davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1920-04-11
Democracy in Industry
Made Paramount Issue
Laws Guaranteeing Fair Play
for Workers Advocated to
End All Unrest
To the Editor of The Tribune

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: The principal issue should be
the Industrial affairs Of the nation
The relations of capital and labor de-
serve most consideration. We believe
in industrial democracy just as we be-
lieve in political democracy, acting
upon the hypothesis that competition,
originality and individuality produce
more than paternalism, communism
and q couple of other isms when it
comes to practical and not theoretical
results.
1t Is up to the voters to select law
makers who will provide that the mega
tive results Of strikes, profiteers, infia-
aons, luxury, laziness, government
bungling and a couple Of other human
or economic vices will be prevented by
the elimination of the evils that cause
them. These evils are neither so far
off nor 80 hidden that a telescope OF
microscope must be employed to see
them. Just the eagle eye of the aver
age American citizen should do.
therefore, what plank would solve
this problem more sweetly than the
one submitted hereunder:
We promise to make laws which will
guarantee fair working hours, working
conditions and compensation to the
worker in exchange for fair output
from workmen and fair profits to the
capitalist with the understanding thai
such legislation will not interfere with
the natural economic laws of competi-
hon and preserve the individuality and
originality of the citizens of the M.
ton. NIX
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1920-04-11
Hope for america
Seen in Preserving
Her ''Separmeness''
To The Editor Of The Tribune.

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: AS recorded in your paper re-
Gently, Benjamin Franklin, after weeks
Of fruitless effort on the part Of the
trainers of our Constitution to produce
q suitable document, urged his fellow
workers to invoke the blessing of God
for" he said, Except the Lord build
the house they labor In vain that build
it," His suggestion was followed, and
from that moment progress was made
and our wonderful Constitution was
written.
Every symbol and document of our
nation, America, emphasizes the fact of
her "separateness," as is unquestiona-
bly, revealed by study of them By
adhering to this cardinal principle Of
our nation, under God, we have main
tanned our integrity and independence
Of thought and action, for which the
little group of "irreconcilable" Sena-
tors at Washington deserves our graft
tude. This principle Of Americas sep
arateness," under the guidance Of God,
must be maintained for all time.
JAMES P. B. HYNDMAN,
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1920-04-11
Three Glasses
OF Voters Open
To Persuasion
Estranged Democrats, Wo-
men and ex-Progressives
Those to Whom Repub-
licans Must Appeal
Platform Means Mucl,
Efficiency, Honesty and
Economy Essentials on
Which Party Must Stand

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: The Republican party goes TO
the polls next November with an oppor-
tunity and a responsibility Of which II
must be fully aware:
The present administration has
estranged thousands of its own political
faith and these men will be slow to re-
turn to the Democratic ranks If the
Republican party will. in good faith,
promise them q type Of administration
which Is pledged to honest. modern,
business methods.
The Progressives Of the last two poll
tical campaigns can be brought back
into line only by evidences unequivocal
that the Republican party has had a gen
u1ne change Of heart and is prepared
to place principles above party.
The woman electorate which is to
register It's national political strength
for tho hrst time Is not unintelligent,
and it has not yet declared for any
party creed. 1t Is going to support the
platform which stands most convinc-
ingly for honesty, economy and eff
cheney of administration.
The votes of these three classes are
worth bidding for, and IL the Repub-
lican party will declare for platform
which will satisfy them and will put up
candidate strong enough to insure
for himself and his administration a
degree Of freedom from any party DOM
nance there Is every hope for q Repub-
lican victory in November.
RUTH M. STARRETT.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1920-04-11
Patriots Made
In Our Schools
Training Of Youth Held
Only Way to Promote
True Americuniznti0n

To tho Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: Only through just laws and
loyal citizenship honestly lived up to,
can our country hope to reach its ideals
In government. Training for this must
begin at the very foundation of the
country, namely, the public schools
They axe the KEYSTONE to the arch of
the bridge, which shall unite the innmi-
grants and the American people in q
common spirit.
One of the most vital problems Of the
day is the Americanization Of the inmi-
grant. For the good Of ell, this must
be done to the best Of our ability. Give
him what he is entitled to, once he is
within our gates--fair treatment, liv-
ing wage, good housing conditions.
No matter how faithful and loyal q
citizen he may prove, there will always
be feeling, call it sentiment if you
like. for his native land. We must, there
fore, begin with the children and youth.
and instil in them, no matter where
their birthplace, genuine love and
loyalty for the future welfare of the Re-
publican party and our own be!oved
America. EDITH COMSTOCK.
Madison. N. J.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1920-04-11
Rank and File
Must Correct
| Official Ills
Wrongs of Pork Barrel
Legislation Often Traced
to People Who Instruct
Their Leaders What to Do
Uplift Is Sadly Needed
Oficeholdcrs Deserve To
Be Removed From the
Category of ssSchemers"
70 the Editor Of The Tribune.

To the Editor OF The Tribune.
Sir: If we speak Of clergymen.
physicians or I~hers, those of US who
are not cynics think of people whose
lives are spent in unselfsh service to
humanity. If wo speak of politicians
even the non-cynical is inclined to think
OF selfish, scheming man, who is in
terested only in his own enrichment,
fame or power. and who does things
chat are useful to others only when
they serve his own ends.
Why should politician mean anything
more than a man who dcvotes his life
90 service of his country in the polit-
teal field? Yet the meaning Of the
Word has become such that we hesitate
% apply 1t to Lincoln, Roosevelt or
vther great men.
We are inclined to blame political
laaders for this condition. Yet we our
selves, the rank and Ale Of the political
parties, are really to blame. The poll
k,cians reflect our attitude as voters.
II we let small selfish considerations
influence our votes ndvidually, how
can we expect big unselfish men to give
US their service? We know, for example,
that pork barrel" legislation is bad for
tne country Yet we praise our Con
gresham If he gets the pork" for the
district where We live, and ignore the
fact that to do it he had to vote for
"pork" for all the other localities.
While we are telling the political
leaders what we would like to have them
Go, 1t is fitting that we, the rank and
file of the Republican party, should dis
cuss and decide what we can do. We
must learn to look at political questions
from the standpoint of the good Of the
whole country. We must make our
opinions broader on all subjects.
Let US not listen to the pessimist who
tells US that politicians have always
been corrupt and self-seeking and al
ways will be. Let US look forward con-
fdently to Improvement of the situation
We cannot get better things unless we
expect them. If the majority of the
rank and file will do these things, the
professional politicians will reflect our
attitude. A politician Will 40 longer
mean 8 schemng, self-scekng indivd-
ual. but noble, broad-minded man, CIV
Ing his time and labor TO the service Of
bis country.
ARETAS A. SAUNDERS.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1920-04-11
Abrupt Action
Check HioK
Cost Opposed
Republican Plank Urv.a
That Will Call for Remedv
i'm Price Situation viii
Due Respect to Law,
Moderation in Pledge.
PaternaIism and Socialism
Must Be Avoided in An
the Adjustment Plan.
the Editor Of The Tribune.

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: Shall the high cost o, w~..
be an issue in the coming campaign,
Two letters have appeared rec.n.,,
on this page, one expressing the via,
that cost Of living plank is unp.e.,
sary and unwise; the other goipv "a.
far in the opposite direction and VIZ.
tualiy proposing that the Federal vov.
eminent be givnn the power 70 eon,ro,
prices. In my opinion. both are vron.
In the first place, national poli,ies.
issue, obviously. Is e question q,
nationwide interest. one In respect "a
which there is difference of opinion b..
tween parties and one the detsrm,.
nation of which falls within the eon
stitutional powers Of the Federal ror.
eminent.
Now. the cost Of living, In itself {.
not such an issue. Il 10 Fact, 40. d..
batahle. Ali cS Ia. Democrats ana
Republicans, experience it-most az n.
deplore It. But the causes Of TIL, Al.
normal cost Of living. and she hes. eur.
for the condition. these are dispu,sb.
matters.
Blu, any plank adopted By tho b.
publican party must lay emphssj.
upon that phrase, TO certain EXTENT
1t must use moderation in Impu.inr
blame for the high cost of living d
the present Administration. for thsn
are causes for this condition beyond
the control of any government either
in the wise use or the misuse Of IA
powers. Moreover. Il must use modersr
ton in its promises. There are certain
things 1t can do; many things it car.
not Go.
The Republican party has an cppor
tunity TO establish a precedent in the
manner OF platform making 1t car
say, for example: ave beiievs that
the high cost of living is due to suct
and such causes. We believe thai
some of these causes can be removed
by such and such legislation. We will
not promise complete cure, for thai
is beyond our power. There are
economic laws which we do not con
troll, and there arc individual practices
which we DO not control. We do not
believe in paternalism nor in social
ism. We promise only what can be
done in the exercise of the powers con.
ferred upon the Federal government By
the Constitution W. E. THOMAS.
i6l South Arlington Avenue. East
Orange, N. J.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1920-04-11
Free Speech am
Mvio!ate Right
Common .SenseAdrocated
in america TO ROxt An
arckay and Violence
To the Editor Of The Tribune.

TO the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: Free speech never can be a
menace to people. The widest doc
trines, thrown freely to the public for
open discussion and criticism, are far
less dangerous than much milder
tenets when hrooded over in private
and distorted by the rebellion induced
by enforced secrecy.
country like the United States
where every citizen carries the right
to individual expression of his polit-
ical views III the FREQ ballot, can never
become nursery for anarchy or vio-
lence.
We arc IN grave danger, when at
tempting to suppress what we conceive
to be seditious doctrine, of laying pro-
fame hands on one OF the most pre-.
cious and Justly cherished treasures
of free republic-the right of its
citizens to criticize their public SER
wants and to advocate at any time or
place, In an orderly manner, such
changes as they may deem expedient
in existing laws with view to bring
ing such changes before the voters at
election periods. Without this privi-
lege we either stagnate or, what Is
worse, drift back into the slough of
political despotism
lncendiary utterances soon burn
themselves out in the free air of pub
licity. Wouldbe firebrands quickly
flash to extinction in the wholesome
breeze Of sound common sense. The
people may be impressionable here and
there, but in the mass may be trusted
as the best and strictest judges of
their own needs. G. 7. DENSLOW.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1920-04-11
Government Blamed for
Labor Scarcity on Farms
Draft Of Workers to Meet Agri.
cultural Needs Is Called
n Neceasify
TO the Editor Of The Tribune.

10 the Editor or The Tribune.
Sir: "The government ruined u.s."
said farmer from the richest farm
Ing section Of Maryland to me. "They
sent out here and asked: What are
You getting q day? We will give you
Sc DAY. Come on And they took
them. We can't save the crops, and we
can't get help. All ruined by getting
such prices. We have agreed toeethcr
to plant just what we can save without
help, no more" This looks serious for
the world for what is the condition In
one farming section is apt to be the
case in all.
It would seem that government
error must be corrected by the gov
ernmcnt The Republican party should
pledge itself to give it serious atten-
ton. Idle men should be forced to
work on the farms that have been
bere1t By the government, or on farm
managed by the government. A farm
near Washington worked by idlers. idly
seeking easy jobs, would feed Wash
ington and reduce the high cost of liv-
ing in that city.
Men should have been drafted 70
work as we'll as to fight. not drafted to
give up life and limb for moderate
sum and paid high to work in safety.
Certain numbers should have been left
to work the farms.
10 increase production you must in
crease labor and decrease wages. or
the cost Of living will be doubled
There has been plenty of food. but this
year VIII see decreased production be-
cause OF the increased cot Of labor.
F. L. WARD.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1920-04-11
Labor Not a Commodity
Laws to Give Skill and Drawn
Their Due Advocated
Editor of The Tribune.

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: We look on labor with pride
as that dignified and equal eleme mt
of our country, contributing to her
wealth and ennobling her citizenship.
Labor is no commodity. but the skill
and Drawn that give US our fnished
products.
All means should be used for peace
ful settlement Of labor disputes. thus
avoiding loss alike TO employer and
employee and public distress. We rec
ognize the right Of "labor to organize
and to strike.
We declare for a basic eight-hour
day. minimum wage, employers liabil-
ity, wage affordng a good living a
protective tariff, arbitration and profit
sharing. N''
We favor government employment
agencies, safety appliances, sick benefit
ana n ola age pensions. We are against
Oriental immigration or low grade
foreign Immigrants; agains. contract
ana convict labor. Long time loans to
build homes should be given.
A. NJ LONGEMAKER
1918 West La Sale Street, Chicago.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1920-04-11
To-Day's Prize Letter
National System to Regulate Highways Demanded

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: So numerous and far-reaching are the benefits
to DO derived from good roads that would be
possible even to enumerate them Persons intelli-
gence are however, quite that these benefits
of such extent and such Importance that good roads
have been listed with the home the the church
among agencies fundamental for the welfare Of hu-
societcs.
Experts that Capitalization Of authority and
Of responsibility Is factor successful
road systems Of history Conspicuous examples Of this
are familiar In the Roman Of ancient and
IN the French system Of modern times. second COM
factor Of these other successful systems has
been the consistent application Of special knowledge and
special skill to matters of road construction and main
tenance.
In tho United States have for the construction
and maintenance Of public highways, a pocy-system
1t cannot be caedof extreme ocalization, and such
work, in the of certain few state HIGHWAYS
departments, Is commonly Entrusted persona Of no
special qualifications The result what we all know
to be- waste of public funds prevailing poor roads
Under this policy ofncias of counties, townships
other small units commonly Independent super
vision and free TO act little gnoranty as they
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1920-04-11
Hail, the Ne,c Crusaders.
And May Women Vote Righf

10 the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: There exists at present, unfor-
,unately, an all too obvious attempt to
patronlze the womankind OF in this
country upon their long delayed as
cension to the privilege Of shaping the
political destinies of the state, equal lr
every way to that enjoyed by all the
male voters.
Let us not forget that the greater
glory in her achievement will ALWAYS
rest with woman. since in the face of
the most unjustifed criticism Of her
motives, she swept unfailingly on to
point where resistance Is now merely q
prejudiced impeachment, and where IN
surrection within her own sex neces.
sarily approaches complete defeat.
Hail them, the new crusaders. and
may they ever batter. politically. all
corruption that stands in the way, and
uphold right always, as they have never
failed to do in their domestic roles of
vile and mother. J. r
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1920-04-11
f"H Dinner Pail Is Defended
AS Motto of Republican Purty

TO the Editor OF The
sir Deron has frequently been Republican party
because OF Its championship Of the "ful pail"
While 1t would be
terms OF bread
empty stomach has a profound influence on the brain
Inc pinch hunger
revolt even though discomfort from
or years and Need Germany or even the French
Revolution? - ~ 49, ~
The spirit of
forms Is
o'h
If not the ' '
The of radical thinking u b. found
'hc empty stomach
" the u dinner pail" and the prosperity for therein eh
fs "A' SATISFACTION. ALICE
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1920-04-11
Times Said to Call
For Action Rather
Than Principles
Few Planks, but Those Few
Strong and Definite, Are
Required; Able Leader
ship Is Most Important
To the Editor Of Tho Tribune.

Sir: Among the planks proposed by
Tribune readers for the Republican
platform are some which stand out as
cmbodying essential principles. These
are: The suggestions for Investigating
and honestly endeavoring to reduce
the excessive cost OF living; for pro-
noting industrial harmony (involving
the question OF incorporating the labor
unions under state laws); for speeding
up industry; for ratification of the
suffrage amendment; for flrmer deal
ing with aliens and radicals; for en-
forcement of an international code Of
laws, and for a pledge to aid France,
who stands st the borderland Of civili-
cation.
All these and other aspects Of true
Americanism should be emphasized.
In the opinion of the writer, however,
the formulated platform is less impor-
tant at the present juncture than the
quality of its admnistrat ton. National
laws and principles were never in moro
need OF definite pronouncement; but
the pressing necessity Is a feeling Of
security that they will be firmly and
atlonGlE carried INTO action. We can
no longer say, "Principles, not men,"
1t is vital that the administration of
principle shall be in competent hands.
The cry Is, Good give us menl" Few
principles We ask, but strong and def
mite; no more vacillatioa, no more
words that can be vnriously interpreted
and that carry no force and nj inspir-
alton.
The issues are national rather than
partisan; but they must bear a par
tisan color, because at present the
clear national thought and the per-
sonal power to make it effective lie
with the Republican party
!, The American people are able to see
the issues clearly, if clearly presented;
what they ask is that those issues be
wrought into the substance OF tho ma
tional life by experienced and far
seeing craftsmanship. Unhesitating
patriotism; full understanding of our
history and our aspirations; quick and
fearless action-these are the lepacies
of Roosevelt and the demands Of our
people.
MARION CoUTHoY SMITH.
East Orange, N. J.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1920-04-11

may choose Under this policy states differ widely
methods Of construction, materials used and general
management of upkeep; adjoining essay no
manner of agreement co6Teration.
Under this policy the kureau of Public Roads Of
the United States Government this bureau being merely
subdivision Of the Department Of Agrcuture) is re-
srlcted to research work. consultation and
ton.
The Republican party should declare itself for
Federal office Of public roads, the delegation to that
Office of definitely greater than pres
ent bureau, especially with relation construction
and maintenance of interstate trunk lines" for an
tempt toward increased uniformity highways matters
among the states; for supervision of the road
work in counties, townships and other small units at
the instance Of local officials and by local funds
1t should declare itself for an intelligent modern
program of highway development hroughou the United
States. Recent show that Massachusetts, the state
with the highest percentage of roads in pro-
portion to total mileage has but per cent of such
roads, that wentyone have 10 Der cent
OF such roads, that Oklahoma and South Dakota actually
have but seven-tenths of and ght- tenhs of
per cent respectively This evidence reveals
the uTgen' need OF highways improvement. G. S. B.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1920-04-11
Var or No Var,
Universal Training
System Is Demanded

TO the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: / hope there will come q time
when war will be thing of the past
believe there can be no difference
between men or nations that could not
be composed by peaceful arbitration,
but whether there is war or not
think universal military training, in q
modified form, would benefit US as a
nation.
We would be better prepared in case
Of need.
1t would instill better understand
ing IN our young Men of the obliga-
tions they owe TO their government.
1t would teach them the essentials
Of obedience to discipline.
1t would develop leaders of men.
1t would promote better physical con-
ditions.
And last, 1t would create frater-
nifty, a comradeship among the people
Tho theory of military training IL
correct The only mistake that can be
made Ia in its practical application.
FRED N. PARKS.
Norwich, N. Y.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1920-04-11
Republican Party Credited
With ''Freedom' of Woman

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: The Republican party's past
acnievements justify confidence In its
future attainments. It stands for prog
ress. Its drum beats are attuned 70
the times. 1t is not unlocking the door
OF the future with the rusty key of the
past. 1t proudly boasts abolition Of
slavery" It will soon acclaim "polit-
lcai freedom for American womanhood.n
when n has secured ratification by the
thirty sixth state.
1t upholds Federal amendments, saw
ing "above the state Is the nation. I"
It's slogans are "nationalsm versus
sectionalism": national unity and
uniform!ty"; political idealg. not polit
zeal deals; political creed. not political
greed; political patriots, not political
pron.eer3- L. 4. X.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1920-04-11
u. S. Burdcned
With Workers
To the Editor of The Tribune.

! To the Editor of The Tribune.
| Sir: Within three years the num-
Der OF civil employees on the Federal
governments payrols has mounted
| from 100000 to $4,000.
| Increased production and govern.
mental economy are two Of the out
standing needs of the day. Both
| these possibilities are forestalled 10 a
very appreciable degree by the drain
on the public treasury occasioned by
at least 10000 workers unproduc-
lively employed.
Whether or not we are still! tech.
nfcaliy at war, almost any employee
Of one Of the war time boards will
testify that the amount of business
now being done Is negligible. Aside
from the economic perversion, we
must watch for unwholesome moral
results; people occupying sinecures
grow sverse to strenuous work and
unfit for the positions they will have
to fill in the future.
II the government takes proper ac-
tion to consolidate its bureaus and
to discharge unnecessary workers, no
unemployment danger need be feared.
The demands Of industry would be
entirely adequate to absorb many
thousands Of newcomers. and would
help restore the Peace tilne basis that
IL precedent to reconstruction.
J. w. FRIEDMAN,
"a New York Avenue. Brooklyn.