davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Omaha daily bee., 1917-06-20
Our Tax Mnddle,

Omaha, June 16.--To the Editor OF
The Bee: Single takers take consider
able satisfaction out of the local situa
ton over the assessors attempt to
carry out the letter of an antiquated
tax system. The Bee is entitled to
credit for this local affair. The sue
cess of its campaign against strict in
depreciation of a stupid statute will
mean much for the prosperity of
Omaha.
Three years ago in this state the
legislature submitted to the voters an
amendment to our antiquated consti-
tuition that would have enabled our
people to change our system of taxa
ton as an awakened public intelli-
gence demanded. 1t was not single
tax measure. 1t simply provided a
means of improvement. Then came
forward publicity expert and or
ganized Taxpayers league" for the
purpose of defeating this amendment
Most of these same business men OF
this community who are now at fever
heat over the assessors strict inter.
probation of the law. paid out good
money to flood this state with mis-
leading statements regarding the tax
amendment. They succeeded in de-
feating the amendment, though it did
receive a ma ajority of the votes cast
upon it. They reioiced that the state
canvassing board declared the amend
ment defeated, because their pub
licity agent" had called 1t, either in
ignorance or malice, a single tax
measure.
For these reasons. say, single tax
ers find a certain pleasure in the dis
comfort of these gentlemen. Perhaps
the next time an attempt is made to
place Nebraska in the progressive col
umn along such lines they will not so
easily be misled. Nor shall we give
them chance to be misled. The next
attempt along tax reform lines in this
state is going to be plain. outspoken.
unequivocal declaration in an amend
ment to our constitution that after
certain date all taxes in this state shall
be raised by tax upon the value OF
land irrespective of improvements.
Then If they vote against it it will
be because they are fundamentally op-
posed to justice in taxation.
We are going to make this fight for
Justice in taxation not only because we
wish to see industry relieved of the
burden of taxation; not only because
we wish to see labor and capital ems
ployed with hopeful prospects of a
better future; not only because we
hope to place Nebraska at the top of
the most prosperous states of the
union, but because we are going to
make it improbable for land grabbers
to hold the land, which God made for
all, out of use, forcing poverty and
misery and industrial strife upon the
masses of mankind. There you have
it plain and fiat.
The work The Bee is now doing is
proving to all thinking men that the
present system of taxation in this state
has not single intelligent defender
that is honest in his desire to see the
law carried out. Any attempt to carry
out the letter and the spirit of our
tax laws, as you observe, creates q
storm of disapproval, w. A. Fraser
is right in declaring that our present
Omaha daily bee., 1917-06-20
Doling Out the Coal
By Frederic j. Hosktn

| Washington, June 1.-THE task of the COM
| mittee OF coal producers working with the Counn-
Gil of National Defense, is to make the coal supply
| OF the United States go around In the hrst place
! we must keep our own factories going, and espe-
| cally those making munitions and other war ma
| terials; we must supply the domestic market at
| a reasonable price; and we must send fuel to our
allies. Some of them are in dire need OF it. Italy
| will have to shut some Of its munition factories
unless American coal reaches it in larger quant-
| ties very soon.
In spite of this tremendous demand upon
American coal mines, there is no cause for alarm.
| There is nothing in the situation to justify such
coal panic as we had last winter, when many
| persons bought three years supply of coal at
very high price, thereby exhausting the retail
supply and forcing the price still higher.
The United States has enormous coal beds
that are untouched, and the mines now in opera
tion in this country, and producing half billion
tons year. are capable Of producing half again
as much. Where lies the difficulty then? In the
shortage of labor and OF cars We can produce
more coal if we can get the labor; but the I'M
| mediate problem faced by the committee is to
| make our present production go farther. That
means economy, both in consumption and in dis
tribution.
When it came to wasting coal, the committee
found that our own government was one of the
most munihcent wasters in the country. For one
little example, government Indian schools were
e .e an . , o. " o : N.y .iy ' ana a.. az "
tremendous waste OF transcohllneh!al tiansporta,
tlon. rh Ihey are Gurhihg western oi1unlhous eoai
now me navy mas always INSISTED upon cetialn
oranos OF west virginia coal, ana mas even mao
mem snppeg across tne comment. IL IS no"
oehg polhteu out 70 the navy tnat certain @ west
ern coals VIII 40 Just ABOUT as well mere are
probably some tucKs 10 be taken IN the govern
mem waste yet. for example IN me Dig new
oull9ing oI the tiheht Oh t'e inferior Whefe
pres%ldes % tnat genius 9i economy, secretary lane
,ne nalls; wileh % are aoout ihile ana nan iohe'
piaze WIN ignt nan ,he hight' ohe hght III every
ten would De enough. - -.,.-, A.,
Inc most important measure Which the COM
nittee IS taxing 10 make the coal go around IS
10 Coihpei ,nanmiactuIers 10 use tne supply near
est al hand' lhere mas Deen an immense waste
IN the shpPmg OF special xmas OF coai long
distances. ror example, Ghicago nahu1aGturer
insists upon having west virginia coal re az
inns that II costs hme more, Dut explains that ms
hre ooxes require the long name OF TINS coal ana
that ne therefore gets more tIei value tor ms
money man ne can out OF the limos coal rgnt
at ms door. 80 ne depletes the west virginia
supply, which should normally HOW to New Eng
iand, and compels some new England manu-
iacturer TO SEND clear TO Arkansas Tor MS fueL
Omaha daily bee., 1917-06-20

Birmingham claims the largest flag
and the tallest flagpole in the south.
A national prohibition league has
been organized to make Australia
dry"
The present French flag came into
existence during the French revolu-
ton.
Greece has a total area about equal
to that of the state of West Virginia.
Minneapolis flour mills have ca
pacity for turning out over $4,000
barrels day.
Next year will mark the silver jubi-
lee of the first introduction Of motion
pictures.
The huge guns of modern navies
can only be fired about seventy-five
times before they are worn out.
Simla is the first town in India to
have Flag day-in aid Of the blind
and wounded soldiers.
A congress of American engineers
of Swedish birth or descent is to be
held in Chicago next September.
The New Zealand government has
fixed 40 cents as the maximum retail
price for butter during the next three
months.
The Southern Methodist university
Is one Of the first colleges Of the coun-
try to adopt compulsory military train
ing.
The Russians have no equivalent
for our social titles of Mr.. and Mrs,
and address each other directly by
their Christian names.
The sugar supply of France is SO
short that the government has issued
a decree that all cake bakeries must
remain closed during June and July.
Storyette of the Day.
He was Scotch and naturally he
hated spending money Therefore,
when friend in the south sent him
an unstamped letter he was much an
noyed at having to pay 2-pence
postage.
He was still more annoyed, on open
ing the letter, to find nothing in it
save single sheet, saying: Il am
well.-George."
In return he procured a large, fiat
stone, packed in a wooden box, with
many wrappings, and dispatched it,
c. o. D.
When his friend had paid over
shillings charges he sought for an eX-
PLANTATION and found it in letter at
the top of the package.
Dear George: When I heard that
you were we'll this great load rolled
| off my mind. New York Globe.
Omaha daily bee., 1917-06-20
Mark That Is Made.

Benson. Neb., June 19.-To the
Editor of The Bee; 1t III becomes our
democratic contemporary to insinu-
ate that the allies would have made
another Belgium of Greece if the
people of Greece had obstructed the
allies struggle for right to prevail
over might 1t must be remembered
that history is being made. hence
forth the children of the British en-
pire will read in history of the fact
Gilbert NJ. Hitchcock, democratic
United States senator from Nebraska.
introduced in the United States sem
ate bill to prevent the expectation
of arms and ammunition at a time
when the operation of the measure
would have been detrimental to only
one side of the warning factions, the
side that is fighting to prevent the
tragic victory OF force over law and
freedom.
THOMAS HENRY WATKINS.
Omaha daily bee., 1917-06-20
This Day In History.

1775-Congress resolved that
sum not exceeding 100000 Spanish
milled dollars be emitted by congress
for the defense of America"
1S77-Russian army crossed the
Danube in the advance against the
Turks.
1S9S-American army under Gen.
eral Shafter landed near Santiago,
Cuba. Expedition numbered 10000
men.
Omaha daily bee., 1917-06-20

When the tumult ceases and silence reigns
once more it hardly can escape those concerned
that nothing less than frequent bath house treat
ments can restore the city council chamber to its
original purity and sweetness A large contract,
but civic duty spurs to the task
Omaha daily bee., 1917-06-20

A local minister has furnished catalogue of
what a city minister is expected to do. If he
had only added making up the paper. washing the
rollers and hustling money to meet the pay roll,
he would have fairly outlined country editors
weekly program
Omaha daily bee., 1917-06-20

The taxpayer who, after paying his annual re-
spects to the city treasurer drops into the Board
Of Equalization parlor, generates quality of hec-
tic steam that borders on throwing fits.
Omaha daily bee., 1917-06-20

assessor has done more to injure the
future of Omaha than can he remedied
in ten years Yet though | have
abused the assessor myself for his sup
port Of an antiquated system. it is not
really he. but the law, that is to blame.
Let us see to the repeal of that law.
l.. J. QUINBY.
Omaha daily bee., 1917-06-20

War correspondents on the Mexican border
appear wofully negligent. Two weeks ago they
had Pancho Villa on the banks Of the Rio Grande
waving defiance to all coners Like Finnegan of
railroad fame, Villa has gone again, or the corre-
spondents are not on the job.
Omaha daily bee., 1917-06-20

Amendments to the federal reserve act throws
open the doors and places in the vestibule the
welcome mat for big and little financial insttu-
tons hitherto outside the fold. Come on in, chill
dren, and meet your rich uncle
Omaha daily bee., 1917-06-20
FLAG DAY.

God save our country's flag!
Let our love never fag.
Nor Its folds waving drag
Down in the dust!
But let them fearless fly
Noby fore'er on high;
For It well live or die
Proud, II we must
Let US when tits unfurled,
Show 1t to all the world
freedoms defiance hurled
To tyranny!
Let II mean unto men
All good within their ken,
Liberty's rule again
For all to be.
Let US Its glory crown
In every field and town
Make echo its renown
Each mountain crag!
Trumpet its paean clear
Why all its might shall fear,
TIL all the world will hear
God save the flag!
Baltimore American
Hooray
For the flag today!
But, say.
when the flag still flies. BY gum!
There is no day
That comes our way
When the flag amt going some!
So let her fly
To this azure sky
In her silken, starry sheen;
And shout Hooray
For every day. ..a
Aud likewise June Fourteeni
w. ]. hampton.
Omaha daily bee., 1917-06-20

There is no justification for abnormal food
prices" says S. ]. Blanchard chief of the federal
reclamation service. True as gospel Unfortu-
nately for the consumer, there remains, concealed
and mufled, the familiar slogan, 1--WE need the
money"
Omaha daily bee., 1917-06-20

The women folks may find out something for
their own use when they come to answer Her
bert Hoover's questions as to how many meals
are served each day in the households Of the
country.
Omaha daily bee., 1917-06-20

Another six weeks of delay in the assembling
Of the first army under the selective draft gives
an Illuminating view Of what the situation would
have been if Champ Clark's advice had been
taken and we had depended solely on volunteers.
Omaha daily bee., 1917-06-20
The Day We Celebrate.

Frank Latenser, who. as an archl-
tect, helps to make Omaha beautiful,
is 27 today. He is an Omaha-bor boy
and a member of the firm of John
Latenser & Sons.
Joseph Bolduc, the new speaker of
the Canadian senate, born in the prov
ince of Quebec, seventy years ago.
Robert D. Emslie, umpire of the
National base ball league. born in
Guelph, Ont, fifty-six years ago.
Omaha daily bee., 1917-06-20

Just for the sake OF appearances we shoult
make liberty secure in Omaha before undertaking
to fight for it abroad.
Omaha daily bee., 1917-06-20

The oid-time boast OF the west as to its quail
ity Of pistol craftsmanship has been sadly jolted
by some recent local happenings. Times GER
tainly have changed.
Omaha daily bee., 1917-06-20

Visiting editors have no cause to complain
that Omaha has no attractions this time If they
cannot find something to amuse them in all the
various Investigations and inquiries in progress
they are hard lot to please.
Omaha daily bee., 1917-06-20

Now that all the money asked has been sub
scribed Mother Liberty should call in and junk
her absurd Scare signs"
Omaha daily bee., 1917-06-20

King Ak-Sar-Ben plays no favorites. II he
beams with special sraciousness on the editors
he merely exercises the royal prerogative toward
ground floor members of his family.
Omaha daily bee., 1917-06-20

As usual, President Wilson's program is meet
ing its chief opposition in congress from baky
democrats, a fact that may hasten the formation
of the much-needed coalition cabinet"
Omaha daily bee., 1917-06-20

Nearly four and half million Teutons have
been put out of business since the war began
One out Of every four is dead An exorbitant
price to pay for the whims Of royal saber ratlers
who get nowhere
Omaha daily bee., 1917-06-20

Advice from the Washington experts to the
women folks to test their jelly juice by alcohol
is all right; but what is woman to do in dry
states
Omaha daily bee., 1917-06-20

The various denominations of Liberty bonds
are to be distinguished by printing in different
colors. For example, the 100000 bond is to be
orange. We always did like that color.
Omaha daily bee., 1917-06-20

spaniards want new deal at home, particu'
lary in the distribution Of Offices "Pie" disturbs
Kingdoms as we'll as republics, it seems.
Omaha daily bee., 1917-06-20

Railroad reviewers report Nebraska's corn
acreage to be the greatest in the states history.
The outcome may induce the Department OF Agri-
culture finally to admit that Nebraska is in the
corn belt
Omaha daily bee., 1917-06-20

lanes Parker.

Jdrhcs FdrKef.
Brigader General James Parker, United States
army, who becomes acting commander of the De-
partment of the South with the departure of Gen.
eral Pershing is a noted veteran of the Indian
wars For a decade or more after graduating
from West Point in 1876 he was in active service
on the frontier, beginning with the Mexican bor-
der disturbances in 1873 and followed by the Ute
campaign in Colorado and the Geronimo Apache
wal, in Arizona. In the Spanish war General
Parker served as lieutenant colonel of regi-
ment of New York volunteers. During the first
years of the American occupation of the Philip
pines he was prominent in enforcing the author
ity of the United States, and he won congress
sional recognition and medal of honor for his
conduct.
Omaha daily bee., 1917-06-20

As steady advertiser, State Treasurer Hal
Fills the newspaper ideal.
Omaha daily bee., 1917-06-20

Food holdups are power to reckon with
Congress hestates, and admits as much.
Omaha daily bee., 1917-06-20
OMAS HENRY WATKINS
CHEEKY CHAFF.

The slum Visitor--I should think you'd
be afraid 10 live here. There's no fire.
escape.
- The Stun Dweller-I don't need one, lady.
Whenever the cops come up after me I
max my getaway over the roof.-Boston
Globe.
'Guess the vicinity of Plunkvile won't
suffer for rain this summer"
Haven't got picnic scheduled every
week have you?"
No; but the young folks have fixed
up an open-air theater,"-Louisville Courier
Journal.
Omaha daily bee., 1917-06-20

The genius Of big business shines in hiding
the hide.
Omaha daily bee., 1917-06-20

One Year Ago Today In the War.
Heavy fighting in Galicia and Vol
hynia. with the Russians on the Of
fensive.
Austrian army reported cut In two
and in flight.
Attack on Fort Vaux on the Verdun
front results in defeat for the Ger
mans.
Heavy fighting between Austrians
and Italians on the Trentino front.
In Omaha Thirty Years Ago.
The following teachers were elected
for positions in the Omaha High
school: Homer P. Lewis, principal;
Mary R. Harris, Margaret r. McIn-
tyre. Samantha r. Davis, Frances E.
Sheldon, AlonZo N Henshaw, S. D.
Beals, Villa B. Shippey, Mary f.
Quackenbush, Ada NJ. Harris, Decia A.
Johnston, Jennie f. Keysor, Belle II.
Lewis, Fannie NJ. Wood, Irwen Lewis
ton, Anna Wenhagen, Claire Rustin,
Fannie Arnold and Stacia Crowley.
A new saddle is at the police station
awaiting identification. 1t was in pos
session Of a man who dropped 1t and
Omaha daily bee., 1917-06-20

Subscribers leaving the city should have The Bee mailed
IA them Address changed . often a. requested.
Omaha daily bee., 1917-06-20
[IODNY-
One Year Ago Today in the War.

Proverb for the Day.
Discretion is the better part Of valor.
Omaha daily bee., 1917-06-20

Average circulation for the months and 70 b Dwight
W1llsma Circulation Manager.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1917-03-15

eraroH rFBgrr STANDING.

The Su1eaaEer and bort teams aE
tra Motor Bowling league are aga
tied rlr tao lead The Ior.= slipped
sats fEa t5a laaa might without sEruE-
aza at sba Island EluT alleys. when tH5
Overland dre failed - zHo# ap Cor the
match. lorleltlus three games. The
Fyagz ENGAGED ia tussla with the
szfudehakara zud succeeded in coping
she second game by q narrow margin
az tveo nGna. being hopeteasfv beaten la
the other two The Bu1cE-Dodga
match ar Greaas alleys were post.
HnHeE. rEEa scores.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1917-03-15

The roster of the Boston English
Opera company. which comes to the
Illinois Saturday night Is an impress
slFe one. Headed by Joseph f. Shee-
han. reDlted 20 pc Americas foremost
tenor, ana Nile. Nelli Gardini. the
great French dramatic soprano. the
cast includes such eminent artists as
Miss Elaine De SelIem. whose char
acter4zatioa OF tina Gypsy nag. Azu-
cena. Is said 70 be the finest piece OF
character acting in the annals OF
opera Robert Evans. the renowned
English basso. Bliss Grace Doxsee.
enc Of America foremost prima don
mas Harold j. Gels whose beautiful
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1917-03-15
MAX CAREY SIGNED;
WAGNER a HOLDOUT

Max Carey. out6eIder. has signed
with the Pittsburgh Nationals and
William Fischer. catcher, has agreed
to join the team Hans Wagner is still
a hold out. Harry Hooper. Outfelder,
has signed with the Boston Ameri-
cans Frank Thrasher, outdeIder, last
hold ont with the Philadelphia Ath-
letics. has signed s. 1917 contract
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1917-03-15

in THE MOVIES.

Every afternoon. z.@o SO s. Evening
S 30 30 gg
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-04-18
LIIILESoRIEs
%fBEDTInE
BY THORNTON ". BURGESS.
Copyright, 1917. by T. W. Burgess.)
More Adventures.

"Phew, Seems like old times. doesn't
II. Nanny" painted Danny Meadow
Mouse as, safe under the pile of old rails
in Farmer Browns barnyard. they lis
tened TO Black Pussy's growl of dis
appointment as she felt around for
them with a black paw. Then he
chuckled II feel as if life had begun
all over again. Nanny" said he. 1t
was too tame there in that barn.
But it was very nice not to have to
worry all the time" replied Nanny.
timidly
so it was. so it was Danny answer
ed. But if We lived that way long we
wouldn't he worth flip of my tail Tor
looking out for ourselves in time oil
danger You know it is only by using
them that wits are kept sharp. And
then what a place to bring up children
in that barn would he! Why, they
never would learn anything there
Every one to his own place, and our
place is in the grass of the beautiful
Green Meadows, under the blue, blue
sky. Now we've got to give that peskF
black trouble maker the slip. There IS
one thing sure and that is that we
have learned a lot about Black Pussy
since we have been up here. She'll sit
and watch the place where we ran in
and never once think that we may
leave some other way. Getting away
from here is going to be easy.
For awhile Danny and Nanny kept
perfectly still. resting and getting
their breath. Then, taking care not to
make the teeuieSt, weeniest sound.
Danny peeped out. Just as he expect
ed, there sat Black Pussy with her
ewes fixed on the place where Danny
and Nanny had disappeared under the
pile of old rails. Down inside Danny
chuckled. Then he signaled Nanny and
they tip-toed where they could tip-toe
and crawled where they had to crawl
until they reached the other side of the
pile of old rails. and not once did they
make a sound to reach the ears of
Black Pussy.
Danny peeped out. The way seemed
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-04-18

clear and he boldly scampered out.
Nanny right at his heels. Both laughed
as they thought of Black Pussy pa
tiently watching on the other side of
that pile of rails. Straight to the near
est fence they scampered for Danny
had learned when he was very young
that il is along fences that tall weeds
and bushes grow and that grass is not
cut but grows tall. and then when cold
weather comes falls over and makes
matted tangle under which a Meadow
Mouse often can travel far without
once being seen by watchful eyes
above.
1t was a long. long journey they had
before them. Danny knew that. 1t
wouldn't have seemed long to you or
to me, but to such little folks as Danny
and Nanny Meadow Mouse il was
very long journey. indeed. So they
wisely decided not to hurry too fast. In
fact. they stopped to rest very. very
often They would scamper along a
few feet, then stop under cover of
mass of old dead grass while Danny
looked and listened and listened and
looked to make sure that the way was
clear for the next run.
1t was one of these times while they
were resting that there a sudden
Snuffing sound that sent cold shivers
all over them. 1t was Bowser the
Hound. who happened along just then
and stopped to sniff in the very patch
You know ii iSNBowser's way to sniff
al everything as he goes along.
quick cried Danny. and darted out
from under the grass and into a little
hole among the roots of a tree. Nanny
followed, and there they painted with
excitement as Bowser clumsily tried to
dig them out and couldn't, because of
the roots. Rowser didn't really want
them. He just tried to catch them for
the fun of it. and when he found he
couldn't he soon gave up and trotted
off As soon as they were sure he was
out Of the way they started on.
Presently they came 10 little open
place among the bushes along the fence
and Danny started to scamper across
Just in the nick of time he saw some
thing that made him turn and run back
So suddenly that he ran right into
Nanny and knocked her over.
Nv hat is it," asked Nanny, anxiously
Mr.. Biacksnake taking sun bath
whispered Danny. with his teeth chat
terlng with fright. Don't make Il
sound, Nanny. not a sound"