davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-09

been as long suffering as any nation can
be and keep its self-respect. If war it must
be, it will not come because we have de-
sired it. but because no other honorable
course is open.
These paciist meetings should address
their petitions TO the Kaiser. When ad-
dressed to the intended victims of his ruth
lessness they are Of assistance only to Ger
many. 1t is no mere accident that pro-
German propaganda everywhere outside
the Fatherland has made common cause
with doctrinaire pacifism. No one will ac-
cuse the pacifsts of consciously seeking TO
befriend Prussian militarism in this Crisis,
but the fact remains that Germany could
we'll afford TO endow a large part of their
activities.
Here, for instance, is the suggestion that
referendum be taken on the question
whether we shall enter into war with Ger
many in case this submarine policy results
in further loss Of American life. What,
beyond delaying any effective action by
this government until Germany could get
we'll under way, could such referendum
accomplish? 1t would bring the very OPP
posite results from those which the pac-
fists wish. 1t would encourage partisan
ism and a species of popular excitement to
which the nation has not yielded. And
the pacifists may be sure that any state OF
affairs that would move Congress 10 de-
clare war would also cause declaration
of war by an overwhelming popular vote.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-09
"Peace Without Victory"

To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: Belgium Armenia! The Lusitania
and all the atrocities that word symbolizes!
Is no one to suffer for this? Shall the un-
speakable Turks and Teutons, Huns and Bull
CARS, who have brought this curse upon the
world in their cynical effort to aggrandize
themselves at the expense Of their neighoors'
escape their lust chastisement? Is the spirit
Of Justice throughout the world to be stlfied
by the gas Of pacifsm?
Then let us recast all our tragedies.
"And Malcolm came to Dunsnanc. waving a
white handkerchief. and shouted: What no!
Macbeth, Come forth that VIC may embrace.
All is forgiven, as ! have several times sent
you word Tell the fond, distraught queen to
cease washing that blood-stained hand
Throw open the gates of your stronghold
that I may mount the battlemehts and pro-
claim to all the world the new gospel: There
shall be no more victories! We are all alike
black, so you escape in the general dark
ness. It's six of one and half-a-dozen Of the
other Long live Macbeth"
To this Macbeth made a very vulgar reply
that seemed greatly to offend the proud Nal
colm for after some hesitation and with an
evident effort to maintain his sangblanc, he
sent his aide -de-camp with another note, ad
juring him not TO throw away his friendship
and his good opinion, which he still desired
and always would desire to maintain. What
reply the doughty Macbeth made to this could
not be heard for the horrible shrieks of some
within the walls. CEPHAS OUTLET.
Westfield, Mass, Feb. 6, 1917.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-09
"If They Want War
he Editor Of The Tribune.

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: Is it not humiliating? Is it not in
consistent with the position already taken by
the United States in its rupture of diplomatic
relations with Germany? Is it not reln-
quishment of our leadership among the neu-
trail nations. who look to us for example and
guidance, that the government should hest
tate to send convoy to protect the Ameri-
can ship. st. Louis through the infested
waters?
Any hope that Germany will change her de-
clared purpose to kill our citizens on sight is
futile. Germany keeps her threats, if she
breaks her pledges. Shrecklchkeit, foiled and
held at bay on land by the holocausts of he
roic Belgium, will now ncarnadine the seas
in its expiring fury. II we are to navigate
them at ALL the convoy should be sent, and
Immediately, with such instructions to it's
commander as were given to his men by Cap
tain Parker at the battle of Lexington:
Don't fire unless fired upon. But, if they
want war, let it benin here" Delay will only
increase the toll of American lives sacrificed
TO the monster who merely whetted mis- appe
title on the dead Of the Lusitania
e. L. STOWELL
Dorset, Vt, Feb. s, 1917.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-09
A RADICAL HEALTH MEASURE
The Compulsory Insurance Bill Far Ahead
of Any Previous Attempts
TO the Editor Of The Tribune

l o the Editor OF The Tribune.
Sir: The Medical Society of the State of
New York is not so much interested in COM
pulsory health insurance as a general eco
nomic measure as it is in the protection of
the public welfare and the public health. In
the safeguarding of these the perusal of the
measure on our part is limited to those sec
tions known as the medical provisions" and
our interest centres on these so as to carry
out our purposes.
This bill contains medical provisions far
in advance over everything ever attempted
in the health insurance line to safeguard the
public health The medical profession has
very adequate representation in the admin
istrative departments. A limit is placed upon
the number which any physicians may treat
under the act, thus preventing overcrowding
the doctor, tending TO poor service
Preventive medicine is supported and en-
HANGED by the close coordination between the
health authorities and the medical officers
of the funds. The doctors remain in that
sacred personal relationship 10 patients which
is so necessary in medical practice 70 achieve
good results because provision is made to
have the supervision over the benefits de
rived from the fund and the issuance of GER
tGcates placed in the hands of medical Of
fcers who constitute separate corps and are
not the doctors who treat the sick under the
act.
If the Legislature sees fit to enact this
measure into law, believe the evils of con-
tract medicine, as they now exist, in various
parts Of the state, will be done away with.
The abuse of medical charity, as seen in our
public hospitals and dispensaries daily, will
also be greatly mitigated, if not entirely
abolished, and the younger men in the profess
sion who become "panel physicians" being
assured a stated income with a reasonable
amount of work, will be left free by the re-
lief Of economic pressure TO develop them
selves scientifically and thus help to advance
their science.
/ feel sure the better the medical pro-
visions of this act are understood the more
surely will the medical profession as a body
be glad to accept them.
Finally, we have such confidence in the dis
interestedness Of the proponents Of this meas
ure that we think as a whole it will tend to
lessen poverty in the state.
SAMUEL J. KOPETZKY,
Chairman Committee on Economies, Medical
Society Of the State Of New York.
New York, Feb. 5, 1917.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-09
PACIFIST BUT RESISTANT
A Fable to E1pound the Last Limit Before
Declaration Of War
ELiAn- 81 The rrinune.

To ;he Editor OF The Tribune.
Sir: It seems clear that we should go' OF
lie, fools 70, 10 the very last limit before a
declaration Of war.
Nothing i. to be gained by any other ac-
ton than the most deliberate; in fact from
the material point OF view Of preparedness
every davis delay is so much gain TO 'he
United States | am not a non-resIstah'' ou'
think that violence has little tendency l"
nreyent violence and should be resorted TO-
IL at all. only when TO refrain becomes OUT
of the question.
| am aware that popular pressure may
force action before sober statesmahshiP
would dictate it. but sober statesmanshlp
should wait until the last moment oelore
committing the nation TO war.
Here is a fable to show the point OIL we"
Of the pacfist who is not non-reslstaht'
any dog tried to bite me. ! liked the Dog
so | kicked him lovingly IN the jaw. lie uh-
derstood that argument.
any grocer tried TO cheat me. ilked the
grocer: | did not kick him in the Jaw, but /
told him lovingly that would not deal with
him again. He understood that argument.
"My baby tried to slap me. Hked the
baby. but did not kick her in the Jaw or
even cease to play with her. | kissed her
lovingly on her cheek. She understood that
argument" boLloN HALL
New York, Feb. 6, 1917.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-09
Present Peace Propaganda

The frantic efforts Of extreme pacfists
70 avert war by means Of orations and pro-
tests at such time as this show how i'm
plicit is the faith Of some people in the
efficacy Of public meetings. There is some
thing old-fashioned in this belief in the
magic of talk Intelligent and peace low
ing Englishmen like L. p. Jacks, Of "The
Hilbert journal" have learned at last the
futility Of idealist phrases 50 long as the
German government is determined 70 make
war on all humanity.
Certain Of our own pacifists seem not
vet 70 have learned that lesson. They
seem 70 think that mere peace sentiment
will save the nation from wa If the
American people were blindly rushing to
arms in a sudden wave Of jingoist passion
something might be gained from TINS
eleventh hour cry Of peace. But such Is
not the case. Probably no nation ever
stood on the verge OF hostilities with such
calm and deliberate conviction. We are not
suoerfeially excited We have been pa
tent 70 the pint Of cowardice. We have
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-09
Suasion Rather than Force

Mr.. Gompers wakes unnecessarily melo-
dramatic about the resistance of organized
labor to any plan of abolishing strikes
against public service corporations, such
as that proposed by the Public Service
Commission here. The essential feature
of that plan is moral suasion, not force. 1t
does not propose to take organized labor
by the throat and say, "You shall not
strike" 1t undertakes to set up conditions
which shall be so manifestly fair to labor,
whether organized or unorganized, that
the worker shall see that it is to his in
terest to settle any issues by arbitration
rather than by strike.
The bill not only permits, but en-
courages, the organization of labor into
associations for collective bargaining. 1t
goes further than that-a step by no
means grateful to organized labor as it is
to-day. It provides that in any issue be-
tween employers and employed there shall
be in the negotiations representation even
for that body of labor which is not for
mally organized. That is blow not to
honest labor organizations or the principle
of collective bargaining, but to political
exploitation of labor organizations, which
some labor leaders will find it impossible to
overlook or forgive.
The bill does not undertake to bind any
man to continue at work against his will.
1t merely presents-certain machinery for
the adjustment of grievances, and gives
him the choice of trusting to the operation
of that machinery for his future protec-
ton and betterment or of exercising then
and there the right to quit his job which
he would exercise if he struck. The limlta-
tons it imposes on the worker are, first,
this restriction as to the time and manner
of his quitting work, and, second, the
necessity of sticking to the decision of an
arbitration body once it is made, If he and
his fellows elect to settle their future by
arbitration rather than to quit their Jobs
at the start. Against these it gives him
the edict of the state that wages and work
ing conditions shall be flair and reason
able" as determined by state olflclals, MS
representatives in Office; certainty of col
Iective bargaining and the redress of griev-
ances under the supervision of these state
officials, and security of employment.
If labor in general does not like the idea
of these new conditions, by which the state
would undertake to guarantee square
deal to all parties in an industrial dispute
employers, workers and public-there is
no likelihood that the Legislature will
force them on an unwilling class. But
they seem so fair that not even the ex-
IRENE opinions of the professional labor
leaders like Mr.. Gompers ought to be per-
mitted by the rank and file to foreclose the
argument.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-09

and passenger vessels and at least one
great liner, the Olympic, had narrowly
ESCAPED destruction. 1t was pointed out
at that time by the Admiralty that mime
LAYING under neutral flag and reconnols-
sance conducted by trawlers, hospital
ships and neutral vessels are the ordinary
features of German naval warfare and 1t
was precisely to guard against these
abuses and to insure the safety Of peace
fuI commerce that the military area was
defined, and all vessels were warned
against entering it except in accordance
with Admiralty directions.
II would take Prussian mind OF the
most specialized order to discover any SINH
larity between this precautionary measure
and the indiscriminate war lately declared
on neutrals by the German government.
The truth is that even at that time the
Germans were doing their best to accom-
plish what they are accomplishing now
with the superior means at their command.
II took the British government some time
TO realize the situation and TO provide
against it, perhaps because 1t was imagined
that the Germans would stop short OF In
discriminate slaughter. II was doubtless
recalled that at the Hague Conference OF
1907 the German naval delegate had ex-
pressed the utmost adherence at the very
thought Of strewing mines in the open sea.
His words on that occasion were as manly
and straightforward as any one could
wish. He observed that there were other
factors besides the mere provisions OF IN
ternational law to guide men, and then, by
way of showing what the true German
prized more than mere scraps Of paper, he
proceeded:
Conscience, common sense and the sense
of duty imposed by principles Of humanity
will be the safest guides for the sailors
behavior and will constitute the most
efficacous guarantee against abuse. The
officers of the German navy, let me publicly
affirm, will always fulfil in the strictest
manner the duties which proceed from the
unwritten law of humanity and civilization.
Possibly before the war there were some
who were simple enough to take these pious
German assurances seriously.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-09
Questions for Anti Sufragists

To tho Editor Of The Tribune
Sir: Can those opposed to granting women
the franchise answer questions az well as
the suffragists? Here is an opportunity Tor
them 10 show US.
Laws and institutions throughout the world
are regarding women more favorably; 1t is
Incoming less habitual among men to be
preiudiced against women. In view OF this
isn't the suffrage movement natural?
Does anybody think that women can cast
votes only at the expense Of domestic.i Inter
csts7 How about the millions of women who
of necessity have few or no domestic affairs
How do suffrage opponents advise those
thousands Of young girls who take advantage
If the same educational curriculum as the
men to employ their knowledge? Along what
lines can they and should thew offer their
service?
II women are weak. impure and wicked, now
IS il that all the murder and yillany Of his
tory were accomplished by men?
The principal Of liberty and equality IL be
hind the ballot. DO you realize that, since
Won do not give women trial, it Is not for
the sufrragists TO say why you should, but
for the ants to say why they won't? The
burden Of proof is on you.
THEODORE MICHEL.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-09
Men as Shoppers

An intrepid writer in one Of our maya
zines has come forward with theory that
appears to US little short of appalling. 1t
is his contention that men are the true
shoppers and that happiness within the
shops would be vastly increased If the
matter were left TO them.
We would suggest in all earnestness
that the extreme courtesy which he says
he has noted on the part of salespeople
toward masculine customers is little more
than the superb oliteness of those who
fatten the victims for the sacrifice. Surely
those are poisonous smiles accompanying
the mismatched samples that the man GUS
toner takes with ptiable relief, not yet
foreseeing the aftermath, when woman's
fingers shall strip the paper from his mis-
takes. The classic bull in the china shop
seems to us hardly more deserving of pity,
or less apt to 90 wrong, than the average
nan in that or any other store.
As for the much boosted dispatch OF
men in making their purchases, that Il
nothing more or less than cowardice, in
our opinion A man does his shopping as
he grabs his ham sandwiches at railroad
station. with no thought for flavor, and
all for speed. He cannot fetcherlze, In
shopping. Acute indigestion of disposi-
ton and pocketbook alike await the vora-
cious man shopper.
In another point, also, it seems to US
that the writer of this charming article
goes astray. He is of the opinion that few
davs of hard shopping would teach man.
kind to pity its womanfolk when they re-
turn, wan and spent, from their bargain
orgies. Here his error is in his ignorance
of feminine psychology. Women are never
less In need of pity, it appears to US, than
when they turn homeward from protracted
shopping. Worn out they may be, but
their WEAKNESS is that Of the boxer taking
the count, but full of fervor for the rest
of the fight. We do not deny that one
sometimes hears woman sigh with SELF
nitv as she recounts the hardships OF her
day In the department store. But IN the
Same yyav many a man has deceived him.
self and his wife, as he makes wry face
over the port he almost fancies the doctor
ordered.
The truth is, as we see it, that shopping
is to a man only an abhorrent and nm
nitely dangerous experiment. TO wom-
an it is clash of wits, an exercise IN
o,truism venture into aesthetics. Her
invincible spirit gives joy to her fight with
her unequal opponent-the price Of things
Her trained eye permits her to perceive
design of Incompatible beauty in the great
mosaic of department store. But 1t Is
not thus with a man. And we very grave
~ doubt that the total amount of happi-
ness in the world would increase If he be-
came the shopper.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-09
More German Explanations

With characteristic patience and scrupu-
lousness the Berlin newspapers are en-
deavoring TO correct the unaccountable
of neutrals in the matter
Of Germany's assumption Of sovereignty In
the Four Seas and beyond. According to
the "Ubersee- Nachrichten-Agentur' the
nature of this enterprise has been wholly
misunderstood, for if neutrals would only
look at it as impartially as the Germans
themselves do they could not fail to see
that it was merely an adaptation of the
method put in practice by the British Ad-
miralty as long ago as November, 1914,
when the North Sea was proclaimed a
military area.
On that occasion, it may be recalled, neu-
trails were notified that all ships pass
ing line drawn from the northern point
Of the Hebrides through the Farce Islands
10 Iceland would do so at their own peril.
1t follows, then, that the Germans are sim
ply initiating Britain's example, bad eX-
ample, perhaps, but undeniably British.
OtelCHeT queen, DtetCf'eo "H'''' ""J' VIZ
"Staats -Zeitung," approvingly.
The historians who drew up this inter
esting parallel have forgotten some lmpor-
tant particulars. They have forgotten that
at very early stage in the war the Ger
mans began to SOW mines unfortunately
in the open sea. The British government,
foolshly, perhaps, was content for wnile
to protest against this Infamous practice
as if il were thing unheard of and quite
unexpected. Soon, however, 1t was found
necessary 10 authorize a departure from
the policy hitherto pursued, but it was
after the Germans had begun to scatter
their mines secretly on the main routes
from America TO Liverpool by way Of the
North Of ireland that the prohibited area
in the North Sea was established.
+, may be noted that merchant ships had
already been blown up as result Of Ger
MAYS action and several neutral traders
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-09
George Washington: Christian

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: Since YOUR correspondent VI. T. "
Bots has quoted in The Tribune OF feoruN, ,
from my George Washington: ChnsN'D
(19l3) reference TO "the Wasn'hf..
manuscript Of prayers" please lei me
a paragraph headed "The Disputed aaI.
script Of Prayers" on pr. 27-2s OF my s" S.,.
Of Cross and Flag 4" (lsls). Tails gives y.
~ both sides Of the dispute and asks
Element by experts. Meantime, no case w"
en- this manuscript. ,..,,.
To answer the question "wss Wssh'ns ~,
a Christian ?" there Is evidence IN MS US
TO 90 with the words from public ooe''".i
Doubtless Of more account than the W. ~,
of his words or actions IN his late' ~,
is the early influence of the Christian
in the formation Of his character J. g.
him right impulses and these became -
Even when we are scarcely conscious " ,s,
We are guided by influences wnieh " .,s
wear out Washington's best impuis. 80
habits we're trained by Christian pe0p.,hst
in the Christian faith; at Arst By MS ns,,i,f
and later by his own dutifui sh'
attendance a. church. ar.
The churches to which he went i0'
vice. as set down in his diary, are ~.
and are located in many parts OF .n. 80.
onies. My books visualize this, gisins So,
ords and pictures. Like the rowels ssa s,es
stars and stripes0 OF the Wasn'n
arms. this subject has been written W IRA
fcrtuitous aud frsgmentsry msnne, have
as TO both the churches and the arms as.
succeeded in providing something hss ,...,r,
pleteness of treatment in record ana lac.
ton. Between the earlier book ana snt ,,1
.ome expressions have been modined
judgments in certain details have pee" ~
used; "the disputed MS. of prayers" rs.
But the thesis ard
namely. that by training, eonvi."s'
practice Washington was Chrss rTrrL
JOHN S. LITTLE
Kesre, n. H., Feb. s. l9lI.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-09
A Message to the Kaiser
To the Editor of The Tribune.

To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: May I direct, through the courtesy
of your columns, the attention of President
Wilson to an exalted precedent as an appro-
pirate message to the Kaiser in closing dis
cussion with him? 1t is from the Book of
Proverbs
Wisdom cried without; she uttered her
voice in your streets: in the openings of
your gates: How long ye simple ones will
scorners delight in their scorning and fools
hate knowledge?
because | have called and ye refused |
will laugh at your calamity when your fear
cometh as desolation and your destruction
as a whirlwind.
"'But had you listened you would dwell
in safety and be quiet from all evil"
JOHN LEARY.
New York, Feb s, 1917.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-09
One View of The Tribune
. Editor of The Tribune.

To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: Your editorial, Join the Entente
Allies has struck me as being so ludcrous
I should like to inquire you feel so keenly
that America should enter this warmly
have you and your staff not offered your
services long ago? Why aren't you all in the
front trenches doing your bit for England
Why aren't you organizing company and
preparing TO sail for England and protect the
English, who evidently own and manage The
Tribune? L. c. SHEFFIELD.
Brooklyn, Feb. 7, 1917
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-09
A Test Of Superiority?
or OF The Tribune.

To the Editor OF The Tribune.
Sir: Why should mere man make so much
noise about the big eats? Yesterday, fol-
luncheon, at the Y. W. c. A., East 18th
Street, / ate all | could for five cents-on
cup green pea soup, one large buttered roll
two soda crackers and two cakes for dinner
pork and beans, one large buttered
roll, a small dish Of canned apricots and cup
Of tea--ten cents.
The ladies do these things without screech-
ing like an eagle, but then. you know, ladie.
are far superior to men!
GENEVA GRAHAM.
New York, Feb. z, 1917.