davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The day book. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1911-1917, 1917-02-13

TN z 10 NJ ] TIT
'On my entrance in the big scene,
Margie," said Paula, Earnest Law
ton is supposed to be looking at my
picture and bemOaning the fact that
while he is in love with me he is in
honor bound to another.
His speech was: 'Elga, Elga! Lit
tie girl, you will never know how
much l love you! l will not cloud
your young life with the avOwals Of
a man who has no right to say he
loves you and will love you until
eternal sleep shuts out all conscious
ness
Then l had to say with a little in
take of breath Cfor l had been stand
ing behind him on the stage) oh,
I'm so glad, so happy
We'll, MaTgie, whenever l had said
those words before l had said them
from my heart, for it had always
given me wondrOus thrill to hear
Earnest LawtOn say he would love
me forever, even on the stage.
That day, as he said them, the
words left me cold, but l pulled my
self together, and as the words, Pm
so glad, so happy came from my
lips, l knew I had never given that
speech with such semblance of feel
ing, such apparent truth. I remem-
Der thinking to myself l was a real
actress after all.
'EaTnest's LawtOn's surprised start
as he heard my words was more than
acting. He had not expected me to
speed up as he called it. I think
for a moment his pride was hurt
that could still act part had been
living.
When my big speech came how I
blessed the fates that had made me
a woman, for under the same cir
cumstances l do not think a man
could have put himself out of it as a
woman could.
do you remember, Margie, that
beautiful story, Life on An African
The day book. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1911-1917, 1917-02-13

must be actresses from the cradle to
the grave. l do not recall the exact
words, but somewhere in the book
one of the characters remarks: All
society says to a boy, be; to a girl,
act A girl must suppress all feel
ings and act as convention has pre-
scribed for her, while a mans great
est glory is that he can be himself
always.
Women are all actresses by in
heritance as well as by the CuTTicu-
lUm that a man-made world has laid
down for their education. That night
for the first and last time l blessed
my class traditions.
'Margie, in all my acting l never
said that big speech of love and 10y
atty to Earnest LawtOn with such
fervOr as did that night, and for the
first time I did not believe a word
of it.
Earnest could not make himself
believe l was acting and when I was
through and he had me in his arms
he whispered: so you do love me
after all, baby child?'
Even that triumphant aside did
not deter me from finishing with a
great burst of tears, which were real.
The audience thought l was weeping
for joy at my remuneration of my
wonderful lover, but 1 was weeping
over the loss of one more fair illu-
sion.
"As he held me in his arms while
the curtain was going down, Earnest
whispered to me: You are not going
to be cruel to me any more, are you,
Paula?'
81 slowly broke away from him and
said in a very low tone so that the
other actors might not hear if they
were listening in the wings: 4 do not
know what you mean by being cruel
to you. but I do know l shall never
speak to you again off the stage if 1
can help it. You made me think you
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1917-03-02
Chemical Preparedness
New York Times

The remarkable growth and development OF
our chemical industries, due to loss of the i'm
ports from Germany and to the foreign demand
for high explosives, not only promises to make
us independent in years to come, SO far as sup
plies of chemical products are concerned, but now
assist in preparing the country for national de-
Tense As our manufacturers of steel and munix
tons are fully equipped and ready, because OF
their work on foreign orders during the last two
years, so the new chemical industries will meet
the requirements of war, if that should come. The
needs of both peace and war have caused the
establishment and expansion of them. The same
chemicals which beligerent armies and navies
must have are indispensable in our factories in
days OF peace. Those which are the basis of dye
stuffs, for example, must be used in making high
explosives
1t is said by government officers that we are
now making enough benzol, toluol and phenol, or
carbolic acid, to supply the wants of the whole
world in normal times. The increase in two
years has been 400 per cent. Forty per cent of
our coke now comes from the by-product ovens
in which such chemicals are recovered from what
was formerly thrown away The smoke now
yields valuable substances which in the past we
imported. Such full utilization of coal is giving
us great quantities of ammonia and nitric acid.
Scores OF factories are turning out such dye
stuffs as we formerly bought from Germany, and
chemists say there is now an ample domestic
supply of the necessary colors Growing outputs
mere nave reduced the very nlgn prices OF many
chemicals. We are making potash from kelp,
alnnite, the waters OF lake and the waste of ce-
ment mills. The value of the product rose last
year to $3500,000. Exports of chemicals have
been multiplied by four Shipments of acids have
grown from less than 100000 year before the
war to $24,000,000 The authorized capital for
new companies and additions to old ones in the
chemical industries has been about $l700O0000.
If our country should be drawn into the war,
all this chemical preparedness would have new
and greater value.
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1917-03-02
Undistr1buted Prosperity
New York Journal Of Commerce

The latest evidence of what is called our "un-
precedented prosperity" appears in the statistics
of foreign trade for the month of January and
for seven months of the current fiscal Year. For
the month exports reached value OF Sol3 40O,00o,
compared with $330784,000 in the same month
last year, and $204000,000 in January, 1914. In
ports were valued at $24l 100000, against $780,
100000 last year and 81 100000 in 1914. The ex-
cess OF exports over imports amounted to $751;
100000 in January this year, $l48 100000 last year
fiscal year ending with January exports were val
ued at $3,6l4O00,O00, imports 81 ,34S,O0O,0OO and
excess of exports over imports $2,266,000000. The
figures for the corresponding period year be-
fore were $2,l83,0O0000, $l097,0OO000 and 1885,,
100000. For that ending January 1914, they were
$1,522, 100000, $1,067O000O0 and $454,000,00O
These are impressive figures, "signifying much
No doubt they signify for some people high
degree of prosperity. Among other things they
indicate large opportunities for labor at high
wages; but they are accompanied by high prices
for many things, including necessities of life, and
denote what is so often referred to as the high
cost of living" This high cost Of living affects
everybody. Everybody shares in paying the high
prices, but comparatively small proportion OF
the people share in receiving them. large num-
Der OF the working people do not share in the high
wages, at least not in those which have risen in
proportion to the cost of their living which in
very many cases has to be pretty poor.
While we see so many Of these impressive fig
ures of profit and of huge foreign trade, and of
much domestic industry and trade which contrib
ute to it, there is perpetual complaint OF hardship
and suffering and investigation into the causes Of
it. There are pitful pleas for relief from starva-
ton, such as beset the city hall with crowd of
poor women the other day. Evidently there is a
bad distribution of the fruits of this boosted pros
perity. While many are short of food and weep
ing with their hungry and ill-clothed children
posed to cold weather, there is an enormous waste
of the food supplies in thoughtless and heartess
extravaganza. Recipients Of high profits squan-
der them in self-indulgence and few show any
disposition to share with the suffering Compare
lively little is done for their relief at home, while
there are organizations to rescue from starvation
abroad. This latter should be increased and not
lessened, but more of the squandered surplus of
profit should be used in relief of domestic suffer-
ing. Little of that is afforded by complaint and
criticism or even by expensive investigation.
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1917-03-02
Two Pictures.

Did you study the two pictures, reproduced
by The Bee, contrasting the Farnam street of
today with the same Farnam street when the
Nebraska statehood proclamation was issued?
II you have not already done so, you should for
there is Inspiration in those pictures for every
far-seeing person to pin his faith in Omaha.
These two pictures present an ocular exhibit
of progress, monuments to the push, pluck, per-
severance and enterprise Of the builders Of this
city, whose principal business thoroughfare now
bears less resemblance to itself as it existed fifty
years ago. when Nebraska became state, than
have the rebuilt areas Of earthquake shaken San
Francisco or fre-swept Baltimore.
It is reasonable to assume that the physical
characteristics of Omaha are now fixed for
some time to come and that another fifty years
will not work SO many changes on any one street,
because the expansion and reconstruction will be
spread over much more territory, but we may be
sure the growth and concomitant improvements
will continue with fewer Interruptions and less
slackening Of speed
What the two pictures must impress most is
that even looking through this vista to the be-
ginnings no one dares conjure in his mind with
any self-conhdence conception OF what the main
street Of the Omaha Of fifty years hence will look
like.
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1917-03-02

define what acts of submarine are
and what are not felopies on the high
seas and offenses against the laws OF
nations"
1t furthermore charges that con-
gress has been unfaithfui to its sworn
obligation in permitting and endors-
ing the unlawful exercise by depart
ment officer (Mr. Lansing) of the sole
powers granted ito congress alone by
the constitution" and that congress
could not lawfully delegate that
power to him (the secretary Of state
and the presidenD If it tried to-"
Finally, the American charges that
our country is on the verge of war
over definition made unconstitution-
ally and unlawfully by Mr.. Lansing,
Mr.. Editor, may / ask you If there
is any error or flaw in the statements,
logic and conclusions Of the article in
question? If there is, please tell us.
If there is not, then, may God be mes-
ciful to our country, if war results
from the present crisis with Germany
without the outspoken consent Of the
majority of the voters Of the United
States. P. ETC.
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1917-03-02
Prohibition Drink Money
New York World =

Congress passes bill cutting off revenue as
lightly as one calling for the expenditures Of hun
dreds of millions. Since the legislative depart
ment has refused to consider the effect upon the
treasury of the act forbidding shipments of liquor
for personal use into prohibition states, perhaps
the executive branch will inquire into the matter.
Assuming that Representative Shirley is we'll
advised when he says that 40 per cent of Ken
tucky's liquor product has been sold in prohibit
ton states, it is reasonable to suppose that the
ratio holds good generally and that it applies
to brewers as well as to distillers. Last year the
direct tax upon the manufacture of spirits, beer
and wine amounted to about $238000y000. If the
new law proves effective in stopping the per
sona-use" traffic in prohibition territory, it will
also on the 40-per-cent basis, stop about
$9s,000,0O0 in taxes which congressman and others
in Washington have found highly useful for
appropriations. ..
in joyous disregard Of consequences, congress
appears to have considered this subject only as a
moral social and political problem, with sug-
gestion on the side that the action taken was
an excellent joke upon the prohibitionists whose
cellars have never gone dry. When the bill gets
to the president, who must necessarily grapple
with sordid finance occasionally, he may want to
know how he is to replace that $9s,oo0OO0 of pro-
hbition drink-money.
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1917-03-02
Armed Neutrality.

That President Wilson will be accorded power
by congress to change the position of the United
States from passive to armed neutrality is appar-
ent. While this is still short of war, it is as close
as a nation can come without actual participa-
ton. II means authority to arm all American
merchantmen, and if need be, to convoy them by
warshps on their journeys to and from port. I'm
der it a merchantmen is warranted in resisting
visit and search, and may use whatever means
are available to evade capture by belligerent
This step for the protection of American com
merce has been resorted to several times in the
history Of the country. To support this course,
the president will be empowered to employ all
the naval force Of the United States 1t is still
question as to whether the phrase, other in
strumentalities," will be carried with all it i'm,
plies of unlimited power othe executive, but
the purpose of congress to make full provision
for the proper protection of American rights is
manifest and If further action is needed it will
be had.
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1917-03-02
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No Charity in Vacant Lot Planting.

Omaha, March Ito the Editor of
The Bee: For years / have cham
pioned the cultivation of vacant lots,
and am delighted to see the impetus
now being given to this movement by
SO many of our citizens and newspa-
pers. However, l believe that to asso-
ciate this movement with a form of
charity is great mistake. 1t is in no
sense a form of charity.
Every citizen, regardless of his sta
ton, ought to enjoy the cultivation of
vacant lots. 1t is not only a healthful
exercise, far surprising most out door
sports, but it is a great aid in the i'm
provement of the looks of the city it.
self. In addition, it is a means by
which fresh garden truck can be furn-
ished directly to the table of the grow
ers. No one really relishes the great
difference between such small vege-
tables taken fresh from the garden to
the table, SO much as those who raise
them. These are the esthetic reasons
for the cultivation of vacant lots, but
the economic reasons are by no means
to be ignored, when these fresh vege-
tables, as well as others, are SO high
priced.
Far be 1t from me to discourage the
use of vacant lots for charitable rea-
sons; but there is a certain justifiable
pride in most people against being
classed as INDECENT or dependent. Yet
these people would no doubt appreci-
ate the opportunity to cultivate vacant
lots. That is the reason why, l fear,
it is not for the best development of
this civic spirit to associate it too
closely with a charity movement. In
It's best and true sense it is nothing of
the sort. L.. ], OJINBY.
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1917-03-02
Amazing and Audacious.

Amazing and audacious the only words
to characterize the move made by Germany for an
alliance with Mexico against the United States
At the same time one must wonder that the
usually shrewd diplomats of Berlin should so tact
lessly pursue course certain to react so harmful
to their country.
1t was to have been expected that Germany
would, if possible, endeavor to divert the atten-
ton of the United States away from the main war
operations and our already strained relations with
the de facto Mexican government, as well as our
chronic friction with Japan, offered a ready-made
situation for DR.. Zimmermann's use To this he
seems to have turned in his emergency, regardless
of the after effects.
But other angles of the affair are equally inter-
esting In the Zimmerman note to Eckhart,
Germany, hitherto constantly emphasizing its
highly moral aspirations and protesting to be
above Selling foot OF land from foe for herself,
freely offers to aid Carranza to help himself to
huge slice OF the United States. How far Carranza
may have been influenced by such prefer is
matter of conjecture; the bait was doubtless
tempting enough to him. but he knew landing the
fish to be quite another undertaking. 1t is rea-
sonable to think that his nearer view of the United
State would make even Mexican chieftain pause
before entering on so dubious a scheme OF con-
quest.
Again, President Wilson's position would be
unquestionably stronger now had he been more
frank when he went before congress last Monday.
This is attested by the bareback in the senate fol-
lowing the present disclosure. The information
the president then possessed, but withheld, would
action.
The one salient result Of the uncovering Of the
intrigue must be more complete shattering of
faith of Our people in the German expressions Of
good intentions and friendly desires Assuming
the genuineness Of the Zimmerman note, the
United States cannot regard its source as any
thing but hostile and must omit no rational meas
ure Of preparedness for self-defense.
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1917-03-02
People and Events

Down east seed potatoes are held at from Sl2
to SIS barrel, Vacant lot gardening is due for
jolt when planting time for spuds arrives.
Little old New York considers one flag good
enough for all. Some incautious FOUNDERS who
express different opinions loud enough to be
heard generally win smash and tattoo of shoe
leather. Unusual speed is necessary to escape a
knockout.
A girl in Jersey City left home because she
couldn't get new dress for dance. Another in
New York few the family coop because dad
chided her for making up her face. Both re-
turned before harm befell. Such incidents are
reminders OF parental authority gone to seed.
Medical reports from the Warwick farms, the
New York State Sanitarium for Drug Addicts,
conveys hopeful prospects for new treatment
devised by Medical Director Charles P. Stokes,
formerly surgeon general of the United States
navy. The nature of the treatment is not dis
closed but is said to have shown gratifying re-
suits in twenty-five cases treated. 1t is said no
suffering ensues and acute symptoms are re-
moved in two or three days. DR.. Stokes prom
Uses to make known the treatment should salts
factory results show up in 100 cases.
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1917-03-02
Need Of a State Budget System.

The preparation Of the big maintenance ap-
preparation bill in the legislature emphasizes the
crudity Of the system that prevails Heads of the
state institutions or departments make their es-
Inmates, and the committee of the legislature
makes the decision as to what will be allowed
1t is not to be doubted that the department heads
take into consideration the fact that their esti-
mates will be cut and so set their figures high
enough. 1t is equally true the legislators realize
this and scale down accordingly. The one side is
interested in geeng all the money it cam the other
in holding the public expenditures to the lowest
possible limit. Under such plan, especially
when it is complicated by log-rolling and trading
between the different sections of the state, the
best service is impossible. Some unnecessary ex.
pense is certain to slip in, while something really
needed is likely to be omitted. A better way of
doing business is sadly needed. The house need
surrender nothing Of its constitutional preroga-
tive, but il might be relieved Of much Of its pres
emit responsibility, and sometimes embarrassment,
and better service for the state obtained, il a
comprehensive budget system were adopted.
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1917-03-02
Law or Violence

III II be true, as the Interstate Commerce COM
ission announced yesterday, that no actual food
fuel shortage exists anywhere in the country,
ere can be but one conclusion as to present con-
ions. The necessaries of life have been cor
red in defiance Of law and in contempt of off,
IS sworn to enforce the law.
1t is sorry outcome OF legislation and litga-
IN extending over a quarter of century that
the first comprehensive test to which our many
actmepts against monopoly and restraint OF
-ade have been subjected there is no hint of
prosecution for crime and the suggestion of no
remedy but pro-Germsn embargoes, despotic COM
wandering Of food supplies or charity on a CO.
less bewilderment was the proposition in the
senate Of the United States yesterday by Senator
Lewis Of Illinois that food unlawfully held be
seized for public distribution
Where but in the courts is the lawfulness Of
any property to be determined Where but in
The courts are we to discover whether the men
who have created the apparent scarcity are en-
gagged in what is called business or in what we
know to be crime? Where but in the courts are
we to find whether laws means what they say or
mean nothing?
More important than an extraordinary foreign
demand and disposition to panic on the part
ct many OF our people in the creation of present
conditions are the confidence of the monopolists
that nothing will be done to them, and the public
conviction that law is no defense against extor-
ton. The men who have cornered food are gam.
bling on the proposition that the law will not
overtake them. Their victims, seeing no evil
dences Of law enforcement anywhere, naturally
become alarmed and desperate.
The food supply being ample, Il devolves upon
ttate and federal authority to lberate il from the
control Of spectators and plundercrs. This may
BE- done BY law or it may be accomplished by
violence. but in the long run society will profit
most BY law
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1917-03-02
Timely Jottings and Reminders.

Texas today will holds its first Off
cial observance Of Sam Houston Me-
mortal day in celebration of the 124th
anniversary of the birth of Sam Hous-
ton and the eighty-first anniversary of
the adoption of the Texas declaration
of independence.
Representative Elect Jeanette Ran
kin Of Montana is to explain her po-
litical views before New York audi
ence in Carnegie hall tonight In the
first public address she has delivered
since her election to congress.
Girl students Of Washburn college
and Kansas State Agricultural college
are to engage in an intercollegiate
debate today at Topeka.
Many librarians are expected at At
lantic City today for the annual meet
ings of the American Library insti-
tute and the State Library associa-
tons Of Pennsylvania and New Jer-
Sey.
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1917-03-02

The progress Of the state in fifty years, aston
ling as it is in many ways, merely gimpses
lat it will be IN another half century if coming
sncrations profit, by the experience Of their par
ITS The advantage lies with them. Oppor-
mites abound and reward wait upon the con-
iuance of industry, perseverance and foresight
iich characterized the pioneer makers Of the
ate.
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1917-03-02
Storyette Of the Day.

StohyCttO W Wv avg
The city's diners out are hearing
a new story this season. Rabbi Ste.
phen 8. Wise Of the Free synagogue
says.
mot long ago a mother of one of
my little pupils came to me and said:
Doctor. how could you speak to
my little daughter so cruelty? She
came home from the synagogue in
tears, and never wants to go back
what did say to her? asked
in establishment.
".You told her II she didn't come
oftener you would throw her in the
furnace the accusing mother as
serted.
II thought It over, much puzzled.
and then l recalled that what really
did say was this:
"If you are not more regular In
attendance shall have to drop you
from the register - Baltimore
American.
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1917-03-02

Persons prone to hooking gas and plumbing
bills owe apologies to the bill makers Their cal
culations, by comparison, typfy strict economy
and restraint betting skilled tradcsmen. Only
amateurs practice the holdup. Consider the un-
skilled in congress and their ways They rem
ticred . bill for $4,000 and didn't find leak.