davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Washington times., 1919-08-25
HerOiSn1 of Dying Man
After Train Collision is
Described by His Mother

so that he could light his way through
the cars and assure himself that the
tickets were properly punched.
J. ]. Crow, SIS I street northeast.
who suffered injuries about the head
and back in the accident, took the ex-
cursion trip to Atlantic City, neigh.
bors said today, TO give his invalid
wife and young daughter, ten years
old, a much needed rest It was said
that Mrs. Crow, for the past seven
years. had been suffering from nerv-
Gus spells, and that her husband,
thinking that a short stay in Atlantic
City would benet1t her, made the eX-
cursion trip.
Word had not been received here
today as to the condition Of Crow or
his wife.
Crow has been for many years an
employe Of the Henderson Furniture
Company, and neighbors reported that
he was devoted to his family.
Took Precautions.
Fred G. Schultz, 1918 Eighth street
northwest, said:
MY wife md 1 were sitting in
about the fourth coach from the rear
with William Asmun, my cousin,
when we felt the shock Of the two
colliding trains and heard the falling
Of shattering glass. didn't realize
that / was hurt at all. but directed
my attention to Mr.. Asmun. NY wife
noticed that blood was tricklinG from
my head, coming from a wound which
evidently had been inflicted by fall
ing glass.
at seems that every precaution was
taken to avoid the collision, because
our train was constantly blowing the
whistle and the rear lights were ON,
when the occupants OF the rear
coach saw the searchlight Of the on
coming train, many OF them ran for
ward, and, / think, avoided certain
death by doing so. The young man
who was killed was penned in the
vestibule OF the second coach from the
rear. After he was extricated from
the wreckRge he called for water and
we gave him his last drink Of water"
Mr.. Schultz tried 70 60 to his work
this morning, but was compelled to
return home on account OF his
nervous condition.
Many Of the victims OF the acci.
The Washington times., 1919-08-25
GREAT VOICE TELLS
Of NATIONS LEAGUE

With the aid OF the great voice." a
wireless mRgnifying telephone, the
address OF Vice President Marshall,
speaking at the Trinity Church, was
heard in most Of the District and
parts Of Virginia last night
Listeners reported that the vice
address was heard dis
tinctiy at Bowling field, the steps OF
the Capitol, the Washington Monu-
ment and on the Presidents yacht,
the MGyfioWer. Passersby at Fifteenth
and H streets we're startled when
they heard q voice from the sky
prsising the league Of nations and
predicting its adoption by this gov
eminent.
The Vice President in hts address
discussed the league and declared
the time has come when America
must take part in all world wars
wherein the question of right and
wrong is concerned. He denounced
profitesrB, and declared the American
people should practice thrift and buy
less Of the iuXuries OF life.
The Washington times., 1919-08-25
FATE HAS RED CROSS
NURSES At SCENE TO
HELP WRECK VICTIMS

The hand OF fate played a part in
the ministratiohs to the injured at
Elwood, N. J.. Sunday morning.
No sooner had the steam and fog
cleared from about the Inflated trains
than many nurses, wearing Red Cross
uniforms, started to render FIRST aid
to bruised and bleeding passengers.
One aged woman declared the hand
Of God had the nurses awaiting the
train. In fact, Red Cross nurses had
been on hand to receive wounded
soldiers. AS soon as the crash took
place, they made their way to the
wreck and began TO give first aid.
Prompt and efficient service on
their part probably saved the lives of
several persons, thought to be seri-
ously injured. The Red Cross women
went through the coaches before
work Of clearing the track was be-
gun, ascertaining that all victims had
been saved. They then accompanied
the injured to a hospital in Atlantic
City.
The Washington times., 1919-08-25
DISMISSAL
WITH SHORT NOTICE
U. s. Employees Union Head Re.
Dukes Shipping Board for
Dlscharging 100.

Protest against summary closing Of
the Division Of Planning and Statfs-
tics Of the Shipping Board on August
80 and the consequent dismissal Of
leo employees with only little more
than q weeks notice, has been filed
with Chairman John Barton Payne, Of
the Shipping Board, by W. Carson
Ryan, jr., president of Federal EN-
ployes' Union No. 2. Of this city. In
his letter to Chairman Payne, Presi-
dent Ryan says:
con August %, employees Of the Di-
vision of Planning and Statistics Of
the Shipping Board, about 160 in num-
Der, received notice that the division
would be abolished and their services
would no longer be required after
September /.
This Is less than ten days notice,
and / cannot believe the action was
carefully considered. I am writing
therefore, to request you to reconsider
your decision in this case and extend
the date Of discontinance to Sep
tember IS instead of September /.
accumulated leave to be granted in
accordance with the existing order.
II am sure you will appreciate the
fact that these employees will need
some time to look about for new posi-
tions. Responsible commercial firms
would give at least a months notice
in such cases, but I believe the en-
ployes will be satisfied IL the time is
extended. as have indicated, to Sep
tember Is.
81 trust you will find it possible to
give these employees the additional
two weeks"
The Washington times., 1919-08-25
CELEBRATION
ORPERSHING
TAKINGSHAPE
Seats in Front of Reviewing
Stand at White House to Be
Sold Public.

Plans for the welcoming celebration
to be accorded General Pefshlng and
the First division when they arrive
from overseas next month are rapidly
nearing completion, according to Col
Robert n, Harper, OF the District com.
mittee on arrangements.
Within two weeks, Colonel Harper
said today, work will be started on
the two gigantic triumphaI arches
one TO Be erected on Pennsylvania
avenue On fFont of the White House
and one on Jackson place. Both sides
OF the Avenue IN front OF the White
House will be lined with reviewing
stands.
The seats in the stands on the north
side Of the Avenue viii be sold to the
public, ooi0nei Harper said, to aid IN
defrayinR expenses Of the celebration.
While September 1e has been set as
q tentative date Tor the parade, Col
onel Grant. Of the war Department,
explained this morning that this date
Is gohtiMgent upon the arrival Of the
division from overseas.
Arrangements for handling the
equipment Of the division are beina
made by the War Department. Col
ohel Grant has announced that this
equipment viii be placed on exhibit
for the beneht Of the public.
The various welfare organizations,
such as the Knights OF Columbus, the
Y. ~ g. A., the Jewish welfare Board
and the War Camp Community Serv-
Ice are formulating plans for the care
Of the division.
The Washington times., 1919-08-25

dent praised the work of the con-
ductor, who tried to do every thing,
possible, 1t was said. to help those
who were injured. II was said that
he called to the occupants of the
train, as there no able-bodied man
here who will help me-" as he en-
deaVored to remove the shattered
timbers from off young Wathen's
body.
Leslie J. Johnston, 3Os Tennessee
avenue northeast, who escaped being
seriously injured, declared that ade-
quate precautions against accident
had not been taken.
Seat Came to Pieces.
II was sitting in the Pullman. rid
ing backward, att 4:3O o'clock a. m.
felt the brakes applied suddenly and
unconsciously braced myself. With
ing a few seconds the train stopped
very abruptly. all those who were
asleep being awakened and many jar
red from their seats. Ny companion
was sitting opposite me, facing for
ward. and his seat literally came to
pieces both he and the seat sliding
down on the floor In front Of me-"
In describing the facilities for ex-
Treating the injured, Mr.. Johnston
stated: From all appearances there
was no saw or axe to be located on
the train. An effort was made to
knock out the partition with a maui.
this effort proved fruitless an ave was
found, and finally the man was gotten
out. Two and one-half hours after the
accident the injured were taken to
Atlantic City. arriving. there about
I:30 o'clock. The wreckage still re-
mained on the track, no wrecking
crew having yet arrived at that time.
"All. or nearly all OF the cars ap-
peared to be Of wood, OF the oldest
type, and bore the names OF nearly
as many different railroads as there
were cars. In my estimation II these
cars had been OF steel, all injuries
would have been confined to those
caused by flying glass. At the time
Of the impact, the rear train was
probably not going more than ten or
fifteen miles an hour.
Return TFip q Diagraee.
THE return trip was even more Of
q disgrace to the railroad administra-
tion and the Pennsylvania railroad
than was the trip going"
Mr.. Johnston declared that pas
sengers had to furnish their own light
by striking matches, and that there
were no toilet facilities on the train,
despite the fact that there were from
800 TO 1000 passengers aboard, includ-
ing many women and children.
A number Of those who were in
the accident and who were reported
injured were able to return to Wash
The Washington times., 1919-08-25
FOOD SALE BY MAIL
IN D. C. THIS WEEK
Order Blanks to Be Given Out
to Housewives BY Letter
Carriers Today.

washington housewives will receive
order blanks for army surplus food to-
morrow or wednesday. and food dis
tribution will be under way in this
city by Saturday, Assistant Post
master Kerlin announced today.
Although the entire consignment
Of so car loads Of food has not
reached the city Mr.. Kerlin indicated
today that he would not wait until
All the food had been received.
order blanks for food will also be
on hand In the postohice stations
throughout the city, II was stated
today. Letter carriers will distribute
food 20 housewives.
The last consignment Of food re-
ceivsd by the War Department came
last Saturday. II was a huge amount
OF nnacaront. the exact amount post
office officials have been unable to
learn.
1--WE are clearing up details OF the
distribution today" said Postmaster
Kerlin. "and we hope to be ready TO
begin real work BY tomorrow"
Clarence r. Wilson, chairman OF
the fair price committee in this city,
will hold a meeting Of the committee
IN his ofice ct o'clock this afternoon.
At this meeting fnal plans for the
issuance Of the fair price list In this
city will be completed. II will be
several days, possibly q week, before
the libt win be given out. Mr.. Wilson
said today.
The Washington times., 1919-08-25
WRECK TAKES HOLIDAY
SPIRIT FROM CROWD;
MANY RETURN AT ONCE

The wreck OF the excursion train At
E1Wood, N J.. yesterday morning
took the holiday spirit from the
hearts OF the thousand or so wash
instOnians. who had left the city In
tent on q day Of pleasure. The ma
jority returned home at the earliest
possible moment, waiting in groups
for trains.
Long before time Tor the first train
to leave the station was crowded BY
persons eager to ket away.
Very few took advantage OF the
ideal bathing, and the hundreds Of
Philadelphians at the beach remarked
at the quiet groups Of persons who
had been passengers on the Inflated
trains.
The Washington times., 1919-08-25
z PROBES ON
TO FIX BLAME
IN N. J. CRASH
Large Number Of Injured Due to-
Use Of Wooden Coaches on
Excursion Trains
tcOntinued from Page ons)

CONTINUED from Page One.l
IN local hospitals today. they are
George 7. seitz, OF 1882 Maryland
avenue, Washington, who suffered 3
fractured hip, and Ralph Townsend,
OF Camden, n. J., engineer OF the train
which crashed into the nrst section
as Il was standing At ElWood station.
Leaped From Cab.
It developed today that Townaend
had ieaped from his CAB q moment
before the impact He escaped with
fractured leg and several broken
ribs.
criticlsm Of the Pennsylvania ofh-
cials and the Railroad AdministratiOn
was rife IN Atlantic City today. The
coaches which made up the train had
been recruited from material that
should have been condemned. Il Is
said Further. Il was pointed out. II
the coaches had been Of steel, In
juTies to passengers, II any had been
hurt at all, would have been slight.
Coroner Cunningham this afternoon
will impanei q jury which viii begin
an inquest Thursday Afternoon Two
score or more witnesses viii be ex-
amined.
Engineer Townsend declares there
were no signals 70 indicate that the
first section had stopped and that he
was not aware Of the danger until the
crash was imminent. The crew Of the
nrst section. however. insist that
every precaution had been taken. even
to the placing Of torpedoes.
First Seetion Behind Schedule.
Passengefs aboard the arst section
declare the coalition Of the coaches
Of the dfst section was q factor con-
tributing to the wreck. These re-
pairs, which compelled stops At sew
eral points, caused the hfst section
to fall behind its schedule, they de-
clared
Persons who were passengers IN the
coach In which Wathen and his wife
were passengers say there was ne
water IN the tanks. The supply gave
out soon after the journey began. they
aaid, nd had notfbsen replenished.
Wathen was passing from one coach
70 another and was caught between
two coaches, which teiescopsd.
The Washington times., 1919-08-25

lngton last night without assistance.
Mrs. L. NJ. Fitzgerald, 11o5 ?
street northwest. employed at the
Bureau Of War Risk Insurance, was
reported to have been injured in
the left leg and knee. Mrs. Fitz-
gerald had not returned to her
home today, but 1t was learned
that she was we'll enough to con-
tinue her stay in Atlantic City.
She had panned to take a vacation
there for two weeks.
seIts at Hospital.
George It. Sets, 2s years old, liv-
ing at 1859 Maryland avenue north
east was reported at the Atlantic
City hospital today. Hts wife. who
lives at the above address is pre-
pairing to leave Washington today
for Atlantic City.
Cornelius W. Doremus, who was
injured. said, at all happende in a
fash. We had slowed up and 1 was
At the water cooler, drinking. when
the coaches jolted, throwing me
against the iron. The next thing ]
knew I was on the floor and my head
was bleeding. Lights were eKtin-
guished, and we could not see"
Thomas johnson, OF BeTwyn, Nd,
was reading a magazine when his
coach was struck 1--WE were all
thrown forward" he says. Judging
from the confusion and shouting
there is a wonder that more were not
hurt. 1t was necessary to cut a part
of the train out. in order to get at the
seriously injured"
From dark. last night until long
past 12 o'clock. and even into the early
morning hours. Union Station was
crowded with thousands Of relatives
and friends Of passengers on the
wrecked train. Detective Springman,
assigned to the Union Station, aided
anxious mothers and wives, seeking
Of the smash. When the
Atlantic City excursion trains began
10 arrive, many anxious faces watch
Cd the passengers as they passed out
Of the gates.
The first train arrived soon after
O'Clock, and at frequent intervals
more came in.
The Washington times., 1919-08-25
FIRST NEWS OF WRECK
TOLD IN MESSAGES
TO RELATIVES HERE

Hundreds OF kilograms from pas
Sengers on the trains to relatives and
friends in Washington, informing
them Of injuries sustained or Of re-
markable escape from death. brought
the first news OF the wreck to wash
ington. A short time later The Times
was besieged with telephone calls by
persons wanting definite details OF
the accident.
All day long the thousand or more
families. whose loved ones had taken
the trip to the seashore, sought news
of the wreck.
The list of casualties published in
The Times relieved the minds OF
many to whom had come rumors Of
wholesale death.
The Washington times., 1919-08-25
DECIDE
ONUNIONPLAN
THURSDAY EVE
District Commissioners Mum on
Action # Men Affiliate With
A.F.otL.

The City Policsmen's Union VIII
meet Thursday night Of this week
and decide whether to acceds t. the
request Of the District ccmmisslonefs
that the union Immediately withdraw
All afffliation from the American
Federation of Labor
At this meeting, J. r DreaFer.
president Of the Union. and chairman
Of the legislation committee. win put
the matter sduarely before the men.
He viii tell OF his conferences with
the three Commissioners and the
policy the commission has taken d
this matter.
Whether the police win continua
affiliation with the Fedsration o.
win vote for q Withdrawal is 3 nat
ter OF speculation. Many members ct
the union are known 20 be In faPor
of continuing Is part of the Fed-
erations IN defiance OF the Commir-'
sioners' request
Bank On No-strfke CIause.
The police feel that with the -no-
strike clause IN their charter. the
Commissioners ahould let their or
Eanizatioh SO on unmolested. The
Commissioners, while commendinl
AAa 8o-4tAA-4e- ALAlhA4e OF AAe l4-.r
openly state they viii not Dermlt the
present organization to continue -
the rahks Of the police department.
Federation officials todays are ready
to "back uD" the police if they vote
to remain with the Big labor organi-
zation. The Commissioners state that
they win take the necessary steps -
keep the union from outside labor
affiliations
What the Commissioners mean ~
necessary steps" they refuse @ dis
close. The Commfssioners DO net BE-
iieVe they viii have any difficulty On
patFollng Washington IN event they
Ind Il necessary to discharge All a.
the policemen for aRiliatlon with this
union.
hake Poliee History TAursday.
Thursday,s meeting win make his-
tory in The police department Fed
eration officials probably wiz be On
hand 70 speak 70 the policemen.
Another Important issue which may
come under discussion is the talk 81
the Congressional investigation into
this union.
The attitude Of the police toward
the anhouncsment IA Congress that
the lobbying Of the union among
A----Ala-A- AAHAA+a IAaA-a anu 11Alaaa VIII
be the subject Of an Investigation .
unknown
There are two courses the police can
take IN event they vote to remain with
the federation.
May Take Case 10 waite Housa
Z One O. to seek the aid OF competent
lawyers Of the federation and make
the case q subject for q court de-
cision. The second e to take the ease
directly 70 the White House.
In the meanwhile all Washlngtou
Is looking on to see whether the Board
OF District CommisGloners have the
right 20 tell q policeman he must not
join q union that - affiliated with an
organization outside OF the ranks %
his department..
The Commissioners claim that fn
event Of a strike BY any union 4hili
ated with the Federation OF Labor, the
police would be charged, even Il the
ehafge be false. with siding with the
strikers.
The Commissioners want the Police
to be Independent. II they
must have an organization. they say.
the organization must" be entirely in
the ranks Of the department with no
outside connections whatever.
The Washington times., 1919-08-25
WOULD FORCE
RETAIL SALES
BY FARMERS
Plan to Make Stall Holders At
Produce Market Sell in Small
Quantities.

George n Roberts. superintendent
Of weights and measures for the Dis
trict viii present to the District
Commissioner today a plan whereby
consumers may make purchases at
the Farmers Produce Market,
Twelfth and , streets northwest, and
receive the advantage OF buying. food
in small Quantities at wholesale
prices.
At present this market is virtually
q Wholesale establishment. The
farmers sell their goods only in large
quantities 70 retail dealers. This
makes Il impossible for the basket
buying public to make purchases at
the market.
The farmers pay 20 cents q day for
stand at the market. Although no
licenses are required, the Commie-
TO the farmers.
Ntould ReEulnte sales.
It ds Mr. Roberts plan to have the
Commissioners reEuIats the quantity
to be sold. 1Tr. Roberts wants the
farmers to sell in quantities small
enough for the consumer 70 purchase
without inconvenience to the pocket
book.
nc HAELAE 70 nave AuG GQl4lAlaAlUu-
ers rule that the farmers must sell,
IL requested, ia certain small GUAM
titles II the farmer refuses 20 sell
ia small quantities then the Commis-
sioneEs viii refuse the farmer space
in the market
II M. Roberts plan il acted
upon by the commission the bas-
ket buying public viii be able to
buy food at q price much lower
than e charged in other markets
throughout the city.
wm Cut Groeerg Proat.
This win necessarily cut out the
profit OF the EroceFer. II the gro
cefyman has been making I'VE or
ten cents pront. BY this new plan
the consumer VIII save this money.
OF course, Mr.. Roberts does not
want the commission TO make d
rule. whereby the Er0eeryman viii
suffer considerably. The quantity
win not be as low as sold in re-
tail markets.
M. Roberts e hopeful his plan
win be acted upon before the end
Of the week. so that the basket buy
ing public may visit the market
this saturday.
The frst fair margins Of pro6ts list
Of the Fair Price Association, which
was organized last week TO eliminate
pronteering in foodGtuffs in the Dis
trict, is expected to be Issued some
time this week.
The fair price committee, under the
direction Of former District Food Ad-
ministrator Clarence r. Wilson, has
been working on q fair price list for
foodstuhts, excepting meats, Of q na-
ture similar TO that issued by the Dis
trict Food administration during the
war.
A dennfts plan for defining fair
margins on meats has not yet been
worked out The blackboard plan"
OF dealers challcing the prices for diff
ferent cuts Of, meats on q blackboard
in front Of their stores, may be re-
vived. It was stated.
It is expected that the faiT-price
committee may enlist the aid Of the
Bureau of Markets in establishing
fair margins on market produce. This
would allow the committee to devote
All Of its attention to the other foods.
Representatives Of District labor
and civic organizations. who organ
lied last week the Citizens Buying
nd DISTRIBUTING League, viii meet
wednesday night to elect officers. It
is expected also that plans for enlist
ing wide cooperation in the District
wills be discussed.
The Washington times., 1919-08-25
SILENCE BR00DS. OVER
SLEEPLESS VICTIMS
EN- ROUTE TO DISTRICT

The return trip to washington by
passengers OF the "telescoped"
coaches was ominously quiet.
With the exception Of remarks
about a marvellous escape, or OF re-
mArkable endurance by injured, few
words were spoken. Not a single
person was seen to sleep, as many
had done before the crash.
The Washington times., 1919-08-25
TO SPEED UP
Retirement BILL
Sterling Confident Measure WiH
Be Given Prompt
Consideration.

Although immediate action Is inn
possible. Senator Sterling hopes for
passage Of the Stsriing-Lehlbach civil
service retirement bill as soon as the
prohibition enforcement measure %
out Of the way. This may not be for
another week. and even then the
chances are against consideration Of
the retirement bill.
Senator Sterling looks for no In
reference for the bill, however. and
the hopes Of 100000 employees OF the
Government On washington and IN the
field service Of the United States are
based on early passage OF the me-
ure.
The chief difficulty in the
the Sterling-Lehlbaeh bill Is
position to grand Governms
sions on more than-a flfty-h
tributory basis. Under the
sion bill the Government--
about lve-eighths o
fund. In other res
much like the Mcke
About $500 emp
tired annually az
The Washington times., 1919-08-25
D. C. COPS TO PROTEST
COMMISSIONERS RULING

The Central Labor Union viii meet
tonight, and II Is expected that the
question OF the authority Of the Dis
trict Commissioners in forbidding af-
flliation OF the Police Union with the
American Federation OF Labor viii
be brought up.
The Washington times., 1919-08-25
BUSY TELEGRAPH WIRES
SUMMON CURIOUS CROWD
TO SEE WRECK VICTIMS

Telegraph wires to Atlantic City
were busy within a few minutes after
the crash.
As q result, hundreds Of curiosity
seekers met the special train carrying
the injured.
The Washington times., 1919-08-25
ASKS DIVORCE ron CRUELTY.

George B. Hedges. through Attor-
neY Fred B. Rhodes, today filed suit in
the District Supreme Court against
his wife, Mrs. Margaret Lillian Hedges,
for limited divorce. alleging cruelty.
They were married at Austin. Tex.
August 20, 1905, and have two chill
dren whose custody is requested by
the husband.
The Washington times., 1919-08-25
CAPIToIL

The historic Cd
street and PennsJ
been purchased b5
and Levi II. David,
tlon Is said TO have /
property was part
Baker estate.