davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Omaha daily bee., 1919-02-07
WHAT OF TIE poLIcF3

What is the solution Of the problem
presented by the iangle in the police department
and the riot Of unchecked crime from which
Omaha is simultaneously suffering?
Regardless of probable or possible causes, it
is plain to all who read that our whole police
department is in a deplorable condition Of dis
cord and discussion, and suffering from COM
piete lack of that teamwork without which eff
ficieney is impossible.
If it we're only a question Of rival aspira-
tons for advantageous position on the force,
the public might await the outcome with
equanimity, but the longer the turmoil lasts the
harder it will be to restore discipline and or
ganize the force in a way to cope successfully
with criminals and law breakers
True this is not an unparalleled situation
confronting us. We have had crises in our
police department before, even since our
acquisition of the commission plan of city gov
eminent
The first time conditions got away from the
authorities in charge the other commissioners
assumed the responsibility OF changing the dis
tribution of departments. That put Commits
sioner Kugel in the place of Commissioner
Ryder, and for a while at least answered the
purpose
When later Commissioner Kugel found him
self in jam which left him helpless to manage
the department, the other commissioners took
no action but the people themselves asserted
their power to side-track the police commits
sicner at the primary in which he sought re-
nomination
The ineficiency OF the last city administra-
ton, and particularly its police scandals, pro-
duced the change that has given US this reform
administration and it devolves on the whole
commission to see to it that the promises made
by them and for them are redeemed
Our advice to the commssioners-al seven
Of them-is to give little attention to our po-
lice troubles
Omaha daily bee., 1919-02-07
Drg States and Tores

The coming of prohibition will throw upon
states and cities the task of finding new sources
of income; and on no state will1it throw half
so great a burden as on New York. Senator
Davenport, contending at Albany for changes
in our taxation system, estimates that the state
faces deficit Of $12000000 this year. After
June 80 the sta.e will doubtless get not dollar
again in taxes on the liquor traffic. The income
of New York state from that source is declared
by the federal government to have been $l2-
670,86S in 1917. In other words, the legislature
has before it the problem of finding an equiva-
lent for what has furnished between fifth and
a sixth of our whole ordinary receipts How
much more serious the problem is in New York
than in other states may be gagged from the
fact that in 1917 the total>o of American state
taxes collected on the liquor traffic was only
$22,43o,94l or much less than twice the amount
collected in New York The state which stood
next to New York was Ohio-since dry" by
its own acton-which collected two and quar-
ter million. But number of states will soon
be hurriedly overhauling their tax systems; now
would be a good time for them to lay hold on
the most modern principles of equitable state
taxation Meanwhile, the nation will be cast
ing about for means of replacing the $443,839,-
544 that in 1918 it drew from the internal rev.
enue tax on liquors-New York Post.
Omaha daily bee., 1919-02-07
why the Delay?

Omaha, Feb. 4.-To the Editor Of
The Bee: From the number of COM
plants that are made of the delay
in sending men home from the
camps in various parts of the coun-
try, it looks as if there was gross
Encouragement some place.
I saw a statement in some paper
in December that the soldiers at one
of the big camps in. California would
all be discharged and sent home by
January 5. So far as l can learn
those men have not been sent home
yet. I made out affidavits Of rela-
tives of some Of the boys IN camp
weeks ago relating to the fact that
they were and are badly needed at
home, yet they are still held in the
army. One young man who was
the real manager Of a large store
that is owned and run by members
Of the family is still held in the
army even though a showing was
made that nearly all the members
of the family were sick or unable to
help in the store and the store had
to be closed part of the time be-
cause the young man is still held in
the army.
Friends and relatives Of men held
in the army against their own will,
when they are not needed for war
purposes any more, should send a
strong demand to the members Of
both houses Of congress that their
sons and brothers be discharged
without any more delay. Even il
some of the pet officers of the ma
tional administration should lose
their jobs in connection with the
army camps, the rest of us can stand
Omaha daily bee., 1919-02-07
Resisting Telephone Rates

Many of the states, either through applica-
tons for njunctons or through the regular
processes of the state regulatory bodies, are re-
ssting the revolutionary long-distance tele-
phone rates Mr.. Burleson has ordered estab-
lished throughout the country. A federal court
in Florida, after full hearing has upheld the
validity of the Burleson order. In few cases
temporary restraining orders have been issued.
The legal aspects of the question will probably
be finally passed upon by the supreme court OF
the United States.
The resistance to the new rates is partly
based on the jealousy of the various state regu-
latory bodies at the invasion OF their Jurisdc-
ton. But they also honestly oppose the rates
on the ground that they will mean substantial
increase in the cost of telephone service Mr..
Burleson, following his characteristic methods,
tried to leave the impression that the changes
would mean general reduction in rates. The
Globe-Democrat Immediately attacked his state
ment as deceptive a conclusion which the tele-
phone rate experts of the various state commits
sions have subsequently supported.
The Station to station charge would benefit
only concerns which do regular business with
each other, without regard to particular per-
sons" Generally this sort of communication is
by telegraph. But report charge" is to be
made even on Station to station" call. where
the called station is reached, but the converse
ton is not held. because of any reason beyond
the control of the telephone company" This
would be an invariable source of controversy
and suspicion and would probably tend to re-
duce business. TIE beauty of the old method
was that the telephone system made a real eff
fort to get the person called, for it could not
make charge unless it gets him. Not only
is higher rate charged for particular person"
calls, but there is an additional rate for APP
pointments"
The theory seems to be that the charges
should be based on the work done by the tele-
phone company, instead of on the actual service
to the public but the business was built up by
the rendering of service If the change stands
telephone service may go to the low European
levels.-St Louis Globe-Demoerat.
Omaha daily bee., 1919-02-07
PURSUING the Propagandists.


The United States senate proposes to probe
the activities of the propagandists to discover
if plot be on foot to overthrow the republic.
Just why it should look for hidden plot, when
most of the advocates of a new order OF
things" openly declare themselves on the point,
is not clear. 1t is no new thing for us to be
told that our scheme of government is wrong a
failure, and productive only of injustice, social
inequality and sorrow to all save the favored
few Soft-headed persons, whose vision suffers
from mental myopa, profess to see the need of
a general readjustment of relations For years
they have manufactured and dispensed their
mush of mawkishness, and have not been
disturbed George Creel, confronted by certain
OF his own writings, admitted authorship to the
congressional committee, but pleaded that he
had changed his views since America entered
the war. Apoogists for Newton D. Baker set
up in his behalf the same defense. And yet Mr..
Baker has given both aid and comfort to the
elements of disorder. With such examples is it
to be wondered at that the lesser lumnaries Of
the cult are encouraged to splitter and emit
sparks and smudge alike, and that below them
the unwashed find justification for their own in
depreciation of the madness that comes down
from on high? If the senator's really intend to
check the propaganda and spread of bolshevism
we submit that it might start probing right
close to the top.
Omaha daily bee., 1919-02-07
Two Friends Of France
Stars and Stripes, Published in Paris.

In these days, when the president of the
United States is hailed on all sides as the great
friend of France, accorded one of the
memorable ovations of history and has con-
ferred on him by reclamation the full rights
Of citizen of frances proud capital, it is good
for us Americans to bark back in memory l4O
years and recall at this festive time the first
American friend OF France, by name Benjamin
Franklin.
He it was who made his way clad in the
garb of democratic simplicity, to the court Of
Louis XVI at Versailles, and there, by dint Of
his arguments, his homely. ready wit and the
sincerity Of his zeal for liberty, induced the
monarch TO lend to the IS colonies the where
withal to keep their struggle alive. Later, he
was the determining factor in the dspatching
of the expeditionary force of Comte de Roch-
ambeau and the feet of Comte de Grasse, which
clinched the outcome of the war of the revou-
ton. Finally, it was he who played the great
est part in the framing of the treaty of YER
salles, guaranteeing to the infant republic on
the Atlantic seaboard the right to "life liberty
and the pursuit of happiness" claimed for all
men by that other staunch friend of France,
Thomas Jefferson.
But Franklin did even more than that By
precept and example he proved to the forward
looking but then hesitant French democratic
leaders that democracy could and would pay
His silent part in paving the way for the down
fall of the Bourbons and the triumph of re-
publican principles has never been forgotten
by France That is why the proudest cities of
this land have thoroughfares that bear the name
Of Franklin, even as there is hardly one of
them today that does not have its Place. its
Pont It's Avenue or its Rue du President Viii
son. What our president is to the France of
the twentieth century Franklin was TO the
France Of the eighteenth century-an apostle
of the freedom which is peculiarly the product
and the pride of the New World
"Old Ben" the frugal and sagacious printer
mar If n
founder of the great republic which we serve
and abettor in the foundation of the great re-
public which is France-would have rejoiced
in every fiber of his sturdy old soul could he
have been with us this past stirring week. We
may be assured that he was--and is-with us
in spirit, glorying in the realization that his
two great twin dreams have come true. and for
ali time.
Omaha daily bee., 1919-02-07
e. k2z.Azzs folks Corner 9

his mouth from mold and dirt
loosened by the smash.
That was sure some bang on the
coco, cried the Honor ball, rubbing
his head ruefully and using slang he
must have picked up from golf cad
dies. TRY again, but hit me square
and don't try to pound my cover
On the second trial. Peggy did bet
ter, and the ball went sailing away
finely, but first it did just what the
Silver King and Witch had done--it
gave Gloomy hooks parting crack
on the head.
An the golf balls seemed to want
to do the same thing, for, no matter
how carefully Billy and Peggy aim
ed, each gave Gloomy Nooks a live
ly wallop before speeding to free
dom.
Finally all the golf balls were
gone. Then the coins lined up next.
but I don't think we had better
send you flying away" hesitated
Billy. you had ought to go back
to your owners"
you get us out of the woods, md
Wen find our way back to our own
ers. No more loaflng for us" prom
Used the coins.
Put me in your pocket, for I'm
the quarter you lost circus day."
said one coin to Billy
"And I'm the half dollar you lost
during your Christmas shopping"
said coin to Peggy, so contrltely
that she at once forgave it the heart
ache it had caused her.
So Peggy and Billy set mp the
coins as they had the golf balls, and
sent them flying up through the
trees, And like the, golf balls. the
coins each gave a parting slap to
Gloomy Nooks. These slaps made
Gloomy howl and they took all the
sneers out Of him, but
Peggy and Billy were astonished at
the improvement they made in his
Each slap knocked
away some of the mold and dirt
with which he was covered, until
soon he began to take the form of a
rather handsome bronze statue.
When the coins were all gone, the
pieces of jewelry wanted to go next,
but Billy hesitated to hit them with
the club for fear he would knock
them to pieces.
Put me in your pocket, for / be-
long to your mother" said one beau
tiful brooch to Peggy. and Peggy |
was glad for the brooch had caused |
much grief when it became lost.
Now Billy Belgium paused to
ponder anxiously.
II don't know any more about
Omaha daily bee., 1919-02-07
Many Questions.

r. NJ. S.-You are entitled to one
silver service chevron and to the red
discharge cheYron. You can buy
them at nearly any store. They may
be worn on civilian clothing.
M. E.-The War department has
made no announcement of the re-
turn of the detachment now in Italy.
A. ?. o. 901 is in Italy, via A. P. o.
902 at Milano.
Mrs. w. r. G.-The Three Hun
dred and Third engineer regiment is
with the Seventy eighth division To-
Gated at Semur, France. This unit
has not been designated for return,
but as they are not part of the army
of occupation, will probably soon re-
turn.
A. j. PA. p. 0. 91O is located at
Chateau-du-Loire. A soldier with
this address is no doubt very near
that place. If you will give us the
number of your sons regiment we
can give you the division he is in, if
he is in the combat forces.
Mrs. A. b. C.-The First gas regi-
ment is part of the chemical warfare
service. and it is said they will be
returned within the next month or
so. We suggest that you watch the
paper for an announcement of the
sailing of this unit
A, H. K.-The One Hundred and
Fifteenth infantry was assigned to
the Twenty-ninth division; latest re-
ported location, Bourbonne-lee-
Baines, France
Mrs. C. B.y-The One Hundred and
Twenty eighth infantry is in the
Thirty-fifth division, lately reported
at Commercy, France. Neither the
One Hundred and Twenty eighth
nor the One Hundred and Fifteenth
regiment of infantry has sailed.
Mrs. F. H. P.-The Eighteenth
field artillery is part of the Third
division, now part of the army of
occupation. If you have had no
mail from your son since September
we suggest that you inquire of the
adjutant general, United States
army, Washington, D. c., if he has
been reported wounded.
Mrs. NJ. B.-The Three Hundred
and Thirty-ninth infantry is in
western Russia. They are not ex-
pected home for some time, but we
can say nothing definite about their
return.
Bessie H.-The One Hundred and
Twelfth ammunition train is part of
the Thirty division. now at
France. They have
been mentioned among those divi-
sions to- return soon. The Thirty
fifth division is not in the army of
occupation; location, Commercy,
France.
Glenn B.-Water tank train 800 is !
not in any division. There has been
no order for its return yet.
Mrs. W. C.-Your husband is in |
the chemical warfare branch. |
These men are all to be returned !
soon, but we cannot give you any
specific date. A. P. o. 702 is located |
In Paris.
Mrs. S.-We do not know when
the men in Camp Hunt, France, will |
be released. No information about |
them has been given out by the War |
Cristi G.-Addresss mail complaints |
to the central records office, depart |
ment-cher, Bourges, France.
M. S.-A. p. o. 767 Is located at |
Nantes, France. No information |
available on the two transport corps
INIT you INCEPTION.
Omaha daily bee., 1919-02-07
ParochiaI Schools.

Omaha, Feb. 5.-To the Editor Of
The Bee: The pulic is assured that
well-meant, constructive criticism
is most welcome. On the other hand
insidious venting of ire cannot be
productive of any good. The I'M
justified criticisms heaped upon
parochial schools by ill-advised and
misinformed and some self-styled,
self-appointed critics might well be
left unanswered. However, many
readers might accept statements as
true were they left unanswered. AS
to these schools being the couse of
illiteracy, statistics are available to
disproYe this. In some districts
where no parochial school exists,
illiteracy is most conspicuous. Nor
are public schools to blame. The
following information might help to
dispel doubts. if investigation were
honestly made.
Parochial schools always hold
their own in open competition Tax
payers are saved money by their
operation Patriotism was always
inculcated Note the governments
statistics ON the percentage of
Catholics in the fighting force. See
NAAelA NSeAAAAOAAG AAGANE NA0AAC III
camps and for civilians during the
FLU" Public school authorities
have been unstinted in their praise
for what parochial schools have
done.
Parochial schools produce no
slackers, no conscientious directors
to army service, no Benedict Arm
olds.
Catholic schools are not used for
any other purpose than to impart |
useful knowledge and prepare the
pupils to do their best for themselves
and their employers in society.
These schools are taught by teach
ers who make teaching a life work.
There is not a citizen in our fair |
land who can say Catholics are not !
sincere and above board in all they |
do. No one can say honestly in
justice is done by maintaining these |
schools. Nor will anyone who |
knows, deny Catholics their right |
under the constitution.
Our schools are open to investi-
cation, and honest investigation is
welcomed.
Yours for square deal L. c.
Omaha daily bee., 1919-02-07
LINES 10 LAUGH.

when that lawyer makes such false
allegations, he comes very near being an
Alligator"
How so?h
He sheds crocodile tears Baltimore
American
You say you have trouble finding a
place to sleep?"
Yes" replied the gloomy stranger 'But
what's the difference? Pm so worried /
couldn't sleep. anyway Washington
star,
'Muttha~ came imperiously from the
little angels lips.
l could not help hearing the rest.
''Muttha, I don't like that dolie with
the baby clothes on. She's got adenoidsl"
New York Post
WHAT'S the matter with Footlites be-
Ing out Of the cast? ] thought he was
the star Of that tank drama"
so he was, but he wanted TO be the
tank, too."-Chicago Post.
Omaha daily bee., 1919-02-07
Majority Rule IN America

"A member of the Ohio state senate has an
nounced his intention OF offering a resolution
asking congress to submit to the states for rati-
ieation a federal initiative and referendum
amendment giving the people the right TO vote
on the adoption of the federal amendments.
No one accepting the principle that any
other than majority rule is consistent with the
principles OF democracy win deny that such
movement as the proposed resolution suggests
is timely AT the time OF the adoption Of the
federal constitution the idea of majority rule
had not crystallized and indeed, it would have
been utterly impracticabe to have secured the
adhesion of the smaller colonies to the new inl
strument had any such plan Of government been
proposed in 1880
The only satisfactory working principle i'll
democracyis majority rule 1t may at times, in
practice, result in injustice, but it is impossible
that il could ever produce 1.-THE Of The discon
tent that minority government brings in its
train. No matter how we'll intentioued the purg
poses Of those who succeed in manipulating the
ancient machinery devised 10 curtail the right
Of the majority to rule their success will newt
ably breed discomfort
The American people have kept the covenant
entered into when as Is colonies thew formed
an imperfect union. They have not lnurmured
thar states insignificant in point OF population
and area should exercise an equal voice in the
upper house OF congress; they even have ac-
cepted patiently the addition of other states
formed from territories numerically less i'm
portant than the smallest state formed from the
is colonies, but the indications are multiplying
that acquiescence Of this sort will not endure
forever, unless some concession is made to the
right Ct the majority to rule.-San Francisco
Chronicle.
Omaha daily bee., 1919-02-07
how to get out Of here than l did

how to get out of here than 1 did
before" he confided to Peggy.
Up bobSed the saucy rabbit from
the underbrush to squeak a mocking
poem:
"Hark. bark, it's getting dark;
Hear the trees, how they bark"
Billy Belgium turned to hurl his
golf stick at the teasing rabbit, but,
before he could do so, there came
great squeaking from nearby in the
forest. This was quickly followed
by loud Tapping as Judge Owl
came flying through the trees. In
his claws was clutched a squirming
baby bunny which he was carrying
by the ears
Tomorrow will be told how Peggy and
Billy find their way out OF the Land Of
Lost Things.)
Omaha daily bee., 1919-02-07
On Voting in the South.

The editor of the Punta Gorda (Fla,) Herald
thinks that compulsory voting would be good
thing for the state, in that it would require
more full expression of popular preference as
to candidates. The editor Of the Jacksonville
Times-Union rebukes his brother, setting forth:
Il voting were compulsory the negro vote
assisted by 900 republicans would elect the
congressman from the Second district In
the Third district only $500 white repub-
licans would be necessary in addition to the
negro vote in order to elect republican rep
resentative.
There you have it, as frank an admission as
could be framed in polite English In order to
maintain democratic control of the solid
south" it is imperative that the negro Be de-
prived Of the vote. He might not vote the
republican ticket but why take chance7
In northern district from $4,000 to $4,000
votes are required to elect member Of con-
gress; in the happy land of Dixie, not more
ttan that many hundreds. And the representa-
tives so chosen, united in solid block, are now
running, the government
Omaha daily bee., 1919-02-07
HOW SOOTHING
POSlAM FEELS
ON FIERY SKIN

Nothing that you can apply to ailing, itch
ing, irritated skin can be more welcome
than Poslam, for its relief is immediate
Angry surfaces are soothed, cooled. paci-
fled. These quick indications Of benefit,
showing that Poslam is taking hold. have
made many sufferers glad And this direct
ness-this getting right st the trouble Is
a quality noteworthy in poslam. Try for
those pimples, that rash, itching eczema,
sealp-seale, any disordered condition.
Sold everywhere. For free sample write
to Emergency Laboratories. 243 West 18th
St., New York City.
Urge your skin to become clearer, FAIR
er. healthier BY the use Of poslam Soap,
the tonic soap for the skin.--Ady.
Omaha daily bee., 1919-02-07
azSS8eeS;::2sA6d7z8o

it all right and it will not hurt them
to hustle for other jobs.
1t was called unpatriotic by some
when the war was on, to criticise any
of the gross failures of the admins
tration, but it ought not to be called
unpatriotic now to demand that men
be discharged when they are held
without just cause or reason months
after the war closed all but in name.
FRANK A. AGNEW,
Omaha daily bee., 1919-02-07

Nebraskas lawmakers join those Of Kansas
IL protesting against the action of Secretary
Baker in rewarding the slackers he released
from prison, gave honorable discharges and full
pay the same treatment that was accorded the
boys who went over the top at Belleau Wood,
Chateau Thierry, and elsewhere Indignation
over this may yet get warm enough to be APP
preciated by the secretary Of war.
Omaha daily bee., 1919-02-07
Service Flags.

Omaha, Feb. 5.-To the Editor Of
The Bee: Is there any order for
taking down service fl8gs issued by
the government? M. A. X.
Ans.--The government has issued
no order in regard to the taking
down of the service flag. The
Daughters OF the American Revolu-
ton have suggested that these flags
be demobilized on February 90.
Washington's birthday, and that
suggestion has been generally ac-
cepted. It is proposed that the flag
be carefully folded and tenderly laid
away, where it can be preserved for
the future. No set time is presented
for the ceremony.