davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-19
A Committee on Self-Help

1t ought not to be necessary for the
Governors of New York, New Jersey,
PENNSYLVANIA, Delaware and Maryland TO
appeal jointly to the War Department for
supplies and equipment with which to put
the militia of their states on a war foot
ing. 1t ought not to be necessary, either,
for officers of the Army Reserve Corps
and candidates for that corps to be drill
ing on Governors Island with broomsticks
instead Of rifles.
But we must take things as they are.
The War Department having either made
no arrangements to mobilize the militia of
the Middle States, or, having failed to in
form the Governors of such arrange
ments, it was most desirable that the
states themselves should take action look
ing to self-defence.
The Middle States cover the territory
on the Atlantic coast most exposed to at
tack, because it is the richest and most
populous section of the Union and is the
chief seat of finance, trade and industry.
We have to guard not only against raids
from the outside, but against plots and
disorder from within.
The state militia are the only force
now available for defence. They are on a
peace footing as regards strength. Some
organizations are not even up to peace
strength. They should be recruited at
once to war strength, supplied and
equipped. These states are willing to do
their part. But they need the coopera-
ton of the War Department in order to
mobilize the resources at their command.
The Federal government has failed in
it's duty to create a national army. Hav-
ing thus thrown the burden of defence on
the states, the least it can do now is TO
help the states organize, train and arm
the forces which they are able to raise
The spirit of self-help shown at the Gov
errors meeting was admirable. 1t de-
serves the immediate and friendly atten-
tion Of the general government.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-19
At War

Three American merchantmen were
sunk Yesterday by German submarines.
Germany knows exactly what she is
doing when she attacks our merchant YES
sells. She is making war on the United
States. She intended to make war on the
United States when she issued her latest
war zone proclamation. She is acting on
the theory that war exists.
Our government, on the contrary, is
acting on the theory that the two coun-
tries are still at peace. German war YES
sells fire on our flag, destroy our shipping
and kill our citizens. We do not respond
in kind, but merely supply American
ships with guns and gunners with which
to defend themselves against the personal
misconduct of individual German subma-
rine commanders.
This is an anomalous situation, and one
which cannot long persist. To be at war
and not to be at war is impossible alike
in law and reason.
When Congress meets it should be its
first duty to make a declaration of war
against Germany. Such action will mere
~ recognize a condition already long ex-
istent
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-19
No Court Review of Facts

Unless the Legislature wants TO see the
Public Service Commissions deprived of
power for prompt and effective regulation
of the corporations under their jurisdic-
ton it will heed the protest lodged with
it by the Little Neck Civic Association
and supported by good citizens all over the
state-against the enactment Of certain
legislation presented by Assemblyman
Martin. This legislation would, in effect,
set aside recent decision of the Court Of
Appeals that in review of a commissions
decision on a writ of certiorari the court
may not substitute its own view of the
facts for the commissions findings
Residents of Little Neck and Douglaston
wanted to obtain gas, and the corporation
to which they applied, the New York and
Queens Gas Company, declined to furnish
it. alleging that the expense of laying
mains and giving the service would be too
great for reasonable profit Appeal was
taken TO the commission in this district,
which after hearings ordered the company
to furnish this service. The order was re-
viewed, the case resulting in a decision by
the highest court upholding the commits
sion. with the laying down of the principle
that the commissions findings of fact were
not renewable. Apparently the direct an
swer TO this decision is the legislation
against which the long-suffering residents
of Little Neck and the Public Service Com
mission here are protesting.
However vital this matter may De to
Little Neck, it is quite as important to the
rest of the state. The entire structure OF
regulation of corporations by the commits
sions is endangered. These bodies sit as
specialists. hearing testimony in detail, on
which they base their orders. To have
these orders reversed by court on poin;
OF law is only proper protection for cor
porations, which are entitled to their day
ir court. and never fail to take it. To have
the decisions reversed by a court on diff
ferent view, or Interpretation, of facts, of
the evidence, is largely to wipe out the use
fulness of the commissions. At the best IT
means the resubmission of the case to them
and rehearing, long and time consuming.
There is no more ground for such re-
versal than there is for the reversal of the
findings of jury. If the commissions are
to have real power for prompt and effect
ual regulation of corporations the decision
of the Court of Appeals must not be set
aside by the legislation in question.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-19
Zeppelin Raids Renewed

Though there is reason TO believe that
IN their latest air raid on England the
Germans succeeded in reaching the out
skirts Of London, it may we'll be ques-
toned whether the raid could be described
as triumphant success. II is true that
all the ships contrived this time TO escape
scathless from the attacks Of the British
airnren, but a Zeppelin, supposed to be
one Of the squadron engaged in the ad-
venture. was brought down in France,
having evidently been driven out Of her
course on the voyage home, if, indeed, she
was not employed in separate enter
prise.
II il nearly four months now since the
raids on England were temporarily aban-
doned after a series Of disasters. The
British defences have been much i'm
aroyed, and there is no doubt that the
Germans were discouraged. Last year
and the year before there were raids in
January and February, but until the other
nigst there had been none this winter
s.aes AeysaaLSAx. Clearly the Germans
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-19
John Browns Body

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: | am glad to be able TO answer the
inquiry of your correspondent published in
to-day's Tribune with regard 10 the origin
Of the tune Of "The Battle Hymn of the Re-
public or John Browns Body" as it was
called earlier. II was originally a camp
meeting hymn. and was adapted 10 a march
ing song by the bandmaster of Colonel
Fletcher Webster's regiment 9th Massachu-
sets Volunteers early in the summer of
1861. The soldiers practised il in their drills
at Fort Warren. in Boston Harbor. before
starting for the front Ii was afterward re-
vised BY Dodworth's military band, then
thought the best in the country. This in
formation was furnished me by the late
Franklin r. Ssnborn. the last of the group
of New England writer's Of the Golden Age
who has recently passed away. full Of years
and honors. My mother wrote THE Battle
Hymn of the Republic" in November Of that
year Your correspondent will find Mr.. San
born's account given in full in "The Story
Of the Battle Hymn OF the Republic" II
should be noted that Colonel Webster was
the son Of Daniel Webster.
FLORENCE HOWE HALL
New York, March l6, 1917.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-19

Is Russia to be constitutional monarchy
or a republic! This is the paramount prob
lem confronting TO day the Russian nation.
The solution of this problem is pregnant
with many possibilities. II may easily prove
a source of great danger to the new regime
Internal strife and civil war may follow as
result of submitting the matter to the Rus
sian people for solution.
To make Russia republic three months
from now will be much more difficult than at
the present moment. For the tremendous
shock that the overthrow of Nicholas ii car
ried with il to the people of Russia has pro-
duced the most favorable opportunity for
the abolition Of the traditional, centures-old
form Of government. Together with the
traitorous Cabinet and the degenerate Gar
the monarchcal institution could to-day be
swept away with no special effort on the part
of the revolutionary leaders.
Three months from now the situation IS
apt. il not bound, to assume different aspect.
The scattered and frightened dark forces VIII
have time to draw their breath and mooilne
their resources. The pernicious influences
will have plenty of opportunity to band them
selves together. And attempt Will I'M
doub.edly be made to regain the lost power
and restore the old regime.
The chances for the success of sucn an az
tempt should not be underestimated. lhere
are two important factors TO be considered
in this connection. Both answer the ques-
ton: Are there elements in the Russian ma
ton strong enough TO support movement,
toward the restoration of the monarchy Ana
both are affirmative answers to this query;
There are to-day in Russia about million
men who were employed in the Cars govern
mental plant. The reconstruction OF the gov
eminent will put large majority OF these
,chinovniks cut OF work. For most OF the
former governments officials were illiterary'
ignorant, corrupt and incompetent men. Nus
STA il going to strain all her resources for the
successful pros ecution of the war. The hrst
stem is obviously the remodelling of the vast
Government machine. This means the crea-
tion of large element Of discomfort in the
empire. It means the creation of thousands
If revolutionaries against the new system
responsible for their downfall.
The black leaders will therefore have a
basis on which TO build their secret machi-
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-19

doubtedlv some men would make money
if this nation went to war. Others would
lose. 1t is inconcevable that any Amerl-
can administration would deliberately sub
ordinate the honor of the nation to the
interest of either of these groups.
Certain it is that capital or business
as a whole prefers peace TO war. Nothing
so upsets the industrial life of the world
or exhausts its wealth as war. Business
men are fast learning this fact 1t is safe
to say that even in Germany, if the diplo-
matte policies Of 1914 had been left to the
great, silent business classes of the empire,
there would have been no war. The war
found both England and America, the
nations which are generally considered
most "capitalistic," dangerously UMPIRE
pared for it.
To the Socialist mind, and TO many
pacifists, all wars look alike, and both sides
are equally in the wrong. If capitalism
anywhere is to blame for this war, then
put the blame where the war started, on
the capitalists in Germany. Yet the So
cialist group in the Reichstag, with the
exception of the small Lebknecht fac
tion-have stood from the beginning prac-
ticaly committed to the Kaiser's war pro-
granme. and millions Of comrades are
in trenches and U-boats fighting for the
Fatherland.
The Socialist philosophy fails 20 grasp
the fact that the causes OF war are more
psychic than economic. Hence the pacifist
talk of Socialists sounds cynical, unsym-
pathetic, blind to the motives which
prompt men to risk their lives and dull
to the moral issues at stake.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-19
PERIL OF REACTION IN THE NEW RUSSIA
Bv ISAAC DON LEVINE

nations and plans. But, besides TINS o"ai'
there is still another factor to be recKoneo
with And this is the deeply rooted rev
erence for the Gar in the large masses OF
the peasantry. These have never oeHeNeu
the Car 10 be bad or wrong. II they were
oppressed. if they we're starved ana siaush-
tered. they never laid the blame on the
Little Father" Il was the government tns'
was in the popular Imagination held respoh-
sible for all injustice and oppression.
The Russian moujik believes that II the
sovereign could be brought in contact with
the people he would give them land ana
freedom. The abolition OF the bureaucracy
was the ain, of the Russian peasant, not the
abolition of autocracy. Arguments are OF
M avail when one faces faith that is un-
shakable. The revolutionary propagandists
of 1905 have often been worsted Tor cri'i-
cising the Gar by their peasant audiences
So long as they denounced the ministers
and governors they were sure OF popular
support and sympathy.
An appeal 10 the peasantry on the part
of the Little Father" may prove the begin
ming OF a successful counter revolution. Inc
intellectusls, the industrial classes ana the
educated peasants will always stand oehihd
the liberal leaders. But the tens OF mililohs
of semi-civiliZed, illlterate mouJlks Cou'u o
swayed from one position to another by
various influences.
Such is the peril involved in the present
decision of the provisional government 70
let the people determine through genera
election the form of the Russian govern
ment Great as that peril is. the old regime
has hardly a chance in thousand. There
may be strife and civil war. but the cause
of the new Russia is certain to triumph
over the remnants of the old order And
with the triumph of the former free and
democratic Russia is assured.
The Russian democracy has taken into ITS
hands the fortunes of the nation. and "
will not permit the return Of the archaic
system Should the form Of government be
monarchical, not republican, it is going 10
be a constitutional monarchy. The Gar
whoever he may be, will never again De per
mitted to play with the destinies of l0o,ooo,-
/ 900 men. He would become hgurehead
while the ruling would be done by minis
try responsible to a parliament elected on
the most democratic and radical bases IN
! the world.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-19
The Dante League
of The Tribune

To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: ! would like to call your attention to
the Dante League Of America, which lately
held its first meeting in public at Barnard
College Mrs. H. Durant Rose founded the
society--a lady long associated with the Cam
bridge Dante Society and whose Dante drama
has been translated into Italian and acted in
Italy. Among the ice-presidents are Andrew
D. White, Professor c. II. Grandgent Joyce
Kilmer. Percy Msckaye Edwin Markham and
others we'll known in literature. As this So
ciety has for its object general Dante prop
uganda and preparation for the celcbra-
ton in 1921 Of the 600th anniversary of the
death OF Dante. scholars from all parts arc
fast becoming members, and therefore some
notice of this would be of public interest
Information can be had from Mrs. Macdonald
Sheridan, National Arts Club, New York.
A MEMBER
NeW York. March ID 1917.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-19
reason
Editor Of The Tribune.
New York. March l6, 1917.

To the Editor Of The Tribune
Sir: Referring to the railroad brother
hoods" ard the threatened strike: II these
men strike now. with our country practically
at war, il seems to me- they are guilty OF
treason; that every one personally connected
with any such action should be punished as
a traitor that whether they are natural or
naturalzed Americans their citizenship
should be taken away from them. II we have
TO laS to adequately deal with such a situa-
ton. Il is time We had one IOWAN.
New York, March is, 1917.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-19
Truth or Fiction
TOR If The Tribune

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: From his letter in The Tribune OF
this morning it would seem that Gouyerneur
Morris never swerves from his practice OF
writing fiction. RALEIGH W. CHRISTIE.
Brooklyn, March Is, 1917.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-19
Starving at the Belmont!

To the Editor OF The Tribune
Sir: | suppose the starvation wages the
railroads have been paying their trainmcu
during the last fourteen months prevented
the latter from enjoying their dinner Thurs
day noon at Shcrry's, for it is noted that they
accepted their modest fare at the Belmont
II is interesting to add that coffee and sand
witches we're served the railway managers
from the station restaurant.
6. o. STEARNS
New York. March l6, 1917.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-19

You can purchase merchandise advertised
in THE TRIBUNE with absolute safety-for
IL 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, 1917-03-19

our-a s.d rubshed dairy b. The Tribune ys,or
~ Vol Co-porauol. ogi'n Eci1. ff'0iee.-. . = A
- =, r,..sis,.f. Eirharl 3d. Waldo. Secretary p. =
- r,,s,u-rr Addrc,s rnbunc BuNd's 4'' EN'''
-, -, York Iserhone. Bcesman 5000.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-19
.rpscn1rrlov RATES BY ,iaa. ro>'as' Pal out
CANADIAN RATS

Ea.s.ci :, ths Pos,o-cc q, Sew york as second CAS-
Mail Matte.
Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1917-06-19
CITIES OVER $4,000.
WILCOX ARMORY BILL PASSED
Senate Overrides Governor Philips
Veto by II to 5 Vote-Meas-
ure Goes to Assembly.

Madison = The senate has passed
the Wilcox armory bill over the veto
Of Gov. E. L. Philip, the first act Of
this kind on the records of this legis-
lature.
The vote was II to 8, it requiring
a two-thirds vote of the members
present
This is the bill which has been re-
ferred to during the session as a pork
barrel proposition" by it's opponents,
but the measure had the support of a
large majority in both houses. 1t now
goes to the assembly, where an effort
will be made by those who favor it to
pass it.
While the vote was decisive had the
senate attendance been large it is
probable the move to pass the bill
over the governors veto would have
failed Several senators who voted
against the governor admitted after
ward that the bill was bad one, and
that it was only because of pressure
from home on the part of organiza-
tons which desire the state appropria-
ton that they voted as they did.
The senate killed the Camper bill
which would have abolished the sys-
tenn of insuring public buildings in
the state insurance department. 1t is
apparent, therefore, that this system
will remain for another two years.
Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1917-06-19
MANY STUDENTS ELIGIBLE
About I 400 of the $500 Registered at
the University of Wisconsin
Available for Draft.

Madison - About 400 students at
the University Of Wisconsin are eli
gible for CONSUMPTION, according to es-
Inmates made from reliable statistics
compiled by the war committee of the
faculty.
OF this number, about 1856 will prob
ably be taken on the first draft, if the
first 100000 takes 1874 per cent of the
eligible young men of the country, as
has been estimated.
About $50, however, have already
joined the army or navy, are training
to receive commissions as company
officers, OF have enlisted in other mil
tary work
The estimate of the number availa-
BILE for the draft is based on the fol
lowing figures: OF the $500 male
students registered in the university
this year, 1925 are under 81 years of
age, 666 men are estimated to be
physically unfit, according to the ex-
perience of the university clinic, and
some forty are aliens. This leaves a
total of approximately 1896 eligible
men.
The cOnscription percentage of 1874
is based on the estimate derived from
the census of 1910, of the number of
men in the country between the ages
of q and 81 who are eligible to draft
and from whom 100000 are to be Sc
lected for the first army.
Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1917-06-19
WOULD DANISH THE TRAMP
Police Chiefs and State Defense Coun-
Gil Discuss "Bo" Problem al
Conference.

Madison-If you are tramp, keep
away from Wisconsin. If you have
been feeding tramps, stop this kind
hearted practice and tell them to go
to work.
These two orders went out from the
State Council of Defense after a con-
ference which was attended by chiefs
of police of fourteen principal cities
at which the tramp problem was dis
cussed. 1t was realized that this prob
lem is an old one, unsolved after
many experiments have been tried
but, if there is a way, Wisconsin is go
ing to turn tramps into workers and
keep those who will not work outside
the borders OF the state. A state farm
is suggested.
Among police heads who attended
the conference were Chiefs John 7
Jansen of Milwaukee, Baker of Ra
cine, Bowling of Oshkosh, McKinnor
of Superior, Hawley of Green Bay
Groffmann of Manitowoe, S. A. Pei
ton of Baraboo, Sheriff Robert Whip
pie of GAINESVILLE, Chiefs Shaughnes
sey of Madison, Weber of La Crosse
Mckay of Waukesha, Qualmann Of
Wausau, Mann of Oconomowoc and
Sendley of Eau Claire.
Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1917-06-19
ACREAGE IN ALL
CROPS INCREASED
AGRICULTURAL REPORT SHOWS
LARGE AREA or NEW LAND
UNDER CULTIVATION.
SPRING CONDITION is LOWER
the State Is Blamed to Late
Season, Combined With
Drought in Sections.

misunderstanding to the joint re-
port of the Wisconsin department OF
agriculture and the United States de-
partment of agriculture, issued at
Madison, the farmers of Wisconsin
have increased the acreage of all
spring sown crops.
The acreage of spring wheat has
been increased fully SO per cent over
last year, making a total increase of
over $4,000 acres. In many counties
the acreage has been more than dou-
bed. Thousands of acres Of old pas
plowed up and utilized for crops. The
acreage of oats, it is estimated, has
been increased about l per cent, or a
total of over $4,000 acres. The acres
of barley, $4,000 acres of which were
harvested last year. has been increas-
ed about per cent, or over $4,000
acres
The condition of all spring sown
crops is somewhat lower than year
ago, due to the cold, backward spring,
combined in some sections with
drought. Fruits of all kinds are bios
soming much later than usual Con-
ditiOns on the whole, however, are
promising. 1t is reported that in some
sections on the heavier soils it has
been necessary to replant corn be-
cause of failure to terminate due to
cold weather.
Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1917-06-19

Tree whose roots and fiber are Of
the same length and fiber do not thrive
as well as those which are unequal.
In some Of the farming districts of
China pigs are harnessed to small
wagons and made to draw them.
1t is estimated that in the civilized
countries of the world 50 per cent of
persons over ten years of age have to
work for living.
By a new French process aluminium
can be so substantially nickelplated
that the metal can be hammered and
bent without cracking.
4 house without chimney has been
recently completed at Hood River Ore.
It is heated electrically.
Seacoast dwellers in one region In
France say they prevent sea sickness
by filling their ears with vaseline.
Bricks that are made from furnace
Stag, according to their German In
ventors, increase In strength with age.
japanese engineers still visit Aus
tralia TO make study Of ores suitable
for refining and smelling In Japan.
A new electrical process designed to
prevent boilers from scaling or corrod-
ing has been invented By an English
man.