davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-02-03
The Pcrils of n Rcformer.

When Assemblyman McQuistion. Of
Brooklyn. protested volubiy against the
prorating Of a legislative committees eN-
pcnses. which charged against him $40
lotol charges he hadn't incurred. he doubt
less thought he was doing a public ser
vice. But. being comparatively young as
G lawmaker, he had much TO learn. lie is
now learning it. and the lesson is that 1t is
dangerous TO interfere with political
habits and perquisites
This youthful and enthusiastic public
servant expected, in recognition Of past
services. to be selected as district dele
eatc 20 his party's coming state conven-
on. lie wasn't He is TO have the minor
place of alternate. He likewise expected
10 be named a member of the legis-
lative committee which is to consider the
rlans for reapportioning the state. lie
wasn't. And. lest he miss the point OF the
lesson. it d, reported that he will not be
.r.nominated next fall-possibly in order
that hc may have complete leisure 10
ronder and digest the teachings Of prac-
| tical politics. free from all inc o'S'Ia0-
tons Of public service.
Reforms. theoretically. are an excellent
thing. All the politicians are for them
The Assembly leaders have promptly pro
6uced bills TO cure the evil to which Nh
McOuistion called attention. His district
organization has gone on record indorsing
lis action in this case. But in practical
appbcation there can be too much of
good thing. Ii is so likely to interfere
with time honored privileges and perqui-
sites. Il may even bring unpleasant no.
toriety on ones associates. The reformer
is an icorocast, and iconoclasts are IN
leasant TO have around.
Hence this youthful lawmaker with re-
forming tendencies is likely to be re-
moved from the public service. Politics
is dangerous. but reforms are frequently
fatal-to their authors.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-02-03
Sursum Corda!

Along the battlements of night there runs
\ cry that leaps from tower to tower
like flame;
In alleys dour the people hint his name,
And light leaps terrible along the suns.
flushed stand the darkling battles Of the
Huns
lie comes. toward whom the srrowng
ages aim;
He comes. his recreant kingdom TO re
claim;
He comes in the red clangour Of the guns
Laugh. laugh. We war lords! Great Rome
laughed. and where
Is Rome? Why in some bitter trench
tonight some boy
Whose blue eyes march with the pale
stars may see
You and your Juggernauts in dust, and
fair
Sweet times come tripping down from
heaven in JOY.
Himself the Christ who was and is 70
be.
EARL sIMoNsoN.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-02-03
THE WORLD CONQUERoRs
Why Should There Be Surprise NJ
Present Manifestations?

To the Editor OF Tho Tribune.
Cir. Soma 81 YOUR editorials seem to IN
volve n naive surprise mt the conouo' VI
certain embassy at Washington Nha' N'"'
Of an embassy should you expect from "
world -conqucring government; one which
during forty wears. could patiently prcpar
its subjects, its Industries. military mncn'"o
and all, 70 pounce upon It's nelGhoor'' 1T d"
opportun time, for profit?
what could you expect from government,
which. with an alleged CLEAR conscience am
rortnership with God. could attempt thc
basest dcccits toward the world, even TOWARD
i,s own subjects. and could make them DC
licv, That the Great War was forced 'po'
10 by IT, uuprcparci uelghhors.
what could you look foi from govern
mont which could naivolv but soicmniy pro
test because those unprepnred ncighbors had
to import munitions OF war for delence, M"
because its unprcparcd neighbors employed
their African and Aslatc subleoS 10 he',
dofend them: q government which. through
its ally, could nationally protest because 'he
American government did not, 800 the mid''
of such wav. compel the American people 20
change international custom, on sale OF wa
munitions. so n TO favor the no" sea
crippled attackcr; a government which l'Se,i
subvcrted international law and nearly az
modern humaneucse, yet could uarel} ana
vigorously protest against reprisals and re
fuse 10 arbltratc them conformity with those
acts which had probably provoked the re
prisals government which has con'inu
ously given its virile soldiers furloughs III
order TO help breed the necessary recruit
FOR the neNt great war Notwithstanding the
country local food riots and uniFeTsa'
shortage Of good food for babies?
What could you expect from that govern
ment. which. notwth standng the unlawt al
ard inhumaue acts with which its officers
and men were scourging Belgium and other
rtighbors, could brazenly employ abundant
wiles in begging that its enemies kindly
allow importatons OF condensed milk to de
volop 100000 babes FOR employment in the
next war 70 complete the conquest Of Europe
Do you feel anything like surprise at the
omen conduct or secret operations OF sucn A
governments embassy Is world conquering
done by ethical or unethical nations?
FREDERICK II. COX.
Jamaica. l. T.. Jan. 81. 1916.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-02-03

corded entire freedom until caught IN some
overt act Of treason.
Ru, the Packard Motor Company be
leves in the other remedy. of enforced
naturalization. Mr.. Avian Macaulcy, us
vice-president and general manager mas
caused placards TO he posted throue'ou'
its plant in Detroit announcing that mere
after the first requisite of promotion Will
he American citizenship. The company
whose 1900 employees arc divided ih'o oi'e
hundred different rncial groups. has found
It's production impeded with racial dissch-
sion. 90 that the step It has taken Is Ut
rigned TO have very practical as well as
a sentimental effect. 1t seeks greater IN
dustrial efficiency from national unity and
looks to naturalization to promote inc
latter
There can he little doubt that natura'iza-
ton has some effect on individual sentl-
mcnt. and il obigates the new made CITIZEN
70 military duty should the need arise.
Once swallowed up. as he would be- in the
military organization and surrounded by
fellow countrymen about whose loyalty
there could be no doubt, he might easily
become a dependable and patriotic soldier
It is too early TO make a choice between
the two methods Of cure proposed put we
hone Mr.. Macauley will not keep his com
patriots in the dark as TO the result OF
his experiment. If a greater percentage
of naturalization promotes industrial eili-
cheney we shall all favor it as a promoter
cf national loyalty also.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-02-03

asleep by throwing our intuitlons TO tne
wind We became worldly minded and am
bilious. since we could not hope for peace
lest We did So We united into one state
whch we intended 70 make strong enough
20 be respected We did all 20 strengthen
this state We even became commercial me
thing we loathed most Of all that we loatneo
e civilization. Little did we suspect that our
commercialism would bring about the Dig
gest coalition OF all that ever has been
formed Little did we suspect that It would
Sc, agoing the most internal conspiracy Of
all ages
Such is the fatal necessity we have been
struggling against ever since the fatal day
Rome found US and forced her abomlnao!e
civilization upon US; abominable and de-
testable. FOR we would much rather cultivate
our souls even as the Indians cultivate theirs
than sell tin soldiers. hsrmonicas or drums
But necessity is above inclination. and the
necessity which has made Us what We are
has issued forth continually from Rome
Pari, aud London.
RICHARD EMANUEL LINDGREN.
Coney Island. Jan. 10 1915.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-02-03
Cures for Hyphenage.

Americans are arriving daily at fuller
realization Of the size and intricacy of the
problem of the hyphen. The Great War
has revealed to US a centrifugal tendency
among our numerous racial groups Of
whose force few Of US had dreamed.
Accustomed for a generation TO mock at
the weakness and instability of Austria
Hungary, the empire of divided allegiance,
we have suddenly awakened to find OUT
selves in a condition not wholly incompar-
able. while lacking Austria's central au-
tocracy and military tradition to enforce
loyalty when the pinch comes.
But the United States does enjoy, on the
other hand, certain fundamental advan-
tagcs in its process of amalgamation which
much more than offset this Austrian power
of compulson It's aliens have all come 10
il voluntarily; its racial cleavages do not
coincide with territorial divisions, and ma
tional loyalty here has for its object an
ideal and not a royal person. America is
the better melting pot of the two, though
still appalingly imperfect
So far two Numerically opposed rene
dies for the curse Of dual allegiance have
been put forth among US 1--WE are disre-
gardng the preventive which lies in the re-
striction of immigration). One is that sug-
gcsted by Mr.. Henry J. Fletcher in the
current number of THE Atlantic Month
ly" Mr. Fletcher, writing under the cap
ton Our Divided Country" would
strictly limit naturalization to those for
eigners who through superior intelligence,
temperament or long residence had come
to realization of what the country stood
for and had developed an affection for its
institutions. language and people. He
deprecates very forcibly the wholesale
naturalization Of raw aliens. contending
that an oath taken ignorantly before a
Federal judge cannot affect their ale
riauce. while comforting upon them all the
privileges of citizenship. As aliens they
might be informed or deported IN time Of
war. he points out. while rs citizens how
ever potentially diSloyal, they must be &C
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-02-03
FOR DEFINITE ACTION
German Defiance Must Be Me,
with Resolution.

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: Your editorials nave demonstrate.
beyond doubt tina, you possess the colas
of your convictions. Where other pa2e"
have passed lightly over tie murder o.
American citizens oy Germany yog base
courageously upheld American honor by Cd.
handing in the name Of the people o. ,ae.'
United States complete l.savo@a. Of 'a.
Lusitania sinking or the alternative: sever
ance Of diplomatic relations with Germany
Frigh,fulness mas been Germany's motto
all through this way. she considers il a.
asset representing victory Most Of f'
atrocious acts committed by Germany have
been performed. not as a military nece'si.
bu, as lesson 20 America that German.
was Irresistible.
II President Wilson would dismiss Amos
sador Won Bernstor.F at once and sde opea
with the Allies. there would be millions o.
men IN this country who would Hga' "
avenge the deaths Of the Americans m-'
dered by Germany. and who would rejoice
the fact that they could fight on che 'ds o.
England and France for civilization and nee
dom.
God help the people Of The world Y GER
many IS victorious.
Brooklyn. Jan. 81. 1915
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-02-03
"A National Betrayal

To the Editor Of The Tribune
Sir: In reference 20 your admirable co.
torial and cartoon this morning Shout w
Philippines It may be interesting 70 quo"
from Bacon's Essays: "It Is the sini'A''
thing in the world 20 iorsake or desti'l"
plantation once in forwardness. fof' ~
sides the dishonor. it is the outlines %
blood Of many commisera5ie persons
Could the ingenuity OF man invent 81;
thing more likely 70 lead us INTO t'....
with Japan than the setting ~ az her ' .,,
doors Of a NcNico FOR whose welfare ".
United States could not possibly I'D me W.,
nature OF things be indifferent. ana os'
which. if the mserably short-signtea p.
posals before the senate become law - ~.
would have diyested herself or oil eoD'...
Surely. the world might be spared ~.
powder magazine. whom half OF y D. snSs''
on fire. IAN = "N''''
New York, Jan. 81. 1916.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-02-03
A PROPOSAL as TO Mexico.

TO the Editor Of The Tribune.
SIR: In a copy Of The Forum" published
in 1896. under the head Of Insanity Trials ~
appears sketch of man who was con-
cerned in extensive mining companies in
Mexico where he had resided for several
years Upon his return 70 Philadelphia,
about 1910. he appeared az popular hotel
with towering white ostrich feathers in his
hat. and his person covered with golden
chains
Jpon his examination in lunacy proceed.
ings he stated that "he had been 10 Mexico.
where he had been attacked and robbed by
the guerlas, he had received thirteen blows
iu the side from their stilettos that his life
was only saved from. his carrying the manu-
SCRIPT history OF his travels around his body,
which prevented any fatal effects from the
assault, and that ne now was or his way 20
China. Cor the purpose OF enlistng hundred
thousand Chinese, with whom he intended
70 return 90 Mexico, 10 drive all the natives
out OF the country and repopulate that re-
gion with these men, who were, he said, an
honest. industrious and Ingenious people. and
would in the course OF time be an ornament
and a blessing 20 America"
lie was adjudged insane. This was some
seventy years ago but his move scheme for
he conquest or reconstruction OF Mexico was
just about as practical and effective as are
some OF later date However II any Amer
leans now IN Mexico wish % protec, them
selves with manuscripts wrapped about their
bodies. the present administration can supply
sufficient for all applicants.
J. A WRIGHT
Noravia y Y Jan Is 1919
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-02-03
What the Public Wants
Editor Of The Tribune.

To he Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: I have noticed number o. letters
that you have published recently excusi1g the
actions of Presiden. Wilson on the ground
that lie il doing what the majority Of the
American people wish TO have him do In
the words of one writer, he has had MS finger
on the pulse Of the people Another one
states that his Ideas OF what the people want
are derived from the editorials of newspapers
Now, it is we'll known that Washington is a
poor place from which to feel the pulse OF the
American people Mr. Taft's troubles we're
largely derived from msjudging that pulse.
Neither do newspaper editorials, judging them
as whole. represent what the people wish.
Judging from newspaper editorials M tie last
Presidential campaign. one would say that
Mr.. Roosevelt would have been the man 90
carry only two small states.
Is il the proper du,y % the President 20
watch the pulse OF the people and then follow
carefully their apparent desires. 20 natter
how sordd thoy may be- Isn't I. rather his
duty to do what seems best and noblest 70
him, to lead the people. rather than TO fol
low them? II President wilson had taken
real action Immediately after the .usltania
crime. would not the American peorle have
gloriousy followed him i'm that action and
praised him highly for his Leadership, be
lieye that all the American people need to-
day, to live up 20 the noble actions Of their
forefathers, is competent leadership fror. men
in high public positions. That is why in the
coming Presidential campaign they vii! Hock
20 the leadership of the one man who has
had the courage TO put righteousness and
honor first, and peace second.
A. A. SAUNDERS.
New Haven. Conn. Jan. II 1915
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-02-03
A Local Critic.

To the Editor OF The Tribune.
Sir: The editorial page Of The Tribune
gives me many times great pleasure and sat
isfaction. Your editorials on any phase of the
great war seem 10 be most discerning. Your
patriotic stand on the utilities Of the Wilson
administration is worthy OF great praise. The
thing that puzzles me In your paper is this:
You can see across the ocean plainly. You can
look clearly right through Washington 10
Mexico but you do not seem TO have glasses
adjusted to reading near At hand
cannot understand Why you see no flaws
in the present city administration. There arr
no editorials on the terminal railway projec,
in Brooklyn. When, before the Brown com
mittee the other day. the Mayor spoke Of
new addition to the city water supply. The
Tribune did not give any adverse opinion
about It. To be sure, the addition would no,
be needed for twenty years. .e+ it seemed
about 10 be begun One would almost think
that with the enormous outlay for The pres
ent addition. the matter of more water sup
ply might be- safely left ti'i a. least an
other administration. I never hear or see
very much about the interest that Is included
in the yearly budget. Again. feel con-
strained 10 ask why. with so keen "A vision
for all matters beyond the FIVE borough you
appear 20 bc go blind o. the city itself The
outside matters are Of the utmost importance
] gran, and your view OF them Is sound, but
why are YOU so limited hen YOU look about
the city?
ANOTHER CONSTANT READER.
New York Jan To- 1915
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-02-03
An Unqualified Liza billty

To tho Editor OF The Tribune.
Sir: Your editorial in to-day's Tribune
entitled "The Meaning OF the Monroe Doc
trine" is all right. except the sentence which
reads: And if We do not, we must assume
the moral obligation TO protect those ma
,ionals so far as they can be protected by
our insistence on the maintenance Of order
and stability in Mexico"
This is qualified obligation to pro-ect
A guarantor guarantees absolute. rot quail
fed. protection not according 20 his ability.
Ilc is supposed TO be able TO make his guar
ante, good; and % unable. the Monroe Doc
trne cannot be- pleaded against The ltervcu-
ton by AN agrrioyed foreign government and
ITS availing itself Of al remedies 10 which il
otherwise would be entitled Z. YOUNG.
Huntington, L. l., Jan. 20, 1916.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-02-03

600. 900. besides capturing three others
ultimately released. The career of the
Move in the single week Of January lo-l'
is destructive enough. and If she we're to
do no moro than she has done already
she would not have worked in vain. The
singular and most notable circumstance
was undoubtedly the successful conduct
Of her chief prize to n neutral port, but
for true account Of the whole affair we
shall probably have to wait some time
The stories at present current are too IN
consistent To- be worthy of crcdcncc or
comment.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-02-03
A Corrector Corrected

To the Editor of The Tribune. ..o,.
Sir: was a-tounded 20 read in .' 81 q"
inr's issue ,he poor attemp, made by -st
70 correct ". S Lamberrs translation %,
seems TO me that he should have 81, b,iors
to thoroughly know what was ""''
writing inaccuracies. che Freie'
There Is 10 such expression POI -" 10 ,Isrs.
language AS "Le Tribune" Ia oIo'' "a, he
late exactly one should kno" 20 app'h
founder Of the newspaper desired ~, rsb.
/ p. The Tribune - Le rr'brn' o, ..as u,I
une La Tribune, the last o''"'
mostly. Ia, the trcs
II your correspondent had take" . ,oi uc'
bic TO look up his dictionary pc 50.
nave written such monsirous na1raSS,cHNAN
New York, Jan. 81, 1919.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-02-03


This will be year o. political oratory.
The velkin Will ring. The atmosphere Will
reverberatc Echo will give back echo. Man
may listen 20 political oratory without money
and without price, and if be is lucky he may
be able 70 escape from it into solitude. Presi-
dent Wilson will take the stump, prepared to
show that ne was the original friend Of pre-
paredress and that all other plans are bogus
and dangerous William Jennings Bryan Is
revising his address on the Prince OF Peace
and is ready to demonstrate that he. the
Fmperor Of Peace, is right in his theory that
IL a man kicks you once, he has done only
onc-third OF his duty.
Completing the triangle of eloquence and
unhcaval strides forth Colonel Theodore
Roosevelt who comes to bring peace with a
sword club and cup of tea, or any other
stage effects that may 20 him seem good
other minor takers may be heard, but the
Big Three are the Incompatible Trio. You
pay no money but you take your choice
Woodrow is inconsistent and forgetful, but
his phrases have the true university ring
BRYAN Is plattudnous. but exudes political
Righteousness. He is oily. Teddy is Teddy
Seats will be reserved for ladice. Children
will he kissed by one or all three. The fate
of Il nation is at stake.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-02-03
A Purposeful Attack.

Neither the German nor the tngllsh
reports of the latest airship raids can ne
called christening The official account
given out by the German Admiralty Is
evidently intended for the amusement OF
he German people and cannot be taken
seriously. If it were even approximately
correct it would probably be suppressed by
the British censor. but as it is there Is
little reason to trust 1t. On the other
hand. il is reasonable 20 suppose that
facts of more or less Importance have
been suppressed in the official account
given out in London, as was undoubtedly
the case on former occasions.
The raids on London were glorliied iii
TIC German press and minute particulars
given Of the damage done. There Is ut
lie reason to believe that the particulars
we're correct. for though the papers III
London were forbidden 20 describe the
effects of the bombardment in detail they
all published the German reports which
were cause of much amuse-
ment TO the inhabitants II is conceiya-
able that this attitude was affected. but 1t
Is more likely that the German reports
were false. being in the main obviously
coniectura. Indeed. many Of the details
could only be attributed TO sheer guess
work and some seemed to be deliberate
inventions.
II i, remarkable that the towns said to
have been attacked were not even IN any
of the counties mentioned in the English
official report. Yet on the strength Of
that report The Times" pointed out as
unouestionable that the raiders ''were IN
pursuit of very definite objects II that
is SO it is strange that an entirely differ
ent object is indicated IN the statement
given out in Germany. From both &C
counts it may be gathered however that,
whatever damage was done. the purpose
was not merely punitive. as some sup
posed. a common theory being that the
raiders had the Baralong incident IN mind.
In all raids Of this kind the aim is prob
ably twofold, but on this last OCCASION
however false the stories from Berlin, It
wss recognized in England that the en-
omy's efforts were clearly conceived and
eel directed.
n Liverpool was hi, by the Zeppelins. we
wonder the ZcDpeins we've not damaged by
tie contact.
si1 Killed on Move Before Germans Won Gr'a,'