Omaha daily bee., 1916-12-17
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| only those who have been recently in both
| " the east and the west can realize the
| marked difference in the popular attitude
| toward the war in the two sections. In the east
in every activity; it is factor in all business
transactions; it is the ai1-absorbing topic OF
| conversation. The suggestion by Germany of
readiness to listen to peace proposals. therefore,
coming apparently as completely unheralded
| move crowded everything else for the moment
| on the boards. New York newspapers have been
monopolized by peace and war talk this week,
almost to the exclusion of everything else and,
as might be expected, with disclosure of widely
divergent viewpoints, although very preponder-
antly proally and opposed to letting Germany
dictate peace terms, even at the cost Of an in
definite prolonging Of the conflict. The prepared
ness sentiment is also much more pronounced
IN the east than in the west presume the diff
ference IS to be accounted for in the nearer
proximity to the war arena and the closer con-
tact with the war supply business. The eastern
folks, however, cannot understand what seems
to them western indifference to the big vital
world struggle which they furthermore see re-
ficcted in the political differences manifested in
the late election.
The Gridron dinner and accompanying
satire was IN the nature of an inquest on the re-
suit OF the November voting and rubbed it in on
the alsorans good and plenty. to the edfcation
OF tne winners, who were well represented 1t
was, am told, the largest affair in Gridiron
history, with more than 800 guests The presi-
gen. sat az the right OF the POSTMASTER, and it
- needless to say, the jokes all made hit with
MIN. At these functions ladies are always present
ana reporters never present, the exception being
made this time for the new lady member from
Montana, personifed by Gridiron member. All
me EDITORS were summoned to stand up in answer
10 an mdcfment charging us with printing false
and misleading reports Of the election on the
morning after, but as we were all in the same
boat, we were let off with generous leniency.
Inc president made happy address and except
ior tne tendency OF one or two speakers to take
themselves seriously the evening could well be
pronounced an unusual success
Looking in the New York public library. |
was struck by pacard announcement Of IAN |
exhibit of chidren's books suitable for presents
ine ioea appeals to me as an extension Of the |
literary function to embrace the instruction Of |
the parent as to the kind of reading to be en- |
couraged in the child, or, at least an effort to |
ward OIL trashy and demora1izing books, chiefly
tempting by reason Of attractive titles or covers
vi course there IS danger of raising cry Of |
commercialism in public institution, but If the
result is good it will be its own yindieation
=. While visiting in the rooms of the National
Civic Federation my glance rested on framed
photograph on the wall in which portrait Of
my Iatner stood out in striking similitude On
examination 1t proved to be a view of the CON
i ~, think It was, which conference laid the
iS99 ! think it was which conference laid the
foundation for the subsequent growth and ex-
oanslon OF the federation. 1t will be readily re.
allied that my father took leading part in that
conference, both in the debate and in formulat-
ng the declarations. There in the same nict,,re
nay b. found Samuel Gompers. wearing heavy
nustache and a full head Of dark hair. ''s'
: met the new president of the National (,iv;r
liberation, V Everett Macy, who has succeeded
mutation OF active efforts toward the solt;on nf
ne big industrial and social problems Of the d.v
New York, December is. y ''e uay'