Five Posts Today Let You Look at Life on Guilford College 100 Years Ago

From The Guilfordian, Guilford College, N.C., April 30, 1919. The Roosevelt referred to in the second article is former president Theodore Roosevelt, who died January 6, 1919.

Edna Raiford Wins Philomathean Prize

The eleventh annual oratorical contest of the Philomathean Literary Society was held in Memorial Hall on Saturday evening, April 26, and was a contest of unusual merit and each girl reflected much credit on the society she represented.

Miss Gertrude Hobbs, president of the society, made a few introductory remarks after which the following program was given:

Duet—Mr. and Mrs. Korner

War Refugees—Clara Henley

Winged Sword of France—Edna Raeford

The Church of the Future—Madge Coble

Duet—Mr. and Mrs. Korner

America Returns From France—Katherine Harmon

Part American Women Played in the War—Beulah Jessup

Piano Solo—Mrs. Baymond, Binford

The judges were Miss Gertrude Mendenhall and Messrs. William A. and Walter Blair. After a very clever and witty speech Mr. W.A. Blair delivered the prize to Miss Edna Raeford.

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Philomatheans Are Entertained by Webs

The heart of every Philomathean was made to rejoice when the invitation came from their brother “Webs” to visit them at their regular meeting last Friday evening.

At 8 p.m. when Founder’s bell announced the assembly Marshal Stafford met the “Phils” at Founder’s and gallantly directed them to the elaborate home of the Websterians in the ivy-covered Y.M.C.A. building. Each girl soon found herself a proud possessor of a very attractive book-form program, with a picture of Roosevelt on the front page. On glancing thru the program it was found that it dealt with the different phases of Roosevelt’s life.

When all had assembled, President Willard in a very dignified and pleasing manner made each visitor feel very happy and at home. Then came the following interest program:

A Strenuous Life—H.M. Patterson

Debate: Resolved, that the government of the United States should adopt a policy requiring one year of military training of all able-bodied men before they reach the age of 21. Affirmative, R.A. Lineberry. Negative, J.D. Dorsett.

Vocal Solo—Paul Trotter

Reading—“His Americanism”, C.M. Macon

Oyster Bay, 1925—David White

Each number of this program was excellently rendered and to every Philomathean it was truly an inspiration to listen to it.

Much was learned concerning the life, the interests, the patriotism, the work and wonderful accomplishments of such a great American as Theodore Roosevelt.

After the program came the hurly-burly of getting into groups. Each person was listed in some group named after some characteristic of “Teddy,” such as “Naturalist,” “Rough-Rider,” “Statesman,” “Author,” “Politician,” etc. When all had found their assigned places there became a continual flow of hilarity which lasted thru out the evening. At times the mirth was somewhat subdued when attention was given to the different course of the following delicious menu:

Fruit Cocktail

Cherries

Chicken Salad

Pickles

Deviled Eggs

Cream Cake

Salted Almonds

Quite too soon sounded the hour for departure and no Philomathean could find suitable words to express her appreciation for the hospitality of the much admired “Webs.”

Sophomore-Freshman Picnic at Guilford College, April 1919

From The Guilfordian, Guilford College, N.C., April 30, 1919

The Sophomore-Freshman Picnic

Tuesday afternoon, April 15^th, found the Sophomores and Freshmen in high spirits for their joint picnic, the first ever enjoyed by these two classes.

The place which had been selected proved itself to be undesirable. Parties were sent out in all directions to search for a suitable place. Mr. Brinton was of course the first person to find the desired spot. Every one rushed to it, tumbling over fences and jumping ditches as they passed. A camp fire was soon sending its flames into the sky. After a much needed rest, supper was prepared. Sandwiches! Hot dogs! Biscuits! Ice teas!!

Heaps of everything to eat and heaps of people to eat it! Hot dogs were toasted, altho it seemed as those the person being engaged was being toasted instead.

When everything had been devoured, all sat around the camp fire as shades of evening gathered. Many were the songs sung, and many the jokes told. As the crowd wended its way back to the campus, Freshmen felt less like rats, and Sophomores less superior to their verdant young school mates as a result of the pleasant evening spent together.

Misses Coltrane, Hockett, Bird Entertain Senior Class at Peele Cottage, April 30, 1919

From The Guilfordian, Guilford College, N.C., April 30, 1919

Peele Cottage, A Scene of Festivity

On Wednesday, April 16, the members of the Senior class were given a unique and charming reception by three of the class—Misses Coltrane, Hockett and Bird—when the invitations were received curiosity was heightened and interest increased by the place, Peele Cottage, and the admonition, “Wear Old Clothes.”

At the appointed time the guests wended their way to the demure little cottage. It proved to be a veritable corner of comfort with blazing fires, rugs, pillows and all things needful. On the porch, punch was served to the entering guests by two obliging freshmen. After this was done each guest found a seat in some comfy chair and the good time began.

Since it was nearing the season when the Easter Rabbit holds his court, eggs were in evidence from every corner. They furnished the fun for the evening. Contests were held, the eggs holding the cue. After much merriment had been aroused by mimicry of our illustrious faculty and other dignitaries, and by each guest’s displaying some talent which he did not before know he had, a delicious diversion came in the form of a salad course and a second course of lemon meringue pie. These delights completed a perfect evening.

The last event was a contest in artistic ability and various were the subjects chosen. Thus the hour for departure came and amid sincere expressions of appreciation to the hostesses the guests departed, holding in their several hearts memories dear of Ruth, Georgiana, Eula—and the Peele cottage!

Editorial in College Newspaper Urges Basic Etiquette at the Table, April 30, 1919

From the editorial page of The Guilfordian, Guilford College, N.C., April 30, 1919.

Table Etiquette

It is six o’clock. The bell rings for supper and we file into the dining room. We sit down at the table and bow our heads. When the bell taps we turn over our plates and begin to talk. Each person helps himself to the food within his reach if there happens to be any. Usually most of it is placed near the plate of the waiter, entirely out of reach of the people at the opposite end of the table. If he thinks of it the waiter pours the milk and two or three glasses of it get by the first person and stop, for the girl seated next is so interested in the conversation that she is having about Kodak pictures, her latest beau, etc., that she does not realize that anything else matters at that moment. The lady at the head of the table prefers water. She yells to the waiter two or three times but he fails to hear her. Finally the word passes from one to another that the lady at the head of the table wishes a glass of water. The water is poured and starts on the journey, is delayed several times and finally reaches its destination when supper is nearly half over. Miss Smith would like to have some potatoes. She asked to have them passed several times before she is heard and when she does get them she finds that the cook has failed to put in enuff salt to suit her special taste. But she cannot reach the salt. After asking for it once or twice she decided that she had rather eat potatoes without any salt at all than to wait so long for it. Mr. Jones asks that the beef be passed. But it happens to be nearest a certain boy who is especially interested in the girl sitting next to him. He is so thoroughly carried away with her thrilling conversation and charming smile that he forgets that any one else is present until somebody gives him a knock on the elbow and tells him to pass the beef.

And so it is through the whole meal,--not just one meal occasionally but three meals every day. We do not mean to be rude but we are, and it is high time for us to begin to see ourselves as others see us. It is not possible for every one to be versed on all the fine points of etiquette but it is possible for every one to have fairly good manners, the secret of which is putting others first. At least we can, after helping ourselves to food, pass it on.

Seniors, Faculty Entertained at Founders, April 30, 1919

From The Guilfordian, Guilford College, N.C., April 30, 1919.

Founders Faculty Shine as Hostesses

On last Tuesday evening, April 22, the seniors and members of the faculty were royally entertained by the following members of the faculty—Misses Osborne, Benbow, Edwards, Roberts, Noles and Gainey.

The members of the class were received by the hostess in the main entrance of Founders, after which they were ushered out to the broad veranda which had been transformed into a porch-garden enclosed by a dogwood trellis. The lighting effect was very beautiful, consisting of Japanese lanterns artistically arranged. Soft couches and easy chairs made a most inviting retreat for the happy crowd and the quiet beauty of the whole scene made the guests wish to stay indefinitely. The sweet strains of a Victrola added to the charm of the occasion and in the midst of the merry laughing and talking delicious refreshments of Neopolitan ice cream and Angel Food cake was served. While these were served the guests were favored with selections upon the piano by Miss Ball and Mrs. Binford. A course of coffee and Divinity Fudge was then served, after which the party assembled around the piano and sang old familiar tunes which concluded the pleasant evening. Then with gracious thoughts of their hostesses, the guests took their departure.

Deaths of Four North Carolinians on April 29, 1919, Casualty List

From The Commonwealth, Scotland Neck, N.C., April 29, 1919

Tarboro Man Among Losses

Washington, April 29—Two casualty lists were issued for publication today, one by the war department with 107 names and by the navy department with 15 marines identified.

Brink Thomas of R.F.D., Tarboro, is reported to have died of disease, the other North Carolinians being reported:

Private James F. Williams of Vineland died of wounds.

Private Herman E. Higgins of Smithfield died of disease.

Private James H. Arnette of Charlotte was killed in action.

Private John Hicks of Stanly has returned to duty but was previously reported as having died.

Government Returning Telegraph and Telephone Lines to Owners, April 29, 1919

From The Commonwealth, Scotland Neck, N.C., April 29, 1919

Wires and Cables Returned to Owners. . . President Wilson Approves Burleson’s Recommendation to Return Telegraph and Telephone Lines. . . Atlantic Cables Also to Be Restored

By the Associated Press

Washington, April 29—President Wilson has approved Postmaster General Burleson’s recommendation that the telegraph and telephone systems be returned to their owners upon the enactment of legislation as may be deemed necessary; also that American cable lines be restored to their owners immediately.

This approval was announced in a cablegram received today by Burleson, who yesterday stated that he hoped to return the cables by May 10.

Are Teachers Paid a Fair Wage? April 29, 1919

From The University of North Carolina News Letter, April 29, 1919

Is It Fair?

The Railroad Wage Commission has recommended that the wages of all railroad employees receiving less than $250 a month (and that, too, for 12 months in every year), should be increased. Such increase was ordered by the Director of Railroads.

In Illinois the average monthly wage of 15 miners, as shown by the payroll at the mine, was $217.78; the average monthly salary of the 15 school teachers in the same town was $55.

The average yearly salary paid public school teachers in the U.S. in 1918 was $630.64; an Australian alien, a miner, earned more than $2,700 during 1918.

Why this discrimination against our public school teachers?

Size of a Dollar

Ever since the war began in 1914 the size of our dollar has been diminishing until now it takes two to two and one half dollars to buy as much of life’s necessities as one dollar would buy five years ago. While the teacher has been given, in some cases, an increase of 10, 20 or 25 percent in salary, the cost of board, clothes, transportation, etc., has increased from 75 to 100 percent.

Consequently any teacher with good sense and decent training is looking for some other work to do. In fact it is estimated that 120,000 untrained, inexperienced teachers were turned loose on our schools this past year.

Looking Ahead

Nor will this condition grow better unless we decide to pay our teachers a decent living wage. On the contrary the situation will grow worse and we shall have a flood of inexperienced, untrained, tramp teachers hearing lessons in our public schools and keeping school in our districts.

This is not fair to our boys and girls. We must immediately plan to increase teachers’ salaries by not less than 75 percent. Who will be the first so to report?

Why Are There So Few Monuments to Teachers? April 29, 1919

From The University of North Carolina News Letter, April 29, 1919

A Rare Monument

We found it in the courthouse square in Laurinburg the other day. It is a monument erected to a teacher. That’s why it’s rare.

Monuments to teachers are fairly common here and there in Europe, but they are rare in America. In North Carolina there are only four that we can now recall—to Wiley in Winston-Salem, to McIver in the capitol square in Raleigh, to Quackenbush in Laurinburg, and to Canady in Smithfield. If there are others we want to know about them.

The inscriptions on the Laurinburg shaft are worth thinking over. In particular they challenge the attention of teachers. Here they are:

“William Graham Quackenbush, 1649-1903

Principal of the school here for 21 years

Christian, scholar, philanthropist

In recognition of his exalted character, in appreciation of his ennobling influence upon youth

Erected by a people grateful for his love and service

His life was gentle and the elements so mixed in him that Nature might stand up and say to all the world, This was a man.”

Why So Rare?

We have said that such monuments are rare and there are reasons, many reasons, but just now we center attention on one—the lack of stable citizenship in teachers.

More and more teachers are creatures of chance and change. Few of us are content to choose a community for better or for worse, and to drive our tent-pegs deep down for permanent residence. We are here today and there tomorrow. We shift about incessantly under the pressure of necessity or the lure of opportunity. We are nowhere long enough for a community to find out how the elements are mixed in us and whether we are men or manikins. Teachers blow into and out of American communities like a swarm of Kansas grasshoppers. The hard truth is, our tax-supported schools of every grade are cursed by a very plague of grasshopper teachers. We are become a race of peripatetics. Ichabod Crane and his ilk were far more innocent and far less mischievous as public servants. We are creatures without a country, without homes of our own, without much property of any sort on the tax books, without identity and civic consequence in swiftly changing communities, without any robust sense of local citizenship and community responsibility. For the most part we are rolling stones that gather no moss. We are drifters and wasters, in a sense that is arresting and appalling.

Disturbing Facts

Lest it be supposed that we are dreaming instead of dealing with distressing realities we may say that a full third of the teachers of America drop out of the ranks every years—during the recent years of war the ratio rose to nearly a half; that the roster of an adjoining county last year shows two-thirds of the country schools with brand new teachers, while in our own home county three-fourths of the country teachers are this year teaching new schools and three-fourths of the country communities have new teachers!

Will someone please tell us how schools of permanent and increasing influence can be developed with kaleidoscopic changes of this sort? This incessant change of teachers in town and country corps is the curse of our American public school system—the most fruitful source of failure. It is the one certain way of wasting 800 millions of public school money or most of it year by year by year.

Teachers now as of old are frequently men and women of exalted Christian character, lovers of learning, and lovers of their kind as Quackenbush was, but it seems to be no longer the fashion for teachers to teach 21 years in one place. They dwell nowhere long enough to breed grateful memories in a community and to lie down at last under the shadow of a memorial shaft.

On the contrary the telegram of the Irish engineer records our careers or commonly so: Off agin, on agin, gone agin, Flanagin. A monument erected to a teacher of this sort would have to be built on the tail of a flying machine.

Where the Blame Lies

We perfectly well know that the explanation of this sorry situation concerns communities as well as teachers—living conditions in communities as well as saving salt in teachers, but for the moment we are thinking about monuments to teachers and the essential reason for their rarity.

The teacher who is forever on the move like poor Jo in Bleak House will certainly miss a monument. It is easy to erect monuments to men like Wiley and McIver, Quackenbush and Canady, Graham, Stacy and Battle. They were firmly anchored to definite localities and identified with definite noble purposes.

The public is rarely ever fooled. Consciously or unconsciously it makes Susan Nipper’s distinction between a Temporary and a Permanent. Most of us are temporary, few of us, alas, are permanent. The Temporaries swiftly pass out of men’s minds and memories. Monuments are erected to Permanents alone.

Discussion of Hickory's Celebration for Soldiers, April 28, 1919

From the Hickory Daily Record, April 28, 1919

To Discuss New Date for Our Soldiers

Hickory citizens are urged to meet at the Chamber of Commerce tonight for the purpose of determining whether Thursday, May 22, shall be retained as the day for the big celebration or whether the welcome should be moved up to Thursday, May 8.

Most of the soldiers are home, the engineers having arrived Saturday and Sunday, and many of them will be scattering soon, it is thought. It has been suggested that the celebration be advanced two weeks in order to entertain as many of the boys as possible. Secretary Joy today phoned Judge Webb and he agreed to adjourn court on that day and attend the celebration.

The matter is not definite of course and it will be up to Hickory folks to say whether the celebration should be held on May 22 or earlier. Everybody is urged to attend.

The finances will be discussed again tonight and it is hoped that more money will be placed in sight of the treasurer.

(News of local soldiers from the Local and Personal column of the same issue)

Mr. Ralph Flowers of the U.S. Navy is spending a furlough with his parents, Dr. and Mrs. G.E. Flowers.

Mr. Carrroll Abernethy, who returned Saturday from overseas, was in Hickory today shaking hands with friends.

Corp. J. Guthrie Surratt, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.C. Surratt, has recently returned from France and spent the week-end with his sister, Mrs. N.S. Hendrick of Greystone.

W.P,. Huffman, Manager of Hotel Huffry, Died at the Hotel, April 28, 1919

From the Hickory Daily Record, Monday, April 28, 1919

W.P. Huffman, Good Citizen, Passes

Mr. William P. Huffman, for many years one of Hickory’s most prominent citizens and organizer of Hotel Huffry, of which he has been manager for the past nine years, died at the hotel on Saturday night at 11:15 of progressive atrophy of the muscles. He was 58 years old on February 20 last.

Mr. Huffman was prominent in the business and church life of Hickory. As a manager of the hotel, it was his pleasure to see that the lawn, as well as the building, was kept in beautiful taste, and if he had left no other work, the beautiful lawn which received his attention in life will remain as a testimony to his character. He was a devout member of the Holy Trinity Lutheran church and was active in the affairs of his church. Four years ago he was first stricken, bur he fought valiantly against an affliction that slowly sapped his vitality. For two years he had been helpless.

Mr. Huffman is survived by his wife and eight children—six sons and two daughters. These are Mr. Ara Huffman of Asheville, Reuel of Brookfield, Mo., Cyril of Hickory; Arthur, member of the ninth division overseas, Grover and Ewart of Hickory, Mrs. E.E. Randolph of Bryan, Texas, and Miss Mary Huffman of Hickory. He is also survived by one brother, Mr. Jeff Huffman, and one sister.

The funeral service will be conducted from Holy Trinity Lutheran church tomorrow afternoon at 3 o’clock by Dr. F.C. Longaker, assisted by Rev. C.R.W. Kegley. No service will be held at the hotel, and the interment will be in Oakwood cemetery.

(From the editorial page of the same newspaper)

W.P. Huffman

W.P. Huffman, whose death occurred Saturday night, appreciated beauty. Hundreds of traveling men who came to Hickory have been rested by sitting on the hotel porch and looking across the lawn of this property. Mr. Huffman believed in flowers and shrubbery, and it was his custom for many years always to see that flowers were placed in the rooms of his guests. He conducted a good hotel, but the thing which impressed visitors most were those little attentions which showed the soul of the man. He was interested in civics to a high degree, and this interest was shown first at home. Many men come and go and leave their impression on the community, but the Record believes that Mr. Huffman’s love of nature as manifested in the hotel lawn has left an impress that will be beneficial for years to come. He left something to the community which he helped to advance.

Invest in the Victory Liberty Loan, April 1919

Mother, Three Young Children Killed When Home Burned, April 26,1919

From the Hickory Daily Record, April 26, 1919

Four In Family Are Burned in Fire

By the Associated Press

Reidsville, N.C., April 26—Mrs. Alfred Scales Galloway, prominent in social life of the town and state, and her three children were burned to death early today in a fire which destroyed their home on Main street. The children were Lou, aged 8; Sallie, aged 5; and Alfred S. Jr., aged 3.

The fire was discovered about 3 o’clock in the morning by Mrs. Galloway, who was sleeping upstairs. She went downstairs to give the alarm and then hurried back to her children to save them. It was in this attempt to rescue them that the lost her life.

When the burned body was found after the fire, it was in a kneeling position beside the bed as if in prayer. Mrs. Galloway was 33 years old. Her husband is a traveling salesman.

Mrs. Galloway was Miss Eva Harris, daughter of the late H.E. Harris, pioneer tobacconist.

It is not known how the fire started. Two roomers were in the home and both escaped with slight injuries.

Pvt. W.T. Beasley Write of His Experiences Just Before Armistice Was Signed, April 25, 1919

From The Independent, Elizabeth City, N.C., April 25, 1919

A Columbia, N.C., Boy Saw Real Fighting. . . Private W.T. Beasley was in Thick of It When the Armistice Was Signed

I have been thinking for some time of writing a letter to you. I am a Columbia, N.C. boy and have lots of friends there and I cannot write to them all so I take this method of letting them hear from me if it doesn’t take too much space in your paper.

I will tell of the last days of battle. I have been over here about eight months and have been up against some pretty tough scraps. We were in the front line trenches on the Vosges mountains the last of September. We left from there and came to the Verdun front, one of the most famous fronts of the world war. We marched through town after town that was torn and ruins by the Huns. We marched through the shell-torn city of St. Mihiel, the place where just a month or two before the Yankee boys showed the Huns what they were. We finally reached Verdun where we spent a few days in the largest dugout I ever saw. One of them would hold over 500 men. We were in support of the 322^nd Infantry and on the evening of the 9^th of November we left our position and went up and relieve the 322^nd in their front lines in an old field, through an awful artillery fire. Our platoon leader was wounded and several of the men were killed and wounded that night in our company. We spent the night of November 10^th in the old German front line trenches and at 6 o’clock on the morning of the 11^th we went over the top.

Just after we left the trenches the Germans laid an awful barrage. I was in the front wave and as soon as we were through the artillery barrage the Boche opened up on us with machine guns. We were in an awful position.

The heavy barrage was slowly creeping up on us from the rear and the machine guns in front of us so there was only one thing for us to do and that was to continue our advance, for it would mean death to stop or go back through the barrage. We advanced about a mile and at 11 o’clock when things were looking pretty bad for some one we were in a hundred yards of the German reserve line trench.

In 30 minutes we would have taken the trench, but about that time the good news reached us that Germany had got enough and had signed the armistice. Believe me, we were a happy bunch of boys. 

We stayed there for a few days and then marched back to Nesle, France, where we are now. We were on the hike 17 days. We are now at Nesle and looking forward to the happy days when we will reach the grand old U.S.A. and home.

Wishing my country many happy years of peace and prosperity, I am,

Pvt. W.T. Beasley

Co. A, 321^st Infantry, 81^st Division

Newspaper Starts Health Insurance for Its Employees, Suggests the State Legislature Consider It for All Employees, April 25, 1919

From the editorial page of The Independent, Elizabeth City, N.C., April 25, 1919, W.O. Saunders, editor. Unlike commercial insurance, paper will refund what isn't used when employees leave the paper. The New York State plan (second article in this post) is also interesting. Amazing that we're still debating this 100 years later.

How Does This Strike You?

This newspaper has worked out a little employes’ disability insurance scheme all on its own which may lack much of being perfect, but which is better than none at all. 

Each employe of The Independent sets aside 25 cents a week from his or her wages for the disability fund. I supplement the fund by a like amount, putting in 25 cents for each 25 cents put in by the employes. This money is deposted in a local bank to the account of The Independent Employes’ Disability. 

Out of this fund will be paid the doctor and medical bills of any employe who is disabled by sickness or accident. In addition to such medical service and supplies the disabled employe will be paid $1 per day while sick or disabled, so long as the fund will suffice for this payment. 

Upon leaving the employ of The Independent an employe is entitled to withdraw from the fund every cent he has put into it, less any actual benefit he may have derived from the fund. In other words an employe who puts up 25 cents a week and never has occasion to receive any money from the fund will get his money back dollar for dollar when he sees fit to terminate the agreement. If you like this scheme you may try it in your own shop; there are no strings, patents or copyrights on it. It has this advantage over industrial insurance. The man who pays 25 cents a week to an insurance company has to get sick or die to get his money back. By The Independent’s plan the employe is encouraged to lay up something for a rainy day and the encouragement is genuine, The Independent putting up for him just as much as he puts up for himself.

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From The Independent, Elizabeth City, N.C., April 25, 1919

What New York Has Done For Its Workers. . . Here Is a Suggestion for Legislation for North Carolina To Get Busy With

By passing the workmen’s health insurance bill, the New York Senate has just taken the most advanced legislative action in the history of the United States looking to the protection of the working population against the hazard of sickness.

The purpose of the bill as passed is to conserve the health of the workers by establishing, under state supervision, funds jointly supported and managed by the employers and employees out of which workers in time of temporary sickness will receive benefits both in cash and medical care. These benefits include a cash payment of two-thirds of wages, up to $8 weekly, during temporary illness or extended disability not covered by workmen’s compensation, also medical and surgical treatment and supplies, hospital service, nursing attendance and dental care, and in addition, a burial benefit of $100.

There is a special provision for maternity benefits. Working mothers and wives of working men who are insured will be given pre-natal care and adequate medical and obstetrical and nursing care at childbirth. For wage-earning mothers there is provided in addition a cash maternity benefit for two weeks before and six weeks after childbirth in order that they may be able to stop work at this time.

By making the health insurance system universal, with all profit-making casualty companies eliminated, the cost to the insured workers will be only about 20 cents weekly in order to secure the full cash and medical benefits. Employers who share equally with the workers in the cost have figured that their share will be about 1 per cent of the pay roll.

A prominent New York manufacturer, in urging the passage of the bill, declared that employers are now often paying half-sick workers 100 per cent wages for 50 per cent efficiency.

“The amount now expended by the employer,” he said, “because of sickness among his employees, for which he gets no adequate return, is probably as much as the premiums he would have to pay under this workmen’s health insurance bill which, as far as our industry is concerned, cannot exceed one-half per cent of the cost of our commodity.”

The state merely bears the cost of general administration as in workmen’s compensation.

Free choice of physicians by the patient is permitted, and, as passed, the bill was amended to meet suggestions of the medical profession designed to safeguard their ethical and economic interests.

In nine states legislative commissions have been studying sickness conditions with a view to health insurance laws. Their reports unanimously show appalling annual wage losses, inefficiency and dependency due to illness, while medical facilities within the reach of sick wage earners are everywhere conspicuously inadequate. As the Ohio Commission declares: “the only just and effective solution of the problem is health insurance legislation.”

The progressive Republicans and Democrats in the New York Senate joined forces to bring about the victory for the health insurance bill. In this they were aided by the Governor, who placed health insurance foremost among pressing measures of reconstruction, and by the leading newspapers of the state. In the campaign for the health insurance bill a powerful array of civic, social service and women’s organizations, far-sighted employers and physicians, together with the State Federation of Labor, worked as a unit for this legislation, which they declared to be “the next step following workmen’s compensation.”

Lt. Alfred G. Page With Army of Occupation in Germany, April 25, 1919

From The Independent, Elizabeth City, N.C., April 25, 1919

1^st. Lieut. Alfred G. Page

Lieut. Page is with the 47^th infantry of the famous “Fighting Fourth” Division of the A.E.F., which did such decisive work in the second phase of the Argonne campaign last October. He is now with the Army of Occupation in Germany. Lieut. Page was in the contracting business in Elizabeth City prior to the entry of America into the World War. He was 38 years old and not subject to draft, but he had advanced technical and military training and the War Department found him out and made him a Lieutenant. He entered the service in March, 1918. He has many friends in Elizabeth City and corresponds regularly with Mrs. Mollie Fearing, with whom he boarded while in Elizabeth City. The accompanying photo was supplied by Mrs. Fearing who is always proud of “her boys.”

Why Are Elizabeth City Aldermen Reluctant to Clean Up Problems? April 25, 1919

From The Independent, Elizabeth City, N.C., April 25, 1919

Whiskey Cases Bring to Mind Political Evils. . . Elizabeth City Has Its Filth and Disorders Probably Because of the Rotten Methods of Its Selfish Political Bosses

A number of cases in the Recorder’s Court in this city Tuesday morning did not result in much of a triumph for the police department in trying to break up the illicit sail of whiskey in Elizabeth City, but in all the cases there was evidence that there is plenty of liquor being sold in Elizabeth City and that much of the traffic centers in the district on Matthews street between Poindexter and Martin streets.

In this locality one finds livery stables, pool rooms and pop shops frequented by the vulgar herd. 

There are a lot of decent folk doing business in the same neighborhood, but the decent ones never seem to lift a finger or raise a voice against the other class and it is in that locality that one finds most evidence of drunkenness and “bootlegging.” One can tell the character of the neighborhood by the looks of the class of bums who lounge around the various resorts, seeming to have no other occupation that waiting for a drink.

The cases Tuesday morning grew out of the rest of Whit Wilson, a notorious booze fiend and generally worthless fellow who runs a cook-shop on South Poindexter street. Wilson was charged with having sold a quart of whiskey to two old fellows, Whitson and Haskett. Both testified to having purchased a quart of whiskey between them, paying Wilson therefor $10.

When examined by the police and Prosecuting Attorney Sawyer after his arrest, Wilson told them that he had bought the whiskey for Whitson and Haskett from McKinley Sawyer, who runs a pool room on Matthews street. He said that he had made other purchases from Dewey Hayman, a waiter at the Busy Bee Café, and from D. Walter Harris, the City Tailor. Warrants were sworn out against the three. 

When placed on the witness stand Tuesday morning Wilson swore he had never bought any whiskey from Mr. Harris or had any conversation with him about whiskey. He stoutly maintained however that he had made purchases of Dewey Hayman and McKinley Sawyer, sticking to his declaration thru a grueling cross examination. But his almost insane accusation of Walter Harris on Monday, followed by his contradictory statement under oath Tuesday discredited his whole testimony and all three cases were thrown out of court. Mr. Harris says he had recently bawled Wilson out over an account and that Wilson had sworn to “get even with him.”

Wilson was sentenced to six months on the roads for his transaction with Whitson and Haskett. He took an appeal.

It was brought out in the trial that Chief of Police Holmes found a quantity of whiskey bottles in the rear of the pool room, which is operated jointly by James Barkley and McKinley Sawyer. It was also brought out in the trial that much drunkenness is observed by frequenters of that pool room and that fist fights occur there. There was a fight there Monday.

This Reminds Me

All of this recalls that at a meeting in May 1918, the Board of Aldermen adopted and published the following resolution:

“Whereas the Board of Aldermen in regular session on May 17, 1918 felt it their duty to God and in response to the desire of the people of the town to discontinue the pool rooms in the town after January 1, 1919; We now further in order to save the boys of the town from becoming gamblers, ask the board of trustees of the Y.M.C.A. to discontinue the use of pool tables.”

Previously the Aldermen had served notice that all pool room licenses would be revoked. But they haven’t been revoked and there are more pool rooms in Elizabeth City to-day than ever.

In view of the fact that a campaign for the election of a new Board of Aldermen is under way it is well for voters to pause here and question why the pool rooms never closed; especially in view of the fact that the Aldermen last May were so impressed with their duty to God and their desire to save the boys of the town, that they even asked the Y.M.C.A. to discontinue tables under the clean, refined, Christian influences of that institution?

I am going to bring up a few reminders, because it all has to do with the rottenness of politics in Elizabeth City which tolerates so many evils.

In the spring of 1918 the Mack Sawyer family had acquired complete control of the business of the Owens Shoe Co. The Owens Shoe Co. was occupying crowded quarters on Main street and needed a larger store.

One of the best stands for a shoe store on Main street was occupied by James Nash as a pool room. Nash liked his stand and was sticking to it. But as soon as the Mack Sawyer Board of Aldermen served notice that they would revoke pool room license “because of their duty to God” Nash threw up his lease. And in favor of the Mack Sawyer controlled Owens Shoe Co., who almost immediately moved into the building. Shortly after that poor old Mathias Owens who founded the Owens Shoe Co. hanged himself with a piece of string. With Owens out of way and in their new quarters the Owens Shoe Co. is doing business. And so are the pool rooms.

Of course the Sawyerites claim that the bluff about closing the pool rooms last spring had nothing to do with getting a stand for a Sawyer shoe store and maybe it didn’t; but it will always seem strange to honest folk that the Aldermen should have lost interest in “their duty to God” as soon as they had got one pool room out of the way and created a vacancy for Owens Shoe Co.

The case in the Recorder’s Court Tuesday morning opened up the old stink and was reminiscent of the way things have been conducted by the boss system of politics in this town. The voters of Elizabeth City have an opportunity to get rid of that system on May 13, the day of election of a new Board of Aldermen.

The Independent, Elizabeth City, April 25, 1919

Col. Scott to Speak at Courthouse, April 24, 1919

From The Alamance Gleaner, Graham, N.C., April 24, 1919

Col. Don E. Scott Speaks at Court House To-Night

To-night at 8:30 o’clock Col. Don E. Scott of the famous 30^th Division will speak in the court house. He will tell about the European War. He was there and in the thick of it and will be heard with interest and pleasure by his numerous friends here in his home town.

It was the Old Hickory, the 30^th Division, that took the most conspicuous part in breaking the Hindenburg Line. All the soldier boys are especially invited to be present in their uniforms.

The music for the occasion will be furnished by the Elon College Band.

Defending Spending on the War, April 24, 1919

From The Alamance Gleaner, Graham, N.C., April 24, 1919

The Reason Why

Is it not wise to spend lavishly to save in the end? Is it not best to pour out money like water to save human lives? Haste always makes waste, but haste gets things done before it is too late. When we needed men and ammunition, we needed them at once. A million men blocking the German drive toward Paris did more in less time than 2 million probably could have done if the capital of France had fallen. And so if any one thinks that the United States did not receive full value for every dollar raised by its Liberty Loans let him ask himself why and then buy Victory Liberty Bonds to his limit.

Take for example this instance: Your little girl is standing in front of the parlor fire. Suddenly her clothes blaze up. Will you run up to the attic and hunt out an old quilt or carpet to smother the flames, or will you seize the first thing you can reach, perhaps the most beautiful Oriental rug you possess, and wrap it around the child? In the first case you would be saving the rug, but running a large chance of losing something infinitely more precious, the little girl. In the second, by using all the means available at the crucial moment, you would save far more.

Haste always makes waste—but haste in this case would put out the fire before anything besides the child’s dress was burned.

Now, the United States might, perhaps, have saved 67 cents on each keg of nails, or $1.73 on each rifle, had haste been of no consideration. In the aggregate a great deal of money was spent rushing war preparations through in the shortest possible time; but had the results which were achieved in a few months been spread over a longer period the war would have lasted perhaps a year longer. By the most conservative official reckoning this extra year of war would have cost 400,000 American lives—and $36,000,000,000.

It was by pouring men across the ocean in a steadily increasing stream and by quickly providing an enormous quantity of all war necessities that our government saved not only an incalculable amount of suffering and bloodshed for the whole world, but actually twice as much in money for this country alone, as the total of the first, second, third and fourth Liberty Loans.

Graham Welcomes Soldiers Who Returned This Week, April 24, 1919

From The Alamance Gleaner, Graham, N.C., April 24, 1919

Soldiers Home From Overseas

The following soldiers have returned from France in the past few days:

Pvts. Dewey Turner, Gales Bradshaw, Ammon Moser, Thomas Cooper and Charles Jones, and Sergts. Sam Bason and Robert Harden of Headquarters Company returned Friday.

First Sergt. Joe Robinson, Co. D (cited for bravery and wearing a medal); Corp, Talmage W. Cornell, Co. I; Pvts. Gladdis Foster and Johnnie Black, Co. I, Broadie Cook, all of the 120^th Infantry; Roy Blaylock, Co. D, 119^th Infantry; and June Perry, 105^th Supply Train.

Prvt. Curtis Wrike of the 120^th Infantry Headquarters Co., arrived here yesterday afternoon. He goes back to his old position with the Graham Drug Co.

Local News From Graham, N.C., April 24, 1919

From The Alamance Gleaner, Graham, N.C., April 24, 1919

Local News

Fine weather Sunday last for the display of Easter hats and frocks. On not one Easter in a dozen has vegetation been so far advanced as at the Easter just passed. There were both ice and frost Saturday morning last (19^th) but it does not appear that any vegetation was hurt.

Easter Monday was a fine day and generally observed as a holiday. Some went fishing and others attended the ball games. Oak Ridge and Carolina Freshmen played ball at Piedmont Park, and Oak Ridge won by a score of 8 to 4. A big crowd attended the game.

Mr. J.D. Albright is home from the hospital and is getting along nicely.

All Confederate veterans and all soldiers of the European War residing in Alamance county are cordially invited to attend a dinner to be given by the Graham Chapter United Daughters of the Confederacy and the people of the town, in Graham, on Friday, July 4^th, 1919.

Last Saturday about 12 o’clock Deputy H.J. Stockard captured a still near Manndale and close to the Chatham line. It was a galvanized still and the fires were burning already for a “run.” The still was cut up and the worm and cap were brought to town. Two men were found at the still. Leonard Jones was arrested and gave bond for a hearing today. There was a negro man at the place, but he got away.

The graduate recital of the Department of Piano at Elon College will be given this evening at 8:30. Those who will participate are Mrs. W.A. Harper, Miss Vara Oldham, and Miss Gladys Peace.

he Music Department at Elon College is also preparing to give an oratorio, “The Suffering Savior”, at the approaching commencement, Monday evening, May 19^th.

The undertakers Messrs. Rich & Thompson, have purchased a handsome new motor hearse. It arrived yesterday.

Workmen are busy at the old Oneida store building for occupancy by Green & McClure Furniture Co. Already, the electric elevator has been installed.

Mr. Phil S. Dixon is building on the vacant lot between his tailoring store and the west end of the Opera House. The building will be used for an automobile sales room.

The Graham Ice Co. plant that was partially destroyed by fire several months ago will begin operation again soon, the damage having been repaired.

Mr. Claud D. Moore is putting the material on the ground for building a nice bungalow. It is on E. Harden St., next to Mr. John M. Crawford’s.

Hotel Graham is going to be overhauled and improved. New steel girders will be placed across the front. This material has already been received.

Hundreds Watch as Tank Puts on Show, Overturns; Is Being Overhauled in Local Garage, April 23, 1919

From the editorial page of The Wilson Daily Times, April 23, 1919

Tank Attracted Much Attention

The tank which was on exhibition here yesterday afternoon under the direction of Privates Adams and Masten of the U.S. Tank Corps, performed many stunts on a vacant lot on Kenan Street yesterday afternoon. The gentlemen put the Machen through its various paces and evolutions. It was exceedingly well under control, makes fast speed and the track on one side of the machine is held still while the other is used to turn it around. This little engine of war carries a one pounder, and in action the front is generally used to break up machine gun nests. It was fired off several times yesterday to the amusement and delight of the hundreds of people watching the performance. A number of the young ladies took a ride in the tank.

At one time while trying to cross a ditch, the machine overturned and Mr. Welfare’s big truck was brought into play, and soon it was on its heels again and running right along.

On account of a slight knock in the engine the machine will be overhauled at one of our local garages and tomorrow it proceeds to Rocky Mount, where it exhibits.

Local New Items from Wilson, N.C., April 23, 1919

From The Wilson Daily Times, April 23, 1919

Fire Last Night

A fire of unknown origin which started in the supply room of the Patterson Drug Co., about 9 o’clock last evening caused a loss of about $300. Fortunately the fire was discovered early. But for this it might have proved very disastrous. The firemen, who were quickly on the spot, report prospects of a big fire if it had got under headway, located as it was among a lot of inflammable drug material over the store. The fire started from a defective flue.

Mr. A.M. Daniel Honored

At a recent meeting of the Albemarle Presbytery at Washington, N.C., Mr. A.N. Daniel of this city was chosen as a commissioner to the Southern Presbyterian General Assembly, which will meet in New Orleans on May 15^th. This is one of the highest distinctions that can be bestowed on an elder in the Presbyterian church.

Funeral of Mrs. Green

The funeral of Mrs. Fannie Green, a prominent lady and highly esteemed by a large circle of friends over the entire state, occurred at Whitakers from the Methodist church at 5 o’clock this afternoon. The services were conducted by Rev. W.G. Lowe, pastor of the Whitakers church, Rev. L.B. Pattishall of the Bridgeton, and Rev. E.M. Snipes of Weldon, presiding elder of the district. A number of relatives from Wilson attended the funeral.

Released From the Service

Mr. Charlie Walton has been released from the United States Army. He returned home yesterday from Camp Jackson, where he had been in training.

Leading Colored Minister Marries

Rev. Spurgeon Davis, pastor of the First Baptist church (colored) of Wilson and Miss Nancy Jones of Wilson were quietly married at Rocky Mount this evening at 8 p.m.

Congratulations and presents will be received at 139 Pender street after 6 p.m. Thursday.

Mother’s Club at Eagles

Miss Sherman and other ladies from Wilson visited Eagles School House yesterday and organized a Mother’s Club, and give them an initial lesson. They will be at Lucama this afternoon.

Will Speak at Christian Church

Mrs. Garste of Japan will speak at the Christian church tonight at 8:30 at the prayer meeting. All members of the church and others are invited to be present. Mrs. Garste is a very interesting speaker and has had long experience as a missionary in Japan.

We Are the Richest People Anywhere on Earth Today, April 23, 1919

From The University of North Carolina News Letter, April 23, 1919

Huge Bank Deposits

$29 billion!

That’s the amazing total of deposits in banks of all sorts in the United States in December 1918, as reported by the Comptroller of the Currency.

Bank deposits do not belong to the banks. They belong to the depositors—as all but stupid people know.

This stupendous total means that the people of this country are rich. We are the richest people anywhere on earth today.

Our bank deposits in the United States are six times bigger than the new Victory Loan that is now being offered to the American people. They are more than the Victory Loan, the four Liberty loans, and the War Stamp loan all put together--$10 billion more!

The distribution of bank deposits by states appears in the table presented elsewhere in this issue of the News Letter. [Scroll down; it's at the end of this article.]

Our total in North Carolina in December last was $174 million.

It represents a gain of nearly $100 million in four years.

It amounts to an average of $70.08 per inhabitant, counting men, women, and children of both races.

And the Victory Loan

We have already invested $151 million in this state in government securities, and we are richer than ever in bank deposits!

We have now a chance to invest $40 million more in the Victory Loan, and we’ll take it with a rush. That will make a total of nearly $200 million laid away in gold-bearing government securities in North Carolina in less than two years.

The federal interest money coming back into this state in 1920 will be around $9 million.

That’s a figure worth turning over in our minds somewhat.

It is more than twice the total cost of our state government in 1917. And only a fourth less than the cost of state and county governments all put together the same year.

We now have as cool $50 million invested in automobiles in this state; or more than twice as much as the combined value of all our school, college, and church properties.

And we can invest another $40 million in Victory Loans. Nothing is easier.

We are rich enough to do anything we really want to do in North Carolina.

Having put our hands to the plow we are not likely to look back. It is not North Carolina’s way.

Having started out to do our part in this war, we’ll stick it out to the end and close up our account in decency and in order.

From The University of North Carolina News Letter, April 23, 1919

Bank Deposits in 1918

Based on the 1918 Report of the Comptroller of the Currency, covering all banks State and National.

By the Omaha Chamber of Commerce.

Total for the United States $28,961,152,000. Per capita, for the country at large: $248.73; for North Carolina: $70.08.

Rank	States	$ Per Capita	Totals ($)
1	New York	713.18	7,538,357,000
2	Massachusetts	541.77	2,092,854,000
3	Connecticut	481.52	625,979.000
4	Rhode Island	450.11	283,570,000
5	California	413.62	1,338,074,000
6	Vermont	373.60	137,486,000
7	New Hampshire	350.25	158,613,000
8	Iowa	337.77	758,295,000
9	District of Columbia	319.94	126,956,000
10	Delaware	302.75	66,605,000
11	Montana	302.38	149,677,000
12	Maine	302.32	235,505,000
13	Pennsylvania	300.31	2,657,786,000
14	Nebraska	285.20	385,874,000
15	Illinois	279.82	1,762,893,000
16	New Jersey	279.77	853,307,000
17	Maryland	278.16	392,200,000
18	Ohio	266.36	1,404,270,000
19	Minnesota	260.96	613,260,000
29	Wyoming	254.46	50,128,000
21	Michigan	252.83	797,672,000
22	South Dakota	239.07	180,261,000
23	Nevada	210.94	26,157,000
24	Arizona	209.84	57,916,000
25	Colorado	207.94	219,373,000
26	Missouri	207.10	724,859,000
27	Utah	193.64	88,493,000
28	Wisconsin	189.40	494,341,000
29	Oregon	188.82	169,939,000
30	North Dakota	185.42	149,264,000
31	Kansas	180.41	354,693,000
32	Indiana	177.45	510,695,000
33	Washington	176.91	297,203,000
34	West Virginia	152.36	218,637,000
35	Idaho	147.25	72,891,000
36	Hawaii	139.32	32,043,000
37	Florida	121.71	113,813,000
38	Virginia	121.22	272,741,000
39	Louisiana	117.13	217,284,000
40	Oklahoma	116.63	283,409,000
41	Texas	109.79	501,198,000
42	Kentucky	101.59	247,379,000
43	Tennessee	100.37	233,170,000
44	New Mexico	88.03	40,492,000
45	Georgia	82.59	240,752,000
46	South Carolina	80.68	132,323,000
47	Alaska	79.25	7,370,000
48	North Carolina	70.08	174,147,000
49	Arkansas	67.37	121,946,000
50	Mississippi	59.50	118,104,000
51	Alabama	58.64	138,401,000
52	Puerto Rico	19.22	23,935,000
53	Philippines	7.82	70,482,000