The Washington herald., 1911-07-25

prdnk UT, VINO was one OF the lead
ing fire fighters of Charlotte, NJ c., be-
fore he became an authority on good
roads that amt" pushed into Washing
ton yesterday behind what had been a
gaudily decorated wheelbarrow.
Both Frank and his wheelbarrow were
In more or less rundown condition,
having kept each other company since
June q last, over good roads and rail-
roads between here and Atlanta, Ga.
They intend to stick together until on
or before August 10, when Frank will
present the wheelbarrow and q sealed
letter to Mayor Gaynor at the city hall.
New York.
Then Frank will have cashed in. on a
$500 bet, and Mayor Gaynor or the five
boroughs, may have the wheelbarrow, II
they want It. Frank will return to
Charlotte in a Pullman car well stocked
with Accent cigarettes.
How II Happened.
This is how 1t happened. according to
Frank. who was found wandering around
the city last night with his single
wheeled companion: Franks fire-house
in Charlotte is directly across the street
from the fashionable sporting club OF
the town. Some one started an argument
last spring as to the time necessary for
man to trundle wheelbarrow between
Atlanta and New York. Frank doesn't
know why they picked out Atlanta
Neither the roads nor tho food of the
Empire State OF the South suited Mr.. Orr
on close acquaintance And there have
been times when Nj. Orr doubted the
disinterestedness and friendliness of
those who picked him out to win or lose
the bet. when some one backed his opin-
ion that a man couldn't make the trip in
forty-eight days without outside help.
But. however that may be, Frank started
out His impedimenta comprises one
water canteen. one coat, a small alligator
wrench, several hundred cards, which he
has gathered so far on his trip. and the
''makings" for the cigarette that seldom
is absent from his mouth.
Frank struck Washington about s
o'clock last evening-that is, he struck
the outskirts Of the city then. having
the little jaunt over from
After that he had an excit-
ing time and progress was slow. Also.
Frank had a large and attentive audi
ence during the remainder Of his stay in
the city.
Had His Troubles.
But when he struck the downtown sec
ton his troubles increased Now, Frank
has no inherent aversion to "bluecoats."
He Is one himself at home. and proud Of
It. But when a fellow has trundled a
wheelbarrow for about
thirty miles over the ''blankety-blankest9
roads a man ever struck, he is about
ready to hit the hay" without asking
too many questions. And just because
a man happens into city with an or
ange and black wheelbarrow. is that
any reason why he should have to sat-
lsfy the curiosity Of every member Of the
force, personally and in detail? Frank
is inclined to believe not. In fact, by IL
o. clock last night he was very emphatic
In this belief.
Apparently a careful observance Of the
traffic regulations made him no less sus-
oeptible to the curiosity Of the minions
of the law. Frank lost neither his cigar
ette nor his temper in the course of these
but his smoke" was a deal
cooler than his temper by the time he
stabbed his wheelbarrow for the night in |
The Washington Herald Building, and |
trudged wearily down toward 114s Seventh |
street northwest, where he spent the |
night with Bruno Fischer.
There were Just three persons IN WASH
Ington whom Frank wanted to see. One
was his Congressman. Representative
Edwin Y. Webb. of Shelby. N. c. Orr
thought Mr.. Webb lived at the Cochran.
60 htrv, rl,,f pulra
ne ascertained the legislator lived at the
Cairo, and that the Cairo was about
!" 'steen" blocks farther up, his enthu-
,iasm waned. Next Mr. Orr wanted 20
ocate RED Buck" Bryant, a newspaper
whom he had guided on
number Of fox hunts. Mr., Bryant was
not at his office, and Orr allowed he
wouldn't roam around a strange coun-
ry" looking for Mr.. Bryants house.
Would See President.
But when he first reached WASHINGTON
Orr was anxious to see President Taft.
Ie had something to say to the Chief
Executive anent good roads in general
nd that one between Washington and
alexandria In particular. And at that
ime Mr.. Orr's words. whether they
vould have been printable or not, would
ave issued from the heart. Even late
asst night. his ardor In behalf Of this
articular good road was undampened.
I'D like to see Billy Taft and get him
o fix up that road between Alexandria
nd Washington" he said. IT believe
fter those rains I would have made
etter time coming over II I'd had the
Id barrow rugged up With sail or en-
inc. / know ia have kept dryer"
PART 0F PARK PROJECT