davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Omaha daily bee., 1919-06-06
A Surrey of America
This L. a report Of 4 tour IF observation
made for the London Times by its American
correspondent.

correspondent
Having completed my 10000 mile trip
through all parts of the United States. visited
IS OF. the largest cities and the majority of the
states, and talked to editors of all political
parties, business men, labor leaders, and per-
sons in all walks of life, feel warranted in de-
scribing American sentiment on current ques-
tons.
First shalt deal with the league of nations
and the peace treaty. Nine-tenths of the peo-
pie have not carefully analysed the covenant and
the treaty; among one-tenth there is division of
opinion. The overwhelming majority of the
people are not acquainted with the larger ques-
tons involved, but they approve of both docu-
ments on the ground that the present war is
ended by them and the effort to prevent fur
Their wars begun.
Blind faith in Mr. Wilson's leadership among
the masses arises from his reputation for the
pacific settlement of world disputes. The same
masses who elected him in 1916 because "he
kept US out of the war" are ready to approve
of the league as step in the same direction.
The politicians are still wrangling in Washing
ton about amending the peace treaty, but if
that process means ahy delay public opinion
will denounce the effort and compel ratification.
The proposed agreement to come to the aid of
France in case of an unprovoked attack by
Germany arouses little enthusiasm Though the
sentiment of affection for France prevails, never
theless, the American people is unwilling to
sign blank cheque to any nation; it wants to
Judge the circumstances and facts of every
quarrel before agreeing to employ armed forces
Opinion may change when Mr.. Wilson explains
the details of the proposed agreement, but the
indications thus far seem to be unfavorable
Omaha daily bee., 1919-06-06

Judging from remarks. Austrian critics of the
treaty are not stuck on President Wilson's IA
oo;nka
Omaha daily bee., 1919-06-06
Az
The Day We Celebrate.

Madame Rejane, for many years leading
actress Of the French stage, born in Paris e.
years ago. h
Samuel Dickie, president of Albion college
and noted prohibition leader. born in Canada
60 years ago.
Ri. Rev. Michael J, Hoban,> Catholic bishop
of Scranton, born at Waterloo, N. J.. 66 years
ago.
Dr. James A. .Keso, president of Western
Theological seminary, born in India 46 years
ago.
Frances Starr, prominent actress of the
American stage. born at Oneont,a N. Y, 50
years ago.
Omaha daily bee., 1919-06-06
Thirty Years Ago in Omaha.

The secretary of war has decided to pur-
chase new site for Fort Omaha, tract OF $40
acres about eight miles from Omaha, which
can be had for about $4,000.
F. L. Ames of Boston has purchased two lots
near Sixteenth and Farnam. On them he will
build an eght-story building for occupancy by
the S. P. Morse company.
Permit was granted J. L. Kennedy to build a
two-story frame residence on Thirty-second
street near Woolworth; estimated value $500.
"Ye Last Daye of Ye Old Tyne Skule" was
given by the young people of First Congrega-
6opL Shusaha
Omaha daily bee., 1919-06-06
Mr.. Wilson's Prestige.


The second matter shall discuss is the
prestige of Mr.. Wilson. Unique stionably Amer
lea is still irritaed over his long absence abroad.
Most people are unable to understand why his
mission was not delegated to others, though this
feeling will undoubtedly diminish if not dis
appear, when he returns and tackles neglected
domestic problems. My observations in Amer
lea after coming home from the Paris conference
showed the people of the United States to be
hardly any better informed upon European
politics than before the war.
The Wilson cabinet is denounced by people
of every section, including the south, which is
a stronghold of the democratic party. For in
stance, Texas seems almost unanimous in con-
demning Mr.. Bureson for his handling of the
telephone rates question. 1t is generally ex
pected that the president will have the hardest
fight of his career on his return to Washington
and it is thought that he will begin to build up
immense strength for himself by. dispensing with
the services of burdensome cabinet members.
Omaha daily bee., 1919-06-06
The Presidency.

The Presidency.
The suspicion that Mr.. Wilson may stand for
third term of Office has much to do with the
lack Of faith on the part of some people in his
motives. 1t is generally agreed that if he would
announce definitely that he had done with
politics and call upon the senate to abandon
politics we'll the people would follow his
leadership. The country is more or less irrtated
over the professional politicians and the begin
ming of the presidential campaigns. A pro-
nouncement from Mr.. Wilson raising him above
the political turmoil would give him an incacu-
liable increase of strength with public opinion.
Just now foreign policy is not being dis
cussed by the various asprants to Office, owing
to the uncertainty of the situation in the senate.
My canvass of the sentiment of both parties
shows that Gen. Leonard Wood is the man most
talked of by the republicans and Mr.. McAdoo,
the former secretary of the treasury, the man
most desired by the democrats everywhere for
nomination. This, of course, is subject to
change during the next 20 months
The present outlook for the republicans in
the presidential campaign of 1920 is very
bright, but the American people will scrutinize
carefully the performances of republicans in
the next congress. There is evidence that the
democrats are preparing to accuse the repub-
lcans of efforts to obstruct and delay the rati-
1cation of the peace treaty, but in the end, judg
ing by sentiment in all parts of the country, the
republican congress will not delay the signing
of the peace treaty unless other parliaments
doing the same thing. Many conservative
minded republicans want to see the treaty and
the covenant of the league out of the way so
as to enable the presidential campaign to be
gagged on other lines
Omaha daily bee., 1919-06-06

Subscribers leaving the city should have The Bee mailed
to them. Address changed often requested.
The sun., 1919-06-08

taste so that it has become, a show
place to those having the privilege OF
her acquaintance.
When Mig. Gilman bought her fivo
acre estate II held a small Revolutionary
structure with the fine lines and dignity
that are inseparable from the type. how
ever modest in scale. She secured the
services OF Aymar Embury Cd to remodel
It, and while the original frame work Is
included In the main unit, the house has
been designed to meet the needs Of mod
ern living. so that 1t resembles its pro-
totype but little. It has. however. lost
none of Its distinction in the process of
conversion. 1t is planned on the original
Colonial limos. with a broad hall in front
and living rooms on either side. Addi-
tional modern features, such as a break
fast porch. outdoor living rooms. a music
room and service portion have been
added. The latter are in the shape of
wings added to and Quitting beyond the
main portion. The former are built out
beyond the main elevation and abut tho
wings. thus providing plenty Of air as
we'll as protection in stormy weather.
The dining and living rooms either side
the main hall are l5 by "a feet In size,
with windows both back and front.
Mr.. Embury kept the lines of the
house simple, adding no ornament in
front. but introducing. a trellis at the
The sun., 1919-06-08

the flag by order of the British Parlia-
ment at the conclusion OF the revolution,
1t has changed but little
Right at the ferry is a group of
brownstone Revolutionary relics which
have been variously occupied by Ber-
tram Goodhue, formerly OF the firm of
Cram, Goodhue & Ferguson Frederick J.
Williamson. the art collector, and Others
A little to the south Is the homo OF r.
NJ. l.. Tonetti, the sculptor, whose wife
was Lawrence and heir to some 100
acres OF land in the vicinity. As the
road winds up>from the ferry and along
the ancient highway Is the summer home
of DR.. Henry Mitchell Smith. an eye
specialist of Brooklyn, who occupies an
old house which Is one of the most de-
lightful examples of ole Dutch archi-
lecture to be seen anywhere about
private road leads off the main
thoroughfare to the left and through
the tall trees, at home there long be-
fore the appearance of human habita-
ton From this road glimpses OF white
Colonial house may be had. The house,
remodelled from an ancient landmark,
is the home Of Mrs. H II. Gilman, known
among her intimate friends as a woman
OF unusual discrimination in interior
decoration. She has utilized her talent
to furnish her summer home in exquisite
The sun., 1919-06-08
FREER LENDING Is A
BUILDING STIMULUS
Continued from First Page.

fdence makes their construction pos
sible. The thing needed now is action
in carrying through the plan. One large
New York title company this week re-
ported lending from $4,000, 900 to $780,
600 in the metropolitan district in May
Other companies similarly active are
helping the situation materially.
"A wide variety of construction was
noted among projects which came to
architects offices during the week. The
aires had leading position Some COM
plants were heard regarding the difi-
Guilty OF obtaining sufficient labor, and It
Is expected THAT the situation will be-
come more acute before the summer is
far advanced. Material prices are hold
ing firm in all markets, with a tendency
upward In lumber and brick to the con-
Stunning trade.
Reports from the American Archi-
tectS correspondents this week show
construction conditions to be growing
better daily. particularly in the mid
West section, where conditions have
been such as TO make it imperative that
building proceed. The wave has slowly
but surely been moving eastward. New
York Architects feel that IL Is only n
matter OF a month or so before there Will
be great shortage OF draughtsmen to
handle the tremendous amount of work.
The sun., 1919-06-08

back. midway between the first and Sec
ond stories, which, hung with wisteria.
climbing roses and ampelopsis, together
with flower filled window boxes and a
pillared porch overrun with vines, makes
this facade almost more picturesque and
charming than the front. Mrs. Gilman
fancy for color has been given free play
in her breakfast porch. which has lattice
work painted in Trianon green laid
against a cream stucco background. The
floor Is dark red terra Gotta and the
table and chairs painted the most charm
ing turquoise blue-a color the owner
often affects.
Mrs. Gilman has expressed her refined
taste In, the dining room. where the soft
gray tones OF the woodwork melt into
gray scenic wall paper. and the Chinese
rug Of blue and gold. with the blue
damask window draperies, makes an ex-
cellent foil for the quantities OF old
mahogany with which the house is
stored. Rich chintE is used in the living
room. forming great splashes of color
against the simple Colonial panelled
walls. An over mantel decoration shows
a painting on canvas set into the Chin
ney breast with a simple moulding as a
finish.
Quite as important as the interior
furnishing is the setting of the house in
It's environment. With ample shade to
The sun., 1919-06-08

the back and side it is situated on an
elevation that commands a sweeping
view of the Hudson and the point on
the Palisades where, it is said, WASH
ington stood and wept as he watched in
dark dismay the tragic ending OF the
battle of White Plains. A note of pic
turesque Formally is supplied by the
Italian marble lions before the entrance
and the conical box trees sllhouetted
against the white walls of the house.
One OF the notable features Of Mrs.
Oltman's home at Phlisade Is the rose
garden, which rivals some of the famous
gardens of old Virginia. A thousand
rose bushes have been planted there. and
during June the place is aglow with
color and filled with perfume that Is
waited up over the British redoubts still
visible on the high ground above the
landing. where were posted some 500
Continental troops during the engage
ment which took place in November.
1875.
1t Is seldom that tradition and his
tory, natural beauty and appropriate
designing, good taste and sense OF
color are brought together at one time,
but the composite picture produced as a
result Of this rare combination of vir-
tues belongs to the place, which is as
fine a tribute az could be paid to those
who had hand in 1t.
The sun., 1919-06-08

Real ESt0te Depdrtment-SIR As
to your announcement that Mr..
Clarke would answer questions about
home buying and in reference to the
"Own Your Home" idea allow me
TO ask:
Whether and how it may be ar
ranged for-a salaried family man to
purchase without any original pay
ment or deposit home upon which,
for all outlay, he can pay $50 per
month in refined neighborhood
where his children will be in a
wholesome environment?
To properly house small families
OF white Americans with moderate
means some plan should be devised
cultivating the idea OF home low
ing communities which will benefit
such as are not possessed OF capital
to make desired initial payments,
FLATBUSH.
Your problem is one which Is con-
fronting thousands OF men and women
&c day but unfortunately there Is no
way in which you can obtain home
OF your own on the terms which you
outline this side OF Utopia II homes
could no obtained in this way there
would be no more landlords as every
tenant would soon own his home by
the simple process OF paying rent.
tt ere are hundreds of thousands of men
and women in Greater New York who
would like to own their homes and
would do so II no initial payments were
required. But without some initial pay
ment owners OF property are offered no
inducement TO part with IL.
No doubt you could obtain from some
organization which makes n practice OF
granting loans to salaried men suffi-
client cash to make the initial payment
on a house OF the type you desire,
but a little reflection should convince
you that such a plan would be inadvis-
able as II would not be possible to
conveniently pay OF both this loan and
meet your mortgage payments at the
same time.
While It Is realized that the present
The sun., 1919-06-08
FINANCIAL ADVICE
\ FOR HOMESEEKERS

planning build buy home your problems will
likely be financial ready you
need? How should about obtaining building loan
gage?
problems you through
the columns THE SUN many
experience financing building buying
country these matters.
your queries Department SUN.
be distinctly understood these
relate to individual home building buying projects
vestmen speculative in real Nor will
considered regarding haue specific
reliability or integrity of individual corporation
The sun., 1919-06-08

high cost OF living makes II difficult
for the family man on a moderate
salary to save anything after paying
necessary expenses. the fact that he Is
unable TO do SO at the present time,
and that he has not been able to save
in the past even though circumstances
have made il impossible for him to
do so. will make IL impossible for him
to convince any mortgage or real cs-
tate company that he would be a desir-
able client
Dear Mr.. Clarke: would very
much like your expert opinion i'm
regard to an investment of a small
sum in Islip. L. l. have S1,7O0 in
in cash, and at first intended to put
up cottage there in the new Sec
ton td the left OF the railroad
tracks Find on Inquiry that it is
difficult to get about $4,000 on
first mortgage. Do you think that
this would be possible in the vicn-
ity?
Another plan appeals to me as
particularly advantageous for Isllp,
where, as YOU probably know, there
Is a dearth of housing. II | should
put up modest two family house, In
the event OF getting the mortgage,
do you think that could realize on
the investment by means OF the rents
TO be gained from the upper floor?
I thank YOU for your courtesy be-
forehand in giving both matters
your attention. Very truly yours.
G. ].
II is impossible TO answer your first
question IN these columns as 1t was
distinctly stated in the announcement
first made that questions of financial
nature in regard to home buying would
be answered in this department. but
that queries relative TO the value OF a
specific bit OF property would not be
considered. In regard to your second
question, with the present demand for
housing, a two family house would un-
doubtedly prove a good investment at
this time.
The sun., 1919-06-08
Carefully Preserve Revolutionary At
nosphere That Still Clings to Pail
sades, n. Y.-Many of Towns
Fine Homes Are Relics of
Colonial DAYS

ing alive much OF romance and history.
Lying along the west bank Of the Hud-
son at Snedon's Landing. made famous
In early revolutionary days by Molie,
the feminine pilot who navigated the
ferry that carried Gen. Washington,
Rochambedu and numerous officers of
the Colonial army across the river. It
still maintains its ancient appearance
AS In the old days, 1t is still in touch
with Dobbs Ferry. although an electric
launch Is substituted for Mollie Snedon's
primitive means of transportation.
Nesting into the foothills of the Orange
Mountains which roll by gentle swells
down to the waters edge. and overlook
ing the historic spot in the river where
was given, it Is said. the first salute to
The sun., 1919-06-08
CRYOF'PROFITEERING'
HURT CONSTRUCTION
Outburst' Drove Investors
Out Of Building Field at Critical
Time, Saws Title Expert =.

building movement under way are not
Tar to seek. The hysterical outbreak
against alleged profiteering in rents.
supported and accentuated by a few no.
toriety seekers in official positions, was
the main cause OF frightening out OF
their intention such as were inclined to
make special effort to relieve the rent
ing situation. The only way OF meet
Ing the situation was TO build more
houses. and 1T remains still the only
practical solution OF the housing prob
lem. But to produce houses, money is
required. 1t Is the primary requisite In
every line OF productive industry, and no
way Of producing houses and tenements
without II has yet been devised.
The situation was inviting for the in
vestment of private and corporate capt.
tai. when the cutlery against the land
The sun., 1919-06-08
By HARRIET sIssoN GILLESPIE.

By HARRIET SISsON GILLESPIE.
Palisades, a region fairly teeming with
Revolutionary interest, is one of the few
unspoiled residential sections in the vi
cinity Of New York. Though but twenty
miles from town as the crow flies. It is
still enwrapped in the old time atmos-
pierre that existed when Rockland county
played such a stirring part in the war
for independence. One reason for this
Is that a good share of the property is
still held by the descendants of the
early settlers. That a big tract OF land
in this region is still unpartitioned by
the heirs OF a large estate has had no
small influence also in controlling the
personnel of the community and in keep
The sun., 1919-06-08

In the old days he could borrow
$4,000 on such a property at 5 per cent
He could probably borrow $4,000 now
ut 5h per cent. II he did not delay too
| long, for interest rates are going up. In
the old days he had only $4,000 to find
| above his first mortgage to see himself
through. Now he has $4,000 to find.
That's the first and perhaps his greatest
obstacle. Most men who know any
thing about building and who could COM
mand 5000 in these times would find
as they have found. that they could in
vest the money to better advantage in
houses already built than in building
new ones.
But suppose he does build and has his
s2S,0 invested IN new structure /;
how shall he rent 1t to make any money
out OF his operation? His house hav-
| ing cost $4,000 should be capitalized at
$4,000 TO return him fair profit And
TO support that valuation he must secure
| an actual gross rental of $4,000 a year
To get that actual income his schedule
must call for SIS, 900 per year, for there
is in common experience over long terms
OF years loss of 10 per cent in vacan-
cies and uncollected rents.
In the present temper OF the municipal
| administration he is threatened with
| an assessed valuation for tax purposes
| OF $l35,O00, that being, according to
| Commissioner of Accounts Hirsnfeld
! who is conducting one OF the more
| amusing OF the present Investigations,
| his ordinary rule" and with a prospec-
tive tax rate OF $3.50, for IL must be
| remembered that Mayor Hylan vetoed
the bill putting a limit OF s225 on the
rate.
The sun., 1919-06-08
Dealing With Proba biIities.

But because neither the Commissioner
OF Accounts nor the Mayor were well
advised in their courses let us deal with
probabilities-the assessed valuation will
probably be not over 100000, the tax
rate not over $2.40, that will make the
bill of expenses as follows:
Taxes. $l,44O; interest, $3.50; coal.
$1,000; water, S2i0; insurance, $50:
gas ranges. 90, at $3.50, $3.50; for
supplies, $3.50: repairs, renovation. &c,
1880; gas. $4S; electric lights, $50 !;
telephone service-ioss-Si50: wages,
$500; renting and collecting, $3.50 !;
vacancies and losses. $500, leaving
him on his investment OF $4,000, s4,032
out OF this gross OF $4,000.
The expenses have been estimated on
safe. possibly liberal basis but
this is the only proper course, in the
face OF an advancing market for both
labor and supplies.
Out OF this income OF probably s4032
the owner should provide a sinking fund
from the beginning. He can. best do
this by setting aside 2 per cent per
annum OF the principal amount OF the
mortgage-say. $40 year--for amor
tiZAtion OF said mortgage. II the mort
gage doesn't want to take payments
in such small amounts the owner can
deposit the amount in a savings bank
The sun., 1919-06-08

now than they did when IS per cent
of the houses and tenements now in
existence were built. and they will not
be built unless they are going to produce
twice as much rent in the average as
the like type of house produced in the
ancient history days.
The struggle 10 break down the rem
tai schedule implies finding a means of
production OF the new housings at the
old cost, and of their operation at the
old cost, and OF their taxation at the
old rates. and OF interest on the invest
ment at the old rates. II that condi-
ton Of things Is in prospect anywhere
in the future II is so far away as TO
be of no use TO this present generation.
Just because there is so much talk
about lower prices. lower wages and
lower cost of living-and possibly OF
cheaper money-there Is imposed upon
the investor in new construction an OBJ
legation in the nature of a safeguard
that has in time past had precious little
consideration from owners-the obliga-
ton OF providing and maintaining a sink
ing fund against the decline in values
that would inevitably result from such
decline in cost of production.
This is a charge against the property
that the tenants will have to support
or is it possible that this would be
'profteering" and contrary to the
tenants code OF ethics? Who do they
suppose will pay it if they do not?
What inducements are there for ma
to put money into buiding operations
to-day? Take a typical unit-a five
story walk up on a fifty foot plot. 100
feet deep: the house. which In the old
days could be produced in average style
for $4,000. to-day will cost $4,000. The
land can still he had as cheaply as of
old, say $4,000 for the two lots (this
In locations where the demand is most
pressing) That makes production
cost OF $4,000.
The sun., 1919-06-08
BY JOHN l.. PARISH,
Secretary Of the Neio York Board Of
Title Underwriters.

Title Underwriters.
While investigation of high rents and
the shortage OF housings continues. pro-
duction of new housings languishes.
The demand is daily becoming more
acute and urgent. the supply less and
less adequate. Manifestly' the devil is
again sheep shearing. with the usual
results-a lot OF squealing but precious
little wool
Meantime the season for building to
meet next falls requirements is passing.
and the amount OF building that has been
started with any prospect OF completion
by or before October 1. the years great
moving day, Is insignificant.
Reasons for the delay in getting a