Men Do Foolish Things Sometimes Nations Made Up of Individuals
A brief aphoristic observation notes that collective actions of nations arise from the choices of individuals, suggesting human folly shapes history and policy more than grand plans.
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This newspaper page contains 26 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Pella Chronicle
Location
Pella, Iowa, United States of America
Date
May 01, 1924
Page
1
A brief aphoristic observation notes that collective actions of nations arise from the choices of individuals, suggesting human folly shapes history and policy more than grand plans.
A columnist notes that if the United States and Japan fall out over growing differences, such a dispute would be no more foolish than numerous other international quarrels. The remark reflects a broader view of global tensions and diplomatic fragility.
Comparisons are of little use when judging foolishness. As nations age they should learn wisdom like elders and avoid disastrous quarrels that waste strength and threaten stability.
The passage argues that England exemplifies developing sense and judgment with a more flexible democracy. It asserts England’s governance is less rigid than that of the United States and that policy reversals can occur with minimal disruption.
The United States and Japan are both young nations by western standards though Japan is among the earth’s oldest. Japan’s adoption of international law occurred in the latter half of the nineteenth century, reflecting its gradual modernization and legal integration.
A reflective editorial recalls the arrival of the American fleet in Japanese waters as Japan's first contact with the West, marking its birth as a modern nation. It frames both Japan and the United States as youths in the family of nations, sharing inherited traditions.
The text notes youths quick to offense and a tendency to settle disputes through StrenuGguE. It argues political organizations push such methods as elections near, while statesmen seek to appear valiant defenders of national honor. In Japan the politician’s task is described as defending a reputation imposed on him.
The text notes international law supports a nation’s right to govern immigration. It says Japan accepts U S refusals of its citizens but objects to direct exclusion acts, preferring to keep the matter in its own hands and rely on assurances not to misuse trust.
The policy, in effect for nearly twenty years, faces opinion splits in America over Japan's compliance with an agreement. Japanese immigration to the United States has risen, yet proof of Tokyo aiding illegal entry remains unproven. A ban could ease case checks despite not stopping entries.
The excerpt argues that social vitality requires mingling diverse peoples while cautioning against excessive separation. It contends that a little new blood benefits society both among humans and animals, but warns that wide genetic strains could produce mongrel degeneration. It credits early American vigor to historical mixing of peoples.
The article argues that American identity arose from Germanic stock including Anglo Saxons and Germans with some Celtic influence from Scotland and Ireland. It notes Latin blood’s minimal impact, while cautioning that mixing within bounded similarities is beneficial. It concludes that offspring of whites and blacks show more negative traits than positive from both sides.
The text notes a color barrier between whites and Japanese, less stark than that with Negroes yet visible. It argues interracial mingling occurs mainly among poorer individuals, producing degeneracy, and suggests strict segregation could foster hostility. It clarifies the Japanese do not seek blood intermingling to oppose exclusion.
The article questions Japan's strict immigration laws and its insistence on sovereign internal affairs. It notes Japan barred entrants including some racially related individuals, cites earthquake relief access as an example, and critiques the rigidity of proclaiming rights while opposing the same for others.
The article compares Japan’s uneasy relation to its own origins with a Negro preacher’s insistence on prominence. It notes Japan’s sensitivity to being grouped with others of the same color in U S residency rules, and argues the US does not seek to “flaunt” a color issue. It concludes objections are biological, not cultural, and persist despite modernization.
The piece argues Americans cannot compete with Japanese in farming due to lifestyle and spending habits. It says Americans could learn from Japanese thrift, but warns that immigration should be limited to protect national ideals. It notes government founded on Germanic principles, contrasting with southern ideals.
The text argues that Europe distances itself from Japanese ideals and has long forbidden naturalization for Japanese. It contends current efforts to exclude immigrants from Japan and other racially different groups continue this policy, not a new attempt to humiliate a respected member of the family of nations.
Observations advance that east west planted rows receive morning and evening sun on the north side, improving plant warmth and quality. T Ver Beek, veteran gardener, argues sun on the north side is valuable, citing six inch potato plants and radishes. He challenges north south advocates and notes prior year’s two crop potatoes on same ground as proof. He warns order and sequence matter in cleanup and paintups.
Early Monday cleanup followed an earnest talk with the mayor at his invitation. Pupils, blamed for paint daubing on road signs and a tulip bed, face sanction as city authorities take responsibility. The piece notes past school–city policing friction and calls for consistent enforcement.
A compact verse extols merchants who advertise and believe in their business, country correspondents who send weekly items, women reporting parties or weddings with accurate guest lists, and readers who share tips promptly. It praises early copy, cooperation with the editor, and envisions a town known as a good place to live.
A playful verse extols a woodpecker building with headwork while editor pride thrives in late night writing. It celebrates perseverance, clever method, and a resilient creative spirit in classic newspaper verse tone.
Delegates Chas Porter G Van Vliet and G W Vander Wilt attend the Democratic state convention. C De Gens to build a new home north of the college at about 3000 dollars. Bas Andeweg and Ollie Veenman wed April 28. Fay Lankelma to Des Moines for nurse training. B H of S M held a farewell for her. Drs Payne and French equip office with static and X ray. Des Moines River floods cause bridge washouts and 18 inch cellar floods. John A Pos plans residence north of Dr Howell property. Senator Warren distributing state maps to constituents. Mrs Jacob Vander Kamp dies near New Sharon.
Notice from Marion County Iowa that the clerk of the district court has a last will and testament for Henry Van Roekel filed for probate. A hearing is set for May 12 1924 during the May term, with all interested parties invited to be heard. Walter Kester Clerk of District Court Knoxville Iowa April 14 1924.
Journalist Dodd notes Gibbs oratorical style while discussing caught fish. Rodd replies he tailors truth to the listener, never exceeding belief. Conversation hints at storytelling technique and audience perception in reporting practice.
A cadre of voters notices from Marion County announces candidates across Democratic and Republican tickets for county auditor sheriff supervisor treasurer state senator representative and recorder. Primary election decisions in June determine nomination status as editors urge voter endorsement.
A reflective note contrasts past punishments with present media norms. It argues that intolerance has moved from physical torture to marginalization on the first page, highlighting the persistence of censorship in modern discourse.
The Severn tunnel is the longest railway tunnel in Great Britain at four miles and 620 yards. It required over 18 years to construct. The quote notes a prophesied lament about the prophet, attributed to Thomas Yates.
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