davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1916-12-22
SMALL FIRE THREATENED
HANDSOME NEW HOSPITAL

At 10 o'clock last night pedestrians
passing the new Steedley hospital on
East Main street saw a blaze on the
third floor of the handsome new hos
pitai, now in course of construction,
and when they reached the floor in
question they found that hole had
been burned in the floor and the fire
was making good headway. A fire
alarm was turned in from box % at
the corner of Dean and Main streets,
but before the arrival of the depart
ment few buckets of water had ex-
tinguished the blaze.
During the afternoon workmen had
applied coat of oil to the floor and
!had then rubbed down the floor with
excelsior, after which they threw the
excelsior in the corner. The firemen
think that spontaneous combustion
took place and started the fire.
The damage done to the floor was
small and after the fire reached the
concrete underneath the floor, the ad-
vance of the fire was exectually
stopped.-Spartanburg Herald.
The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1916-12-22
cargo" would be carried.

cargo would be carried.
Leaving New York at dusk, the air
mail carrier would follow the lights
at the emergency stations to the first
landing station which would be in
the vicinity of Williamsport, Pa.
There, at flying field fully equipped
with hangers, tools and spare parts,
he would stop for oil and gas, and
would then continue to the relay sta
tion near Niles, Ohio. Here another
machine would finish the flight, land
ing once at the second landing near
Napoleon, Ohio. One extra machine
with pilot would be maintained at
each landing station and three extra
machines and pilots at the relay sta
tion. Powerful searchlights would
mark the emergency stations and spe-
cial lighting systems illuminate The
flying fields at the landing and relay
stations. BY the use of searchlights
of about 5000 candle power equipped
with acetylene gas tanks, it is stated
that the pilots would be able to see
the lights when several miles ditan.
even in foggy weather and would be
compelled to fly in darkness under the
worst conditions only 10 or IL min
utes.
The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1916-12-22

full wireless system of the present
time. Everything points to its sue
cess.
Officers of the postoffice department
have discussed the present possibili-
ties of aerial mail transportation with
American representatives of the sci
ence of aerial navigation and are as
sured that New York-Chicago service
is practicable. 1t is estimated that
the trips can be made in from six to
ID hours, depending upon the wind
and that the average running, time
for the 720 miles (air line) between
the two largest American cities would
be eight hours.
Certain American promoters have
proposed definite plans for the main
tenance on regular schedule of this
air trunk line for the mails. They
point out that "the flights of Ruth
Law and Cictor Carlstrom were much
more difficult and remarkable than the
regular trips we are planning. They
had no help along the route, whereas
we would provide everything that can
be thought Of"
One plan involves emergency sta
tions every % miles, each equipped
with powerful lights, two landing sta
tions and one relay station. The
planes would leave the two termini at
6 p. m. and deliver the mail before 9
a. m. the following day. Under the
most favorable conditions, the mail
would reach destination by midnight.
From 500 to 1909 pounds of load or
The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1916-12-22
COTTON GINNED TO DEC. 1.

The report of Bureau of Census as
given out through the Union county
representative, Mr.. o. T. Ei,lue, shows
for the year 1915, prior to Dec. 1, 49,
ITO bales ginned; while for the like
period this year the number is 1O,-
GIT bales.
The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1916-12-22

DR.. R. R. Berry returned this week
from Philadelphia, where he has just
completed a three months special
course in Polytechnic Hospital on the
diseases of the eye, ear, nose and
throat.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-07-08

Des Rentals for houses for
the poor in Des Moines are entirely TOO
high, according TO charity workers.
In one section OF the city houses
which have no water or gas. rent for
IS TO $40. Many houses are double and
bring the owner a rental which u.s. hs-
ured at eight per vent on the invest
ment
According to Mrs Mary Bird. super-
intendent OF the Day Nursery. the rent
ais are generally too high and the
dwellings are in many cases unsani-
tary.
The workers Of the Associated Char
tiles and Mrs. Bird are advocating "a
housing investigation. Drake uni-
Versity students made "a partial inFes-
tlgation during the year and found
conditions equal 10 tenement condi-
uons In other cities. G. NJ Young, sec
rotary of the Iowa Humane society
mas had number OF complaints
against housing conditions in certain
dlstrictas
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-07-08
ELECTORAL CHICKS.

The electoral college, the members
OF which will actually elect the next
president and vice president, will con-
sist of 531 members, of whom 266 will
constitute majority. Wilson is, of
course, assured of the vote of the sol
id south"-the states of Alabama,
Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, North
Carolina, Mississippi, South Carolina,
Texas, Virginia and Arkansas-with a
total of ia votes. In addition, he is
reasonably sure of the votes of Ari-
IONA, Kentucky, Maryland, Oklahoma
and Tennessee, which have 46 votes,
making grand total of go votes
The republicans start the campaign
with the assurance of carrying the
New England states, Pennsylvania
Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota
North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon. South
Dakota, Utah, Washington, West Vir-
ginia and Wisconsin, which states
will cast a total of 203 votes. This es-
innate leaves in the doubtful column
the states of California, Delaware. Ida
no, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Mon
tana, Nebraska, Nevada. New Jersey
New Mexico, New York and Wyoming
These IA states. with a vote of 16S in
the electoral college, represent the
real battle ground of the coming cam
paign. Wilson, in order to be elected
must secure log electoral votes some
where among these states. He would
be defeated if he were to lose New
York, California and Missouri, three
states that are certainly debatable
ground, and which will control rs
electoral votes, or 10 more than are
necessary to elect Hughes, with the
203 conceded to him above. Or he
would be defeated if he were to lose
New York, Indiana and Illinois, and
carry all the other states enumerated
in the doubtful column
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-07-08
WILSON DEMOCRACY.

Every utterance of President VIII
son has treble significance at the
present time First of all there is
the eager interest of a nation con-
scious that its immediate future. per
haps its ultimate destiny, may turn
upon momentous decisions to which
the presidents word may give a clew.
Of lesser Importance, but by no
means negligible, is the purely pOliti-
cal, or partisan interest, which is
little more than a wolfiSh eagerness
OF seize upon every bone cast into
the political arena, to pick from it the
meat that is sweetest to partisan
paIates.
President Wilson's address TO the
advertising men last week was full
OF meat for all. To the nation as a
whole, which has stood on the brink
of war for SO long, his words and his
very presence at the gathering in
Philadelphia were reassuring, while
he furnished friends and foes with
plenty of fresh controversial material
In what he had to say pertinent to
the Mexican situation there was re-
fiected a determination to persevere
to the end and to avoid war If it be
possible TO do so with honor.
The fighting mood" which the
serve to keep us out OF war, rather
than hasten hostilities, since the
speaker made it clear that while he
would fight to uphold what he con-
siders to be the principles Of liberty,
justice and humanity, he would fight
just as hard to hold this country to
q just course in dealing with other
nations. Applied TO Mexico this can
have but one meaning President
Wilson would not make war upon
Mexico -unJustly, and only as a last
resort. This is anything but a bel
ligerent attitude, and taken in con-
nection with the more recent develop
ments it raises the hope that there
may be a peaceful settlement of the
issus that have brought the two
countries so close to war.
There are other things for which
the president would fight Bound up
IN his fighting code Is a creed of
mortality that has its
fountain springs in Individual con-
science. Truth, universal justice and
Lincoln hearted brotherhood and
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-07-08
Hunts Way TO Place Sailors.

Sydney, Australia. tCorrespo ndence
of the Associated Prcsst.-Slr Rider
Haggard, the English novelist and land
settlement expert who is on a tour
of British oversee dominiOns TO inves-
tigate ways and means Of placing Brit
ish soldiers and sailors on the land
after the war. sailed for New zealand
from here last week having finished
his work in Australia. lie viii spend
about a month in New zealand and
will then go on to Canada
The Queensland government" he
said, lis prepared TO provide a million
acres for agriculture Tor the settle
ment of ex-service men from the
United Kingdom. The New south
Wales government by ITS irrigation
schemes will be enabled 90 increase
its settlers by about 600 iu two years
and in this is prepared to put time
expired United Kingdom soldiers on
the same footing as its own men. Ou-
er states are also willing 10 extend 10
ex-service men from the United King
dom the same advantages iu land set
tlement as they offer their own
when this war ends we shall be
faced suddenly with the problem Of
handling great numbers of the 5.O0Oo00
soldiers who will be released with
changed ideals and changed spirits.
Unless something is ready for them
there will be great mistakes. We can
take a lesson from the emigration %
$4,000 men from the United Kingdom
TO the United States after the boer
war"
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-07-08

charity. the protection Of the weak
by the strong, are articles of this
faith. and who can say that President
| Wilson has failed to act upon these
principles in his dealings with other
people? Is il not true that this creed.
which has been called idealistic,
doctrinaire, visionary. has been re-
sponsible for most of those efforts
that, having failed to bear fruit in
kind, are pointed to as proof Of his
weakness and incapacity?
More directly related to the prac-
teal questions of national policy. and
partisan political creeds, was what
the president had to say about the
control Of the government by the few.
He reafHrIned his belief, recently ex-
pounded before the National Press
club, that he was put in office ito
interpret, to register, to suggest, and
to be suggested to-" He believes the
principle of the life of America is
that she draws her vitality, not from
small bodies Of men who may wish
to assume the responsibility for guild
ing and controlling her, but from the
great body of the people" He was
more specific in declaring that he
could name the very short list of men
who believe that it is not safe for the
OHiJeu StateS 10 escape from their
control
This is the leader Of democracy's
answer to the republican candidates
recent declaration that the democratic
party lacks the national outlook
Almost anyone could furnish the list
Of names referred to. Most of them
are marked by the prefix Of EEK" to
their official names. The president
is right in placing his faith in the
people as a whole, rather than in
groups, small or large. It is his weak
ness, however, that he should assign
to himself such a a purely negative
position. The responsibility reposed
in him does not end with his interpre-
tation of imperfect manifestations of
national desires. He must act, often
entirely alone. Even in a democracy
one man, or a few men, must bear
the responsibility for national action.
AS has been said before, this is not
the negatiOn of representative govern
ment, for public opinion, moving slow
er, is sure to check up and correct
errors of leadership Leadership it
self is nevertheless essential. and it
is through its choice of leadership
that the democracy must vindfcate
itself
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-07-08
TO MEET THE COST.

/ Persons who have clamored for the
/ prompt Cleaning up - of Mexico may
/ take pause when they consider that
raising huge additional revenues in
anticipation of the probability of such
an enterprise. Intervention in Mex
| leo, it is recognized by those who have
given the matter sober reflection, will
| not be an early morning chOre. Com
petent military men summarize the
/ Job thus terSely: Five hundred thou
sand men, five years. This does not
necessarily mean five years of war
but five years of occupation and super
vision, even in the friendliest spirit.
will be a task tremendously expensive
in men and money.
To meet this esponsibility-whic
is seemingly unacceptable - congress
wisely favOrs extra taxation rather
than heavy bond issues. If we are to
maintain an extensive army and navy
in the future, posterity will be kept
busy paying for their maintenance,
without the added burden of bonds
handed down by US for redeeming
Mexico. The country is amply able to
pay as it goes.
The democrats propose to meet the
Mexican cOntin gency-an also pro-
vide funds for the augmented prepar-
ednesS prOgram-by three forms of
special taxation: An increase in the
tax on large incomes, a federal tax on
large inheritances, a tax on munitions
of war. They propose to do away with
the present stamp taxes, but TO re-
tain some of the emergency taxes The
increased tax on large incomes, ii is
expected, will bring in 500, 100000
the tax on inheritanceS $50. 600 900
tax on munitions $5,00O,000; the
emergency taxes retained $40,000,000-
a total additional revenue of $3.50, 00O,-
000
These taxes are in line with the
democratic policy of laying the brunt
of taxation on those most able to bear
it and those who profit most from gov
ernmental protection. Even the aug
mented income taxes will be far below
that assessed in practically every
other country in the world. The in
heritance tax merely takes from those
who have not earned and who are
amply able to pay. The munitions tax
diyerts to the treasury a portion of
the huge and abnormal profits of this
tremendous industry; it is a tax which
is endorsed by Charles M Schwab, one
of the men who has profited most
heavily from the industry. The inter
ests directly affected by these pro-
posed taxes will naturally vince at
the assessment, but war and prepared
ness for war are expensive, and the
great mass of American people will
approve the measure as outlined
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-07-08
A CHINESE BENEDICT

Was Yuan Mirabeau, a Cromwell, a
Bismarck? Millions think him a Bene-
dict Arnold. Historic anaIogies must
not be pressed. External resembl-
ances count for little; while any pro-
found or subtle analysis of motives
except in the acknowledged form Of
conjecture, is worthless Whether i'm
perial resident in Korea, CITY govern
or, tao-tai, of either Chilli Of Shan
tung, head of the foreign office. ad-
Vocate ad protector of the old dynasty.
president OF the republic, restorer of
the state religion, high priest in the
temple OF heaven, restorer of Con-
fusclaHlsm, or Quasi-emperor, Yuan
was the same man, the reincarnation
or the typical mandarinism of old
CHINA, never of the spirit of the new
he, the man, was ever faithful, sec
ondar1ly, to master, sovereign, party
republic or traditional Chinese ideals
but ever and always first to Yuan Shi
Raj With all his limitations, he be-
IleVed In the China of his own mind
lndestructble, unsinking. eternal. In
his view, the central empire would
hold to unity. perpetuate its life.
weather all storms, and return to
primitive ideals. as surely as the com
pass after all alterations, would
trembIe TO the pole: and this faith he
held because such a China was, on
the whole, best for Yuan Shi Kai. To
Keep secure as long as possible his
harem and his herd, his f1ocks and his
possessions, his enjoyments of BODY
ana mind, the two, Yuan, and China.
must needs be inseparable.
Yet expose the reality as we NAV.
who will wish to minimize the vast ser
vice of such a man to China? In pure-
Iy local matters, with ages of exper-
fence behind them. the Chinese are as
nj for republic as are New England
ers. No imperial dynasty has lasted
over three centuries, because the Chin
csc love freedom too well. There new
er was any permanent nobility in
emma, and IN the ninth generation
even the descendants of imperial
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-07-08

princes become commoners. The
Manchu dynasty followed in the way OF
all others, because it's time was up
1t had to go.
1uan-called, because he had man
lpuIated the call, to guide a republic
was man STEPPED in traditions OF
force and craft. AS unaIterabIy mind
ed as mandarin of the old school. he
could see no ideals, but only the ma
terlaI bases of things. To conciliate
or unity, Yuan knew not compromise
put only the method of the shooting
squad. OF the modern worlds forces.
ne utilized only those that had Wis
lolilty, such as finance, army, navy
railways, hygiene, the medical art and
siuclency IN administration, and these
he used we'll
fuans craftsmanship, such as 1t
wal, served as corduroy for the swamp
ana bridges for the rivers, which China
must pass, on the long road to CEN
trdl strength-which, from azure-rob-
ing distance, seems so short and easy
10 the men of books and letters Amid
COLOSSAL obstacles, he restored the f.
nahcla! credit of China and postponed
mat breakup" which so many for
eIshers gleefuIly expected. He laid
tue foundations of a genuine army. He
saIeg uarded, as far as he could, the
country from aggression. His SUI
~ enne loea Tor his country was free
dom from alien conquest. The high
est tribute TO be paid to Yuan is this,
that foreign governments turned al
most unanimously from trusting China
10 place their confidence in one man.
~ an.-Wliliam Elliot Griffis, in the
NORTH American Review.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-07-08

der. was Obliged 10 find another
means OF entry. n I have got into
your house, sir, by mistake / ask a
thousand pardons."
Mr.. Robbins looked 20 mortified AT
the position in which he was placed
that the owner OF the premises was
deceived. Ferguson was high liver
and a good fellow. He not only par
doned the intruder but invited him
into the dining room and. leading the
way to the sideboard, produced a bot
tie.
"I don't think I should take any.
thing" said Robbins. "a man who
spends an evening at his club and then
breaks into another mans house By
mistake surely has Ind all he can
stand up under
You don't show It."
my respectful respects said Mr.
Ferguson when Mr.. Robbins decided
to take Just one glass with his newly
made friend.
my regardless rega ards responded
the burglar.
"If you had not been in evening
dress" remarked Ferguson. do you
know / would never have believed your
story"
Lucky dog am l."
"By the bye, how did you effect
an entranceT
Robbins pointed 20 the sash from
which he had removed a pane OF glass
Ferguson went 10 the window and ex-
amined the sash.
meat job" he observed.
al fatter myself it's a very neat job
that is, for a man who has spent an
evening convivially."
ct don't see how You did II without
breaking the glass"
Fact IS" replied the burglar. help
ing himself to another glass. "on sew.
eral occasions I've had to do this sort
Of a Job because, not being sober,
used the wrong key or put It In up
side down or something like that A
dead give away, you see. and my wife
has got on 70 my condition at such
times. I've not only learnedJ how 20
do the Job without making a noise, but
TO do IL neatly"
At this point Mrs. Ferguson was
heard calling her husband.
81 am keeping you" said his guest
making n move to depart. Really,
am very much obliged for your hospl-
tally and especially so for your con
s:deration as to my lamentable mis-
take"
Z We're an liable that way on return
ing home after an evening out"
Mr.. Ferguson showed the gentleman
to the door, pressed his hand warmly
at parting, then went upstairs. Hav-
ing kissed his wife good night he went
to his room.
There lay heap OF cast OF clothing
on the floor The secret was out
Mr.. Robbins in due time went the
way of all crooks. He died in prison.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-07-08
The Daily Story
Jimmy the Window Lifter-By Willard Brakeman

Tom Robbins became a burglar from
reading stories of highwaymen of the
Robin Hood order. He would go into
a house at midnight, take away such
valuables az he could carry and leave
card on which was written "Compli-
ments of Jimmy the window litter"
Sometimes beneath a portrnit Of a
pretty girl he would leave a few lines
OF so called poetry tackled under IT,
One night Robbins entered the house
OF Albert Ferguson. Mrs. Ferguson
was asleep In the front second story
bedroom with light turned low. The
servants were at the rear of the house,
leaving the center rooms unoccupied.
Mr.. Ferguson was attending a meeting
of q whist club of which he was a
member Robbins, not caring to make
sound by the use OF jimmy, took
out a pane of glass, unlocked a sash.
lifted it up and entered the dining
room.
During his wanderings I'm the house
he came upon Mr.. FerguSoD's room
Finding 1t unoceupied, he made him
self at home. In a closet he found q
dress suit about his own size and con-
cluded that he would like to play the
match In a bureau drawer, he dressed
himself, leaving his own plebeian suit
on the floor Of the bedroom
1t would not do for a swell TO carry
a bag of silver or any bulky article, SO
Mr.. Robbins helped himself to what
jewelry he could find and preparatory
to leaving the premises flashed a lamp
on his reflection in a mirror. Motto
ing that his felt hat did not correspond
with the rest of his costume, he re-
turned to the closet, where he found
several silk head coverings, and, select
ing the best, put it on.
A capper being put on his respecta-
bilfty, he went downstairs and, dis
daining to go out the way he came in,
was about to make an exit by the front
door when he heard key scrapfng in
the lock. Mr.. Ferguson entered and
by the light burning in the hall saw
man descending the staircase. On see
ing Mr.. Ferguson Mr.. Robbins stood
still and for a moment lost his equa-
nimity. Then, assuming a puzzled air,
he said:
"My friend, haven't you made mis-
take?"
Haven't you made the mistake, sir ?
What are you doing in my houseT
"YOur house?'
Certainly
"Can it be possible that 1 am in an
other mans premisesT
'You are on my premises, sir, and I
shall require an explanation for your
being here before you win be permit
ted to leave"
Come TO think Of It," replied Rob
bins, my key failed to unlock the door.
Thinking that the lock was out of or
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-07-08

Eastern factories which have been
engaged in making munitions for the
European allies are dismissing thou
sands of workmen who have been en-
p1oyed on this class of work 1t is
announced that the war orders have
been filled and that there have been
no renewals. This is taken to indicate
either that the armies of the entente
can be supplied in future by the fac
tories Of their own countries or that
tremendous stores Of munitions have
been shipped from America and piled
up on the other side. Then, too, it
may be d hint of an early ending of the
conflict