davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1918-03-08

Telegraph service between cities
in the North and South was temporar-
lily impaired as an amazed Washing.
ton gaZed at the northern lights
that weird electrical or magnetic phe-
nomenon OF the Ar .ic-shortly after
0 o'clock last night.
appearing in the north and the
northwest heavens. the lights Jared
in red. purple. and stresks OF gold
and white for three or four minutes
at the time Again the lights showed
only as an electric fash.
Dr. II. {. FrHnkenneld, at the
Weather Bureau. said that the fact
that telegraph wires were affected
pointed 10 the appearance OF the
aurora boreaiis He said II was very
rare that the lights should be seen
this far south. and especially at this
time OF the year.
Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1918-12-28
Why Not a Day Current.

Tic electric light plant Of smyrna is
owned and operated by the town, and
the SMYRNA Times urges the Town Coun-
ell TO inaugurate s day service. At pres
ent the service is confined to furnishing
light for the people in their homes and for
the streets OF tie town at nights.
1t seeIcs somewhat surprising that TIE
Town Council has not taken this matter
into consideration and introduced a day
service. II would cost sonnet hing TO pro-
vide for the extension. but there Is hardly
doubt the results would justify the
expenditure and afford a good profit
There is a great demand for electric
service In the day time, even in small
towns Electric service enters into the
household and provides convenience for
many purposes. Also, for business and
small manufacturing purposes. Day SER
vice would permit the installation OF
motors for manufacturing concerns. II
would provide service for household work,
especially for cooking, and even for heat
ing.
The Smryna Tines urges this change,
and also an extension OF the local plant to
an extent sufficient TO supply current for
all purposes TO the neighbonng town OF
Clayton. And why not? Clayton is only
a mile distant from Smyrna, and no doubt
would provide business that would prove
profitable
At any rate, there seems to be no reason
why the town of Smyrna should not haze
an electric service by day, as wen az at
nights. We hope the Smyrna Times
will succeed in its effort to induce the
Town Council to enter upon the expert
mont. There is hardly a doubt Of its
Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1918-12-28
FIAT F1NANCIERING.

When the Bolshcviki gained control at
Petrpgrad in October, 1917. the note
issues of the Russian State Bank had in
creased from $3.50 900, 900 in july of
1914, TO 81, 900 ,OOo, 900 Mt the time Of the
Russian revolution in March of 1917 and
To 50, 10000 during the next seven
months. The course OF paper imitation
had been five times as rapid after the
revolution as in the wartime period pre-
ceding it. Our Stockholm correspondent
now cables that the present amount of
notes III circulation is fifty billion rllbles,
or approximately 5000, 100000, of
which $4,000, ,000,0OO had been put out
during the present year II must be OBJ
served that, while the Russian notes pur-
ported originally to be issued as ordinary
circulation of the bank, supported by its
gold reserve, they were actually based
only on government paper obligations
lodged with the bank. The gold in the
institutions vaults last October was only
x647 ,OOO,O 900, rs against $500 100000 of
July, 1914, and it is certainly smaller
now.
In other words, Bolshevik govern
ment finance llas really been based on
nothing but The most prof,ise sort of
ilat-rnoney issues With such prodipious
sums outstanding. partial or complete
Reputation of the currency is inevitable
Even stable and intelligent govern
ment can hereafter do nothing less than
scale down the paper debt. But the paper
imitation, which, since Iudendorff's : de
feat, became known, has been at work in
Germany is in it's way even more i'm
pressive. Last July the Imperial Bank had
81, 1Oo,Oo0,O 900 circulation outstanding,
which was itself an increase of 81, GOO O00,-
900 over 1914 Since July, however, the
progressive output of such papcr issues
has added nearly 81 800 ,0oO,o00 more,
and this has occurred while the Reichs-
banks gold reserve. already relatively
small, was decreasing and when the Loan
Bank" currency issues of the war had
run we'll beyond a $1,000, ,o00. .0oO total.
For this formidable situation coming in
the one-time home of scientific banking.
the fundamental cause was the illusion
into which even German bankers fell.
that Germany's enemies would have to
pay the cost OF war. But as matters stand
today, it complicates immensely the
economic problem of paying even the rep
aration indemnity.-Ncw York Evening
Post
Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1918-12-28
The Morning News mt Two Cents.

Very interesting, although not unex-
pccted to those III the same line of busi-
ness, is the announcement by our con-
temporary, the Morning News, that begin
ming January |, the selling price of the
paper will be advanced 10 two cents per
copy. At present the Morning News is
ono of the very few one-ccnt newspapers
of the country.
There is nothing surprising in this
change On the contrary, the wonder is
that IL was not decided upon hong ago
The conditions that, years past, brought
about the reign of the one-cent nCswpapcr
in this country have long since departed.
Now, TO charge at least two cents per
copy is merely plain business PROPOSE
tion. the difference between selling a
newspaper at a small profit, or selling IT
at a considerable loss.
No newspaper can afford 10 suffer
financial loss on its circulation To do so
is poor business policy. No amount OF
profitable advertising can be considered
-
ton The newspaper that continues this
course, even though it should show prof
II OF some kind in its business at the end
OF the year, is not paying due regard to
the sound rules Of business. Also. it Is
dong injustice To its advertisers by en-
deavoring 10 compel them 10 make up its
losses on circulation.
Time was when the onc-cent newspaper
could make profit on its circulation. but
that time has gone forever. In the irst
place. the papers were smaller in size IN
the carly DAYS Of the onc-ccnt charge,
and print paper was very much cheaper
In the recent strenuous times came two
inslIrmountabc difficulties that IS, in
surrnountablc except by an increase IN
charge-the demands of news and ad-
vcrtislng which made much larger papers
necessary and The radical increase in the
cost OF print paper. Even at two cents n
copy there is not an unusual profit on
circulation
MANY newspapers held out a long while
against an increase IN selling price from
one Ia Two cents copy hut one by one,
,hev have been compelled to bow TO the
inevitable. II Is impossible to even meet
cost on circulation at one cent z copy.
Tuo cents a copy allows a small margin
OF profit although not 10 al papers, hose
of unusually large size msking no money
even 81 the higher price
And 50 the day Of the one-cent daily
newspaper has departed Whether it will
return in the iutuIc Is a matter Of specula-
ton The reasonable probability, how
ever. is that it Vill not return very soon,
il ever
Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1918-12-28

they might have suffered humlisting and
disastrous defeat. So IL is that they show
er honors upon our President, honors which
are conferred upon our country as well as
upon him.
Memorable, indeed, will be this first
visit of President of the United States
TO foreign shores IL was bold move, a
smashing Of precedent and sentiment to
a degree never before dreamed of. But
times have changed. Conditions have
changed-vastly so. No longer can this
country Of ours maintain n policy OF
isolation and withholding from active
participation in the affairs OF the entire
world. We are now, indeed, a world
powcr--thc greatest Of all. In detcrmin-
ing the questions of peace orr voice VIII
be the most persuasive, our influence the
most potent. And the presence of Presi-
dent Wilson abroad at this time Will add
to this influence and this potency.
And so, may our President have a
most delightful sojoufn abroad; may his
influence prove for the benefit of The world,
and may he return TO our shores sound in
body, refreshed in mind, prepared to take
up his duties here at home with more prom
ise than ever of conferring good upon the
country and bis fellow-citizens.
Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1918-12-28
GET THE SHIPS FIRST.

The United States Shipping Board
in its second annual report To Con-
grees. recommends that its construction
plan, modified to meet peace conditions,
he carried out Without gong into great
detail as to contracts and yards in which
work is under way. it would seem like
good business Judgment to get the maxi
mum Of results out Ct the money that has
been invested Large suns have been
expended in the construction of yards
and in assembling material and all that
should not he thrown away simply be
cause the war emergency is past.
A member Of the Shipping Board made
an estimate, according TO Philadelphia
paper few weeks ago, that the govern
ments investment at Hog Island is ap-
proximately $3.50, 600, 900, which includes
the cost of constructing the great ship
building plant, the material assembled and
the hulls under construction. He esti-
mated that the entire lot might be sold
to yield the government $50, 600 900, or
shrinkage Of 100000, 600 7 hat money
should not he wasted if ii can he saved
by continuation Of the program for con-
struction.
The government has at Hog Island
the greatest shipyard in the world. Prac-
tically all the preliminaries had been
nede for the production Of ships on a
wholesale basis That money has been
spent. We need ships and should be able
Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1918-12-28
CHRISTMAS CAROLS AT
TRINITY p. e. CHURCH

Most interesting from n1uep-al angie
will be the service tomorrow evening az
Trinity P. E. Church. This service viii be
devoted largely to the singing of Christmas
carols some bv the full congregation and
many BY the choir alone These carrots are
cuiled from the finest Christmas music
both ancient and modern, and they tAx
the capacity OF the finest body Of sinnpr-.
Most Of them will be sung without instru-
mental accompaniment revealing the
beauties Of light and shade possible oniv
under such conditions. The choir has
been somewhat enlarged for the occasion.
and Mr.. Carpenter believes he has real
musical treat for the people Of Whining
ton. all OF whom are invited. The nour oi
service IS as p. n. The program follow
There DEeit IN Old Judea.' Ctrad.-
tional); Silent Night" Ceight voices
arranged Frank Danrosch; Sleep Hoiy
Babe. Field: God Rest You, Merr,
Gentlemen traditional; 10 How /.
Rose, Pratorius; A Bright Star Snrn-
eth, J. : Matthews; The Angels ana
the Shepherds, ,Bohemian): Sleep 81
the Child Jesus Gevaert; Ring Oqit
Wild Bells, Crounoo.
Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1918-12-28
PRESS COMMENT.
RUSSIA.

We should be chary of accepting re-
ports at this stage about what Is being
done or decided upon at Paris, and we
do not find it easy to accept those which
represent the Allies as having decided to
doom Russia to anarchy and starvation
by refusing to aid her with troops. In
deed, the tone of the later dispatches
seems to forbid the assumption that any
such decision has been made.
1t is strange thing to read Of Lvof,
Bakhmeteff, and Maklakoff being as
sociated together ''in daily session at
Paris. These men represent different
parties, and at any less critical time the
differences between them would have
seemed irreconcilable Lvof, for in
stance, was the Premier of the Constltu-
tionaI Democratic Ministry, while
Bakhmetcff and Maklakoff represented
the kerensky government at Washington
and Paris When such men as these
get together we may be assured that they
speak for all that part of Russia, So-
cialist and non-Socialist, which is not
Bolshevist.
These men say that 10000 allied
troops would be enough, cooperating
with Russian volunteers presumably q
much more numerous. and we must
suppose with the Czechoslovaks, to
save the country. Yet we are told that
the allied governments have resolved to
leave Russia to her fate, evading their
duty by the offer of moral support"
to any unit which can establish its own
regime Of order and peace. This we
cannot believe, even with the reason
gwen for it-thc fear Of Socialist agita-
ton IN their own countrics-and we
will not believe it until it is officially
declared TO have been adopted by the
conferees.-Ncw York Times.
Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1918-12-28
HIRAM TO THE RESCUE.

No doubt the administration viii
heartily support Senator Johnson of
California in his announced determine
ton to OBTAIN the truth and the whole
truth abcut Russia, and If the Senator
should obtain any authentic information
by reason Of his resolution VIC are sure
that the State Department itself viii be
eternally grateful.
Everybody would like IA know the
truth and tho whole truth about Russia
That includes the United States govern
menf the British government and the
French government, and most OF the
people iD Europe as individuals Thus
far nobody mas succeeded IN arriving
a. the truth. While the President Il
in London the British government IS
going 10 giye him all the facts III its
possession. hut 1t IS not satisfied that Il
knows the whole truth CT any substa utial
part Of the whole truth, except that
things in general seem TO be going rs
badly as possible under Pnlshcyik rule
As for q general Russian policy, if
ANYBODY can construct one that K likely
TO prove successful 10 reward would Dc
100 great Ict u hope thea that the
voclferotls Senator from California will
continue his crUsade The United States
and the Allies have been doing their
best 10 find ont the truth about Russia
but if all the facts can be brought to
light by the simple process Of passing
Senate resolution framed By Hiram
johnson. that will serve Ia demonstrate
how foolish great Governments really
are-New York World.
Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1918-12-28
COMPULSORY VOTING.

While the women Of the nation are
working for universal suffrage an ef-
fort is being made in more than one
state 20 compel the qeahfied voters
10 GO to the polls and vote The idea Of
compulsory voting is no longer the fad
Of a few Missionaries; it Is receiving serious
attention from lawmakers in widely
different parts Of the country.
No compulsory voting laws have
been passed, but the coming session OF the
Michigan legislature will be asked to
deal with the question; and in Massa-
chusctts and in North Dakota the state
constitutions have been changed to en-
able he legislature to make voting com
pulsory. At first sight it is difficult 10 see
how the quality Of the elections would be
much improved by compelling voters,
under threat Of fine or loss Of their
franchise, TO go to the polls. Men and
women who were too ind different To go
voluntarily would not seem likely to use
much discretion in voting il forced TO go.
Still, compulsory attendance ~ the
voting booth might develop habit that
would really lead to more intelligent
voting And what the country needs, as
The country is repeatedly told at every
election, is more intelligent voting
Binghamton Press.
Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1918-12-28
JUST FOLKS
By Ed9aY A. Guest
THE PEACE THEY DIED FOR

THE PEACE THEY DIED FOR
They did not die for q selfish peace, nor
fight for a coin Of gold;
They did not die tor q stretch of land or
things that are bought and sold.
And nov that the cannonade IL done and
the chains Of the tyrant break.
The vision thev saw on the battlefield WE
must write IN the peace we nsake.
Thev stood knee deep in the trenches
mire for freedom from brutal
kings
They died for the right Of all men to
live and share in lies Joyous
things
They died for justice TO grest and low. for
laughter and rest at night;
and these we must carefully guard to-
day in the terms Of the peace re
write.
oh. nc cant 90 back TO the selfish days
ere ever the war began
Our men have died On the battlefield for
the rights OF their fellow man.
And if some shai! whisper OF narrow terms
or wrangle tcr sorllId gain.
New tyrants snail shstter the peace re
make and the dead shall have died
III vain.
We are sworn 10 freedom and pledged 70
truth: we have promised our dead
10 see
That the children cf ages 20 come shall
live 10 a world from tyTants free
And the vision they sag through the
cannon smoke, IS they bsttled to
death with might.
Oj a happier world where justice reIgns,
must shine through the peace we
write.
Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1918-12-28
PLAN NEW GAME LAWS.

The Delaware Anglers and Ciunners
Association are arranging proposed
laws that they intend to present 70
the next Legislature.
One of these is the Sll0 hunting and
fishing license, to get revenue 10 defrsy'
the expenses of stocking the State with
game and FISH.
The Association will hold their Annual
meeting on Tuesday evening January :,
when the election of officers will take
place All members are requested to
he present as the proposed amendments
will be on hand for their inspection.
Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1918-12-28
THE EVENING SMILE.
A PLANT OF POLITENESS.
| am Cursed with good manners.

dit1 fuEHf1 NttU p,Ntl
cannot grab for food. | cannot take
the choice morsel Of a dish. | instInctiycly
choose the most uncomfortable seat
make way for Others at the ticket office.
| let everyone push ahead of me to secure
the remaining seats of subway coach.
suffer when forced to take proifered
seat. do not interfere with the con versa
ton Of shop girls behind the counter.
wait accept invitations from per
sons desirous Of showing of their homes
or their cash IN restaurants. | listen
patiently to platjtudes OF the Young, or 10
the disc1verers Of Oscar Wilde and Ber-
nard Shaw. ! agrce that men are valner
than women. smile upon annoying
children. admire the costumlng Of all
the women ] know. Mess hysterical
never inquire Of my love where he has
been, whittier going. or whom he has
seen give every ono the preference oi
liberty. loose opportunities.
] am cursed with good manners
Judge.
"Ycu poor fish. I could have married
Wombat, who afterward became a mil
lionaire = know If lie often buys me a
drink in cornmiseratlng sort Of ? way =
Louisville Courier-Journal
Have YOU ever tried 10 love your
enemies Yes. answered the slow
speaking man. i have tried. Put | never
got n rcal enemy 10 reclprocatc my
affect .ens with any degree Of reliability.
Washington Star
4 ike the Three Muskateers It's
3 remarkable book. :" And there's the
sequel. Twenty lears After. :" YES. II i
wonderful, too What inpresses me most
is that all the principal characters still
have the same servants. Kansas City
journal
Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1918-12-28

''Ihc failure to maintain the price Of
hogs caused break in corn, so closely arc
hog and hominy related in the financial
and agricultural economy of things, J"
says the Savannah News. Exnctly; and
also, it may be snid, in the gastronomical
line. Who can resist the delicious at
traction of "hog and boGniny7"
Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1918-12-28
GREEN'S AUGUST FLOWER

has been household remedy all over the
civilized world for more than half cen
tury for constipation, intestinal troubles.
torpid liver and the generally depressed
feeling that accompanies such disorders
1t is a most valuable remedy for indiges-
ton or nervous dyspepsia and liver trou-
BILE. bringing on headache, coming up of
food, nalpitation OF heart, and many
other symptoms. 4 few doses OF August
Flower will relieve YOU II is gentle
laxative. Sold by n. Is. Danforth.-Ady.
Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1918-12-28
KENNARD q co.
Garment Sale

No matter your former experience in
choosing garments in our clearance sales
you will find here this season larger assort-
men:s and better values in Goats, Suits and
Dresses. All are new this season, made to
our order, distinctive and exclusive in style
and up to that high standard we have main
tanned for nearly seventy-five years. The
savings are from $1,000 to $500 on a gar
ment according to original price.
Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1918-12-28
MEETINGS TONIGHT

Apache Trite, No. 81.
Owe Temple l.. Q. i.
Wenonah Lodge, 5 of H.
Liberty Conclave, s ". II
Mechanics Lodge, !. @. Q
Lenape Tribe, lmp'd O r NJ
Sheet Metal Workers Association
James Young Conelavc, II or 5 VI NJ
Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1918-12-28

Wonder what the shade of George III
of England thought when be saw the
splendid reception 10 President Wilson
in London?
Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1918-12-28

secretary Of the Navy Daniels has
been fully vindicatcd Se was abused,
even ridiculcd. But that naval review in
New York harbor, on 1huIsday, WAS a
high tribute 10 his efficient conduct of
our NAVY Department.
Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1918-12-28

DO not make too many New Year
resolves A few important ones, strictly
adhered TO, will be better than any number
Of unimportant ones made only to be soon
ignored and forgotten.
Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1918-12-28
Other Suggestions

One case full size White Blankets
bound with wide nbbon--vcry special S6.95
pair.
50 dozen all linen Huck Towcls--5Oc
each.
A number of grades in al Linen Crashes
Turkish Towels--Both rugs and wash
cloths--unusual assortment and prices.
Lot of white and flesh colored Georgete
Waists special at S6o5 each.
Handsome changeable Silk Petticoats
$500 each.
500 pairs of Nc Callum Silk Hose
should have been in before Christmas; black
and white only. Special at $500 pair.
Two new departments worthy of your
patronage by reason of excellence are our
Art and Infants department.
621-e23Market St.
Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1918-12-28
Confer on Port improvements.

There viii be conference of the rivers
and harbors committee OF the Chamber
Of Commerce with the Harbor Commits
sion on Monday afternoon at t.30 o'elock
The conference viii be held at the Cham
ber of Commerce and the subject TO be
discussed VIII be the report OF the Harbor
Board on proposed port improvements.
Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1918-12-28

Mr.. Schwab, Mr.. BaTuch and others
worked faithfully for the government
during the war, at the princely salary of
one dollar year. Now that they retire,
will they miss their compensation? Well,
hardly
Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1918-12-28

to build them ~ Hog Island as cheaplv M
anywhere. Therefore, the plant should
be operated, not junked or permitted TO
stand idle, even If VIC are undecided as
| to the future of our merchant marine
policy cy--lndlanapoIs Stnr.
Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1918-12-28

Some say the ex-Kaiser ate aow on
Christmas. But, no matter what he had
TO cat, there is no doubt he spent long
time in chewing the cud of bitter Ic-
flectlons And so be should
Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1918-12-28

The New Idea pIpeless furnace heats
every room all winter and will last life
,ime, and requires attention but twice
daily. Examine same at White Brothers,
Front and Orange streets, before pnr-
chasing ADV.
Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1918-12-28

How glad our soldier boys seem to be
to get back home. And how glad We are
70 welcome them The sight Of Johnny
marching home again" is most inspiring.
Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1918-12-28
Frank Sharp Injured by Falling.

was treated at the Homeopathic Hospital
yesteIday for lacerstions of the fore
head caused BY fall at Front and
Jefferson streets.
Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1918-12-28
Seeking Gas Leak.

Employees of the Wilmlngtoo Gas
Co, are excsvat;ng on the Eest nde
OF Market street south of Ninth for
the purpose Of locating a gas leak.