davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-01
THE MANHOOD OF AMERICA
The Reasons Why One American Wishes
He Were Fighting in France
To the Editor of The Tribune.

o the Editor OF ne 1l4DuHN'
Sir: There are occasions in the AFFAIRS Of
nations, as in the affairs Of individuals, when
evils cannot be estopped by denying their
existence.
That man, living on an unguarded frontier
whose life has been threatened by an outIa"
does not make his danger less real by saying
10 himself that there is no danger; nor does
he disprove its existence by remaining safe
within his own house with the door barred.
His so remaining is itself an acknowledg-
ment of the state of duress in which he IS
being held.
Just so to-day the people Of these states
are held in duress by the threat Of the Ger
man Empire When that COVE .nment served
upon us official notice that its naval vessels
would sink on sight American merchant snips
sailing in pursuit Of their lawful errands' II
announced the inception of state OF war
between the two nations: for surely the an
nounced intention OF a responsible govern
ment 20 commit an act of war is tantamouh'
TO the commission itself, and this CONDITION
is not altered by the threatened nation
allowing itself to be coerced into course OF
action whereby opportunity is not Afforded
for the contamination of the threat.
The manhood of this nation IS crying OUT
against the sort of safety which is purchased
by cringing before another nations threat
If the choice be between war and such
peace. then war-open war-oy all thsI Jul
nation stands for let it be!
All the terrific horror of war cannot De
denied Yet there are things more horrlpie'
and the spectacle of a mighty nation morally
degenerate, shrinking from the acceptance OIL
its duty. turning aside and bowing us heau
in shame, is such thing.
President Wilson has before TINS eA-
pressed desire to know what is gong on IN u,
the minds of the people. Therefore l snail
speak my part out frankly
| am young successful, and have the pest
of life before me. | have, in short, every
reason to cling to life and desire ITS eontih,
nance. Besides this, have lively sense OF
what modern warfare means. Yet tell you
in simple honesty that would rather be TO-
dav in the trenches of France doing my
humble duty for humanity than to be sitting
comfortably here at home dreading lest
through all the years of my life ! must bear
nv share of a burden of shame for the sell
ish cowardce of nation for whose former
ideals my forefathers gave their ines blood
And il is not alone who speak, but 1t is
THE MANHOOD OF AMERICA.
Greenwich. Conn, Feb. 20, 1917
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-01
A Woman's Protest

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: | am only a woman, but If all the
citizens of the United States feel as do
when 7 read day after day: "The President
reaches no decision" "the President can
not propose definite measures yet etc. tnere
would he a universal uprising against the
nolicv of drifting and waiting which Is car
RED 10 such an extreme as to make one not
proud. but wellnigh ashamed TO be an
Americani Where is our patriotism IN TINS
hour when the enemy is Haunting insults IN
our faces by forcing our flag OF the seas
and in other ways all too well known to re-
quire specification?
Have we no red blood in our veins, that We
can endure the long delay in reaching some
positiye action against the enemy without a
protest en- masse? Are we awake to the
hideousness Of the brutal savagery that SENDS
our citizens to the bottom Of the ocean, or
must we wait for further demonstrations OF
German methods by means of an assault
from the sky? H. T. W
New York, Feb. p, 1871
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-01
Germany, Britain and the Neutrais

To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: Pro-Germans attack many of us as
unneutral because we do not exhibit the
same resentment at the infringement Of neu-
trail rights by Britain as we show at the same
conduct by Germany. 1t is commonly said in
reply that we only suffer a property loss at
the hands of Britain, while Germany's sub
marine operations entail the loss of life, and
that murder is more reprehensible than lar
ceny, even admitting that Britain goes to the
length OF the latter crime.
have not met with any other than this
justification Of our discrminatve judgment
of the conduct of the two belligerents, and it
is one. it seems to me- patiently inadequate in
that 1t ignores the essential facts Of the
case, namely, that Britain is fighting in de-
fence Of neutral rights-the inalenable rights
Of life liberty and the pursuit of happiness
and Germany in insolcnt violation of the
same. British sea power is the shield Of the
weaker nations and the sole reliance of the
great neutral which ought to be. but is not
able to protect itself against sudden attack.
L. A. HENRY.
Morristown, n. j., Feb. 20, 1917.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-01
How to Protest

To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: notice that your correspondent Mr.
George II. Richards, in a recent letter pub
lished in your columns, asked whether 1t IS
not possible for meeting of protest to be
called under the auspices Of some represen-
tative body or committee Of public spirited
citizens. to allow the people Of this city to
protest against cabal conducted in our
national legislative halls Of dishonorable
nature" etc.
May 7 call Mr. Richsrds's attention TO the
fact that the American Rights League, whose
Office is at West 45th Street, is a body OF
public spirited citizens of all parties, which
has been in existence for over two years Tor
lust the purpose that he suggests, and that
this league has arranged for mass meeting
at Carnegie Hall, March 3. to voice the be-
lief of real Americans on the present condi-
tons? If Mr. Richards will write the Amer
lean Rights League, = West 45th Street, he
will receive full information.
JAMES b. TOWNSEND.
New York, Feb. q, 1917.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-01
I'LL FARES THE LAND"
Wealth Accumulating, but ldealism and
Men Decaying in Materialistic America

To the Editor OF The Tribune.
Sir. trust the editorial in your issue OF
February 10 struck a responsive chord IN the
hearts Of all American citizens. yellow Dog
Americanism" is fitting description OF Ihe
brand of patriotism Congressman Moore ana
Minority Leader Mann are displaying to the
neople Of our land. These men, along with
a considerable number Ct others OF Doth
branches Of Congress. don't know where they
are going. but are on the way. 1t IS ABOUT
time we knew, as a nation, where we arc
going. 49,,
Have we lost all that positive force and
virility we once possessed? We are lasI los.
ing these traits, if we have not ALREADY ios'
tber We have certainly enjoyed halycon
neriod Of easy money, easy comforts ana easy
moralitv. and thus We have acqured-to
onoto your editorial-a mental and moral
distemper which has fastened upon the coun-
try in a period Of gross materiahsm ana SELL
indulgence"
an fares the land, to fastening ills a prey.
Where wealth accumulates and men decay
During this period of tremendous industrial
development the sound OF juggling gold IN
chr pockets has, indeed, made us deaf to all
oIse The capitalistic, the laboring and the
farming classes Of America have become The
greediest people in all the wide world to-day
Real. simon-pure, Patrick Henry patriotism
has become throttled by thrift-despislng
"batriotism." American honor and honesty
are to-day at least 80 per cent below par
and few bidders, at that. Complacency and
love of ease are our besetting sins. why
sbould we be ashamed to admit 1t? WhlIe a
blatant imperialism OF the Old World IS
knocking our sea commerce galley west are
ve 70 remain asleep in fools paradise and
not set the alarm clock, for fear It's louo
ciamor NAV upset industrial profits? 49,,
Wav God grant that the spirit of 10 sun
survives somewhere in our midst and that u
will fare forth when the test comes as II
'O !. # inappropriate to quote, with slight
modification:
America, America;
His hand is at thy temple door,
America, America ...-.,.,,.,.
New York. Feb %, 1917.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-01
An Old-Fashioned Connoisseur's Views

To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: / have followed with considerable in
terest the controversy started in "The Art
World" and carried on in The Tribune as 10
the merits and dement's OF Manets picture
Luncheon on the Grass All the critics
have been very profuse in their discussions of
the subject matter Of the painting, but seem
to have almost entirely neglected any con-
sideration of its value as a work OF art
If the athletic value of work depends
solely on "form," using the word in the
broadest sense to cover outline, arrangement,
color. etc. and this form is the basis Of
emotional pleasure in work of art, what
earthly reason is there for bringing in the
story of the picture, and the reasons which
led to its painting in a criticism thereof? II
il give emotional pleasure without any rela-
ton to the subject, it is waste of breath
to consider it's RIGHTEOUSNESS or the decadent
attitude of the painter; it is very probably
true that the erotic stimulus is the most
potent for good work with certain men.
Should their work be condemned on that ac-
count?
This letter does not pretend in any sense
to be concerned with the painting which has
been discussed at such length, but is merely
protest against the type of criticism which
has been so freely INDUCED in. 7. S.
New York, Feb. p, 1917
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-01
To the Editor of The Tribune.

To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: For three weary weeks, since rela-
tions with Germany were broken off, indi-
viduals and newspapers have for the most
part periodically abstained from criticism Of
the President. It was felt that he should be
left free and unembarrassed 70 deal with
momentous issue concerning which 1t was
probable that he had information that was
not at the dispc sal of the ordinary man. Pa
tience under the long delay was hard, but on
the whole it has been admirably exercised.
Now at last the President has spoken. He
is supposed TO have declared definite policy.
II is the privilege indeed it is the duty OF
citizens of a democracy to speak IN approval
or condemnation of that policy. 1t IS the
more necessary that the right of comment
and criticism be freely exercised, because
President Wilson is virtually asking that
dictatorial powers may be given him for a
period that may extend for nine months, or
until the new Congress shall have assembled.
During that period there is no power WITHIN
the Constitution which can compel the Pres-
dent to heed the will of the people, hardly
any power by which the people can become
directly artcuate.
What, then, is this policy, as revealed in the
Presidents address TO Congress? To say
that it is revealed at all is a misnomer. II
ever meaning was concealed by words surely
in this instance it is hidden beneath the mass
of verbiage, the vagueness and indirection OF
Mr.. Wilson's latest address. Il is Of excess
sive length, it is replete with fine phrases
and it fails to advance the situation by one
hairs breadth. The one thing definite that
energies is that the President asks Congress
to confer on him authority to arm merchant
ships which authority, as he himself con-
fesses. is already his. In addition to this
as you point out in your editorial this morn
ing. is request for further authority of so
vague and underlined a character that it might
be interpreted either as authority to make
war or as authority to refrain from making
war, no matter how great the provoeation or
how deadly the insult to the nations honor
The single definite impression which the
crisis appears TO have left on the Presidents
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-01
Teachers Pension Legislation

As was the case last year. the school
teachers of the city are divided in senti-
ment regarding the teachers pension bill
Just introduced at Albany. And, as was
the case last year, this division may
easily lead to the defeat of the legislation,
if it is not eliminated. The present bill,
which comes from Mayor Mitchel's pen
sion commission, is more generous to the
teachers than its predecessor. Under its
provisions the city would contribute one
half the cost of pension equal TO one-half
the teachers salary. The other half Of
the annual contribution toward the pen
sion is to be paid by the teacher, but this
payment may be reduced on sliding scale
proportioned to a reduction in the size of
the pension to be paid. AS under the bill
Of last year. the city would assume re-
sponsibility for the payment of pensions
to teachers already retired, and in add
ton there would be an appropriation Of
81 900 900 made toward reserve fund.
These are generous terms. They have
been worked out after long and careful
study by accountants familiar with act
uarial problems. The pension commission
believes they would establish the teach
ers' pension system on a fair and sound
basis, which would be permanent and not
run into bankruptcy in a few years, as the
old pension scheme did. The contributions
from teachers thus required may be high
in some cases. Pensions or insurance, I'M
fortunately, cannot be obtained at bar
gain rates, as the experience of fraternal
insurance organizations has demonstrated.
Nor is the city in financial condition to
give all toward a pension fund which
some of the teachers seem to require. The
city, in its way, is as money-bound as
the teachers.
There appears to be a notion among a
great many teachers that the city is under
a legal obligation to maintain a pension
fund for them, TO which their contribu-
tons shall be more or less nominal. The
city's interest in pension funds for its en-
ployes is a matter Of policy rather than
obligation-to encourage the rendering of
good service and TO foster continuous ser
vice. It is a good policy, but the bene-
ficiaries of it should not undertake to OK
tract from it such contributions toward
support in their old age as would prove
practically prohibitive from the taxpayers
point of view. If the present bill can be
modified TO make it more generally accep-
table to the teachers without imposing
any greater cost TO the taxpayers than IS
now provided for, that should be done.
But that does not seem quite what the OBJ
iectors to its present form want. And as
the contribution by the city now provided
for represents the maximum which the
city authorities consider justifable, con-
tinuance of opposition by any important
group of teachers is only too likely to leave
the teaching corps of the schools without
the help and protection which new and
sound pension system would give them.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-01
Wine in War Time


II is stated that the French government has
reouisitioned for the purposes of the army a
very substantial proportion of the vintage
production. In France, therefore, wine has
assumed military importance, for no less
than 2OO,OOO,OOO gallons Of wine from the
country, together with 100000 gallons
from her Algerian colony, have been reserved
fer the use of the soldier. It would appear
that each officer and man receives daily half
a litre of wine This allowance has been
adopted since the war began, and the author
tiles are convinced that it has contributed TO
the health and efficiency of the troops
through campaign conducted under very
trying conditions. The reasonable consump-
ton of the wine Of the country win ordi-
naire) is evidently regarded as beneficial
rather than demoralzng.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-01
The Stars Upon the Flag

They blossomcd forth like flowers
Of old, to meet the sun;
To spread the light Of liberty
Their mission was begun.
They chcered the brave, they freed the slave;
Their mission is not done.
The wave Of every ocean
Hath dewed them with its spray;
Everywhere the stars above
Have kissed them with their ray;
And shall they fee the pillows
Al foes command to-day?
Most CALAMITY our grandsircs
Bore them in the long ago,
Bithcly cleaning from banner
With their beauty stll ALLOW;
Shall they hide within the harbor
At the cry OF cravens? No!
Fling forth flag from every ship
We have that now can sail;
Let every laughing star shine out
Again TO greet the gale;
Whatever peril they may meet
Our sailors will not fail.
Beat back the shame that threatens;
Send our stars across the foam,
Wherever any ship can 20.
In freedom let them roam;
There's not loyal heart to-day
Would have them bldc at homo.
SAMUEL MlNTURN PECK
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-01
THE PRESIDENTS LATEST PHRASE
ARMED Neutrality Regarded the UHerane of Man Who Has nc
Policy and Wishes to Have None

mind is a feeling of indignation that the
"timidty" Of American ship owners IN Keep
ing their vessels in port and thereby pro-
ducing a virtual blockade of American SHIP
ping has compelled him 10 take some sort OF
action.
For action, it would now seem apparent IS
the last thing which Mr.. Wilson is wiling 10
take. SO far as it is possible to arrive at
anv definite conclusion from the vague gem
eralities in which he INDUCED before Con-
gress. one is forced reluctantly TO the con-
clusion that his address was the speech OF
man who had no policy and who wlshed 10
have none, who was willing TO direct the
affairs of the country in a spirit OF pure OPP
portunism, and who was anxious above all
things to get rid of the only effective erlt-
cisr of lack of policy which the Constitution
affords With Congress out of the way Mr..
Wilson could devote himself unhampered 10
the same kind of vague experimentation
with which he dalied in Mexico. The I'M
plication of his address seems TO be that we
can safely engage in near-war with Ger
many, that we can commit belhgerent acts
and vet not call them war, just as we maze
war at Vera Cruz but did not call IT war;
and as we invaded Mexico and called II a
friendly expedition. Inc liSS4NNhN ""'N.
unately appears 10 be the slave of words
and he has done his best 20 carry the coun-
try into bondage with him. What an array
of phrases it is, from "watchful waiting
down through strict accountability" too
proud to fight" Service" humanity
"idealism," "the champion of heutrals, 10
the latest catchword EARNED neutrality!
1t was all very well to support the Presi-
dent before we knew what he was going to
do. The case is different now that he mas
told US that he himself doesn't know. For
Congress now to deliver underlined powers to
an Executive whose only policy is admittedly
one of vague opportunsm would be be-
trayal Of duty. It is difficult to contemplate
with any degree of complacency the handing
over of the country bound and gagged for the
next nine months to be the corpus Uile for
the idealistc experimentation of DR.. Wilson,
assisted by Colonel House. 1t is necessary,
therefore, that public opinion should be raj
lied 70 the support of those Republican mem
bers Of Congress who are making fight for
an extra session. S. W.
New York, Feb. q, 1917.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-01
The Good Samaritan

To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: | have nearly always felt like COM
mendng your cartoons directed against the
present Administrations method, but must
withhold commentator for to-day's
The figure passing along the road is mani
testify intended to be Uncle Sam. Uncle Sam
typifies the American people, and stoutly
deny that were we given the opportunity to
decide which character We wish to enact there
would not be one moments hesitation. Even
the bulk Of those whose mistake puts Wood
row Wilson in the Presidential chair for a
second term would I venture TO say-un-
hesitatingly demand 1.-THE Good Samaritan.
The doubling figure in the roadway must be
changed to depict Woodrow Wilson.
JOSEPH X. GOODRICH.
New York, Feb. p, 1917.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-01

fury they were very lax. Even in the
latter half names were often spelled in
ifferently-thus the translator of Rabe-
lais appears as Urquhart in one edition
and Orchard in another. In the sixteenth
century anarchy prevails. We find, for
instance. Raleigh, Raleigh, Rawleigh and
Rauleigh, all used to designate the one
Sir Walter.
If Mr.. Spielmann has any ground for
his belief that writer's and printers were
moved by aesthetic considerations he ought
to define it. The probability seems to be
that they were guided rather by within.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-01
EXPLOSIVE Fish

Iron The London Morning PosD
A message from Sulen, near the entrance
to the Trondhjem Fiord, states that some
fishermen found wooden box floating on
the sea. They took it on board their vessel,
and, on opening it, found inside tin box
containing fish. The fish suddenly began to
burn and emit a sulphurous smell. The men
were alarmed, and threw the box back into
the sea. As they did so it exploded and
flames shot up from IL TO a tremendous
height. The fishing boat narrowly escaped
being capszed, her lifeboat was smashed TO
atoms and lanterns were destroyed.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-01
Tinnidity

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: 1t is most edifying to contrast the
courage Of the American government with
the "timdity" Of the ship owners who are
causing financial loss TO the country by
tying up our shipping, although Germany
has as yet committed no overt act The for
ttude of the President in avoiding offence
TO Germany by Withholding armament from
the ship owners who beseech him for pro-
lection, and his intrepid faith in the unlim-
tied power of persuasion are riyaled only
by his patience. After the experiences OF
the past two years one would be astonshed
to see his patience give out, even should the
tmid ship owners pick up sufficient courage
to become martyrs for the sake Of "hu-
manity.'
ALEXANDER PETRUNKEVITCH.
New Haven, Conn, Feb. p, 1917.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-01
The Emptiness of Words

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: What is the use of the President re-
iterating his talk about the rights Of hu-
manity? How should he do anything for
humanity's rights who has not been able-or
willing to perform the simpler duty OF car
ing for the rights Of his own countrymen? |
should think even he in love as he is with
his own words. could see the glaring empti-
ness Of them and how they lay him open to
ridicule. AN AMERICAN WOMAN.
Morristown, n. j., Feb %, 1917.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-01

part in preparing the country to wage
war. If an extra session is assured, we
do not care what war powers this Con-
gress vests in the President. But in the
present crisis we still regard an extra ses-
sion as indispensable. 1t therefore re-
mains the duty of the Republicans in Con-
gress to force one, if they can obtain no
promise Of a call from the President
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-01
Internal Dissension

To the Editor Of The Tribune ,,-c.h. turn,
Sir: And now "Paekcy" NeO3o' !, . ,r,e,
against the "Chief" and By inn'enao 81, ''' ,sst
him with selling out the President j" '"' ''
campaign. .-;,,, "a irnpeach
the impeachers.
New York, Feb. %, 1911
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-01

You can purchase merchandise advertised
in THE TRIBUNE with absolute safety--tor
If dissatisfaction results in any case The
TRIBUNE guarantees to pay your money back
upon request. No red tape No quibbling. We
make good promptly if the advertiser does not
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-01
A Nation?

To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: We are making great display of the
Stars and Stripes these days, and We duly
and religiously stand when the air is played,
but when are we going to be able to sing
THE United States a Nation Once Again?
JAMES NJ REID.
Grznite Springs, n. Y. Feb %, 1917.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-01

CANADIAN RATES.

Entered At n. Pustonco al New York 4" Second Class
Mau Matter.