davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Washington times., 1917-02-14

reads wholly, and go only half way
in believing what he sees. In that
his psychology department will sus-
tain him. And the newspapers will
freely admit their reporters are
human.
The late Hugo Muensterberg con-
Quoted highly interesting series of
observations at Harvard relating to
accuracy of observation. He had a
pupil rush into the room, make a
plunge at him with knife, and then
asked his class to write what they
saw. Some said the assailant had q
pistol, others opined he used his
fists.
The second time the experiment
was tried the class was warned, and
told to watch closely. AS we recall
it, even when on their guard less than
so per cent of the members approx
imated a correct statement of what
happened. In the case of a news
paperman, trained to observation,
the accuracy of vision and addition
is heightened. Much newspaper in
formation, though, must necessarily
be garnered at second hand, and
there the uncertain quantity of the
intermediary's version must be >ac-
eepted. Psychologists who have
studied newspapers (the ones that
strive for accuracy have been sur
prised at the high degree of ac-
curacy, rather than at the mac
curacies that creep into current his
tory accounts.
These are a few of the angles of
newspaper making that even a col
lege president ought to be able to
think out for himself. Our only
wish is that DR.. Butler might be
sent out some day to "coyer" a fire,
report a suffrage parade, or inter
view motion picture star, and then
have some city editors we have met
subject his version to the acid test
of the accuracy he breaches and
which the luminous young men down
at his College of Journalism are
going to inject into newspaperdom.
The Washington times., 1917-02-14
FREIGHT TIE-UP DUE
TO SUB BLOCKADE
Thousands of Cars Held on Sid
ings. BY Seaboard =
Congestion. {

NEW YORK, Feb. 14-ons Of the
most serious freight tie-ups in the
history Of the country prevailed to-
day on all railroads normally carry
fng foodstuffs and other commodities
between the East and West.
Railroad men characterized the sit
uation as extremely critical. Thou
sands of freight cars are held on
sidings, some of them loaded, but
their movement Is practically impos-
sible' on account OF the congestion on
the Atlantic seaboard brought about
by the German submarine order.
With the number OF ships leaving
New York for Europe reduced. follow
ing announcement of the submarine
blockade, freight has kept piling In
from the West during the past week
Munitions, automobiles, foodstuIs,
supplies OF every kind are piled high
on New York docks. Acres of freight
cars stand in yards waiting TO be un-
loaded, but with slight chance OF
their contents being removed because
of lack Of bottoms in which to ship
the goods across the Atlantic.
The Washington times., 1917-02-14
A NEW TYPE OF BUILDING

Methods pursued in constructing
the new home of the Interior Depart
ment, at a cost of $780, 900, which
will rank next to the Capitol in size
among the public buildings in Wash
ington, point lesson in future con-
struction of Federal buildings.
While the building has received the
approval of the Fine Arts Commits
sion, it has been built primarily for
the particular use to which it will be
put. When finished it will afford an
illustration of the feasibility of COM
bining beauty and utility. Congress
provided that the Secretary of the
Interior and certain other officials Of
the Interior Department should con-
suit with the office of the supervis-
ing architc t of the Treasury about
the plans. A committee was formed
which included representatives OF
each of the seven bureaus to be
housed there. The result is build
ing eminently adapted, these bureau
chiefs say, to the work of their Of
fees. There are no stately pillars,
artistic enough, which cut off the
light from the workers. There are
no Irregularities, pleasing to the eye
perhaps, but making for irregularity
of rooms.
At the instigation of Secretary OF
the Treasury McAdoo and Assistant
Secretary Byron r. Newton plans
for recent Federal buildings through
out the country have been subjected
to this acid test of utility, and if
money could be saved from the appro-
priation this has been done. Though
pork" is still with US, the day of
the stately and imposing postoffce
at some cross roads, poorly planned
for service, and possessing no other
merit than that of an architectural
curiosity, has passed. New buildings
erected in Washington should follow
the ideal laid down by the American
Institute of Architects, and be monu-
mental in character as well as utili-
tartan. The Government should pause
before it constructs any more archi-
tectural eyesores like the Pension
Office, and any more white elephants
like the Postoffice Department struc-
ture. A Government building may be
different from an office building, and
yet may combine the best service
standards of modern office building
construction.
The Washington times., 1917-02-14
MORE POLICEMEN

Washington is the only city in the
country in which an increasing popu-
lation has been met with decreas-
ing number of. policemen. Five
years ago we had 735 policemen,
now we have a force Of 715. A Sem
ate amendment to the District ap-
preparation bill adds a hundred to
this number. The following day the
Senate increased the Capitol police
force by fifty. These are troublous
times and such a period is pecu-
liarly productive of crankism and
disorders of all kinds. 1t is SO clear
that additional protection is needed
for the lives and property of our
citizens that it is confidently ex-
pected the House will accept the
Senate amendment.
The Washington times., 1917-02-14
A RrninIean World.

Sir: A movie magnate confessed
the other day at a public hearing that
brains were wholly unnecessary for
amassing a fortune in the movie pro-
ducing business. He pointed TO his
own case as an example.
As soon as the news OF this con
fession spread by telegraph, by cable,
by wireless, everybody decided to be-
come brainless. Brains became as
popular as the mumps. Everybody
wanted a short cut to health, pelf, the
income tax office. and Newport.
The inmates OF the State institu-
tions for the feeble minded swarmed
out and assumed control OF the Gov
ernment. In their places in the asy-
lums were thrown those persons who
refused to consider themselves feeble
minded. I'VE must have unityir
cried the new leaders. We cannot
allow dissenters TO roam around free
ly among US: il would be detrimen-
tai to the great future of the race
of feeble minded"
Everybody made fortunes: every
body was happy: only the brainy
persons in The asyIums grumbIed.
And everybody understood German
diplomacy. oh. yes. it became a great
nation. Old Doc Cook came into his
own again. In 1920 they elected him
Head Keeper. the office of President
having been abolished.
And everybody was in the movie
business B.
The Washington times., 1917-02-14
WHILE FREIGHT PILES up

The question of sailings from the
port of New York is becoming a seri-
Gus one. Freight must move. At
present freight is accumulating in
terminals and warehouses. The ton
mage that should normally 20 out re-
mains here largely because of the
aversion of shipowners to defying the
Kaiser's submarines.
As freight thus fails to accomplish
its normal function of moving in an
orderly mapner, the symptoms of
congestion arise. Excessive demand
for storage space brings hints of an
increase in the storage charges,
which, as it is. are causing many
shippers consignments to eat their
heads of in unforeseen expenses.
che railroad yards are growing un-
The Washington times., 1917-02-14
" THE KING CAN DO NO WRONG"

True to form, the Senators have
eliminated from the Adsmson "eight
hour" supplementary bill the pro-
posed prohibition against summary
strikes or lockouts. Thus the amend
ment, like the original law, has been
written under the shadow of organ
lied labor's club. Is it as much a
sell-out as an obsequious concession
to a new theory of divine right as
intolerable as the old?
The Washington times., 1917-02-14

ISOLATED with the music life of our
city in former years. AS Dorothy
Lair, Mrs. Franklin was well known
here both as a contfaIto and as a
pianist, and in Baltimore she has
identified herself as singer and &C
companist.
Last spring, with the Baltimore Mel
amet Opera Company, Mrs. franklin
sang with great success the role of
Siebel in Faust" to which her deep
voice is particularly suited. She has
recently given a song recital at Tome
Institute, and In the spring is to sing
with the Baltimore Symphony Orches-
ira in RossinPs 'Stabat Mater"
]. MacB.
The Washington times., 1917-02-14
PATRIOTISM AND PAcIFISM

We wonder whether Mr.. Oswald
Garrison Willard thinks that the men
of '76 would have been still too rough
if instead of twisting the British
lions tail they had merely slapped
him on the wrist? But if they had
not had the backbone to fight for the
right some of those who nave since
come to America would now Oe guilty
of treason in preaching against the
support of their government in It's
fight for the right.
The Washington times., 1917-02-14
WIDER EXPOSITION PLANS.

The conference of governors to be
held in Washington, March 6, for the
consideration of plans for a perma-
nent States exposition in this city.
will be broadened to include represen.
tatives of every trade organization in
the United States. This was decided
upon at a meeting of the joiDt COM
mittee of the State societies and inau-
gural committee OF the Federation of
Citizens Associations at the District
building last night. William Nick.
clayton, chairman OF the inaugural
committee OF the federation. and
Nathan +. Williams. chairman OF the
committee OF State societies, presided.
The Washington times., 1917-02-14

Perhaps some Congressman could
understand what it is all about better
II the President had written: "AIr.
Kaiser. Uncle Sam arises to a ques-
tion of personal privilege on the high
seas"
The Washington times., 1917-02-14
MUSIC LOVERS TO
GET AUDITORIUM
New Hotel Building Will Have
a Recital Hall on First
Floor.

y A promise OF interest to musical
Washington is given in the plans for
the new Hotel Washington that IS TO
replace the old Corcoran building,
now being torn down at Pennsylvania
avenue, Fifteenth and F streets
Aside from the proposed large convcn-
tion auditorium. there wifi be also a
very accessible recital hall on the
ground floor of the building. the ar
rangements for which are being most
carefully considered.
The Washington times., 1917-02-14
Conservative Thoughts on Liberal
Views.

Conservative Thoughts on Liberal
Views.
Three hundred persons, who gath
cred in Philosophy Hall at Columbia
University last night to hear Count
Ilya Tolstoy, son of Count Leo Toll
stoy, discuss Russian life and prob
lens as the guest of the International
Club, had to content themselves with
listening to a few pieces of Russian
music and the announcement that the
faculty had refused to permit the
speaker to address them because "of
his too liberal views."-News story.
The most extraordinary care seems
to be exercised at many of our Amer
ican colleges and Universities to keep
the students from contact with "too
liberal views"
And. no doubt, this is a great bless
ing, this watchfulness on the part of
our colleges. Especially is it a bless
ing in a free country, in a republic.
For one can never tell what liberal
views may lead to in a free country.
Liberal,views are not So dangerous in
despotism such as Russia: there
they may be stamped out by the gov
ernment for the time being at least.
But in a liberal country such
as America we cannot afford to let
philosophers express liberal views. IN
republic views are apt to get into
practical politics; people get silly.
liberal notions into their heads, and
then go and vote for some free, fool
ish sort OF thing
"Top liberal views" may not amount
to tinker's dam in a monarchy; but
freedom Is always very disturbing
when 1t breaks out in a republic. In
the end it may be disastrous.
Again and again in a republic the
question rises: How much freedom
should a free people have?
The question has never been sati.-
factorily answered in America
In some quarters there is the feel
ing that a free people should have
complete freedom of thought. SO long
as they do not speak too freely OF GER
tain things.
Other great minds hold to the view
that a free people shall have COM
plete freedom of speech II they will
only promise not to think at all.
Personally, we are exceedingly con-
servative. We go further than many
Of the colleges. We are careful; we
are cautious; we see dangers on every
hand; we view with alarm. instinc-
lively. It is our own opinion that q
free people cannot be trusted either
with freedom of thought or freedom
of speech: either one or the other
might lead eventually to something
like freedom of action. The possibility
is remote, but 1t Is there.
Democracy Is all very well so long
as it Is kept away from the great
masses OF the people.
What the colleges should do is to
resolve themselves into volunteer
birth control leagues-to prevent the
students conceiving thoughts too lib
eral. travelling with them and bring
ing them forth squirming and red
and screaming. into the world. The
sort OF philosophy which we need
is the philosophy which will breed
philosophers who will give us more
of the same philosophy we have.
The Washington times., 1917-02-14

The recent excursions Of Industrial
leaders into sutobiographical fields
show one thing clearly, that a great
many successful men started out in
what the vocational experts would
term blind alley" jobs.
The Washington times., 1917-02-14

. II is poor sort OF pacifist who does
not feel he may speak for a million
or so people. After considering their
claims, one must conclude that this
country is much more populous than
the Census Bureau would have us be-
lieve.
The Washington times., 1917-02-14

p, The price Of continued neutrality to
nations that refuse to break diplo-
matte relations with the central pow
ers is a group OF sorely overworked
diplomats, entrusted with the affairs
of the nations whose ambassadors
and ministers have withdrawn.
The Washington times., 1917-02-14

Suppose l really made the universe
Over. to fit my mood
My mood would change and Id and
matters worse
ThaP ever: nothing good.
suppose a raging red ant really did
Peeved at some desert question:
Kick down and swallow Khufu's pyra-
mid;
'Twould ruin his digestion.
The Washington times., 1917-02-14

double standard OF morals for the
sexes since the question OF a double
moral standard for nations became q
live issue
The Washington times., 1917-02-14
MIR, FrnnLIIn we'll known Here.

The presence OF Mrs. Henry Frank
lin. OF Baltimore. as accompsnist for
DIR. Merrill Hopl<inson, baritone, in
a song recital given at the home OF
Mrs. David Wright Wilcox here re-
Gently. brought to washington a
musician who has been closely as
The Washington times., 1917-02-14
Don Marquis
Column

The old josh to the effect that "you
can't keep up with the disrill":ies' is
bad logic.
Some one must be keepd,; ur with
them or they'd cut down their pro
duction.
The Washington times., 1917-02-14

Apparently the Administration is as
unwilling TO make a martyr OF
German cores ondent as of a picket
ing suffragist.
The Washington times., 1917-02-14

George Marye. former American
to Russia and Mrs.
Marye will entertain a company Of
twenty this evening at dinner to
meet. the Russian Ambassador and
Nine Bakhmeteff.
Mr.. and Mrs. Marye will be
hosts at dinner on Saturday evening
and on Monday evening, March 3,
they will entertain at dinner for NJ.
and Mrs. Louis Nixon OF New York.
who will come to Washington shortly
to spend several days at the Shore
ham.
Mr.. and Mrs. Perry Belmont viii
be hosts at dinner Saturday evening
when the guests will be invited 10
meet Governor and Mrs. Charles
whitman. of New York. who will
spend the weekend at the Shoreham..
and Mr.. and Mrs. Louis Nixon. The
Brazilian Ambassador and Nine. da
Cana, will give a dinner Sunday
evening for Governor and Mrs. Whit
man.
Several parties planned for today
have been postponed for various rea-
sons. The luncheon which Mrs.
Parker West, wife of Major West, was
to have given today for Mrs Edward
James McClernand, who is spending
several months at the Grafton, has
been postponed until next month. Mrs.
$. c. Neale and her daughter, Miss
Catherine Burdette, have recalled the
Invitations for the tea which they
were to give today, as did Mr.. and
Mrs. Walter Dwight Wilcox, who
were to entertain at a dinner dance
this evening in honor 'of Miss Janet
Heron, the debutante daughter OF
Assistant Attorney General and Mrs.
William G. Heron. Mr.. Wilcox left
Washington Unexpectedly for CLIhA.
The Washington times., 1917-02-14

a layman and a music lover ex.
pressed the desire recently that the
public be more consistently considered
In all the song recitals given here.
His protest was about the absence on
the program of translations OF the
songs given by soloist in many Ian
guages, which in one instance in
cluded those in Russians language
Stne most cultured hearer may be Jus
tined in asking a translation of.
The Washington times., 1917-02-14

With music that fully expresses the
tragedy. yet It is as a literary and
dramatic work that Iris" makes its
strongest appeal. The libretto is by
Luigi Illica and the English version
by w. G.. Day.
The Pulaskian., 1917-03-23
U. s. PREPARES FOR
 WAR WITH GERMANY
PRESIDENT AUTHORIZED ExPEN.
 DlTuRE OF S115,ooo,ooo TO SPEED UP CONSTRUCTION.

Washington. on.--Preparation for az gressive action by the navy against the German submarine menace began at the direction of President Wilson.
 The president authorized the expen- diture of the s115, 900 emergency fund provided by Congress to speed up naval construction and pay for special additional war craft, and the suspension of the eight-hour labor law in plants engaged on navy work.
 Immediately afterward Secretary Daniels ordered the New York navy yard to begin building 50 submarine chasers of the 110-foot type, to be completed in from 50 to 80 days.
 While the energies of the navy will be concentrated for the present on ef- forts to get into commission craft de signed particularly to destroy subma- rines and guard the coast, warship building generally will be speeded up under the recent agreement with pri- vate builders and with the funds now made. available.
 A ldl AuluUSl Ol ONHSQ motor craft available for navy use may be drawn upon at any time Re tired navy officers have been at work along the Atlantic Coast surveying boats for month. Contracts have been made for their purchase and a telegraphic order will make them gov ernment property overnight.
 Navy officials estimate that within four months fleet of 1000 patrols and chasers will be ready for action It is planned to assemble the volun- teers within a few days to begin actual operations as a matter of train ing, pending orders from the presi- dent for complete mobilization.
 In this connection officials say it is planned to establish a submarine. proof patrol of the American coast, insuring safe passage to and from American ports for all ships Since the visit of the German submarine U-33 to Newport last summer made it clear that the underwater craft could ope- rate across the Atlantic, it is believed necessary to provide for protection of American harbors in the event of war.
 Informal negotiations will be start ed for working agreement with the British and French patrol squadrons now endeavoring to protect ships passing through the German subma. rine zone. It is planned to make American waters safe against subma. rines for all ships, with the under. standing that American ships will re, ceive full protection in the zones from patrols of the allies. The plan would necessitate the interchange of infor. nation as to the routing of merchant craft to and from across the Atlantic
The Pulaskian., 1917-03-23
GRANT 8-HOUR LAW.
 STRIKE CALLED OFF
RAILROAD MANAGERS AUTHOR HEED MEDiATORS TO NAME
 TERMS FOR SETTLEMENT

New York.-The Conference Con- mittee of Railroad Managers author ized President Wilson's mediators to make whatever arrangements were necessary with the railroad brother hoods to call off the threatened strike.
 The formal letter in which this au- thorization was made, signed by Eli sha Lee, chairman of the Managers Committee, was as follows:
 "In the national crisis precipitated by events of which we heard, the na- tional conference committee of rail roads joins with you in the convic- tion that neither at home nor abroad should there be fear or hope that the efficient operation of the railroads of the country will be hampered or im- paired
 Therefore, you are authorized to assure the nation there will be no strike, and as basis for such assur- ance, we hereby authorize the com mittee of the Council of National De fense to grant the employees who are about to strike, whatever adjustment your committee deems necessary to guarantee the uninterrupted and effi- cient operations of the railroads as an indispensable arm of national de- fenSe."
 Secretary Lane, one of the media tors, issued this statement:
 'Regardless of the decision of the Supreme Court on the Adamson law, the basic eight-hour law will go into effect
 "The details are being worked upon by a joint committee, which will have it's negotiations completed by noon."
 The decision referred by the man. agers at their midnight conference means that the brotherhood have won an important victory, although it does not bring them all their original de mands. By the agreement, it Is as sumed, they will be awarded pro rata time on the basic eight-hour day which they have been assured.
 Their original demands called for time and a half for overtime on the same basic day.
 The men will get their present pay for 10 hours for eight hours work, un- der the agreement. These conces- sions on the part of the managers are virtually what the employees contend ed they would gain under the Adam son law, if it were declared constitu- tional.
 Immediately after Secretary Lane had made his announcement the brotherhood leaders sent telegrams to all the chairmen informing them that the strike had been declared off.