davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-12
Lincoln
{ The Tribune.

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: By his noble life this man Of God
builded a monument to his immortal honor
which towers up to heaven, not of perishable
stone but character, which will forever radi-
ate the light of truth and holy inspiration to
genuine Americanism.
He bought with sacrifice and suffering the
legacy he bequeathed to Columbia a united
country of progressive civilization. Could
he behold present conditions, would such be
indicative Of this generations appreciation
Of the price paid for America?
There was a strange April day when the
very angels wept Natures anthems were
ceaselessly sounding with startling modula-
tons of minor harmony. Songbirds futed
melodies fraught with tears. weird winds
moaned sad requiems of regret, branches in
forests wrthed with apparent pain. Scores
Of thousands of iron-faced veterans were
mourning with heart aches and bowed heads
while bands discoursed solemn dirges-the
man they reyered and loved had been muir
dered by cowardly treason, crucifed for lib
erty and union. Men whose eyes had been
dry OF tears for years in the trenches of
Petersburg and the Wilderness we're sobbing
with grief for the tragedy.
The spirit of Abraham Lincoln still wildly
lives with patriots throughout the universe,
as we'll as America, to defy rotten politics
and hypocritcsl assumptions which infest
this nation as every other. Honest citizen
ship is the remedy alone which can success
fully contend with selfish political manipula-
tons OF the present day, with martyred Lin
coin our example.
"If God is with us, who can prevail against
?" The monument Of Lincolns character
is an educator 20 humanity and manhood Its
prismRtic point reaches far above memorials
OF kings and emperors or any other celebrity
in this nations history. So his Creator took
him to Himself from the agonies of a mar
tyr's death. C. f. HARRINGTON.
Bradford, Penn, Feb. 6, 1917.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-12

far the losses this month exceed those of
January by more than 40 per cent. This
is sufficiently disquieting, but there are
some compromising considerations. For
though in nine days sixty-elght ships fell
victims TO submarines or mines, the num-
Der of arrivals and departures recorded at
British ports in the same period exceeded
100.
It is not unlikely that the German popu-
lace Is disappointed at the results achieved
so far. for with indscriminate attacks on
neutrals it was doubtless expected that
greater damage would be done. 1t may be
noted particularly that the British ships
sunk numbered less than one-third Of the
total. There is no reason to believe that
the losses exceed the expectations of the
British Admiralty, and it may be hoped
that before it is too late means will be
found to deal with the growing menace.
Unfortunately, for the last two months the
daily rate of destruction has been kept up
to a dangerous height, and we have 10
good reason to hope for a sudden decrease.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-12
WHAT is AN OVERT ACT?
The Technical Drowning of 49 Passengers
and Crew Needs Explanation

To the Editor Of The Tribune
Sir: I notice in dispatch by The Asso-
ciated Press from Washington that prelim-
mary reports regarding the sinking of va
rious vessels are held to contain technical
evidence" of violation of American rights
We must conclude therefore, that the two
sailors who have so far been murdered IN
the latest development of submarine piracy
are only technically" citizens Of the United
States; that American ships are only tech
nically" held in port, while the government
tremendously washes its hands Of response
bilty for them, lest possible cause of offence
be offered to Germany; that in drowning
forty-nine Of the passengers and crew of the
California Germany has only committed a
technical" violation Of those laws OF hui
manity for which Mr.. Wilson has expressed
so much concern in so many notes.
The Administration could perform no
greater service to a country anxious 70 ur-
derstand the situation, and eager to act IN
accord with its highest traditions, but at
present becoming ever more and more be-
fuddled, than by putting forward a cleai
and straightforward definition of what ey-
actly is to be understood by that mag C
phrase IAN overt act ). W.
New York, Feb. 9, 1917.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-12
A Patriot

Those Of us who have had no none
tary dealings with Uncle Sam have never
put our patriotism TO the acid test. The
old gentleman is such slow pay at times
that his neglect amounts 10 reputation
of his debts. He is also basely migrate
full, legalistic old skinfint. To come into
personal contact with this hateful side Of
him, to suffer from his want of apprecia-
ton and penuriousness, and still to love
him is to be a simon-pure, blown-in-the-
glass patriot.
Revionlow Spohn, of Pittsburgh, is such
a patriot, and in according him this title
we are making due allowance for the
wealth Of irony which turks in his offer
TO the nation Mr.. Spohn has been fight
ing for fifty-three years TO collect back
pay for the six months and seventeen
days of his service with the Union army
in the Civil War. Now he has informed
Congress of his willingness that this
money, so completely earned, so con-
temptibly withheld, should be contributed
to the national defence.
I'm too old to fight and | haven't any
money" writes the aged veteran. But 1
can give up my claim to aid the defence
work"
The deliberate patriotism in this offer
offsets the unconscious satire involved.
Henry Ford would put his fortune and
Colonel Roosevelt his life and the lives Of
his sons land at least one son-in-law) at
the country's disposal in case of war.
But here is a man who, having once
courted death for an ungrateful nation,
now offers Internationally his last re
naming possession of military value-a
claim, half a century old, of back pay in
the army!
Surely the widows mite was no more
grateful in the sight Of the Lord.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-12
A Makeshift

The universal training bill reported by
the Senate Committee on Military Affairs
is well enough in a way. 1t would have
been useful if it had been passed a year
ago. But it is inadequate now. 1t IS not
an emergency measure. 1t does not meet
the situation which confronts the country.
The bill seeks to create a military re-
serve. But what is needed now is not a
reserve, but first line. So long as we
have no first line, a reserve will be more
or less of military luxury.
Congress ought TO take steps at once to
create an army. The regular force is
down to about 100000 in strength. 1t
seems hardly possible to recruit it TO the
peace strength authorized by the Hay law
let alone the war strength mentioned in
that. make-beleve scheme of army reOr-
ganization.
The National Guard is also below peace
strength. There is little prospect that it
can be expanded to more than three times
its present size, even if it were desirable
in a military sense to depend upon state
militia, imperfectly federalized, for first
line service.
The only other recourse under our pres
ent system is to volunteers, raised directly
by the government. 1t is obvious that the
volunteer system cannot be safely depend
ed upon to expand the regular establish
ment and the state guards and at the same
time to supply new outside regiments.
There is only one ample source of military
material for armies as large as those
which we ought to be creating now, and
that source is conscription.
Consumption should be depended upon to
fill the ranks Of first line as we'll as the
ranks of the reserve. Until Congress au-
thorizes CONSUMPTION on a nationwide
scale we shall never get anywhere with
the job of creating real army and a real
military system.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-12
Kayalla

To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: In view of the recent events VINCE 81
now causing such widespread excitement
think it only right to call the attention '
your paper to Kavalls, that brave Little GOV.
try which but a short time ago sho"s' "
Europe what true patriotism might m.
and gave an example Of bravery ana e0 '.. :,
unparalleled in the history OF tnst p"'
the world. America has always been
ton generous in its praise Of a smaller ~ ~
try. and when. as shown in havals' ,hO. ~,
uals will perform heroic deeds Tor t e
of their land and make the final saerlnSs,
as Americans, should speak out SO 'H''
Greece and the Balkans may hear
| was glad 10 see that certain p,O'h. ~
figure in politics recently commented %
last stirring picture in the KALEIDOSCOPE 49,
the great war, and said those WORDS ~,
am sure found echo IN many 4.
throughout the country: "kayslia Is ~
world the embodiment OF eohvleuo. 49,
patriotism. a lesson to Eastern hurop "a.
smaller powers must and will fores.
their entity against overwhelming oou
Averne. L. l., Feb. 7, 1917.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-12
Prohibition in Practice
itor of The Tribune.

To the Editor of The Tribune
Sir: The Rev. James V. Chalmers thinks
that the undisputed fact that the law pro-
hibiting the sale Of liquor in this city on
Sunday is openly violated is an argument in
favor of prohibiting its sale on the other six
days of the week. His logic seems to run
this way: 1--WE have an absolute prohibition
law on one day each week. This law has
never been enforced, even under reform
Mayors Strong, Low and Mitchell and re-
form District Attorneys Jerome and Whit
man. Therefore, let US enact law prohb-
ting the sale of liquor on weekdays as well
as on Sunday
If all the powers of the State Excise
Board, the city Police Department, and the
District Attorneys Office cannot enforce the
Sunday closing law, how does DR.. Chalmers
expect that seven days closing law can
be enforced? This is not question of regu-
laton. There is absolute prohibition of
liquor selling on the first day Of the week.
II it is impossible TO enforce this prohibit
ton, why delude ourselves with the notion
that by extending the law to the entire week
IL will then become enforceable?
WHIDDEN GRAHAM.
New York, Feb. s, 1917.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-12
Tax the Rich Spenders

To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: The letter Of your correspondent b. VI.
Briggs, suggesting that high tax be imposed
on imported Injuries, and that such tax
would or should materially serve to reduce
the tax on articles which the average man
needs, deserves repetition and discussion.
Your correspondent strikes a note which
should be heard by those whom we have dele
gated TO raise the moneys needed to run our
government 1t will be comparatively easy
TO exact greater toll from people who de-
light in and want imported luXuries, such
as diamonds. automobiles, silks and ostrich
and other exotic plumes so dear TO the heart
of the milliners Of the elite. ! understand
that many varieties of the latter are even
prohibited from entry into this country, yet
we see them nodding gayly on the headgear
of the fair spenders. There is a leak. no
doubt, in the tariff dixie. which the govern
ment can stop with profit We may well
let all come, but let them pay.
Our fellow citizens who crave these for
eign Injuries are of the class which, when it
wants thing, wants it very hard and is able
to get it. They feel that their social stand
ing is enhanced by the possession and dis
play Of such articles. IL could not be claimed
that legislation imposing large taxes on these
is confscatory or even class legislation. The
rights of our rich spenders are not abridged,
and the poor spender. whose name is legion,
may be deferred from INDUCING in things he
has no right to buy.
Our friends in Washington who sit up
nights trying to figure out where we are go
ing to get our next dollar TO meet the ever
growing flood OF government expense might
well consider this very fruitful source of ad-
ditional revenue. But let them keep il dark
from the Congressional spenders how easy
this increment was gotten, lest, following the
old adage Of easy come, easy co. this easy
increment is lost to the consumer Of the ordi-
nary things of life.
Let the rich spender help the
JUDICIOUS SPENDER.
New York, Jan. 80, 1917.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-12
The Medical Director of the Navy


The medical corps of the navy has always
been less popular than the same depart
ment in the army for to most men, particu-
larly those with family ties, the conditions
Of active service in the navy present many
obvious disadvantages. 1t should be the
aim of those in authority, therefore, to Of
fer every possible inducement to attract
young medical graduates to the service, or
at least to refrain from repelling them
Just at this time the United States Senate
has it in its power to benefit greatly the
medical corps such an opportunity as IT has
never had before and as possibly IL viii!
never have again. If i confirms the Pres
idents appointment of his relative by mar
rage and his personal physician, young
man Of thirty-nine years and Of slender
experience in the duties of the service 10
the position OF medical director with the
rank and pay Of rear admiral, boosting him
over the heads of more than one hundred
ranking officers, IL will make the naval
medical corps the least desirable of all
branches OF medical service under the
United States government. II il refuses TO
confirm the nomination II will 90 far TO
make it one Of the most popular by showing
that here at least kissing does not go by
favor, even the favor Of the commander in
chief Of the naval forces OF the United
States.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-12
A Nomination To Be Beaten

A Republican filibuster such as has
been threatened ought not to be necessary
to beat the confirmation Of DIR. Grayson's
appointment as Medical Director Of the
Navy. His unftness for this place, the
favoritism displayed by the President in
making the nomination, the injustice of it
TO the hundred and more men Of fine at
tainments and honorable record over whose
heads he was to be jumped, and the conse-
quent decentralization Of the service-a pos
siRility bad enough at any time, but at this
particular time utterly deplorable-have
been sufficiently demonstrated so that the
appointment ought to be voted down for
its own inherent badness.
1t seems altogether likely that the Demo
cratic Senators would be glad to wash their
hands of this if they might. What they
do, of course, will depend on what Presi-
dent Wilson does-on the degree to which
he exerts pressure to force confirmation of
the nomination Of his favorite. What
they ought to do is to reject the nomina-
ton, or, at the least, TO let it lapse with
the adjournment Of Congress. Then, if he
really is anxious TO bear the responsibility
for so vicious a piece Of work, the PreSi-
dent might name his physician as a recess
appointee, taking full blame without en-
deavoring to unload some Of it on the
Senate.
In any case it is the duty Of the Repub-
lican Senators and Of Democrats who rank
department efficiency above obedience 10
the desires of their party chief TO oppose
confirmation to the end. Attorney General
Gregory has given his opinion that the
nomination conflicts with the present law.
To argue that it should be ratified because
in his opinion-the law IS unconstitu-
tional, and therefore the appointment
really legal, is a peculiarly devious whip
ping Of the devil around the stump. If
the law is bad, it ought to be repealed.
Meantime it ought not to be violated, even
at a Presidential behest.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-12
Nine Days Losses IN Tonnage

According TO the lists provided by Off
GERS in touch with the British Admiralty,
eghty-nine vessels were destroyed in the
first nine days Of the intensified and unre-
stricted submarine blockade. Of these
twenty-one were trawlers and smacks Of
small tonnage, the total tonnage of the re-
manning sixty-eight amounting 10 $4,000.
n this rate Of destruction can be main
tanned, the tonnage disposed OF by the
end of the year would be about 100000.
The Germans, according TO their own
boasts, expect 10 carry out the work Of de-
gtruction at double the present rate, and it
would DO imprudent TO assume that the
efficiency of the U-boats has already
cached maximum. The so-callcd block
adc Of two years ago increased for awhile
in intensity, and IL is by no means impos-
able that in the next few weeks the num-
Der Of ships sunk will be multiplied. Thus
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-12
A Chance to Economic
itnr Of The Tribune

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: Will it be professional discourtesy
for you to suggest to your able contempt
raries The New York Times" and "The New
York World" chance to retrench in THEN
paper bills? For thirty months they have
made sturdy effort 70 explain the Presi-
dent. | feel sure that | personally have
waded through many thousands Of pages OF
explanations and exeuses-with Of course
laudatons-and, frankly | am getting the
hdgets at the prospect Of four years more on
that diet, both in the Washington dispatches
and the editorial columns Now that real
events are before us, don't you think just
facts might do? What more do those who
admire Mr.. Wilson want? And those who dc
not admire him-will they be changed by
Words II. G..
New York, FEB. 10, 1917.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-12

Yet as n war measure he freed the South
ern slaves, armed many of them and COM
PEELED the Confederacy TO treat them as
soldiers.
He stopped at no legitimate means OF
imposing the Norths will on the South
He accepted assistance from every avail
able quarter. He put the success Of the
cause for which the country was fighting
before every other consideration.
There is lesson in that for us to-day
in our conflict with Germany. If we ain
to reestablish American rights on the
high seas and the sanctity on the seas OF
the lives Of neutrals and non-combatants
we should gladly cooperate with the other
countries which are trying to restore re-
spect for international law and for COM
pacts between nations by crushing the
spirit Of German terrorism and lawless-
ness.
Our cause is their cause. And Ger
man power is still so formidable that a
union Of all the nations whose peace and
safety are threatened by German aggres-
sion is in the highest sense advisable. II
we make war, let us make it in manner
worthy of a proud and powerful nation
with all the devotion, energy and compre-
bensiveness with which Lincoln tried "a
make it from 1861 to 1865.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-12
German Faith in Submarines

"a NCutrGl' 90 The London Tines
The German public no longer believe all the
stories that they are told about submarines
such reports, for instance as that missing
long distance submarines have arrived safely
but that their arrival has been kept secret
by the government for excellent reasons
While, however, it is true that the big sub
marines have not been the success that they
were expected to be, the feverish building of
submarine parts in all the manufacturing
towns which ! have visited is for me con-
elusive evidence that the government shares
the general opinion, which is spreading all
over Germany, that the submarine alone can
snatch victory out Of the present abysmal
gloom. | had a conversation with -, the
well known head Of one Of the largest manu-
featuring concerns in Europe; he is person
ally a strong advocate Of peace at almost any
price. This is what he said to me: while
in Berlin last week ! discussed the military
question and the submarine question with
people who know what is going on. The
point OF view Of our government is that the
war is settling down into starvation match
between Germany and her enemies, and that
the submarine may place Germany in a
position 70 dictate terms. Over 1000
submarines are in course of construction
Three hundred are in use. Fewer than one
hundred have been lost from all causes, in
GLIDING accidents. Submarine crews are be-
ing trained in twelve weeks under the pres
sure of war The submarine is operating in
the southery Atlantic and the Mediterranean,
Communication between Holland and Eng
land continues only by permission of the
German government, which for its own pur-
poses allows certain steamers to run"
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-12
A Wholesale lnternment
tor of The Tribune.

To the Editor of The Tribune. -;
Sir: Great idea, that, TO intern "a as.
and while We are at il let's do II 'nn NO
A little way from Miami, Fla, where Pr ~.
Bll now is. there is a nice, warm ~ 81
large enough 10 build stoekaas .,' an
hold the great --- and ali MS hss a
enough to take in also all the paei c',,s,,,
the German sympathirers, all the Gs s.Iss
from the informed ships and some sec ~
In fact, all those that think Ger"''
don't shut up tight. tvss
They won't need any roof down me" ",
rain they will get will help cool theu Ne
spFrits). and Uncle can afford to ie.s ,f
Keep them there until the end OF "a ~
and wenl wager that by that time 90. x,f
almost a sufficient cause for wisnlhs 80
war; they will appreciate Old GlOp - 90
, ma VIZ .,omssSs s ANrI-HYrHH
Prince Bag. N r. Feb & isiA
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-12
Lincoln

immortal man who neer by word or deed
Essayed 20 win mere plaudits of the crowds,
Mono 10 revere his name now are more proud
Than offspring Of the black slaves his pen
freed.
What our majestic martyrs patience laugh.
In struggle, pain, misfortune, Is not lost;
His fadelcss fame exalts the strife it cost,
And all tho triumphs which his striving
brought;
For twas his model manhood's noble heart
That saved mad men from anarchy's red
thrall.
Blest be that temple built with loving art.
Whore is enshrined his natal cabin small
what apotheOsis more TT has fate
For him. who, humbly born. died truly
great2 LEON MEAD.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-12

NT8TI NIlTFT|
You can purchase merchandise advertised
in THE TRIBUNE with absolute satety-Ior
81 dissatisfaction results in any case M
TRIBUNE guarantees to pay your money PACK
upon request. No red tape. No quibbing. We
make good promptly if the advertiser does not.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-12

-. ,,6 r,,si,b.a daily by Tho Tribune Assocsion
- ~, c,rpsraiion ogden Red President q. NeIno
J,,g,r, vice Prssseut Richard r. waldo Secretary =, a
500 Treasgrer Adde'S Tribune Building. l3t Nassau
street New YCrk. Telephone. Beekmsn 5000
SUBSCRIPTION RATES.-By Mall. Postage Fa1' WV
6ee vi ,,,s -s.Dailv oslty mon - 70
DAILY and sunday. mos 80 Daily ony mon-"'''' 90
paiv and SUNDAY year $50 Dalg only. feet '''' 10
sunday only. months. - sunday ohF' '0"i
roprtcN RATES CANADIAN RATES;
DAILY AID SUNDAY. DAuN AND 9O-'Ds 75
Ole month. - ~ pne nou.n 10
on O5 one year CIV
SUNDAY ONLY. DALI JUL 20
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IN. v,Srfb I % one month. ............ ,.sg
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New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-12

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