davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1918-08-01

The United States produces about
IS per cent Of the worlds oysters.
The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1918-02-05
NEW WAR ON COTTON.

News dispatches from Washington tell of
renewed warfare in congress on trading in
cotton options or futures"
The movement in this instance is led by
Mr.. SABBATH, an Illinois representative, and
is of decidedly drastic nature-more so
than any of the previous measures designed
for effect after the manner indicated. Geor-
gia and other Southern congressman are
taking careful note, it may be assumed, of
this latest move affecting the cotton indus
try, and it may also be believed they may
ture if that shall be necessary.
1t is an open question whether legislation
of this nature is either needed or demanded
at this time. It is to be kept in mind that
Great Britain, a country that certainly feels
the stress of war more than we do here,
has not felt impelled to enact legislation
proposed by Mr.. SABBATH. And it is also fact
that the futures market at Liverpool is one
of the greatest in the world, its operations
exceeding the combined volumes of the New
York and New Orleans markets. By parity
of reasoning, if legislation of this character
is desirable it would seem that fact should
be realized and have force in Great Britain.
1t would appear that long ago the British
parliament would have gone to legisIating
as regards cotton and other products, both
as war measure and for wholesome effect
upon the minds of the people. Great Britain
has not deemed it necessary to do anything
of the kind, and it seems to US Mr.. SABBATH
will be put to it to find cogent arguments
in behalf of the policy he proposes for this
country.
We are looking to the Georgia senators
and representatives to see to it that the cot
ton industry does not lack wise and diligent
friends in congress, and to decide, too,
whether legislation of this nature is in any
way demanded or needed.
The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1918-02-05
Criticisms Usefulness.
From the New York Times.

Some people, and they are not few, are
beginning to resent hearing, whenever they
call attention to this, that or the other
thing which they find Objectionable to our
national preparations for getting into the
war, that the men in the trenches endure
hardships much more severe than the worst
that any of the stay at homes have suffered
or have had any chance of suffering.
The statement is true enough, in a way.
but as an answer to well founded criticism
it IS utterly irrelevant, immaterial and i'm
pertinent. It is made somewhat more irri-
tating by the fact the United States hasn't
any men in the trenches as yet. but that
point can be ignored If we had two or
three or five million of them there, or even
the million whom the able imagination of
Mr.. Bryan saw leaping to nonexistent arms
between sunrise and sunset, their dangers
and pains would be no reason whatever why
the rest of us, who are also serving the
country to the best of our several abilities,
should be reduced to silence when we have
just cause for complaint
Honest criticism here at home may be as
help1ul to the lighters as anything we could
do. On it, in a large measure, the man in
the trenches depends for such safety
and comfort as he may have, and he would
be the very last to demand invariable adnnis-
sion or proclamation, on our part, that ey-
erythlng that could, would or should be
done for him has been attended to behind
the lines
And, as matter of fact, the reference
to his sufferings, when made as a represser
OF criticism, usually comes from somebody
VINO is more or less responsible for those
sutferings and doesn't want to have atten
ton called to his negligence or incompe-
tence, or else it originates in the mind of
somebody who doesn't want to be bothered
with improving trench conditions.
The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1918-02-05
Breeding New Potatoes.

POTATOES were potatoes last year and if
transportation can be provided by the rail
ROADS they VIII be of more than ordinary
use1ulness this year, since the grain crop
VIII be drawn on to the limit for the use of
our allied armies in Europe. But though
all potatoes that come to market are Good
food there is a wide difference in the Weld
or different varieties of potatoes in differ
ent sections of the country, and an ideal
ylelder has not yet been found for all of the
widely different sections of the country So
the department of agriculture at WASHING
ton IS carrying on very extensive exneri
ments to develop new varieties which will
give the maximum yields of prime potatnes
under every condition of climate and soil
lhls is done by growing an innumerable
number of Seeding potatoes.
Since 1910 more than 10000 potato seed
Ings nave been grown by the department
at It's Arlington farm. Out of some $4,000
seedlings grown in 1910 nearly 10000 de-
Veloped tubers; most of the remaining Q =
900 either failed to grow after beino tIan Ne
Ierred from the green house to the omen
ground or else they failed to produce tn.
bers All of those which developed tnbers
were saved and grown in 1911. At harvest
time all were again saved for further study
ana description and from some of these have
come very promising new varieties which
are now being tried out commercially
That there is need of increased attention
TO our potato crop is shown by the fact that
the average yield in Germany is more thar
double per acre what it is in the limited
States although there have been individual
crops IN this country with Just the ricbt
combination of soil and seed of 600 TO 70C
ana even 1000 bushels per acre.
The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1918-02-05
FORWARD WITH BAKER!

One of the best things about the defense
made by Secretary Baker is that he was
finally brought to the point of making it. In
other words, something worth while has
been achieved in convincing the war depart
ment, and perhaps the administration as a
whole, that instead of conducting a private
Olympus they are engaged in the work of a
stewardship of which the people have a
complete right to demand an accounting.
The explanations of Secretary Baker are
on the whole reassuring. There is no occa-
sion, after having become unduly alarmed,
for the country to hop to the other extreme.
1t is right and fair for the secretary to set
up against the errors that have been made
a list of the important achievements. The
achievements do not erase the errors, but
they may modify the emphasis that the err
rors have attracted. And it is pleasing to
know that even in making its mistakes the
government was trying to use its thinking
apparatus. After a spell of the sort of Of
fetal frankness that the congressional in
vestigations have led to it Is to be hoped
the government will see the futility of laps
ing into the old clam-like habit. A lot of
the secrecy that has been attached to the
development of our military machine has
been of actual assistance to the German
government in keeping its people deceived
If we have 100000 men ready for Europe
and another 100000 soon to be ready,
there isn't reason in the world for not tell
ing the kaiser about it-and telling him so
loud that everyone else in the fatherland
can hear. If there is anything else we would
like more to have the people of Germany
thinking about we would like to have some
one mention it.
The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1918-02-05
THINGS TO BE PRESERVED.

Now and then one hears yelp from some
person who has been, under stress of the
war emergency, deprived of this or that
right or privilege to which he has been ac-
customed. There is the man whose liberty
of speech has been in a measure abridged.
There is man whose stomach, craving
for wheat or meats or sweets or "eats," has
been compelled to forego its satisfaction.
There is the man whose principles collide
with the nations necessities, and who, de-
spite the utmost consideration suffers some
what from the impact.
If it comes down finally to the fundament-
al proposition that when there are many
things we would like jealousy to preserve
it is often necessary to choose between
them. That sort of dilemma is not unknown
in hundrum life. Is not everybody familiar
with the choice between unrestricted in
diligence in favored tid-bits, and conserva-
ton of ones dental enamel? The constitu-
ton doubtless guarantees every American
in his right to the pleasurable satisfaction
of eating what pleases his palate. The dec
laration of 1776, one recalls, is explicit
upon the subject of pursuit and happiness"
But there are occasions when the enjoyment
must be sacrificed. The choice is between
things We wish to preserve.
The thing which is most necessary to pre-
serve at this time is the United States. And
the practical man who has had to give up
some of his ideals will agree that when the
choice comes down to that the first thing to
be preserved is the nation.
The nation for which men fight does not,
in the truest sense, stand for the ideals of
its people; it consists of those ideals The
defense of the nation is the defense of the
ideals. To keep them, blindly, while the ma
ton fell would be to sacrifice everything.
1t would be an adhering to the shadow and
a murder of the substance
The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1918-02-05
PROBABILITIES.

One wonders how many Americans form
their opinions on great subjects of chang
ing phases solely as the phases change, be-
ing completely discouraged one day and
cheerfully confident the next day, according
as their daily newspaper in the exercise of
its function reports the developments of the
intervening night. 1t is unfortunate but al
so unavoidable that all men may not be stu
dents of events; conservative, but not too
conservative; open minded, but not incapa-
BILE of decision, and always anxious to i'm
prove the quality of their thought by think
ing more.
Consider the Russian situation If there
is anything of vital Importance to civiliza-
ton now being developed of which people
in general are ignorant it is the Russian rev.
olution. The mass of our people, lacking
understanding of the means of getting it
simply condemn the Russian people and lei
it go at that. With regard to the peace ne
gotiations begun at Brest-Litovsk, Ameri
cans wag their heads soberly one day, anC
observe that the United States has got t.
take up the burden almost alone. When thu
news comes that a break has occurred in th'
negotiations too many of the same peopl,
feel the surge of hope that is next to con
fdence and see a vision of embattled Rus
sian hosts tomorrow or next day at the lat
est, sweeping down on hypocritical Teuton
again. In the first case they are unduly de
pressed; in the second case without reason
elated.
Possibly the best way to escape the dan
gers of fiuctuating hopes and anxieties il
the war is to adhere to a resolve. Determi
nation is something public as well as al
individual can adhere to. When the need il
once recognized it is certain that none shall
surpass Americans in resolution. And a rea
sonable conception of the probabilities We
face-the probabilities of a long and stub
born confict-ought to be taught every
where as the first step toward developing
the proper national resolve.
The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1918-02-05
Cold Weather and the WeeviI.
From the Progressive Farmer

The coolest weather in nineteen wears is
very naturally causing many farmers to in
qulre as to its probable effect on the boil
Weevll. Zero weather has extended well
down into the Gulf states, with fifteen de-
grees down practically to the Gulf coast.
We know in a general way that severe
cold weather destroys many weevils. On the
other hand, except in the extreme northern
part of the cotton belt, it is fact that cold
weather has never entirely destroyed the
weevils in Information, or winter quarters.
Many, of course, were killed during periods
OF extreme cold, but some escaped to at
tack the cotton crop the season following.
Dry weather in summer is probably a
more powerful natural factor in the control
OF the weevil than is winter cold. South
Texas, where the winters are always COM
paratlvely mild, usually counts on fair crops
OF cotton, because dry summers there are
the rule rather than the exception, as is the
case farther east. Louisiana in 1917. in
part at least because of a dry season, made
the best cotton crop in ten years. In other
words, while a cold winter may materially
help to hold the weevil in check, hot sum-
mer will do still more.
1t would be incorrect to say the extreme
cold of the present winter has not helped to
reduce the number of weevils in winter
quarters; but it would also be dangerous to
assume that because of the cold there will
be no weevil damage in 1918. Should next
spring and summer be wet, it is fairly safe
to say that weevil damage will probably be
very considerable in all infested areas. un-
less possibly along the extreme northern
edge of the cotton-growing area.
The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1918-02-05
THE MERCHANTS ARGUMENTS,

Recently thousands of daily newspapers
throughout the United States printed a
large advertisement signed by the presi-
dents of eight of the leading railroads in
the country. This advertisement was the
outcome of cooperative move on the part
of these railroads in campaign of public
ity for the benefit of the general public.
setting forth their side of the recent con-
troversy regarding the general strike which
has been averted, for the time being at
least. 1t was well written and contained
convincing arguments why the public should
stand squarely behind the railroads 1t was
matter that affected every railroad, and
! big enough to require a concerted action on
the part of the roads. Hence, they join
/ ed hands, and made it a common cause
and spent hundreds of thousands of dollars
presenting their arguments to the public
through the medium of the press.
Before these advertisements appeared
and so far as The News knows were even
thought of, this paper began similar cam
paign of publicity in behalf of the mer-
chants of Dawson in its cooperative plan
of "Buy-at-Home."
Weekly page of arguments, facts and
suggestions have appeared, signed by num-
Der of the leading merchants of this citv
urging the people to keep their money at
home. In today's paper a similar page ap.
pears.
1t is sure to bring results 1t is the clean.
est and most convincing campaign of pub.
licity along the "buy-at-home" idea that has
ever been inaugurated, and the manage
ment of The News is receiving words OF
praise from the merchants for its enterpris.
ing efforts in behalf of the stores of this
city.
The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1918-02-05

The newspapers of the state are saving
many very complimentary things of former
President Taft, who recently visited Geor-
ia-and made a number of patriotic speech
es. He is one of Americas most distin-
guished citizens, and is doing a great work.
When the war is over he will be a promi-
nent figure in the settlement of the many
questions upon which America will be call
ed upon to pass judgment. Mr. Taft is a
great man.
The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1918-02-05
ATTENTION, SILLY SIssIEs,

From the Conyers Times.
Don't speak harshly to the telepbone
girl. She is working hard to make an
honest living-a thing that some of Won
have never done and never will do
Dawson News.
Ana yet girls who never performed use
ful deed or allowed sensible thought to in.
wade their Uranium are impolite to telephone
girls. We have always considered the work
ing girl more human than a silly sissy ar
ray like the Queen of Sheba, who SURVEYS
others with disdain. Clothes make a fool
just about as often as they make woman.
The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1918-02-05

The effort to make Dr. Hardman the goat
for closing up business as tight as Dicks
hat band on the second fuelless day is not
deserved nor warranted. 1t was in accord
with a reasonable construction of the ad-
vice and recommendations, printed in Sun
days daily newspapers, from the fuel ad-
ministration at Washington. As fuel admin
istrator for Georgia DR.. Hartman has been
active, and anxious to serve his country
and people He is doing his best
The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1918-02-05

Fun and cartoon makers should remember
that the crossroads store is a thing of the
past The automobile sealed its dooms, or
is fast sealing it. Only here and there re-
mains one of these novel conveniences and
neighborly meeting places, where gossip no
better and no worse than the city exchanges
is still snapped.
The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1918-02-05

The New York World may be pardoned
for feeling slightly discouraged. 1t has been
solemnly warning the South against the mis-
take of falling in with the prohibition
amendment, and already Mississippi, Vir-
ginia and Kentucky have Endorsed it.
The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1918-02-05

"Of course, we may be a little dense, but
we haven't figured out yet why the Georgia
delegation in congress has so much respect
for state rights and state lines when it
comes to giving the women the ballot, and
so little regard for the same institutions
when 1t comes to voting for nationwide pro-
hlbition," says the Savannah Press. And
there are others.
The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1918-02-05

The man who fails to read his paper care
fully today is doing an injustice to himself
He is not living at all. He is simply exist
ing, wholly out of touch with the age.
Events of great significance crowd upon
one another SO thick and fast in this mo-
mentous time that to fail to read ones pa
per for single day is to get behind the
times The newspapers of today are more
than mere papers. They are chronicles of
the greatest period of all history.
The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1918-02-05

Whether or no the reports of general
strikes in Austria against continuance of
the war be accepted at par, there is at least
plenty of reason to hope for important help
from the war-sick people of the dual mon
archy.
The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1918-02-05
THE PATRIOT WITH THF HOE

From the Sandersville Progress.
The Dawson News expresses the opinion
that the man with hoe" can be just as pa
trlotlc this year as the man with gun, and
advises the cultivation of all vacant lots in
that city for the production of food sup
plies.
The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1918-02-05

If the kaiser ever starts contributing to
a conscience fund they would do we'll to
heavily bond the cashier.
The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1918-02-05

With travel de luxe on the railroads abol-
ished by the government what will become
of all that fine advertising matter which
never mentioned late trains and grouchy
trainmen?
The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1918-02-05

1t will not be long until the daylight lin
gers longer, the seed catalogues, with their
seed colors, reappear and the bluebirds come
to twitter. Be of stout cheer, good mates
it will not be long.
The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1918-02-05

1here was time when women valued it
as a token of refinement to be considered
frail, and when men regarded it an act of
sociability to spit tobacco juice on the floor
of neighbor.
The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1918-02-05

In letter to Editor Mangum. of the
Americas Times-Recorder, President Will
son endorses Hon. w. J. Harris for the
United States senate. Mr. Harris friends
think it will be a great help to his candidacy.
The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1918-02-05

The Fort Valley Journal has reappeared
with Mr.. Joel Mann Martin as editor. Mr..
Martin is a vigorous writer, and is making
our contemporary a most interesting news
paper
The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1918-02-05

The word non-essential is freely usad
these days. But everything is essential that
can keep up the normal business of the
country, and add to the ability of the peo-
pie to pay taxes and buy bonds.
The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1918-02-05

Very often the man who says he well
comes constructive criticism means that he
is resolved to consider all criticism destruct-
i've.
The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1918-02-05

Since nine-inch limit has been placed on
women's shoes, skirts will have to be at
least foot from the ground in order to
show the customary three inches of what
ever it is they show.
The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1918-02-05

How silly to talk of return of the status
quo. Nothing since time began has ever
done it.
The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1918-02-05

Some people, as it were, use their brain
pans merely for sounding boards.
The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1918-08-19
THE EAGLES EYE
CONTINUED Prom Paee Hsns.>


ology Club recognized as maid to Mrs.
Blank
MY mistress wants you 10 como to
her apartment at once" said the maid.
Make an excuse for coming and bring
bottle Of acetic acid. she said. sir"
Grant asked no questions despite the
unusual character of the request. A
few minutes later he was in, his motor.
and making only the stop necessary TO
procure the acid. he drove directly to
the apartment which Won Bernstortr had
fitted up for MIS- Blank when she left
her husband.
Il am sure you don't mind If wait
here until another car comes" be said
bowling to Mrs. Blank. From another
room came the banging Of a door. Mrs.
Blank winkcd significantly. Harrison
Grant continued. talking now in a much
louder tone MY car broke down JUS,
outside your door. saw the light in
your window. then caught sight Of you
reading. So I felt l would not be de
trop."
Not at all And by the way" Mrs
Blank was using her most courteous
tones baroness Terbrecht and myself
were Just talking OF you tonight. You
know the baroness is staying with mo-
''Oh. YES, indeed. Oh. Baroness" Mrs
Blank went TO a door and called. Tn
SURE you will be interested in seeing
Harrison Grant. He has Just dropped
in for moment"
The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1918-08-19
RETIRED MINERS
return TO WORK
In Pennsylvania Coal Pteld Go BACK
70 Work At Ola Job.

Striking evidence Of the war serT-
ice spirit prevalent among the miners
Of Pennsylvania comes from the plant
Of the Mercer Iron and Coal company.
At Stonesboro. Pa. where $50 aged
operatives. long retired from active
service. have returned ITO rork and
already mined 1000 tons OF coal.
Realizing the country's need at this
time. the old men came forward vo--
unfairly in spite Of their inarmi ues
agreed to take up pick and shovel and
do their part once more. A large num-
Der Of them. it is understood. had been
able TO set aside sufficient means TO
keep them in comfort during their de-
cliuing years. but feeling they were not
fit for military service chose this way
OF demonstrating their loyalty.
They obtained employment in a new
opening on \ mine. an opening not YET
connected by railroad. while waiting
for the railroad siding to be completed
they have piled 400n tons to be nenied
away.
'rhA Mercer mines a, Stonesbnro are
among the oldest in the section ana
their annua, production in high grade
coal for years has been 100000 tons.