davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
McNairy County independent. (Selmer, McNairy County, Tenn.) 1902-1969, 1916-04-21
Another Old Citizen Gone.

FINS E. Miller, aged II years. died
at his home in Finger last week.
He had been for several months in
declining health. Mr.. Millsr was a
highly respected citizen and business
man. He was brother of J. A. Mill
err, former Trustee of McNairy coun-
ty. He was a brave Federal soldier,
and spent Is months as a prisoner of
war in the horrible Andersonville, Ca,
prison. We. have heard him relate
his experience and observations while
in that damnable hole which was a
disgrace to any civilized people. The
deceased was a member of the Prim-
tive Baptist church and was laid to
rest in the family graveyard at Sweet
Lips, Rev. Claude Martin performing
the sad rites.
McNairy County independent. (Selmer, McNairy County, Tenn.) 1902-1969, 1916-04-21

Our friend L. S. Perkins writes
us interestingly from New York
city about the arrest of the eight
Germans who are accused ofmak-
ing fire bombs and putting them
on ships sailing from New York
bound for Europe with ammuni-
ton for the allies. Thirty of
these ships were set on fire, the
flames suddenly bursting out in
the hold when the vessels were
far out at sea, and many people
were drowned and millions of
treaures lost that way. Mr.. Per-
kins saw these bomb plotters
broughtin, and had to act as
interpreter when they were ex-
amined by the United States at
torney, as they could speak no
English. They confessed hav-
ing made the bombs at the orders
of men higher up, whose names
they gave; and told how the
pieces of lead pipe were sawed
into lengths from three to seven
inches, a tin partition soldered in
the center, and acid put in one
end and infatnable powder in the
other, so that in three or four
days (time enough to allow the
ships to get out in mid-ocean) the
acid would eat through the tin,
come in contact with the powder,
cause an explosion, and set the
ship on fire. These little bombs
were placed in sacks of sugar,
bales Of clothing and other mer-
chandise. and the government
found that about 300 of them had
been used on ships. All the gull
ty men have been caught except
the head man who had the bombs
made, and the men who put them
on the ships. The bombsters
were all nice looking fellows. and
declared they did not know they
were doing wrong. There has
been complete lull in the burning
of ships at sea, sailing from this
port, and Uncle Sam seems to
have rounded up that brand of
criminals. Our friend saw some
of the bombs, which were very
simple in construction and devil
ish in their execution.
McNairy County independent. (Selmer, McNairy County, Tenn.) 1902-1969, 1916-04-21

We want the people to know
that our suggestions heretofore
made. that people along the roads
should and can make good roads,
will work. Recently the road
from the old Fairgrounds to Gil
christ's was nicely graded and
fully drained, making most ell
egant auto or wagon drive. 1t
was done by people along the
way. The credit is due all who
assisted in the work. Last week
they did the finishing touch by
reaching to the Fairgrounds, and
something like forty teams and
men put in one or more days and
all are entitled to credit for the
liberality and good common sense
shown. If every nelghborhood
would do likewise. the good road
problem would be solved.
McNairy County independent. (Selmer, McNairy County, Tenn.) 1902-1969, 1916-04-21
Death Of an Old Federal Soldier.

Il. D. Hurst, aged rs years and 9
months. died April IL at the home of
his daughter, Mrs. S. E. Cooksey near
Niche. He left in addition to Mrs.
Cooksey, two grown sons. Mr.. Hurst
has been in failing health for several
years. and was stricken on Sunday
with paralysis and remained uncon-
scious until Wednesday. Deceased
was a brother Of D. R. Hurst Of Fal-
con. He was member Of CO. B, 9Th
Tennessee Cavalry, and pensioner.
He was well known to all the old citi-
gems and man of upright character,
and belonged to the Primitive Baptist
church and had preached while living
in Middle Tennessee. He was buried
in Springhill cemetery, Rev. Brashiel
conducting the funeral services.
McNairy County independent. (Selmer, McNairy County, Tenn.) 1902-1969, 1916-04-21

Smith said he would not do that, but
he would repeat the words of Lady
Macbeth, who thought she saw the
murder stains on her hand: "Out,
damned spotw Smith probably lost
a fticnd by quoting Shakespeare that
time.
LINDSAY s. PERKINS.
McNairy County independent. (Selmer, McNairy County, Tenn.) 1902-1969, 1916-04-21
Announcement.

A special low rate of $1.l5 to Jack
son, Tenn, and return will be made
by the Mobile & Ohio Railroad on May
5. 1916. Take advantage of this
special occasion and visit your friends
See local agent for particulars.
McNairy County independent. (Selmer, McNairy County, Tenn.) 1902-1969, 1916-04-21
For Sale.

| have for sale lot of choice, Sc
lected Japanese cane seed for sale at
l0c a pound, special price per bushel.
Double the yield of ordinary sorghum.
Finely favored syrup.
SIX. WALLACE. Middleton, Tenn.
El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1916-03-07

and trained gunuers in time of peace and in time
Of war had never been questioned. The usage arose
in the days Of privaeers letters of marque and pirates
Vessels so armed "for defensive purposes only" were
not treated as warshps, when encountered by
enemy ship in time OF war; but peaceable traders
TO be taken prizes, to bebOarded and searcned
for cOntraband under well established rules OF inter
national law
The coming Of the submarine as a formidable war
weapon brought about conditions; 1t began to be
realized that armament nOminally intended "tor de-
fensive purposes only might easily be adequate 10
sinking submarine, and might be used for offensive
purposes Especially might this be so with the
modern methods Of mounting ships guns, having wide
radius of action matter where mounted.
On September g, 1914. Great Britain communicated
to this government its claims to its right to arm
merchantmen for defence" Secretary Lansing, under
date Of September 10, 1914 accepted the British view
and in published memorandum stated the rules the
United States intended to follow IL regard to armed
merchantmen For thing, guns of not inch
caliber, if STEW in number and not mounted the
forward part of the vessel allowed, and not
to render the ship liable to nenment in neutral port
a warShip OF to treatment as q warShip at sea
For this memorandum of September 49, 1914, it may
be said unreservedly that it was in line with inter
national law and usage up to the breaking out of the
present war
The German government, in a memorandum to our
government Immediately protested in vigorous terms
against the British policy and against the American
acceptance of that policy in its memorandum Of rules
just mentioned saying, "This ruling wholly fails to
ply with the principles Of neutrality" pointing out
that under modern conditions such guns as formerly
might have been cassed as "for defensive purposes
only" now become dangerous offensive weapons.
Secretary Lansing replied that the American position
strictly in line with international law but that
nevertheless government had voluntarily taken
steps to induce belgerents to refrain from sending
armed merchant ships into American ports; since Sep
TENDER 10, 1914 he declared mo merchant vessels
with ornaments have visited the ports of the United
States"
Friends Of the administration in congress are point
El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1916-03-07

to all the belligerent powers on January s just past
In this note to all begerents, the secretary OF state
proposed an immediate modification of the rules Of IN
ternational law applicable to the newly developer
submarine warfare and to the rights Of merchant shps
and passenger liners to fOr defence In TINS note
the secretary of state adopted in principle almost
wholly the German point of view to the legal status
Of the submarine, and to the right Of freight ana
MESSENGER ships to 'fOr defence In the Lansing
note of January 10, 1916, government makes CeIan
admissions of principle and suggestions OF chan2e OF
policy that unquesonably give Germany much warrant
for the position she has taken since The Herald viii
quote onv the two most significant paragraphs, on the
substance of which Germany relies to uphold her
case-paragraphs which, in effect deny the whole po-
stion the American government had formerly assumed
and throw open the minds of our president and secre
arv of state for the world Within it is impossible
TO read these paragraphs without being impressed with
the fact that the attitude OF our executive had indeed
changed and had taken position almost Numerically
opposite to that formerly assumed. In the note Of
January 49, 1916 to all the powers secretary Lansing
said: -
at would therefore appear to be REASON
ABLE AND RECIPR0CALLY JUST arrangement
if If could be agreed by the opposing bellgerents
that merchant vessels of beigerent nation
alitv should be PROHIBITED FROM CARRY
ING ANY ARMAMENT WHATSOEVER.
81 should add that MY GOVERNMENT is
IMPRESSED WITH THE REAS0NABLENESS
OF THE ARGUMENT that merchant vessel
carving an ARMAMENT OF ANY SORT, in
view Of the character of the submarine warfare
and the DEFENSIVE WEAKNESS OF UNDER
SEA CRAFT, should be held to be an AUXIL-
larry CRUISER AND so TREATED BY NEU-
TRIAL as well as by belligerent government,
and is seriously considering instructing its off
Gals accordingly"
Take note of the fact that the paragraphs quoted
above deny in principle the whole position the United
States had assumed Heretofore in regard to armed
and furthermore, that SECRETARY
LANSING IN THIS NOTE STATES THE CASE FOR
THE GERMANS AS WELL AS THEY COULD STATE
1T THEMSELVES
El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1916-03-07

ing out that all this correspondence was carried on
and made public while congress in session and that
voice Of protest raised in the United States
in out of congress- when the lawful right Of American
citizens to travel armed ships owned by begerens
was originally declared Secretary Bryans last note
in most vigorous terms, unfolding this right is quoted
to back up the presidents couTse-the note that
president Wilson dictated and that Bryan signed under
protest. and that Of the of his resgnBg
because his heart was not in it.
is unnecessary to traverse all the tedious letter
writing following the sinking of the Lu4tania and Ohe
vessels with the loss of Of American lives.
Suffice it to say that the United States government
continued to uphold formally the right of its citizens -
travel where when, and how they pleased within The
limitations OF international law well understood up
TO august J. 1914. The Washington government die nO
admit in any Of these cases that the fact of the
victim ship having had gun mounted 'for defence"
could have had any effect to void the rights Of American
passengers on such ship
Congressman MondeI, in his speech in congress
against the present position of the administration
taken IN view of the newly announced policy of the
German government to sink all belgerent merchantmen
carrying arms, said:
when and how did it become tremendously
sacred and important American right to be privi-
legged to ride ON armed ship, equipped intended
Tor hosuliues. proposing to travel through hostile
zone IN time OF war; Such a ship is expected to fight
1t proposes to fight, and in fight any kind
sUo4ie ~ sure TO get hurt The arning of merchant
men is not under conditions, justifable and
place Themselves in danger ~ ssiltpe on sucb sbins
insist upon the right Of American citizens
powder trains? When anyone fully informed contends
that American citizen has a right WHICH should
not he denied, curtailed abridged. TO travel
ship armed to fight purpcsed to fight proposing to
fight and bound into the regions of war at the
present time and under present conditions, I am
insisting is either playing politics with
honor or is disposed to embroH the nation in war;
The position of the opponents of the presidents at
TINS moment could not be better stated.
The Washington government has SERIOUSLY weakened
It's position by reason of communication addressed
El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1916-03-07
The sun is FL Paso's best friend.
Water Pressure In East Ell Paso Is Weak
Juarez As "Spot1ess Town Disappointing

joint Champagne will ruin an artist
just as quick as it will a bartender
and its effect upon good piano playing
is most noticeable. These facts are as
true of person playing as a person
operating a pianOla."
x =
Something should be done to remove
the sparrows from our midst" said
BreedlOve Smith. They are not only
numerous, but a nuisance Often when
I walk home at night in the parks and
sit down upon the bench to think, 1 see
the sparrOws i'm the leafless trees and
wish I might have revolver to shoot
at them It's not that I am cruel to
birds. But they are so innately wicked:
so beastly insanitary; so noisy and
squabbling. IF they could be induced to
go and roost out of town and not make
their nests in the water drains and the
caves and the city trees. I'd say let
them remaiu-but they won't do this
They are Just naturally bums-so 1 say
let's Iegislate against them"
IF FL PasO had Fort Worth's packing
houses there isn't a city in the state
that could keep pace with us" said II.
El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1916-03-07
TbeDaily Novelette,
sxEEzrks wATTERBILIOUs

T5tfIe willie would study theology.
while from time he succumbed 10
physehOloEy.
He got eff the track.
And when he came back.
He was 4. IT,. N. ID. in BOozeoloEy.
-HEREON, Babbitss, the school
master. threw down the note and
4 bit his lip with anger and his
lower teeth.
Then he read the IOte again Cur,
ass. YOU are a man OF no legs. I wish
10 inter my sun in your skull"
'The practical joking BLACKBOARD!
TN make a black-aud- blueguard out of
hint" fumed Theron Rabbits. And
TO think, the silly pinkguard had the
effrontery TO add his name and ad-
dressi"
And putting ON his hat and cane, the
schoolmaster rushed TO the address in
dictated. a foreigner with no collar in
back of his necktic opened the door.
"Are you SkeeziSs Wattcrbilious?
demanded Rabbits
s-Sure. Me him."
And did you write thls:
Sure, ] write him.
with a wild cry, the schUolmastcr
knocked WatterbiliOus down, picked
him up. knocked him down again,
picked him up. knocked him down
again, etc. etc. Then thought struck
him. Looking at the note again. he
Eealized that il meant: "Sir, as you
El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1916-03-07

IN IT AJAX defying the lightning OF Falstaff on
parade?" asked congressman Mondell during the
debate in the house on the presidents position
on the armed passenger ship question: and the Presi-
dents letter to senator Stone in which the president
said 81 cannot consent the abndgment of the rights
Of Americans in any respect"
The armed merchantmen controversy is not dead,
in spite Of the action Of the senate in abng senator
Cores resolution of warning The act of the senate
was the act of expediency, not principle, and not
truly reflecing the sentiment Of the members. 1t
doubt seemed to many who opposed the president on
principle that nevertheless with the United States
government in the midst of diplomatic negotiations
serious present interference by congress would be in
advisable
Any day. any hour, the people of the United States
may be called upon to decide the issue of peace and war
with Germany, or if not war, at least a of
diplomatic relations which would make ultimately
probable Congress may be called upon any day TO
act upon the main question, and it may not always be
able to dodge decision by merely resolving to stand
by the president It is necessary that every individual
citizen should inform himself upon the merits of the
controversy, in its bare essentials and that every
individual citizen form definite opinion about it.
In the present state of negotiations with Germany,
in view of the presidents public declarations and the
refusal of congress- so far interfere to the extent
Of attempting to direct the foreign policy, crisis
may arise, and will almost certainly arise whenever
an American citizen loses his life in ship of the
allies torpedOed by the central powers. ANY British,
French Italian Portuguese Belgian or Japanese ship
carrying American passengers may be torpedOed any
minute IN the Mediterranean the Atlantic or Asiatic
waters and whether the victim ship be EARNED for
defence" not the question of Americas attitude will
instantly come to point.
Very briefly The Herald will outline the more i'm
pOrant details of the controversy 1t stands.
Until the great broke out, the right of merchant
man" or ordinary liner tramp steamer carrying
freight and passengers to carry ships gun of several
inches caiber mounted the stern, with ammunition,
El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1916-03-07

(BY "A. ID 81

The German government at seized upon this
note full justification for its submarine pOlicv
and afterwards issued its proclamation declaring
its intention after February %, to sink without warn
ing every armed merchantmen under enemy flag
In principle the new German submarine policy and
secretary Lansing's note Of January 70, 1916 are
closely in accord. The German government shrewd
enough to the significance of the admissions in
the Lansing note and says that it accepted the
Lansing views of January IS, 1916, IS intended to
express the future attitude Of the American govern
ment toward the allies well the central powers.
The note Of January 49, 1916, is held by the German
government to be justification enough for its
submarine policy.
PRESIDENT WILSON NOW BY HIS PRESENT
ATTITUDE, IS EXPRESSLY AND DIRECTLY vI0-
LATINO THE PRINCIPLE OF THE LANSING NOTE
OF JANUARY 10 LAST. 1t is perfectly true that the
Lansing note not law and that it not intended
to be positive announcement Of American policy.
It perfectly true that the president is still in accord
with the letter of international law existed up to
the beginning of this But it is also true that the
secretary Of state has given Germany all the argument
she needs to combat the president in the exchange Of
notes to be resumed.
So far none of the allies has even acknowledged
receipt of the Lansing note of January 49, with the
exception of Italy which declines the proposed
rule. But all the allies it is well known, have
declined to disarm their ships With the Exception Of
Italy, they not sending armed merchant ships to
American ports but they arming them at Gibraltar
or elsewhere outside rOur jurisdiction
The test will come when a German or Austrian sub
marine sinks an armed merchantmen with the loss
of American life-it may be in the Mediterranean or
the open In view of secretary Lansing's broad
concessions Of principle in the above quoted paragraps
country to back him up in he decides to break
with Germany over such act, though such an
attack be technically lawless Secretary Lansing has
quite adequately stated the in defence of Germany
and his letter cannot be repealed however embarrassing
it may prove to the white house.
El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1916-03-07
Time Is Something You Can Put In Cold Storage
Gasoline Is The Only Thing That Evaporates Faster

~IME is one Of the few articles used
by the ultimate consumer which
= cannot be put in cold storage. II
time were like the fresh country egg
and could be packed in salt for the use
Of generations yet unborn, what a
blessing It would be to people who are
beginning to run short As it is, how
ever, time evaporates faster than any
other product on earth except tank
wagon gasoline
Time is a good deal like gasoline in
other respects. too 1t is highly in
flammable, and is being burned every
day by people who never realize what
il Il worth until they look into the
bottom OF the can and find that they
are about out. There would be less
time burned in the pursuit Of auction
bridge. the sex novel and pin pool if
people could look ahead and see the
end of the yardstick. Also there would
be fewer business failures recorded by
Messrs. Dun and Bradstreet If more
time were expended in monthly collec-
lions and writing advertisements and
less in keeping up with SAN Crawford s
batting average
There are H~:eraI thousand effective
ways wasting time. all Of which have
El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1916-03-07
Disappointing

T. jackson, superintendent Of the city
waterwOrks. with the packing houses
added to our other Industries, our min
ing and agricultural interests, we would
take on a growth that would startle the
country. We expect, of course, to get
packing houses, so that our future is
assured"
with the completion Of the fourth
new well. now being sunk at the mesa
pumping station, FL Paso will have a
supply of water in excess Of present
needs said alderman J. P. O'ConnOr.
I'VE have decided not to sink any more
wells at present. knowing that our
greatest needs viii be more than sup
piled with the wells now down. The
new wells are large producers and the
water is absolutely pure"
El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1916-03-07
1AYEARS Ago Today
\ lFrom The Herald OF This
Date, 1902.

The membership OF the International
Miners association has increased until
there are now more than 240 members
Of whom the majority have come in
since the first Of the current year. Tho
association IS rapidly becoming strong
enough to make fight for the rights
Of miners.
Miss Florence Beau viii entertain the
Chatting Dish club at her home tonight
with a circus party.
Miss Lillian Newman is spending a
few DAYS at Hereford, visiting Mr. and
Mrs. II. l. Newman. Jr-
Mrs W. II. Allen and chhdren are eA.
pected to return from New York Where
thew have ben spending the summer
Miss Helen Russell enteTtalned
,vr,ber Of her friends most dellBhI-
fully at her home on Arizona street
Miss Mary smith OF Kansas Stey' her
lived in the city yesterday 10 WISH IeL
qieter. Mrs. VIII Haines, VINO reslue9
on ,,a-,c.,-ts reached the city from Wash
Jprton. D. C.. today that I. b. Olsllstu 80
"a been named for the posInlasler VI
vi Paso by the presi"ei~
is unconfirmed- ao.,,,s,ied
mrs j. H. Mckinneu' accom- ai Lee
bcr young daughter, Heatner, le+ Lt
Let night for the east IiiLS ott
- rarfv that will leave New ~,
il5 rcport of the international uaI"
.,.I,,,1ission now in washington. y -
co CON hs heard at the next meeting Oh
ne chamber OF commerce ana ONE tn' con-
,,oTtant business will come up loI
81 lSiss Elsie I.urkins gave a party , Oh
~ Mlii,,osdsv evening TO NUMBER OF NC
Meui f~iepds. Among those present at
5be i marty were: Misses Elsie Elsie hoR Racbei
LoralnSS 'Io1,ise Hooper. Sallie Walt
10y H9W1 Nav Hadiock Adins Noake' I K9iHo
han han MY MTies clara Davis, ATyr9 White A,5le
leen 4olm clover shaclzleford' ,, Eliar
SSas-rien Iucilla Smith, Emily
ana Mabel kirksey-
El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1916-03-07

GRAFTON. One of the most successful OF
these is the habit of dropping in on n
busy business man and discussing ev-
erything from the cause of the Franco
Prussian war TO the best cure for quin-
sy. This habit appears to be increasing
in intensity, and has already been re-
sponsible for a number of hasty funer-
ais. When man has more time on his
hands than he knows what to do with,
he should retire to the haymOw and
sleep off the surplus instead of trying
to divide with somebody who wishes
there were 365 days in each month.
Under our present system Of regula-
ton there is a very unequal distribu-
ton Of time. Lots of men who were al
ways literally supported by their wives
and could just as well be spared as not
are given an extra large chunk OF time,
and live for a great many years after
the community has become recOnciled
to their departure. When We see strong,
big-hearted citizens cut down in middle
life and then note the durability of the
Octogenarian deadbeat, we are some
times inclined to question the wisdom
- providence.
We would all value time more highly
if it came in a steel tank, liketlubricat-
ing oil, so that we could see how much
was left after a joy ride.-PrOtected by
Tho Adams Newspaper Service.