davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-05-15
SHOULD BE VETOED
Motion Picture Censorship Bill Would Lead
to Fraud and Stupidity.
To the Editor OF The Tribune.

To the Editor OF The Tribune.
Sir: Permit me TO express my unquah-
fed approval OF your editorial this morning.
material for the Wastebasket." The Crist-
man Wheeler bill, establishing a board oil
ccnsors for motion pictures as bureau un-
der the Board Of Regents. ought, in my judg-
ment. to be vetoed. and | have written Gov
ernor Whitman TO that effect.
am we'll aware of the clerical lobby urg-
ing this bill and ! also know that the Cen
cral Conference of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, in session at Saratoga Springs, in
dorsed this bill the other morning, when Gov
ernor Whitman was present. But everybody
who knows anything about such matters at
general conference knows that lot OF reso-
lutions are introduced into such body be-
fore the elections occur just to get the sign
crs' names in print in the daily journal
You state the absolute truth IN your edi-
torial when you say this censorship proposed
is foolish and harmful. that the bill is "un-
wise in principle" and Gin practice 1T would
be a farce and fraud"
In a personal letter from the late Mayor
Gaynor he says: "0nce We begin setting up
censorships in this country no one can tell
prohibit the exhibition OF picture Of Luther
railing his thesis 20 the cathedral door; 9TH
ors would prohibit picture of the Virgin
and Child. and so on
And in another letter to me he says: ut
is better to suffer even a considerable griev-
ance than to set up a still greater evil to
remove it,"
The arbitrary power Of few men with
censorship authority sets up greater evil
than il removes and is utterly abhorrent TO
the whole spirit OF American institutions
from the beginning That spirit Is accurately
oppressed in laws against ndecency and i'm
morality. To single out special class OF
offenders and put over them a group of po-
itical appointees, with authority to say what
is or is not immoral and indecent, is a pro
posal capable of unlimited extension and
filled with amazing possibilities Of graft,
fraud and stupidity.
Governor Whitman should veto the Crist-
man Wheeler bill and zinc" II.
WILLIAM b. TOWER
New Rochelle, y. Y, May II, 1916.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-05-15
Before Job Holding and After.

At the hearing before Governor Whi.-
man on the general amendments to the
labor law which contain the notorious
twelve-hour a day provision for women
cannery workers, it appeared that State
Industrial Commissioners Lynch and
Mitchell thought that the changes would
strengthen the present law. Under the
amendments an eighty-four hour work
ing week for women and minors employed
in canneries. amid unsanitary, nerve-rack-
ing conditions. would be possible. Sus-
pension of the ffty-four hour week law
would he possible in any factory where
the machinery broke down and the pro-
prietor wanted to rush work, with the APP
prevail Of Messrs Lynch and Mitchell and
their colleagues Of the commission. Sevel
DAYS work a week would be permitted in
the dairy. creamery and ice cream indus.
tries.
Messrs. Lynch and Mitchell arc both
labor union men-Lynch printer. Mitch
ell long a representative of the anthracite
coal miners. The printers were among
the first Of the organized trades to de-
mand and obtain an eight-hour day and
one day of rest each week. The coal min
ers have Just completed an agreement
with the operators which gives them an
eight-hour workday with pay for nine
hours.
II Messrs Lynch and Mitchell were now
working, the one at type case or linotype
machine, the other with pick and shovel
instead of holding public office at fat sal
airy, would they say that these labor union
victories were breaking down the labor
law? Would they not, instead, say thai
they were protection of the health AMI
wellbeing of the workers, directly in line
with the existing law for the benefit of TIE
community? Their present attitude is
incomprehensble, in view of all that they
have stood for, as labor union leade-5,
heretofore.
If Governor Whitmans alleged friend
illness for this dangerous bill is based on
their opinion he should reconsider. and 50
should they. The bill could not possibly
strengthen existing law. 1t would break
down the law. Worse, it would break
down the health and strength of many
hundreds of workers. and would again
give into the hands Of greedy employers
the power to drive and crowd their work
ers beyond reason, which the state has
wisely taken from them. The bill should
be vetoed.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-05-15
, Editor Of The Tribune.

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: Just word for poor England. at
whom everybody delights to throw kick.
Why all this Juror about the execution of
the men who took this time to hit her in the
back? All honor fearless foe. be he patriot
or rebel, but the sneak who hits when his
foes back is turned deserves no such praise
and eulogies as are showered on him.
England has her hands full helping to care
for the civilization of the world. and is do
ing large share of the work without much
credit Americans had better be busy try
ing TO do their own part, rather than playing
critic
This little clique Of Irish fanatics played
traitor to Ireland as well as to England.
They got only what was right and just; what
was best for England and Ireland. Such stuff
as The Tribune's editorial helps fan the
traitors cause the world over. II is bias
phemy TO put in the same class Belgium's
heroic tragedy and this outburst of traitor
Gus uprising. AZ least be just to England
if for some reason you do not love her
MARY c. JOHNSTON.
New York. Nav u. 1916
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-05-15
Denatured Time.

Now that France. Germany and Holland
have adopted the late Mr. Willetts scheme
for saving daylight, and Great Britain is
about to do likewise it is proposed, Of
course. that we, too, should put our clocks
forward an hour every summer and thus
save gas and electricity, besides increasing
our enjoyment Of the suns rays. AS far
as we know. the reform has been effected
without serious Inconvenience; why then,
it is argued, might it not be initiated in this
country with advantage? And il is COM
monty assumed that nothing but British
prejudice and conservatism could have de-
feated Mr.. Wilett when he first en-
deavored to compel his countrymen to get
up at decent hour.
In reality his proposal was not spoiled
for want of popularity. Members of Par
lament, chambers of commerce, city cor
porations and town councils received it
favorably, some of them even enthusiastic
ally. When it was put before them as an
easy way of gaining 154 hours Of daylight
wear they were much impressed, and many
wondered why they had never thought Of
it themselves. 1t was only after long and
careful deiberaton extending over some
years that the project was finally rejected
as unnecessary and impractical. The OPP
position of scientific men probably counted
for little with the legislators, but the OBJ
iections Of agricultural workers. railway
men and the representatives of several
trades counted for a great deal. And so
at last it was decided that the dislocation
of affairs would be too vexatious to justify
an experiment. the necessity Of which in
normal times had not been demonstrated
When the matter was first taken up by
the legislators in France the opposition
of scientific bodies was quite as strong
as it was in England five years ago.
The project was laid before the Academy
of Sciences and rejected without qualifica-
ton. as intoerably confusing and of doubt
ful advantage in any way. The rural part
Of the population. as IT was pointed out
would suffer nothing but inconvenience.
since they regulate their activities by the
sun: moreover, many colleges, shops and
factories begin work an hour earlier IN
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-05-15
Roosevelt in the Middle West.
Hcnru ]. Allen. 81 colIicr.ll

fHcnry J. tNcn in IOllcf -
Nothing has surprised me more than the
Roosevelt comeback. Within the last few
DAYS I have talked with probably twenty men
who have been elected from Middle Western
states as delegates TO the Chicago convention
have selected them with view Of the fact
that they are listed as stand-patters who
voted for Taft in 1912. expected TO find
them bitterly partisan. Twelve of them said
outright that they would vote for Roosevelt
at the Chicago convention if it seemed the
wise thing to do. They all prophesed that
war with Mexico would make Roosevelt inev-
table Sixteen Of them said that they
thought Hughes was at present the man.
They all spoke kindly Of Cummins, and some
Of them have been instructed for him.
In Chicago I asked prominent German
what he thought about the Presidential stua-
ton. lie is man who takes part in public
discussion He said that he thought that the
developments would undoubtedly bring about
the nomination Of Theodore Roosevelt and
his election. He spoke without any admira-
ton for Roosevelt. lie was hostile to Wilson,
but he said that the thoughtful Germans
would vote for Roosevelt in preference 90 Will
son because they believe that he would have
brought England up standing as well as Ger
many"
believed that if Roosevelt had been President
the Lusitania incident might have been
avoided, because the Germans would not have
sunk the ship. knowing as they did his type
Of mind.
Asked II he did not believe that Rooseyelts
attitude would have brought on war with
Germany. he quoted
Surely he could not have used any more
warlike language than did the President in
his notes. Diplomatically the words strict
accountability which Wilson used on Ger
many, were "a strong as any Roosevelt might
have used II was a distinct threat. The
Presidents declaration 70 Germany that he
would consider certain act as deliberately
unfriendly' was another threat. The chief
difference between the Wilson and the Roose-
welt conception Of diplomacy IS not that Mr..
Roosevelt does not use words or that Mr..
Wilson does not threaten guns. They both
use words and they both threaten guns, and
in both cases the final backing Of the words
is guns. Where they differ is in this: When
Mr. Roosevelt uses words the guns seem
fairly visible; when Mr.. Wilson uses words
his opponent is still kept guessing about the
location OF the guns
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-05-15
Gratitude Against Efficiency.

The most valorous and intrepid talker
among Ireland's long distance patriots
has been telling a New York audience
what his German allies will probably do
Tor the Inflated Sir Roger Easement My
opinion" says he, "is that Germany Will
do the proper thing in this case and take
the necessary measures to restrain the
cowardly, bloodthirsty Britishers."
The opinion of the Goligher Of William
Street on German affairs is at least as val
liable and well informed as his views on
matters that concern Ireland. but in this
particular instance he is possibly mis-
taken. Since Sir Roger was cast adrift
off the coast of Kerry, Germany's ardor
for Irish freedom has cooled off to re-
markable degree, and there is little show
of gratitude for all he did during his So
journ in the Fatherland.
Three years ago, when Sir Roger was
dreaming of "the friendly union of Ger
many, America and Ireland" he had very
different idea of the event. "The day. he
wrote, 'tndt tnc llTSl OS1HfdH COIlI duc
lands in Ireland, the day the first German
warship is seen proudly breasting the
waters of the Irish Sea, with the flag OF
Ireland at her fore, that day many Irish
men must die, but they shall die in the
sure peace of God that Ireland may live"
Something went wrong with the German
plan, and now the Germans seem quite
ready to forget Sir Rogers sacrifices and
to wash their hands Of his enterprise as
that no longer concerns them.
at seems" says the Hamburger Frem-
that he is an example of the
characteristics additionally
attributed to the Irish people-boldness
combined with lack of prudence. Foe
Easement should have been the last TO-
venture into war zone which made his
capture by the English not impossible
Gratitude is an agreeable weakness, but
efficiency is more important. Germany did
her best to strike England through Ire
land, and if her instrument is no Longer
serviceable, why, she has no choice but 20
cast it aside as useless.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-05-15
A Monarchy with Claw" as the Tyrant

To the Editor OF The Tribune.
Sir: Your editorial in this mornings
Tribune, Material for the Wastebaskct," is
sensible In fact, IT is tho only sensible thing
have seen on the subject. My only dis
agreement with your viewpoint is your credit
ing the Clerical lobby" as "unqucstionably
sincere in its views" In my opinion. the
only thing sincere about the clerical lobby"
is its loyalty to the ecclesiastical hierarchy
Of which the lobby is the mouthpiccc.
Were | of sporting blood ] should readily
make wager that the cergymen back of
the censorship bill are rot overly supplied
with knowledge of the sort Of pictures that
are being shown in the country generally, of
the prevalency OF smutty stuff exhibited on
the screen and o. the attitude of motion
picture exhibitors toward the whole ques-
ton in general. As one who has been trying
the thing out on a small scale ! suggest that
legislation will not solve the problem. Co
operation with the managers Of theatres, an
attitude of appreciation, publicly, toward the
best films shown, such appreciation to be
shown in a commendatory word os the film
and theatre, and where conditions Justify il
the introduction of weekly or semi-weckly
programme of motion pictures in the regular
church work, will do more to solve the ques-
tion of the smutty film than all the laws
that man can devise.
We seem to be in period Of fads. The
legislative fad lis all the rage now. To me
it is pathetic to find so many ministers los
ing their heads over the craze, and by giving
assent to the new fancy discreditng the
very principles on which their ministry is
based, thus signing themselves with forces
that for centuries have fought all progress in
Church and State. Unless a halt is called on
this legislative craze we may soon discover
that instead of developing a democracy we
have established a monarchy. with law as the
monarch and tyrant. Such thing is not inn
possible, in fact it has become so probable,
as well as possible, as to excite our alarm
and fear F. A. HAWLEY.
Pastor Methodist Episcopal Church
Modena, ~ Y, May u, 1916.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-05-15
About Official Wiretapping.

To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: The investigation by the Thompson
committee Of the overlapping is of more
than ordinary moment 1t is timely and
needed if the police are permitted 20 tap the
wire of any citzen-rather high-handed
proposition. II there be basis for this in
the law then the sooner the law is rescinded
the better.
am business woman whose dealings are
Of A rather confidential nature, and il makes
me rather skeptical about the privacy of the
phone. If it be true that any official can
order the tapping OF wire at will there
should be some proper agitation about this
procedure, and the sooner some decision is
arrived at the more confident those will be
who have to talk business over the phone.
r. +. c. FITZPATRICK.
New York, May II, 1916.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-05-15
Treacherous Leaders.
n Of The Tribune.

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: | sincerely regret the tone Of your
editorial THE Irish Folly in your issue OF
to-day. and think you are entirely wrong in
your deductions.
The bsseness and the treachery of the re-
volt without parallel in history and
should be punished. as concerns the leaders,
with all possible severity. Great leniency,
however, should and will be shown the rank
and file, who are but the innocent dupes of
men who. If spared. would only lead others
into yet worse excuses at some future time.
Everybody admits that the Irish people
are the most generous. the most hospitsble,
the most varmhearted and the most lovabls
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-05-15
If Germany Were Ruling.

To the Editor of The Tribune
Sir: As very interested reader Of your
paper | have read your editorial in this morn
ng's edition on the Irish Rebels" | also
noticed on the front page OF "The Times the
following: Germans execute thirty-fve So
cialst soldiers at the front" These men
were shot merely for distributing in the
trenches a pamphlet concerning "the second
Socialist peace conference at Zimmerwalde."
II this be true, what do you suppose would
have happened 70 the Irish rebels if Ger
many had had to deal with them instead o.
Great Britain? What would be the attitude
of this country for high treason?
II would be interesting to have you reply
10 this. H. A. LANGDON.
Brooklyn. May 10, 1916
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-05-15
o Observation-Disclosures
amended Teay cord o n
III nbe udgmC Approved

To the Editor OF The Tribune
Sir: | cannot agree with the contention o.
your editorial in this mornings issue entitled
"The Irish Folly" 1t is the only Tribune
editorial o. III, wa, and incidents thereof
with which have not been able to agree sub.
stantialy. can see no parallel between the
case of Belgium and that of Ireland. Bel.
GUM is an independent sovereignty, but Ire
land is an integral part Of the Kingdom OF
Great Britain and Ireland
At time when the existence Of that king
dom and the entire British Empire is threat
ened, when the empire is actually at war to
defend its existence, small section OF Irish
men. assisted by one Of the empires enemies,
sees fit to challenge and take up arms against
the British government and 10 kill British
soldiers, gripping to that extent the empires
ability 10 continue the war in which il IL
engaged. Yet you say the British govern
ment is chargeable with folly because il
treats these men as traitors and visits upon
them the punishment that traitors who take
up arms against their country when at war
must bear, under unquestionable principles Of
law and government.
IL is not a question Of saving little PEG.
pies OF OF safeguarding tnemi IL IS qucs-
ton of sef-preservation. self-defence and the
preservation of safety from within as we'll as
without. Reduced TO the last analysis, your
argument would lead TO the principle that
Irishmen have the right TO kill as many Eng
lishmen or English soldiers as they choose in
time Of war. when the life of every British
subject should be dedicated to the defence
and preservation Of his country, and yet be
permitted to go free. TO be glorifed as heroes
In other words, the killing of British soldiers
places halo of glory on the murderer, but
the execution of traitor who chances TO be
an lrshman transforms him into a martyr.
The Irishmen who have been executed are
martyrs 10 their own folly and trsitorcus
actions, and 10 nothing else.
Some of my ancestors came from Ireland.
have been and am consistent advocate o.
Home Rule for Ireland. But my advocacy OF
that policy and my sympathy with the Irish
in their aspiration TO obtain self-government
do not go to the length of telling irishmen
that they can revolt in arms at time ike
the present and escape just punishment for
their treachery. CHASE MELLEN.
New York, May -, 1916
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-05-15
Irish Traitors.
Of The Tribune.

TO the Editor Of The Tribune
Sir: Treason in all civilized governments
is punishable by death Treason in the face
and front Of an active enemy in time of war
is more emphatically so punishable
If this were the first of Irish perfdy il
might perhaps seem justifable for your ed-
toral Of this date.
The Irish are always traitors. Look at
their records in the Mexican and Civil wars.
Look at what their hierarchs are trying in
every possible way to dc in this land of the
free and, formerly, home Of the brave.
like The Tribune. But please don't try
to apologize 10 me any more for the antics of
the MickS either here or in Ireland
CONSTANT READER AND ADMIRER.
Utica, y. Y, May -. 1916.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-05-15
Misstated Facts.

To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: was much surprised TO read your
editorial of to-day called The Irish Folly
in which you very severely crticise England
Ii is certainly regrettable that she was forced
to execute these men at such time. But
after all, these men were nothing short o.
coldbooded murderers. Murderers IN ooIh
respects, as they not only snped Irish SOL
diers and civilians, but they also technically
murdered their own followers by melting
them to rebellion against trained troops.
The blood spilled by every loyal sinn
Feiner rests on the heads Of the leaders 20
use a rather mixed metaphor. You compare
Englands treatment of ireland with that o.
Germany's treatment Of Belgium. There y
absolutely no true comparison, as Belgium
was a peaceful country, invaded by foreign
country while the Irish deliberately went
out of their way to commit suicide TOR To
reason at all. As you say yourself. they were
without the support Of by far the larger pof'
ton of the thinking Irish. How about a
word of sympathy for the decent, hsrdEors-
ing shopkeepers whose shops were wiltuiy
destroyed and looted by the liberty loving
patriots?
Many people have been made homeless ana
penniless simply because the rfrsf OF Ire
land were armed with German guns 10 try 70
incte the decent people TO battle and ciy'
war Confusion of this sort would naturally
tend to draw great many Of England
troops from the Great War which she ana
her Allies are waging for the mutual pro-
lection of themselves and the United states.
Don't let US have any more of peculiar. mis-
stated editorials. CHARLES B. SWELL.
Nav York. May IL. 1915.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-05-15
Soldiers of an Ideal.

To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: As an Irish reader Of The Tribune
who has frequently been exasperated to the
point of blasphemy by your attitude on Irish
affairs, | wish to thank you most heartily for
your editorial of to-day. 1t is fine and true
and in the best sense American. | am glad
The Tribune realizes-and trust the whole
world will realize-that the men who rsked
and sacrificed their lives in Dublin were SOL
diers of ideal, faith, hope that lies
close to the hearts of the people of Ireland
And am glad to feel that we do not turn in
vain for sympathy and understanding to the
country that thrills at the mention of Lex
ington and Concord
W. DERM0T DARBY
New York, May u, 1916.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-05-15
COCK ROBlN-19l6.
with apologies to Ellen K. Hooker)

with apologies to Ellen K. fooker)
Who killed the party?
81" said Bill Barnes,
with force and strong arms
killed the party"
Who saw it die?
a." said the nation,
in great perturbation,
II saw it die
Who tolled the bell?
a." answered Root,
"The machine gang and Smoot,
1--WE tolled the bell
Who'll bring it back?
I'VE" say about seven and a half
million Of American voters, headed
by 7. r., whooping it up for
Protection to American citizens,
American rights and American
Industries.
We'll bring it back"
ANDREW CoLVIN.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-05-15
Respect for the Flag.
" of The Tribune.

To Inc Editor OF The Tribune.
Sir: Three cheers for J. W. Snowden's
patriotic and timely letter. published in your
issue OF the 18th inst, advocating more re-
speet for the flag when it is on parade.
Indeed. there seer1s 10 be vofu lack Of
respect shown TO the flag on all occasions.
sincerely hope that YOU will adopt his
suggestion that it be made patriotic move
ment along with the others of the day 20 en-
tighten the public on the different courtesies
that should be paid TO the flag on all coca
sions CASPER II. EICkS.
New York, May 10, 1915