The Pioneer Press

The Pioneer RICHARD E. BYRD FOR SUPREME COURT RICHARD E. BYRD FOR SUPREME COURT Winchester Lawyer Urged for Place On Virginia's Highest Tribunal. WASKINGTON, Jan. 4.—Friends of Richard Evelyn Byrd, United States attorney for the Western district of Virginia, will urge Governor Stuart to appoint him to the next vacancy on the Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals, according to a statement here. Mr. Byrd, it is declared, expressed a desire to wind up his public career on the bench when his wishes were consulted in regard to the Court of Appeals appointment. The vacancy for which Mr. Byrd will be advanced will be created by the retirement of Judge George M. Harrison, who hails from the Valley section of the state. It is anticipated that Judge Harrison will resign some time this or next month on account of his age and health, his term not expiring until 1919. The present Harrison berth is regarded as belonging to the Valley section. Circuit Judge Henry W. Holt, of Staunton, also is strongly backed for the vacancy on the State Supreme Bench Mr. Byrd is one of the best-known political figures in Virginia. He was Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates for six years and has the distinction of putting more constructive legislation on Virginia's statute books than any other member of the General Assembly for years. He was selected as the Wilson campaign manager in Virginia in 1912, and was a factor in preventing the Virginia delegation from being voted solidly against Wilson's nomination at Baltimore. Two years ago he was appointed United States District Attorney by the President. Mr. Byrd maintains law offices at Winchester and Richmond. Only recently he withdrew as a candidate for the Democratic nomination for governor in next year's primaries. THE INCOME TAX EXEMPTION WIDER All Who Exercise "Family Control" Come Under $4,000 Limit, Department Rules. Treasury Department officials has ruled that the $4,000 exemption from the Income Tax law granted to heads of families applies not only to married persons but to others maintaining dependents over whom they exercise "family control." The original Income Tax law named as beneficiaries of the $4,000 exemption married men living with their wives and married women living with their husbands. The act of last September, changing the rates of taxation, named "heads of families." "For this purpose," reads the Department's ruling, "a head of a family is held to be the person who actually supports and maintains one or more individuals who are closely connected with him by blood relationship, relationship by marriage or by adoption, and whose right to exercise family control and provide for these dependent individuals is based upon some moral or legal obligation. LOOT IN A WRECK Attempting to escape with goods stolen Monday night from the store of Harry Block, at Laurel, Md., in thieves drove a horse and buggy in which they were riding over a culvert on the Washington-Baltimore THIEVES LOSE THEIR Department of Archives. was found yesterday morning, the horse dead with a broken neck and the buggy demolished. The team is believed to have been the one taken from St. Charles' College, at Catonsville, the same night the robbery was committed there. The loot taken from the Block store was left in the wrecked buggy and was reclaimed by Mr. Block. It is believed the thieves were injured. They were making, toward Baltimore when the accident occurred. WILL BUILD BIG NITROGEN PLANT Du Pont Company Will Get Basic Element From the Air Near Hopewell. It is announced that the Du Pont company has awarded a contract for a mammoth electrical generator for their new nitrogen plant under construction at City Point, near Hopewell. It is a turbine engine and generator combined, and will develop 25,000-horsepower. Plans for a process of extracting nitrogen from the atmosphere have been purchased, it is said, from a Danish inventor, and the big machine is to be installed in the immediate future. COMPANY F AMONG THOSE RECOGNIZED COMPANY F AMONG THOSE RECOGNIZED Twelve Companies in the States Given Federal Recognition by the War Department. Federal recognition has been extended by the war department to the following companies of the first West Virginia infantry: A of Clarksburg; E of Clarksburg; F of Martinsburg; G of Kingwood; H and I of Fairmont; L of Morgantown; and M of Terra Alta. Two other companies will probably receive recognition when they add a few more members. They are D of Littleton and K of Clarksburg Adjutant General John C. Bond has received a communication from the war department designating the status of the various companies and immediate steps are to be taken looking toward a regiment of 12 companies of at least 65 men each as well as the other units necessary in making up a regimental outfit. Federal recognition means that these companies of the first regiment will receive federal pay and when the regiment is of required strength it will be subject to the call of the President. DELEGATES OFF FOR CHARLESTON DELEGATES OFF FOR CHARLESTON Messrs. John N. Parks and Harry P. Henshaw Leave to Enter Upon Their Duties. Sunday morning John N. Parks and Harry P. Henshaw, delegates from this county, left for Charleston to attend the regular session of the state legislature, which convenes tomorrow and will be $b_0$ in session for forty-five days. Mr. Parks carried with him the Railroad Grade Crossing bill, recently approved by the city council, which he will introduce early this week in the house, and ask that it have immediate consideration. Former Justice of the Peace S. S. Felker accompanied Messrs. Parks and Henshaw, and may remain during the session. ECLIPSE OF MOON WAS VERY VISIBLE ECLIPSE OF MOON WAS VERY VISIBLE Many Martinsburg People Lost a Little Sleep to See it—Seven This Year. Many Martinsburg people, if they did have to lose a little sleep, now a total eclipse of the moon last night. It was visible throughout the United States and the first of seven eclipses to occur during 1917. It began this morning at 12:59 o'clock, evening time. At that hour the moon first came in contact with the earth's good side and at 2 o'clock it was entirely visible in the shadow. For 1 hour and 29 minutes the total eclipse continued, and then the moon began to leave the shadow, finally coming into full light at 4:39 o'clock. This was the first total eclipse that has been completely visible here since 1910. This year's eclipses of the sun and moon will be the greatest number possible in any one year. There will be four eclipses of the sun, and three of the moon. Not since 1787 have these same number occurred and a like occurrence with not again be seen until 1982. ELEVEN KILLED AND 151 ARE INJURED ELEVEN KILLED AND 151 ARE INJURED On the Steam Railroads of the State During the Past Year, Says Eleven passengers were killed and 151 injured on the steam railroad of West Virginia during the last biennial period. Two passengers were killed and 18 injured on electric lines operating in the state. These statistics are shown in the report of the public service commission for the biennial period ending June 30 last. The report shows that the state commission works in conjunction with the interstate commerce commission in making injurious into accidents, and the commissioners recommend to the governor that counsel should be retained for the purpose of having the state cooperate with the government in the work of placing valuation on railroad property. According to the report 55,563 meters were examined and sealed by the inspectors employed by the commission, while the tariffs passed upon and filed by the commission number 15,278. More than 12,000 of these tariffs were submitted by the railroads operating in the state. SENATOR WATSON WILL NOT RESIGN Fairmont Man Withdraws Resignation as Democratic National Committeeman. Clarence W. Watson, Democratic national committeeman of West Virginia, who last week announced that he would resign, has decided to withdraw his resignation, according to an announcement made by State Chairman C. L. Shaver. The announcement made by Chairman Shaver follows: "At the solicitation of former Senator Watson's friends, he has with drawn his resignation as national committee for the present and the call for a state committee meeting for January 8 at Parkersburg is here by cancelled." Press. FORTY MEN NOW SURVEYING NEAR SHEPHERDSTOWN LARGE NUMBER WORKING BE TWEEN THAT PLACE AND WILLIAMSPORT UPPER FLOOR OF JEFFERSON SECURITY BANK BUILDING RENTED FOR OFFICE IT IS STATED THAT THE WESERN MARYLAND IS INTERESTED IN ENTERPRISE The force of engineers who have been surveying in the vicinity of Shepherdstown and as far as Williamsport for several months has been largely augmented within the past week or two, and there are now some forty men on the job. The entire upper floor of the Jefferson Security Bank building in Shepherdstown has been leased for their office work. The men are divided into two corps, and are very busy every day, pushing their field work as far as possible, regardless of the weather. One corps has been assigned to duty in the Leetown neighborhood and will run lines through that section. There is a general belief that important development in railroad matters may be expected in the near future, as the work of the engineers is being done in the most painstaking way, with every detail worked with the greatest care. It is stated that the surveyors are working for the Old Dominion line out of Washington and, it is incidentally reported, that the Western Maryland is interested to the extent at least, of a connection at Williamsport where the survey through the Virginia, was recently united with the Western Maryland. GOVERNOR'S STAFF DISCARDS BRAID Members May Retain Their Title Rank, But the Uniforms Must Go. Aides-de-camp on the staff of governor of West Virginia will be permitted to retain their title rank, but will not be allowed hereafter to wear military uniforms, according to a circular letter which has been sent to members of the staff by John C. Bond, adjutant-general of the West Virginia National Guard. The letter is based on an order issued by the war department. State officials say that many members of the governor's staff have uniforms and equipment valued at hundreds of dollars, and unless some other means is devised for disclosing their rank, Governor's day at the military encampments will fail in the future to be the pompous occasion it has been in the past. ALBANY, Ga., Jan. 4, A. N. Hilburn, cotton expert, who was engaged by a cotton company to work in their Liverpool house, was refused permission to sail for England by the British consul in New York, on the ground that the position he was going to fill could be taken care of by some of England's disabled fighters. The secretary of the Social Service Union will be at the Stone Home Friday afternoon from 1:30 to 3:30 to have a sale of second-hand clothing. ENGLAND SAVES JOBS NO.44 REGENTS MAKE MANY CHANGES AT UNIVERSITY REGENTS MAKE MANY CHANGES AT UNIVERSITY Dr. Charles H. Rogers' Resignation as Head of Pharmacy Department Accepted. The Board of Regents in session a few days ago made several important changes and additions in the West Virginia University Faculty. The resignation of Dr. Charles H. Rogers as head of the department of pharmacy was accepted and Professor G. Bergy, of the department was chosen to succeed him. John E. Norman of Marshall College was appointed an instructor in pharmacy. Alexander B. Gray, graduate of Penn State and well known football player was appointed assistant Professor in the mining extension department. The resignation of A. J. Swift as Instructor in animal husbandry was accepted and Rex Harland Cokeley at present a student in the University was appointed to fill the vacancy. T. C. Metlvain was appointed instructor in agronomy, vice W. B. Kemp whose resignation was effective sometime ago. R. H. Patch of Virginia was elected instructor of Horticulture in the extension department. Charles Ayres, of Ohio State University was elected instructor in entomology as a substitute for L. M. Peairs, who is now studying at Chicago University. THE VIRGINIA DEBT CASE IS UP AGAIN Expected to Come Before the State Legislature at the Coming Session. One of the most important subjects to some before the 1917 legislature, according to the state officials, is the final settlement of the Virginia Debt question. It is contended by some that the legislature can not pass on the subject. The conclusion is reached by an interpitation of the acts of the first constitutional convention. Many believe the matter should be presented to a referendum of the voters of the state. FRIEND FAVORS JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLS IN STATE Speaks Highly of Investigation in His Annual Report Made as supervisor of High Schools. Among the many topics discussed by L. L. Friend, state supervisor of high schools of West Virginia, in his annual report just received at the Martinsburg high school, is a review of his investigation of junior high schools. There are three such schools in West Virginia, they being located at Clarksburg, Charleston and Morgantown, and according to their principals, the idea has proven highly successful. The plan, according to Prof. Friend, is dropping the seventh and eighth grade and providing department, study, tending to prepare the student for high school. Through this means, the student is retained in school longer, and is less apt to believe that when he has fini- nated the eighth grade his schooling completed. The pupil is as well better prepared to take up the required courses of the high school when he enters. Devote to the Moral, Religious and Financial Development of Humanity. RATES OF SUBSCRIPTION a year ..... 150 b months ..... 150 c months ..... 150 d for all advertisements ..... in advance unless advertising ..... on yearly contract, in which case the ad verisey pays every three months. Advertising 1 inch one time 75c. Standing ..... 50c reduced Rates to Clubs. Send for Sample Copies. Entered in Post Office at Martinsburg, W. Va., is Second Class Matter. Clifford, Editor and Proprietor Drawei 869, and Bell 'Phone 60K Martinsburg, W. Va. SATURDAY JAN. 13. 1917. "The hop-and-go-fetch-it" Negro grammar butchers in many pupits, as a rule, get more consolation out of abusing decent livers than they do out of "the gospel" they pound. The good Book says somewhere that there is such a thing as entertaining angels unawares, and blessings do sometimes come in disguise. Too often we realize this when the blessing has fled. The United States Senate voted Washington dry after November, and no doubt sees to prevail as to the House concurring, but a loop hole was made for individual use—Senatorial courtesy. In the light of recent events, we are more convinced than ever of the truth of what we have often said. Intelligence, culture and refinement can no more mix with ignorance and boorishness than oil can mix with water. To allow Rev. F. F. Martyn, pastor of the Dudley Church, to sever his connection with that church and the town would be nothing short of a calamity. Will church members never act like Christians and always stand in the way of uplift and progress? We are in for peace, because she has "her victories no less renowned than war." but give warning that we are not too old to fight for right. When conditions, not men or women are discussed, persons of shady habits and criminal records should be thankfully mum, from the fact, a person of brain; character and experience knows how to get facts that would smash into smithereens, the touch-me-nots. This paper is dead against ignorance and all of its curses and will go the limit in defense of good men and women. As we predicted, Dr. Martyn, who spent two days in Washington, shook the city to its foundation. Men and women of the highest standing in the Capitol testified publicly that in the thirty seven years of its existence, Bethel Literary never heard anything equal to his address either in depth or eloquence. And at Howard University, where he also spoke, an immense crowd that could not get inside the great auditorium, gave him a reception and ovation such as a President is accustomed to receive. Members of the Faculty said that the effect of his address was electrical. Both Bethel and Howard at once arranged for a return engagement. We appeal to this entire community to help us to keep such a man here. ASPIRATION. In a large measure the success of the Negro in rising above the inferiority he is credited with will depend upon his aspiration. That means to look up, not down. The swine always look down, and they rise no higher than the dung-heap and the mire. The real men and women look up and then begin to rise towards where they look - sometimes as high as they look. But high above moral and spiritual achievement we place such things as money, pleasure, the gay lights and vulgar laughter. We play with life instead or living it. We eat, sleep and wake again, only to go through the same three-sided existence with each rising of the sun. We are no more actually living than the little dancing wooden figures in a mannikin show. Look up and aim high. A man never hits any higher than he aims. No race is any better than its average man or woman. The way to better the race is to lift the individual. So our problems, as we are wont to call them, become a matter of individual development. When every member of the race realizes this, and each develops his or her own character and intelligence, there will be no problems, and we will stand on an equal footing with the rest of mankind. THE LACK OF RACE PRIDE One of the primary causes of inferiority in the social and commercial scale is to be found in our pitiful lack of race pride. The most of us put every possible obstacle in the way of the success of our fellows. We have not enough race pride to want to see any of us excel the rest of us. Most every other race will contribute to the success of any individual of their race; then they will point to that individual with pride. We do all we can to prevent the success of the individual; then, when success comes in spite of us, we point to the race with pride. We have no pride in the success of any individual of our race. We hate to see each other succeed. Having no race pride, how can we expect to win the respect and confidence of the other race? As most of us speak of each other as "Niggers," is it any wonder the white people call us the same? As we show no respect for each other, is it any wonder the white people do not respect us? As we are all suspicious of each other, is it strange the other race is suspicious of us? As we are not true to each other, how shall we expect our white neighbor to trust us? We are our own worst enemies. We have only ourselves to blame for the poor opinion the white race has of us and the little consideration that is shown us. YOUR LAST CHANCE Recently we published in these columns an offer of The Youth's Companion and McCall's Magazine, both for a full year, for only $2.10, including a McCall Dress Pattern. The high price of paper and ink has obliged McCall's Magazine to raise their subscription price February 1 to 10 cents a copy and 75 cents a year—so that the offer at the above price must be withdrawn. Until March 31 our readers have the privilege of ordering both publications for a full year, including the choice of any 15-cent McCall Dress Pattern, for only $2.10. The amount of reading, information and entertainment contained in the fifty-two issues of The Youth's Companion and the value of twelve monthly fashion numbers of McCall's at $2.10 offer a real bargain to every reader of this paper. This two-at-one-price offer includes: 1. The Youth's Companion-52 issues. 2. The Companion Home Calendar for 1917. 3. McCall's Magazine-12 fashion numbers. 4. One 15-cent McCall Dress Pattern—your choice from your first copy of McCall's -if you send a two cent stamp with your selection. THE YOUTH'S COMPANION, St. Paul St., Boston, Mass. New Subscriptions Received at this office. GOVERNOR SENDS HIS MESSAGE TO THE LEGISLATURE CHIEF EXECUTIVE DEFENDS HIS ADMINISTRATION AND SAYS THERE'S MONEY. RECOMMENDS SHORT BALLOT AND WANTS STATE CENSORSHIP OF MOVING PICTURES. FAILS TO TOUCH ON VIRGINIA DEBT, BUT WILL SEND SPE. CHARLESTON, W. Va., Jan. 11. Governor Hatfield, in his second biennial message yesterday appealed his administration to reviewed the financial condition of the state, recommended an amendment to the Constitution which would permit a new budget system modeled after that now used in Maryland and the establishment of a state board of equalization. The State Executive did not touch upon the Virginia debt case except to announce that a special message on this subject would be sent to the legislature. The Governor repeated his recommendation made in a message two years ago for a short ballot, advocated state censorship of moving pictures, the administration of the prohibition department by a head who has no other official responsibility instead of combining the office with that of the State Tax Commissioner as now provided by law, and the amendment of the workmen's compensation law so that the administrative expense is borne by the state instead of being paid out of the compensation fund and that the employees pay all the premiums instead of dividing the cost with the employees. The Governor also recommends defining the amount of liquor one may bring in the state for "personal use," and closing of "loopholes" in prohibition act. He advocates the creation of a state infirmary to replace county poor houses. New buildings are asked for the State Tuberculosis Hospital, $15,000 to establish colored tuberculosis sanitarium appropriation for new law school building at Morgantown. He urges the purchase of the Governor's mansion and erecting an office annex on the site of present mansion. Governor Hatfield denied that the government in West Virginia was being extravagantly administered. He was declared elected governor; Housually embarrassed the state several years ago in the payment of current operating expenses, had been cancelled and that the close of the present year would find a surplus of $56, 163 in the treasury. Returns Received. Each house received Governor Hatt field's message and in a joint session held in the hall of the House received the official returns of the last election. John J. Cornwell, Democrat was declared elected Governor; Houston G. Young, Republican, secretary of state; E. T. England, Republican attorney-general; M. P. Shawkey, Republican, superintendent of schools; J. S. Darst, Republican, auditor; W. S. Johnson, Republican, treasurer; J. H. Stewart, Republican, commissioner of agriculture. Prayer by Woman. The opening prayer of the session was made by a woman, Mrs. O. E Murray, of Marion county, wife of one of the members from that county. THE SUPREME COURT PUTS NEW TEETH IN PROHIBITION LAW COURT TOOK LONGEST STEP YET TOWARD MAKING PROHIBITION EFFECTIVE. FEDERAL AUTHORITY NO/ SUPPLEMENTS STATE AUTHORITY IN THIS MATTER. NO EXCUSE NOW FOR STATE OF FICERS NOT ENFORCING PROHIBITION LAWS. The United States Supreme Court yesterday put a double set of teeth into the Prohibition laws of all the dry" states. In affirming the constitutionality of the Webb-Kenyon act the court took the longest step that has yet been taken to make prohibition really prohibit. This act is designed to prevent the shipment of liquor from non-prohibition states into prohibition states, and in sustaining it the court has cut off the bootleger from his base of supplies. Federal authority now supplements state authority in the en- to emphasize the sweeping nature of the court's decision by saying: The all-reaching power of Government over Liquor is settled. There was no intention of Congress to forbid individual practice of permitting violation of state Liquor laws. We can have no doubt that Congress has complete authority to prevent paralyzing of state authority. As for the power of the state over in manufacture, sale and use of or that in legal and the court also affirmed the validity of the West Virginia amendment which prohibits citizens of that state from receiving or for their own personal use from own carriers engaged in interstate commerce. Thus the states may make their prohibition laws as drastic as they please and the power of the Federal government where interstate commerce will be employed to assist them This decision of the United States Supreme Court will create more consideration in many of the prohibition laws than anywhere else outside of express offices and wholesale liquor houses which cater especially to the prohibition trade. State governments o longer have an excuse for falling to enforce prohibition. The ancient idea that state authority was nuuified by Federal authority and that there could be no state interference with interstate commerce has lost its force after when a prohibitory amendment is submitted to the people of a state they will know that they are oting for prohibition—not for a system that spells prohibition for part if the population and full personal liberty for the rest. In sustaining the power of Congress to employ the national authority to help enforce state legislation, the Supreme Court has created a precedent of infinite possibilities. It has given to the doctrine of state rights a new force and a new direction. The Webb-Kenyon law represents the first instance since the Fugitive-Slave law in which the states have appealed to the Federal authority for assistance in maintaining their local legislation, but it will not be the last. It is plain that the relationship between state authority and Federal authority has entered upon a new epoch. BUFFALO BILL IS DEAD: END CAME AT DENVER YESTERDAY OCTED SOLDIER HUNTER CO. DOL OF JUVENILE AMERICA AND PICTURESQUE CHARACTER OF OLD WEST. TATE WILL REQUIVE BODY OF COLONEL CODES AT THE CAR ITOL SUNDAY. DENVER, Colo., Jan. 11.—Col. W. William Frederick Cody (Buffalo Bill, oldier, hunter, and scout, died at 105 p. m. here yesterday at the time of his sister. With Col. Cody when he died were is wife and daughter, who had hurried down from Cody, Wyo., the family home, last week to be at his bedside, and his sister, Mrs. L. E. Decker, of Denver. He had been unconscious since morning. Col. Cody returned from his season's show work last fall much exhausted. He went to his ranch at Wyo., to rest and on his return. Denver, about four weeks ago, contracted a severe cold. This was fol- lowed by complications so serious that the colonel's wife and daughter were called to his bedside. Suffered Nervous Relapse. Col. Cody soon showed improvement and on January 3 went to Glenwood Springs, Colo., to recuperate. On January 5 he suffered a nervosa colipso and his physicians hurried him back to Denver. For years he had been an inveterate smoker. He boy- appreciation of what the west good him the state of Colorado will receive the body of Colonel Cody into her capitol Sunday, there to lie in state for four hours. Funeral Services Sunday. Funeral services are to be held Sunday afternoon, when the body will be placed in a receiving vault in a local cemetery, but the burial will not take place until next spring, probably Decoration day, when the body own dear this city. Plains already is a spot for the erection of a suitable monument. The funeral services are to be held in the Elks home in charge of the Denver lodge of Elks, in accordance with the wish of the society. Very all the societies where the bejoined are to have a part in his funeral, including the Grand Army of the Republic, the Pioneer Society of Colorado and the Cowboy Rangers of mountain tomb. Federal Troops to be Escort. Federal troops will escort the body from the capitol to the Elks home for the services, according to plans today and other federal troops are expected to march in the general college. Tolegrams of condolence in large numbers have been pouring into the home of the sister here, where Col. Cody had been staying for the last few days. They include messages from friends throughout the country, one from President Wilson and others from Gen. Nelson A. Miles and Gen. Hugh L. Scott, chief of staff, were among the number. THOUSANDS WILL GO BACK TO FARM Driven There By the High Cost of Living—City Has Been Dream. It is inevitable that the high cost of living will drive tens of thousands of men back to the farm. The city has been the dream, the magnet of the rural population. Lief in the farm has been considered frivolity from which man should escape if possible. The city, with its mass, its luxury, its color, its opportunities—that was the life. And now the whole situation is reed. The lights, the glitter, the crowds, pale in importance with the cost of city living. The city holds little of allurement, little of opportunity when bread and meat and clothes take every profit now mable things—the hogs, the corn, the poultry, the rabbits, the cow—have a golden suggestion of worth they never had before the substantial cost of life now and is It would be magnificent if back to the land movement were based on a sound foundation. The day of farm fruitgerr is passing. The telephone, rail free deliveries, the automobile, are wiping out the loneliness of farm life, lessening the labor, brightening the outlook. They are the harbingers of still better things. It is not a distant day when machine power will take the place of muscle power on the farm; when farming will be done on a manufacturing basis. In our farm methods we have been crude, in our marketing methods we have been worse. A back to the land movement that means nothing more than a continuation of the old system, or lack of system, will be of little value to the nation or those who take part in it. A back to the land movement that ushers in order, regularly, common sense, efficiency, will mark an epoch in the nation's history. BALTIMORE & OHIO SPENT MILLIONS ON IMPROVEMENTS SAFETY FIRST AND BETTERMENTS FOR SPEED AND COMFORTS OF ITS PATRONS. NEW EQUIPMENT HAS ENABLED THE COMPANY TO ACCOMPLISH MANY THINGS. COMPANY FURNISHED GOVERNMENT SAFETY SPECIAL FOR TRIP LAST SUMMER. In this day of great expenditures millions are talked of by the public in general in a most casual way. This, however, does not lessen in any way the fact that within the last few years the Baltimore and Ohio railroad has expended about $150,000,000 in betterments on its road. This not only means a great expenditure of money, but from the history of this railroad, especially since the incumbency of President Daniel Willard, it means that the money has all been spent directly in the lines of real improvement, and the work has been done in such a way as to produce actual betterments that mean comfort, safety and speed for the patrons of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad. This is shown in the magnificent steel car equipment, wonderful roadbed, the splendid bridges and the excellently kept right of way which now rule on this great railroad. While engineers may build bridges correctly, car builders may fashion cars, and rolling mills may produce rails of the highest type, if there is not a compact loyal organization of men back of it all you have not approached the ideal of railroading. President Willard has risen to his high position from a humble position in the activities of railroads and knows the human element—the vital factor in his road—by personal association in his years of service, and he has applied that knowledge to forming an intelligent, loyal and capable force in every branch of the eat Baltimore and Ohio organization. His great force of satisfied employees is an invaluable asset of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad. The great engines which now constitute the motive power of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad are the last word in this kind of equipment. The steel coaches, sleeping, dining, library and observation cars are the latest and best in use. One remarkable evidence of the status of the Baltimore and Ohio was evidenced by the United States government's selection of the Baltimore and Ohio to equip one of their standard steel trains for the government's great safety first special, which is traveling all over the United States showing all the activities of the United States government, being exhibited from Maine to California, the exhibits being placed in the cars furnished by the B. & O. railroad and accompanied by a corps of government experts along the lines of the various activities shown. This great train was started by President Wilson from Washington last summer and has been visited by hundreds of thousands of people all over the United States. To all of the really wonderful improvements made on the Baltimore and Ohio railroad for the benefit of the public is added the great advantage of the most wonderful scenic route to the west, the beauty of which is an unquestioned asset of this road. The Baltimore and Ohio is the natural road to the south. Their liberal stop-over privileges at Washington are highly appreciated by travelers en route to southern climes. DRYS MAKE PLANS TO TIGHTEN LAW Anti-Saloon League Plans to Have Prohibition Laws in State Strengthened. Efforts will be made at the coming session of the legislature by the West Virginia Anti-Saloon league to secure legislation that will strengthen the prohibition laws of the state. The policy of the Anti-Saloon league has been outlined by State Superintendent George W. Crabbe. Not only will the league seek to amend the prohibition statutes and make them more rigid, but it will seek legislation that will provide for the removal of derelict officials who do not desire the strict enforcement of the prohibition laws. The policy of the league as expressed by the state superintendent, who is also attorney for the organization, is optitimized in the following: First-Stands for real prohibition and enforcement of laws. Second-handcapped by court decision stands for amendments to strengthen present laws. Third—Will make no distinction or take part in fight between breweries and distillers. Fourth—Will seek enactment of ouster law to apply to derolict officials. Fifth—Will seek to take the prohibition department from tax commissioner's office. M'ADOO WRITES THE GOVERNORS Ward Their States to Help the Farm Loan Bank With New Laws. Secretary of the Treasury McAdoo has written to the governors of all the states urging them to recommend to their respective legislatures the enactment of necessary laws to make the farm loan banks and savings banks in the various states. Under the existing laws these bonds cannot be used for this purpose and state legislative action is necessary. The secretary says the legalizing in the states would materially broaden the sources of funds for leaning to issuers. Grant County Hunters Play Clever Trick on Bruin and Effect His Capture. Edward J. Cosnor, of Grassy Ridge, Grant county, shot a large bear, which fought his dogs and drove them off torn and bleeding. With Cosner were Arnold, Albert James and Roy Cosner. James Cosner was sent into the thicket to bark like a dog. Cut came the bear and Edward Cosner laid him low with a high-powered rifle. The bear was loaded on a slad and it attracted much attention. FIREMAN KESLER STRUCK BY BRIDGE AND MEETS DEATH BALTIMORE & OHIO MAN MEETS DEATH ON RAILROAD THIS MORNING STANDING ON ENGINE REAR OF HIS HEAD STRUCK C. V. R. R. IRON BRIDGE RUSHED TO HOSPITAL BUT FRAC- TURE OF SKULL PROVES James R. Kesler, one of the best known Baltimore and Ohio men on the second division, met with an accident this morning about 8 o'clock, which a few minutes later resulted in his death. While standing on the seat of engine No. 2158, second No. 8, his head struck the overboard bridge of the Cumberland Valley Railroad, on the outskirts of the city, and badly fractured it. At the time of the unfortunate occurance, Mr. Keeler, who is a fireman, had left the engine, and gone to the water tank to ascertain the quantity of water. It is reported that there was much smoke at that time and the appearance of the bridge was not visible to him, thus the disastrous accident. After the hor rible affair there was still Life in the man's body and Engineer J. A. Daniels, of Cumberland, who was in charge of the train, secur- ed assistance and the injured man was rushed to the Kings Daughters hospital, but it was too late to save his life. After the horrible affair there was ...County Coroner Dr. G. J. E. Sponseller examined the body and conferred with many witnesses to the affair this morning and decided that an inquest was unnecessary. Berkeley County's Apple Crop Fireman Kesler was aged 36 years and was a resident of Magnolia and for several years had been in the service of the B. & O. For some time he was an engineer but about one year ago when many changes were made, he was relegated to fireman, and had been put on the Berkeley Springs branch. The company realizing that he was a valuable man gave him the first opportunity to get back as engineer, but decided that he should act as fireman for thirty days and then he given an engine. Last Thursday The World carried an exclusive story about Berkeley county's "Million Dollar Apple Crop," and the good that it has already done for those engaged in orcharding, in free advertising and will do can hardly be measured in words. That the article attracted the attention of the press along the lines of the great B. & O. system, which was given due share of credit for co-operation in marketing the mammoth fruit crop of 1916, and especially the newspapers of West Virginia is evidenced in the reproduction of the story in full or favorable editorial comment thereon, of which the following taken from Saturday's Wheeling Register is a good sample: The deceased is survived by his widow, who formerly was Miss Florence Rockwell, of Magnolia, and seven children, as follows: Genevieve, William, John, Ernest, Harry, Ralph and Paul. The following brothers and sisters also survive; John, a merchant at Paw Paw; Harry, of Smithfield Pa.; William, of Magnolia, Frank; and Absalom, of Cumberland; Mrs. J. B. Clark and Mrs. C. A. Kiff, of Magnolia; Mrs. J. B. Clark, of Cumberland; and Mrs. L. O. Garrison, of Rome, N. Y. The parents of the deceased, Mr. and Mrs. John Koehler, of Magnolia, also survive. "From Berkeley county, this state, comes the information that the 1916 apple crop had a value of one million dollars. "This seems to be a tremendous sum to be realized from apples in one county and it is not one-half the amount that communities in other states boast for the same amount. One-third the amount Berkeley county will be receiving within a few years. "It has long been known that West Virginia is a natural apple state, geologist often nouncing the soil, especially the Eastern handle, adapted to apple growing, but it was just within the past few years that West Virginians came to the realization that there is big money in apples. The funeral arrangements have not been completed, but this evening at 5:24 on B. & O. train No. 39 the remains were shipped to the home by the local Masons, as the deceased was a member of the Deford Lodge of Masons at Berkeley Springs. The burial will be at Kesler's Curve, near Magnolia. In the short period that apple cultivation has been taken up in earnest in the state rapid progress has been made this year's Berkeley county employing an example of the possibil- ition of the industry. The local Masonic organization was notified of the affair this morning by the Deford lodge and they at once took charge of the body and made arrangements for the shipping of it to the home at Magnolia. "Much of the success of apple growing in the eastern section of the state is due to the co-operation of the Commercial Development Department of the District and Ohio railroad, which company received the attention of apple buyers and companies by transporting the Panhandle products to the eastern markets, where they were displayed in the W. & O. offices in New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington and elsewhere. "The railroad company, further, did everything to facilitate the transportation of the crop in order to eliminate losses from decay as far as possible and, by swift handling enabled the growers to take advantage of any rise in the market. In fact every possible convenience and assistance was rendered." Plans Being Perfected to Aid Young Men in Small Cities and Towns in Their Work. "And this co-operation between the railroad and the growers has been productive of results. West Virginia's apples have been advertised so extensively throughout the cast that, it is said, the greater portion of the 1917 crop has already been contracted for and, to meet the demand, which is growing by leaps and bounds, thousands of young trees will be set out this spring and hundreds of additional acres will soon be bearing fruit. The Western Union Telegraph Company has offered a bonus of about 1,000 manager-operators in small cities and towns for each junior operator such managers shall enlist and train. This unusual step arises out of the extraordinary growth in the use of the telegraph and the consequent need for competent operators to handle the company's business with the dispatch which its standards require. "The Berkeley county apple crop has been estimated at 365,000 barrels, 300,000 of which were fancy fruit. The average price per barrel was $2.50 to the grower. The profits, it is stated, were so good that in some instances the orchard companies paid dividends of 45 per cent and individual growers made even more. Any person—man or woman—over the age of sixteen and with the requisite education and intelligence can become a junior operator. The company provides the necessary instruction free. When the junior grade is reached, employment is assured. "There are, practically, but very few counties in West Virginia where apples of quality cannot be grown in paying quantities. All lands may not be as productive as the Eastern Panhandle section, but with careful attention and cultivation and the co-operation of the B. & O., many of the sections touched by the railroad can be made to produce with the result that within a few short years the state's apple output can be increased several-fold. In the larger cities, telegraph schools are already maintained for teaching operators. These, however, have not been able to turn out a sufficient number of trained men and women to wholly meet the present demands. It is now sought to give an opportunity to study telegraphy either by exclusive application or in conjunction with their other employment. "There is no reason why West Virginia, situated as advantageously as it is, in respect to the extensive and unlimited eastern and middle western markets cannot rival and even outmatch the great apple state of Washington, which yearly sends across-continent immense apple trains through which its fruit is exploited. RAILROADS MUST PAY THE SHIPPERS "The B. & O., which road has done much as an agent toward the development of the state, has issued, and is distributing, a hand book bearing the names and addresses of growers and shippers along its lines and of buyers and dealers in the east. If Bill Proposed by the Various Chambers of Commerce Passes Legislature. "Before, the grower had to seek the buyer, but now the producer, by becoming listed in the book along with the extent of his crop, kind, quality, etc., does not have to hunt a market—the market seeks him and profits follow as does night the day." Adjustment of claims for damages by shippers car service charges and remurrage must be made by railroad companies in West Virginia within 60 days after the claim is filed if a bill proposed by the various chambers of commerce of the state passes the 1917 legislature. These organizations allege that complaints against railroad companies are numerous and many months frequently pass before settlement of claims are made.