davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-03-23

with this lot of outdoor exercise and
recreation. He became informed on
!he value OF operating personal and
family finances on a budget basis and
how to do it. Family finances appealed
TO him, for Tom had met a charming
young lady, and he liked very much
Tom found, too, that there is a
thrift not only of money, but also of
muscle. mind and morals. He came to
feel that while money is power-the
great motive power that sets in mo-
ton the wheels Of the world-the
IDEAL expression of this force is in
unselfsh service
One of the most important club
events of the year was the celebration
of National Thrift Day, January II,
Benjamin Franklin's birthday. 1t took
the form of a big social affair, speeches.
dancing, billiard and bowling tourna-
ments, masical programme, entertain
ment. Tom took his lady friend. And
great time was had by all" 1t was
reported that he popped the question
that night and was accepted. At any
rate, he and the girl were married a
few weeks later and are now in the
process Of living happily ever sftcr
and within their means.
The wholesome influence this en-
ployes' savings club had on Tom Wat
son illustrates the possibilities for
good in the economic programme as
promoted by the men themselves
through such group, with the J. M.
G. A. in the background to help out
when asked, but never ntruding.
The standardized programme cmpha-
sizing thrift is new, but this sort of
work has been conducted in many
places for years. For instance, there
was "Seedy" jim Henderson. In 1900,
at twenty-six, he was a city street
sweeper. Born in city institution, he
remembered no parents, relatives or
friends. He had fought his way through
as newsboy on the streets which he
was afterward employed to keep clean.
The sweepings of the streets made
him sick, and he spent months in
charity ward Of the city hospital. After
those weary days of Tutoring between
two worlds, about neither of which he
knew very much, he "came back"
One day in April he left the hospital
without cent in the world, but with
5000 bill against him which he would
be expected to pay if he were ever
able to do so. A city hospital suit of
clothes and very weak body were
his principal assets as he faced the
necessity of Immediately finding job.
When the association secretary re-
turned from lunch one noon Jim was
waiting for an interview. AS a result
next morning Jim started out driving
milk wagon, working twelve hours Il
day and climbing hundreds Of back
steps in the course Of his days de-
1iyorv
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-03-23

The thrift exhibit was displayed in
the club quarters and thrift leaflets
were distributed-a different one each
week. The inspiration Tom got from
enc of these leaflets, "Where Do You
Hang Your Hat ?" led him to take IN
the educational Course on "Personal
Efficiency" taught by Sam Hawkins, a
successful business man. In this course
he learned how to supplement his in
como by such stunts as chicken raising
and home gardening. He got along
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-03-23
Where Higher
Wages Vent

Your experience may be like a fell
low l know, Tom Watson, who swal-
lowed the whole programme, hook, line,
sinker and all. He, like good many
other people in the country, never
saved penny in his life. In fact he
had never given the matter Of money
any serious consideration except to be
on hand promptly to draw his weekly
stipend each payday. Having drawn
the wage it slipped through his fingers
like hot butter and was gone before
he knew it. And where it went was
the least of his worries. When the
war came on he went in for munitions.
Wages went up and Tom rolled in
wealth-so it seemed to him. He took
tonier room, bought better clothes
frequented higher class restaurants
and occupied seats nearer the front at
the shows. But his financial status
at payday-dead broke-was the same
as in the less palmy days. He never
stopped to figure out why. He never
thought of the future. Sufficient unto
the day was the evil thereof.
The management of a big Connect
cut munitions plant woke up one morn
ing to find the armistice signed and a
lot of war contracts cancelled. Some
OF the employees had to be dropped, and
Tom happened to be one of them,
"What shall do?v he questioned
himself. GO back to the old job, |
guess"
He went back. Hard luck! There
was nothing doing. Then he began to
think bit. The thoughfest ended in
resolution which he promptly trans
lated into action. He went to the near
est Red Triangle centre and had a talk
with the secretary.
"How would you like to have little
counsel on the matter of your vocation
in life with successful business man
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-03-23
High Labor Cost
Responsible for
Shortage of Funds
Transportation Expert Elk.
plains Why Railroads Be-
came Embarrassed When
Congress Failed to Pass
Deficiency Bill

A railroad authority, asked hoqO
1t happened that the railroads avere
left an dire financial straits aohe1a
the late Congress adjourned a0ithout
passing the general deficiency bill,
prepared the following statement:
7 The first year of government
operation under Mr.. McAdoo
produced a deficit of 100000, 900
that is, the government produced net
income of $780, 100000 and had a rental
to pay to the owners of 5000, 100000.
> On capital expenditures in 1916
the government used $3.50. OOO,-
900, Of which 100000 was the orig
inal revolving fund appropriated by
Congress on Mr.. McAdoo's statement
that it would amply meet all the re-
quirements, and s1S0,OO0,OO0 was taken
by the government out of the railroad
net receipts.
Z Mr. McAdoo increased railroad
wages so much that 5000. 900 900
was added to the payroll; and this enor.
nous labor cost together with the
high cost Of materials (duc to war
wages in other industries), raised from
$4,000, 100000 a year to about $4,000
100000 the cost of producing transport
tation.
Il Mr.. McAdoo increased the
freight and passenger rates
s900,OO0,OOO to OOO,OOO.0OO, OH the
assumption that the wage increase
would not be over $500, 100000; that
$250,000,000 was needed to provide for
higher labor, coal and material costs
not taken care of in 1917 rate adjust
ment; and $3.50 100000 for higher coal
and material costs in 1918, total Of
5000 .OOO,0 900; but the wage increase was
three times the expectation absorbing
nearly all the rate increasc) and, con-
sequently, the new rates paid by the
public, as high as they are, do not
meet the increased cost of government
operation.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-03-23

At the end of fifteen years "Secdy"
Jim owned the finest hog and beet
farms in the county, and brought his
family to church in town every Sun
day in his auto. Now he supports two
beds at the city hospital, gives the
street sweepers big feed every Christ
mas and subscribed $1,000 toward a
new association building. "Speedy" jim,
with everythin' agn' him, even his
name, did not go to seed, but ripened
into thrifty, useful and prosperous
citizen.
Few young men to-day have such
handcaps as Jim Henderson. So much
the better for you. HOY much better
can you do with your greater advan-
tages?
The economic programme is de-
signed to help a man fit his income
and his abilities into the purposes
of a wellrounded Christian life. 1t
is promoted to enable him to bear his
full share of responsibility to his
home, employer and society and the
nation. In other words, it is supposed
to develop Christian character. And
it does. Given a man, and given also
facts as to how he earns, spends, saves,
invests and gives his money, and you
have about as accurate an index to
his character as can be found. I'M
prove his relationships to his money
matters and you definitely improve
his character.
While Bill Sawyer, our village
matchmaker, is making a watch, the
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-03-23

them at the banks. The director gen.
eral, in his most recent statement of
his necessities up to the end of June,
showed that he had to have 5000, OO0,-
coo. but the full requirements of the
government railroad administration for
the year are likely to be $1,000, GOO, 900
more than this.
The 1919 financial requirements are
about like this:
$380,0o0,000 due the railroad COM
panies on last years account;
$500, 600, 600 to be paid car and
locomotive builders for new equip
mcnt;
$500, coo,ooo for additions and bet
terments:
$100.Co0,000 due the railroads ON
CnrfSonnL
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-03-23
Wage account Of the
Railway Brotherho0ds
Average annual earnings

Average annual earnings
man before Adamson
,u law was ............ Sl,27S
The 1917 train and yard
payroll was .......... sos, 600, 900
Average number of
men, 5000.
Average annual earn
ings, 81 ,467.
Dec smber, 1917 (when
government took over
roads), payroll was on
an annual basis of. . . $565, 900, 600
(385,00O mem.
OF this amount the
Adamson law accounted
for $73 100000.
Lane Wage Board May,
1879 estimated in
crease to these en-
ployes under it's award
at $66,000,000, but rail
road wage accountants
show that it is about
~ per cent, or. .... $50. OOO. 900
Making 1918 basis of
annual pay ........ 1925, 100000
average per man.
$1,883
The 1919 wage award is
said to give further
increase in wages to
these employees Of go $50, OOO, 900
But if time and a half
for overtime is granted
there would be an ad-
ditional .... 10000. 600
Making the 1919 in
crease ......... .s12o, OOo, 900
And bringing the pay
roll up to............ $4,000, 900
Average per man. S2,194.
If time and half is not
granted the payroll
would be ........... 785,OOO,0O
Making the average
wages per man, S2,040.
On 1915 wage rates pres
ent payroll would be-. 492, 100000
If s120,000,G00 is granted
now total increase
since 1916 will be GO
per cent? ..:......... $4,000, 900
Adamson law increase. 100000
McAdoo administration. 160,00O,O00
Hines administration. 100000
with perhaps also ..... 10000, 600
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-03-23
Stopping the Leaks
IN, Ones Spending

Within a week he found himself
being initiated into the plants en-
ploycs' savings club. This was the or
ganization promoted by the associa-
tion through which most of the eco
nomic programme activities were con-
Quoted. The only condition of admis-
sion was the promise to "try to save
some part, however small, of my in.
come" Tom had to pinch himself to
realize that he belonged to an organi-
cation that stood for spending less
than ones income. But he survived
the shock and made good member. At
the first meeting plans were discussed
az to how the club could promote the
fale Of war savings stamps among the
workers in the plant and how the club
could help push investment by en-
ployes in Liberty bonds. In the last
drive, largely through the efforts of
the club, the factory had gone 100 per
cent in Liberty bond sales. Every one
of the 1,400 employees had subscribed
and the grand total had been $114,O0O.
At the weekly meeting of this club
prominent men were invited to give
practical talks on economic topics.
Tom was especially impressed by the
stereoptcon lecture on Thrift in
Recreation" given by big Bill" Ed
wards, famous football coach On some
occasions motion pictures on thrift
were shown. "Stop the Leaks" was
one Of the best.
Tom read some of the books on
economic questions which had been
placed in the club library. By this
time he was doing good deal of
thinking on money matters.
"What blankety, blank fool I've
been!" he concluded "If l had only
prepared for peace in time of war
might have had fine little nest egg
for rainy day or wedding or some
thing"
Tom was thoroughly prepared to
enter the essay contest conducted by
the club. While his efforts on "Why
Save ?" failed to get first prize, it was
not without profit in his experience.
On the next payday he increased his
savings over the previous week by so
per cent.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-03-23
Standard Equipment for
Unstandardized Railroads
Some Absurd Results of the Railroad Admnstra-
lions Attempt to Put All the Carriers on One
Basis, Regardless of Wide Physical Differences

DOLlT1CS, the professors remind us,
a is fast becoming science Per-
haps so, but in practice 1t occasionally
seems comedy of errors. State leg
islation reached the peak of absurdity
few years ago, when the Legislature
of Texas passed an act requiring that
when two railroad trains reached a
crossing both must come to halt until
one of them had passed. The United
States Railroad Administration, i'll al
lotting new standard equipment recent
ly, achieved results which were irri
tating to the realroad executives and
appeared in few instances ridiculous
to the disinterested observer.
In the latter months of the war the
railroad administration set out on an
attempt to purchase uniform types of
equipment, including locomotives and
cars, for all the roads of the country.
The theory of Standardization seemed
particularly attractive, especially dur
ing the war, when industrial conserva-
ton required the elimination of va
riety of styles in all kinds of commodi-
ties. But, whatever the advantages Of
the innovation were, the administration
in first making its allotment to the
various roads failed to give sufficient
consideration to all the individual va
riations and special needs
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-03-23
Born, June Z, 1856
A Human;
D1ed, -, l9l-
A Wholesale Grocer"

The average American has been de-
scribed as Economically illiterate."
But this was at the time of the First
Liberty Loan. The war situation taught
US lot of things about financial mat
ters. The increase in the cost of
bread, milk, hats and shoes forced
thousands of us to wrestle with eco
nomic questions as never before. 1t
started us thinking how we could be of
more value to the boss so as to pave
the way for the next suggestion Of a
raise. We began to watch the pennies.
nickels and dimes which so easily fall
by the waysicc. We started to study
why, how, when and where to spend.
Then the War Savings Stamp and
Liberty Loan drives came along and
taught us lot of things about saving
and investing. Before the war there
were less than 10000 bondholders
in the country. After the Fourth
Liberty Loan there we're over 100000
900 war savers, an average Of one for
every adult person in the country.
Many of us who thought it absolutely
impossible to save red cent have
found, when the government needed
the money to carry the war to its
successful conclusion, that we really
could save after all. And having cx-
perienced that cxhilaration and salts
faction that come from actually saw
ing and investing, we will continue
to save and invest. Socks, used as
non-interest producing banks by
people who feared the savings bank
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-03-23
The Emotion Of Being
Dead Broke

He began to study the milk business,
and while waiting Mt the dairy barn
each morning for his daily supply
learned how to milk.
lie got along very we'll for while;
joined the church and married one Of
the girls to whom he delivered milk,
but the old name Of "Seedy" stuck to
him still
Then his old malady came on again,
sentencing him to another ninety days
in the hospital. After a while he
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-03-23
Teaching Am erican Workers What to Do With Their

who is friend of mine ?" asked the
secretary.
"Fine!" replied Tom; "just what I've
been itching for"
1t did Tom lot of good to come in
contact with the successful business
man. And the bit of unselfish service
didn't do the business man any harm
The next thing was to find another
job. The employment bureau helped
him locate in industry-in shop where
the economic programme was in full
swing
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-03-23

One fellow, Harold Bennett, who had
been bounded by loan sharks. was or
dered by his boss to attend this series.
He was an unreliable worker, spend
ing his pay before he earned it; but
after about three sessions he saw the
light. Now he is a faithful employee
with saving account in the bank, and
his better service recognized by an
increase in pay.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-03-23
National Di0erences
And Property Rights

Spanish land grants conveyed merely
the surface soil suitable for agricult.
ure, reserving mineral rights TO the
were not specifically included because
their value WAS unknown. But IL min
erai oil js AZ great source Of wealth
NJ orc, is II not logical to apply the
legal principles governing mines In
gensraI7
From the Mexican point Of visw IL
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-03-23
Making for
Ineficiency

The Atchison, Topeka & Sanae Fe
road was particularly annoyed by its
allotment of coal cars. 1t had always
encouraged large users of coal to- fit
themselves with suitable equipment SO
that the entire load of a coal car could
be dumped at once. Officers of the
roads felt that would decrease eff
cheney and be an act of bad faith,
therefore, for the road to equip it.
self, as ordered by the Railroad Ad-
ministration, with coal cars which
would require consumers to unload
part with shovels.
A vigorous complaint was made by
the Western Pacific Railroad, to which
was allocated light type locomotives,
inasmuch as it needs heavy type loco
motives for economical operation on
mountain roads.
The Pennsylvania Railroad officials
chafed because it was asked to take
fifty-fve-ton coal cars instead of
seventy-ton hopper cars which its ex-
perience has taught it is best for
carrying mineral traffic, which consti-
tutcs about so per cent of its freight
business. The assertion was made
that the lighter cars would tend to
restrict the carrying capacity of the
roads.
The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad too
felt that it ought not to be called upon
to take cars different from the
standards which it had adopted after
long study and careful investigation.
The Southern Pacific corporate off,
Gals contcnded that the excess weight
in the Federal design of freight car
would incur needless waste and would
displacc paying freight.
Seven hundred and fifty drop hot
tom gondola cars were allotted to the
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-03-23
By E. A. Hungerford

<<r TOW straight do you think
about your money matters 2"
This question by the gen.
.ral manager Of large corporation
wss fired at my friend, who was seek
ing position.
"Why, fairly straight, l guess" he
replied. 1t was bad guess. He had
thought mighty little about his money
matters, and that little had not been
especially straight, as he recalled it.
"Over 90 per cent of our applicants"
continued the general manager, "shcw
by the tests we give them that they
are careless about their financial af-
fairs. This successful business has
been built on basis Of coming out
ahead, not behind or just breaking
sven. And our employees must man
age their personal affairs on the COM
;ng-out-ahead basis if they expect to
make good for us. as we'll as for them
selves. They must do better than live
within their means. They must save.
II is essential to success"
This business man struck at vital
individual and national weakness, for
Americans have been and arc as class
loose spenders. Europeans have long
suspected US as such, and personal OBJ
servation leads to a confirmation of
these suspicious. Of course, our war
experience has taken up lot of slack
in our loose spending, but of all the
personal problems before us to-day our
money matters are among the most
yexing.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-03-23

road of New Jersey-to take an Incl
tional--was allotted ten heavy Mikado
engines, which the company would
have been unable to use on its main
line because they were too heavy to
cross the railroad bridge across the
Delaware River at Easton, Pennsyl-
vania, and the railroad company en-
planned that it would be impossible 70
have the new bridge which had been
planned completed for a year ana
half
The Chicago and Great Western ais,
complained about the Mikado engines,
which its officers asserted were TOO
heavy for their service and tracks.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-03-23
Successful in Business,
But a Failure in Life

Tom Johnson was a member Of n
Wholesale grocery firm in Western
city. He had been successful in bust
ness, but not in life. He had never
learned to think straight about his
money matters. Just before he died
he called his partner to his bedside
and said:
81 want you to see TO IAN inscription
for my tombstone. You know I never
married, for l had no time to spare
from business to spend with family;
but | made money. ! never joined
social or athletic club, for | was too
busy making money. Now when l am
gone have this inscription cut:
Born, June Z, 1859,
Human.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-03-23
Railroad administration
Needs Billion Dollars

The government having failed to get
from Congress the $750,O0O,00O needed
to meet it's bare necessities for the
next few months is now appealing to
it's creditors tine railroad companies
and the equipment Gompanies) to take
its II. D. US" and borrow money ON
Evening capital and Maryland gazette., 1919-12-19
SUFFRAGE WOMEN
TO HOLD PAGEANT

At the meeting of the Womans Suf-
frage Association of Anne Arundel
County held yesterday afternoon, il
was practically decided to hold Pa
geant here in January at the State
Armory, to demonstrate womans
work along various lines during the
wartime activities
1t Is expected to have sixty girls
participate in this pageant which
promises to be spectacular and beau
tiful
Other business was transacted at
the meeting of minor importance.
Buy Red Cross Seals Now.
Gifts For County Home
Some one unknown left this morning
at the Capital Office a white knitted
shawl for use of some one at the Coun-
ty Home The Guild of Mercy will
give the shawl to a white woman in
mate, who is unable to walk on ac-
count OF rheumatism. and who is in
need OF such added warmth because
OF being obligated TO remain quiet
most of the time
Last evening lady left fifty cents
for the County Homes Christmas
cheer
Evening capital and Maryland gazette., 1919-12-19
DISCUSS ANNEXATION:
CHARTER COMMISSION
WILL MEET TONIGHT

The annexation committee OF the
joint City Charter Commission, oil
which States Attorney Nicholas II
Green. is chairman held a meeting
street last night in course of which
the various phases that enter into the
project of annexing to the city. sub
urban sections such as Eastport. Ger
mant0wn and West Annapolis. as a
means of bringing increased revenue
TO the city. were discussed
The matter was subject of a pro-
tracted discussion along general lines,
but no definite action was taken.
There are advocates. as well as op-
pOnents, of annexation. among the
suburban places mentioned. 1t is pro-
posed TO present an annexation bill
fefore the coming session of the Cen
eral Assembly. Just what will be the
final results of the work of the Char
ter Commission on this matter, is
purely a matter OF conjecture just
now
A meeting of the Charter Commits
sion which is composed of Mayor
Levy. and members OF the City Coun-
Gil together with the 10 private citi-
zens and taxpayers making 20 in all.
is called for tonight to be held AT the
Municipal Building. 1t is hoped that
a majority of the Commission will he
in attendance, as it is expected that
some Of the subcommittee, includ-
ing that on annexation will make re-
ports of the progress of the work
outlined for them
-ERmY Red Crnss Seals Nn,v-