davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1925-03-26

With such a system in operation.
the primary election could be safely
and advantageously abandoned, only
one election being necessary. thus
going forward to better forms of or
derby representative democratic gov
eminent and not backward to old
and discredited political methods. as
is proposed by a return to the con-
vention system.
Some such nonpartisan election IS
especially needed now in the selec-
ton of judges, where it would serve
to clear up very evident unsatisfac-
Tory situation, avoiding resorting to
questionable appointive methods in
lieu of popular choice, and could.
also, be used to advantage in the
election of school commissioners.
since there is now a considerable
body Of public opinion favoring sep
arate nonpartisan elections for these
officials.
John r. White.
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1925-03-26
In New York
By james w. Dean

NEW YORK. March, 16.--If you
know of a hrst-class, A No. | safe
cracker who would like to have an
honest job send him to the Loew
Theater at Third Ave. and 156th st.,
this city.
Several weeks ago a gang Of yeggs
filled the safe In the theater with
nitroglycerine and neatly sealed 1t
with soap. Then they were fright
ened away. Since then police have
been on guard day and night to
prevent any inexperienced person
from meddling with the explosive.
And experienced safe-blowers so far
have shown no disposition to volun-
teer their services while the cops
are present.
One OF the most unusual sights to
the visitor here Is Division st. 1t
runs north from Chatham Square,
Which is the hub of the lower east
side 1t Is dark, dismal street De-
cause elevated tracks bridge II from
curb to curb.
The remarkable feature Of Division
st. is that for several blocks on
both sides of the street there are
retail cloak and suit and dress stores
in continuous line, no other bust
ness being done in those blocks.
The latest styles are shown In the
windows Although competition Is
keen, prices are high. The sur
rounding community is one OF the
poorest in all the city
Whence comes the trade that
causes these stores to ourish? Ev-
cry sight-seer asks that question.
These stores depend on trade from
uptown, the Bronx, Harlem and
Riverside Dr., and from Brooklyn.
The women who buy in Division ST.
were once poor immigrants of the
neighborhood. Their first bit OF
finery was bought In one Of those
shops.
AS they prosper and move to other
neighborhoods the glamour OF Div-
sion SITS windows OF beautiful raj
ment remains with them.
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1925-03-26
BY M. K. Tracy

1t took 100000 slaves twenty
years to build the Great Pyramid.
We Americans drink enough coffee
every single year to make a lake
In which it could be sunk.
If the monuments Of ancient faith
are worth studying, why aren't the
commodities of modern diet?
We teach our childre how a She
wolf sucked the four ders of Rome.
Why not teach them, also, how an
Abyssinian monk discovered coffe
by watching his sheep?
Both Incidents may be legendary.
but each marks the beginning of an
interesting series of events.
Certainly there is no lack Of
romance in the varied ways and
roundabout paths by which coffee
was carried from its native home in
Africa to many parts of the
civilized world.
II one wishes color. he may read
how the Turks accepted 1t as a well
come substitute 70 rthe forbidden
wine, how sultan after tried to
suppress its use. how there were
riots in Constantinople over the
issue and how, at times, all Islam
throbbed with the tumult.
He may also read how 1t was in
troduced into England, how the
coffee-house became an institution
and how the rollicking Charles II,
loose and liberal tho he were in
other respects, came to fear the
coffee-house as he feared nothing
else.
He mbay read how those sea
rovers who extended European
civilization in every direction.
found coffee, carried the plant from
place to place, and introduced a new
beverage.
The first coffee was brought to
Brazil less than 200 years ago. To-
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1925-03-26
Political Parties and Election Methods

publican-democratic institutions. In
all such party government, party in
terests necessarily are OF primary
importance, and within the party
factional interests dominate. Self
interest first compels loyalty to the
faction and party, the common well
fare falling into secondary considera-
ton as a natural consequence. In
such situation, how is it possible to
sanely visualize the public good or
promote effective and disinterested
administration?
1t Is serious indictment against
a people. as citizens of any com
munity. that they are so devoid of
sanity and good will that they de-
cline to put the common veal
the good OF all the people-as a
first consideration In the conduct of
public affairs. But until this is done
there is little hope of any worth
while improvement, and our political
factions will continue to dominate to
the common disadv antage. But this
indictment is not necessarily a con-
to our misconceptions as to, the
functions Of political parties and our
methods Of election than to any lack
OF inherent civic virtue. Political
parties, instead of being essential ele-
ments in executive government
ought only to reflect attitudes on
social, economic and political
policies. 1t Is also grave error to
assume that in governmental mat
ters our present system of PARTISAN
majority-minority elections results a
true reflection of the public will.
Voters Should Discriminate
This debasement Of the public
conscience to the rule of partisan
majorities ana group minorities
could be remedied by discriminating,
first, between the executive or adj
ministrative features of government
and those relating to principles or
policies, and then discarding our
present forms of majority-minority
elections. with long partisan ballots,
and substituting a selective form Of
voting, with a short ballot and with
out party emblems. but with a series
Of choices, depending upon the num-
Der of candidates Ito be explained in
a later article) all candidates to be
placed on ballot by petition. Some
such plan sould be evolved. with the.
purpose OF getting real majorities
for the best disposed persons as COM
promise choices. and thus securing
q really representative democracy.
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1925-03-26
POLICE
UPS AND DOWNS

T r. OLMAN ELMER
Il r. STODDARD was promoted
IL to sergeant by the board of
SAFETY Tuesday. A fortnight ago
he was reduced from lieutenant
to patrolman by the same
perspicacious board.
From the rapidity Of his fall
and rise it would seem he isn't so
much policeman as he is vibra-
ton.
Probably the recent promotion
was deserved-simply the suitable
reward OF capable, faithful Of
ficer. Then why the demotion two
weeks ago? That action must
have been dictated by something
besides merit and good p of the
service.
An officer doesn't change char
acter in two weeks. Ability and
efficiency is guarding lives and
property and marrying bandits Is
neither gained nor lost in that
period.
Merit has nothing to do with
Indianapolis police. Politics rule.
And after the political tornado
sweeps through the department
its efficiency is blown out OF the
window and destroyed.
The purpose Of police-simple
citizens BELIEVES public protec~
ton. But officers are kept too
busy trying to vibrate In harmony
with tunes played by political
pipers to devote time and talents
to other duties.
So while they jump up and
down, bandits and, outlaws run at
large. and peaceful citizens get
stuck-up and knocked down.
Politics is great exercise but only
a merit system Will develop a
strong police force.
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1925-03-26
I. THE TIES
OF HOME

1RIFFIN will be rebuilt Al
though it has scarcely bur
III led it's dead. and the mud
dy waters of swollen rivers mo-
nentarily threaten the desolate
ruins, plans for rebuilding are be-
ing completed.
Three times In thirty years this
little Hoosier community has been
virtually wiped out-twice by the
winds fury and once by the raw
ages Of fire.
Yet after each catastrophe the
inhabitants have cleared away the
wreckage. built the town anew,
and community life was resumed.
Disaster might obliterate the town
but couldn't destroy the COM
munity.
There is really no sound eco
nonic reason for Griffin. 1t is not
a strategic location for business
or trade. The site is low, within
reach of flood waters from the Wa
bash and it's tributaries.
Yet because people settled, es-
tablished homes and reared fami-
lies there the town has persisted
despite economies and calamities.
The ties of home bind the people to
the spot.
The same tie draws back dwell
,ers on the slopes of volcanoes
living always in the shadow OF de-
cfr.1offnv- ffar n ow,,n4f1, n
tiently and painfully they scratch
and save and build in the same
perilous location.
This attachment to a certain bit
Of soil, despite disasters and nat
ural disadvantages, is. perhaps,
foolish It's only a touch of senti-
ment. But that sentiment-the in
destructible tie that binds man to
his homerf-Is the glory OF the race.
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1925-03-26
Repairs
BY HAL COCHRAN

There's plenty Of stitchin' and
SEWN and such. that's gotta be
done right soon. There's plenty Of
clothes that are needin' the touch
that will put them in proper tune.
A peek in the closet at lightweight
clothes-the clothes that you wore
last year-is likely the reason that
every one knows, repair times is
DRAWN near.
There's fathers old suit, with the
buttons shy. but it looks pretty
good at that. There's a chance for
more wear that he won5t pass by, If
the tailor will come to bat.
Then mother and kiddies are all
concerned, as they're eyein' the rips
and tears. But the old clothes to
new ones are quickly turned through
the magic Of neat repairs.
Let summer time come, cause
Wen all be set. Wen be stitched to
the latest style. The mads-over
things we are going to get, are
maxim the tailor smile.
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1925-03-26

with soggy wood and cracking
temper is time consuming. FIRE.
quently the feeble blaze dies out
just as gnawing hunger begins
to turn handsprings in the bosom
OF the family.
So the ready oil can becomes
the handmade Of housewives.
Familiarity breeds carelessness.
Timid persons. who wouldn't stay
in the same section with a stick
OF dynamite dose fires with
kerosene without a culver.
Yet pound for pound the ex-
plosive power OF kerosene exceeds
dynamite. 1t Is even more tenn
permamental. It may start fires
placidly and quietly or a dying
ember lurking In the stove may
arouse it to appalling fury.
To use the oil can safely it must
be handled cautiously. In II is
potential tragedy. There is little
satisfaction in fastening the
family breakfast by turning the
family tree into a torch.
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1925-03-26
RIGHT HERE
IN INDIANA
FINES FAIL
TO PUNISH
By GAYLORD NELSON

GT7ALTER PHELPS. E. st.
WI Clair St., was convicted
G twice in city court on blind
tiger charges. Each time he was
fined $50. after which he again
pursued his avocation with unabat-
ed zeal
Yesterday in Criminal Court he
faced his third blind tiger charge.
Upon conviction he was sentenced
to sixty days on the State farm.
Perhaps that won't break the
spirit of his blind tiger, but for
two months at least the creature
will hibernate.
The episodes illustrate the It'll
ity Of fines as punishment. J'hey
are only regarded as an expense.
Perhaps the fine systen, is a
fruitful source Of revenue, but It
makes the punishment fit the
pocketbook instead of the crime.
Even-handed justice is distracted
by the ring OF the cash register.
Originally the fine was only a
means of evading punishment. It
was a bride by which financially
able malefactors bought immunity.
From this unlovely beginning.
the idea Of putting infractions Of
law on a cash basis has spread
until criminal statute books are
little more than glorified price
lists. A little speed violation costs
81. blind tiger is quotable at $50.
and so on through an interminable
list.
II justice is satisfied with $40
fine for assault and battery. why
shouldn't II be satisfied with a
$500 fine for murder? Where,
ethically, can tire line be drawn?
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1925-03-26
NUGGETS CONTINUE
AT PALACE THEATER

The big crowds which have at
tended every performance Of the
Singer NIidget's in 80 This Is
LLlliput," have made it necessary
that the entire company be held
over for, the remainder of the week.
This applies to the rest of the bill
Including the photoplay Lady of
the Night" with Norma Shearer,
George K. Arthur. and Malcolm Nc
Gregor. Polly and OF, are seen in
their comedy bit of singing and
piano selections, "Scenesongs,"
while w. d. Pollard offers "Uncom-
mon Nonsense" juggling act.
l. Il i.
Other theaters today offer: Karyl
Norman at Keith's; Joe Roberts at
the Lyric; 1.-The Air Mali at the
Ohio; Quo Vadis" at the Circle;
How to Educate A Wife" at the
Apollo and an entire new bill at the
Isis.
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1925-03-26
Indiana Indorsers of Photoplays Meet
Big Test by Favoring Quo Vadis' Film

do their bit in placing public atten-
ton upon the better form of movie
entertainment. This organization
faced crisis this week when it was
called upon to consider "Quo Vadis. :"
After seeing this imported picture
at the Circle this week, the indorsers
listed 1t as a picture which they rec
ommend for adult patronage. And
to my way of thinking that Is just
what should be done.
The central character is Nero. We
all know what sort Of foolish, mis-
guided and rotten ruler this con-
ceited hunk" of human flesh was.
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1925-03-26
/. The Local Situation

F7 # any evidence were needed
IT to prove the total inadequacy
Of political parties to serve
the public welfare, in our present
social and political environment, the
events that have been transpiring in
this community with the Republican
party factions would furnish that
evidence An old stock argument by
all standardized party adherents is
that this is necessarily govern
ment by political parties-a two
rarity system, In fact-and this argu-
ment is so persistently INDUCED in
that multitudes Of people appear to
believe in it as sort Of sacred
political fetish. But it is one Of those
beliefs that is pure myth, and adj
herestce to this political myth is a.
cfdef cause of the difficulties we en-
counter In administering our IL blic
business.
Whatever might, in measure, be
true, in State or national politics.
there is now in local political life
between the two dominant political
parties except the places for which
they scramble with two sets of can
didates. Party responsibility has al
most wholly disappeared, as an in
evitable result under present politi-
cal conditions, and this irresponsible
position in which political parties are
now placed in relation to the public
can only be remedied through the
substitution of personal RESPONSE
bility as the only thing, in the last
analysis, that really counts.
Many Worship Myths
In our partisan political life we
are, on the whole, not acting the
part of intelligent and discriminating
citizens, many of us merely worship
ping myths, refusing to face facts
and Haunting the public welfare.
Consider the LEGAL situation. There
Is the fact Of the two political par
ties, ordinarily approximately evenly
divided. That is, the citizenship
stnads half-and-half to begin with
Then the parties divide into factions,
the majority faction winning-usual-
w. Within this majority faction
there may be, and often is, an inside
group OF the winning party, taking
all, or at least the bulk, of the places
and controlling party and public ac-
ton. This usually leaves a small
minority inAactual control = condi-
ton thoroughly destructive to re-
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1925-03-26

is blame near as strong as bootleg.
Toledo, Ohio, gets the 1925 bowling
congress. Bowling, as you may
known, is playing with grown mar
bles.
Spring cleanings due. Wash the
windows on the inside only so you
won't need any shades.
The annual report about the peach
crop being ruined has been Issued.
A man is a person who wants to
plant cabbage in the front yard.
Copyright, 1925, NEA Service, Inc)
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1925-03-26

with II e n q i 3 II
glee over its
prank.
r e C e n thy g.
young girl In
Indianapolis re-
ceived fatal burns
in a similar
accident. T w o
months before a
woman and her
son in this city
lost their lives
when she kindled
a fire with oil.
c king OBJ
durate stoves to
heated acfivifv
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1925-03-26
Sideways for Venice

VENICE, March 26.-This city
of canals may have subway under
its famous thoroughfares. A sub
way eight miles long and reaching
all parts of the city is being con-
sidered. Tubes which would be built
in the bed Of the canals may be
used.
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1925-03-26
NO MEAN POLITICS

9. Bill Armitage Pours Oil on Troubled Waters
rT7VEN political factions have their fac
l. tional troubles The Lemcke- Jewett- In
dianapolis News faction OF the Republican
party was recently supposed to have been
welded tightly with the Shank Armitage fac
ton of the Republican party But the Lemcke-
Jewett- indianapolis News faction wasn't pay
ing enough attention to the Shank-Armitage
faction, so the latter outfit pulled out and
went over to the city hail. where it holds forth,
and stayed away from the Lemcke Jewett-In-
dianapolis News faction
But the Lemcke-Jew ett-Indianapols News
faction needed the support of the Shank-Armi-
tage faction. So they fastened to make peace
They asked for representative to make peace
negotiations and that veteran Of many negotia-
tons, Bill Armitage was sent over to straight
en- things out. And Bill, as is customary with
Bill, Strengthened them out.
re 10 NOW we have once again the Lemcke-
- Shank Jewett Armitage indianapolis
News faction functioning more or less peace
fully. And Bill Armitage, once spurned by the
Lemcke-Jewett- Indianapolis News faction, be-
comes even bigger man in the organization.
The organization can t do without Bill and Bill
can't get along without an organization. Moth
ing, therefore, could be happier than the pres
ent arrangement.
Of course, the Indianapolis News-Jewett-
Lemcke faction once had no use for Bill Armi-
tage nor Bill for them. But under the stress
of political necessity they have adopted each
other Political necessity under our present
form of city government always is put above
questions of public welfare. When the Indi-
annapolis -Lemcke-Jewe faction couldn t
use Bill Armitage they lambasted him with all
the power that editorial writers and news
writers writing editorials on the front page
could command. But now that they can use
Bill the lambasting has ceased and it is said
that he is threatening to join the mysterious,
to the uninitiated, Good Citizens League
which has habit. EEspringing up just before
each city election
FIR Kings are moving along in the political
squabble with which Indianapolis is be-
ing entertained and for which it will eventual
ly, If politicians have their way, pay the bill.
r. Howard Cadle has decided that he will
not be Republican candidate, as at first an
lounced, but that he will run Independently
Cadle, when he announced his candidacy, said
that he intended to pluck thistles and plant
flowers in the political pathway. He evidently
has decided he can do this as an independent
The Democrats, as is their custom, still are
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1925-03-26
THE DEADLY
KEROSENE CAN

EzRS. MARY HAYS. of Peters
IM burg, Ind, poured kero-
~ sene into the kitchen stove
to start a fire Wednesday night.
In the ensuing explosion and con-
fiagration she was incinerated and
the house was destroyed.
Another kerosene can cuts a
notch in its handle and chuckles
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1925-03-26


Did the year always begin in
January2
No. the Athenians began the year
In June. the Macedonians in Septem-
Der. the Romans first in March and
afterwards in January, the Persians
on Aug. IL. the ancient Mexfcans on
Feb. 29, the Mohammedans in July
and the Chinese year begins late in
January or nearly In February.
Have any new members of The
French Academy been elected re-
Gently?
On Nov. 81, 1924. three I'm
mortals' were elected to fill
vacancies and there remain yet three
more vacancies to be filled. One of
these vacancies was made by the
death Of Anatole France.
How many locomotives We're
made in the United States in
1928?
s,422 valued at s177,Ss1.O22.
Are there any diamond mines in
South America?
Within the last year valuable
diamond mines have been found at
Cuyuni, Venezuela.
What was the total number Of
miles flown by United States Army
aviators in 1923, and what was the
total loss of life?
Army aviators flew 9,093,360 miles
during 1923 with loss OF but
IS lives. The distance covered Is
more than S14 times around the
world and a total of 75,77S hours
were spent in the air,
To what race did King Tutanlkh-
Ahmen belong?
To the Hemetic branch of the
Caucasion race, the white inhabitants
of northern Africa.
When one speaks of the Federal
Government what does it include?
This is the name applied to the
Government of the United States;
that is to say, to the Government
over which Congress, the President
and the. United States Supreme Court
exercises control in accordance with
the functions assigned them by the
Constitution Of the United States.
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1925-03-26
BY Walter ID. Hickman

HERE is much satisfaction in
knowing that a semi-publlc
- and official organization
known as the Indiana Indorsers Of
Photoplays has met a severe test
with gratifying results.
This body of indorsers is not a
censorship body. but medium
through which attention is focused
upon photoplays that will appeal 10
both adults and to family patron
age.
In this way, the Indiana indorsers
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1925-03-26
Tom Sims Says

Time you get through reading all
the divorces there isn't time to
write funny cracks for the news
papers.
Had a big fire in Japan. Whole
town burned. All we can do is hope
it got some nah jongg sets.
Girls will be girls. Baltimore one
of 107 had birthday party. Her
husband of 100 was there. Bet he
cut up.
Los Angeles news, May broke a
glass to get at some jewels. So the
judge gave him seven years bad
luck.
Prizefighter news. World has
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1925-03-26

You. can get an answer to any ques-
ton Of fact OF information By writing
10 TIE Indianapolis Times Washington
Bureau. 1922 New York Ave. Wash
ingtol. d. c.. inclosng 2 cents 10
STAMPS for reply. Medical. legal and
marital advice cannot be given. nor
can exterNed research be undertaken.
Fonal reply. Unsigned requests cannot
be answered. All letters are contiden-
tal-Editor
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1925-03-26
Orchestra BY Mail

DETROIT, March pa course
In school orchestra" is given by the
extension department of Detroit
Teachers College. This course is in
tended for teachers who wish to di.
rect orchestras and TO broaden their
musfcnl knowledge.
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1925-03-26

a new DanJdIn-
weight cham
pion. Coal men
remain the short
weight cham
pions.
Radio doesn t
work as we'll In
summer. But
you mustn't
mind that. You
don't work as
we'll either.
Baltimore doc
tor has a drug
fifty times as
strong as car
bolic acid, which
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1925-03-26

Men shall speak of the might of thy ter
rible acts; and I will declare thy greatness
Ps. 145:6.
For he that once is good, is ever great
Ben Jonson.