davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-01-07
SPECIAL NOTICE

The Western Union Telegraph Co.
announces that owing to a temporary
shortage of facilities it will be neces-
sary to suspend for a few days the
handling of Transatlantic deferred
messages and cable letters. Every
effort will be made to restore this
service at the earliest possible
moment, and the public will be ad-
vlsed promptly 50 soon as conditions
permit the restoration of the servi-
ces.
The company states that the neces-
slty for this action is greatly regret
ted but the suspension of deferred
service by other Transatlantic
cable companies some days ago has
in a flood of deferred mes
sages to Western Union cables and it
therefore becomes necessary in order
protect the company's regular
patrons and its own expedited service
to temporarily suspend all but the
regular full paid service.
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-01-07
THE YEAR AND IT'S TEACHINGS

1t is customary for many news
papers at the close of a year, to
print a record of events happen
ing in the ~ months. These re-
views are instructive, but at best
they convey little suggestion OF
the real spirit Of a period of time.
History seems one long record
Of wars, battles, personal con-
tl!cts of kings and emperors.
These r not the most vital facts.
The really significant events are
the progress of education, indi-
vidual liberty, political democracy,
scientific discovery, technical arts,
invention, economic prosperity of
the common people, advance
Of moral ideas. The historian
may not say much on some of
these points.
What will be the great events
Of 1915, a seer by the future
historian? They would hardly be
any battles, for these have not
been decisive. The triumphs of
armies, candidates, parties, laws,
often seem at the time to mark a
great era and assure human bet
terment, yet such hopes often
prove lllusory. Real progress is
very intangible, a thing of the
human spirit.
1t would seem as if 1915 and it's
events must strongly emphasize
one idea, the value of systematic
disciplined organization, working
in unity for community ends.
Disciplined unity has enabled
Germany to win marvellous sue
cesses. 1t has enabled France,
with its smaller population, to
make a showing that many peo-
pie would have thought ilnpossi-
BILE for a democratic country.
Lack of unity and discipline has
made English results disappoint-
ing.
This is an idea that applies to
the greatest nation and the small
est village alike. Negative criti-
clsm destroys power. The peo-
pie who see their own advance
ment, regardless how such ad-
vancement affects the whole COM
munity, defeat their own ends
They share in the ill results of the
community inefficiency which
they do SO much to bring about.
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-01-07
BROKEN RESOLUTIONS.

One Of the stock jokes of Janu-
airy is the number of men who
swear off January | on bad hab-
its, and then in a few weeks drop
back to their old ways.
1t is one thing to make a good
resolution, at home with your
wife looking at you, also mothers
picture over the mantel. Quite
another, when out with the
boys" at l a. m.
Yet a man who is to command
others Iii life must have some
command over himself. If he can
not stick to a certain course two
weeks, he will hardly be able to
make others do his will in any
business enterprise.
A man who expects to do large
things must be impervious to ridi-
cule. The people who envy his
successes will always find his
ideas absurd. Hence it is excel
lent practice to make and keep a
resolution in the face of jeers of
ones friends. After you find you
can do it, you have an excuse for
quitting if it seems best. But
usually the resolution proves per-
manently useful.
New Years resolutions are said
to be out of fashion. Perhaps
that is because one day a year
for new beginnings is so made
quate. Every day in the year
ought to bring some new pur-
pose and larger hope.
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-01-07
O'BRlEN'S MlNSTRELS JAN, -.

Neil O'Brien at the head of his
own company has met with a
quick and substantial recognition
IN all quarters Of the country and
has placed the star and his organ
lzation in the front ranks of min
strelsy, and a big crowd will greet
them at the Greenwood Theatre,
Wednesday evening, Jan. IL. No
more popular minstrel performer
exists than Neil O'Brien. He has
already been a favorite with local
audiences, and now that he has
reached the heights of success as
a star at the head of his own COM
pany, it only serves to bear out
the predictions made for him
by many of his admirers. Mr..
OBrlen's company this season is
new throughout, and contains all
new material, including two new
sketches written by himself, en-
titled "Darktown's Bravest Fight
ing the Flames and The Penny
Arcade" The first part setting
and all the scenic accessories are
also new this season and on a
most beautiful and elaborate scale
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-01-07
SPECIAL SALES CIRCULARS.

The Commonwealth has been delupad
with orders for special sales circulars
this week-having printed large lots of
one-page and two-page announcements
for four of u leading mercantile es-
adjustments, viz: Fountains Big
Busy Store, Goodman's Dry Goods Co..
Stern's Popular Cash Store and Klein
& Notwithstanding 20. 900 ar
t~istically arranged and neatly printed
sheets.
The special sale of Fountains and of
Goodman's being tomorrow, SATURDAY..
the 9Th, and those of Stern's and Klein
& Blumenthal's start Saturday. Janu-
airy 18th. Remarkably rare bargains
are being offered by each of these
popular firms, and it will pay you to
take advantage of them.
Besides these big circular printing
orders, The Commonwealth has had its
usual splendid lot of regular Job print
ing to get out.
The New Year has begun sstiafAe.
torily indeed with The Coumouwvelth.
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-01-07
NEW COUNTY OFFICERS ASSUME
THEIR DUTIES.

The Lefore County officials for the
ensuing four years assumed charge of
their respective duties last Monday, as
follows:
A. K. Bew. chancery clerk, re-elect-
ed; I. c. Carrot, sheriff and tax COL
~lector; G.. S. Pate. circuit clerk, re-
elected; j. R. Hughes, superintendent
of education, reelected, j. E. Dennis,
tax assessor; J.. T. Flanagan. county
treasurer; Means Johnston, county at
torney; w. M. Wilmington, State
Senator; w. S. Barry, Representative;
and supervisors, j. G. Peasants, M. s.
Wilson, ]. L.. Montgomery, j. l..
Haley and S. l. Brown; justices Of the
peace, F. P. Stainback, w. E. Eth
ridge, F. P. Mullen, R. H. Hicks and
A. w. Evans, j. H. Bledsoe, j.. K.
Jarman and w. B. Posey; c~onstables
H. w. Pettey and Asa W. Hatch.
Sheriff I. c. Carrot has selected the
following worthy and capable corps of
deputies: Office deputies, S. z. Prophet
and W. 7. Hodge; riding deputy, E.
II. Crippen; special deputies-Liddell
Mcmillan at Minter City, K. 7. Best
and Eli E%thridge at Schlater, C. J..
Healy at Money, S. S. Mitchell at Itta
Bena, Ben helms at Berclair, J. l..
Robinson at Morgan City. j. w. Cart
wright at Swiftown, and 0. o. Smith
at Sidon. Mr.. Carrot and family will
occupy the county Jail and look person
ally after the duties thereof.
Chancery Clerk A. K. Bew retains as
his deputy Mr.. VIM. Sanders, and Cir
cult Clerk G. S. Pate will continue to
be assisted by Mr.. j. @. Afford. This
assures the public prompt and capable
service in these two important offices.
The Board of Supervisors begun bus
mess in the proper manner Some sala-
ries were reduced, and other reductions
In public expenditures will follow.
The splendid Law firm of Gardner.
McBee & Gardner were employed as
attorneys for the Board for the .ensu-
ing year, and they we're also employed
to collect the $50, 900 due the county by
the defunct Itta Bena Bank and Trust
Company.
The positions of Road Superintend-
ent and County Farm Superintendent
were consolidated, and Mr.. j.. D. Dill
lard named for the position at a salary
of $3.50. 90 per month. The convicts
will be worked Jointly on the public
roads and the farm-the purpose being
to only grow feedstuff on the county
farm.
Hon. J. L. Haley was reelected
President of the Board of Supervisors
for the ensuing year, and DR.. J.. W.
Dulaney was reelected County Physi-
clan at $780, 90 per month.
The Commonwealth wishes for the
new officials a successful and satisfac-
tory administration of the affairs Of
the county during the next four years,
and we confidently believe they will
exert all the energy they possess to
that end.
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-01-07
OUR NINETEENTH BIRTHDAY.

This issue Of The Common
wealth concludes the nineteenth
year Of its existence as a news
paper in Greenwood, and next
week we start on our journey
for the twentieth milestone of the
papers career.
During the present ownership
Of The Commonwealth (the past
eleven years. the paper has en-
IOyed a very successful volume of
Enthusiastically increasing each
succeeding year, until now we
have decidedly the largest and
best business of any newspaper
and job printing establishment in
any city of the same size in Miss
issippi. For this splendid patron
age from the best people in the
world, the writer is profoundly
grateful and takes this method
of thanking them for their good
ness to us.
For the future We only promise
to do our level best to give the
people a good, clean. reliable
newspaper, and the highest grade
of workmanship in advertising
and job printing, in exchange for
their continued liberal patronage.
Here's hoping that each of our
friends and patrons may enjoy
good health, happiness and pros
perity during The Common
wealth's twentieth anniversary
year, and as long as they may
live thereafter.
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-01-07
I. o. o. F. OFF1CERS-ELECT.

The following officers for the ensuing
seml-annual term Of Greenwood Lodge
NO. lis |. O. o. F. were duly installed
last Tuesday evening: E. S. Selliger,
Junior P. G.; ]. B. Wilson, N. G.; C.
e. Christensen, V. G.; D. H. White,
Sec'y; John A. Shute, Treas; w. NJ.
Peteet. K. S. N. G.; Ira Boswell, l..
S. N. G.; Duncan. R. S. v. g.;
j. Z. Zellers, l.. S. V. G.; G.. G..
Mitchell, Warden, M. Andersen, Con-
ductor; Rev. Jos. Rennie, Chaplain;
J. H. Garner, R. S. S.; Geo. Cooper,
L. S. S.; S. E. Osborne, o. G.; j. F.
Robbitt, l. G.; S. E. Osborne, Hall
Trustee; j. T. Flanagan, M. Andersen
and E. S. Selliger, Cemetery Trustees;
Ira Boswell, G.. G. Mitchell and C. C.
Christensen. Finance Committee; d. H.
White, Rep. Grand Lodge, and E. S.
Selllger, alternate.
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-01-07
ABOLISH THE FEE SYSTEM.

One Of the safest predictions to
offer concerning the approaching
Legislative session is that that
body will abolish the fee system
lin Mississippi.
Not only vii! it he abolished as
regards compensation Of county
offices, but it will BE- applied to
State and district offices as we'll,
notably the Attyrity-General and
the State Reyeuue Agent.
The Meridian Evening Star,
published in the home city of the
Acknowledgement Of Mississippi,
has the following very timely
comment on this subject:
THE fee system is pernicious
in principle and in practice, in
whatever department of govern
ment i. is applied, from Attorney
Generals Office to that Of con-
stable.
1t is based upon the theory that
men Will not perform their official
duties unless they are paid extra
wages for the performance.
Indirectly it robs the tax payers
oy running up court costs and
does not return enough of the
sum collected to pay even a small
portion Of those costs.
1t is d constant temptation to
officials of all governmental de-
partments to persecute, rather
than to prosecute.
1t holds before the eye of the
official a hope of reward that he
has not earned and cannot actual
ly earn, and causes that official to
do things he ought not to do.
1t is a bid for graft rather than
for honest, painstaking public
service.
1t is pernicious from whatever
point of view it is regarded.
The fee system should no longer
be continued in Mississippi. We
hope the Legislature that will soon
convene will see to it that it is
abolished and without delay.
The laborer is worthy of his
hire" but no public official is
worth more than the services he
renders, and it is very easy to de-
termine, to each and every in
stance, just what his services are
worth.
The man who will not perform
his duty unless given extra COM
pensation therefor is not the sort
Of man to put in public office.
Nor does it matter that the men
who 60 into office during the next
few days for four years term
were elected believing that they
would be paid fees, instead Of
salaries. In every instance they
we're aware of the fact that a
fight would be made at this Legis-
latiye session against the fee sys-
tenn, and if there be any who are
not satisfied with reaso enable SAL
aries after the system is abolished,
then they are at liberty to resign,
for other men who are equally
competent will be quite willing to
take their places, says the esteem
ed Jackson News Of the 1st inst.
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-01-07
THE CRUMONT WILL ENLARGE
IT'S QUARTERS

Messrs. Scott Crull and P. D.
Montjoy, the progressive proprietors
OF The Crumont, "the bright spot of
Greenwood" have leased the store
house in the rear of their coy estab-
Eishment and next door to The Com
monwealth Building, and are con-
verting it into a pretty ladies' parlor
addition to their popular refreshment
resort. This extension to their es-
Enlistment will have an up-to-date
rest room, toilet, etc., and when COM
pleted The Crumont will be decidedly
one of the SWEETEST places to be
found anywhere in the Delta or else
where.
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-01-07
THE LEGISLATURE CONVENES

The State Legislature convened
at Jackson last Tuesday and or
ganized by the election of DR.. C..
kendrick as President pro. tenn.
of the Senate and John Falkner,
Secretary. Hon. Mike Connor
was elected Speaker OF the House
of Representatives and Geo. B.
Power, Clerk. The selections
made are good ones, and we hope
the solons will not play too much
politics and give the State some
badly needed legislation, having
due regard for economy in all of
their deliberations.
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-01-07

MI. Eugene Schram has recently
sold his interest in the mercantile
business at Minter City to his partner,
H. Simon, who will continue the bust
ness there. Mr.. Schram left this
week for his home in New York City,
where he will reside in future. Dur
ing his residence in this county he
made a host of friends, who will al
ways wish him good health, happiness
and prosperity.
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-01-07

Senator w. NJ. Wilmington and
Representative w. S. Barry are
in Jackson looking after their
legislative duties. Leflore county
has just cause to be proud of her
able representation in the State
Legislature for the next 4 years.
Their superiors cannot be found
in that august body of lawmakers.
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-01-07
is GOOD DOPE.

A thorough revision of Missis-
sippi's assessment laws. abolition
of the p%ernicious fee system. and
adequate appropriations for the
various State institutions, together
with the repeal of q lot of useless
laws that now cucumber the stat
ute books, is all that the lawmak.
ing body will find necessary.
Jackson News, 4th inst.
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-01-07

The Greenwood Commonwealth
came out on December 18th, with
an edition of "a pages full of good
reading, profitably Interpreted
with advertising. We wish for
the editor, j. L. Gillespie, great
prosperity. May his influence
become even greater than in the
past.-Leland Enterprise, 1st inst.
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-01-07
JUDGE VENABLE'S ELECTION,

The Commonwealth congratu-
lates Mississippi, the Nation and
Judge Venable, of Meridian, upon
his triumphant election to Con-
gress as the successor of the late
Congressman Witherspoon. 1t
was a distinct Endorsement of
President Wilson and his policy
of preparedness.
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-01-07

Mr.. John Obergfell, one of the
county's most substantial citizens
and successful planters, was a bust
ness visitors here the first of the
week.
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-01-07

Mr.. j. W. Brent has accepted a
position as travelling salesman for
tailor-made clothes and raincoats, and
will be on the road in future, but
making headquarters in Greenwood.
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-01-07

Judge F. P. Mullen, Constable Eli
Ethridge, Judge w. E. Ethridge, Mr..
H. 7. Coward, County Attorney
Means Johnston, Supervisor M. S.
Wilson and others from the second
district were business visitors here
the first of the week.
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-01-07

Denman Tnompson's "The Old
Homestead" at the Greenwood
Theatre, Saturday,, Jan. 9Th One
Of the greatest classics of all time.
A masterful production-Paramount
quality. A picture show treat. 8
reels for only 5 and 1Oc.
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-01-07

Messrs. R. P. Ethridge and M. R.
Sharp, of Schlater, were in the city
the first of the week returning to re-
sumo their studies-the former at
Mississippi College, Clinton, and the
latter at Millsaps College, jackson.
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-01-07

You are not good to yourself if you
fail to get hold Of one of those
weekly bulletins, issued by the Green
wood Theatre each week. Quality
and quantity six days in the week.
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-01-07

DR.. G. NJ. Peterson, of Ann Arbor,
-dlch., was in the city a few days las,
week returning home from a visit to
u seacoast and New Orleans. He
was formerly connected with the
faculty of u city schools, and his
many friends here gave him a most
cordial welcome while here.
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-01-07

Mr.. Sam John Giardina came home
from St. Stanslaus College at Bay
st. Louis to spend the holidays, re
turning Tuesday of this week to re
sumo his studies.
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-01-07

Mr.. B. P. Peterson and family
have moved from Blaine to their
pretty new farm home in North
Greenwood, and a most cordial well
come is accorded them back home
again.
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-01-07

Judge F. P. Stainbsck, of Minter
City, was here yesterday returning
home from a weeks delightful visit
to Chicago friends.
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-01-07

Mr.. Kensie Gore returned two
weeks ago from Bennettsville, S. c.,
where he has been with the staunch
cotton firm Of Mccall & Co. the past
year.. He will represent that firm
here the remainder of the season,
much to the qualification of his
many friends.
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-01-07

DR.. w. D. Wilson, Ben Brown and
W. K. Randle, three of the second
districts best citizens, were business
visitors here the first of the week.
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-01-07

Messrs. John Dahmer and T. H.
Wilson left yesterday for a business
visit of two weeks to Mr.. Dahmer's
oil wells at Tulsa, Oklahoma.
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-01-07

Mr.. E. S. Selliger and family spent
the holidays delightfully."- visiting
relatives and friends in New
Orleans.
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-01-07

Mr.. Bismark Aron, after a delight
full visit of several days to relatives
and friends here, returned to his
home in Columbus last Sunday.
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-01-07

MI. w. P. Scruggs and family
recently moved to Doddsville, where
they will reside in future. Mr..
ocruggs has extensive planting in
terests IN Sunfower County, and his
many friends wish for him continued
sutcese.
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-01-07

Messrs. E. E. Jameson and c.. B.
Ditto, of Schlater, were pleasant
callers at this Office the first of the
week.
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-01-07

Business in The Commonwealth
office has begun very satisfactorily
with the New Year. It couldn't
very well be better.
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-01-07

Mr.. W. T. Young, the popular and
extensive iron bridge contractor and
builder, of Nashville, Tenn, was a
business visitor to Greenwood this
week.
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-01-07

Mr.. J. B. Prince, manager of the
Clarksdale Pickery Co., spent the
holidays with Greenwood relatives
and friends.
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-01-07

Mr.. Walter Bell, of Jackson, has
been the guest of Gen. and Mrs. Nc
Clurg the past two weeks.
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-01-07

Messrs. E. B. Clark and W. H.
Scates were up from the fifth district
on business the first of the week.
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-01-07

Hon. Firman Smith has gone to
Nashville, Tenn, for a visit of ten
days or two weeks.
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-01-07

Maury Gardner, Of Greenwood, spent
the holidays with his mother on Broad
way. -Tupelo Journal.
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-01-07

Mr.. Sam1 J. Stein visited friends
in the Blu1 City last week.
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-01-07

BERCLAIR ITEM
Miss Sarah Dodd saw "Henpecked
Henry" in Greenwood Monday.
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-01-07

Stick to your New Year resolu-
Bisbee daily review., 1916-03-11
UNDER DESERT MOON
 FOR SHRINE RITES
Ceremonial to be Held in Cap itai City March 16, will be
 impressive.

PHOENIX. March 1O.-Oflcers in charge of the Shrine ceremonial to be held in Phoenix March 16 have completed all arrangements for the work, which will all be put on in the desert near the Hole in the Rock Recently scouting parties have been over the ground and have selected the exact location for the mystic rites of initiation.
 Most of the nobles of Fl Zaribah have been advised of the particular location, but the unregenerate have not been informed, for obvious req. sons.
 Chief Mintz said last night that one of the greatest surprises the imperial potentate will ever have experienced will be found in the ceremonial. which he will attend. together with his party of touring nobles. Next 10 the Shrine doings at the Grand Canyon several seasons ago, the coming ceremonial in the rccks east Of the city will be the most unique placed in the history of the order.
 Contrary to previous reports, the en- tire session will be held in the hills. By March 16 the moon will be shining brightly, and lending it's ghostly radi- ance to the already weird features of the scene.
 She barbecue and preliminaries will occur during the afternoon. near the spot where the dread rites will be cele- brated. The work will last the greater part Of the night, and will be attend ed by Imperial Potentate j. Putnam Stevens and his entire party, who do not leave until the following day for Los Angeles.
 Captain Donald Mcqueen Of Mesa, in charge Of the big ptrol. was in Phoenix yesterday. He reports his men in a high state of drill efficiency.