davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-01-20
Uncle Ahner.


Grandma Bibbins is beginning to
knit yarn in mittens and wristlets,
which is a sure indication of a long,
hard winter.
There amt nobuddy in this world
who is wiser than the postmaster in a
small town, onless it is the telegram
operator.
Every feller's kid is the greatest kid
that was ever born, and if you don't
believe it, ask him
The best way / know of to die moor
is to get involved in a law suit over a
line fence.
There is only one thing that is hard
er than Shawn the back of your neck
and that is to disengage a sheet of
sticky fly paper from the bosom of
your trousers.
Doc Simmons wife broke her false
teeth last Friday crimping pie crust.
Miss Pansy Jones is awaiting the re-
turn of the peddlers who came through
last week and sold her flea powders
for face chalk.
ROY X. MOULTON
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-01-20

My grandfather was graduated from
college in 1859. At that time the planta-
ton system in the south was attrac-
tive to northern young men, and he de-
termined to 90 south as a tutor in
some southern family. Events leading
to the war between the states were
coming on rapidly, and there was al
ready much prejudice in the south
against northerners. Nevertheless my
grandfather, Gilbert Hastings, secured
such a position as he desired In the
state Of Georgia in the family OF Fitz-
hugh Griggs, who owned large plan
tation worked by 800 negroes.
His duties were to prepare the older
son, Herbert, for college and teach the
younger children In the elementary
branches. There was daughter two
years older than Herbert, whose stud
les in literature young Hastings was
expected to conduct.
1t is strange that parents will permit
the intimate association of a son or
daughter with one whom they would
not approve for a wife or husband, for
love affair is most likely to be the re-
suit. The present case was no excep-
ton to the rule.
However, no one was aware of 1t ex-
cept the lovers. When both the south
and the north were arrayed against
each other by the firing on Fort Sum-
ter my grandfather left for his home
with the understanding that when
peace came he would return and see
what could be done in gaining Olivia's
parents consent to their union. But
the outlook was not hopeful.
In the spring of "a, when General
Sherman was making his march to the
sea, my grandfather, who was lieu
tenant in the invading army, passed
near the plantation where few years
before he had been tutor. Being ia
miliar with the region and able to
initiate the southern accent, he volun-
teered to disguise himself as poor
white countryman and go forth for in
formation as to the location and num-
bers Of the enemys forces. He was
recognized by one he'had known dur
ing his residence there and turned over
to the Confederate authorities, by
whom he was tried and sentenced to
be hanged as spy.
As a last resource he sent to the plan
tation to learn If Fitzhugh Griggs
was there and if he would not inter
cede for him. Griggs had commanded
a Georgia regiment, had been wounded
and was at home recovering from his
wound He declined to interfere to
save Lieutenant Hastings until his
wife and Olivia begged SO hard that he
should do so that he at last consented
Having great influence with the Off
Ger into, whose hands the spy had fall
en-. his efforts were successful. Colo
mel Griggs not only succeeded in saw
ing my grandfather's life, but in hav-
| ing him paroled to remain on the
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-01-20
INVITATION TO BLACKMAIL
ING

In the passage Of what is known as
the Mann act" the avowed purpose
OF congress was the suppression of
the commercialiZed white slave" traf-
fc. But, as the New York World truly
says. through its misuse, as upheld by
the courts, the law has been employed
TO regulate interstate morals.
The inevitable consequence of this
misinterpretation of the intentions of
congress is to make the Mann act a
standing invitation to blackmailers of
both sexes to ply their trade From
the moment the law was known to be
open to misapplication, it was recog-
nized as an added source of profit to
vice, There is nothing surprising in
the discovery by the federal authori-
ties that an organized gang has taken
advantage Of the opportunities created
for it. If vicious women can so easily
turn the law to their own account, the
more reason why clever criminals
should employ them in the industry
of extorting money from well-to-do
victims by threat OF exposure.
So long as the Mann act is put to
uses for which it was not originally
designed and which have nothing
whatever TO do with the white slave
traffic, these conditions will be foster
ed through the agency of district at
torneys and the courts. BY strained
construction Of the statute they have
made the blackmailers' business at
tractive and profitable. AS question
of public policy, this method of law
enforcement is dishonest on its face
AS matter Of practice, 1t is an incen-
tive and an aid to criminals
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-01-20

Melbourne, Correspond
ence of The Associated Press.l-An
absolute censorship upon the subject
having Just been lifted, the Australian
public is now for the first time &C
uuainted with the details of the tor
pedoing Of the transport Southland
(which was formerly the Red Star
lines VaderlandD in the Aegean sea
by German submarine while bound
from Egypt to Lemnos early in Sep
TENDER. The Southland had on board
about 100 men, mostly Victorians. A
small number of New Zealand troops
were also being carried by her. Col
onel Linton and staff of Victoria were
on the vessel and his death was among
| the 80 odd due to the submarine at
| tack He died of shock and exposure.
Although the Southland was badly
damaged she kept afloat and was
worked to Mudros partly by the aid OF
soldiers who had volunteered to assist
| the stokers.
Following is a copy of special Or
der of the day issued by general head
quarters regarding the torpedoing OF
the Southland:
THE commander-in-ch publishes
this plain account of the submarine at
tack on H. NJ S. Southland without
any comment, except his compliments
! tN ctn "a ~ c
he feels, are best left to speak for
themselves. The Southland was
struck by torpedo from an enemy
submarine at 9:45 a. m. on Sept. 2
being then south of Mudros bay. A
second torpedo just passed astern Of
the transport few minutes later.
Almost Immediately after the eX-
plosion the ship listed noticeably tC
starboard, and also by the head. Both
the foreholds were soon awash above
the level of the upper troop deck. The
troops on board. the 21st battalion ant
one company of 23rd battalion, Aus
tralian imperial forces, were jus
about to parade. They fell in just as
for ordinary drill and awaited for or
ders to be passed from the boat deck.
for the required numbers to be sen
up, without any sign OF anxiety to ge
an early place. A large number of tht
troops had to stand for nearly TIVE
hours on the enclosed promenade decl
of what during the first 30 or 40 min
utes was believed to be sinking ship
The first boats on the davits wer,
lowered quickly and successfully
but considerable delay took place be
fore the boats on board could be go
to the davits and lowered, with tn
assistance of the troops. Two boa
loads, with Colonel Linton and six o
the infantry brigade staff, were cap
sized, in spite Of all precautions.
Private Smith OF c company, els
battalion, distinguished himself by div
ing from the deck to prevent pat
ent raft from drifting away"
In the Argonnes, France.-(Corres
|. pondence of The Associated Press. y
Several miles behind the front, We
near enough TO il SO that its product
can he transported TO the trenche
! with little difficulty. lies tina so-cana
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-01-20

alone, not to say anything about other
millions of dollars worth Of contracts
that have been given to the Midvale
Steel company for other things used
by the army and navy; and if the
Navy leagues proposed $5oO,OOO,OOo
bond issue goes through, Midvale will
stand to draw down some more mil
lions
Let us see IL there are any more
war traffickers here Is Charles M.
Schwab, whom | see listed as one OF
the founders, war trafficker? Well,
he is president of the Bethlehem Steel
Corporation, and we have bought from
Bethlehem 95007 tons of armor at an
average rate of s445 a ton, and we
have paid Bethlehem for armor plate
alone $42,344,937. That is the second
member Of the armor ring.
Now, there is another member OF
the armor ring, and that is the Car
negie Steel company. Let us see ii
we find them also among the found
ers Of the Navy league. Yes; l see
here the name of J. P. Morgan. The
late J. P. Morgan was the organizer
and director of the United States
Steel Corporation, which controls, &C
cording to Moody's Manual, the Car
negie Steel company. We have bought
from the Carnegie Steel company 49,
993 tons of armor plate, paying an
average Of SAP a ton, or total OF
! $39,7S3,497 for the single item of ar
NOR plate; and if the Navy leagues
proposed $50O,O00,000 bond issue for
battleships goes through they will re-
ceive still larger contracts. So that
you see the three firms which have a
monopoly Of the manufacture of ar
NOR in this country are all founders
of the Navy league; they are all rep
resented as the founders of the Navy
league, and we have bought from them
233,339 tons of armor plate, paying for
| it an average of s439 a ton, or a total
of s1O2, 5O4,292.
Mr.. Farr. For how long?
| Mr.. Tavenner. Since 1887. Remem-
Der that figure, $439! There have been
! 10 official estimates by government Of
ficials as to the cost Of armor plate
in government factory, and the aver
age of these estimates is $251 a ton
and had we manufactured this armol
! in a government factory, which the
Navy league has cold shouldered,
think l am we'll within the bounds Of
conservatism when I say we could
have saved to the American taxpayers
at the very least $35,O00,00O.
The Harvey Steel company, which
owned the patent on a process fol
hardening steel which compelled al
manufacturers Of armor plate to pay
it ROYALTY, was in on the ground fiool
at the organization of the Navy league
in the persons of s. S. Palmer it:
president, and benjamin F. Tracy, ex
secretar7 Of the navy. Mr. Tracy wal
the counsel for the Harvey compan!
and the Carnegie Steel company aftel
leaving the navy department. Alder
B. Board nan, Mr. Tracy's law partner
whose address at that time was 81
Wall street, New York, became a con
\ tributing member Of the Navy league
and James R. Solely, also connected
with MIR Tracy's firm, was induced t
enter the Navy league both as an hon
orary vice president and contributing
member
ITO be Continued.)
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-01-20

Amid the recent calamities of the
world the blow that has fallen upon
the enterprising Norwegian seaport,
Bergen, stands conspicuous. A fire
has swept the city, destroying from
is to 20 million dollars of property
and rendering 1000 persons home
less. So many appeals come to SYM
pathy and charity these days that this
affliction to city in an arctic, mid
winter temperature may not be fully
realized.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-01-20
DEMOCRATIC OPPORTUNITY

The democratic majority in congress
should enact federal inheritance tax
law at this session of congress for
two reasons:
1t is a just and efficient method of
raising badly needed revenue.
It would be good politics.
The argument which will be most
frequently heard in republican mouths
during the coming campaign will be
the democratic failure to provide suf-
ficient revenue for the conduct OF the
government, says the Peoria Journal
The right or wrong of this argument
will not be deeply considered by the
ordinary voter; the existence of stamp
taxes will likely appeal to him more
strongly than any explanations, how
ever fair, of their compulsiOn by war.
ANY action tending to add to this form
of taxation by placing a special tax
on gasoline, business documents, ETC.,
will provoke resentment. 1t is equally
true that any lowering of the income
tax exemption will meet with general
disapproval. But the fact remains that
we must have more revenue, if we are
| to carry on the ordinary work OF the
government and meet an extensive
preparedness outlay besides.
Now the inevitable demand of the
republicans will be that this needed
revenue shall be raised by restora-
ton of the high duties so dear to pro-
| tected industries The fact that the
highest duties ever levied on imports
would fail to furnish the necessary
income will make no difference in the
republican claims: they will insist
| that the old repudiated schedules alone
can fill the treasury void. And the
casual reader or listener may not be
inclined to look beneath the surface
of this claim.
! The democrats cannot afford to eX-
tend the scope Of the emergency taxes;
! indeed. they would be fortunate if they
could repeal them They cannot afford
to lower the income tax exemption
They cannot logically consent to any
| extended increase in import duties
But they must raise more revenue
| Bond issues are not to be considered
AS President Wilson has said, this gen
Grafton should bear the burdens of this
generation.
Where can the democrats find any
source of revenue at once so just, sc
productive and so easily collected as E
federal tax on inheritances?
The inheritance tax takes from
those best able to pay; it levies wholly
upon unearned wealth. 1t gives bach
to the people share Of that which
was created by the people. 1t offers
a tremendous addition to the nationa
revenues-an addition which will per
nit the discontinuance Of specia
taxes and which will render obsolete
the issue of high tariffs as necessary
revenue producers. 1t is the mos
feasible of collection OF any tax tina
can be imposed
The democratic attitude toward tax
alton, as exemplified in its tariff doc
trine and its insistence upon the in
come tax, is that of distributing tn,
burdens according to the advantages
Ar inheritance tax would be con
sistent extension of this democratic
principle. The majority in congress
cannot safely afford TO miss this op
portunity for utilizing such prolifi
source of revenue.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-01-20

In England there has appeared a
new telephone device which renders
possible the summoning of subscr,b-
er back to the telephone after he has
been asked TO hold the wire" while
the party at the other end is looking
up some desired information. The de-
vice is in reality loud-speaking horn.
If the subscriber does not wish to hold
the receiver to his ear he can place IL
over the horn and go about his duties
The calling party's voice is so ampli-
fed that he may be heard throughout
a room.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-01-20
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.
ApOplexy Versus PARALYSIS.

Kindly explain the difference be-
tween apoplexy and a stroke ofpara-
lysis.
Answer-Apoplexy means hemorr-
hage into the substance Of an organ,
usually the brain. A stroke Of paraly-
sis is most commonly caused by cere-
bral apoplexy. Nerve centers in the
brain are pressed upon by the blooa
clot, producing paralysis in certain
muscle groups supplied from the dam
aged centers.
Something for Poison Ivy.
Please tell me something good for
poison ivy eruption.
Answer-Carbolic acid, ! dram ttea-
spoonfuD; glycerin. y ounce table.
spoonfuD; lime water, l pint. Pat on
often with fingers.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-01-20
CHORDS AND
DLSCORDS

US POETS.
Chords and Discords
Ask 0. d. X. to fade away;
AS a poet he's too prosy.
When us REAL poets come along,
He'll hang his head and mosey.
We don't need signs and hyphend
cranks
To mean what we don't say;
Our verse is never filled with blanks,
Like that of o. D. K.
An Irish stew, Of poets brew,
The gods as nectar know;
And billboards touched by poets pen,
Is better than the show.
I prefer not signing this, as l never
before have done anything to injure
my reputation, but If your rules re-
quire that | make myself known will
identify myself. OF course people are
sometimes compelled to do things in
defense of their brethren that they
would never do just for fun. Never!
G. NJ. F.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-01-20

Mr.. Tavenner l believe in giving
credit to whom credit is due. For in
! stance, the gentlemen back of the
| Navy league, in my opinion, deserve
full credit for the sentiment that has
| at last been developed in many quar-
| tiers of the United States for increased
appropriations for the army and navy.
They deserve full credit for the SEN
J timent that has been aroused in the
large manufacturing centers and other
parts Of the United States for the pro-
| posed S500,000,000 bond issue for bat
tleships that the Navy league has been
advocating. l am in favor Of giving
the Navy league full credit and also
full responsibility.
| On Nov. 10 1 made the statement,
publicly, that I intended to introduce
| in congress a resolution to investigate
the Navy league and to require ]. P.
Morgan, one of the directors of the
league, to take the responsibility Of
testifying under oath as to whether he
is interested in -trafficking firms.
|
yield right there? Is it not a fact that
J. P Morgan, the head of the Morgan
banking house of New York as well
as the controlling factor in many of
these munition plants in this country,
! is the accredited British agent in all
munition matters? And is he not re-
ceiving from the British government
2 per cent commission on all sales of
this kind to the warning nations?
Mr.. Tavenner. He is minister Of
munitions to the court of St James.
That is his title. applause and laugh
teri.
Mr. Hensley. The sales of NUM-
lions already made, it is said, amount
to two billions Of dollars, and 2 per
cent profits would represent forty mil
liens of profits up to date.
Mr.. Tavenner Mr.. Speaker, how
much time have l remaining?
The Speaker. The gentleman has
% minutes left.
members of congress, dated Jan. 15,
1914, A H. Dadmun, secretary Of the
Navy league, said:
Certain congressman have insinu-
ated that the league is supported by
people who are interested in the sale
of war materials to the navy. They
are entirely mistaken"
Mr. Dadmun, in a letter published
in the January, 1916, issue of Pear
sons Magazine, reiterates that the
men back of the Navy league "are
!. men who will not profit by the results
of the leagues propaganda.
What is this Navy league? Who
founded it, and who are its directors
! I hold in my hand the bound Navy
} League Journal for 1904. In the open
ing number is the statement that this
is "the official organ of the Navy
League of the United States"
turn now to page 80 of the issue
: of February, 1904, where l find list
Of 10 men who are named as the
founders" of the Navy league. Now
7 then, let us see who they are.
2 l note in the list of the founders
the name of the Midvale Steel com
pany. The United States government
since 1903 has bought from the Mid
vale Steel company 4S,399 tons Of ar
NOR, and we have paid for it an aver
age of $420 ton, or in all $20,375,S5I
. for the single item of armor plate
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-01-20
Lean Year Note,

Harry NJ. Eastman. managing editor
Of the Hotel Bulletin, was given his
choice of being married or being hang
ed at the Hotel Sherman, Chicago
Tuesday night when he was seized by
party of his friends. 60 strong, and
the majority of them heads OF families
When he was shown the moose he
elected to live There are suspicious
that some woman had finger in the
outrage.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-01-20

Mayor Thompson of Chicago, who,
by the way, is the author of the fam
GUS saying, THE police force stinks.
thinks President Wilson has bungled
the Mexican situation. 1t would be
too bad if the president was as great
a failure as president as Thompson is
as mayor.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-01-20
Something for Poison Ivy.

Governor L. B. Hanna of North Da-
kota, who no doubt saw a chance to
please his Norwegian and Swedish
constituents by joining the Oscar II.
on her journey to Scandinavian ports.
need not on that account receive less
sympathy over the typhoid fever he
mas contracted. 1t is hard stone TO
lland one who was seeking the bread
of peace.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-01-20

It's going to cost South Dakota
$4,000 to hold a presidential primary
to send ten delegates to the republi-
can and ten to the democratic ma
tional convention. That comes high,
but the Taft crowd would have paid it
in 1912.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-01-20
Daily History Class-Ian' 2u

1882 Richard Henry Lee, statesinaA'
born in Virginia; died iI94
1S06-Nathanie Parker Wills. eisu'
guished poet, born; died 1861 !.
1915 - French official war report
claimed the repulse Of the Gefna,s
In a fresh attack at Notre pane =.
I4orette and the recaptufe y
trenches
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-01-20

A North Westmoreland farmer in
the course Of his rounds through his
fields found a nest with 25 eggs in it.
The large number was not the only
marvel, for on examining them he
found that Is of them belonged to a
pheasant and the remaining 10 to a
partridge The pheasant, as the
stronger bird, was the probable in
truder.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-01-20
Rock Island-From River to
River.

The Illinois legislators have about
finished up their work of repairing
the work badly done at previous
session.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-01-20
In Fucker Brush.

A great singer pours forth melody
and is generally made happy by an
encore and sometimes gets two or
three and l think by the incidents of
the past week Fucker Brush should
have an encore of praise. Mr.
Hignett's sermon was certainly in
spring and the facts Of the Christian
life were laid down SO forcibly to the
congregation that it caused, with the
help of the gospel workers, ten to
come forward and take the minister
by the hand and confess-Pucker
Brush Items in Dallan County Gowa)
Record.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-01-20

Jolly Charley Fairbanks of Indiana,
as a candidate for the republican
nomination, might keep the conven-
ton from getting over heated
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-01-20

SLEUTH of the -Ottumwa Review
piped this sign on a roadway: For
sale-A farm by an old gentleman
with outbuildings."
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-01-20

WISCONSIN undertaken has added
a pulmotor to his outfit. 1t has been
suggested that he will probably use
it in getting settlements after the dead
have been laid away.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-01-20
Can't Be Did.

/. Pedestrian-"Say,k kid, won't that big
city news butch at Eighteenth street
run all you boys out Of business?"
Newsie-"N Muffin doing. He hollers
and we sells EN-" c. z.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-01-20

TEXAS is to have a contest in the
art of calling hogs. Whether the two
or four-legged variety is meant is not
stated.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-01-20

CONGRESSMAN Davis of Texas, to
pacify his wife, has violated his
pledge never to wear a collar Fur
Their proof that the women are making
gains. This may better be understood
when it is stated that Davis is known
as Cyclone" indicating that it is not
an easy matter to alter his course
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-01-20

CHICAGO physician wooed nurse
over the phone with a piccolo. Now
she has brought suit for breach of
promise, asking mere $4,000. His
name is Frisque
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-01-20

HARRY F. Sinclair. the new base
ball magnate, is said to be too sick to
talk. If this is true he'll never make
much of success in his new line.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-01-20
Spring Cleaning Note.

Wanted-Large, clean white rags
brought to this office.-Knoxville
(Tenn.) Journal and Tribune.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-01-20

GOLF no longer luxury; price of
ball cut. Headline But the charge
for the highball remains the same.