davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The New York herald., 1922-04-09

continual and hopeless struggle for the
barest necessities of food and clothing.
What chance has art when the sole topic
of conversation Is bread where two or
more are gathered together? The pearls
and the furs are gone-gone to buy few
crusts OF bread. The sleighs and the
droshkies are gone or the price for a ride
in them is too fabulous for the artists to
afford them.
Consider the plight of two married ar
lists whose combined salaries are 1000. 900
rubles a month when to-days prices in
Moscow are: pound OF sugar, 10000
rubles; a bottle of milk, $4,000 rubles:
pound of bread, $4,000 rubles one egg.
$500 rubles; one pound of meat, $4,000
rubles. one pound of butter, 10000 ru-
bles! And then remember that decent
boots cost 100000 rubles; ladies' boots
100000 to 100000 rubles; stockings,
100000 rubles, and other articles OF cloth
ing, when obtainable at all, in proportion
Actresses and dancers are reduced to wear
Ing gowns made of velvet curtains or OF
tablecloths
reports seeing group of performers on
the stage at the Great State Theater in
Moscow with insufficient flesh on the bones
Of all of them put together to make one
fairly plump person. 1t is no wonder
that he reports that each of the artists has
tc have a substitute standing in the wings
ready to take his place II he falls from ex-
haustion and hunger. Every night numer-
Gus players have to be replaced in this
way But with dogged persistence the per-
formance goes on.
In Moscow. conditions are better than in
the Volga cities such as Samara and Kazan.
That is, they are-yet. No one knows how
long they will continue so. At least there
is probably no cannibalism In Moscow, as
there is In the volga valley. At least, not
yet. But, as Commander Baker says, abso-
lutte starvation has It's advantages over
hunger that persists day after day, week
after week, month after month, year after
year. And people have been incessantly
hungry in Moscow and Petrograd now for
years II is living death, which is more
terrible than death itself.
Shortly after Commander Bakers return
The New York herald., 1922-04-09

maintain high standards, but lack of food
makes this difficult. Some OF the best
actors and operatic singers work all day
as common laborers at docks and else
where in order to sustain life, then sing
grand opera at night. Government here
doing everything possible to assist in
maintaining entire educational system for
the artists, but success in maintaining
theaters, opera, schools, &C.,, due solely to
enthusiasm and personal sacrifices of ar
lists and directors Could you interest
theater managers, wealthy actors, singers
and patrons Of opera to buy food drafts to
be distributed under our supervision?"
That cable was addressed to George Barr
Baker, head of Mr.. Hoovers New York Of
flee. / had met Commander Baker in Eu.
rope last year while | was trying in vain
to get news of my parents In Russia. He
knew that | was Russian by birth, an
American by adoption. He knew that /
retained deep interest in my native land,
that | had brought many OF its artists to
this country and that I would probably
feel most keenly for their present suffer
ing. And so he asked me to organize the
appeal for funds. / was in the midst of
the most diastrous season the American
theater has ever had. | had lost for
tune in few short months. But through
the generosity OF various friends of the
Russian arts and number of prominent
actors and managers I was able to gather
a substantial sum OF money. / turned
this over to Commander Baker just few
days before he set out for Moscow on
personal errand to supervise Mr. Hoover's
relief work.
The hunger and hardships Of the artists
Of the stage were appalling said the cable
gram. Just how appalling they we're /
had no idea until Commander Bakers re-
turn a few days ago. Since then | have
heard him speak number OF times in
public and in private. and this Is the
story OF cheating frightful famine OF It's
prey in the nick OF time. as he told IL
10 me.
In the old days the life of the artists
Of the theater and the opera and the ballet
in Moscow and Petrograd was an enviable
one.
To-day all that 10 changed. Life 10
The New York herald., 1922-04-09

tograph of my sister and the letter had
received from her and he promised to do
what he could.
Months passed A letter came from Con.
stantinople, from an American who had
seen my people in Odessa They were
alive-but just barely alive and facing
starvation. | spent sleepless nights. Then
one day, about six weeks ago, / heard
through Commander Baker that one Of his
men had reached my parents with food and
clothing.
Two weeks later I received the first let
ter from my mother in over four years. 1t
was written on sixteen scraps Of paper of
all sizes and kinds-whatever she could lay
hands on. 1t took her many days to finish
it, for she was without glasses of any kind
Food had reached her at last. Food and
clothing. And my father and mother and
my brothers and sisters still remaining
In Russia were saved at the door of death
For over year and nine months none OF
them had seen or tasted a scrap of white
bread or fat of any kind or sugar or milk.
Seventeen of them, men, women and chill
dren, were living in a single room out of
the fifty-four which my father used to have
in his factory. MY mother couldn't even
leave the house when the news Of the ar
rival of the food came, for she had nothing
to wear but garment made out of an old
potato sack.
Balieff and the Chauve-Souris are closely
linked with my efforts to locate my own
people and with my attempt to aid the
starving artists of Russia. 1t was while /
was in Europe searching for my parents
that saw Balieff at the Theater Femina
In Paris and determined to bring the
Chauve-Souris to this country. And be-
lieved that Balieff would do more than
any one else to bring America and Russia
into closer understanding and sympathy.
He might not be appreciated. He might
not pay for his keep. But ! could no more
pass by the chance than could cease try
ing to send help to my starving parents.
III couldn't reach them at least | could
do the thing which would prove to them,
IL they ever lived to hear about 1t, that
still cherished their inspiration.
Well, Balieff and the Chauve-Souris
came. And they conquered. And they are
The New York herald., 1922-04-09

a parcel arrived from Moscow containing
over five hundred letters written on all
sorts of scraps of paper and expressing the
deep gratitude of the artists of the opera
and the theatre for the aid which had been
sent to them. The eagerness with which
their thankfumess was conveyed could not
Unexpectedly received reprieve from
death sentence.
The news of the frightful famine which
has made Russia grim and terrible grave
yard came as stunning personal blow to
me. In spite of my solicitude for the
Russian artists I naturally thought first of
all of my parents, hopelessly shut Off from
all means of assistance. ! thought Of my
brothers and sisters and their families.
What was happening to them? Were they
getting enough to eat or were they starv-
ing like the rest? Did they have enough
clothing to keep them warm or were
they freezing to death in dirty rags? There
was no way to find out what they were
suffering, no way to send aid to them.
And the thought that was helpless nearly
drove me to distraction.
AS the long years OF the revolution
passed / renewed my efforts to get some
news of my parents. Each failure spurred
me on and increased my anxiety. / tried
through our own Government | tried
through Lloyd George and Lady Astor /
tried through London and Paris, through
Berlin and Constantinople. Finally, last
year. / went abroad myself, determined to
pass all frontiers and break down all bar
riers and see the truth for myself / man
aged with difficulty to get to Bucharest in
Rumania, and even on to Kishineff, then
under Rumanian jurisdiction. There In.
trusted a substantial sum of money to a
man who owned three newspapers and who
promised to carry II through the lines to
my people in the famine stricken area. /
had to come back home and trust to for
tune, but I have learned since that my
courier never arrived.
Soon after that one of my sisters arrived
in Warsaw, physical and nervous wreck,
reduced in weight to fifty-eight pounds. /
met Commander Baker in Paris about that
time. He had left the navy to join the staff
of Herbert Hoover. 1 showed him the pho
The New York herald., 1922-04-09

tEDIToR's NoTE:-There is good cause for
the beautiful members of the ballet, which
in the old days was such an ornament to
the famous great State Theater at Mos
COW, to say of Morris Gest Of New York
He has been to us just like a Fairy
Prince"
More than any other Russian class, these
fair and fragile young women have suf-
fered from the changing conditions and
the national want in Russia.
Mr.. Gest tells on this page how he sent
these dainty sufferers, and even the men
OF the Russian theater, food from Amer
icA.
His father, Leon Gerstnowitz, was be-
fore the revolution a prosperous manu-
featuring chemist in Odessa, a gold
license" merchant, who had the Cars
permission to live any place in the en-
pire, a privilege few Jews enjoyed The
son ran away to come to America when
he was 12 years old
He soon found his way to the stage and
from an association with Oscar Hammer
stein he graduated into the firm Comstock
& Gest and became the producer of the
most elaborate stage spectacles of the
American Experience" The Wan
derer," "Chu Chin Chow "Aphrodite,"
Mecca" and others.l
The New York herald., 1922-04-09

still conquering American friendship for
far away and troubled Russia. / frankly
believe that the Chauve-Souris Is more
responsible than any other single element
for the returning wave of sympathy for
the Russian people which is sweeping over
this country to-day, and which is taking
the form of all kinds of benefits and funds
to aid the starving millions and to back
up the splendid work which Herbert Hoo
yer and the American Relief Administra-
tion is doing America has a natural
kinship with Russia. Both countries and
both peoples are extremely democratic.
But through Misunderstanding and through
distance and blockade the two peoples
had been drawn apart.
To-day the bond of sympathy and under
between America and Russia is
being firmly knit together again. There is
a Russian fad in dressing. There is wide
spread interest in Russian art, in Russian
music, in Russian operas, in Russian liter
ature. All those signs point to renewed
sympathy and understanding. And the
should receive much Of the
credit for this change of heart. The
discloses the human, light
hearted Russia, the Russia that can laugh,
the courageous Russia that can laugh even
while loved ones at home are in distress.
wish every one who sees Balieff and his
artists could know how many food pack
ages each of the members of the company
sends back home every weekl
The New York herald., 1922-04-09

ater are starving!" That was
the distressing news that reached
me one day last November. 1t came in the
form OF cable from Moscow from Her.
bert Hoover's representatives in the Amer
lean Relief Administration. Arriving in
Russia In the late summer and fall, these
men had turned their hands first OF all to
the relief of the general famine situation.
When that work was under way they
found time to observe that some classes
we're suffering more bitterly than others.
And foremost among these classes were
the men and women and children Of the
stage.
Conditions Of operate and theatrical
artists" said the cable. Including stu.
dents In national theatrical schools and
conservatories in Moscow and Petrograd,
are appalling They are endeavoring to
The New York herald., 1922-04-09

Abovc--Kandaurova said to be the
most beautiful of the members Of the
Moscow Ballet. At top-The famous
Mikail Mordkin and his wife,
Margareta Forman, famous in
America as dancers, both reported
recently to be starving in Russia.
To the right of Mr.. Gest-
Mile. Alice Koonen in her famous
dance, "The Veil of Pierette," who
went without food for days until
Mr.. Cests contribution reached her.
Below her-The Great State Theater
in Moscow, the home of the ballet,
whose members Mr.. Gest saved
from starvation.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1922-05-16
CITY TO HAYENEW
P0LICEPATR0LAND
MOTORCYCLE IN USE
REQ Chassis and Harley-David-
son Motorcycle Purchased
by Board of Works.

In u days Mishawaka viii have
police patrol and 3 motorcycle
that will be as speedy ard adequate
as any in use in the west and viii be
prepared 10 cope with the many
hurried calls for assistance that have
been brought 70 them by the advent
OF summer. The board OF works.
with the approval OF the city coun-
ell. yesterday decided 10 purchase a
REQ speedwagon chassis upon which
is 10 be mounted the present patrol
body and a Harley Davidson motor
cycle. The cost OF both machines
viii reach approximately $500.
The purchase Of the patrol for
this city comes after an active cam
paign on the part Of every city Off
cial to acQuaint the citizens in the
last three months with the urgent
need for some new equipment TO
keep the high hating for protection
that this city has always claimed.
The opening of a plat Of land on
Lincoln way E. by George Laing.
presented by Atty. j. W. SCHNEIDER,
was referred 20 the city engineer.
= complaint from o. p. Smitty for
the removal Of a telephone pole,
used by both the Bell Telephone Co.
and this city. in front Of his garage
was also referred 10 the city en-
Eineer.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1922-05-16
TEMPLE.

Turn TO the Right" the most
popular comedy-drama OF the stage,
whose appearance was testified 10 by
millions Of theatergOers, has been
transferred 10 the screen and will
be seen today and tomorrow al the
Temple theater.
AS a stage play. Turn TO the
Right" made fortune for John
Golden who presented II for the
authors. wincheu Smith and John
r. Hazard. Keeping up this finan-
cial record a half interest in the
screen rights was sold TO Metro Pic
lures Corporation for a quarter OF
a million dollars. top price for any
motion picture production. The
screen version is presented by John
Golden and Marcus Loew. and is
Rex Ingram production. directed by
the creator. for the silent drama, OF
"The Four Horsemer Of the Apoca-
lypse" and The COnquering Power
II tells the story Of a county boy
who while serving a prison term I'M
justly becomes acquainted with two
crooks. Returning home he finds
the mortgage about 20 be foreclosed
by the village skinhint With the
aid of his two crook pals a way is
found 10 beat out the miser while
the influence Of the aged mother
leads the two crooks into love and a
better life.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1922-05-16
FIVE MEN UP FOR
HEARING IN LOCAL
CITY COURT MONDAY

Alphonse Cinetta was fined S25
and costs by Judge Raab in the city
court Monday on his plea Of guilty
20 charges Of intoxication. lie was
also given a 80 days suspended Jail
sentence. lie paid
Trlpolin Alkaschier was fined IS
and costs on his plea OF guilty 20 in
toxication.
I'd thinner was fined 81 and costs
for speeding.
Lowell Fredericks was fined IS
and costs for speeding.
Clarence Balzer Of South Bend
was fined SO and costs on his plea
OF guilty 10 the possession OF bass
out OF season. He paid total Of
SIS. Balzer was arrested Sunday
near Osceola on afidavits filed by
Warden Clarence Hardy.
The case Of the State vs.. Hipolet
Shout. charged with unlawful pos
session OF intoxicating liquor, was
continued until Wen esday
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1922-05-16
Skeleton of MdStOdOn
Unemthed IN Oklahoma

MALESTER. Okla. May Is
Farmers digging a ditch one mile
west of Canadian. Okla. have un-
earthed the skeleton Of a maStodon
which is nearly completed.
From. the nostril 40 the ear the
jawbone of the prehistoric monster
measures over three feet. A leg bone
just above the ankle. measured 16
inches in circumference. A row of
the animals teeth, in an excellent
state Of preservation. measured l.
inches and was five inches across
the base
A movement has been started b.
citizens 10 have the skeleton mount
ed and placed in the historical mu-
scum in this city.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1922-05-16
ARRESTED
FOLLOWING CHARGE
BY COMPANY LEADER
Joseph H. Ficsik Held for
Three Absences From Drill
Without Permission.

Pvt. Joseph II. Fucsik. a member
Of local company I, 152nd infantry.
was arrested last night and lodged
in the city Jail on military charges
filed by Capt. c. b. Hartwick, COM
pany commander.
Pvt. Fucsik IS charged with hav-
ine been absent from drill on three
different occasions without leave.
Hartwick stated last night that he
had been as lenient as possible with
offenders and that he intends to en-
sOrce the military rules Of the or
ganization which are laid down by
the federal government
Fucsill will probably be taken TO
Fort Benjamin Harrison the latter
part Of this week TO face court
martial before a L. s. army officer.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1922-05-16
MAKES GOOD
SHOPPING IN AUTO RACE

Ralph SlesSman. driving his es-
pecially built Roof Special car. was
the lone Mishswaka entry in the
featured auto races at Porter. sun
day afternoon. Hitting an average
pace Of IS miles an hour throughout
his drive. the AIishawaka speeder.
after the 1O-mile stretch. came uu-
der the wire second. Many OF the
best auto racers in the middle ives,
were entered in this race. the long
est drive on the program.
Slessman viii take his car. which
was built by the Palmer Garage Co.
and enter the races at Elkhart. Ind.
II is expected he Will be equally as
fortunate in Elkhart as at Porter.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1922-05-16
CLEANUP WEEK WAS
SUCCESS IN CITY
Committee IN Cbarcc of Work
Asks Citizens to Continue
Cleansing Process.

Committees working on the
Cleanup Week" activities which
were held here two weeks ago re-
rort much improved conditions over
those ~ a month ago. They have
pointed out that the cleaning up and
painting up was IN vogue almost
everywhere IN the city that week
and believe that few dirt spots re-
main
u 81 the desire OF the Cleanup
week workers TO have everyone con-
tinue the good work that has been
started. They offer the following
advise.
The idea and results OF cleanup
week are good. very good. as far a.
they 20. The trouble is they do not
go far enough. a more permanent
value could be attached 20 il. by ex-
lending not only the cleaning pro-
cess, bat keeping the streets and
yards clean throughout the remain
der OF the year. instead Of such e2,-
tensive action along those lines one
week in the year and letting rubbish
and dirt collect the rest OF the time.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1922-05-16

OF education will live 10 regret the
fact that II was they who viii be
held responsible for it" he said
Takes Up Battle.
Frank Reese of Forest av.. then
took up the battle against the pur-
chase Of the property pointing out
that the cut and dried proposition
had now narrowed down 10 the fact
that the play ground space anywhere
else would not be adequate He said
that the board had previously
brought up that point upon the
erection Of the Batteu school, but
later infringed upon it by adding TO
that school Both Councilman
Gamble and Schmitt spoke against
the project along with several other
speakers. who emphasized the fol-
lowing facts:
THAT the cost upon parents
forced TO send their children a great
distance TO school would In time
aggregate a much greater amount
than will be saved by the purchase
Of the property for the erection Of
a school so far from the center or
the city.
2-That II the growth of the city
If ever going TO be so great as TO
make the chosen spot anywhere
near the center of this city that we
are soon TO have a very wonderful
and large municipality.
3-That the city and citizens will
pay much money for the cOnstruc
ton Of pavements, the building Of
churches and clubs. and why not for
children so far
4-That the ground 10 be used as
a playground would only be avail
able in the fall and spring months
as winter and the summer vacation
would considerable shorten it avail
ableness.
5-That children would have TO
carry lunches with them TO the
school and that few parents favored
cold dinners for growing children.
6-That South Bend was facing
the same problem that now con-
fronts Mishawaka and that the pur-
chase Of the James Oliver home Sc
cured a location for them in the
center Of the city. That the same
might be worked satisfactorily here.
The common council in their first
meeting approved the issuance OF
bonds for the purchase Of real estate
to build a new grade school at the
Middleboro addition at the cost Of
$4,000. The property is TO cost
S3,700.
Bills for the amount Of s6.3SO.S3
were approved.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1922-05-16
JOHN III. WILSON DIES.

John II. Wilson, 712 Sarah ST.
died at the Healthwin hospital at 1
O'Clock yesterday after an illness OF
two weeks. He is survived by a
brother. Thomas Wilson, Of Ohio. and
a sister, Mrs Re0ecca Hucks OF
Denver. Colo. besides two sons.
James B. and Kenneth o., and two
daughters, Beatrice Evelyn and Lu-
cieI Maxine, all living at home.
He was born at Kewana, Ind, on
Dec 81. 1853. and moved to this
city so years ago. He has been
employed at the Dodge Mfg. Co. for
a considerable period. He was mar
ried in South Bend on June "a, 1899.
TO Minnie Scheidiger, who survives
him. Funeral arrangements have
not been completed.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1922-05-16
RECITAL AT PRESBYTERIAN
CHURCH

Miss EsteHa M. Jernegan, assisted
BY Mr. Haydy Owens. piano; Mrs.
Margaret y. Norporan. organ. and
Mrs. Violet Shy Parks, violin. viii
give "A recital at the First Presby-
terrain church, May II at S o'clock.
The high standing OF the musical
circle OF these artists Will draw a
crowded auditorium 20 what viii un-
doubtedIy be "A finished performance.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1922-05-16
BUILDING PERMITS.

William J. FELTON, for Julius Dutoi.
house on Ninth ST., Gaylor's second
addition $500
Ira r Ruth bungalow on z.
Fourth ST, $4,000
Ira Z. Ruth for Mrs. Kruger. two
story house on +. Fourth St. 81 500.
Hand Petersen. garage on Misha-
waka av. Z. to cost 81. 900.
j. T. Hatfield. garage at 913 W.
Grove ST.. to cost 5000.
Ralph w Gaylor, garage at 402
W. Mishawaka av.. TO cost $3.50.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1922-05-16
TAMARAoK LADIES AID MEETS.

The Tamcrack Ladies' Aid held its
regular meeting at the home Of Mrs.
Jane Squires Thursday. The scrip
ttre lesson was read by Mrs Gre
merit followed by a prayer by Rev
I. ]. Roger. Following the business
session luncheon was served by the
hostess. Twelve sick calls were re-
ported made by the members since
the last meeting. Forty-fve were
present. The next meeting viii be
held Thursday, June s. at the home
OF Mrs. Lloyd Brenneman.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1922-05-16

ing street improvement has been com
plefed
Grade and curb on Huev ST. from Lin
coin wav W. % Elwoed as fnder I'm
pr6vement Resolution SO. sci I'm The
City u South BEND. Indiana.
There is on file in che office ~ this
Board. and subject 90 public inspection.
an assessment roll which contains The
names OF an property owners who are
sub Sect o. assess meuf. description 90
the property 70 be assessed. and The
amount ~ each prima facie assessment
This Board. at its Office in the CITY Han.
VIII on the path day ~ May, 1922. 90 10
j. NJ receive and hear remonstrances
as 20 the amount 81 each assessment. and
viii decide whether the assessed lots or
tracts of land have been or viii be spe-
cially benefited by said Improvement In
the amounts named on said roll.
J.. Is. slaughter
T.. = Hardy
Albert +. Homer
Attested Veronica e.. Sweeney.
Clerk Of the Board
May15- 10 L Is ~ %
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1922-05-16
HOSPITAL NOTES.

Miss Hortense Sweeney. 222 y.
Lafayette St. South Bend, under
went an operation and is doing nice
"
The little daughter Of Mr.. and
Mrs. William Lumbon. 404 E Law
renee St. was operated upon during
Sunday night
Mrs. Ivo Van Wassenhove and son
have left the hospital for their home
ar SIS ". Sixth ST.