding that
s400 bathtub as a prize for the presi-
. dent who will hang on to MS 1oo tne
longest.
From the Providence Journal.
come to think of 1t, the old problem Of
what to do with our ex-Presidents ID not
nearly as bothersome in this country as
it Is in Mexico.
From the Kuoxville Journal and Tribune.
Numerically considered. Mexico can
beat the world in the matter Of presideRtS.
Evening star., 1915-01-24

the store stations is necessarily un-
satisfactory. inasmuch as save on sucn
exceptional occasions as at Christ
mas the work is all done by single
clerk, and in rush hours it is impos-
siole to secure attention without long
and annoying delays. Furthermore, IL
is urged that frequently the supply OF
stamps is inadequate, and that 1t oe-
comes necessary to go for them IN
quantities to another station or to the
main post office.
These considerations were brought
out at Thursday nights meeting OF
business men, when resolutions were
adopted asking for the restoration OF
full postal facilities at the department
building, and a petition was prepared
for circulation among the business men
of downtown Washington. 1t was stated
by an official of the local post office
that it would cost the government be-
tween $4,000 and 100000 year to
maintain a fully equipped branch at
the department building. The govern
ment will surely not allow such con-
sideration to stand in the way of ac-
commodating the large section of Wash
ington's business population. In the
first place, this cost would be reduced
store stations. 1t cannot be urged that
the space at the department building
necessary to accomn1odate such q
branch could not be spared. Only
small fraction of the great courtroom
which formerly housed the main work
ing force of the city post Office would
be necessary for the work of the pro-
posed branch.
If only for the satisfaction of seeing
public mail wagon in operation in
front of his great postal headquarters,
as a symbol of the efficiency of the
mail carrying system, Uncle Sam
should be willing to spend a trife for
this purpose, especially as by granting
the petition of the business men he
will promote the use of the mails and
increase the value of the postal estab-
lishment to the community.
Evening star., 1915-01-24
FOREIGN NAMES.

These awful names of foreign towns. ..
Where in their ice-caked hand-me downs
The warriors OF Europe SCRAP
Such names should dislOcate the map.
I'd like to lay all work aside,
And to the corner drug store slide,
And there discuss with sundry friends
The war until the fighting ends.
But every time / start to yawp
strike a name that bids me stop:
That makes me feeble in the knees.
Until / catch my breath and sneeze.
What sense is there, oh. sacred aunts,
In making names of consonants?
pick the paper up at night
And start to read about some Hsht.
Wherein ten thousand men were slain;
The housewife lists as though In pain,
The children gather around the chair
To hear the story of despair,
And granny, 80 she's sure to hear,
Inserts a trumpet In her ear.
read perhaps q dozen lines
OF forts besieged, exploding mines,
And then / quit-the stun is Of
I'm up against ''Pzpillwzdtplishikon.
I murmur, II can't read no more;
I'll roll awhile upon the floor
And bite some plaster from the wall
And kick the stovepipes till they fall.
And maybe when I've got my breath
I'll try again that tale OF DEATH"
Los Angeles Tribun
Evening star., 1915-01-24

From the Chattanooga Times.
There are some noises in the White
House Just now that are hardly purely
psychological.
From the Houston Post.
Still. the President is hedged about
by entirely too much official dignity to
celebrate his grandfatherhood with the
proper accessories, and. being Pres
byterian. he Is denied the manifesto
tion Of enthusiasm and fervor which
Methodist grandfather can indulge
without being arrested.
From the Buffalo Express.
Wait till Grandpa Wilson begins to
amuse oface-seekers with stories of
what our little boy says!
From the Columbus Dispatch.
While we are all rejoicing with
Grandpa Wilson. we can be sure that
White House babies are no better than
some other babies that each OF US
knows about,
Evening star., 1915-01-24
Branch Postal Facilities.

The objections of the business men
of downtown Washington to the con-
tinuance Of the branch postal stations
of that section in drug stores and
their petition for the establishment of
fully equipped branch in the post
office building on Pennsylvania avenue
are based upon practical considera-
tions. 1t is urged that the service at
Evening star., 1915-01-24

Henry Ford's declaration that he can
make d man of every Sing Sing con-
vict cannot be dismissed as an ideal
istic boast. Mr.. Ford is an earnest
man whose theories in other matters
have survived practical test. The GRIM
NAL element is by-product of society
and II should be capa BILE OF utilization
as by-products have been utilized in
the Industrial world.
Evening star., 1915-01-24
Minority's Power.

You believe in the will of the major
ity, of course
WELL" replied Three-fingered Sam.
'its all right, theoretical: but 1t won't
always work out in practice. I've seen
two men hold up a whole trainload
of people
Evening star., 1915-01-24
SHOOTING STARS.
BY PHILANDER JOHNSON.
Thirst for Information.

"Are you looking for work?"
YES" replied Flooding Pete. Some
say there's work to be had an some
say there amt. I'm investigatin' SOS
to report to the Association of Willin'
Listeners.
Evening star., 1915-01-24
New Element of Doubt.

MY ship is coming in some day.
With joy I'll see it land
Unless they stop it on the way
To hunt for contraband.
Evening star., 1915-01-24

Some of the incomes reported for
taxation are likely to diminish if the
effort to follow the rulings of the
Treasury Department concerning re-
turns is made the occupation of a life
time.
Evening star., 1915-01-24
North Carolina
Peace Plan.

Carolina legislature, which considered
series of Resolutions to initiate
negotiations for an honorable peace"
The committees report was, in part, as
follows:
"A majority of the committee be-
lieve that while every effort is being
made to increase and strengthen the
army by the most severe drain upon
the people, for men and means, these
extreme requirements should be ac-
companied by some manifestations of
an effort and desire to secure an honor
able peace by all other legitimate
measures. Commissioners heretofore
rendered have been refused by the
United States upon the pretext that
their reception would imply recogni-
tion Of the Confederate government, as
preliminary, and that in case of a fall
ure to agree upon treaty such rec
ognition would nevertheless stand.
These resolutions seek to remove this
objection by appointing commissioners
on the part of the states, whose civil
existence and authority have never
been denied, but at the same time to
make their tender and all powers de-
pendent on the action and adoption of
the president 1t is not proposed that
these commissioners derive any powers
from the states, but only that they be
rendered by the president for peace
conference, he giving to them such
powers and instructions as he may deem
necessary and proper.
Evening star., 1915-01-24

EFIn order to avoid DELAYS on account Of
personal absence letters to THE STAR should
not be addressed to any individual connected
With the ONCE but simply to TIE STAR. or TO
the Editorial Business Department. according
to tenor or purpose.
Evening star., 1915-01-24

Mr.. Lodge might reach a larger au-
dience by adopting the informal vo-
cabulary of the orator who "sways tue
masses" But in doing SO there would
be danger Of sacrificing the close and
respectful attention necessary to tho
analysis of a thoughtful line of reason
Evening star., 1915-01-24

Colombia is liAely to be discouraged
about the business outlook every time
Col. Roosevelt mentions that twenty
five millions.
Evening star., 1915-01-24

England is disposed to insist that in
discussing the neutrality of an Ameri-
can ship, dates as well as names shall
be considered.
Evening star., 1915-01-24

n must be admitted that the fears
that Harry Thaw would yield to homi-
cidal impulse IL allowed to remain at
large have been pretty we'll disposed of.
Evening star., 1915-01-24

Unfortunately announcements that
the real war will begin in the spring
are not accompanied by notice of any
suspension of hostilities.
Evening star., 1915-01-24
Associations.

"A man is known by the company he
keeps
"Yes, or by the relations who keep
him.
Evening star., 1915-01-24

Possibly an air fighter sometimes
gets credit for dropping bomb when
he is only throwing a scare.
Evening star., 1915-01-24
Deceptive Appearance.

You can't judge a man by his
clothes"
NO. Many man with a fancy au-
tomobile gets all mussed up trying to
run it himself"
Evening star., 1915-01-24

Senator Cummins expresses his de-
liberate judgment concisely, while Sen
ator Burton expresses his concise judg-
ment deliberately.
Evening star., 1915-01-24

The time has passed when tha bull
moose is expected to shudder at the
announcement that some prominent
progressive has decided to leave the
porty
Evening star., 1915-01-24

Tenants of other penitentiaries are
beginning to wonder why Sing Sing
should have all the luck.
Evening star., 1915-01-24

The base ball fans are naturally per-
picked by the question of whether the
injunction is to be recognized as a
regular feature of the game.
Evening star., 1915-01-24

The fears of unpreparedness for war
might be modified by observation of
the rapidity with which deputies have
been put into action in New Jersey
Evening star., 1915-01-24

Maybe man is lucky il his wife
takes an interest in politics Instead Of
reading best sellers and feeling hurt
because he can't act like one of the
heroes.
Evening star., 1915-01-24

Before establishing the peace of ma
tions it will be necessary to reassem-
BILE the pieces of nations left by war.