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Omaha* Where the West is at its Best
THAT’S WHAT SPRING IS FOR.
Almost two weeks yet remain before “the sun
crosses the line,” and astronomical spring begins.
Man’s thought eagerly outruns the almanac, and
| spring has already come to Omaha. If you have any
doubt as to the truth of this statement, just move
along the streets through the retail district, and
view the window displays.
To call them gorgeous, to say they are artistic,
to praise their arrangement, is cheap. What they
really present is a high tribute to the zeal, the en
ergy, the enterprise of Omaha merchants. The
Oriental merchant keeps the treasures of his Stock
far out of sight of the curious, displaying them only
to those he feels assured have the means and the de
sire to purchase. That is probably due to the work
ings jof the eastern mind. In the Occident a dif
ferent spirit prevails. Merchants of the West set
forth for public view the richest of their wares. In
opulent display they invite the observer to become a
customer.
One gifted with exact knowledge of the fabrics
might find scope for his best talent in dealing with
the showing now being made in the show windows
of Omaha. An ordinary observer must be content to
exptesa regret that he is not a slim young thing, that
some one of the tempting creations might be donned
to enhance the charms of nature. Yet hope and suc
cor is held out even for those whom age or too as
siduous devotion to the good things of life whose in
dulgence is fatal to the svelte and dainty figure so
much desired. These can find raiment, appropriate
and costly as the purse will pay for, and be delighted
in the result.
Marvels of the modern loom and dye vat are
worked up by skilled artisans into such garments as
a hour! might not disdain, while the accessories are
presented in such profusion of color and charm as
amazes even the sophisticated onlooker. “Beautiful
Windows" indeed are those that line the downtown
thoroughfare* of Omaha. It is such an exhibition as
must impress even the most casual with the import
ance. of the retail stores of the town. It is the wel
come to the turn of the year, the coming of that
time when “the wanton lapwing takea himself a
brighter crest.” That's what spring is for.
AFTER MITCHELL GOES.
“Busting” General Mitchell may solace the
wounded feelings of some of the higher-ups, but it
will not convince the country that General Mitchell
was wrong. The experience the country had in the
mattgr of airplanes during the world war is not a
very good guarantee of an adequate airplane service
now.
Granting that General Mitchell was guilty of a
breach of discipline, it is generally believed that be
knew pretty well what he was talking about. That
the country which produced the inventors of the air
plane is lagging behind Great Britain, France and
.Japan in developing air defense is well known.
Doubtless General Mitchell, who Is intensely inter
ested in that branch of the military defense system,
was over-enthusiastic, but would not a reprimand
have been 't punishment? Reducing him in
rank, and ng him to a second-rate post is not
calculated io make other officers enthusiastic in bet
tering their arm of the service. Neither will it con
vince the country that General Mitchell was guilty
of anything more than daring to tell the truth despite
the efforts of his superiors to muzzle him.
THE DEMOCRATIC DILEMMA.
Franklin D. Roosevelt, who mismanaged Gov
ernor A1 Smith’s campaign for the democratic presi
dential nomination,’ wants to formulate plans for
the resuscitation perhaps resurrection would be the
better word—of the democratic party. One can but
admire the courage of Mr. Roosevelt, however little
one may think of his Judgment. Formulating plans
for welding the discordant elements of the demo
cratic party into one homogenous whole is easy com
pered with the task of actually doing the welding.
One auch plan failed when a Davis was aelected as
the head of the ticket and a Bryan as the tail. Whan
damocratic doctora like W. J. Bryan and Senator
Jamea Reed ait on one side of the aiiing patient’s
bed, and doctor* like Governor A1 Smith and Sen
ator Mayfield sit upon the other, the chances for the
patient's recovery are Exceedingly slim.
“By adhering to principles rather than personali
ties, for the next three years, we shall go far to
wards success,” says Mr. Roosevelt.
Aye, there’s the rub!
Who among the democratic leaders will he com
issioned to select the principles out of the amazing
mess of alleged democratic principles advanced by
democratic leaders in recent years? Will it be pos
sible to bring A1 Smith and W. .T. Bryan Into agree
ment? Perhaps Cox of Ohio and Underwood of Ala
bama, or Pat Harrison and Tom Hcfflin could devise
a set of principle* that would meet with the approval
•f both the eastern, western and southern wings.
The old recipe for cooking a Rabbit might apply
here—"first catch your rabbit." Adhering to demo
cratic principles would not he difficult if only there
could be agreement as to what are democratic prin
ciple*. But there’s the sticking point There seems
te ha shout as many democratic principles as there
•re Individual democrat*; certainly s* many ** there
•re aalf-constituted democratic leaders.
i»Ths man who spent,* lifetim* trying to davli# a
method of extracting sunshine from cucumbers had j
an easy task compared with the one Franklin D.
Roosevelt has elected h'tnself to perform.
Mr. Roosevelt's suggestion that the party’s lead
ers should meet more frequently “to exchange views
and to plan for united party action,” is worthy of
national approbation. It would add greatly to the
gaiety of the nation. But wouldn’t it be about as
tough on the aforesaid leaders as the recent demo
cratic national convention was on the delegates?
Imagine, if you can, the results of a conference
between the Bryans, A1 Smith, Underwood, Reed,
Harrison, Heflin, Taggart, Connors, Mack, Ryan,
Wheeler, and other democratic leaders. Donnybrook
fair would be a Sunday school picnic by comparison.
And that, gentle reader, is what's the matter
with the once powerful democratic party. Too many
leaders and not enough followers. Too many policies
and not enough principles.
Franklin D. Roosevelt is to be wished joy in his
self-imposed task. He is also deserving of sym
pathy.
THE DOG POISONER.
There may be a man lower than the man who
deliberately spreads poison for do^,s. We say there
may be a man lower, but it is extremely doubtful.
It. is to be hoped there are none, for a man has fallen
pretty low when he sneaks around in the stilly
watches of the night to spread poison for the purpose
of venting his spleen against dogs, or dog owners.
It is true that dogs are often a nuisance, but
there are legal methods of abating them. The man
who would sneakingly poison dogs, no matter how
much he may hate them, was probably the boy who
pulled the wings from one side of a fly and then
chortled with glee while watching the insect’s agon
ized gyrations. More than likely he is the school
bully who delighted in making life miserable for
smaller boys and girls. A study of his life would
probably reveal the fact that his boyish delight was
to cripple cattle, whip the horses to frenzy, tie tin
cans to dogs’ tails and do other little things of like
nature. He was a moron as a boy, he is a moron
now.
( The dog poisoner is the kind of a fellow w-ho
would taunt the cripple and experience delight in
watching for the victim of an epileptic fit. How
funny it must be for such man to sneak back to bis
room after spreading a lot of dog poison and gloat
over the paroxysms of the canine playfellow of
some little boy or girl. How his sides must shake
with laughter when he contemplates the tears
streaming down the cheeks of some little boy who
watches the dying agonies of his dog.
It is not for us to discuss whether there is or is
not a hell. That is a question each individual must
decide for himself. But it will be generally agreed
that if there isn’t such a place for dog poisoners,
there really should be.
IF MAINE, WHY NOT NEBRASKA?
The Maine legislature has just passed and Gov
ernor-Brewster has signed the so-called Maine pub
licity bill. It appropriates $25,000 annually for the
next two years for advertising the resources of the
statp.
If Maine, why not Nebraska? Nine years ago
the Nebraska legislature made an appropriation of
$12,500 for the biennium to advertise the resources
cf the state, but before the department could be
come properly organized the country became in
volved in the World War. The entire appropriation
wa« not expended and the department was discon
tinued. There never was a time when a state pub
licity department was more needed, or when such a
department properly conducted could accomplish so
much for the development of the state. Recently a
number of Nebraska daily newspapers inaugurated
a campaign for publicity for their state, and it has
performed a splendid work for them and for the
commonwealth. But there is no rpason why the
daily newspapws, or any other single industry,
should be called upon to defray the expenses of a
campaign that is beneficial to every industry within
the state. It is properly a function of the entire
commonwealth.
Maine has less than half the area of Nebraska,
only two-fifths as much taxable wealth, less than
one-tenth the annual wealth production, only one
city the size of Linc6ln, and no five cities that e<iual
Omaha in population. Maine has not one one-hun
dredth the development possibilities possessed by
Nebraska. If Nebraska appropriated $25,000 a bien
nium for advertising the resources and advantages of
Nebraska it would mean less than one cent per cap
ita per year. What it would mean in advantages to
the commonwealth at large is beyond computation.
We congratulate the American Legion boys on
their choice of chairman to succeed Everett Bucking
ham. If anyone can carry out the plans for a suc
cessful meeting here, it will be A. H. Richardson.
Thst film fire was a warning to movie patrons.
It disclosed what might have led to a terrible dis
aster. Too bad the theater operators waited for such
a happening to force needed repairs.
Twenty-five speeders in police court on Monday
morning is another sign of returning spring. Twen
ty-five speeders in jail would be a sign of returning
reason.
Honeymooners in a stolen auto have been over
hauled by Grand Island police. Such an expedition
is well stopped anywhere.
Maybe if the hose were actually turned on. that
flee in the city council Would not blaze so merrily.
One way to help Omaha grow is to spend Omaha
money iri supporting Omaha institutions.
Homespun Verse
Bjr Omaha's Own Poet —
Robert Worthington Davie
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SHUN LIFE’S IDLENESS.
Shu life* Idlene**, young fellow’ -
There I* work awaiting you:
What you gain depend* entirely
On the useful thing* you do;
There * no lazy way to riches,
Shift lessnes* will never win,
For success 1* lust exactly
A* It ha* forever been.
Our concession 1* not given
Till we earn It a* we go
Often groping, hut with courage,
Through the vale* of strife and woe.
Don’t sit down and watch another
While he slowly plods along.
Amf hecause he climb* ahead of you
Think that there la something wrong.
If vou have the true ambition
That ha" made our men of old,
Ton will not be weak and hapless,
Vou will suffer not from cold,
Ton will know that one W ho grumbles
For the chance you have today,
He* while you were plodding onward
Just been fooling time away,
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Driving a Good Horse to Death
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Letters From Our Readers
AH letters mutt be signed, but name will be withheld upon request.
Communications of 200 words and less, will be given preference.
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Stand by Silent Cal.
Chadron, Neb.—To the Editor of
The Omaha Bee: Silent Cal has be
come president of these I'nlted States
by virtue of the electorate. i’ntll
March 4, 1929, he will preside as chief
executive over the grandest na
tion that the sun ever shone upon.
Regardless of our political prejudices,
our religious beliefs, our social stand
ing or financial condition, he is our
president. Calvin Coolidge \*ae fairly
chosen by the will of a majority. He
should now- re< eive the unanimous
support of all.
Yet, sorry to say, he will not. Men
who pose as loyal Americans, gifted
men, influential men, will serk to cru
Hfv him that their own selfish desires
may he gratified. They will not at
lark the of hi* administra
tion. but center their forces upon
every art, however righteous. that
hid** fair to meet with popular ap
proval. The motto of the*e opposing
force* will he a* ft ever ha* been:
’This administration mu*t not suc
ceed.”
Voter* of America, wa cannot pre
vent thi* antagonism We cannot
even presume that the leopard * apnt*
will change or can be changed. Rut
me may counteract the evil effects
of such hase design*. We a* juror*
In the court of public opinion, should
at least give the defendant’* case
worthy consideration. We should
note carefully every selfish motive that
prompt* the plaintiff* plea. We
should seek to render a verdict Im
partial and free front prejudice. I*
this not fair? I* this not just?
A DEMOCRAT.
Rood Suggestion.
Omaha —To the Editor of The
Omaha Ree T read In the newspapers
that the M. E. Smltff company was
sold to the Byrne Hammer Dry Good*
company for $1,530,000, and that this
sal* means the closing: of the M. E.
Smith company’s plant.
This Is the second blow to our city’s
welfare and prosperity.
The closing of the Burges* Nash
company and the M. E. Smith com
pany throws some 1.500 employe* out
of work, snd probably 3.000 of their
dependents will have to suffer on that
account.
The real men of our cltv did nobly,
bidding within $5,000 of the sale price
of the M. E. Smith company.
However, If these good men conld
raise $1,525,000 to buy an old plant,
that amount will start a new plant
and a pretty good one; raise another
million and open the Burges* N ish
store, and another half million adver
Using their enterprise* to Omaha ami
(hi* western country, ami the people
will soon know where to Imv
their, merchandise. Destroy comp*
t it ion and we pay higher prices for
what we huv, and our city and the
whole western country will suffer.
Oh, that our belov ed city would have
a few more men like the late Mr.
Buckingham. Imagine Mr. Bucking
ham heading a group of men and bid
ding in the 1’nion Stockyards com
pany for the purpose of profiting to
the extent of a few dollars, closing
the yards and moving them to Gretna
or Bellevue and throwing thouvinda
of people out of employment. He gave
his all for Omaha and onr western
country, hut “Buck" was a real man.
PIONKBR OK OMAHA.
\ Political Maze.
Omaha To the K liter of The Oma
ha Bee: Mr. William Hard defines a
democrat a* person who gets elect
ed to office on fne Jeffersonian prin
ciple of local seif government, but
who stays in office with the help of
the "Hamiltonian principle of federal
subsidies to localities." \ republican
senator defines a republican as a
person who believes in a high tariff
against, foreign commodities, hut will
not restrict internal competition in
prices." A progressive is a person
who crltiscs every' department of the
government. He will tell you that all
government activities are corrupt. He
would establish all kinds of so-called
reforms, which if approved he would
criticise
There are men In congress now
who got elected as democrats, hut are
republicans as often as tney are
democrats. There nre others who are
elected as republicans, hut are either
radicals or progressive or what not.
and cannot be relied upon as local
republicans after election. This
makes a political maze, confusing to
the minds of the voter* weakening
party responsibility, and public In
tegrity. Let us give a single Instance
that occurred here in Nebraska dur
ing the campaign of 1922. The demo
cratic party named C. W. Bryan *s
it candidate for governor on a strong
sound money platform based on the
gold standard only.
The progressive narty named the
same candidate on a paper money
platform Intended to remove the gold
standard. Bryan accepted both nomi
nations and therefore sound money
and paper money would be In con
flict for election purposes only.
Democratic principles were advo
cated during the last campaign by
Mr. Davis, a true democrat, and earn
est exponent of public Integrity. Th»
World-Herald said editorially that
"Davis alone saved the democratic
party front disgrace." The Bee edi
torially says that "Davis lost because
of the men forced upon him " It was
feared that his running mate might
actually become president if LaFol
lette carried enough states to prevent
a popular choice. That fear hung
over the people like the sword of
Damocles
It alienated thousands of d»mo
crats awav from Davis, confirming
both the World-Herald and the Bee
in their statements.
DEMOCRAT.
Enumeration.
neplv made by a Sicilian boy to a
question in geography:
"The five quarter* of the glob# sre
four in number, and they are the
three following—Europe and Asia."—
Kansas City Star.
> arlety.
T.adv (to grocer)—I want to buy
some lard.
Grocer— Pail*
Lady I rtldn t know you could get
it in i «o shades.- The Wtflos
What we’d call a real mess ia a
wife with an aversion fer house
work an’ a husband with an
aversion fer lookin' a livin’. Some
folks are jest fine ever’ way, 'cept
they won’t pay nothin'.
(Copyright, list.}
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\l>\ Rft I hKMK.NT.
Speaks to Mothers
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Mils. <l,\»\ THOMPSON.
He* Mninea, I i "I lea rued of Dr
l’len c a Favorite I’laeri Ipttnn beln* a
ctoat benefit i« women during mother
bund, and after Irvine It once I el
wav* tiaed It afterward*. It kept m«
front having head he* and from be
In* air) and civ* me ttreniith. I can
not pratae It too imtrh for the benefit
It Its* been to me "—Mr* Clara
Thompaon. 622 S K F.lahth St.
tlbialn till* famou* ' l’i eaci lption'
now. In tahlei or Hnuld, from yout
drtl**lat, nr write lvr. Pierce, I’real
dent Invalid*' Hotel In llnffalo, N Y,
for ftee medical adwea
Democracy of Bell System Goners
Is Nation-Wide
No other enterprise in the world
is so popularly owned as the Bell
System, which is made up of the
American Telephone and Telegraph
Company and 25 Associated Com
panies such as the Northwestern
Bell Telephone Company.
Among the stockholders of the
Bell System are more than 350,000
people, living in every state in the
Union and representing every class
of American citizenship.
I n addition, nearly 1 50,000 other
persons own Bell System bonds,
making a total of more than 500.000
American people who comprise the
nation-wide community of Bell
"System investors.
You can join this thrifty group of Rell telephone invoator*.
Any telephone emplo\ ee will gladly give you full information.
NORTHWESTERN BELL TELEPHONE COMPANY
■ELL SYSTEM
One Folicf ^ One Syttem - l nirertml Sereice
• _ _
^“_ _ ^
^unnystoedp
lake Comfort. nor forge t.
j 1 hat Sunrise nexJerfai£e<5 « r ^^
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NEWS OF OCR NEIGHBORHOOD
Dr. Victor Rosewater, formerly connected with this Hmiaa
hold Comfort and Daily Guide to th# faithful, now of the effete
east, dropped into our sanctum for a few momenta yestetaay.
Come again. Doctor, the latchstring is always out.
Several of our enterprising merchants are making unusual
window displays this week. They are winning deserved com
mendation from local and visiting lover* of the artistic.
Several of our citizens are driving new car* this week, an
evidence that our local dealers are on the job all th# time.
Charley Rlaek. our accommodating Naaby, Inform* u* that
business at the postofflce is picking up. This 1* a sure indica
tion of prosperity, and we are glad to make note of It.
A number of our leading local musicians have been prac
ticing together for several weeks, and will give a concert at the
City auditorium this evening. Having heard several rehearsal*
we have no hesitancy In saying that they play fine muaic and
will afford a rare treat to musical people who attend aheir
concert.
Matt McHenry of Gering, the genial clerk of tha courts of
Scotts Bluff countv. has been in a local hospital for several
weeks. He is now able to be out and expects to return home
in a few days. We are glad to note his Improved condition.
Benjamifl S. Baker, one of our rising young attorneys, had
business before the supreme court at Lincoln one day this week.
Robert Smith, our auriferous-haired clerk of the courts,
went to Lincoln Monday to interview some legislators relative
to a bill in which he is deeply interested.
Henrv Dunn, who looks after the protection of life and
property in our city, as head of the police department, reports
that automobiles are becoming so numerous in these part* that
the parking rules must be strictly enforced. Go to it, Henry;
the public is behind you in your efforts for the common good.
Manager Hartung. manager of the ever popular Orpheum
theater, Informs us that line of hookings promises greater treat*
fur his patron*. He is constantly on the lookout for novelties,
and the people appreciate his efforts.
Our "Want Ads ’ produce results. This department of The
Daily Fireside Helper and Solace for the weary is growing in
popularity by leaps and bounds.
Secretary Carlson of Ak Sar Ben report* the membership
campaign coming along nicely. This is our city's moat pmgrer
sive and popular boosting organization, and we bespeak for it
the heartv support of all our people.
Kd Flynn, one of the popular offh-ial* of the Burlington,
has just returned Rom a tour of inspection over the lines west
of the Missouri rlvff. He reports things in fine condition.
Correspondence.
Dear Editor: I notice by our paper th*t Mr. Wright end
Mr. Webster had a case before the supreme court at the capital
last week. I just knew these hots would make good. Our
family is all well and enjoy the Neighborhood News very much.
Hoping you are the same. FRANK CARET.
• P. P. I will pay our subscription the next time T go to
town. F. C.
Notice.
The Ail Sell club will hold another meeting next Mondav
evening. President MacDiarmld informs u* that a prominent
speaker has been engaged for the occasion These meetings
are proving increasingly popular, owing to the jnspirlng ad
dresses presented.
The local post of'the American Legion reports its member
ship at present to be the largest in its history. Th# boy* are
hustling to got read, for the annusl convention next October.
WILL M. MAVP1N.
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DR CALDWELLS SYRUP PEPSIN
THE FAMILY LAXATIVE"
