davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New-York tribune., 1917-12-28
Secretary Clears Up
Financing Problems

One Of the most important points
cleared up by the Secretary, so far as
railroad financing is concerned, re-
lated 10 future financing Of the roads.
Al maturing obligations must be met
by the corporations themselves, prob
ably By selling new securities. 1t was
pointed out that II Congress enacts
legislation carrying out the Presi-
dents suggestion that the roads
should be paid a sum equal to the
average net operating income Of the
three years ended June 30, 1917, there
should be no difficulty about arranging
the sale Of refunding bonds.
And there is little doubt here that
Congress will enact virtually what the
President has proposed
40 new financing will be necessary
on the part Of the roads. If new
equipment is needed or new terminals
or whole new lines the government
will proceed with the work. At the
time when the roads are handed back
70 their owners, or az the time when
the government finally takes over the
roads. whichever is the case, adjust
ments will be made for the improve
ments which are regarded as over and
above normal requirements, and keep
ing the road in the same condition in
which 10 was taken over.
j was estimated here to-day that
the financing which the roads must
do during 1918 70 cover maturing obli-
cations will amount 10 about
$26OO00 600
The Secretary made It plain that he
regarded the proclamation Of the Pres
!dent IN taking over the railroads as
entirely suspending during the period
Of government operation of the anti
Iooling laws. and the antitrust laws.
He declared the roads would be op-
Grated as one big system as quickly as
The necessary changes in habits and
normal routine could be made.
New-York tribune., 1917-12-28
Won't Rush In Like a Bull
in a China Shop,
He Says
Priority Orders
To Be Cut Down
Elimination of Competition
VIII Add to Lines War
Efficiency
[Stof Correspondence


WASHINGTON, C. 27.-Director
General McAdoo is going to run the
railroads. Any one who wishes or
wills may make suggestions, and these
suggestions will be taken into con-
sderation. But nobody is going to is
sue any orders that must be obeyed-
hat is-nobody but Mr.. McAdoo. This
applies TO the Interstate Commerce
Commission. the railroads war board.
The fuel administration. the food ad-
ministration, priority experts and
everybody else.
Mr.. McAdoo made this quite clear
in an informal conference with news
paper men tonight. He issued a short
formal statement, and then replied to
all questions put TO him, the answers
10 most Of them being that he had
not had time TO discuss details with
the men who knew, that for the pres
ent certainly the operating chiefs Of
the roads would be undisturbed. and
that he did not intend to rush in Ike
a bull in a china shop.
The new director general thinks
that a lot Of good can be accom-
plished in a very short period by two
things-cutting down the priority or
ders 10 virtually nothing and elimina-
ton Of the desire on the part Of thS
railroad men TO obtain all the high
priced traffic possible for their own
lines. instead Of letting the traffic fol-
low the line which can handle 1t most
expediuously. and which happens TO
have the least congestion.
New-York tribune., 1917-12-28

GREAT BEAR SPRING WATER.
It's Purity LA AAds u FauagA"-lAyt.
New-York tribune., 1917-12-28
String TO Belgium Promise

Apparently, Belgium Is promised
other German demands are met. But
New-York tribune., 1917-12-28
WEATH E r

Loudly. not 60 cold to-day; fair fnd
colder tomorrow; moderate
eouth winds.
Pull Report on Page !;
New-York tribune., 1917-12-28

have the least congestion
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1917-10-18
THE STORY TELLER.
SAFETY FIRST.

EX-Congressmnn Martin Littleton tells
the story of a railway that was built
through an obscure part Of the West.
where no railway had ever had the hardi-
hood 20 venture before. On the day the
first engine ren over the line with its
train. the engineer. on pulling ont from
a small way station, discovered that a
country boy was riding a horse bet .yetn
rho rails short distance ahead.
The engineer sounded his whistle again
and again, but the rider only dashed his
horse into a gallop. and made no eftoit
to turn off into the farm lands that
f!Infed the right of way. At the end
o. mile-long chase, the engine was so
close upon the laboring horse that tho
cowcatcher almost touched its heels. The
pestered engineer leaned out of his cab
window and yelled:
You idiot! Why don't you get off the
track?'
Over his shoulder the frightened youth
flung back a desperate retort: Nav. sir!
Eff ever you git me out yander on that
thar ploughed ground you'll ketch me in
a minute!''-The Youths Companion.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1917-10-18
IN THE RANKS,

The son Of the well-to-do family had
recently joined up as a private. and was
spending his Christmas leave at home.
Returning from a walk his mother espied
a figure in the kitchen with the house
maid. Clarence" she called to her son
'Mary's got some one in the kitchen.
She knows perfectly we'll that don't
allow followers. I wish you'd 60 and
tell the man to leave the house at once"
Clarence duly departed to the kitchen.
but returned in about half a minute.
Sorry. mother. but can't turn him
out" Cant turn him out? Why on
earth not?" Hes my sergeant!"-Sat-
urday Night
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1917-10-18
OF HIS OWN ACCORD.

Ibid I understand you to say that
this lad voluntarily confessed to play
ing truant?" asked a school attendance
officer, addressing the mother Of a
small and dirty boy. Yes. sir. he did,"
the woman replied. II Just had to per-
suade him little. and then he told me
the whole thing voluntarily" How
did you persuade him?" well. first,
gave him a good hiding" said the par
emit, land then put him to bed with
out any supper. and took his clothes
away. and told him he'd stay in bed till
he confessed what he's done. and that
should punish him again In the morn
ing. And in less than half an hour he
told me the whole story Of his own ac-
rd."-Philadelphia Star.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1917-10-18

TWENTY-FIVE NATIONS AT WAR.
what countries are now engaged in this
world war. In this connection it is to
be borne in mind that while some nations
have taken steps which would have meant
war at one time. new conditions have re-
suited from this great struggle. AS a re-
suit while soma nations are actual bellig-
erents. others have largely confined their
operations up to this time to a declara-
ton of war. while still others are only
acknowledgements. having merely broken
off diplomatic relations with Germany or
having shown their antagonism in va
rious other ways short Of actual partic-
ipation in hostilities.
The eighteen countries at war with Ger
many or her allies are Russia, France,
Great Britain. Italy. Belgium. Serbia Mon
tenegro Roumania. Portugal, Greece. San
Marino. Cuba. Penama. Siam. Liberia,
Japan, China and the United States. The
revolted tribes Of Arabia are also doing
effective service against Turkey.
Diplomatic relations with Germany have
been broken by Brazil. Bolivia, Haiti,
Honduras, Nicaragua and Uruguay, with
Peru as good as cut off from Germany
by unfriendly acts.
Argentina has broken relations with Lux
burg. the German representative, but not
with Germany herself. the executive hav-
ing failed to approve Of the legislative
act of war on account at Luxburgs re-
markable affronts. This means that prac-
tically all of South America is anti-Kais-
er, at least in spirit, il not in deed.
The countries allied with Germany are
Bulgaria and Turkey.
These are usually called the central pow
ers or Teutonic allies.
In short. there are no less than twenty
two belligerent countries at this time,
while seven other nations have broken
diplomatic relations with Germany, or
taken position antagonistic to the Teu-
ton.
1t seems remarkable thing that the
Teutonic allies have been able to with
stand the tremendous combination of
powers arrayed against them. until you
stop to think that Germany had been pre-.
pairing for this struggle for decades. Its
men have been subject to intensive mil
itary training. with vast storehouses OF
ammunition and all sorts of war sup
plies long provided. shell cases having
been found on the battlefield that were
made as long ago as 1903. A gang of rob.
bers can overcome a host of unarmed
people. but when citizens are finally
aroused. long preparedness can be over.
come by the mere cumulative effect OF
superior numbers Of improvised defend.
ers OF life and property.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1917-10-18

war income tax law. There is allowed .
personal exemption of only $1,000 p'us -"
additional $1,000 IL the taxpayer be e'ther
a married person living with HUSBAND or
wife. or other head of a family. IL IL III
ferred. although a treasury decision on
this point may be required later. that 'he
$500 exemption for each dependent chiid
may increase the personal exemption un-
der the war income tax law as we'll as
under the 1915 act.
The practical effect of these provisions
is that an income Of $1,000 or less - not
taxed. On income exceeding $1,000. tax
payer with no family to support pays the
new two per cent normal tax which Is
levied by the war income tax law. A
taxpayer with a family pays this two
per cent. normal tax on income exceeding
$1,000, or exceeding a higher figure II
there are any dependent children. The term
| Income" is used to indicate taxable In
| come or that which is subject to tax I'M
der the law, and excludes such as may
be tax-free. as interest on State. munich
, pal and practically all federal bond is
sues.
The old normal tax Of two per cent i'm
posed by the 1916 act takes effect after the
income exceeds 5000. For those with
families. 1900 is the exemption. or a
higher figure IL there are any dependent
children. From this point the total nor
NAL tax is four per cent.
When the income exceeds 5000, It be.
comes liable to the new surtax rates lev
led by the war income tax law. When
the income exceeds $4,000. the old sur
taxes imposed by the 1916 act also become
operative.
1t will be noted that the old and the new
normal taxes. and the surfaces imposed
by each of these laws. are calculated in
dependently, and that the total amount
of tax to be paid on an individuals incom,
is the sum total Of all or any of thes,
normal taxes or surtaxes which may b
applicable.
Let US now apply these general state
ments to specific cases. assuming tina
tho amount Of taxable income stated Is un
der consideration; or in other words, tina
the exemptions have been deducted. !
person having taxable income or $500
would pay a total tax Of $50 under tn
act of 1917 and none under the act Of 1915
Taxable income Of $4,000 would pay ia:
Of $40 under the act Of 1917 and none un
der that of 1916. Taxable income of IS ,0C
would pay tax Of four per cent or s.
under the act Of 1917 and $40 under tn
act of 1916 and SO on.
Interest derived from the new Libert
-four per cent. bonds is free from norma
tax but subject to surtax on all amount
of these bonds exceeding 5000 par value
Liberty four not to exceed 5000 par valu
are thus exempt from all income tax an
interest therefrom should not be include
in taxable income" On any amount {
these bonds exceeding 5000 par value. tn
normal tax should be deducted. as in tn
case of dividends. from the total amour
of tax due.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1917-10-18
DETAILS OF THE INCOME TAX LAWS

DETAILS OF THE INCOME TAX LAWS
We find that in Vermont as elsewhere
considerable uncertainty prevails in re-
lation to the effect of the new war rev.
enue tariff act upon the taxation Of in
dividual incomes. The war income tax
law just enacted levies tax rates In ad-
dition to the tax rates imposed by the
act passed last year. which applied to
income for We year 1916 The 1916 act 10
thus supp.e =, anted but is not repealed.
Income for tlc calendar year 1917. there
fore, is subject to the rates imposed by
the two laws.
Each of these two statutes levies nor.
NAL tax of two per cent Graduated sur
taxes or so-cal.sd additional rates, which
differ widely under the two laws. are al
so levied on successfully higher ranges Of
income.
Each law allows the taxpayer a per-
sonal exemption in computing his nor
NAL tax. The amount of this personal
exemption 10 also different under the two
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1917-10-18
VERMONT WHEAT AND FLOUR
PRICES,

Time was when the farmers Of Vermont
as we'll as of other northern States in this
region raised their own wheat and had 1t
ground into -four for their own use. Co
ing TO MILL" was general experience with
farmers boys. With the development Of
the rich prairie land Of the West and the
production of wheat growing to an opera
ton of gigantic proportions as we'll as
science, the time came when the average
farmer of the eastern States found 1t
cheaper to buy flour than to produce it.
This situation resulted in the abandon
ment of the gristmill. and as result the
people of this whole New England came
to depend largely on western flour.
Now we are told that we must begin
producing our own wheat again. Accord
Ing to advices from different sections Of
Vermont there has been material in
crease in the acreage Of wheat in this
State. and If present conditions continue.
wheat-growing may again become one of
the general industries Of this State. We
are already beginning to rely upon the
services of Food Administrator Hoover in
more ways than one. Just now We are
asking him to fix our wheat and other
prices. The aggregate production in this
State would not materially affect prices
Some months later. IL the war continues.
we may be relying upon him to tell US
how many acres Of wheat to sow in YER
mont and elsewhere.
| In the meantime we are informed from
Washington that limitation Of the price
Of -four at the mill and over the grocery
counter is not unlikely to be the eventual
result of an investigation Of the milling in
dustry by government experts. whose
preliminary report is now in the hands
of Food Administrator Hoover.
Although the regulation Of the price Of
wheat by the government has reduced the
cost Of flour to the consumer Sc or 81 a
barrel since last May according to the
food administration, the government In
vestlgation shows that -four sold at re-
tail now at $40 and 81 barrel is still
unduly high. The millers are shown to
have made immense profits in tho recent
flour panic"
For the exorbitant price of flour which
has increased the cost Of bread and caused
great suffering among the poor. the re-
port made to Mr. Hoover blames chiefly
the extravagant selling methods Of the
millers.
III 1t is likely that scarcity OF hour
may arise the effective control Of the price
Of -four is absolutely necessary In order
to prevent bread riots" says the report.
Also under investigation are several
associations Of millers, the government ex-
perts seeking to determine whether prices
are fixed by agreement in this organixa-
ton in violation of the Sherman antitrust
law.
The report submitted to Mr.. Hoover COW
ers the mills west of the Mississippi and
the investigation lis now in progress IN
: States east OF the Mississippi.
Mr.. Hoover hopes to achieve some iur'
: ther reduction in -four prices through the
new system of license regulation and mill
ing rules, but the government investigator
agree that adequate relief can be aHordec
only by fixing the maximum price, to'
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1917-10-18

which measure the authority Of Congress
would b necessary.
'The millers could sell flour much cheap
er and still make a handsome profit in
view Of the great profits from the by-prod-
ucts." said member Of the food admins
tration.
The report made to Mr.. Hoover sum-
marixes the results Of the investigation as
follows:
"Flour milling is liquid type Of manu-.
featuring. The turnover is rapid. The in
vestment in plant and machinery is also
small in comparison with the volume of
business and value Of output. As a re-
suit profit Of a few cents a barrel may
make a handsome return on the invest
ment in the business.
1.-THE cost Of making and marketing
barrel Of -four. excluding the cost Of wheat
and packages but including general and
selling expenses. in a majority of cases
ranges from forty to sixty cents. 1t
the cost exceeds the latter figure 1t is gen.
orally due to special circumstances. such
as curtailed production or excessive SELL
ing expenses resulting from heavy adver-
Using. etc. Roughly the operating cost
continues about half of the total COST In
the smaller mills It constitutes a larger
proportion Of the total cost than It does
in the larger mills.
Satisfactory profits for the fiscal years
1911 are shown by practically all Of the
mills thus far seen. The latest fiscal
year was a record breaker for earnings.
Profits Of more than 30 or 40 per cent. on
| investment appear to be quite common.
During the months of July and August.
| 1917 however. the northwestern millers
curtailed production and liquidated stocks
on account of the uncertainties of the fu-
ture. with the result that costs jumped
UP rapidly and losses were taken, espe-
cially by the largest companies with a
heavy overhead. The Washburn-Crosby
company claims to have lost over $500, 00t
in July and the Pillsbury Flour Mills com.
pany over 100000. Both companies ex.
pect heavier LOSSES in August. These losses
could have been avoided had more prompt
action been taken on the food BILL
Judging from results experienced thus
far Americans still have much to Learn
concerning food regulation and the artifl
cial fixing of prices. This is especial,
true Of flour. Meanwhile Vermont is no
likely to raise too much wheat the com
variety Of ways with even cracked corr
selling at $3.50 per hundred pounds ii
places like Burlington.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1917-10-18
THAT WELL KNOWN TOWN.

me geography lesson was about to be-
gin and the subject Of It was France. Ac-
cord'ngly the teacher started in with the
question: Now In this present terrible
war who Is our principal allyn" France"
came the answer from a chorus Of voices.
quite right" said the teacher. "Now.
can any OF you give me the name of a
town IN France?" A small boy at the
BACK OF the class almost fell over in his
easerness TO tell. Somewhere" he said.
breathlessly. -Pittsburgh Chronicle Tele-
graph.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1917-10-18
FURTHER SAVING POSSIBLE.

FURTHER SAVING POSSIBLE.
why do you live in the country
Smith,"
so as TO saveemoney."
Food cheaper, eh?"
mot much saved that way"
How. them"
"Well no theatres, $50 a year; no sweil|
restaurant dinners. 500 a year: no taxi-|
cab fares. $50 year; no distractions Of
any kind. more saving. Get the idea?"
'Um. yes. But look here, old nah.
couldn't you save more money II you
died ?"-The Boston Transcript.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1917-10-18
BUY A BOND.

II you love your country free,
Buy bond.
II you'd strike for victory.
Buy bond.
II a votary of Mars
Who'd give Wilhelm sundry>tars
Minus unbecoming scars,
Buy bond.
II you cannot sail the air,
Buy a bond.
II you can't the khaki wear.
Buy a bond.
II you would support the ones
Who direct your Uncle's guns
BE sport and take the plunge,
Buy a bond.
Nellie l.. Harry.
Westford. VI.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1917-10-18

time. by amendment Of the 1916 act. an
additional exemption Of 500 for each de-
pendent child. II under Is years of age
or incapable Of self-support because of
mental or physical defect.
The exemptions are smaller under the
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1917-10-18

laws. Under the 1916 act the personal sx-
emption is 5000. plus an additional $1,000.
or a total of $4,000. ~ the taxpayer be
either married person living with hus-
band or wife. or other head of family.
There IL also allowed now for the first
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1917-10-18

Admiral Henry T. Mayo, who shines In
the Vermont naval galaxy with Dewey
and Clark. has returned from his confer
snce with British and French naval au-
Shorities to report to President Wilson.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1917-10-18
CONSULTING AN AUTHORITY,

Here, Johnny" said the father. what
are you doing in that bookcase?"
II want to find a history of the Unitsd|
States"
what for?"
well, Billy Jenkins says Tim Riley
pitched for the Nationals last year. and I
want to find out IL he did."-Kansas City
Independent.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1917-10-18
NO ROOM FOR CHOICE.

First Little Girl-Your papa and mam>
ma are not real parents. They adopted
you.
Second Little Girl-Well, that makes ID
all the more satisfactory. My parents
picked me out. and yours had to take you
just as you came.-Exchange.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1917-10-18
so FOOLISH OF HIM.

Il suppose. your son broke himself down
at college football
mo. indeed; the doctor said what gave
him nervous prostration was trying to
get his lessons between the games."-Ths|
Boston Transcript.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1917-10-18
Nc CAMPING GROUND

A peppery dame from Northampton
In trolley car got her feet trampton,
She cried out "Oh! OH! Oh!!!
You old fool. you must know
My feet are not here to be campton."
The Boston Transcript.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1917-10-18
CHTTTENDEN COUNTY TRUST COMPANY.
That Disputed Bill

II you had paid 1t with a check there
would be no dispute. Pay biiis-aii
bills-by check and be safe. We will
be glad to have you open checking
account with this Bank.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1917-10-18
SIZES TO FIT ALL,

Lady (entering bank. very business-|
like)-"I wish to get liberty loan bond
for my husband" Cle-k-"What sizes
please?" "Why. don't believe know. ex>|
actly. but he wears fifteen shirt."-Ths|
Indianapolis Star.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1917-10-18
OUR KALEIDOSCOPE.
TRUE PATRIOT.

"Why don't you get an alienist to exj
anime your SOM"
mo. sir! An American doctor is good
enough for me."-The Baltimore Amer
lean.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1917-10-18
BURLINGTON

j.
4 Coeka 4. =. J. r.
The Celina Democrat. (Celina, O. [Ohio]) 1895-1921, 1917-10-26
MERCER CO. BOYS
BUY THE BONDS

Lieutenant E. F. Marx writes the st.
Marys Evening Leader from Camp Sher-
idan givin gthe list of Liberty bond buy
ers in Company K. among which are in
cluded the names of some of our Mercer
county boys. The list follows:
Harley Winans, Vern Schmidt, John
Geiger each purchased four $50 bonds.
Elry Hudson, Joseph Fisher, Gerard Cra-
mer, Hiram Casperson, Clarence Bonifeld,
Otis Fannon each three $50 bonds. Dew
ey Boice; Arthur Maze, Harold Krauss,
Henry Vorhees, Earl Munich, Nathan Tee
nyanof, Fred Bradford, Clifford Wright,
Capo Ruley. John Kuhns, Lewis Harmon,
Earl Walters. Raymond Crouch, Jerome
Bensen, Edward Schwartz. Henry Kogge,
Cloyse Flemming, Simpson Pepper. each
two $50 bonds. he following each one $50
bond: Fred Sullivan, Joe Cramer, Alex
Weise, George Pratt, Russell Marian, Tho
mas Needles, Harry Hudson, George Gus
ter, Gerald Jeffries, Norbert Kohler, Alva
Goodwin, o. r. Hight. Everett Colehaus,
Raymond Baker, Leo Glynn. Gilbert Gers
tner, William Caldwell, Manhel Walters
and Bob Horn.