davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New-York tribune., 1919-08-10
The Week at Home

Affairs in the United States assumed
such an engrossing position dur
ing the last week that world con-
slderations were to large ex-
tent superseded in the activities
of the Administration at Washing
ton. The problem of the cost of
living for the people of this coun-
try has been forcing itself in
sistently into the task of settling
the destinics of the universe, and
last week the situation was
precipitated by the demand Of the
railroad brotherhoods for higher
wages, accompanied by plan for
the naturalization of the railroads.
President Wilson's closest advisers,
dispatches from Washington said,
told him the American people
were far more interested in settling
their own problems and averaging
up the cost of living with daily
earnings than they were in the
league of nations, and it was be-
lieved that the President would
abandon his proposed tour of the
country to champion the league
covenant in favor of staying in
Washington to give his attention
to strictly American problems. He
is said to believe the 1920 campaign
will be based on the demand for
the naturalization of the railroads
and 20 think both of the old
parties will be split on this issue,
while he purposes to put himself
at the head of the radical wing
and support the demand for ma
tionalization
The President and Director Gen
eral Hines OF the railroad ad-
ministration are disposed to put
the railroad problem up to Con.
gress. But Congress seems little
inclined to hold the bag in the
present emergency. Senator Cum
Minis, of Iowa, told the Senate
New-York tribune., 1919-08-10

the probe of the Shipping Board in
dicated the Republicans were expect
ing to prove the following:
l. That land was bought at Hog
Island for 200 per cent of its value.
2 That ships were frequently sold
for much less than they cost.
3. That such miscellaneous articles
as baseball bats, lodge dues and mem
bership fees were charged up as part OF
the cost of some ships
a. That some ships within a month
after being launched would call for
$4,000 worth Of repairs, usually to
their boilers
S. That the entire shipping pro
gramme was wastefully and ineffi
GENTLY carried out
What amounts to an investigation OF
the Department of Labor has been con
Quoted for some weeks by Representa-
tive Blanton, of Texas, whose resolu-
tion calling Upon Secretary of Labor
Wilson to send the House the secre,
was complied with last week. Mr.
Blanton has made the charge that MI
John B. Densmore, now director gen
eral Of the Employment Service and
formerly solicitor for the Department
Of Labor, is an, unfit person to hold
public Office becauss of the means he
used to obtain the Mooney report by
spying with dictograph on United
States officials engaged in prosecuting
Tom Mooney. Another resolution by
Mr. Blanton asking further informa.
tion from Secretary of Labor Wilson
is pending in the House.
An inquiry into the Postoffice De-
partment is also pending, particularly
regarding the matter of wires. The
feeling against Mr.. Bureson was ac-
centuated recently by the loss OF s63.-
600 in securities owned by New York
bank in an airpane mail fire near
Cleveland. Inquiry into the practice of
sending mail by carrier has now re-
vealed the fact that ordinary letters
carrying cents postage may now pc
sent by postal plane at the direction
of the Postofice Department. A bill 10
prevent such action if the sender orders
the mail not sent by plane is pending
in the House
New-York tribune., 1919-08-10
Var Not Forgotten

Forget the war and do something
constructive was the cry IN some quar-
.ers
But this view did not prevail AS d
result around twenty Investigations or
situations amounting to Investigations
have already been developed, principal
ly in the House.
So new standard OF personal iuds
ment has been set up in Congress.
The chairman of an investigating COM
mittee is known now for his ability
TO extract unwilling and damaging ad-
missions from witnesses. TO show that
the Administrati blundered, was ex-
travagant, inefficient and, in general,
was unworthy OF the wholehearted and
unstinted support given it during the
war by the American people.
Briefest but perhaps most startling
Of all Investigations so far held was
that which resulted in the triumphant
production of a copy of the peace
treaty in the Senate by Senator Borah.
/, took just three days for this cpl
sode 10 run its course, with such fnan-
clal comets as Frank A Nanderlip, ].
P Morgan, H. P Dawson and F. W.
Lamont occupying the centre Of the
Senatorial inquiry
Probably the heaviest damage 10 the
Administration, however. has been sus-
tanned through the five Investigations
being made into expenditures in the
War Department.
New-York tribune., 1919-08-10
As to yison Cam rs

Probably second IN success has bee,
the nvestigation into foreign expen
ditures led by Representative Royal c
Johnson, of South Dakota. This invos
tigaton has developed startling facts
relating TO the treatment of American
soldiers in American prison camps in
and about Paris. The high points Of
this probe are:
/. That for months American SOL
diors were cruelty beaten, starved and
exposed to all manner of indigntes
in the Paris "Bastile,' Farm No .
and other places, often without just
cause and frequently without either
ever being charged with any offence or
tried
?. That one officer, Lieutenant Hard
Boiled Smith, against whom scores of
doughboys testified on charges of cru
city, received only eighteen months
Imprisonment for his actions
8. That Brigader General W W.
Harts, formerly military aid at the
White House. was blamed by Smith as
the man higher up responsible for
those conditions.
a. That the truth of the terrible con-
ditions in Paris was unknown to Sec
retary Baker and Chief of staff March
until the inquiry was made, and that
General March finally admitted the
truth of the wholesale charges made
The third committee in the War
Department TO score was that investi-
eating camps. Its story is short and
concerned Camp Benning, Alabama. 1t
was shown that land was bought there
and construction expedited after the
Senate Military Affairs. Committee had
expressed dsapproval of further ex-
pcnditures; that extra appraisers
we're hired to rush the work of evalu-
ating land to be bought, and that
boards OF appraisers composed of one
army officer, one farmer whose land
might be sold and one member Of the
Chamber of Commerce Of Columbia
Ga, passed on bids by which land
was finally bought by the War De-
New-York tribune., 1919-08-10

that existing laws gave the Presi-
dent ample power to deal with the
situation and the demands Of the
railroad brotherhoods. Concrete
suggestions were expected from
the President for dealing with
the problem. Meanwhile the
brotherhoods agreed with men,
bers of Congress that the Presi-
dent had all the necessary powers
to deal with the situation and said
they would tolerate no plan for
Congress to deal with the prob
lem, because it would be impos-
slble to secure immediate relief in
that way.
Fourteen principal railroad unions
united for the first time in their
history and presented an ulti-
matum to Congress demanding an
immediate increase in wages for
railroad workers regardless Of
action toward reducing the cost
of living. This was accompanied
by the threat that the roads
would go into receivership and
general panic would follow un-
less naturalization was adopted.
Representatives OF the men denied
an intention to strike to force
their demands for naturalization.
though they said they might strike
against the cost Of living and sus
gested the possibility of firing
squad for profteers. Director Gen
eral Wnes estimated the wage in
crease demanded by the men at
$500, ,00O.
Only one phase OF the situation was
presented by the railroad workers
problem, though it served to
throw into high relief the erea.
question OF the cost of living for
all the people of America and
compelled the Administration TO
focus its attention on the United
States. The Department of JUS
New-York tribune., 1919-08-10
as to .4uiati0n

The committee investigating the
aviation situation in the War Depart
ment has barely got started. Assisted
by Representative La Guardia, who de-
,lares he was kept off the committee
because he knew too much about the
.irplane situation, the committee has
harged:
/. That s22,O00,OOO of airplanes and
material were sold back to the Curtiss
company for s2,00O,00o on the suppo-
sition that they were all but valueless,
whereas the Curtiss company began
flying the planes from their resting
places and offering them for sale at
from $500 to $4,000.
:. That the Chicago. Milwaukee &
st. Paul Railway, Of which John D.
Ryan is a director, profted by the gov
ernmcnt's building a thirty ght- lie
railroad, which is in effect an extern
sion Of the Milwaukec's line, into
spruce forests largely owned by sub
sidiary company of the Milwaukee, in
the Olympic peninsula Of Washington.
In ordnance the principal charge,
supported by testimony, has been to
the effect that the government made a
poor deal for itself in entering into
a contract with the United Metals Sell
ing Company, of which John D. Ryan
was president, to dispose of the gov
ernment's 100000 900 pound surplus of
copper along with copper owned by the
nrnducers
New-York tribune., 1919-08-10
=, = ss
~ I|Ial
IN Investigating Spree
Keeps the Present
Congress Busy
Spree

OF canned meat and vegetables.
2. That large quantities OF these
foods are spelling for lack of proper
storage facilities.
3. That the War Department actually
agreed to protect the Gamers by with
holding from the domestic market great
quantities OF canned vegetables.
t. That the policy of Withholding
these goods or shipping them abroad
tor foreign sale If possible was outlined
by representatives of the great packing
interests of this country
5. That pressure was exerted so that
Herbert Hoover bought $4,000, 900
worth Of meats in this country for for
elgn use when there were large sup
plies OF army meat already in France.
s. That, contrary to the argument
which was used convincingy with the
War Department, the people of this
country will buy the surplus army
foods. This was illustrated by recent
sale in Virginia, where crowd broke
in the doors of store where govern
ment food yeas offered and bought the
place out in three hours.
Oddly enough, however, the climax of
the fight on food was an anti climax.
After a hot afternoons debate on the
majority and minority reports on
resolution calling upon the War De-
partment to sell all surplus foods at
once direct to the consumer the House
adopted an amendment to that resolu-
tion providing that such sales be made
by means of the parcel post.
This amendment, for which some
thirty Republicans voted together with
the Democrats, virtually defeated the
purpose Of the entire resolution, so the
leaders in the food probe believed, and
brought grave dissension in the Repub-
lican ranks. Charges went the rounds
that a lot of Republicans were becom-
ing 'assistant Democrats"
New-York tribune., 1919-08-10
Quartermosters' Supplies

Take the matter of quartcrmasters'
supplies, for example. The sub-com-
mittee headed by Representative Rcavis,
Of Nebraska, has made practically a
national issue of the handling OF sur
plus army stocks, notably food. 1t has
been shown, for example,
/. That the War Department took six
months to make any progress toward
declaring immense surplus quantities
New-York tribune., 1919-08-10
and Mexico

The scene shifts to Mexico. For
months the Mexican problem has been
seething. Several different forces are
at work. The Administration itself
has even let it be known that "watch-
full preparedness" has superseded
"watchfu waiting.' Meantime news
of new outrages on Americans trickles
from Mexico.
Three different members of the
House have made efforts to obtain A
solution of the problem. Representa-
tive La Guardia, of New York, recently
New-York tribune., 1919-08-10
~ONGRESS is on an "investigat-
ing spree
4 1t is indeed dull day when
some Republican orator, in

ing spree.
1t is indeed dull day when
some Republican orator, in
aated with statistics, does not rise TO
assail the Administration conduct of
The war, bringing rapturous applause
from mis- side of the house. and there
: enual evidence to prove that the
GOOD old davs Of Southern oratory have
net vet died when some Democrat re-
niles. causing the Democrats, usually
led bv Representative Blanton, OF
Texas and his cowboy war whoop, to
rise and applaud some defender of the
Administration.
II is the Investigating Congress" )"
as Representative Pou, Of North Caro-
lima, put it one day.
The enormous expenditures of the
United States in the war left an an
rivalled opportunity for the Republi-
cans For six years the Democrats
had disbursed unheard-o sums. Then
the Republican bull broke into the
china closet.
The Democrats started a similar show
in 1911, two years prior to Mr.. Will
sons entry into Office, developing such
Investigations as the Pujo money trust
probe, the Stanley steel inquiry and
Mulhall's Egyptian Nights Tales of
how to bribe a Congressman.
When the present Congress con-
vened there was some difference of
opinion among the Republicans as to
the question Of wholesale inquiry into
the conduct Of the war A similar in
quiry had been held during the war.
when Secretary Baker occupied the
stand, the Hughes report on aircraft
also had been made; Hog Island had
come into fame and been forgotten,
and there was considerable feeling that
to probe the conduct of war that had
been won would be crying over split
milk. not to mention the chance Of
starting an inquiry that might fail
and disastrously backtre.
New-York tribune., 1919-08-10
into State Department

The Investigation into expenses in
the State Department has encountered d
a stumbling block in that the complex,
contradictory subject of Russia was-im-
medlately encountered. Representative
Mason, Of Illinois, provoked this in
curry by demanding that it be de.
New-York tribune., 1919-08-10
The Shipping Board

1t was perhaps inevitable that the
Shipping Board should be Investigated
but not until last week did the House
order an inquiry. After bitter part-
san debate the Democrats voted with
the Republicans for an investigation,
just to show their confidence in moth
ing being found
Debate on the resolution ordering
New-York tribune., 1919-08-10

partment for 200 per cent Of its orgi-
nal value
New-York tribune., 1919-08-10

Forget the war and do something
constructve' was the cry.n some quar-
:ers.
New-York tribune., 1919-10-28
Diamond Anklet at Pier
Causes Much Neckstrain
8O-Solitaire Ornament Adorns
Champagne-Hued Hose of
Mrs. Peter Cooper.Hewitt

The lady with the glittering ankle"
attracted unusual attention on the Gu
nard pier yesterday after the Maure-
tanla had landed its passengers. and
customs officials were frequently in
formed by curious travellers that there
was displaced diamond bracelet on
view within few, yards OF the assign
ment desk.
81 must look into this" said an in
spector on the staff of Deputy Sur
veyor Alexander McKeon. and forth
with he approached the woman trav-
eler and asked her name.
She said she was Mrs. Peter Cooper
hewitt and presently he had look at
her declaration. Everything was regu-
lar, he said, and added that folks Who
put diamonds in a conspicuous place
like that had nothing TO conceal from
customs officials.
The slittering band was clasped
around Mrs Hewitt's left ankle. which
vas encased IN champagne colored hose.
The anklet is said 20 contain eighty
solitaire diamonds
New-York tribune., 1919-10-28

and that the time will come when there
VIII be women sitting on every bench in
the country. The courts need the
benefit Of the woman's point of view
"Women jurors? Yes, in theory |
believe that women should sit on
juries. In practice, however, I believe
1t has not been quite successful, and
until it has been tried out more
thoroughly 1 prefer to reserve de-
cision."
Mrs. Norris was notified Of her ap-
polntment by mail yesterday morning
and Immediately went to City Hall,
where she was sworn in.
Assigned to Womcn's Court
Mayor Hylan wrote the following
note to Chief Magistrate McAdoo prais
ing Mrs. Norris and asking that she
be assigned to the Women's Court:
"My Dear Judge McAdoo: l have
this day appointed Mrs. Jean II.
Norris city magistrate of the City
OF New York, and hope you will as
sign her to the Women's Court"
The appointment of a woman Judge
is the second change in the procedure
of the Women's Court which has been
made within the last six months Miss
Rose Rothenberg was assigned as
prosecutor in that court at the time
when public Indignation was reused
over the conviction of several young
women who were afterward found in
nocent by the Court of Appeals
Mrs. Norris was appointed for a
thirty-d day period in the place of Magis-
treate Breen, who is i'll. This appoint
ment, however, can be extended from
time to time.
Chief Magistrate McAdoo assigned
her to sit with Magistrate Marsh IN
the Women's Court for a week. to
familiarize herself with the routine.
She will assume her duties regularly
next week, and her work will probably
be confined to the Women's Court and
to the Court Of Domestic Relations, the
Chief Magistrate said.
New-York tribune., 1919-10-28
German Opera
To Be Sung g in
English Here
Justice Ciegerich Vacates Re-
straining Order and Pro-
gram Is Hastily Changed
for Performance Tonight

Justice Giegerich refused yesterday
to grant the permanent injunction
sought by the Star Opera Company to
restrain the police from interfering
with its production of German opera
at the Lexington Theatre. The news
did not startle the man in the box
office at the Lexington Theatre last
| night He was selling tickets for to-
nights performance.
We're going to put on the opera
in English" he said, screnely. "The
only objection | can see that people
have for it is because it is in German
Well give it to them in English"
SO the audience at the theatre to-
night will hear German opera sung in
English on twcntyfour hours notice
and some of those who have learned
lip-reading at the movies may be able
TO satisfy themselves of the law abid-
ing intent Of the opera company.
Opera Company Explains.
Inc following statement was issued
at the theatre:
"The management of the Star Opera
Company, which was inhibited in the
production of opera in the German
language by the city authorities, an.
nounce that it VIII continue with the
production of its operate program in
the English language until it can be
given in German.
The first opera to be produced will
be Carl Marie Won Webcr's The Free
Shooter That will be given to-mor-
row night.
CAS- most of the players of the Star
Opera Company are natives of this
country, the management decided tc
go right ahead with it's program. The
management as we'll as the artists en-
gagged are resolved not to be deprived
of their right to earn their living by
the exercise of their profession, anc
they appeal to the fair thinking, music
loving public for support.
"rhe first rehearsal of The Free
Shooter was held to-day. Theodore
spiering will conduct the perform
anccS."
Vacatcs Temporary Order
Justice Gicgcrich vacated the tenn
porary restraining ordor that pre-
vented the police from carrying ou,
the order of Mayor Iylan that there
shall be no performance Of German
opera until after the treaty Of peace
is ratified. The opera company had
advertised performances for this week
beginning tonight. The decision OF
Justice Gicgerich, based on both law
ana puDilc pOllcy, Will De ell lcCtlNt
until the case can be heard by jury
if it is ever carried that far, or at
least until the Appellate Division has
passed on the matter, if the Star
Opera Company decides to press the
case any further.
1t was the American Legion which
out Of patriotic motives induced Mayor
Hylan to issue his order haltinE the
pre- cscntation Of German opera, and il
was the same body that fought the Ger
man opera company in its efforts tc
force its presence on the community By
/ operating under an injunction. In this
the American Legion had the support OF
the Corporation Counsel. Justice Gle
gcrich took cognizance Of the patriotic
feeling aroused by the presentation ol
German music in defiance Of the wishes
of men just returned from war and suf
fcring it's effects. and mothers and other
Continued on page sir
New-York tribune., 1919-10-28
Army Air Service
Loses SIS, 600, 0O0

WASHINGTON, Oct. 27.-After elm
mating the Senate provision of SIS 600
Voo for the army air service and reduc
ing the appropriation for the Alaskan
railroad from $l7,OOO,0OO to Sc 900 900.
House and Senate conferees reached an
agreement to-day on the first general
deficiency bill of this session.
me conierees also reduced from
S73,3l2 to $4,000 the appropriation for
the expenses of the intcrnationa, labor
conference to be held here, and olimi-
rated the appropriation OF S35 900 for
the national industrial conference. ex-
pense of that meeting having been paid
out OF the contingent fund. The SEN
ate appropriation of $5,000,00O for the
taineG~
New-York tribune., 1919-10-28
Mr.. Wilson s Gain
Is Satisfactory
Physicians State He viii
Be Able to Consider
Labor Problems TODAY
Notc York Tribune
LEnsb;Dnfon Rvr1o,,

Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON, Oct 27.-President
Wilson again to-day transacted some
official business from his sick bed
when inc vetoed the prohibition en-
forcemcnt bill and returned it to the
Senate unsigned. He also signed par
dons in several cases. which he re-
quested the Department of Justice to
place before him.
Dr. Cary T. Grayson. Mr.. Wilson's
personal --physician, said tonight the
PRESIDENT had had "a good day" though
he ISSUED no offica! announcement.
The only bulletin from the White
house was issued at noon, following
the morning consultation, in which
Drs. Grayson, Ruffn, and Stitt par
tlclpated. The three physicians signed
the announcement, which said:
The Presidents progress contin-
ues, as during the last few days.
satisfactorily"
The prohibition enforcement bill
was sent to the sick room at 1920
o'clock; With the bill was state
ment from Attorney General Palmer,
which said the bill, as enacted was
not contrary to the Constitution. No
recommendation seeking the veto Of
the the act was addressed to the President
oy the Attorney General, it was said
oiflciaiiy at the White House.
Inc President dictated the 35O-word
letter addressed to the House of Rep
resentatlves returning the bill m
signed. After the letter had been
typed it was brought to the sick room
by .S Secretary f,t1y Tumulty and signed by
the PRESIDENT with lead pencil. The
signatures on the pardons also yyere
applied with lead pencil.
The President was said by DR.. GRAY
son to be more anxious to-day to re-
sumo his official duties than at anv
time since his illness. He inquired
about the coal strike situation and the
industrial conference
Dr. Grayson intimated the President
would be able tomorrow to consider
any plan that might be presented by
the Cabinet on reconvening the indus.
trial conference. The Cabinet viii
meet tomorrow as usual, and decide
on the list Of delegates to make up
the conference for reference to the
Presld dent