davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-12-05

origin of this persistent rumor? Who are
the "prominent government officials who
feel this subtle pressure" and what Is
the plan proposed by the younger Off
GERS" who are bent on forcing Brtain's
hand" as we are told, despite the opposi-
ton of Admiral Benson?
There must be some motive behind all
this mischievous talk, some deliberate eff
fort to underrate the work of the Allied
navies, for what purpose it is difficult TO
say. More than month ago Admiral
Sir Cyprian Bridge referred to the matter
in letter to "The Daily Telegraph" OF
London "A friend of mine," he wrote,
"who in the early weeks of the war was
sent by our government on special mis-
sion TO the United States, where he re-
NAMED for the best part of two years
wrote TO me as far back as the first quar-
ter of 1915 describing the persistent man
ner in which the British navy was being
held up to contempt. 1t was no use saying
that this was due to the mendacities Of
the enemy's propaganda. People pro-
duced British authority for their con-
temptuous remarks"
We need not, then, regard the current
rumors as necessarily of German origin,
or conclude that the Subtle pressure
which has lately been brought to bear is
intended to help or give comfort to the
enemy. But il is reasonable at least to In
quire into the purpose of this subtle press
ure and to learn, if possible, what the
younger officers" want to do. Finally,
who are these younger officers?
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-12-05
Check Knitting at the Door
r Of The Tribune.

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: Having read with interest the excel
lent letter of Mr.. Malkan in your issue Of
to-day. write TO ask If il would be posi-
lie for managers of concert halls to place
placards in the, lobby requesting that knit
ting outfits be checked befor catering the
hall?
If this is impossible. could not the ush-
ers be instructed to stop the knitting while
the music is going on? These hystercal
women who flourish their arms and hands
ard disturb every one by the clicking of the
needles should be made 10 understand that
true patriotism consists in self-sacrifce, not
IN seeking notoriety. Far be il from ME TO
binder the knitting only let IL be kept
where it belongs. in the private home or
place where it will not annoy others.
The women of the Revolution did not Aaunt
in public nor did they have their pictures
in the Sunday papers; they unselishiy did
their part in silence and privacy. Cannot the
women of to-day follow their example? Or
must they continue to make exhibitions of
themselves. since they cannot shine in any
other way? ANGELINA COMFORT.
New York, Dec. 8, 1917.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-12-05
Knitting in Public
Quiet Needles as Contrasted With
Restless Enthusiasts

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: Concerning the letter headed Knit
tiers at Concerts which appeared in this
mornings Tribune, | should like to point
out one or two angles which, / fear, could
not occur to the writer.
This gentleman seems to be between two
concerns: one for his own comfort, and the
other that the knitters may miss the mes
sage from the Almighty which is being trans
mitted through the artist
Noise at a concert is obviously discourte-
Gus and needs no discussion, but the quiet
mechanical movements of knitting can only
be distracting to the type of person who
caEnOt concentrate, the type who would like
Carnegie Hall and the Philharmonic 0rches-
ira to himself for the afternoon.
have frequently watched audiences at
concerts to note their reaction to different
forms of music. Gatherings of men are like
the leaves of the trees. There is always
slight undercurrent of motion, an infnites-
imGl rustling, faint STRINGS of force
imperfectly tanned. There are the beating
time of the so-called enthusiast, the foot
/ tapping and twtchings of the bored or ner-
vous, the perpetual shifting of position.
dare say when these waste movements be-
come directed and useful, as in knitting,
they make a more obvious butt for the
pcnt-up irritation of the nervous person.
Have these women no homes to knit in
naively asks your correspondent. Evidently
his Imagination does not suggest. that they
have other things to do at home than knit.
I, for instance do not claim to be a society
woman" | am busy from early in the morn
i'm iata in ha WI m
household, my baby, welfare work and the
fulfilling of many duties of long standing.
have no time to knit at home, but have
made quite a number of garments for the
soldiers in the subway, on top Of buses
and in other moments which would other
wise be wasted. Concert knitting comes, IN
lesser degree, under this head. Every
busy woman requires recreation The me-
chanical movements of knitting do not in
terfere with her hearing the music and she
makes double use of her time.
The element of ostentaton is too petty
to merit discussion. II it does exist, it
exists merely in minority which does not
affect the issue, and it exists largely, ! sus-
pect, in the point of view of the critical on
locker.
The question of discomfort, to my mind,
narrows down TO the representative annoy
aAce of the crank as opposed to the real
suffering of the soldier in need of warm
garments.
As to the Almighty's message, | approach
the subject with great difidence and awe.
There are those who claim personal mes
sages and even point out messages to others.
Personally, should have hesitancy to do
either, but that may be matter Of tempera-
ment, and to the contrary you have the
weight of many illustrious persons.
New York, Dec. 3, 1917 f. II. d.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-12-05
Peace
New Zealand-i9t7)

New Zealand-i9t7)
In field and road and lowered way,
The summer evening fills with gold;
And in the drowsy curving bay
Sea whispers creep into their fold.
Along the calm suburban street
Lie gardens hedged from storm and sin;
There slowly and with soundless feet
Peace leads the nun-like twilight in.
Among his flowers unyielding foes
The gardener stoops to bloodless war,
Warm beauty plucks the tired rose,
And care-free players call the score.
In benedicton falls the night,
Priest of the kindly quiet hours;
The windows peaceful spears Of light
Are couchcd against the sleeping flowers.
Remote within the unscarr'd gate,
We sip the daily cup Of ease,
For 'twixt us and the swords of hate
March legions of the vasssl seas.
But distance from the battle cry,
The surface smoothness Of our round
The pageantry Of earth and sky,
The anodyne of sight and sound.
OF what avail arc these to turn
The thrust Of one weak orphaned hand,
Or dull the distant fires that burn
Across the anguish Of land?
A childs cry wounds the sleeping night,
Wan ghosts come thronging in the gloom;
The hosts Of peace are put TO fight,
And horror fills the guarded room.
Far better that one might. near
To that vast agony, forget,
Amid the flow Of hope and fear
And endless coil Of duty set
The pain that treach'rous distance wings
For those who only stand and wait,
Denied the balm that action brings
The fetteTed audience Of Fatel
ALAN 4. MULGAN,
Auckland, New Zealand.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-12-05
A Gagged Minority
The German Press Held Up as an
Example of Free Speech
To the EDITOR Of The Tribune.

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: In this Gland Of the free we are so
used TO taking our liberty for granted that
we are incredulous Of the need of vigilance
Does not the Constitution itself prescribe
that freedom Of speech and of the press snail
not be abridged? The free expression OF
opinion. public criticism of the government
the right of a minority TO be heard the
power Of the majority TO compel the fresl-
dent and the Congress to stand behind them'
these are the very presuppositons oil de-
mocracy. Yet our government is now Under
taking not only to coerce individuals into
silence. but even TO suppress the press of a
great political party.
In every one Of the warning nations OF
Europe the governments have been over
thrown by the legislatures and by the peo-
pie. II is only in this democracy that the
government claims the power to control the
people until the end o. the war In Ger
many the new Chancellor accepted Office
only after learning that he would be accept
able 40 the Reichstag, one-third of whose
electors are Socialists. In France a Social
list Premier has just now been displaced be
cause he is no longer trusted by the Social
lists, and is succeeded by an aged radical,
whose reputation was enhanced by the sup
preston of his newspaper by an earlier MIN
istry. strictly Socialist government VIII
soon follow in France, as it will in Italy.
The British government has been oyerthrown
and the Cabinet has been continually al
tered TO meet the demands of the people.
The present Premier, once a radical agitator,
will soon be discarded. In Russia the great
est of the worlds peoples have become
Socialist commonwealth.
But here in the United States the official
press of the Socialist party is suppressed
for maintaining principles nearly dominant
H. Europe, and likely TO become dominant here
as we'll as there. A natural consequence OF
the suppression Of the Socialist newspapers
is the acknowledged necessity for combi-
nation of the old-line parties in order to
defeat the Socialists in the Congressional
elections of next year. But when the capt.
talistic classes are segregated their ultimate
departure is sure.
| am led to write this letter from reflec-
tions caused by the contents of papers just
received from England "The Times" re-
ports a Member of Parliament saying,
"The opposition to peace comes chiefly from
profiteers and their jackals.' "The Man
chester Guardian" closes an editorial article
with the words: There are some among our
governors who think that every time they
trample upon British liberty they are de-
feating the enemy" "The Nation" speaks
of "the atmosphere of illusion in which the
Prime Minister lives" and "The Spectator"
of his frantic cgotsm.'
No one who cares wisely for his country
can regard with satisfaction the fact that
the press is less enslaved in England and
in Germany than in the United States.
J. McKEEN CATTELL.
Garrison on Hudson, n. Y, Dec. 3, 1917.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-12-05
"A Hardy Myth
IRON The Westminster Ga.ettej

6From The Westminster GGsette)
All stories which malicious gossips may
have spread about American officers or SOL
diers spreading themselves" at the front
may be dismissed with contempt. In recent
visit to France heard nothing but the warm
est praise of the Americans, and especially Of
the modesty and simplicity of their behavior.
was told everywhere that the American
staff officers had made the best impression.
So far from desiring to teach other people
their business or Boosting what they were
going to do before they had begun, they
were quick to realize the, newness and diff
Guilty of the war problems under present con-
ditions and modestly anxious to learn every
thing possible from the experience of British
and French.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-12-05
Our Society for the Suppression Of
Unnecessary Occupations

1t is a small item, but we give 1t Tor
what it is worth. Perhaps other heart
felt protestants will be moved to stand
up and hit other heads, large or small,
but equally unnecessary.
With all the urgent need of labor, OF
hands and heads, male, female, too young,
too old. anything so long as they can do
something. much, little, anything, what
has been done to suppress those most use
less of all human beings, hat-check boys
and wash-room boys? So far as our OBJ
servation goes, not one single jot.
The hat-check boys are perhaps the
more celebrated in song and story. But
the wash-room boy is quite as irritating
en- institution and, if possible, shade
more superhuous. What he does of an
actually useful nature nobody has ever
reported. Perhaps, once or twice a day,
in secret hour, he washes something or
other or sweeps up bit. But through
the long, long day, when guests are com
ing and going, his toll is no more than
that of any hungry cat. He rubs against
his victims shns and purrs and blocks you
eff from the wash-bowl you want and
forces towel on you that you don't want
and lies down on the floor to make sure
that YOU cannot altogether overlook him as
you go forth.
His hunger is easily satiated with the
smallest tipping piece known to New York,
dime. We never heard of one who act
ually bit and scratched and snarled. But
if looks were claws, most New Workers
would have long since been Scared from
head to foot.
As charter members of our club we
nominate the Mushroom boys. On their
heels should tread the hat-check boys.
Boys they are called, but that is only our
American pretence by which we excuse
ourselves for using able-bodied men for
such work. The two races are easily OF
draft age. Let them at least go to work
for the duration Of the war.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-12-05
Red Service Stars
STATE CONTROL
-
New York, Nov. q. 1917.

To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: think the suggestion of y. S. Seeley
in to-day's Tribune to substitute red star
in the service flag for a blue one, to show
the death of any one occurring in the line
of duty of the service, is the correct solution
of this problem.
| was much struck, while in Ottawa. Can
ada, last summer at church service, in see
ing displayed Roll of Honor" in the nave
giving a list of the communicates Of that
church who were in the service. The names
were engrossed in black ink, but opposite
those who had died in the line Of duty a red
star had been placed. This was neat, digni-
fed and very impressive in it's simplicity.
Possibly the idea might be extended to the
service flag, of changing blue star for a
man who is in active service TO a small red
cross should he become deceased, but on the
whole J am inclined to think that the sim
pier change from blue star to a red one is
the better
The matter is an interesting one and will
soon become one of Importance. and | think
an exchange of views most desirable. In my
own Office, that Of the Military Training
Camps Association, We have a service flag
with ten stars, running from majors to pri-
Yates, and We feel very much interested in
the subject. ARTHUR +. COSBY.
New York. Dec. I. 1917.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-12-05
Gripping the Farms

To the Editor Of The Tribune. "a.
Sir: saw an article in your paper
ing that gentleman Of the fuel com"1
has suggested closing the schools !"
months during the winter This ums a.s
to be made up by continuing the
through the summer. ...x
The Food Conservation Board has
boys to work on farms at vacation - "a
happen 10 have been on a farm 'vs 4
August of this year and kno" now 10"
is TO get help from any source ,tr
THOUSANDS OF boys went 10 tne b
last YEAR because of the request nlA', 80
the food committee. Many OF them ''
been engaged for next year. ~
II the schools are to be continued
summer it will bring about hard nut ~
the farmers, who are depending on sss
for help. A HIGH SCHOOL sio'
New York, Dec. s, 1917. 81
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-12-05
What Do They Want?

Once more the news comes from Wash
ngton that while Admiral Benson be-
lieves a naval offensive is doomed to fail
ure." some younger officers are OF an
other opinion, and that Subtle pressure
is now at work which, it is thought, will
eventually cause Great Britain 10 depart
from her defensive programme" More
over. it is said that certain prominent
government officials" are conscious of the
growing sentiment" in favor of naval
offensive, and believe it sis having its
effect"
Is it not high time TO inquire into the
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-12-05
The Menace of Peace
Timely Precedent Cited from The Pleas Of FdintHenrted
Pacitists in The COS
By George Haven Putnam

We understand now that n the shrekers
for peace had had their way the autocracy
Of the South would have established their
state with slavery as the cornerstone; the
Republic would have been broken up into
three, or possibly into four. communities.
The continent would have been crossed with
rolitical boundaries and with tariff barriers
ard burdened with standing armies. II was
better to give the four years 20 fighting the
fight through than TO accept for half a cen.
tury or more a condition of war.
England and France are to-day prepared
to recognize that the death Of our Republic
would have been misfortune not only for
America but for the world.
The Example of Russia
We have to-day in the conditions in Rus
STA an example Of the disasters that can be
brought about when the direction Of national
affairs comes into the hands of group Of
ignorant and often selfish theorists work
ing under the suggestion if not directly IN
der the instructions of the enemies Of their
country.
The fighters in Russia as in America for
peace without victory" are strengthening
the hands and serving the cause Of the most
brutal mlitarism that the world has ever
seen.
Lord Lansdowne's recent demand for con-
sideration by the Allies Of terms for peace
and for restatement of their conditions IS
il-timed and its only result has been 70 give
satisfaction and hope 70 Berlin. Lansdowne
forgets that an explicit statement Of the
things for which the Allies are fighting has
already been made and that the conditions
have been restated with admirable clearness
and force by President Wilson. He forgets
that no statement Of terms has ever been
received from Germany. The status OF the
war for the maintenance OF civilization
against the assaults of organized barbarism
is at this point very similar 10 that in June,
1863, Of the war for the Republic.
The enemy has been checked, but not over.
come. His resources in men and in mate
rial are coming nearer to exhaustion, but he
is still able on the fighting line to make a
show of strength.
The decision rests upon staying power,
upon will and nerves.
Civilization cannot endure with the states
a the world half slave and half free. The
will power and the nerve power of the voters
fer freedom must show themselves patient
enough and strong enough TO overcome the
nlilitaristc barbarsm of the Hun.
GEORGE HAVEN PUTNAM,
Late Major, United States Volunteers.
New York, Dec. 3, 1917.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-12-05
Christmas in Prison-Shadowed Homes

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: May | again this year bring TO TIE
hearts of your readers the plea for help ana
sympathy from the prison-shadowed hons
where we shall try 10 bring little Joy ans
comfort this Christmas season? ay Won
in the big state prisons all over this eounH
has brought me in touch lot only win 'e''
of thousands OF men incarcersted there W.
also with their families, TO whom they sens
me in the hours of sickness, poverty or or
spair that fall 50 cruelty TO their lo. ir
man in prison has at least clothing, 1908
and shelter while he serves his term
but the wife and little ones at home o."
often to face cold and hunger and are Wv
innocent victims of an undeserved tate.
For years we have tried TO gladden. 'nei
Christmas. We don't call them togetn"
ioin in one big dinner. That, oil eoefs'
would be impossible and would not be ~"
ing help. Our method is 10 PACK big Cnn'y
mas boxes of groceries, new clothing ~
toys. As each family's need is inyes'iss's
we are able to provide just what they n's>
most. Al
There still rings in my ears the W0i"
little voice Of one OF the small chilaren
visited before Christmas. She was oh,'
tiny child, but she was looking after ios,
timer ones in their two-roomed home "aIs
mother was out at work. NO, there S0's
be no Christmas this year; papa's away -.
Santa Claus is dead VIII some T" ~
readers of this message help me to res'hN'
Santa Claus for the hundreds OF litue '''-
we long 10 help? IL,
know this year the work will be n.i'.'
than ever because so much financial pep
going 20 answer the great need IN
stricken countries OVERSEAS. We eahnos
selfish or regret for moment the gehe's'.
helm 10 other lands, but oh, can we not ~.
remember practically these helpless ones "
home?
So that the business methods OF cur ots-
ization may be thoroughly understood "' :,
add that the Volunteers Of America
incorporated society, that our books are e.,y
fully audited and that our treasurer VII. ~ IN
a receipt for every dollar received ana
hold vouchers for every dollar eHpeH..
Gifts Of toys, clothing or money "iii " NJ
acceptable. They should be directed 70 -
Ballington Booth, Volunteer Prison Ls, -
"a West Twenty-eighth Street Ne" =,
CITY. We shall indeed be grateiui
readers OF this message can help US oru
MAUD B. BOOTH
New York, Dee. l, 1917.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-12-05
Earnest Appreciation

To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: The carriers and clerks OF the Harri-
son az. j. postoffce wish to thank you for
YOUR splendid editorial in behalf of the
postal employees.
Nothing can do more to. help us receive the
much needed increase in salary than good.
sound editorial comment, such as appeared
On December |.
We hereby express our most earnest appre-
cation for the efforts YOU have made to bet
tor the conditions of Uncle Sans deserving
workers. the postal employees.
JOSEPH ZUCKERHooD, Secretary.
Harrison, N. j., Dec. |, 1917
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-12-05
a Challenge
r OF The Tribune.

To the Editor OF The Tribune.
Sir: In your paper few days ago a lady
proposed for men a "smokeless" day. Now.
! should be the first to agree to il il the
ladies and their children proposed to them
selves "candyless" day. Take the situa-
tion in Rochester The evening papers yes
terday announced the arrival Of three loaded
cars Of sugar for the candy factories, and
yet for over week most If not AL Of the
grocers Of Rochester have been without
sugar. OSCAR PARDo.
Rochester, n. Y, Dec. 2, 1917