davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-02-09
HARD FIGHT BEARS FRUIT.

A few years ago a young congress-
man from Illinois began telling the
American people about trusts that
were fattening at the expense of the
people through government contracts;
that they were not content to receive a
fair profit, insisting on riding Uncle
Sam for all he would stand.
Congressman Tavenner is the young
congressman and he produced figures
to show how the government had been
outraged during the Spanish-American
war and before and since by the ar
NOR and munitions combinations, and
then advocated government manufac-
ture of armOr and war munitions, the
difference in the cost being his one
argument in support of competition
for the fellows that had been for years
mulcting the federal treasury. There
were those who rificuled the idea, fig
uratively pushing Tavenner aside as
youngster from the country seeking
the limelight as a means of popular
izing himself in his home district.
Tavenner knew he was on the right
track. He convinced, with his figures,
the average man that he was. He
proved he was honest and unapproach-
able by the interests whose game he
was attacking. He kept pounding
away. Gradually others in congress be-
gan to see the light Public sentiment.
the greatest weapon of all, got behind
TaVenner's government manufacture
propaganda. Readers OF The Argus are
familiar with Tavenner's campaign for
government manufacture of war es-
sentials. Two remarkable speeches
were made by him in congress on the
subject, the last one, ''Unmasking the
Interests" is now running in The Ar
gus.
The climax came yesterday. 1t also
served as vindication of Tavenner.
| The armor trust showed its teeth in
! threatening to increase the price Of
plate 5000 per ton in the event that
the government entered the business.
The senate naval committee refused to
be frightened by the threat, and recon-
mended that the government estab-
lish its own armor plate factories. Had
the armor trust been able to enforce
its Increase it would have enlarged
the expense of the fve-year govern
ment naval program by s24,000,O0O.
And it would seem that the cam
paign for government manufacture of
war materials has not only fairly
started but is well under way. The
young Illinois congressman is vim
Dictated, and it looks as if he is going
| to win,
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-02-09

A movement for the home growing
of timber has been initiated here by
Lord Selbourne in order to revive a
steadily declining industry. Foreign
competition has, within the past 20
years driven all enterprise out of
British timber trade and frightened
away capital. But Lord Selbourne
hopes to take advantage of a temper
airy revival due to the war and put the
industry on permanent footing.
Forestry, he declared in an address
before the English Forestry associa-
proper attention in England English
woods should be tabulated, new trees
properly guarded and destructive ami
mails, such as rabbits, exterminated.
The speaker concluded with an appeal
to coal men to make their pit prop
contracts with British landowners
An immense amount of timber has
been imported here since the outbreak
of war, particularly for the construc-
ton Of temporary barracks at the ar
my training camps. Yet the freight
rates have been so heavy that the re-
sulting higher price of imported tim
Der has given the British an unex-
pected opportunity. The freight cost
has had the effect of a bonus for home
products. Owing to the shortage Of
props from Norway, English props
have been considerably used in the
mines this year. English timber of the
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-02-09
San Juan Postmen Under Arrest.

San Juan, Porto Rico-San Juan's
two, and only two, letter carriers are
under arrest following an investiga-
ton following an investigation which
Postoffice Inspector Hathaway says
shows that the letter carries had been
engaged in a wholesale and systematic
theft of letters and valuables from the
San Juan postoffice.
The two letter carriers are Francis
co Calverin and Panic Gonzales, both
Of them federal civil service employees
In a trunk belonging to Calverin
the officers found bundlt of currency
containing approximately $4,000 and
composed Of bills of from SO to $50
each. Watches, revolvers, jewelry and
other articles which are believed to
have passed through the San Juan
postoffice were found in the possession
Of the two carriers. Much Of the SUD-
posed stolen goods the postoffice au-
thorities claim came through the mail
from the United States.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-02-09
lillian Brady,M.D.
Question Of Surgery for Goitre.

We regret to say that goitre opera
tons in some cities have degenerated
into veritable fad
If we had an exophthalmic goitre we
would not accept as final the opinion
of operating surgeon as to the advisa-
bility of surgical treatment We would
desire the opinion of our attending
physician, after he had observed the
progress of the case at least six
months under medical and general
treatment. In fact the family doctors
advice would take first place, the surg
cons second place in our decision.
There seems to be an impression
among a certain group of surgeons
that endemic or exophthalmic goitre
won't get we'll unless a portion of the
diseased thyroid gland is extirpated. If
this were correct, the surgeons decis-
ion to operate would be entirely iusti-
fable. But it happens to be incor-
rect Fully one-third of the cases of
exophthalmic goitre seen in private
practice do ultimately progress to
complete recovery after a period of
years. If all patients could avail
themselves of the physiological rest
which is SO helpful in the treatment of
most cases of exophthalmie goitre,
there would be but rare need of oper-
alton.
Medical treatment should be contin-
ued from six to twenty-four months.
Surgical treatment frequently leaves
the patient in an exhausted state lex
haustion caused by the disease, not by
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-02-09
CONCERNING GROUCHEs.

Doubtless the new play made from
Eleanor H. Porter's "Pollyanna" is
carrying it's lesson of the glad game"
to many persons who need it badly.
Mrs. Porter shows how King Crouch
himself and several other very success
full grouches are made human by the
little glad girl
Enthusiasts say that there is not in
all literature character of greater
practical value than "Pollyanna,' who
is so happy that she carries happiness
to others,
This gift of optimism raised to the
nth power" is all very good. OF course
nobody objects to reforming the
grouches since we must live with them.
What we need now is book and a
play about those shamefully neglected
persons who have always done their
duty cheerfully, who have faced the
worst of life without complaint, and
who have never had a word of appre-
citation from anybody.
Duty Is the most one-sided word In
the language. In many homes it means
that some conscientious person must
assume the responsibilities which
some perfectly constituencies person
is Sinking.
Conserving and converting the
grouches Is doubtless very good work
but now won't somebody say some
thing kind about those commonplace
and accomplishing persons who dc
their daily duty cheerfully, and thus
hold many a sad home OF grouches to-
yether3
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-02-09

Child Betterment," national jour
nal whose name indicates its purpose,
calls attention to the fact that as chill
dren in various parts of the country
died as a result Of being poisoned by
fly paper during the summer Of 1914,
and urges that the poison fly paper
be banned by law. The fatality list
ought to be sufficient argument on the
subject. At a time when efforts are
being made in every conceivable direc-
ton TO reduce infant mortality, it
seems absurd to place death in the
way of children in the form of poison
fly paper.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-02-09

position occupied by the president In
the matter Of preparedness. is &C
credited with this story-or parable
or fable, as you will;
"Mr. Speaker, it has been my pleas
ure during my lifetime to be intimate
~ and personally acquainted with two
dogs. One of them was little rat
terrier who had little tall curled
over his back like a corkscrew.
That little dogs life was one long
wall of misery. He was kicked by
every man he met and whipped by
every dog he ran across.
Il knew another dog, magnificent
gentleman of his race. His magnifl-
cent head reared itself above his
shoulders as the head of lion. He
was thewed and sinewed like a gladi-
ator, and his curved forelegs and
staunch launches spoke of tremen-
dous strength. He lived his life re-
spected by dogs and men. I owned him
for five years, and l caressed him
when | felt like kicking him. Why?
He was a prince of the house royal, a
gladiator of his kind, and he was
prepared. AS result of that he lived
his life in peace, unwhipped by any
dog, and, not having any dog to whip
admired of mankind and caressed by
all, and finally sank toAsleep with all
his institutions intact and his per-
sonal and property rights thoroughly
respected. ..---. -.
as it true among nations? China,
poor old China, gets her coat tail
kicked whenever anyone has the in
clination. Maybe that is SANDER on
the Chinaman. because l recollect
now he does not wear a coat. When
ever any country wants port in
China they take it. Has not that
been the history of that country? But
whoever took German port or an
English port? Why? Because those
countries were prepared to defend the
integrity Of their territory, and as a
result of it they have never been call
ed upon to do so"
Here is a homely bit of wisdom
whose point may utterly escape some
people. Read It over again, slowly
and reflect on the meaning of each
sentence in the broader application Of
comparison with our national situa.
ton. When you have finished yor
will see that this is one of the grear
speeches in favor of preparedness of
fered in congress during the presen-
session. If its common sense does
not convert you to preparedness, ther
you are helpless.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-02-09

In tracing the business connections
of the men behind the Navy league one
can not avoid being impressed by the
number OF instances in recent years
in which those identified with the
steel and armor making concerns find
their way into the official life Of the
navy department, the department Of
Justice, and even the department Of
state.
And the frequency with which ex-
officials of these departments find
their way into the employment Of the
steel and armor plate makers is no
less impressive.
There is, in fact, well-beaten path
between the armor and steel makers
and the executive departments enum-
Grated, each Of which plays such an
important part in molding the poll
cies Of the government and in the
long run the destiny Of the republic.
At least two recent secretaries of
state were affiliated with steel and
armor plate concerns, either before
or after their service in the cabinet
of the president of the United States
Their portraits hang in the gorgeous
reception room at the state depart
ment, and each is twice the size of that
of Thomas Jefferson, which occupies
a MISCONCEPTIONS space near by.
1t is not my purpose to comment
either favorably or adversely, but to
present facts-facts which l consider
important enough to call to the atten-
ton of the American people; other
wise would not present them.
One Of the portraits to which l have
reference is that Of Robert Bacon
who is now a director of the United
States Steel corporation, which con-
trolls the armor-making Carnegie Steel
company. Mr.. Bacon is also a director
of the Navy league. ]. P. Morgan is
his fellow-director on both the Navy
! league and United States Steel Fol
10 years previous to his appointment
as assistant secretary of state Mr.
Bacon was a member of the firm OF
j. P. Morgan & Co., % Wall street
| New York. Mr.. Bacon was assistant
| secretary of state under Elihu Root
from 1905 to- 1909, excepting for the
/ period between Jan 81 and March 6
1909, when he was secretary of state
! succeeding Mr. Root, who had beer
elected to the senate.
The second portrait~to which I re
fer is that Of Philander c. Knox
which hangs by that of Elihu Root.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-02-09
Arabian Laughing Dove.

An extremely strange bird is the
singing pigeon, or Arabian laughing
dove. In color these pigeons are usual
ly red, notified or checkered, though
they are sometimes found Of blush
color. Their voice battles all descrip-
ton, being tremulous and broken, with
gurgling notes, like the noise of water
poured from bottle. The utterance
is varied, and, though there is a resem-
blance at times to the drumming of a
true trumpeter, it is not so sonorous.
1t is frequently interrupted by one or
more of the respiratory ''ahs," which
no doubt gives them the name of
laughers. Their cooling is soft and me-
lodius, and both sexes take part in the
song
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-02-09

The Des Moines Capital is proud of
the Iowa suffragists because of their
action in merely sending President
Wilson bouquet on his visit to that
city, instead of Fostering him for an
audience after the fashion Of the To-
peka and New York suffragists. If the
president is like the rest of us, the
tact and restraint of the Iowa ladies
will make the better impression on his
feelings toward suffrage When a man
has stated his position on the federal
suffrage amendment as often and as
positively as Mr. Wilson, it would
seem to be worse than waste of time
to heckle him at every opportunity.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-02-09

Now that the president, in the face
of many perplexities and discourage
ments, has finally succeeded in adjust
ing with honor to this country an
acceptable recognition of the princi-
Piles of international law, for which he
has contended with unaIterable de-
termination, We may expect the parts
an press to declare that there was not
much of a controversy after all and in
what there was Germany and not the
United States States has won. This
would be a fair sample of the partisan
unfairness shown toward the president
all along.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-02-09

In 1900, and for the 10 years prev
ious, Mr.. Knox was the attorney for
the Carnegie Steel company, one OF
the three firms comprising the armor
ring In the United States. On April
9, 1901, Mr.. Knox became attorney
general Of the United States. His ap-
pointment had been recommended to
President Mckinley by Andrew Carne-
gle. The United States Steel cor
poration was formed at almost the
very date Mr.. Knox became attorney
general. No prosecution was ever
started against the steel corporation
as long as Mr.. Knox was attorney gen.
eral. 1t Is fair to say that the prose-
cution against the steel trust that
was started after he left the Office of
attorney general was not sustained in
| the courts.
Mr.. Knox was attorney general from
April 8, 1901, to June 30, 1904, was
elected to the United States senate in
1905, resigning in 1909 to become sec
rotary of state.
Herbert L. Satterlee, a brother-in-
law of J. P Morgan, director United
States steel, and general counsel for
the Navy league, was formerly an as
sistant secretary of the navy.
Beekman Winthrop, director of the
| Loo 1nf 10 M q
sistant secretary Of the navy and be-
came director of the Lackawanna
Steel company. Lackawanna has
greatly profited from the European
war. The Wall Street Journal on
Aug. "a, 1915, stated that the con-
Germs earnings for the year should be
around $1O,000,00O. Large orders for
rails from Russia and shrapnel bars
from France were reported to have
been received. The stock has ad-
vanced from % early in 1915 to 80 on
Jan. 8, 1916
W. H. Brownson, retired rear adj
miral, now drawing $4,000 year from
the government, is a director of the
international Nickel company
Charles +. Humphrey, who receives
$4,000 year from the government as
retired major general. is an employe
of the Du Pont Powder company E
G. Buckner, vice president of the Du
Point company, testified before a com,
mittee of congress that he employed
General Humphrey at Washington tc
look after such little details as get
ting information from all of the de-
partments."
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-02-09

ers daughter. She had M 49,,
the visitor was mad, and II hsh.' 'aas
her to beat retreat. She H.
run for fear Of being follov.Ss aas
murdered. She was Of good n,nes aad
liking her eyes on Ned's, she NM. sa
toward the house. On reacb,ss ssd
door she slipped inside, boiling !. ,as
hind her. D.
What the dickens is the matt,
that girl?" said Ned to himssT .aa
denly aroused from bis revert. :, sN
the ichthyosaurus. The farmers a.. wv
ter fed through the house ont !.
back door and, keeping in linz -
outhouses and trees to screen h., ~ a
the maniac, found her father :. !
plow.
What In the world is the m...
Cynthie?' he asked, stopping the ho....
and looking at her in astopishm..a
Have you seen a ghost"
Worse than that, dad. Tb.,.,.
crazy man on tother side a, =.
house,
! 'Ho" DO you know he's crazyr
"Fust Off he looked as If he 49,
to kiss me; then he borrowed , Ma ma.
and went to where you turned m =.
rock t'other day. When be coma h..s -
he was talkin' looney-about som. 49, 49,
Of a beast with a head like a fish an
teeth like crocodile and paddle, 4.
to swim and an awful long taup
Are you sure he's madY
"Mad as March hare"
"rll go and see him.
Don't you do it, pop: he'll kin VIM
sure" ''N
WAL, then. reckon I better OH N.
neighbors together and take him !,
Did he say where he lives?"
Yes; he's got somepin to do with ~.
college,
"All right. I'll git Hawkins and
Smith and we'll corral him and t,t,
him home"
That same afternoon when the H.
dents were tossing a ball betvsn
them on the campus two stalwart f.n,
ers were seen approaching, each bo,a.
ing the arm Of man. When th,v
came near enough all recognized Pm.
lessor Corwin and were seized with
apprehension.
Reckon this man belongs here said
one Of the men. HE come to nv farm
this mornin' and undertook to spar|
my darter. Then be went to the stou,
I dug up t'other day, and when b,
come back he was mad, talkin' abou
some kind of a big lizard with alliea
tors teeth and such like"
One Of the listeners who caught o.
to the situation burst into laugh II
professors face took on a shameface
grin; then the crowd shouted in me-
riment. Taking him from his captoi
the students, with whom he was
great favorite. lifted him in the air an
carried him to his room.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-02-09
The Daily Story
His Two Hobbies By F. A. Mitchell.

Ned Corwin while In college, though
q good fellow and by no means grind,
was q fine scholar and developed a
marked taste for zoology. Extinct ami
mails were his hobby-tbat is, one Of
his hobbies, the one next in importance
with him being girls. Singular it is
that bones thousands of years old and
the most beautiful Of living thiCCs-to
men-should reign side by side In the
breast of man.
Later on Ned became professor In
his alma mater.
One day a newspaper announced that
In an interior county Of the state. not
far from the college, farmer had,
while digging, turned up stony sub
stance that was beyond his comprehen-
sion. 1t was about two feet square
and rounded on the edges. The farmer
could not make out whether it was
bone or stone or indeed what was its
substance.
Ned saw the notice and inferred that
it was probably vertebra of an ex-
tinct animal. He at once went to the
location designated, with view to an
investigation. On arrival he was re-
ceived by the daughter of the farmer
She was very pretty rustic, and for
the moment Ned forgot all about the
bones in his admiration Of the girl
However, his admiring glances were
interspersed with the reasons for his
being there, and 1t was not long be-
fore she gave way to surprise that he
had come all the way from the univer-
sity to examine piece Of stone. She
told him where he could find 1t and,
after having made a little incipient
love to her, which he well knew how
to do with his eyes without using bis
house and went to examine the stone.
When the young professor returned
from his investigations he was greatly
changed. He had been under the in
fiuence Of one of his two natures, now
he was under the other. He had been
absorbed in a girl, now he was absorb
ed in the petrifed remains Of an ich-
thyosaurus. He talked to the girl, but
his mind was on the ichthyosaurus.
Its carnivorous,'' he said. They all
were"
"Whatw exclaimed the girl, opening
her eyes.
1.-THE snout of a porpoise: the teeth
Of a crocodile
There was no reply to this, nothing
but look Of wonder.
1.-The sternum of an ornithorhynchus
combined with the paddles of whale"
''Oh, my good gracious" exclaimed
the girl, hes crazy!'
Fish vertebrae, lizards head"
Father cried the girl in terror.
But her father was out in the fields
and did not hear
-Four paddles and an enormous tail.
Must have surely been aquatic"
This was quite enough for the farm
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-02-09
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.

Do you approve Of ventilators near
the floor, carrying the air out into
fiue which conveys it between the par
titions to a ventilator on the roof?
Answer-Yes, but since expired air
is warmer than any other air in the
room it will naturally rise, and hence
the ventilator should be placed near
the ceiling.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-02-09

the operation) which requires many
months of careful medical treatment
after the operation, in order to restore
fairly good health.
OF course there are exceptional
cases of very severe exophthalmic
goitre in which operation must be con-
sidered as life-saving measure
Nevertheless, too many surgeons are
doing too many goitre operations, and
too many patients are apparently anx-
ious to submit to this fad. 1t appears
to have taken the place of the former
appendicitis fad. Nowadays good surg
cons do not insist upon an operation
in every case of appendicitis