davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1920-04-04
Offers Thrift Program
As Remedy for High Cost
Wage Dissatisfaction Laid to
Extravagant Spending of
Money bv Workers

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: Never in tho history of this
country has the Republican party been
called upon to consider more weightv
matters necessary to the national life
of our country than at the present
time.
Mr.. American Citizen is heartily sick
Of picking up his daily paper and Sea-
ing headlines such % these: "Rail-
way Workers Issue Ultimatum." "Two
Million Men Will Walk Out Unless a
~ Fer Cent Increase Is Granted" or
all the workers in this country who
nave the least cause to keep up the
VICIOUS circle" at this time, it is the
railroad workers.. 1t is not any par
ticular ultimatum that is the chief
cause OF concern to the American citi-
zen, but 1T is his knowing that such a
~nua means disaster for all of
Us, including the railroad workers.
When the chosen representatives of
the car knockers" and shopmen say. as
they did the other day in an alibi for
the present demand, that "thev" mean
ing Congress) promised to bring down
the II. c. Of L. and they" failed, the
LABOR leaders show an amazing amount
OF ignorance as to what has caused
this condition..
Mr.. Railroad Man, Congress is hit
BY the II. c. Of L., as we'll as you. But
Congress, as we'll as hundreds Of thou
sands of other salaried laborers, is
not asking the "boss" for an increase
every other week.
We have seen the workers of this
country. since 1914, enjoy the greatest
wage condition that has over been
known. And why the dissatisfaction ?
Mostly because the multitude Of wage
earners entered into a spree of spen1-
ing. GEORGE F. BOWLING
60 Avon Place, Springfield, Mass.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1920-04-04
To-Day's Prize Letter
Reviual Of Confidence Needed Among AN Americans

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: The restoration of the average mans confidence
In the conduct OF national affairs should be the primary
concern of the Republican party. The average man is
not a politician. He is occupied in earning a living for
himself and his family, in educating his children and in
discharging his civic responsibility toward the COM
munity. He has delegated to aspiring legislators and
executives the conduct Of governmental affairs.
He expects that they, being selected Of their own vo-
lition and adequately compensated, shall be competent to
discharge. the duties Of the Offices to which they are
elected. When they fail they forfeit his confidence and
his own work suffers in consequence. He goes about his
task half-heartedly.
in his government that he does in his bank. Moreover,
he would take pride in it. While not given to oratory, he
is intensely patriotic. During the war he gave freely of
his time and money to every philanthropic cause. He
bought generously of Liberty bonds and worked overtime
to pay for them. He gave more, for the heroes of
Chateau Thierry and the Argonne were the sons of the
average man.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1920-04-04
Profiteering
In Clothing
Is Denounced
Qualification of Retail Lists
Throughout Country and
the Punishment of All
NiOlators Are Demanded
Restraint on Landlords
just Return for Capital and
Fair Deal for Labor Are
Urged as Bases for Action
To the Editor Of The Tribune,

Sir: The essence Of fairness in the
governments dealings with industry
and business lies in the allowance, on
the one hand, of a just return on CAPT
tai invested and, on the other, of q
wage sufficient to maintain a worker
and his family at a decent standard Of
living.
Excessive profits are warranted only
in so far as they do not embarrass the
consumer. Luxuries constitute a class
of commodities whose selling prices
may rise to what the traffic will bear"
without causing the government n
concern. But the necessaries Of life
n be made the means of bringing
huge gains to a few at the expense of
suffering thousands.
In order to forestall this most con-
temptible form of profteering the De-
partment of Justice should be empow-
cred to publish in all parts of the coun-
try lists indicating the maximum fair
wholesale and retail prices for foods
and other staple commodities; for deal
t@S ~ SNSCN0 (ACoc Si4OQlU EC maze a
punishable o%ffenso. Federal courts
should similarly be permitted to re-
strain landlords from exacting unrea-
sonable rents and to prohibit exorbi-
stant charges for clothing when litiga-
ton involving such matters arises.
NThe employment Of stats of expert
cost accountants would enable the gov
eminent to accurately determine what
prices should be charged and what
wages paid. Increased profits should
be made possible only through in
creased efficiency of management, and
not because Of moHopoliSeic or other
unwarranted artificial causes. Likewise
skill on the part of individual work
men should be made the basis of higher
wages.
Ii intelligent action cannot entirely
control economic movements il can at
least give them a decided impetus il
OAe right direction. j.. ". F.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1920-04-04

But since the armistice he has been troubled with dis
Quieting thoughts. He has seen precious time wasted
in meaningless parleys; vast sums Of money, which he
has helped to provide, needlessly squandered; he has
witnessed the alarming rise in the cost of living; he has
seen the stability of business threatened; he has OBJ
served properly and lives destroyed and law and order
sneered at.
Like the worm, the average man will turn at length.
He is turning even now against the system which permits
these things and against those responsible for the sys-
tenn. He has said little, but he has done much thinking.
Certain ideas have become crystallized in his mind; he
will express them on November 2. And ii the Republican
party can assure him a sound financial policy, embracing
a budget system, an equitable method Of taxation. "a tariff
to protect effectively American industry, an adequate
merchant marine, a foreign policy which shall command
respect abroad and a common sense grasp of the rela-
tions between labor and captain short, if it shall
guarantee a restoration of his present sadly shattered
confidence in national affairs, it's platform will be his
mouthpiece.
MOLLY ANDERSON HALEY.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1920-04-04
Party Advised
First to Invoke
Gods Guidance
Republican Platform, He
Holds, Should Start With
Prayer Asking Divine
Blessing OH the Nation
Franklin Is Quoted
Washington and Lincoln
Noted for Their Dcvout
Reliance ON the Creator
To the Editor of the Tribune.

To the Editor of the Tribune.
Sir: The Republican National Con-
vention platform should start with q
c%lean-cut recognition of the shaping
hand Of God in the affairs of men and
end with a prayer for Divine guidance
Of the nation.
George Washington, Benjamin Frank
lin and Abraham Lincoln, in the alb
sence Of whose words and deeds Amer
lean history would resemble a dismal
swamp, were men of God. Franklin, at
the Constitutional Convention on June
%, 1887, in Philadelphia, reviewing the
small progress made by the convention
-"after four or FIVE weeks close at
tendance and continual reasonings with
n another"-addressing tho chair
man, said:
"(Our lack Of progress is) a
melancholy proof Of the imperfection
of the human understanding. We in
deed seem to feel our want Of political
wisdom since we have bcen running all
around in search Of it. l have lived,
sir, a long time; and the longer l live
the more convincing proofs | see Of
this truth, that God governs in the
affairs of men. And if a sparrow can
not fall to the ground without His
notice is it probable that all empire
been assured. sir. in the sacred writ
ings that except the Lord build the
house they labor in vain hat build it,
81 firmly believe this; and l also be-
lieve that without his concurring aid
we shall succeed in the political build
ing no better than the builders of
Babel; we shall be divided by our little,
partial, local interests; our projects
viii be COMPOUNDED and we oursclve1
sl.&ll become a %reproach and a by
word down to future ages.
"And what Is worse, mankind may
hereafter, from this unfortunate in
stance, despair of establishing govern
mont by human wisdom and leave it
to chance, war and conquest. I there
fore beg leave to o that henceforth
prayers, i%mplorlng the assistance of
heaven and its blessings on our DELHI
erations, be held in this assembly
every morning before we proceed to
business, etc"
In his fourth special thanksgiving
proclamation, date Of September 8,
1864, Abraham Lincoln urged reliance
on God.
"That He will continue to uphold
the government of the United States
against all the efforts of public
enemies and secret foes"
l suggest as the opening of the Re-
publican national platform this para
graph:
The Republican National Conven-
ton, conscious that God governs in the
affairs Of men, humbly invokes the
guidance Of the creator Of the uni
verso in our task Of framing a declara-
ton Of principles"
CHARLES 7. WHITE.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1920-04-04
Farmer Yields
Whip Hand, So
Pay Him Well
Those Who. Argue That the
World Owes Us a Living
Are Cautioned to TAXI
Care of the Producer
His Existence Assured
Free Communication Only
One of the Many Things
He Has Right to Ask
To the Editor of The Tribune.

To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: To quote Captain Corcoran,
"Say, why is everything either at SKIES
or at ~sevens?"
1t can't be the return Of the SOL
diers-at least not the ones who did
the real fighting in France; they're
ready enough to settle down into or
binary life. Nor am I inclined to think
that it IS the I, W. VS., for they are
like an auto engine without the clutch
thrown in. Their wheels go round and
round with q terrible commotion and
lots of smoke and their machine goes
nowhere at all.
But the traditional American, good
natured tolerance Of necessary evils
has been strained to the breaking
point by the mismanagement of our
pet institutions, the telegraph, tele-
phone and cable lines and the trans
p~ortation facilities.
You can't put your finger on any
thing and say, "This Is the cause OF
all the trouble" There will always
be workers who earn money easily
and spend it the same way. There al
ways will be fools who say that the
world yves them a living. There al
Ways will be ~plodders who keep within
safe financial limits and spectators
who fly to great heights and drop to
great depths.
If men would live they must eat.
If they would be comfortable they
must be clothed. Which brings US
back to the beginning and ending of
all life, our good old Mother Earth.
If the general run Of men are not will
ing to raise their own cotton and
corn let them at least realize that
the man who does Is entitled to his
living as much as they are. Let them
realize also that if he cannot get that
living wage he will do one of two
things, sell out or withdraw into his
own bailiwick, where, like a feudal
baron of old, he end his family can
have an excellent . bsistence and let
.he rest OF the world 80 hang.
Give the agriculturist his free COM
munication with the outs lie world in
rail, telephone, telegraph and postal
facilities. Give him his reasonable
share of profits. Give him the cheer
of a comprehension Of his aims and
aspirations.
In short, stabilize things in this one
matter, at least
Lillian WAsHBURN.
Livermore Falls, Me.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1920-04-04
Project Americans First
U. S. Urged to Guard Against
Notwithstanding Aliens

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: The average alien comes to our
shores as to the promised land, as to
a place where he is to reap a fortune
large enough to enable him to return
to his native country and there main.
tain himself in a higher social and
economic position than he had before
leaving It.
Consequently, We should have a Fed
erai law providing that when, after
residing here from five TO ten years.
an alien fails to become a citizen he
should lose the preference Of employ
me"t. This would promote American
ism IN the alien and be a material ad-
vantage 20 Americans.
MATTHEW P. BAlONE.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1920-04-04
Fair Deal TO All Disabled Veterans
Urged ia Name Of Truesf Patriotism,

TO the Editor of The Tribune.
SIR: One of thu first activities of the Republican PARTY should be TO
divorce politics from patriotism. A beginning in this direction can b
made by placing the problem OF caring for the counrys disabled soldiers
O. a Just and equitable basis.
Few OF the voters realize to what extent the present adm; nis.raion
has Disseminated against disabled veteran Men totally disabled prior
to April {, 1917. In the service of their country are allowed a pension Of
only $40 a month, while lei disabled since that date. owing t. the passage
" the Sweet bill. draw $50 monthly in addition to the oroy;ssoos made for
their care and vocational training.
1t Ia high time that the government looked upon Its disabled solder
rot as crippled veterans of the World War, tho Mexican border etc he
as disable veterans of the United States. They should be provided for
not IN relation to thu date of their service, but in accordance with the
economic need arising from their disability.
Like degrees Il disability should be awarded equal comrensaton ir
respective OF the date If service. An enlightened, just and economic pen-
sion system freed from political pressure ought to be a plank in the Re-
publican platform. ARTHUR NJ VAN pENssry Arp
Clinic or Functional Reeducation of Disabled Soldiers Sailor, and
Civilians, s Livingston Place, New York.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1920-04-04
Resources
Sufficient 10 End
High Price Reign
Federal Commission TO Act
With State Experts Stlg-
gested for Development
of Many Needed Supplies
To the Editor of The Tribune.

To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: In following the suggestions for
planks in the Republican platform and
letters with reference to them printed
in The Tribune l have been impressed
with the Importance Of one suggested
plank, which, though unsensational, Is
vital to our %country's future, viz, the
development of our natural RESOURCES.
The peoples Of the Old Word are
greatly hampered in their efforts to-
ward REIMBURSEMENT by the lack of raw
materials, coal, food products, etc, and
We. in like me can attribute our
difficulties to similar causes. Fortunate
ly, our country is blessed with natural
which, if developed, would
go a great way in arriving at a solu-
ton of our troubles. A keen percep-
ton or a scientific knowledge is not
necessary for an appreciation Of our
wonderful and, as Yet, undeveloped re-
sources.
1t seems to me. however, in my
everyday contact with men, that there
are few citizens who give a thought to
III ~ POS' VI 49,
development and conservation Of our
natural resources. Think Of our IN
limited available water power for the
promotion of industries and the re
duction Of the cost Of production, our
vast land areas for reforestation and
the conservation of rainfall, our mag
n~iicent waterways, our harbors and a
host Of other resources which, when
developed, will reduce the burdens Of
our workers and increase their com
forts!
Would not the great economies
which might be effected enable Ameri-
can industries to compete with foreign
production without reducing the stand
ard Of living OF American labor?
\ rlenk should be inserted in the
platform providing for a Federal COM
mission composed OF men of reso-
luton and vision to conceive and eff
feet a broad policy of scientific devel-
opment, to direct and cooperate with
the various state organizations and CO.
ordinate their efforts. W. ]. B.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1920-04-04
Choice of Federal
Judges by Vote of
People Demanded
More Satisfied Citizenry Pre-
dicted if Present Method
of Appointment Is Dis
carded for Ballot System
To the Editor Of The Tribune.

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: There arc many needed changes
in the Federal Constitution. One Of
the most desirable Is an amendment to
the Constitution which would give to
the people the right to select judges Of
the lower Federal courts. Particularly
should this be so in the selection Of the
District Court Judges.
TO people Of the district in which
the District Court has Jurisdiction
should be given the opportunity of
saying, by their ballots. who shall sit
as the Federal judge within their sec
ton. This would emove from the
President Of the United States the
power of paying his political debts
and those of his political adherents.
A judge is not like an ambassador or
consul, who is chosen for his con-
curing views with the President who
appoints him.
We are giving the people more rights.
Conditions make it desirable that tAe
judges shall be the choice of the peo-
pie. ! can sec no harm that might
come from this amendment, but, on the
other hand, can forescc many advan-
taGes and q more satisfied citizenry. The
more privileges the voters receive in
the selection of their officers the more
contented will they be. Surely there
can be no doubt that the change from
the antiquated method of selecting
United States Senators has brought
better results. Make as many officers
people. JEROME 7 MYERS
205-2o5 Pendergast Building. Scran-
ton. Pa.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1920-04-04
Tribunal 10 Check
Labor and Capital

Capital and labor should be made
to realize their proper relation
ships to society. Each exists, as
does any other part Of the whole
people, not for self alone, but for
the benefit of the whole. Industrial
as we'll as other questions affecting
tho conduct OF one toward the
other should be determined in &C.
cordance with principles Of exact
justice for all and not depend upon
the sheer might Of one of the con-
testing parties.
That this ideal may be the more
nearly realized, impartial tribunals
should be established with full DOW
cr to determine all industrial con-
troversies and to enforce their de-
crees.-Allyn Cole, Speaker, House
of Representatives, Denver, Col.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1920-04-04
Conditions of tho
Platform Contest

The Tribune invites you to write
planks for Republican platform
and to write letters about planks
proposed by ether readers through
it's columns.
For the best planks and letters
Tho Tribune offers these prisss,
For the best plank. $500 90
For tho second best plank. $4,000
For each OF tho eight next
best plenku. 10000
For the best letter a daily
PiiAo o.. 1000
For tho best letter IN tho
whole competition........ 10000
Tho Tribune will make up a plat
form OF ten planks to be determined
by your votes. Tho ton issues ro-
ceivtng tho most votes will be the
planks. The ton planks that be.t
cxprsn tho chessn Issues will be
solicited for the prize awards.
Each plank /, limited to 100 words.
Or two planks or letters 81 equal
mort the shorter will be chosen.
Every plank and letter must boar
tho name and address Of the sender.
although . nom d plume will DO
published II tho writer desires.
Tho contest will olsss aA m,dnirht.
April so, 1920. Manuscripts Will not
be returned.
The Judges OF tho oontest will be
three OF Tho Tribune's editors. They
will base their dooisions on sound
thinking and brsvity, alsarnssa and
strength Of statement
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1920-04-04
High Cost Laid to Cougers
Zoo Much Talk OF Radicals in
T.. 6. Is NcDlOred

10 tho Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: Many argue that the high cost
Of living is caused by the unreasonable
demands of some classes Of labor. In
part this is true. But to attribute the
nigh cost of living to inflated wages
alone Is n denial of the fact that
protitecring is widespread. 1t is self.
evident that proiitcering and not in
hated wages is the direct cause Of this
distressing condition.
That reduction in the cost of living ia
urgently needed is a fact beyond con
troversy. Why; then, is it that 80 little
thought has been given to the ameliora-
tlon of this condition in the platforms
OF the many would-be candidates. Al
together too much thought has been
given to the Suppression Of radicalism.
Assure the American people that this
'g~oNArNmNHt is . government for the
people and not for the big interests,
and you Will have set up an insur-
mountablc barrier to r%adicalism.
BERNARD SCHATIMAN.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1920-04-04
Night to Work Is Held as
Sacred as Right to Strike

10 the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: 1t is Il simple affirmation Of
american principle that the right to
work IL at least as sacred as the right
to strike.
IL is n rejection Of tho idea of au-
tocracy, az much In industry AS in gov
cIh'ncn'' cannot conceive of any ono
Plank mat VIII come nearer solving the
ono greatest OF labor difficulties II
strikes at tho very root Of nil Int Ia
un-Amcrican, driving from labor Or
CARNATIONS thnt dangerous and domI-
noerlng element whose purpose is de-
structivo to government and labor.
BENJAMIN r. WATKINS.
10 b Street, Salt Lake City, Utah.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1920-04-04
Force War Issues TO Polls,
: Then Peace MAY Prevail

TO the Editor Of The Tribune.
= Sir: Now that the "league Of
peace" is a failure and We know that
we must unite in some form against
Jhe men and forces that create war,
let as have a common sense league.
Knowing, as we do. that all peace
talk and plans for settling disputes bes
tween nations by arbitration have SO
Gar come to naught, because 10 power
has existed which could force a large
nation to try to settle it's Quarrels BY
arbitration, it is clear we must form
such a power.
A league s.needed which will com
pei every nation, not only to try
arbitration first, but to make public
throughout the length and breadth Of
its land. all reasons for every trouble
and all the decisions Of the arbitration
court: Then II the people. with clear
knowledge OF what they are doing,
choose to fight, 1t will be their look
out and not ours. NJ. l.. MATES.
b3s Quincy Avenue, Scranton, Pa.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1920-04-04
Republican Party Adriscd to Recount
Its Past in Preamble to Plaffov1,,

To tho Editor of Tho Tri5une.
Sir: No party deserves success At the polls II It's sucmss mean. merely
q party victory.
But II victory for a party DO identical with tho insurance Of national
welfare the success Is deserved.
We HAYS always had two leading political parties. One Of those
has been the party Of construction and. OF achievements: tn. other bs.
been tho party OF obstruction and, frequently, Of failure.
Put the FederaEsts. tho Wings and tho Republicans OF no si.. Put
tho Anti FederaN1ts and tho Democrats o. tho other. Compare them IN
their principles and In their accom- plshment. All tho proRreusiye. cor
strc.fve policies arc found on tho side Of tho Aut group. Tho other hide
can boast chiefly Of obstruction.
Tho adoption OF the Constitution, the placing Of the country IN a
strong financial bssis. tho development Of national rcsourcs, the protection
~ American industry, tho defense Of sound money, tho institution Of .
wise colonial policy these are all to tho credit Of Tho Republican party
M IL rYodscsssors.
Opposition to q strong csntrnl government, 10 national development to
protsction-ts tho record Of tho Democratic party.
History declares for tho Republican party as tho n most closely
identified with American tnterests. Tho party has a right to emphasize
this truth IN its platform.
" win be N. statement "f a historical fact w. ..THoMAs.
x ~ South Arlington Avenue, East Orange. N. :.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1920-04-04
Restrict immigration

We believe the traditional policy
of our government in welcoming
immigration to have been sound in
theory and that it has been of the
utmost economic value to the coun-
try, but changing conditions de-
mand that our welcome be modified
to the extent of raising our stand
ard for all those who wish to come
to us. Therefore we propose to re-
quire & better bill Of health phys
ically, morally and financially than
has heretofore been exacted, in the
hope that our new standard will be
mutually beneficial.-Fred N. Parks,
Norwich. n. Y.