davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The public ledger. [volume] (Maysville, Ky.) 1913-1968, 1916-09-11

As New York Views It-Discussing
Mr.. Hughes denunciation of the course
of President Wilson is betraying the
cause of arbitration, the New York
Herald, independent Democratic)
says, What is material is that in his
Nashville speech Mr. Hughes made an
issue that might prove the overshad-
owing issue of this campaign. For
good or for i'll he disposed for
all time of the assertion that
he is just another Wilson The
New York Evening Post, an enthusi-
astic supporter of Wilson, discusses at
length the position of Mr.. Hughes un-
der the heading. "A Man of Unbendins
Rectitude, and declares that his stanu
may well prove the turning point In
the campaign" ut was not owing to
his special views on any particular
question, but to his character and rec
ord as public servant deserving of
the highest trust. that he was prefer
red above all other aspirants by the
unmistakable voice of his party" de-
ciares the Post, and of his declaration
Il adds, "There was in it neither blus-
ter or fine language; there was in Il
simply that note of unbending recti-
tude which has been the distinguish
ing mark of his entire career in pub
lie office" Practically all the news
papers of the East either enthusiast
cally praise or grudgingly compliment
the rectitude and manliness Of Mr.
Hughes stand.
The public ledger. [volume] (Maysville, Ky.) 1913-1968, 1916-09-11

Edison viii Help WilSOn-Thos. A.
Edison, wizard of electricity, has an
nounced his purpose to support Will
son. Mr.. Edison would, indeed, be an
migrate if he did not do so. Those
who recall the extent to which the
Navy Department under Mr.. Wilson
has patronized Mr.. Edison and bought
his inventions, going to the extent of
fitting navy submarines with Edison
batteries even before those batteries
had been tested out, will not be sur
prised at Mr.. Edisons determination.
When the E-2, in which an Edison
battery was installed, generated was
which killed a number of the sailors,
there was emphatic protest from Of
ficers against the further use of these
batteries until they had been further
Investigated and proved safe, but Sec
rotary Daniels promptly utilized his
military authority to suppress the
facts and save Mr.. Edison from NOR
tification and loss, no change was
made in the policy of using Edison in
ventions to the utmost in naval con-
struction. Even If the cynical French
definition of gratitude, "a lively APP
probation of favors to come" be ac-
cepted, there is every reason why
Thos. A. Edison should support Wood
row Wilson. MIR. Edison doubtless APP
preciates that vote for Wilson is a
vote for Daniels"
The public ledger. [volume] (Maysville, Ky.) 1913-1968, 1916-09-11
words would have been still more ap-
plicable.

Another Opportunity The New
York Tribune contends that there is
another opportunity for President
Wilson to settle a strike on the eve OF
the election. 1t is the strike of the
$1,000 iron miners in the Mesaba
range. These men struck for SO for
eight hours work, and bi-monthly pay
days. They have suffered hardship as
result of their strike and their fam
lilies are enduring great privation. The
Tribune points out that with the pre-
cedent established for the settlement
of strikes by Congress, at the direc-
ton of the President, enacting legis-
lation compelling employers to pay the
wages demanded by their employees
the iron workers should rush Bill
Haywood, Elizabeth Gurley Flynn ann
Arturo Giovannitti to the White
House, before Congress adjourns, that
they should explain to the Presiden'
the demands Of the men and the num-
Der of voters i'm the organization
known as the Industrial Workers of
the World, remind him of the close ap-
proach of the presidential election
and, with the added force of graphic
description of the privations of the
miners families, they would expert
ence no difficulty in inducing Mr.. Will
son to order Congress to enact legisla-
ton directing the mine owners to pay
SO for an S-hour day. Mr.. Wilson
could not now logically refuse.
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-03-03
THE INCOME TAXPAYER.

March 1st for most of us is a date with no
special significance, save as the traditional beginning
OF spring. For those with sizable Incomes, it is the
date when returns must be filed with the collector.
The income tax payer should smile cheerfully. They
are exceptionally blessed. Nevertheless most Of
them show signs of irritation at the laws complex
tiles, and complain that their neishbors are COM
monty exempt from its eXactions.
OF course the law still has eccentricities. When
a man buys a bond for 81 900 and sells for 81, 100,
he is taxed for his profit. When he buys for 1000
and sells for 5000, he can't deduct his loss. Says
Uncle Sam, Heads | win, tails you lose"
The proceeds under the new law have been
lower than was generally expected. 1t raises the
question whether fair returns are being made.
Tax laws have been evaded from time immem-
orlal. 1t is not likely that the new statute created
more honesty than previously existed. Many of the
State laws have been made or enforced on the theo-
ry that falsehoods would be told anyway. II people
were assessed about five times a fair amount, it was
In effect figured that they would lie out of the
surplus, so that the result would be fair. Such inc
Duties have created a feeling that these fibs are in
a different class from others. -
The income Taxpayer will feel better to lay his
cards down on the table and pay accordingly. There
ought to be a new viewpoint about taxes. It's
time for a gentleman's agreement between the law
making power and the property owner. A tax
should be a debt of honor. Legislatures and CON
gress should make a more serious effort to have
taxes equitable. 1t is not sufficient justification for
a law that it is a good revenue producer. If it is
fundamentally wrong, it creates habits of dishonesty
that in the long run cost high.
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-03-03
THE HABIT OF THRIFT.

The American Bankers Association is pursuing
a very vigorous campaign in behalf of thrift and is
sending much printed matter on the subject for
newspaper use. 1t is good stuff. 1t would be an
interesting question to discuss, as to how far the
THRIFT spirit Ill this country is growing or declining.
Certainly there are not as many small econo-
mics as formerly. People do not haggle over cents
much now: Formerly if people paid a copper too
much in change, the majority of them would go
back after it. Now they laugh and let it go. In set
ting bills people feel rather shamefaced about get
ting down to small coins. They pay even money, a
few cents too much, and then call it near enough.
And people are not as strenuous about small
savings as they were. They are more fearful of
slight effort. They may know that they can buy
groceries cheaper if everyone would call and get
their parcels, pay cash, and carry them home. But
stores often find it hard to get started on this basis.
so slow are people to put themselves out for small
savings:
For people with handsome incomes, small saw
ings may not pay for the bother. The man who
spends Is minutes waiting around for a package of
meat at 10 cents reduction, could perhaps put in his
valuable time to better advantage. But his case is
exceptional.
In spite of unthrifty habits, it still remains true
that savings are increasing. But whether they are
increasing in proportion to population and to living
costs would be an open question. The interest
on a bank deposit of 81 1000 would not 20 much
farther today than the return on $500 80 years ago,
particularly when you consider that interest rates
were higher then. 1t still remains true that many
a little makes a mickle."
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-03-03
ASPIRATION AM SUCCESS.

Somehow, everybody likes an aspiring soul that
looks up. that longs for the light, that shuns dark
ness, that loves harmony and purity, and shrinks
from discord and ugliness.
Asplration-the longing for the good, the high
and the pure -purifies the mind, clarifies the quail
ties, %sharpens the wits, and gives unity, purpose and
power to the life.
The man who does not feel any need of shift
ness and s%neaking, but stands up boldly in the light,
fearing nothing but to do wrong, is the man who
carries conviction and weight and is bound to
succeed.
1t is astonishing how hard a wrong-doer works
to go on in lfe-the stiffness to which ne resorts
to cover up his crookedness The excuses and
apologies he is compelled to make to hide his tracks
are pitiable.
There IS always hope for a youth who aspires,
who has a divine hunger for growth, a real regard
for goodness, a longing to be better and to do bet
ter. and who does right because he loves to, and
whose very soul yearns for the atmosphere Of the
good, the pure and the true.
How unfortunate is the youth who does not
know that absolute honesty and transparency Of
are the shortest route to promotion and
that integrity IS the most direct road to success:
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-03-03
THE COTTON

What policy will the South pursue with regard
TO the cotton acreage this year? This question must
be answered within the next few weeks and upon
the answer the course Of prices will largely depend,
says the s-Picayune.
The recent decline of more than a cent should,
the bankers must also do what they can to keep the
acreage within safe bounds. For there may be a
disposition to forget the lessons of the last two
years II an early peace seems probable. But, as a
matter OF tact, it IS by no means certain that peace
would mean higher prices. Indeed, many well in
formed people believe that peace will usher in a
period of drastic liquidation and bad trade. In such
circumstances, nothing should be taken for granted,
and the South should again prepare to feed Itself
cotton.
In any case a moderate crop will, probably bring
quite as much as a big one used to do when food
stuffs had to be bought on the grand scale. For
the South, amply provided with foodstuifs, can al
ways hold its cotton till a satisfactory demand
appears.
AS we have said, the bankers can do much to
keep the acreage within safe bounds: And the
bankers, IN convention assembled at New Orleans
three months ago, resolved that they would extend
credit to no farmer who was not willing to devote a
sufficient acreage to grain and live stock. The mer-
chants must be Of the same mind, since a large pro-
portion Of the accounts will be "sloW'' if cotton is
overproduced and consequently sinks below the
cost Of production.
Problems of this sort are necessarily solved on
the basis OF self interest. A big crop, at high prices,
happens. Probability is the guide of life and the
probability is always against a big crop at high
prices or a small crop at low figures. Let US hope,
then, that the South will think of its own stomach be-
fore thinking of the worlds back. In no other way is
solid prosperity to be assured.
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-03-03

ONCE pays int Ae county treasury
under the operations Of the preseut
law.
Ali fees ana commissions which
the law now provides shall or may be
collected, shall still be collected. but
they shall hereafter be paid int the
county treasury. Each Of the said
officers shall keep a "casA bosk," and
charge himself with all fees and COM
missions now allowed or imposed and
shall SO stand charged until given
credit for same. Each of said of6-
GERS report to the board of super
visors once a month and to the State
Auditor once a year the exact status
of the amount of none paid into
the county treasury, and the mount
drawn u As salaries to both princi-
pal and deputies.
The act to be in full force and eff
feet from and after Sept. LIST. 1919,
this being the beginning of a new
fiscal year.
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-03-03
DON'T WANT A CONSTITUTIONAL
CONVENTION.

South Mississippi is not a unit for a c~onstitu-
tional convention. The Pascagoula Democrat-Star
one Of the thoughfully edited papers of the gulf
coast can see no necessity for a constitutional con-
vention at this time and expresses some fear of the
Star says: I'VE are not taking much stock in the
demand that is coming from some quarters for a
new constitution, in fact We are not fully persuaded
that one is necessary or that many changes are
needed to suit the present demands. Such changes
as seem to be required at this time can easily be
made by amendment, without the expense of calling
a constitutional convention and at the present time
when partisan and factional politics never were so
prevalent in the State, we deem it unwise to adopt
a new system of organic laws for our common
wealth. Amend if you will, perfect if it has serious
imperfections, but let the old constitution stand as a
monument to those great men of a decade whose
hearts and souls were put into its making"
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-03-03
LOWER YAZOO BASIN IN A BAD FIX.

The Vicksburg Herald says that while the
people OF the Yazoo-Misslssippi Delta counties are
rejoicing over the success of holding their entire
levee line intact against a flood height more than a
foot above the record, the victory has brought any
thing but comfort to the lower basin. According to
reports from YaZoo county, in spite of ievees they
are being taxed to maintain, the plantations of that
section have been as deeply flooded as ever before.
The same condition prevails as to lower Issaquena
and Sharkey, and upper Warren. MANY are quite
as badly off as when the Skipwith levee broke. Not
only IS there no remedy planned, or in present con-
temptation for the hard fate of the lower basin. its
people are confronted by the certainty the more
the levee system is perfected, the more effective it
is in holding the whole flood volume in the channel,
the higher the river will rise and the worse it will
be for them. 1t has been conservatively estimated
that for the overflow through the Arkansas river
crevasses, haif a foot more would have been regis
tered at Vlcksburg. And the Arkansas river levees
are sure to be closed and enlarged within a year.
Relief for the lower Yazoo basin can only
come through the extension of the levee line from
It's termlnus' across the gap to the dam closing the
west end OF Lake Centennial; or some other selected
point near by. And while that closure has been
officially recognized as within the ultimate scheme
OF a perfected levee system. it is, in all probability,
ana oy al accounts, as remote as the good time
coming In the meanwhile lands and cotton are
taxed with worse than no return for people OF the
submerged section. There can be no true or valid
denial OF this ~statement-of the relative failure of
levees to afford protection to the lower Yazoo Delta,
WltnOuf the twenty miles, about, of extension of the
line as noted. Under such a state OF facts there
should be legislation by which the revenues of that
section should, in good policy and justice, be de.
voted to the said extension. Every mile closed
river. The case is submitted to levee authorities
anc the River Commission withou, suggestion
whenever there is a disposition to take it in hand,
workable details will suggest themselves"
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-03-03
CROP PREPARATIONS.

Editor The Commonwealth:
1t is early in the season to make
reliable comments upon prospec-
tive farming operations. It a
be absolutely stated though, that
in the way of prepara.ion-re-
pairing fences, clearing off ditch
banks and cleaning off fallen tim
Der, ETC., more work has been
done than usual. While on many
plantations the fields have virtu-
ally all been broken ,-either
bedded or plowed broadcast
very little planting has of course
been done; only patches of early
corn. | have tried to ascertain
the probable cotton acreage as
compared with last year; while
some planters have not definitely
decided, the majority with whom
have talked think that in their
respective localities there will be
no material difference; some less
small grain has been sowed, bat
this land will be put largely in
corn.
A great deal Of Lespedeza has
been sowed all over the country
IN the growing oats; this crop has
been a little disfigured by the cold
weather, but considering the
weather conditions is doing finely.
S.
Greenwood, Miss, Mar. 3, 1916.
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-03-03
COUNTY OFFICERS ON SALARY
BASIS

A bill has passed tho State
Senate of Mississippi which puts the
sheriff and tax-collector, chancery
and circuit clerks and t-ax-assessors
on q salary basis and payable out Of
the county funds.
The bill divides the counties Of the
State into five classes according to to-
tai property as follows:
All counties having q total prop
erty valuation of ten million dollars
or more constitute class "One," in
which counties the sheriff and tax
collector shall receive $500; the
chancery clerk $4,000; the circuit
clerk, $2,75o, and the tax assessor,
$2,250.
All counties having a property
valuation of seven million dollars and
less than ten million dollars shall
Econstitute class "Two." in which
counties the sheriff and tax collector
shall receive $3.50; the chancery
clerk $2,75O; the circuit clerk $500.
and tax assessor, $4,000.
All counties having a property
valuation of five million dollars and
less than seven million dollars, shall
constitute class Three" and the
sheriff and tax collector shall receive
$4,000; chancery clerk, $4,000; cir.
cult clerk, $2,25O; and tax assessor,
$1,75 5
All counties having a property
valuation of three million and less
than five million dollars, shall con.
stitute class -Four" and the sheriff
and tax collector shall receive S2,75O;
chancery clerk, $2,250; circuit clerk,
$4,000 and tax assessor, $500.
All counties having a property
valuation of less than three million
dollars shall constitute class Five
and the sheriff and tax collector shall
receive $4,000; fchancery clerk
$4,000; circuit clerk, $1,75O; anc
tax assessor, t1,15s.
The sheriff and tax collector is al
lowed his actual expenses in ane
about conducting of his Office.
The several boards of supervisor.
shall name the number of deputie.
to be appointed by each of these off
GERS within certain numbers of eacl
respective class, and they shall fl,
the salary for each deputy, but the
highest deputy shall not receive
salary greater. than one half of his
principal.
The bill provides that no sheriff
and tax collector and his deputies
chancery clerk and his deputies, ia,
assessor and his deputies shall re.
ceive more money Or salaries TO,
any one year than each respective
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-03-03
MEN WHO STRIVE.

There is too much complaint of failure by men
who strive. Men too often are prone to disappoint-
ment at imaginary reverses because they lack
patience. They forget that success lies within one
self and is to be brought out only by constant striv-
ing accompanied by patience.
The world was not made in a day. More than
fourteen centuries followed the birth of Christ
before men even discovered that the world is round.
Men walked and rode on animals on the land until
modern civilization had almost started on the down
ward grade before artificial modes of land travel
were invented, and the air ship has come so many
of years after Father Adam died and so
simultaneous with our own appearance that we can
hardly realize what has happened, yet you may find
young men, 30 years old and younger, today lament
ing mlsspent lives. Men that are just at the point
where they ought to be developing the best that is in
them and preparing to possess in later years a feel
ing that is richer than a fortune Of gold, a feeling of
success, a feeling of having developed a personality.
1t is only persistence in the problems of life
that develops a man. He who follows the line of
least resistance does not develop. It is the man
that climbs the hill that gets a broad vision and
q broad back, and not the man that walks around it.
Don't despair, but persist, strive to surmount the diff
you have spent your time railing against,
work you brain more than you work your tongue,
and you'll get there.
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-03-03
CONTRACT FOR NEW BUCKEYE
BUILDING AWARDED

Superintendent R.. H. Rust informs
The Commonwealth that the contract
for rebuilding the extensive, meal
and hull house, which was destroyed
by fire last week, has been awarded
to contractors HUMPHREYS and Nc
Ginnis. of this city, and the new
building will be completed in from
60 to 80 days.
The losses sustained by the recent
fire were fully covered by insurance
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-03-03

Never since we can remember have the news
papers of the Delta been so persistent in their ef-
forts to get the farmers of that a~ll-cotton section to
diversity their crops by raising corn. hay and pea
this is, of course, the presence of the boil weevil,
and we wish to say that if these pests get as bad in
the Delta as they have been in many counties of
this, as well as other states, the wise farmer will
profit by listening to the advice of those who have
figuratively gone through the mil."-Woodville
Republican.
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-03-03

We forecast right now that the Delta will have
a Jefferson Davis highway or a great highway by
trail part of the State have their highway completed.
One thing has been forcibly emphasized during the
discussion of the jefferson Davis Highway and that
is the aroused sentiment in favor of permanent pub
lie roads. Good roads are coming just like flood
control of the Mississippi river as an economic ques-
ton and a business necessity.-Greenvlle Democrat.
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-03-03

Contractors May & Beeman have
been awarded the job of remodeling
the residence of DR.. w. T. johnson.
Among the improvements to be
made is a second story to the build
ing, and when completed it will be
one of the most attractive homes in
the city. u :,
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-03-03
GREENWOOD COTTON RECEIPTS.

in the different companies represent
ed in Greenwood by the Delta Insur-
ance and Realty Agency. w. M.
Peteet and Ashcraft & Wells-blank-
ct policies covering prorata the risks
on the property.
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-03-03

That Clarksdale wranele was quite a handsome
mess, let the blame be on who it may. II the Hon.
Dan Scott tells the truth about the situation, and It
there is decidedly the most stupendous blunder, to
use the incest word the situation vii allow, my
administration ever made.-Amory Nmee.Pfeo1.
The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1916-03-03
THE GRENADA HIGHWAY MEETING A
COMPLETE FIASCO

The good roads meeting at Grenada Wednes-
DAY 10 decide the contest between the hill counties,
over the location OF the route for the proposed JEFF
ferson Davis Highway through Mississippi was a
complete flasco. There were four or five thousand
people present, but the apparent disgusting and
uproarious conast between the two hill factions as
to which H1esessed the greatest lung strength alb
solufely pxsaproented an organization being perfected
the X6ciferous noise being SO deafening through
out~he eD@Jre farce proceedings that it was utterly
lmossible to put a motion or to take a vote on any
st Ger attempted -.proposition. 1t resembled a
low unreasonable lot of raving maniacs, rather
slas az a meeting of conservative, sensible business
Each side distrusted the other, seeming to
fear that there were snakes" in everything at
tempted to be said by the fellows opposing them
the whole affair being a burlesque from start to
finish. Nothing vas accomplished by the ridiclu-
lous pow-wow-both sides claiming that a majority
of those present favored their respective proposed
routes.
The Delta people were treated with great CD
consideration at tine Memphis meeting compared to
the rough-house manner in which the hlll-billies
fought each other at the Grenada gathering.
The Delta people present just looked on the
proceedings with a mingled feeling of amusement
and disgust.
Verify, the highway from Greenwood to Men,
phis through the Delta will be built and in use
while the "hill-billies" are wrangling over the loca-
ton Of the proposed Jefferson Davis Highway.