davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1919-08-18
MlDDLEMEN ARE NOT SUpERFLUOUS

Whatever dubiety there may be in regard to the fair
price list plan, it is certainly more hopeful. or at least
far less nearly hopeless, than is the most frequently
mentioned of alternative schemes-that of eliminating
the middleman and providing facilities for direct dealing
between consumer and producer. That is an always al
common sumption that the middleman does no work
for the money he gets. AS a matter of fact, he usually
does perform a valuable service, and in not a few cases
an essential one.
That the niddleman may be dishonest, that he may
be too numerous, that he takes more than his due COM
pensation for his labors and risks-all these things are
reason for conden1ning it; they are only a sufficient rea-
son for removing the abuses and Furnishing the abusers
as they deserve.
Production is one task and distribution in it's several
phases is quite another, and experience teaches the econ
omy of intrusting them, in most cases, to different hands
Not infrequently what passes for the elimination of the
Instead of doing business on his own account, he be-
comes the producers hired man, but he has to be>aaid
just the same, and he is not always as efficient as he
was when his reward was more dependent on his own
enterprise, initiative, and industry.
That the middleman has uses, in spite OF
his unpopularity, is shown plainly enough by the almost
by post from farms to urban houses-New York Times
Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1919-08-18
Continued In tom0rc0w'S
Evening Herald.
GOLDEN G BANNED,

To the French mind a golden eagle
is an emblem of Prussianiam and its
wearer gets all the credit for vandal-
ism, even if the old bird was bred in
America.
One day recently one of the party
Of Americans, sightseeing in Paris,
discovered a sergeant de Vile striding
Indignantly up and down the court OF
the Palace Of Justice casting angry
glancee at the sightseers.
The French police officer, comic
opera traditions notwithstanding is
usually a dignif1ed, self-possessed per-
sonage. and this one was such an ex-
ception as to provoke inahiry.
n sergeant stopped in his pacing
long enough to glare Indignantly at
the questioner as he exclaimed:
Two -Boche peace commissioners
are with that party Of Americans. 1t
is an INSULT"
The two German ENJOYS" he
pointed out were American naval
officers. whose golden eagles had been
mistaken for imperial emblem of the
notwithstanding Back.
Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1919-08-18

the first touch of opposition or heat;
a Kind OF happiness that would go as
a travel companion with them on the
mission for which they were sent.
Some of us havo. an idea of a sort
OF happiness laid up in a napkin, held
apart from others, unspoiled by use.
But Christ would make us happy by
putting all u powers to use in our
relations with u fellowmen, a social
happiness, as W. say nowadays. There
is no real, fire-and-frost-proof hap
piness except for a witnessing church
and busy men.
That mother of James and John
dreamed OF them on thrones, but .JesIIs
knew that a throne was the I'M
happiest place unless 1t had been
earned by servicA. His word to the
brothers-and his word also TO US
y: Not 80 shall II be amonR you:
but w5os0ever would become Ereaj
among. % shall be your minister
The unhappineas Of Q useless Iife i,
merely m indsxiof Ms immorality.-
CongreEationalfst and Advance.
Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1919-08-18
4 MANS HEARTH
mo 50 we'll q New York but we'll
to nick up the rest a.. ! 80

mo so we'll % New York. but we'll
enough to pick up the rest a. ! 80
::v1ell. it's irregular. but we're short
handed. Give me your license mum,
her 80 I can verify that. Bring your
reference tomorrow, and IT 1t Is all
right I'll take you on today. on
The inquisition was safely past:
watched the superintendent MI out
the card that grudgingly permitted
him to earn his first wage. He was
intoxicated, almost bewildered by his
own Observation-Disclosures. His body was
still tired and beaten after the mtser-
| able conflict from which his mind had
resiliently leaped erect to stand re-
joicing iR&the sunlight. Today lie
could have overcome a hundred III
yesterday.
/"Name?" came the crisp, demand
from the maj writing.
Anthony Adriance."
What" The superintendent's
poor relation" classified Adrlance
coolly. He had anticipated this. but
4AS Soulu 44OG 4AoSo OtANAASN 80 -
tive discomfort and risk of a false
name. "All rich men have them. I
suppose"
His indifference was excellently
done. The superintendent nodded
acquiescence. !
Il suppose SO; must have been
queer. though! What did young Ad-
rance call you? Did he know"
"Oh. yes. Andy is a noncommittal
nickname"
"All right: here is your card"
Mr.. Ransome watched the new en-
ployee cross the floor. with Il mcdita-
tive consideration of the uselessncss
of the shadow Of the purpl. without
its comfortable substance; but he was
not especially surprised after the first
moment. Few wealthy men trouble
themselves about the distant branches
Of their families, ana babies are fire.
quently named after them by hopeful
kinsmen.
Continued in tomor-ow's
Evening Herald.
Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1919-08-18
"You? why?"
She hesitated.

"she came to the nursery door
while you were speaking to me OF
telling Holly the story Of Matt Raopl
Calves, You know. Holly is too much
a baby to hear stories. SO she under
stood that you me4nt-other things.
And it seems that once you had spok-
en- to her Of that story. 6he-made
flirting with her guests; Of being-an
improper person."
"Elsie!"
'It is all over. It does not matter.
now. But that was how ! knew she
did not send you away. OF course she
said nothing to tell me; she is too
clever. But, you see I knew so much
already; and when I saw she was jeal-
GUS even Of your speaking to- me
The silence continued long. Both
were thinking of Lucille Masterson.
As If she feared the mans thoughts.
Elsie shrank away from her husbands
clasp, the movement unnoticed by
him. Her clear eyes clouded with
doubt, a creeping chill extingutshed
their glow.
Adriance spoke first, breaking at
once the PAUSE and the barrier.
"Once they must have been like
Fred, left him down and out, Tor q
new man; and she his wife!"
Disgust was in his voice, wondering
contempt. He pressed his W wife
hard against his side. But Elsie
dragged her arms from the hold that
bound them, and impulsively clasped
them about his neck in her first Of
fered caress.
"You were thinking that?" she
cried. fercely. glad in her triumph.
"Anthony, you were thinking that?'
He stopped his head to meet her
glance; standing together, they look
ed into each others eyes.
Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1919-08-18

In your trials play the man;
Guard its honor as your own;
Keep its petty faults unknown;
BE q kind and genial host,
Love your town but do not boast.
When you travel, east or west,
For your city live your best;
Prove by every act you do
That its citizens are true.
Let men learn to link your name
with the town from whence you
came.
Cities grow . great by tone
Or he wealth Or lands they own
All the fame they rise to win
Comes ron men who dwell therein,
nunnan hearts shape all renown!
b . credit to your town.
Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1919-08-18

Texas this year will spend a total
of $76,216,0o0 on improved highways
according to figures compiled by the
state highway department.
Evening star., 1919-12-21

tation which Is basic and perpetual.
until changed itself by amendment
regularly proposed and ratified. is
that which prescribes the method of
amendment.
The real issue before the Supreme
Court in respect to the prohibition
amendment is whether the necessary
number of states have actually and
sufficiently ratified it; whether, in fact,
the only constitutional provision
which applies or possibly can apply
in limitation has been fully met and
satisfied. That issue turns upon the
question of the referendum powers of
the voters in certain states. Does the
word legislatures" in the Constitu-
ton mean solely the legislatures in
the matter Of ratification, or does it
imply that if the people of a state
elect they may substitute another man
ner of ratification for the vote Of the
legislaturef That question, and that
alone, is tho point upon which the
validity of the eighteenth amendment,
as at present proclaimed as formally
and finally adopted, depends.
Evening star., 1919-12-21

ton counsel he has acted - legal ad-
wiser Of the Public Utilities Commis-
sion, and in that connection has
passed upon many matters Of high
importance affecting the public serv-
ice corporations and the welfare Of
the community. This task alone has
required the expenditure Of great
energy, and Mr.. Syme now feels that
the completion Of the major tasks, in
cluding those Of valuation, entities
him to release from official cares to
permit his return to private work.
The compensation afforded by the law
is not adequate for the services rem
dered. This office is but an instance
Of that fact that the salary scale paid
in the District is altogether out Of
proportion to tho sacrifices entailed by
conscientious incumbency,
Evening star., 1919-12-21
The Armstrong Fund.

A subscription has been started, as
announced in the news column of The
Star today, for the benefit Of the fam
lily of the late Detective Armstrong,
who died yesterday as q result of
wounds received in line Of duty while
effecting the arrest Of the youthful
slayer of Wallace W. Mulcare. A gen.
erous response is to be expected to
the invitation to the people Of Wash
ington to contribute to this cause.
Armstrong died in the faithful dis
charge Of his duty. he leaves a wife
and three children. The compensation
they will receive from the police pen-
sion fund is slight inadequate fo1
their maintenance. The pension fund
itself is far below the point Of need to
care for retirements and casualty
benefits. Contributions are being re-
ceiyed for that fund under the slim
ulation Of this deplorable tragedy,
which has brought clearly to Light the
fact that the policemen Of the Dis
trict, facing death every hour, have NO
dependable assurance of provision fol
those who are left in case they lose
their own lives. The opening of this
subscription list affords an oppor.
tunity for the people Of tho District
to express in practical manner theil
appreciation Of tho services rendered
by the police, the inadequacy Of theil
compensation and the dangers they
constantly face.
Evening star., 1919-12-21
The Sole Issue Before the Court.

Two cases have been presented to
tho United States Supreme Court to
test the validity of the eighteenth
amendment to the Constitution, pre-
scribing national prohibition. One of
these is brought by the state of Rhode
Island and the other on behalf of an
association Of New Jersey liquor deal
era A third case is on the way to
the Supreme Court, in the form of an
appeal from refusal by the District
of Columbia Supreme Court to grant
a writ of mandamus against the Sec
retary of State to compel the setting
aside of the prohibition proclamation.
All of these cases involve declara-
tions to the effect that the eighteenth
amendment is invalid because it is
contrary to the Constitution. 1t is
hard to see how the Supreme Court
can hold that any amendment, regu-
larly proposed by Congress and rati-
fed by the necessary number Of states,
is unconstitutional. It is within the
rights and powers Of the people,
through Congress and the states-or
by means of constitutional conven-
tion-to amend the federal organic
law in any respect, to any extent,
prior guarantees and limitations and
prescriptions of power contained in
it to the contrary notwithstanding.
If sufficient number of the men,
bers Of Congress SO propose and a
sufficient number Of the states approve,
the very form of government in this
country can be changed. 1t can be
transformed into a monarchy. The
states can be deprived Of their indi-
vidual organizations. The trial by
jury can be abolished. The only limi-
Evening star., 1919-12-21
Nearing the Half-Million Mark.

Washington's growth, as indicated
by the police census, has been 59,4S1
in two years. This gives a total Of
455, ,42s. Some disappointment will per-
haps be felt at this announcement, as
a greater increase had been expected.
It is, however, to be borne in mind
that this represents virtually perma-
nent increase in the population,
whereas a census taken a year ago,
when the city was full Of war workers,
dollar-a-year men and their families
and servants, and numerous visitors
here on war business, would un-
doubtedly have shown close upon if
not beyond half million population.
The shrinkage since then, due to the
civil as well as military demobiliza-
ton, brings Washington practically to
a fixed basis, so close to half mil
lion that that point is certain to be
reached in a very short period.
The gain Of 59,4s1 in two years is
fairly evenly distributed throughout
all parts of the District, except in the
first precinct, where the increase is, as
usual, the smallest of all. From 951
in that precinct the gain runs to 1856
in the tenth, which is the most popu-
lous section Of the city, itself contain
ing 95,017. 1t is notable that the third
largest gain is in the ninth precinct,
the northeast section and the county,
showing a gratifying movement of
population eastward which serves to
maintain a wholesome balance.
It is hardly to be expected that the
population will diminish. The natural
gain of the city will more than Offset
the slight reductions in the govern
ment forces, which are continuing as
the executive departments are reduced
from a war to a peace basis. Some of
the departments are adding to their
personnel, causing the net losses to be
comparatively small. In a few months
this movement out of town will prob
ably cease altogether, while the city
will naturally grow steadily.
The decennial census taken by the
United States next July may show
discrepancies in comparison with the
police census just completed. Locally
conducted enumerations seldom agree
exactly with the census counts, owing
to the difference in methods. The po-
lice census, however, is believed to be
fairly accurate, as it is conducted by
men who know the territories they
cover and are we'll equipped for
enumeration.
Evening star., 1919-12-21
Sixteen Years of Aviation.

It was just sixteen years ago that
the first aerial fight by heavier-than-
air machine was made in this country,
at Kitty Hawk, N. c. by Orville
Wright. That historic essay in the
air took place on the 18th Of Decem-
Der, 1908. It was purely an expert
ment. Langley's machine had been
pronounced a failure after an un-
successful start. There was little
hope in the public mind that aviation
could ever be practically accomplished.
Even when Wright flew at Kitty
Hawk there was general skepticism as
to the utility Of the plane. Not until
he made his flights at Fort Myer was
there any general faith in the posi-
bility Of the development. Even in
those flights tragedy occurred to
shake confidence, when Lieut.. Selfridge
lost his life. Practically the ai1-
planes evolution has been a matter
of less than decade and half. Had
any venturesome person predicted in
1868 that within eleven years airplanes
would be circling over the greatest
battlefelds the world ever knew, do
ing the practical work of observa-
ton. scouting and attack. his words
would have been hooted with greater
even than that evoked by Por,
ta's prophecy of the end of the world,
fixed, curiously enough, for December
II, the sixteenth anniversary Of avia.
ton.
Evening star., 1919-12-21
POLITICS AT HOME
Mr.. Bryan and Next Year.

An interesting point in connection
with the Bryan Hitchcock reconcilia-
tion is that it probably insures Mr..
Bryan's presence in the next demo-
cratic national convention as delegate.
Three years ago, it will be remembered,
he was at st. Louis as a spectator-as a
newspaper correspondent. At that time
democratic factionism in Nebraska
was somewhat "fierce," and Mr.. Bryan
was denied a delegates commission.
Now, however, with the hatchet buried,
why should not 50 interesting man
so well qualified for convention work
reappear in his old form and place,
and quit himself again-after his
spirited fashiona
Mr.. Bryan was not delegate to the
convention which bestowed upon him
his first presidential nomination, but,
as three years ago, present as news
paper correspondent, recording the
words and doings Of other men. His
chance came, however, when he was
called to tho platform by an assembly
jaded from protracted deadlock pro-
duced by tiresome ballotings for a
number Of candidates.
The situation had grown in part out
Of the persistent belief, held for two
years, that Mr.. Cleveland desired
and would seek third term. This had
kept several able democrats Of presi-
Dental size and ambition in the back
ground. But, at last, it was made clear
that Mr.. Cleveland was impossible;
and when the convention met senti-
ment was divided among a number of
men, several but slightly known to
the country at large.
Mr.. Bryan, from the platform, woke
the convention up, warmed it, and
made it his own. It rose to his
eloquence, and, with a great outburst
Of enthusiasm, made him its nominee.
Could he do this againf His
eloquence is unimpaired, and famous
now. His personal friends are many
and devoted. It is only Of late that
Mr.. Wilson in popular opinion has
ceased to be the best bet for next
year. As result, there are a number
Of aspirants for his mantle Of leader.
ship, and not improbably next years
convention when it assemblies will DO
divided among them.
Suppose deadlock occurs. Suppose
"that tired feeling" comes over the
convention from indecisive ballotings
for this local favorite and that. Sup.
pose somebody - anybody - catching
sight of the old leader shouts his
name and asks that he be called to
the platform. Suppose the old leader
never coy-responds, and stands be-
fore the convention and charms it with
one of his most fetching deliveranccs.
The result? Guessing is free. Every
body to his notion. But would any
body be surprised if in such circum-
stances Mr.. Bryan should be named
the fourth timef
Evening star., 1919-12-21
The Government Hotels.

In a report to the Senate the public
buildings committee recommends that
the charge for rooms and board for
government hotels on the Union Sta
tion plaza should be increased by $3.50
a month in order to cover the items
of depreciation and interest on the
governments investment. Apart from
the question of whether the rent
should be raised, the suggestion that a
charge should be made for deprecia-
ton is certainly to be resisted If, as
definitely announced at the outset,
these structures are only temporary,
designed to meet an emergency. De-
probation is perfectly proper charge
in case of a permanent investment, as
in a hotel, apartment house, an office
building or dwelling. But to charge
depreciation for the use Of structures
that are built only to be torn down
within a short time is to put the gov
eminent in the profiteering class, and
also to menace the capital with the
perpetuation of these structures.
It cannot be contemplated that the
government continue in the boarding
house business indefinitely. 1t went
into that enterprise in a pinch to pro-
vide quarters for the surplus official
population of Washington. 1t did it
so tardily that the buildings were not
available until after the congestion
had lessened. They have served use
full purpose and perhaps will be needed
for some months to come. But even
Ytually and soon the government must
quit the room renting business and
permit the adjustment to take place
that is already in progress, and that
will be facilitated if the new rentals
law is put into effect and administered
and works out as its proponents ex-
pect.
= To charge for depreciation could
only mean that the government would
seek either to maintain the buildings
at 100 per cent of repair-which is the
basis of permanency-or recoup itself
for the original construction. Such a
charge would mean to make the occu
pants of the buildings pay for them.
That would take long time. Is it
proposed to keep them going long
enough to bring up the depreciation
charges to the initial cost. Consider
ing the conditions in which they were
constructed, at the peak of the prices
for labor and materials, it will be a
long time before these monthly items
work out at full refund.
Far better will it be for the gov
ernment to regard these structures
strictly as temporary and charge for
their use and for the services render
ed there only enough to pay the costs
of operation and service. Instead of
adding depreciation and interest items
to the monthly rents, period should
be determined upon at the end Of
which the buildings will be vacated
and scrapped, and the Capitol-Station
plaza restored to its status as a park.
Evening star., 1919-12-21

The reports some time ago Of Jazz
merriment at Ellis Island may be re.
garded by "reds" as inducements to
come along peaceably and await de-
portation.
Evening star., 1919-12-21

Some statistician with a few spare
hours on his hands might compile a
highly interesting list Of investiga-
tions that are still waiting for the
answer.
Evening star., 1919-12-21

A COW in Washington state found a
large quantity Of INT and swallowed
it. The milkmaid with courage
enough to give this COW customary at
tcrtion ought assuredly to have some
kind of a medal for bravery.
Evening star., 1919-12-21
HEARD AND SEEN.

I his head pillowed against pyra-
midical pile of canned tomatoes.
| Although he lives in the very tenn
| pie itself, the high cost of living wor-
ries him not Money imitation, recon
| struction problems. labor unrest and
a score other problems are nothing
| to him. He sees in retrospect
block, presided over by a genii in
white apron, letting fall delicious
scraps OF meat with impartiality. He
feels sure that tho block will begin
| to operate tomorrow morning and the
| meat fall continue as of old.
Perhaps that is why he looks so
| content. lying there in the grocer's
| window.
A tremendous commotion in the
last brown leaves OF autumn in a
big yard on Columbia road attracted
the attention Of passersby one day
last week.
The leaves ratified and dashed into
the air. but eyesight failed to reveal
the cause Of the disturbance. The
ripple in the leaves came nearer and
! nearer-no. it could not be snake
swish,
A small brown dog. exactly the
color of the leaves. burst into view:
his eyes sparkling with the zest of
life. his legs kicking frantical1y,
swirling leaves like four-legged tor
| nado. Leaves dripped from his mouth
and stuck to his whiskers.
"Oh. boy!" barked the dog. as he
turned and dived into the leaves
again. The carpet of leaves revealed
another disturbed line progressing
tling of dried leaves. and the sudden
emergency on the other side of the
small brown dog.
When his master whistled to him
the canine dived in again. came to
the surface at the gate and looked
around triumphantly.
Again his master whiStled.
Come on. BILL" he called
Bill looked longingly at the leaves.
One more turn" he barked, giving
peared.
John Clagett Proctor of the Asso-
citation OF Oldest Inhabitants OF the
District has a string of ways in
which the name Of the Potomac river
has been spelled that has all the
tongue twisters in the world beaten.
Presenting the results Of his re-
searches to the association recently,
Mr.. Proctor caused hearty laughter
among the membership by his rapid
spelling. one after another, of the
various ways in which Potomac had
been spelled in the past.
Rapid but distinct spelling out of
these various readings of the name
constitutes a sure-fire laugh com
peller, and Mr.. Proctor's list is given
here so that the best reader in the
family may try his or her skill
at it. Mr.. Proctor's list follows:
Pawtawmack, Patameck, Patawoe-
meek. Patawoemicke, Patomac, PATIO
mack. Patomek, Patowamack. PATIO
meek, -Patowamack, Patowomeek,
Patowomek, Patawomeke. Petawo-
meek. Potomack, Potomeac and Poto.
mac.