davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New-York tribune., 1921-03-19
A Phantom Billion

Secretary Melons announcement
that the appropriations required for
the next fiscal year "will be only
little more" than the total for
this year has been taken by The
Times to mean "that the Treasury
will again have to find above $5,-
100000. On this assumption
it says: ut would appear that the
way to reduce the abnormal expendi-
lures is to increase them"
But the total appropriations for
1929 (those for 1921-'22 have
already been made, except for the
army and navy) will not reach $5,-
000,o00,000 if they are "only a little
more" than those for 1921-'22. The
Times must have been thinking of
the late Administrations inflated
estimates for next year; not of the
appropriations as Congress passed
them. Secretary Houston did ask
for $5,259, 100000. But Congress
cut the total down to $3,S06, ,000,0 900,
making the tremendous saving of
$1,453 100000.
The total of appropriations, as
computed for the annual volume
published by the House and Senate
Appropriations committees, included
$346, 100000 for the army and Mill
tary Academy. The army bill passed
both houses and was killed by a
pocket veto. 1t will undoubtedly be
repassed unchanged at the extra
session. The total also included
1896, 100000 carried in the naval bill
as it passed the House. The Senate
didn't complete this measure, though
it increased the total professionally.
But it is improbable that the new
bill will carry more than $440,-
100000.
The total Of tbs regular annual
New-York tribune., 1921-03-19
Colombia S Bad Claim
Facts Leading Up to the Panama
Purchase Briefly Restated

To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: l see by to-day's Tribune that
Armand Garrison takes exception to nv
letter on the Colombian treaty, saying
that / would do better if made an
impartial study of the facts on which
the Colombian claim was made.
That is what l have endeavored to
do. The principal facts as l see them
are as follows:
/. A commission Of experts appointed
by the President had reported that If
we could buy the rights of the French
canal company for s4O,000,00O we ought
to take the Panama route, but other
wise we should take the Nicaragua
route.
2. Colombia agreed to sell the land
for s1O,o0O,OOO.
8. Had Colombia then demanded $25r
100000 this country would have chosen
the Nicaragua route.
4. Colombia negotiated treaty With
the United States, known as the Hay
Herran treaty. in which, for q payment
of Sl0,000,000, she conceded TO as the
right to build the canal
s. Considering as hopelessly commit
ted to the Panama route, the Colon.
bian government tried TO repudiats its
promise and extort more money.
6. The people of Panama revoltsd
and set up an independent government
which was justly recognized by the
United States.
7. The s10,Ooo,O0o was given to The
people who dwelt on the isthmus In
stead OF their oppressors, the corrupt
government of Colombia.
GEORGE H. HORNE JR
Woodhaven, N. y, March I6, 1921.
New-York tribune., 1921-03-19
A Community Job
To the Editor of The Tribune.

y tHe EultOr OF Inc lr1Dune.
Sir: The Service Club, under the
auspices of the New York Community
Service, appeals through the columns
of The Tribune to the community of
New York.
There are about 10000 ex-service
men without jobs. Many of these are
but half clothed and without food or
shelter. We appeal to the employers
of New York to give these men en-
ployment. We ask that the citizens Of
New York send US clothing, especially
suits, good working shoes and good
overcoats. Clothing should be sent to
the Service Club, 230 West Forty
sixth Street. These demands are
urgent. We are approaching the crisis
in the unemployment situation. This
is community job.
Money given to the Service Club
serves three purposes. 1t helps the ac-
tive service men to employ their off
duty time in q wholesome manner. it
gives cheer, comfort and encourage
ment to the convalescents and helps
the former service men get jobs and
tide them over in their day of need.
Checks should be sent to the Service
Club. 230 West Forty-sixth Street.
CHARLES HAINEs, Director.
New York, March 10, 1921.
New-York tribune., 1921-03-19
Why, Oh, Why?

Governor Miller has expressed
opinions of the Hylan administration
which, If true, call for the removal
of it's head or at least for detailed
examination Of his work.
So has former Governor Whitman
rs result of his grand jury work.
So have Senator Lockwood and
Samuel Untermyer as a result of the
housing Investigation.
So has Comptroller Craig, elected
on the same ticket.
So has DR.. Ettinger, Superinten-
dent of Schools.
So has the Citizens Unbn, and so
has the City Club.
So has the AlmiGaii Grand Jury.
So have practically all who are ac-
quainted with city affairs, except,
seemingly, Samuel S. Koenig and
Jacob Livingston.
With this consensus of expert and
authoritative opinion, this practi-
cally universal agreement that old
kinds of graft are fiourishing and
new kinds have sprung up, why, in
the name of the nine gods pictur-
esque General Bingham used to
swear by, is nothing done by the
Governor and the Legislature to put
an investigating committee at work?
New-York tribune., 1921-03-19
A Check on Immigrants

To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: Here is an immigration plan:
Why not require of any one coming to
this country declaration to our repre-
sentative abroad just what his inten-
tions are, and if he intends to become
an American citizen a paper to this
effect signed by consul could be given
to him. Only those over sixteen years
old, men or women, should be elfgi-
BILE. On arrival in this country the
paper should be shown to the proper
fficials here, and, if health and finan-
cial condition and other matters should
be satisfactory, the immigrant would
be permitted to land. This paper would
act more or less as passport 1t also
would establish proof of the period of
residence here. J.E. A. T.
New York, March II, 1921.
New-York tribune., 1921-03-19
Headlines and the Devil

The present outbreak of sensation
al news is, of course, pleasing to the
perennial cynics, surfeited with
much reading of wars and repara-
tions. 1t is always long time be-
tween divorce trials for such. To the
more minded the sudden
burst of conspicuous domestic ill.,
felicities comes as an unwelcome re-
minder that human nature fails to
live up to its advancing Standards
The world, after a period of purity,
is shown, after all, to be going to the
dogs. Why print the stuff? Why
not hide our social sins in small type
or maintain chaste and complete
conspiracy of silence touching them?
To the experienced observer on a
newspaper such conjunction of
domestic tragedies will furnish very
little excitement and next to no
philosophy concerning the advance
or decline of the human race. There
have been worse times and there
have been better. To speak of the
present outburst as marking some
thing new and awful in the history
of the city Or the country is to ignore
the record.
1t is necessarily good while be-
tween such sensational headlines for
obvious numerical reasons. Only
once in a good many years is there
likely to be Harry Thaw trial, be-
cause the number of very rich and
very prominent people is small and
the chance of sensational killing in
such circles is proportionately slen-
der. AS matter of fact, the divorce
courts grind out sensational facts by
the hour, day after day. Only, as
the principals are neither prominent
nor important nobody cares. Scan
dial touching, for example, the head
of great bank is quite another mat
ter. 1t is of general concern. And
so it gets into print and looms up on
the horizon like IN event of huge
social significance, whereas it is sim
ply another individual or so in an
other domestic tangle.
No; the expected verdict Of the
Ardmore jury and the batch Of SEN
sations hereabout are probably sheer
coincidence, not cataclysm at all.
The world may be going to the devil,
but few headlines do not prove the
fact.
New-York tribune., 1921-03-19
Entering the League

If, as reported, M. Viviani on his
approaching visit to the United
States will be authorized to offer
in behalf of the Council of the
League of Nations to excise Article
X from the constitution if the United
States will join, this will officially
confirm what has long been TN
officially known.
If this offer is made, even though
it does not meet a favorable re-
sponse, it will end all controversy
as to where responsibility rests for
the criticized absence of the United
States from the league. The con-
troversy in regard to Article x was
the stumbling block to ratification.
The Senate in effect offered to rat
ify if obligation under the article
was removed. The Executive De-
partment, first on one excuse and
then on another, refused even to
!
ication. Now here is direct testi-
mony that if the Executive Depart
ment had asked for an elision the re-
quest would have been granted 1t
was not true that the article was the
heart of the league.
Thus is vindicated at an early
date the position of Senator Lodge.
which was defended by the Repub-
hcan party in the Presidential cam
raign. 1t has not been necessary
to wait for another generation to
ascertain who bears the blame for
the treaty's defeat.
The Tribune, in common with
what it believes was preponderant
Republican opinion, as indicated by
the roll calls of the Senate and
other conclusive evidence, was in
favor of entering the league. 1t
complained of Mr.. Wilson because
he kept us out by stubbornly insist
ing or what is now admitted is q
seconesly matter. Nothing, so far
as The Tribune has observed, calls
sor revision of opinion. We hold
TO the Lodge Harding belief of a
year ago, and of last summer, that
the league should be entered, unless
it is possible to secure the creation
and acceptance Of better form of
organization.
New-York tribune., 1921-03-19
Keeping Citizens Awake

Judge Morris, cf the Bronx, has
retreated as hastily as possible from
that obiter dictatnn which in rash
moment did or did not fall from his
lips damning blondes as jurywomen
His Honor would not dream of say
ing word against blondes; or, if he
did, it was a mere jest, for he has
married a blonde. and it is his con-
sidered opinion that red-headed
women would make the best Jury
women, anyway.
That much being perfectly clear, it
would seem that the world might re-
sumo it's serious business of putting
women on juries, where they are
sorely needed, without further frivol-
lty. But it will not, and we are not
so sure but that the frivolity is a
good thing. One Of the great trou-
bles with citizenship as practiced by
the male hereabou. was that he took
it all for granted. He voted if con-
venient, and served on jury if he
could not possibly fib out of it. Per-
func< friness was the heart and soul
CT his attitude.
Now, there is nothing perfunctory
about the completed woman citizen
as yet. Justice Morris remarked
upon the fact that as jurors women
were more responsive than men
they nod their heads as points are
made. Why not avail ourselves of
this fresh interest for all the COM
ment and contrast and awakening
there is in it? Why not hope that
the contrast may endure sufficiently
to keep both sexes awake as citizens?
Home life may be a bit too exciting
at times; it is seldom dull, for the
si'uple reason that any man and any
woman are enough unlike each
other to compel certain amount of
friction, friendly rivalry and stimu-
lation. BY all means let's hope that
the mixed jury will stay awake just
because it is mixed-and the electo-
rate as we'll. The more jokes and
debate and repartee and rivalry,
friendly or otherwise, the better.
New-York tribune., 1921-03-19
Germany's Recovery

Charles M. Schwab has come back
from Europe with an impression
which runs counter to widely ac-
cepted notions of Germans eco
nonic condition. German propa-
ganda has spread reports of the
awful plight of the Reich. This is a
natural maneuver while the repara-
tfon' bill is under discussion. The
government is extravagant, money
and exchange values are depreci-
ated, and an appearance of insol-
vency or semi-insolvency is artfully
cultivated.
But listen to the conclusions
arrived at by Mr.. Schwab. Ger
many" he predicts, twill recover
from the effects of the World War
much sooner, perhaps, than any other
OF the European countries involved
IN It," Why? He goes on to explain {:
The secret of Germany's previous
industrial success was the efficiency
OF her workers. They still have that
efficiency and that training that are
necessary to win in the world OF
commerce and manufacture.
Germany came out of the war
with little industrial wreckage. The
great home machine remained in
aact. 1t had been speeded up fever
ishiy from 1914 to 1918. New labor
sources were tapped, offsetting in
large part losses in man power on
the battle fields. Germany's soil
was untouched. She has no cities or
towns to rebuild. Moreover, the
real wealth of Germany is in her
labor. as Walter Rathenau truly said
the other day. 1t is her disciplined
and competent labor which will put
her on her feet again.
Business, of course, is bad in Ger
many to-day, as Mr.. Schwab says.
1t couldn't well be otherwise. But
the German plants are still stand
ing and the labor army is wait
ing to operate them at full speed.
Recently mammoth expansion of
tie Leipzig Fair was announced.
The largest exposition building in
the world has been planned for
This can only mean that the pro-
moters expect the fair to be more
than ever clearing house for trade
with central AID eastern Europe.
Hugo Stinnes's colossal pooling op-
erations are another straw showing
which way the wind blows. Labor
and capital are in fact being drawn
into Reich-wide trusts in the expec-
tation o3 competing again on ex-
New-York tribune., 1921-03-19
The Case Of Policeman Flood

The conviction Of Policeman Flood
for manslaughter in the second de-
gree is a profound source of satisfac-
tion to the conscience of the commu-
nifty. 1t is stunning rebuke to
those powers who have sought to adj
minister justice in this city as if it
were personal matter between
friends, to be dealt out as and when
personal considerations called.
The shooting in question was a
fragrant piece Of careless, wanton
misconduct, as jury has now found.
There was no dispute as to the evil
dence. For three years it has lain in
the Police Department and in the
District Attorneys office. But for
Mr.. Whitman's appearance upon the
scene, his courage and ability, it
would have gathered dust indef-
nitely.
There are many appalling abuses
in the city government in the pres
ent hour. Probably the most grave
and perilous Of all has been the
spirit exhibited by the authorities in
the Flood case. How can a police
force maintain discipline, do equal
justice or escape corruption if it's
wrongdoers are to escape all conse-
quences of their deeds? What basis
for public protection can there pos
sibly be when the law is admins
tered not as matter Of solemn right
but as an affair of personal fear or
favor?
New-York tribune., 1921-03-19

appropriation bills, including the
Houses naval allowance, was $2,-
174,000,000. Permanent and indefi-
mite appropriations, including $922,-
650,000 interest on the public debt,
amounted to $1,335, ,000,00 Miscel-
laneous appropriations were s2O,-
100000 and deficiency appropria-
tions $275.oo0, 900, making the grand
total Of $3,S06, 100000. For the pre-
ceding year the grand total was
s4,s59, 100000.
Many troublesome hangover obli-
cations, like those to the railroads,
have now been liquidated. Govern
ment expenditure has been cut be-
low $4,000,0 100000. What ground is
there for apprehending a relapse
next year, especially when tax re-
turns are declining and the incite-
ment to scrupulous economy is
keener than ever?
New-York tribune., 1921-03-19
As to Commitments
To the Editor of The Tribune. 7

To the Editor of The ribune.
Sir: President Harding's most per-
tinent and definite statement on the
league issue is the one ~claring that
we will not commit ou lives in ad-
vance to any international policy be-
yond that of discussion-in other
words, diplomacy. You support him In
this course on the ground that purely
moral forces involve less risk and may
be quite as effective in the end,
statement that looks strange indeed
in view of the general futility Of inter
national moral forces in the past seven
years.
You find an exception to that futilifg
in the effectiveness Of the Entente
Let the exception be granted; no DOUBT
it is a notable one. Nevertheless, the
Entente was poor substitute for an
open defensive alliance or, betFes
still, an established league for peace
for had the Germans known in ao
vance that England would promptly
come to Frances aid there would have
been no war.
A cautious but firm declaration OF
national policy, such as the Monf0e
Doctrine--which, be il Observed was
notable COMMITMENTS nor o.
need not be, provocative Of intsrhs
tional disputes, but, just the contrary
a preventive of them. When reason
able in character ami temperate u
tone it shows other rations what "
count upon, and they are enabled ~
frame their own policies accordingly
How would affairs prosper in the c0'1'
mercial world if merchants and hn1H-
ciers refused to make any 'comma'
ments" and declared only that *nsa
the time for action arrived they vol,1
do as they saw fit? Evidently the Tnois
edifce of credit would collapse ea'
commerce would become once mofe =
primitive as in the Nj Idle Ages. Aas
why, oh why, now that mankina :
making forward movement in civisiss0
ton, must America cling to neo'S
valism?
WILLIAM FORBES C0oLEass.
New York. March II, 1921.
New-York tribune., 1921-03-19
mutton. we regret to say, was a pet
word Of Charles Lamb.

mutton. we regret to say. was a pet
word Of Charles Lamb.
We have seen, in recent years, the
meteoric career Of two once
lovely words, "charming" and Gin
,riguing." Then there Is splendid, >
whose indiscriminating use was 100
rauch even for so tolerant critic
as William Dean Howells. From
the uppermost heavens they have
FALLEN with thud to the base earth
ef folk whose vocabularies accumu-
late that way-that is, after words
lose their shine and grace.
Charming" and Intriguing" will
endure. of course, as long as any Of
uc now alive, and longer, but the use
Of them seems on the wane. Deli
rate words, like flowers, cannot
stand rough usage. They succumb
when man-handled by the multitude.
Amt it charming?" and "That guy
is an intriguing bird" are last
stages in the decay we lament.
The descent of Charming" and
Intriguing" seems partly due to
Robert w. Chambers. He displayed
.bese jewels so often they become
but prize package gewgaws. His
audience of society editresses along
Main Street caught the echoing
dulcet sounds, with a result that to-
day Main Street has none other than
charming hostesses who nearly al
ways provide intriguing repasts,
when it is not recorded they "went
white" at some remark.
Democracy, filled with avenging
wrath against autocracies and
tyrannies Of all kinds, pray preserve
and protect for US the one remain
ing aristocracy-that of words,
English words. For we who speak
the English language are too weak
in the flesh to found for it fort
ressed Academy. Pray keep from
unworthy cheapening of the nobility
of English words, lest they, like gen.
tie creatures unaccustomed to rude
hess, shall sicken and die. But let
MIR. Locke use "Pantagruelian" as
often as he likes; yea, les t,,,.o r,ulti
tude use it, too, and never shall We
Eewail its becoming pet word.
It's use may revive reading of
Rabelais.
New-York tribune., 1921-03-19
Income Tax Vagaries
Hope That Some Abuses in the Stat.
Levy May Be Corrected
To the Editor of The Tribune.


To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir; AS one of large number who
have been assessed upon fictitious prof
its by the State Income Tax Bureau
where actual losses were incurred. let
me express hearty approval of the
excellent editorial in to-days Trib-
unc.
In a time when "hold ups" out
side the law are so general it is a bit
disheartening to be a victim "within
the law" as interpreted by the state
authorities, though contrary to the
opinion of the Federal Department of
Justice.
Should the New York Legislature
take hint from the program placed
before Congress it would sidetrack is
sues of lesser Importance, review at
once the taxation situation and cor
rect it's glaring errors Such good
progress and able handling of its prob
lens have already been demonstrated
by the present state administration
that we may have hopes that some of
the abuses existing in the state income
tax law may be eliminated.
Your editorial presentation Of the
case, as we'll as the strong aid which is
being rendered by the press generally,
will materially assist in the removal
before April Is of the misconception
which the legislators and trainers of
the bill itself are apparently ready to
agree never was intended and which
works such hardship
WALTER 3. MAHONY.
New York, March II, 1921.
New-York tribune., 1921-03-19
Pet Words

An English weekly for authors
objects to the frequency of use of
"Pantagruelian" by William j.
Locke in his popular novels. Mr..
Locke seems infected to some de-
gree by the American liking for
word coinage.
1t is not hard for an established
writer to give rare word currency.
Not long ago Freud started many
IF us chattering of complexes, in the
sense of impulse ganglia. Journal
istic authors think that when they
give an old idea a new name they
have launched discovery, Before
long Obedelia the cook and Geneva
the parlormaid will be hard at it dis
sipating each others inferiority
complax-that is, what's left of it,.
Yet word fashions if once estab-
i:shed do not die out easily. The
reason is, no doubt, that authors
cannot enrich themselves by too
much affronting a deep-lying con-
servatism. We tend to be reaction
s1ies and aristocrats in language.
In many families the aesthetic
children shudder when father de-
scribes to the company "an elegant
roast of beef" or an elegant meal. +"
But father, without knowing it, has
some authority for attributing re-
finement and the beauty Of perfect
propriety to piece of meat. "Ele-
CANT" applied to beef, ham and
New-York tribune., 1921-03-19
We Are Prayed For
ditor of The Tribune.

To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: Doesn't Solving the transit
problem" as you understand it, mean
yielding to an eight-cent fare!
And do you in your sweet innocence
really believe that we strap hangers
would hang with any greater comfort
If we paid eight cents for the privilege
A three-cent fare was enough before
the war, just as ive-cent fare should
be sufficient now. Thank God for Mayor
Hylan! And pray that you will see
the light of day. A STRAP HANGER.
New York, March 16, 1921.
New-York tribune., 1921-03-19

traordinarily advantageous terms IN
the world market.
The fotations and combinations
of SHINES would be madness in a
Germany without hope and with no
prospect of Industrial recovery. 1t
is only when they turn to beating
down the repasation annuities that
the German industrial and labor
leaders assume an air of unmiti-
gated dependency.