Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-04-16
FIFTY YEARS AGO
IN THE STAR


for several years in experimenting with his
Invention of Wind Chariot Pneu-
matte Motor; and as his limited means will
not for some time enable him to apply his
said invention to it's various purposes, con-
sequently he is compelled to forewarn all
persons against infringing his right and
claims to the said invention.
Then follows a complex description of the
wheels, wings, fans, shafts, ETC., compris-
ing the device, and the notice conciuaes:
The various purposes to which this motor
is applicable are the propulsion of vehicles
and vessels, and for moving plowS on prai-
RE or level surfaces
The Star was in this issue calling atten-
ton to the serious need of a house of
refuge for the care, correction and cure
of young incorrigibles. 1t cited, as one
deplorable result of the lack of such an IN
stltutlon, the case of certain father VINO
was compelled to place his two sons, one
eleven years and the other younger, in the
Marine Corps as musicians, in the absence
of proper provisions for their restraint.
April 10 The Star in a
1>no" position to print "a full and
Nothings. correct account of the Gin
cinnati riot" which had oc-
CURED several days previous as result or
a difficulty between some Germans and
body of know nothings over cannon
the former had borrowed to fire salute
The account was taken from the New York
Express, and that journal, The Star was
inclined to think, had obtained it from the
Cincinnati Commercial. 1t is interesting
to note that not even this triple editing or
the account sufticed to modify the striking
statement that '.one man was killed dead
Here is the way the notice of know
nothing meeting appeared in the advert1s-
ing columns:
INK CUM wEEZEN GULLY"
Wednesday Noctes.
National Theatre.
SGNIIIrOS WONk EHT.
MAS 81 OHW 70
HOP DE DOODEN DO.
1t has always been claimed by the bust
ness men of this city that Washington suf-
fers comparatively little from the business
disturbances that often seriously affect the
other parts of the country. The Star of
this same date notes a very similar con-
dition:
1T is a noteworthy fact that the late
trying season in monetary affairs In all
quarters of the country, and more espe-
cally in the north, passed over the business
men of Washington and left them I'M
scathed. Elsewhere, not only merchants,
but manufacturers and employing me-
chanics tumbed over by scores ere the
crisis was passed. This tells well for the
energy and forethought of the great mass
of those among us, who in the conduct OF
their business necessarily ask and give
credit. The experience Of the season in
question will, however, doubtless have the
effect of modifying the credit system in
vogue here not a little. Such result will
not only be beneficial to those in Washing
ton who give credit, but also TO the tone
of society at large.
The Star gave considerable space to re-
ports of the Easter Monday balls held by
the Columbia Fire Company and the
then in vogue with all well edited news
papers. but which would be extremely I'M
popular now it published the following par
agraph in its notice of the ball of the Co
lumba Fire Company:
Among the young, beautiful and inter-
estinE ladies who graced the occasion were
the tall and graceful Miss C-n, of Capitol
HILL Miss F-s, Miss TT, Mrs VS., Miss
M, Miss R-y, of Baltimore Miss lie,
Miss En- of New York, Miss HID of Cap
itol Hill, and a host beside
Americans were indulgng
n wal in some rather sharp talk
Scare. about Spain in those days, on
account of the action of a
Spanish man of war in firing into" a YES
sci flying the stars and stripes, the two
nations being then at diplomatic odds over
the execution in Cuba of Estrampes, a fill
ibuster, who claimed American citizenship.
April II The Star printed this paragraph,
rejecting the public agitation:
Excitement on the Avenue.-The politi-
clans here were in stew this morning over
rumOr that the government had received
a dispatch from Charleston of great I'M
portance. News brought by the Isabella
from Havana. 1t was said, Also that there
was to have been an extra cabinet meet
ing a noon today over it. Now, the cab
met meeting today the regular one.
We do not believe the story. We hope,
however soon to hear of the capture of the
Spanish war steamer whose commander
has of late been engaged in stopping Amer
lean ships on the high seas, engaged in
lawful commerce. We are greatly mis-
taken if be is not brought up, with round
turn within the next thirty days"
They were building the Washington
monument then by the deliberate process
familiar to the older generation. This par
agraph shows that it was not solely for
lack of material that it rose so slowly.
There has been received at the Wash
ington monument grounds block of gran
tie from American citizens in China. 1t
bears an inscription, which cannot be read
by the natives of this country, although it
is presumed to be appropriate. The words
are in the Chinese character.
Easy narticnIar in those DAYS is~ atnnt
Money. the character of the adver-
tsements to which it gave
space and some of them would be given
no consideration today. Perhaps of such
a class is the following business card:
ITO Persons of Both Sexes Wanting EN-
ployment.-YOung men, waiting for appoint
ments under the general government, or
other parties out OF business, Will be taught
five different ways of making good liv-
ing or may realize a fortune in an easy
and genteel manner, by addressing, post
paid inclosing one dollar, to DR.. Paul
kone, Washington, ID. G., Box No 400.
stating means, age capacity and previous
business"
The get-rich-quick genius was evidently
at work then as now.
Under the caption out Early this par
agraph printed April ii. suggests that there
were lax sanitary safeguards then:
This morning worthy clerk of the
on duty there that a person who was af-
nicted with the smallpox was passing
through the market The officers rendered
their services, and search was made for
him. but we have not heard of his arrest
Persons not entirely recovered from such
dangerous diseases should stay at home
The commotion that would be caused to-
day by an escapade of this kind easily
be imagined.