davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Washington times., 1920-11-02

Thomas A. Edison said:
81 don't claim that our person
alities pass on to another exist
ence or sphere. l don't claim any
thing, because I don't know any
thing about the subject. For that
matter, no human being knows.
But I do claim that 1t Is possible
to construct an apparatus which
will be so delicate that II there
are personalities in another ex-
istence or sphere who wish to get
in touch with us in this existence
or sphere, this apparatus will at
least give them q better opportun-
ity to express themselves than the
fitting tables and raps and ouija
boards and mediums and the other
crude methods now purported to
be the only means of communica-
ton.
''In truth, it is the crudeness Of
the present methods that makes
me doubt the authenticity Of pur-
ported communications with de-
ceased persons. Why should per-
/ sonalities in another existence or
sphere waste their, time working
a little triangular piece Of wood
over q board with certain lettering
on it? Why should such person
alities play pranks with table?
! The whole business seems so child
l ish to me that I frankly cannot
give 1t any serious consideration.
/ believe that II we are to make
any real progress in psychic in
i, ,yestigation we must do 1t with
scientific apparatus and in scien-
,tific manner, just as we do in
medicine, electricity, chemistry
and other fields.
: "Now what I purpose to do is
to furnish psychic investigators
with an apparatus which will give
a scientific aspect to their work.
This apparatus let me explain is
In the nature Of q valve, so to
speak. That is to say, the slight
est conceivable effort is made to
exert many times its initial power
for indicative purposes. 1t is sim
liar to q modern power house,
where man, with his relatively
'puny one-eighth horsepower, turns
a valve which starts 10000
horsepower steam turbine. My
apparatus is along those lines, in
that the slightest effort which 1t
intercepts will be magnified many
times so as to give us whatever
form Of record we desire for the
purpose Of investigation. Beyond
that ! don't care to say anything
further regarding its nature.
have been working out the details
for some time; indeed a collabora-
tor in this work died only the 9TH
or day. In that he knew exactly
what I am after in this work be-
lieve he ought TO be the first to use
il IL he is able to do so. OF course,
don't forget that | am making no
claims for the survival Of person
ality; ] am not promising COM
,munication with those who have
passed out of this life. | merely
state that ] am giving the psychic
investigators an apparatus which
may help them in their work just
,as optical experts have given the
microscope to the medical world.
And il this apparatus fails to re-
veal anything Of exceptional in
.terest I am afraid that l shall
have lost all faith in the survival
lof personality as we know IL in
this existence"
v Mr.. Edison does not believe in
sthe present theories Of life and
death. Long ago he turned his
back on the various old and ac-
cepted theories because he felt
that they were fundamentally
wrong. And just as he expert
CONTINUED on Il
The Washington times., 1920-11-02
DOES HE LIKE HER.

Several months ago I was introduced to a
young man who Is quite popular He seemed
to take a liking to me. and took me TO one
or two dances. Since then he has not taken
me out. Although he sees me quite often at
different places, he never asks to escort
home, but just dances with a few times
during the evening, and Is continually telling
me that he likes me very much, etc. All tho
girls like him, but he seems 10 show a prefer
ence for me. Yet I can't understand why, if
he loves me he says he does, he does not
ask to escort me home, ask to come TO
me. I don't think he takes out any other girl
I md that am beginning to like this young
man very much Tin fact. too much for my own
good), and would like your opinion on this
subject. BLCEBlRD.
II he won't ask to take you home or TO come
to see you, he just WON'T. Men are that way
sometimes. He probably tells every girl hc meets
that he likes her very much. believe you at
tach too much Importance to this simple and
polite phrase.
The Washington times., 1920-11-02

I've often heard Of the high
cost at Atlantic City. But since
] spent some OF my vacation in
| the salubrious autumn climate of
Laurel. Md. I'm willing to say
that Atlantic City Is cheap
town. TOM
The Washington times., 1920-11-02
THE ROAD TO CHEERYvILLE.

II knew that q word of mine,
word not Kind and true,
Might leave its trace on q loved ones face,
I'd never speak harshly. would you?
II knew that the light OF . smile
Might linger the whole day through,
And brighten some heart with heavier
part
l wouldn't withhold IL, would you?
RETA.
The Washington times., 1920-11-02
TO THE EDITOR or THE TIMES:

AT this time, when every precaution is taken
TO prevent the spread Of disease. why will the
street car conductors insist on mostening
thumb and forefinger to separate transfers be-
fore presenting them to passengers. To my
way of thinking this Is very dangerous prsc-
tice and one INDUCED In almost universally, and
IL brought to the notice OF the public, probably
some steps can be taken to overcome H."
E NJ. S.
The Washington times., 1920-11-02
Beautifying the Prairie.

About fifteen years ago a campaign of tree
planting was commenced In western Canada
and the face Of the prairie has since been grad
ually transformed by the Introduction of mill
lions Of trees, which have changed it's barren
The Washington times., 1920-11-02
Beatrice Fairfax
GIVES
Advice.
WHAT SHALL THEY DO.

DEAR MISS FAIRFAN:
We are two pretty girls who are both inter-
ested in couple of attractive men. They
pay us slight attentions but don't seem to
love US the way we love them. What shall we
do? PEGG1E.
Wat until you both older Then you'll
not think twice about men who pay you only
slight attentions.
The Washington times., 1920-11-02
The Growth of Mahogany.

The rate Of growth OF mahogany is shown IN
southern Nigeria, where tho site OF town de-
stroyed sixty years ago has been covered with
n forest containing mahogany trees some OF
which are more than ten feet In diameter.
The Washington times., 1920-11-02
WE DON'T KNOW.

DEAR MISS FAIRFAX:
Kindly advise the best place to have a "cry-
stsi" reading, giving name and address.
J. !. II.
don't happen to know anything about this
particular subject. and would suggest that you
consult various advertisements dealing with
such matters.
The Washington times., 1920-11-02
A Famous Mausoleum.

The Tai Mahai. at Agra. is the worlds most
celebrated mausoleum. Built OF white marble
and nlaid with precious stones, II cost $40. O.000-
900. and 10000 men were occupied twenty years
In building II.
The Washington times., 1920-11-02
THE MOST DISTANT CITY.

ALA. NOhMAN, n and 5 ian
now living at San Diego, CAL, says
that city is further from the Ma
tional Capital than any other in the
country. He wants to know what
the wise an dthe other wise folk
Of the old column think about this.
Which city is most remote from
Washington?
The Washington times., 1920-11-02

Recently l heard a chap say
that his dancing partner Of L
night before wore a dress whici
was a song. Sweet and Low
This same chap attended a d8nc.
and returned to work next morn
ing with one eye discolored He
said he had been struck by the
beauty of the place.
H. JENCKES
The Washington times., 1920-11-02

THE GNU KNEW HE KNEW.
When the new gnu came to
the zoo the other gnus wanted
to know tho news that the new
gnu knew. NOBE RANES.
The Washington times., 1920-11-02
WARREN HARDING and
White House have the sam.
initials. So here's to 'em both.
MISS MISSY.
AMT 1T AWEUL2

AMT 1T AWFUL?
The naked" hills lie wanton to the breeze,
The fields are nude"
The groves are 'unfrocked."
Bare" are the limbs OF the shameless
trees.
CIssERo.
The Washington times., 1920-11-02

On that day it will be dangerous for candi
date to stray off the porch. His party VIII have
20 nav two dollars ransom to bail him out 81
the public pound or nominate another candi
date pro tenn.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1920-12-23
LEAGUE OF NATIONS
ASSEMBLY ADJCURNS

Geneva. Dec. 19.--The first assembly of
the League of Nations adjourned last
night after five weeks work. 1t will meet
again tho first Monday in September,
1921.
At the closing session yesterday NJ.
Hymans. president OF the assembly. and
NJ. Motta. president Of the Swiss Re-
public. and the assembly's host. made
congratulatory speeches stating that the
work done by the assembly had made the
league Il living. working organization.
The last days session marked the
climax Of the fight between the assembly
and council as to which will be the con-
trolling body in the league. The assembly
lost. The council stands as the controlling
power In nearly every matter except the
admission of members. appropriation Of
money. making speeches and the passing
Of pious resolutions. The admission is
privately made that the amendment of
the commission will be loaded between
now and the next meeting with amend
ments Intended to clip the councils wings.
But unanimous consent Of the council and
member nations composing the council
Is needed Tor any amendment to pass. Only
tho force Of public opinion can change
the present arrangements. which does 80
much to ALLEVIATE the sympathy Of the
smaller nations
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1920-12-23
TO Be OFFICIAL REPORTER
w j. BigelON Of BrattlebOrO VIII prob
ably Get Senate Appointment
Norton Not After House Post

Montpelier, Dec. 19.-Probably w. J..
Bigelow of Brattleboro will be the Off
cial reporter of the Senate in the coming
Legislature. 1t being understood that the
matter is settled. In the House, 1t is
understood that John G. Norton will not
he a candidate for official reporter again
this session. but that l.. A. Kelly. who
has been associated with Mr. Norton will
be a candidate again. 1t is understood
there are several candidates for the place
in case Mr.. Norton does not come back
this session. He is now with the National
Acme company of Windsor
There is a rumor about the State House
that Charles s. Dana, who was a candi-
date for speaker until the election took
place in New Haven. will be here during
the session. He has engaged rooms at one
of the hotels. but the capacity in which
he Is to be on the job is not yet made
known.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1920-12-23
ADDISON COURT ENDS
December Term HID Only Three Civil
Cases to Try by Jury

Middlebury. Dec. 1.-THE December
term Of Addison county court completed
it's work Saturday forenoon and adjourn
cd. Previous TO the adjournment. one
divorce case was heard. that of Vernon
d. James VS.. Rena S. James. of Lincoln
Adultery was charged. Charles l. But
ton Of Middlebury was attorney for the
petitioner and there was no appearance
for Mrs. James. The bill was granted
Divorces were also granted in the fol-
lowing cases which had been heard at
various times during the term: Maude
E. Perry VS.. Eugene II. Perry granted
for intolerable severity; Elizabeth J.
Luna VS.. Ermon f. Luna, Ripton, grant,
ed for wilful desertion: Lewis r. Emery
VS.. Sarah \. Emery, Granville. granted
for intolerable severity; and Charlotte
Trendall vs.. Maxwell A. Trendall Bris-
toll granted for intolerable severity.
Before adjourning. judgment was hand
ed down in the motion to set aside tho
verdict in the horse case OF Il. p. Elmer
son vs.. j. +. Moody. in which the jury
gave the plaintiff verdict to recover
$50 and costs. The motion to set aside
the verdict was overruled by the court.
During the term, only three civil cases
and no criminal case was tried by Jury.
In all eight petitions for divorce were
heard and bills granted In every case
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1920-12-23
Mondell Would Cut
Houstoll's Estimates
Army ana Navy Hodscts TOO EN-
travnRnnt Sny~ q. q. T.. House Leader

Army ana Navy Budgets TOO EN-
travnRnnt Sny~ q. o. II. House Leader
Washington Dec. lG.--Declarat.on IN the
House To-day ny Representative Mondell
of Wyoming the Republican leader, that
Congress should Cit departmental appro-
priation estimates, especially those from,
the war and navy departments, by nearly
u billion and half dollars started a
round of political debate that occupied
most of the session.
Representative Mondell's criticism of
army and navy estimates. made in the
course of prepared speech on govern
ment finances. brought defense from Rep
resentatives Hardy and Connally. Demo-
Gratis. of Texas. for Secretaries Baker
of the war department and Daniels of the
navy department. This led to charges
by Representative Mondell, Representative
Blanton, Democrat, of Texas and others
that the war department head was
spending money not authorized by Con-
gress," and that the navy department
chief had presented estimates 80 eXtrava-
giant that they cannot be described"
Rigid economy in appropriations to
tighten the tax burden was urged by
tho Republican leader. who said that the
total submitted estimates of 1853, 800, 90,
should be scaled down by s1,400.000,o 900
Army and navy estimates were criticised
as Ave and a half times the highest peace
time appropriation of 1916. The estimates
Mr.. Mondeli said. also might be further
swollen indefinitely by deficiencies, "e-
sulting, he said. from what he described
as the war department policy of recruit
ing the army up to full strength contrary
to the understanding that 1t should no,
be increased above 1.-The total Of 1880
men contemplated by the appropriations
made at the last session.
Representative MOndell declared Secre-
tary Bakers attitude was 80 utterly al
variance and SO contemptuous of Con-
gross" that all rules had been "dsre.
garded."
From now on Mr. Mondell said. ''sc
long as we deal with officials of this adj
ministration, 1t will be necessary to add
TO all bills passed warning not to act
contrary to the views of Congress"
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1920-12-23
BISHOP BURCH OF N. Y.
EPISCOPAL DIOCESE DIES

New York. Dec. 2O.-Charles Sumner
Burch, bishop of the New York diocese
Of the Episc opal Church, died suddenly
mere to-day. Heart failure, is thought to
have caused his death. which was unex
lected, although the prelate had not been
well for several days.
Bishop Burch was president of the Epis =
copal Synod OF New York and New Jer-
sey, having been elected to that office
last mo =. He attended the Lambeth
church conference In London last sum-
mer, declaring its attitude on the relation
between capital and labor to be the most
advanced of any since the reformation. "
He was born In Pinckcy. Mich. In 1855,
the son of a writer He taught school
Two years in Detroit alter being gradu-
ated from the University of Michigan in
1875. Later he took up journalism and
De anne reporter and editor in Chicago
and Grand Rapids He also worked In
u Chicago publishing house owned by his
brothers.
From his early years he had aspred
to the ministry. but circumstances pre-
vented his taking up his theological course
in Chicago until he -was % years old
Prior to that time he had been a lay
reader in the church and had done mis-
sionary work among newsboys. He was
ordained In 1905, and became rector OF
st. Andrews Church. Staten Island. A
year later he was appointed archdeacon
and three years afterwards was elected
sufrragan bishop OF the New York diocese
His election to be bishop of New York
vas on the third ballot September H.
l9l9-scarcely more than year ago
when he was chosen to succeed the late
Bishop Greer.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1920-12-23
ELECT CUSHING COMMANDER
Vermont COmmnndcry, Military Order
or Foreign Wars, Has It's 22nd An
nual Meeting

Montpelier, Dec. 19.-The end annual
meeting of the Vermont Commandery.
Military Order of Foreign Wars. was held
at the Montpelier Country club Friday
evening. There are nearly 80 members.
but owing to the fact that the meeting
was held so near Christmas only a small
number were In attendance. Routine busi-
ness was transacted during which three
applications for membership We're favor
able acted upon and the following officers
elected: Commander, Capt. S. S. Gushing,
st. Adams; vice-commander, Lieut.. John
l.. Greenwood, Northfield: secretary and
registrar Lieut. Frank C. Cory, Mont
pelier: treasurer, Lieut. Edward H.
Prouty, Montpelier; judge advocate, Capt.
Frank l.. Greene, st. Adams; chaplain,
Lieut.. Arthur r. Ellis. Montpelier: sur
geon. Capt. John II. Woodruff. Barre:
companions of the council. Lieut.. Charles
II. Landon. Rutland, Major George Il.
Carpenter Montpelier, and Major j. NJ.
Ashley. Burlington; committee on NOM
nations. Col. O. u. Clark, Lieut.. Henry
l.. Norton and Capt. II. T. Johnson, all OF
Montpelier; vice commander general, Col.
+. b. Thomas.
The banquet under the direction of Col.
o. n. Clark and Capt. A. G.. Eaton was
then served. after which the party
gathered around the fireplace and lis
tened to Lieut. j. II. Leavitt, formerly
of the Canadian air service. Lieut.. Leavitt.
who is manual training instructor In the
local high school. has an interesting story
of his training and service and experience
In German prison camps after being shot
down and captured while on n scouting
expedition.
Interesting remarks were also made by
Col. Thomas, Major Carpenter, Lieut..
Norton. Adjutant-General Johnson and
others. Col. Clark presented the retiring
commander. Col. Thomas, with the
insignia of the order and the meeting
aSiourned
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1920-12-23
PLYMOUTH ROCK MOVED
AND BREAKS IN PROCESS
Split Was an Old One Dating Back to
the Year 1875

Plymouth. Mass. Dec 2O.-Plymouth
Rock was moved to-day and broke In tho
process. The split was an old one caused
originally when the rock on which the
Mayfower passengers landed was
and was hauled by a yoke Of oxen to
Town square. Ultimately the two parts
were joined with cement and replaced
under n monumental canopy which has
been the mecca of thousands of visitors.
In connection with the Pilgrim Tercen-
tenary Committees work the shore line
is being restored as nearly as possible
to Its aspect at the time Of the Pilgrims
arrival 800 years ago. and a new monu-
mental canopy Ia to be built. II was
while excavating for this work that the
rock was moved to-day. while 1t was
in chains and protected as much as prac-
ticable from breaking, the ancient cement
gave way and the two parts separate
so that light could he seen between them.
BY tomorrow when the terc entenary ex-
ercises are held 1t IN expected that tho
old base will be fully exposed and the
divided rock replaced on It ir its oii
position.
The excavation brought TO light the re-
mains of box placed under the base Of
the canopy when It was ere ted in 1859.
but the only historical record of value In
1t was o copper plate corroded so as to
be almost undecipherable. Papers that
had been placed In tho box were en-
bedded in n nass of mud and slime and
virtually destroyed.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1920-12-23
LEAGUE GAINS
NEW MEMBERS
Bulgaria, Finland, Luxembourg
and Costa RIGA Are Voted
In

Geneva. Zee. 10. tBy the Associated
Press)--The League of Nations increased
It's membership to i5 stated to-day by the
admission of Bulgaria, Finland Luxem-
bourg and Costa Rca. None of them
met with opposition. but there were some
abstentions from voting on their admis.
sion, led by the French delegates who OK
planned that, although they held no griov-
ance against Bulgaria, they lacked suf-
flcient information and preferred not to
act either way.
Armenia came up again to-day 70 trouble
the assembly. To do something for
Armenia has appeared to DO tho slogan
OF several members since the beginning
Of the meeting, including leading ngurey
such as Lord Robert Cecil. who repre-
sents South Africa in The assembly. Tho
committee on the admission of new states
having decided that Armenia could no;
he admitted now. lord Robert asked the
assembly 10 ct least hold out tho hope
that Armenia will be adopted into the
family of nations next year and to wish
well to President Wilson in his mission
OF mediation between Tie Acmsnians and
turkish nationsiists.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1920-12-23
Seismograph Records
Great Earthquake
Most Severe Shock of Years-PrObably
Conferred in Ocean

Washin gton, Dec. 1G.-Somewhere. per-
haps leagues deep beneath the rolling
blue of the Atlantic and forever hidden
from the eyes Of man. the eerths crust
was torn and twisted to-day by titanic
CONFUSION.
For hours the earth's surface shuddere, |
under the feet of its needless millions
Force waves thousands of miles in
length swept outward from the storm
center like rippes on rock broken pool.
Yet only the unsleeping seismographs
noted 1t and inscribed mute record for
watchful scientists who guard them.
First word of the disturbance came from
Georgetown University here. When the
Rev. Father Francis A. Tondorf. direc-
tor of the seismographic observatory.
peered at his delicate mechanism this
morning. they told him of shock more
severe than any recorded in the las
two years. Somewhere the power beneath
the surface was still bullying at the earth
crust holding 1t in check.
Father Tondorf sent out word of the
shock. thinking it might be another great
disaster. AS the day went by, however.
no word came back over the cables or
telegraph wires. leaving to conjecture the
scene and exact nature of the disturb
anco.
Experienced observer that he Is, Father
Tondorf classes the record Of his instru
ments as thai of n terrible" shock. 1t be-
gan soon after seven O'Clock this morn
ing here, re"o'o'1 -" ""ea-aSt intensity.
wards eight and was still leaving a
waVerlng, Diminishing trail after noon,
as the earth slowly settled to quiet.
The chart indicated an east westerly
direction. Father Tondorf estimated the
distance from Washington mt $500 miles.
First Impressions were indistinct. he said
while records OF great disturbances in
South or Central America have been
recorded sharply and clearly at the oD.
servatory. 1t might have been. the
scientist said, submarine disturbance
n new mountain peak flung up under the
waves. There was no way to judge. lie
added. The distance eastward would place
the scene not far from tho Azores but
no word of an earthquake came from,
any quarter.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1920-12-23
BECKLEY DIES OF INJURIES
Heart Fails Waterbury Workman
whose Right Arm Wns Torn on
mt the Elbow

Montpelier, Dec. 19.-Luman Beckley,
aged 81 years. who was injured in the
Drew Daniels stoneshed in Waterbury
Thursday morning. died in Heaton Hos
pital here about 10 o'clock last night from
the effects of surgical shock of the am
putation OF the arm that was torn off at
The elbow. His heart, which had been
strong until Saturday afternoon failed
rapidly during the latter part Of the day.
The deceased was born in East Mont
pelier, a son Of Mr.. and Mrs. George
Beckley. He was married Is years ago to
Miss Alice Shores, who, with five chill
dren survives him, one of whom is Mrs.
Ralph Sweet OF Waterbury. The others
nre Edwin, Arthur, Esther and Luman.
Jr. He also leaves one sister and two
brothers. He had been employed AS a
bedsetter by the granite company in Wa
terbury for three years and was wei!
liked by everybody. The body will re-
main in the Barber & Lancer undertake
ing parlors until Tuesday morning, WREN
the funeral will take place at the Meth
odist Church In Montpelier. Burial Will
be in North Montpelier.