davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New-York tribune., 1916-02-06
Out of the Mills.

BY its prompt and decisive action on The
Heating anti-chld labor bill the House
of Representatives places that measure
before the Senate early in the session.
There Is therefore no reason for that
body 70 fail 70 act on It, as It did las;
year. There is abundant time for study
and discussion Of It IN committee and on
the floor.
The more discussion there Is Of this
measure the more It's merits must becom,
apparent. Objection TO It has become local
lied. Practically all the antagonism
comes from few Southern states where
cotton mill owners object TO having chill
dren exempted from their clutches. There
seems to be also some opposition from
Pennsvlvania, where young boys are en-
ploved in the mines or at the breakers
Such employment is upheld by the adver-
saries Of this legislation as the inalienable
right Of American youth, just as al-day
and all-night work IN the canneries Of this
state was described last winter as q privi-
leee for the thrifty and duty for the
Door. who thus could improve their lot in
life. It is difficult to think calmly Of the
minds which father such arguments
There are, unfortunately. some circum-
stances so miserable. even in this great
ana rich country. that they make sny
labor. ct any wages for any person OF
whatever age, an advantage or relief.
But such circumstances are the extreme
Of hardship. They by no means Justify
tolerating conditions which, aided by 10
norance or selashness or both, drag forth
an unfailing supply OF children TO have
their youth crushed out IN mines and quar-
ries and mills, 70 have their health SHAT
tered and their lives warped and stunted
These children are the wealth Of the
community. They emoody the hope OF the
future. They must carry on the work O..
the country: but 1t is sheer, criminal stu
uidity for the country to permit them 70 oe
out into labor of any nature before their
minds and bodies have passed through the
processes OF childhood, before they have
ripened TO a point whore they are ready
and fit TO take up that labor. The Keat-
ing bill is not an extreme measure. In ITS
broadest phase it applies only TO children
Of sixteen years and under; and 1t only
protects them against such exploitation a.
would ruin them in mind and body.
This country IS great and rich. But il
IS not rich enough % squander It's human
material foolishly, wickedly, merely TO helr
line the pocketbooks Of few manuiactur
ers. BY every law Of justice and common
sense the Heating measure should speedily
take its place on the statute books.
New-York tribune., 1916-02-06
Shirkers.

(Fror, TIE Philadelphia ErsHino LslGsr)
It Is almost unbelievable, in view Of re-
cent historical events, that the Democratic
party should insist on its wild scheme 10
lecislate the capacity for self-government
into the Filiplnos With our splendid public
school system, supplemented generously by
private educational institutions Of all kinds
it has been difficult task 70 maintain an
electorate Of sufficient understanding to vote
intelligently. Mexico has been republic
for generations, but with no apparent prog
ress toward real democracy. To grant free
dom TO the Philippines would be simply to
renounce our obligations in that part Of the
world and surrender the islands 20 a riot OF
incompetence and ultimate social ruin.
New-York tribune., 1916-02-06
Labor's Part in Preparedness.

Whether Samuel Gompers's address 70
the members of the American Federation
Of Labor be interpreted as a plea or de-
mand that the labor unions be represented
in consideration Of all plans for prepared
ness, II would be most unwise not to give
thought TO 1t. Preparedness in the pres
ent stage Of economic development cannot
be q military preparedness alone. Troops
cannot be modified unless industries also
can be modified. The successful main
tcnance of an army in the field depends
quite as much on the men who run the
railroads and the employees of the factories
back Of the line as it does on the military
ability Of the officers and the spirit Of the
men in the line. If any proof Of that were
needed, the respective conditions Of Ger
many and England furnish it
Preparedness in this country cannot be
brought about by German methods. As
Mr.. Gompers says: "If provisions for ma
tional preparedness are to be constructive
they must escape the perils Of militarism
and autocracy; -they must be based upon
voluntary and democratic principles" Any
policy of preparedness worthy the name
inevitably must rest quite as much on the
manufacturing prowess Of the country as
on its military strength. Yet there seems
to be little thought about the part the
workers, organized into unions and unor-
ganized, would play in any crisis. Eng
lands difficulties with labor since the war
began have arisen chiefly from the fact
that, I'd 10 the time when the need of their
services became imperative, too little at
tention was paid TO the workers point OF
view; too little thought was given to their
place in the nations scheme Of defence.
With their powerful unions and their par
hamentary representation the workers
nave Of necessity been taken into consld-
c alton, have been consulted as TO all
war plans since the beginning Of hostili-
ties. But delays and friction have accom-
panied the working out Of the govern
ments policies which under similar cir
ccmstances would undoubtedly be present
in this country.
such q situation need never arise here.
fortunately, if sufficient heed be given to
Mr. Gompers's address, which merely eX-
presses what hundreds Of other labor lead
ers Of high and low degree are saying.
Their spirit is not unpatriotic; their atti-
tudo Is not against preparedness. It is,
most emphatical'y. q demand that the
workers be consulted and considered in the
formulation Of policies and plans for pre-
paredncss in which eventually their CO.
operation viii te sought, just as military
experts are consulted and their opinions
considered And there is much reason in
their position. 1t is in accord with good
sense; it is in accord with the democratic
enirit Of the country.
New-York tribune., 1916-02-06
Modern Russian Literature.

The food Of trans.ations Of the modern
Russian story-tellers which has been one
of the features Of the passing publishing
season originated in England, and IN an
uniterary source. Il was a oy-product Of
the Anglo-Russian alliance, part Of a cam
naign undertaken to make Russia better
known in the country Of her ally, and TO
dissipate many prejudices 1t IS not cur
purpose here TO estimate the socio-politlcal
effects of this propaganda. We are only
concerned with its literary results.
Truth to tell, they are insignificant.
These younger Russians are not worthy
to be placed beside the giants Of old. They
merely repeat in a weaker less revealing
strain, what their seniors have told US of
the famous Slav temperament. OblOmov-
dom marks nearly all of them, even the
pictures of the intellgentzia of Artziba-
shepf. Gorky alone may be measured by
the masters, in his photographed MY
Childhood" at least, if not in his fiction.
Chekhov sums up the new Russian genera
ton of fctionists. He is most truly rep
resentative Of the period of transition
through which his people are passing-the
approach TO the West, so deeply deplored
by Stephen Graham in Changing Russia"
In his greatest play, "The Cherry Or
chard," Chekhov brings into direct conflict
the old national inertia, the incapacity 70
reach a decision and act upon it, and the
rev spirit which works and achieves. An
other play Of his, "The Seagull," ap-
proaches the West by way Of Scandinavia
and Ibsen But he, too is given to varia-
tions upon the racial theme Of Oblomov-
dom, of lack of will power.
1t is perhaps unjust to ask Of Russia a
predominant new note in the fiction Of the
period, when already she triumphs in our
concert halls, is revolutionizing the art Of
our theatres, and invading our opera
houses. OF her ballet there is no need 70
speak Now that Boston has borne testi-
niony to its appreciation of this new de-
velopment Of a classic art, by seeing to it
that its artists shall fully protect them
selves against the rigors of New Eng
land winter, the success of the Russian
ballet Is sure to be as great In the New
World as II has been in the Old.
Withal we are not yet done with Rus
sian literature. It's poetry Is still closed
book to US. Yet that poetry is as well
worth translating as was the treasury Of
German verse. One attempt, a supremely
able one, was made some nine years ago
to introduce English and American read
ers 10 the best of Russia's poets. The time
was not ripe; q meritorious volume was
allowed to pass unnoticed into oblivion.
MSg its gifted translator command the
New-York tribune., 1916-02-06

that any such restrictions and limitations
as are proposed will be undue and un-
warranted interference with an individ-
ual's right TO use his property as he
pleases. That has been fought out before
the Legislature, and was pretty well set
ted when the lawmakers gave TO the Boar
of Estimate the power to make and en-
force such limitations. The principle iS
good one. and has been put into effect in
many communities with great benefit
What remains is chiefly the working out
Of the practical details Of the scheme, and
on that the Board of Estimate is sure 10
be overwhelmed with advice from all IN
forests.
New-York tribune., 1916-02-06
Americans Wont Forget

TO the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir. Il Is too much for President Wilson
10 come crying to the American people that
he is powerless 90 do anything but write
notes when the honor Of the country is as
sailed. that We have imposed upon him g
welluigh impossible task VIZ, to preserve
both the country5 peace and the country
honor. that We should be ready and willing o.
fight for our ideals, 20 keep our flag stain
less, etc, etc.
a year ago, when the world was as much
"on fire" as it is now who opposed prepared
ness. calling It IAN academic question: And,
anyway, what has Mr.. Wilson to fear1 Could
an enemy's hands be more completely tied
lhan Germany's are to-day?
As for the imposs bile task Of preserving
both the countrys peace and the country
honor Nj Wilson himself says: Il knew that
there was not a community IN America that
would not stand behind me IN maintaining
the honor of the United States"
The admontions 10 US 70 be ready and
willing to fight for our ideals, to keep our
flag stainless. ETC. etc, do not come with a
very good grace from the man who originated
that expression "too proud 20 fight" and
whose policy, embodied in those words, ha
invited the insults and humiliations which
have crowded upon us from the beginning Of
his administration
Tho American people are not likely 20
forget. The sentiments of the majority are
voiced in your splendid editorials. A. r.
New York Feb. I, 1916.
New-York tribune., 1916-02-06
Oregon S Woes.
tor of The Tribune.

To the Editor of The Tribune
Sir: There have been hundreds OF letter
written lately to induce emigration to Ore
gon. On the 2Oth day Of this month a snow
storm struck Portland. the wind blowing a
yale from the east. The Columbia River is
frozen over from the Dalles 10 the sea, a
distance Of 200 miles. The snow il about
eight inches deep but has drifted very badly.
80 that in some places II Is eight to ten feet
deep. The wind was so heavy yesterday that
u nearly turned a river steamer upside
down. sailing vessel dragged her anchor
and steamer went TO her relief.
Every plumber in the city is busy WITH
frozen water pipe. Times here are very
bad. Thousands of men are on, OF employ
nent The city Of Portland is feeding about
5 900 men. would not advise any one 10
come to Oregon unless he has plenty Of
money and wishes to 10 into manufacturing
of some kind. J. B.. WHITE.
Portland, Ore, Jan. 27, 1918.
New-York tribune., 1916-02-06
GOOD OUT OF PATERSON
It Is New York That Now Need:
Improvement.

To the Editor OF The Tribune.
Sir: Knowing that The Tribune woslt' :"
deliberately comment upon the unjust :"
Of affairs, the writer begs 90 correct !"
views that might be drawn from tie e.
torial headed Good Out Of Paterson -
pearing in the issue Of January 2L
can offer no apology for ths highly "
enviable notoriety" associated With the n','
Of Paterson. n the truth we're known y
city OF Paterson received i,s bad name 9
cause certain yellow journals sa~ a' !" p1'
up the disagreeabie occurrences thA. -,
happened in the life Of the city. u >
cases the reporters sent 10 cover stfiA'' .
this city have eyaded the libel avs oy DsA,
the familiar at IS said on good su'h'NF
gag The head writers did The resi-
Paterson's shame was screamed foF'' Nv
seyen-column heads.
But about the Flynn case. no'ieeo W,
editorial some time ago. on Mss FisHn
the gross injustice" dealt out 70 nef
Mayor Radcliffe saw O.. 90 lower tH'
and permit Miss Flynn 70 speak re va -. ~
by two motives-that 20 is no" Wv
for any incendisries 10 STIR up troVo"
that New York papers recently have s's
the Flynn case publicity because esr'''l -
ciety women have become interested -
I. ". W. movement The platform D
lined last Thursday night By Mss f'"- =,
Paterson is suggestive Of Aar! A1'
anarchy. ~
Every man Is entitled 20 q hearing o. .
mus. be sane enough 10 abide by 'hs -. w
diet. Miss Flynn (as she prefers !" - -,
self has had her hearing 10 ~ re
herself is responsible for the oeS'N et, ss.
silk worker shot during the strAe' -, rs:
iiberately inhamed the minds or ig,o'., b,
to riot and TO abuse authority - .or,i
get 10 witness where tne m.s". - ,rsrl
raised wages. The l. ". W. has - IS
a single instance where its pfopas.s. ssSs
fiery speeches. its anarchisiic doe'i'"', ',.r,sss
cbtained for the woraingman 81 .,.i.ssis
in wages. an eieht-hour day. az
situation between boss and bossed', IA. ,As
Ii Miss Flynn can produce proc. ~ ls.sr
|. ". ". is a successful orsHH'-
the writer wishes 70 be shown ,,.,o, SEE
You have clean paper, M lines lines b
that YOU don't endanger its ce,....,. =
looking for dirt in other pe0p'. ,,i,,ees "
remember rightly. the wee p,,er.en 2
New York are finding lots to DO .&s,t & .soss
a mighty good city 20 live in' ana .,e ..n,sa
can be extended 20 the morals '- IA 90
conditions. the financial '.1H,,.- r, nd r''-
contentedncss of the town ,,..r,esn 81
Mr. Mr. sunday. just as every An'i,rs e.. Ssns -
rsSa' TsSa for ss some s,S y.ars. %s and ' @
lacking Try to improve NC" :. tx
sure needs H. ,o,s
Paterson, n. J., Jan. IL WV
New-York tribune., 1916-02-06
Hark. Hark. the Clark J

We are far too modest 70 believe that
the Hon. Frank Clark, Of Florida, con
sciouslv took The Tribune's hint 10 con-
tent himself this year with munitions
liant instead Of f. postofiice. And yet his
introduction in the House Of bill appro-
triating S3.000,000 for a government mu-
nitions plant at Ocala, Fla, and OF an
ether bill appropriating 100000 for an
army aviation school at fernandina, Fla,
comes extraordinarily close upon the heels
of our suggestion. At least we were right
in thinking the Apostle of Pork would
soon fall into line with his pacifistic fel-
lows in their noble attempt 10 turn pre-
paredness into an orgy at the trough.
But is Mr.. Clark as convinced as ever
that marble postoffice building breeds
the most patriotism, or does he now really
incline TO the busy munitions plant, with
6elching chimneys and padded payroll?
An aviation school hadn't occurred to US,
hut we did mention an arsenal as a senti-
ment breeder. Has Mr. Clark overlooked
the possibilities Of the arsenal. or does
even his greed admit Of limitations?
In the speech which made him famous
the gentleman from Florida gave notice
hat public buildings bill would be the
rrice Of his vote for preparedness, add
ing. however: "There are only two towns
in my district entitled 20 them that have
not got public buildings" We should like
to echo the question Of the House leader
who asked if Ocala and Fernandina were
those two towns. And if not Is 1t the
gentleman's notion that he may double
his allowance Of pork out Of the coun-
RVS unmistakable demand for prepared
ress?
But these arc academic questions, be
cause it seems more than likely that Mr..
Clark viii get neither his postofice nor
ms munitions plant. There must be some
decency left even in Il Democratic House.
New-York tribune., 1916-02-06
Drunk and Disorderly.
litor OF The Tribune.

To the Editor OF The Tribune.
Sir. | would like 20 know whether there
IS any law against transportation on railroad
trains OF people in an intoxicated condition? :?
The reason ask is because OF certain eT-
pcriencc had last Sunday afternoon on the
5:25 o'clock train from Rye, when, at the
Mount Vernon station, drunken man took
the vacant seat alongside Of me and pro-
ceeded 10 make the balance Of my Journey
unpleasant one. There hap
pened to he no vacant seats left In the car
or would have changed from the seat then
had or had n been the smoker rather than
an ordinary passenger coach well filled with
women I would have felt less uncomfortable
than did.
As IL was, the drunken bursts OF song and
stream Of profanity with which he amused
himself the entire time must have been quite
as unpleasant for those around me as they
were for me. II is at such time that re
gret am llgh, in weight and short In height
for while I feel fully capable of taking care
OF myself, | DO not feel capable Of acting the
part Of aggressor toward man Of the size
Of the one Of last Sunday, and to man OF
that type physical suasion alone will do any
good.
In closing, let me say that II there Is no
law TO prevent such incidents as this, at
least the railroad companies should force
people In this condition 70 ride In the smoker
and thereby allow other passengers the com
fort on their journey which they pay for
evnoc+ and should receive. A. r. d.
Nr.,, N,rf IAN Oh 1Nff.
New-York tribune., 1916-02-06
Tyranny.

thought of India-that vast mouldy lano
Where life rolls on in grooves from age to
age,
Where every wise mans son must be a
sage,
Each cobbler's boy cobbler. Skies are
bland,
Flowers fair in India; but understand,
Thinking of her, why free-born nations
rage,
Pluck up in haste the fiery battle-gage,
Rather than know the grip of the Dead
Hand
OF Tyranny and Time. decreeng man
Must not work out himself but be a wheel
In their machine. What true American
But wonders not that men prefer quick
steel:
Broken and gashed, despite the Tyrant's
rod,
Man struggles up TO catch a glimpse Of
EARL sIMoNsoNI
New-York tribune., 1916-02-06

Mr. Cossozs Conception Criticised by Ingenious Practitioner Who
Holds That the Purpose of the Cartoon Is to Express
Not Beauty but Thought

finished work In itself and its aim Is mainly
literary. not artistc--to convey literary
idea. political or social. It's aim is TO tell an
amusing story, make powerful argument
denounce. fatter. ridcule; TO convey what
words could convey but to do 1t better
Whatever artistic merit 1t may have Is sec
ondary and subordinate to its main purpose
That explains why often the best cartoon Is
a crude picture And if it were better pict-
ure IL might be a less effective cartoon.
Sometimes IL is vital 10 sacrifice pictorial
charm to the cartoon idea.
If understand Mr.. Cortissoz, he would like
us all to view the cartoon purely as an artis-
tic exercise, lovely problem IN arrange
mont, tone and line-exsting for its own
sweet sake as a work of beauty.
Now We begin 10 understand each other
The points of view are distinct contradic-
tory-and familiar. 1t Is the old, old argu-
ment Of Art for Arts sake against the mis-
guided wretches who persist IN making sub
ject pictures. A good cartoon is the very
acme and essence Of all that is comprehended
in tire opprobious term Subject picture" The
division between the two schools IS inherent
and permanent The misunderstanding and
clash come when some try 70 combine the
theories and do little Of both. little Ar
They won't mix. The result is feeble sub
ject picture, or bum Art, or both.
am for both schools Each has its work
cut out for it. But keep em apart. Do your
admirable artistic exercises, Mr.. Cortissoz,
and we will admire and enjoy them much
as you. Let US poor yaps continue our rude
subject pictures without uplift
To do the cartoons OF Briggs and Goldberg
one doesn't have TO draw like Mr. CortissoZ
and 10 DO the artistic exercises of Mr. Cor
tissoz one doesn't have TO think. A division
Of labor would solve the difficulty. Let Mr..
Cortissoz and his friends do all the drawing
and let Briggs and Goldberg DO all the think
ing.
Above all let's be sensible even if We are
artists Let's leave poor old Tom Nast's
bones TO rest in peace. Let's give him credit
for doing exactly what he set out TO DO,
making political caricatures that moved men
to action and accomplished reform That
was his purpose and he did workmanlike
job. He had more powerful influence on
the affairs OF his time than any cartoonis'
before or since. That is glory enough. lie
didn't initiate Daumier, poor devil, but let's
forgive and forget ii.
And when we discuss newspaper cartoons
let's get clearly IN mind what we are talking
about. Let us not discuss newspaper car
toons in terms Of Whistler and Michael
Angelo and Titan and lngres and Botticell
because that makes our talk sound little
like pretentious pife
For choice between the "ticklers" and the
"pihiers"-gIve me Briggs and Goldberg.
HERBERT JOHNSON.
Philadelphia, Penn, Jan. 81, 1916.
New-York tribune., 1916-02-06
slarr
From The wa,h.rgton Posi- D

From The Washington Post1
In its lighter usages that which is called
slang depends for its being upon the appea
Of the picturesque Resort to this is not
always despised by the purlsts, though to
them is given the uncanny power Of speak
ing in quotation marks and with an air Of
patronage that removes ell offence The best
Of slang terms, through their deep-b ting and
hard-hitting qualities, become ennobled in
time and find their place in the ranks Of the
reputable. just as doughty commoners rise
TO the pecrage for the same reason. Until
.hat tine arrives the jareon OF the scien-
tist. the pulpiteer. the fnancicr the polti-
cal economist and all the rest stands on all
fours with the slang OF the street awaiting
the assay that will determine whether it Is
the iron pyrites OF passing mood or the
golden nugget Of truth.