davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1918-01-15
LITTLE BENNY,S
NO TIE BOOK
nV I'm Mann
By LEE PAPE
. >>>>>>><
The Park Ave. News.


Weather. People sitting their ashes
that never sifted them before, on az
count OF the colder 1t gets the less yo,
see coal wagons stopping at houses
Spoarts. Last Friday AFTERNOON Sic
Hunts fox terrier Teddy reetched w
and kissed milk Vaughn horse OF
the nose, Sid Hunt saying it proves
he wont be afraid Of wild animals il
case he ever gets chance to chase
eny.
Big Tree Falls Down. The fat tres
next to Sam Crosses house fell dowI
with fearse bang last Satidda,
morning, witch no wonder, ON accoun
of 3 men having bin hitting at It with
axes on perpiss for about han hour
Among those who dident even juml
back wen it fell, being pritty far away
behind a rope, was Benny Potts, Pubs
Simkins, Sid Hunt and Skinny Mar.
tin. -
r Pome by Skinny Martin
Ony Not the Same Shape
Roses Is red
And violets Is bloc.
So in case you wunt to paint them
You'll know how to do.
Intristing Facks About Intristini
People. Leroy Shooster got ali
rife for Krissmas, saying he is VIII
ing to donate 1t to the government to
use agenst the Germins If the COVER
ment asks him for It
For Sale. A box Of berd seed han
full. ON account Of berd having died
and cant eat it II you have n
berd, dogs will eat 1t cheerhlly. SEE
Lew Davis. (Avverti1emint)
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1918-01-15
THE EXAMPLE SHE SETS.

The cOngresSwOman from Montana,
who 'tjust couldn't vote for war;" has
introduced resolution in the house OF
representatives recognizing 1reland's
political independence and putting Ire
land among those countries for whose
freedom we are fighting. along with
Belgium, Serbia and Poland.
Miss Rankin seems to be one OF
those queer Americans who play our
enemies game without perhaps know
ing 1t. They appear to be wholly un-
able to see that to act at this time in
harmony with German propagandists,
Slim Feiners, anti-British conspirators
and other tools of Germany Is to act
against the United States. The charge
has been made in Ireland that the
Sim Feiners were behind the refusal
to sell food to our naval forces; that
they insulted and attacked our sailors
and Missed our flag and our national
anthem.
Ireland Is free from CONSUMPTION and
prosperous as never before, but still
the Sim Feiners censpire and drill
and cheer the kaiser while Ireland
noblest sons are fighting and dying
for Great Britain and for us. How would
we like It II some member Of the Brit
ish parliament (acting on request of
the l. w. WIS of Montana) moved that
recognize the right of Mon
tana to political Independence? Per-
haps Miss Rankin will also introduce
a resolution urging the separation OF
the province Of Quebec from Canada.
What discouraging example Miss
Rankin offers of the political, mental
and patriotic value of woman's partici-
ration in public affairs!
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1918-01-15
PENNY PoLITIcs.

City Solicitor Lowenberg takes q
view of the rate problem which IL en-
tirely unique when he opines that It
is not within the province of the city
council to inquire as to the justice Of
increased prices for electric current
and steam heat which have been es-
tablished arbitrarily by the utilities
concern with the knowledge and ap-
proval Of that same council.
II the council accepts his advice Sc
riously it will say, in effect, to the
public just this:
Eve wanted to make a record as the
friends of the common people, 50 we
stirred up quite a furry over the pas
sage of an ordinance which, on its
face, looked like a big victory for the
public because 1t left the rates I'M
changed for q big majority OF the pa
irons of the company, those whose
monthly bills are So or less apiece. OF
course, IL their bills had been in
creased they could hardly have no
ticed the difference for it would be
limited to pennies. But, you see, it
sounded good and promised fine
campaign argument.
Every bill in excess Of 50 was to be
increased. That was the understand
ing we had.-with the utility company.
but we did not mention it in the Or
dinance. To be sure, we might have
had section fixing maximum rate
and limiting the increases for patrons
whose bills, some of them, run Into
hundreds of dollars monthly. But,
you see, they we're the people from
whom the company had to get the big
increase. The small bills couldn't
have been boosted enough to help
much In the total. We did not make
any detailed inquiries nor insist on
auditing or verification OF the COM
pany's expense figures. We didn't
care about anything, once we we're
sure of that argument about the little
bills.
but We didn't know the company
would make increases Of from 20 to 80
per cent OF course, they are made
now, and we have no way OF showing
that they are Unfair. We don't know
about the company's ousi-
ness. We couldn't be expected to pro
tect the interests Of the whole public.
When you are after votes you must
play the side of the game that pro.
vides campaign arguments.
$50 we will just say we are not re-
sponsible and that the franchise per-
mits the company to charge any rate
1t chooses 80 long as the courts do not
declare 1t unfair. Then we will say
that II any patrons are dissatisfied
they must furnish US proof Of urrair-
ness which will stand In the courts be-
fore they can expect us to interfere
with the lighting company"
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1918-01-15
WANTED: A BIG ARMY.

winston Spencer Churchill and
Senator Kenyon have made two war
speeches this week which deserve
wide attention and serious considera-
IN. Both were talking to Ameri-
cans; Senator Kenyon addressed the
body of which he is a member and
Minister Churchill spoke to the mem
beers of the American Luncheon club
in London.
Both declared that the critical
period Of the world war is at hand,
that the time for talking has passed.
the time for lighting impends and
the need for big American army in
France is vitality urgent.
Coincident with these speeches It
was announced from Washington that
because food shortage is threaten
ing Europe the plan Of the inter-allied
conferees for using every available
ship to carry soldiers overseas was
about to be upset to afford vessels
for the transportation of foodstuffs.
This raises serious question de-
manding the attention OF the ablest
members of our war administration.
Whatever the immediate solution may
by the British minister Of munitions
and Iowa senator can not be minim-
lied with safety. They are in posi-
tons to know conditions at the front.
Mr.. Churchill is a member Of Great
Britain's war cabinet and Mr.. Ken
yon has just returned from an ex-
tended visit to England and France
where he had notable opportunity
to acquaint himself with exact facts.
He says America must have an army
Of 5000, 900 and that two-thirds of that
number should be landed in Europe
and sent to the battle line as rapidly
as ships could carry them. That
means that as yet there is consider
ably less than half enough American
soldiers in France to meet the require
ments. 1t means, also, that unless
there is a decided speeding up imme-
diately our army in Europe will be
too small to play a leading part in the
proposed offensive this spring.
It remains to be seen whether this
is to be an offensive by the anfes or
the Teutons. Here in America we
are hoping that it may be the former,
and 1t Is disconcerting to learn that
in either case our share in the action
will not be as great as it should be
unless conditions improve.
It would be less disconcerting IL
there, were an aggressive. war-making
man in Washington directing the
work of raising and equipping the
army with a capable force of bureau
heads assisting him.
One Of the important things before
congress now is the duty of enacting
legislation which will effect reor-
ganfzation Of this work along lines
which smack OF war rather than Of
pacinsm and neglect.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1918-01-15
for food, ships and many Of the mate

for food, ships and many Of the mate
rails of war.
In view Of this situation the impor.
lance of any step to stabilize, distrib-
ute and accommodate the great labor
economic support of the war, an army
estimated to number some 100000
workers, cannot be overesttmated
Should It become necessary that army
could be conscripted after the manner
Of the military army. But such mea-
sure Is obviously undesirable II an
equal product in labor can be realized
by voluntary service.
It Is with view to making volun-
tary service efficient, to bringing Its
product to the capacity Of a numer-
ically equal service acting under or.
ders, that the United States employ.
ment service. q branch of the govern.
ment under the Jurisdiction of the
labor department, has been reorgan-
lied. Instead of placing itself pas.
sively at the service Of labor as In
peace times It viii enter the field az
gressively and give full recognition to
the problems Of worker and employer
with a view to satisfying the needs Of
both and to setting in motion currents
of supply from the locality or the plant
where there is an oversupply Of men
to the locality or the plant which is
undersupplied.
The proof Of the system win be in
its trial. There is every reason to
hope and expect that 1t contains the
principles of success for application
to the American situation. Not until
it fails after fair trial need other
be considered for this all
side Of the nations war
service,
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1918-01-15
MONROE COUNTY HAS
A FARM BUREAU

Abba, Jan. 1.-THE Monroe County
Farm Bureau is now we'll organized.
Election of officers took place this
week and farmers from over the
county are making use of rooms
County Agent Baxter is getting the
work started in good shape and with
more favorable weather conditions
EiN ~ able to - intA IA -
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1918-01-15
TEACHERS ASK AN
INCREASE IN PAY

Fl. Madison. Jan. ia petition
asking for an increase in wages of 10
per cent has been fled with the board
Of education by the instructors in the
public schools of the city. Every
teacher in the five grade schools of
Fort Madison signed the petition.
It is pointed out in the requests that
the increase in living costs has scared
to such an extent that they can not
exist under the present wage.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1918-01-15
a PROPER STEP.

It is encouraging to learn that the
national board for promotion of rifle
practice has been recognized by the
war department, and it is to be hoped
that as soon Is may be congress will
come to realization Of the import
ance of Just the sort Of preparation
for national emergencies that includes
rifle practice, the manual of arms, mil
itary training and knowledge of the
business of warfare.
Universal military training should
be the law of America. We are real
izing and paying for the lack of pre-
paredness which we failed to estimate
at a fraction of its seriousness until
the nation had entered the war and
we were confronted with the necessity
for raising an army that could be
counted in millions.
Had America been prepared to en-
force the demands for observance Of
the laws of nations which President
Wilson made in his numerous ante
bellum notes to Germany, the kaiser
never would have committed the
crimes which forced us into the world
war.
We did not know how sadly unready
we were. But Germany knew. We
were accustomed to b0asting Of
Americas vast resources and man
power and we grew to believe sincere
ly that we could whip any nation in
the world as quickly, almost, as we
whipped Spain. We have found, in
the nine months we have been at war,
that 1t takes time and vast sums Of
money to raise and train armies, to
manufacture weapons. munitions,
clothing and other equipment. While
we are getting ready to back up the
president in his courageous accept
ance Of the kaiser's challenge hundreds
of thousands of our allies are dying,
governments are tottering to oblivion,
helpless women and children are be-
ing murdered-C Christianity and civil
zatlbn are facing the ultimate crisis in
this war to defend themselves
against assault by their most daring,
strongest and most conscienceless en-
envy.
A revival of interest in rifle practice
among civilians and militiamen is only
a small start toward universal mill
tary training, to be sure, but it is a
step in the right direction.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1918-01-15

saying: Wn9t / mean TO say a00
what want the country to under
stand Is that the troops in France will
be adequately equipped with artillery
and arms"
Then why, in the name of all that Is
sensible and truthful, didn't he say SC
in the first place instead Of leading
the public to understand that every.
thing was as 1t should be and that he
had been the victim of jealous at
tack by uniformed critics?
Within few minutes he admitted
that he must depend on the delay
necessary to train the men after they
reach Europe for q verincation Of his
prophecy that they win be equipped
BY the time they are ready to enter
the trenches.
Stripped Of the inaccuracies and
mis-statements Of fact, his confession
means that soldiers must cross the
Atlantic without proper equipment,
depend on French and English factor
les to equip them, train with no weap.
ons or with some which are not SINH
lar to those they must use in actual
warfare, and then be equipped prop
erly just as they start away from the
training camp to take their places at
the front.
Mr.. Bakers surprising ignorance Of
material and fundamental facts for
which he was asked would of itself be
enough to prove him absolutely un-
equal to the great task which Presi-
dent Wilson put before him. Added
to his ignorance is his absolute failure
to recognize the seriousness Of the
present crisis. which is demonstrated
by the nonchalant manner in which he
took part in the distressing scene Of
yesterday when. he was being Ques-
toned by the senate committee.
1t Is astounding that Mr.. Baker has
been left in once as he has, month
after month, when his inemciency and
inability to meet the smallest require
ments OF his job are 80 patent and
when his failure 10 fraught with such
awful possibilities to the country, its
government and the thousands of
brave men who have pledged their
lives to its defense.
The truth about Mr.. Baker is that
he Is 30 absolutely and entirely use
less that the very extent of his use.
lessness makes it difIicult for the pub
lie to reslize his limitless capacity for
failure.
Years ago, Iowans laughed tn their
sides ached at the Cherry sisters.
Their serious efforts to win applause
as elocutfonists and musicians we're
so pathetically ludicrous that they be-
came rich on the money people paid
for the privilege Of seeing how
awful" they were. At less serious
time than this. Mr.. Bakers enormous
inability to fill his cabinet position
would cause similar amusement.
As 1t Is, public which is coming to
understand the seriousness of the
crisis is amazed that he is permitted
to remain another day to endanger
the nations success in the war,
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1918-01-15
DINNER STORIES

While visiting in the Highlands OF
Scotland last summer little old
English lady. made use Of an ear
trumpet when she attended divine
service. Such contrivance being
entirely unknown in those simple
parts, it caused much excited discus
sion, and finally one Of the elders was
deputed to deal with the lady.
On the following Sunday the I'M
conscious offender again made her
appearance. and again produced the
much-discussed trumpet; whereupon
the chosen elder rose from his seat
and marched down the aisle to where
the old lady sat, and, raising an ad-
monitory finger, said severely:
THE first toot, ye're oot!"
Three o'clock was the very earliest
the man could get up to the store, so
his wife asked him to meet her then.
"T don't know in what department
I shall be at that time" she said,
'but Just before o'clock I will tele-
phone to the clerk at the Information
bureau near the main entrance, ana II
You will just step over and ask HIM
he viii ten you where am"
At two minutes past 8 the man
sought information as to the where
abouts of his wife.
II have a message" said the clerk.
from q woman who said her husband
would inquire for her about o'clock:
Maybe 1t is for you. She said to tell
you she had gone to Blanks store,
over on Sixth avenue, to finish her
shopping, because the clerks in this
store are impudent, the place is Ill
ventilated and she could not ind any
thing she wanted here, anyhow, and
never has been able to md anything
here, and this is positively the last
time she will every try to md any
thing here. OF course, that might not
have been your wife"
"Oh. yes" said the man; that was
her, all right
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1918-01-15
WHAT AMERICA HAS DONE.

Wythe Williams, war correspondent
FOR the New York Times, has written
for Golfers Weekly one of the most
daring and Illuminating articles tina,
has been printed with reference to
the war. He lays bare the reasons FOL
the failure of the gigantic allied often
sive which was planned by Nivelle and
Haig for last summer and which
Field Marshal Haig, in his report on
the years operations, admits frankly
was failure.
Il was Mr.. Williams who warned the
United States and the allies last sum.
mer that Cadorna's army faced defeat
and Italy was threatened with inva'
sion unless the allies gave heed to the
Italian commanders appeals for heavy
artillery, munitions and coal. HIS
warning was futile; but the world
knows now that his view of the situa-
ton was correct
The reason for Italy's defeat and
the reason for the allies failure on
the western front can be summed up
IN single word: Politics.
Until America entered the war it
was q war for conquest and revenge.
Germany had disturbed the balance OF
power in Europe, she had violated
every treaty and pledge 1t was possible
70 violate, she had challenged the
world, and the nations which were
forced into the war against her were
fighting to crush not only the Prus-
sian mflitarist government but assure
themselves at the end Of prizes suff1-
cient to compensate for their sacri-
dceS.
This is no secret, nor was the condi-
ton really different from that OF any
other war. And because the entente
allies had their individual ambitions
they were mutually suspicious. The
central powers, on the other hand,
were fighting as unit because they
were and are mastered by Germany.
Should they be victorious, Germany
would dictate the extent to which Aus
HiarHungary, Turkey and Bulgaria
might share In the spoils.
But for the allies. 1t was war Of
politics a we'll - q war of prtn-
cdples. Thus, French politicians forced
Nivelle, the warrior. to break Frances
pleige to Haig and England. Thus,
French and English politicians with
held the support that Italy needed SO
sorely.
Then America made her influence
felt. President Wilson, when war was
declared on Austria, served notice on
che European allies that the war
henceforth must be q war for principle,
and that the high motives Of humanity
which had inspired the United States
TO enter the struggle must govern
Great Britain, France and Italy as we'll.
The acceptance was unanimous and
Immediate. President Wilson has tax
On occasion frequently to remind the
allies and the whole world that Amer
lea means exactly what she says when
she declares she is fighting for VIC
tory which shall secure just peace
for all the world, including her pres
emit enemies and her allies.
That Is what America has done by
entering the war. And when the time
comes to enforce peace humanity will
dictate the terms of treaty which
will take its place among the notable
documents in world history along with
The Magma Charta, the Declaration Of
Independence and the Emancipation
Proclamation.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1918-01-15
SELL COUNTY BONDS.

Traer. Jan. 12.-Tama county sold
$4,000 worth Of bonds to the Harris
Trust company OF Chicago. at 5 per
cent with $1,165 premium. This makes
a total bonded Indebtedness against the
- GAAAA
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1918-01-15

1.-THE city administration were half
as careful about avoiding mistakes as
It is about explaining its failure to
avoid them there would be less ex-
planning to do.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1918-01-15

II have never met" he said, more
than two really lovely women"
"Ah!" she said, looking up limo
Gently, who was the other?"
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1918-01-15

May we have the pleasure Of your
company this evening. colonel"
Company, madam? command q
regiment"
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1918-01-15

kind is that they do not conceive God
as great enough or good enough. II
they DID. they would be willing to do
their part in fighting the Prussian
devil and all his hosts
The Seattle star. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 1918-12-05

OLyMPIA.-W. II. Myer. deputy
in tho motor vehicle Dcense depart
ment. has started campaign
against motorists driving on public
highways with only one headlight
burning and no tail lights.
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. r. Car
ney. democrat. has issued n notice
OF protest on tho seating Of Con
greanrnan-clect Victor l.. Berger. 30
eiaiist- Carney claims Berger WAS
not eligible when elected
John y. sampson, 1867 T.. Lynn
NJ. IL dead Of Influenza
tho family home. s7os 18Th ave.
". T..
The bo<iic~ Of Scott II. Henderson,
Il. and his sister. Mrs. Ethel NJ Car
ter. 81. both OF whom died OF influ-
cnza within an interval OF n few
hours. Mt their home. s&0s Waite st.
will bc buried In adjoining graves In
WaAhelli cemetery Friday.
The Washington Portland Cement
company may sell Its properties 10
the Superior Portland Cement com.
pany at meeting OF stockholders
December IL. according to tho belief
OF company officials.
The food conservation dcmonstra-
ton OF left ovcrs'' was in charge of
Miss Jessie Rothgcb Thursday at the
Bon Marche tea room
The Seattle star. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 1918-12-05
MUST MAKE RAIL WAYS ADEQUATE
FOR NATION, SAYS COMMISSION

WASHINGTON. Dec. s-congrcsa
today was provided with views OF
the in;cruta,e commerce commits
sion rs 10 what problems must be
considered in deciding the future OF
the railroad lines.
In It's annual report. the commits
sion sets forth In detail what II be.
ileves Co b. certain lines Of In
qulry which must be persuaded TO
reach sound conclusions"
II deals thoroly with both govern.
ment control and private ownership
with tho varied forms of zach. The
section OF the report setting forth
the commissions ideas follows:
Whatever line OF policy Is deter
mined upon. the fundamental aim
should DO 10 secure transportation
Systems that viii DO adequate for
the nations needs even in time OF
national stress and that will furnish
TO the public aafc. adequate and
efficient transportation at the loves
The Seattle star. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 1918-12-05
by l.. &. MARTIN

United Press Staff Correspondent
WASHINGTON. Dec. s.--Presiden,
Wilson leans toward the regional
director" plan Of railroad control as
a solution OF the problem no put up
to congress In his message Monday.
lie win give congress time 10 work
out legislation solving the problem.
and viii not turn tho roads back 10
private control unless congress falls
10 move within the 81 months after
peace fixed by law rs tho limit OF
government control
These statements were made today
by Senator Smith. South Carolina.
chairman OF the interstate commerce
committee. lie had n conference
with Wilson few hours before the
latter left Washington.
1t f. my purpose" said Smith. ito
get tho Newiands joint committee
together as soon as other presiding
matters have been disposed Of
This committee IL peculiarly well
equipped TO Tickle the railroad prob
lem intolligenuy. II Is unlikely any
congressional action can come out
at this session. however"
The regional plan was suggested