davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1922-01-12
DOPEY DAN TABS A FEW BEATS
FROM THE HEART OF THE NATION

men. Harry ll"udini never cried wolf
in h life Hopping right hack int"
my own game In" time wasn't long
before i had n fresh stake, and after
waiting until I'd become better
aausint"d with Legitimate business
] made another dash. and today I am
happy to say that I'm the see me
department Of four separate and dis
tnrt corporations. pay 1000 income
tax to Uncle Sam every alnum. AMI
bats more. I've nAver checked out
my artistic temperament.
And hy the wa. Houdini paid a
siowin' tribute to our own great
heart the -n"tion fc'l S. He said
1t was here that he first broke into
the limelieht. and told how. some
thirtytwo years back. he took the old
out Of the same cell at the District
"a II that mad once held Charles
Guiteau, the slayer Of President Gar
field
Most people thought me bug"
said Harry. when ] made the boast
that no cell i'm yrHr jailhouse couid
hold me. They tried me out. how
ever, aud something happened that
day I've never forgotten. Arriving
al the jail. iieadkeeptr Fisher. !
think his name was placed ne in
t;uitsau's cell. ho!ted the door and
in the death row, I was out Of the
cell in less than FIVE minutes. and
just to show that m- heart was in
the right place | went to every other
door in the section. opened them all,
and when the keepers returned they
nearly threw seven kinds OF fits at
seeing sixteen condemned men roam
ing around the inclosIre. having the
time OF their lives! The story was
never published. but if there are any
at the Jail today who were there then.
| feel certain the% will vouch tor
what | am saying"
All Of which forces me to remind
them who are forever tryin' to ease
out of somethin' that there is not d
Houdir in every package.
thank you. DOPEf DAN.
Evening star., 1922-01-12
~ ". II. CI.A6l"TT.

Dear Folks
Every once aud so often some wag
or witty speaker takes shot at tue
SNUG. extra conservatism of our aN-
erage. up-to-snuf husiness men and
manages to get away with it. but
never have I saw this highly respect
ed class of citizeEr* receive sich Il
Jolt as Harry Houdini. the world :
slirperes, eel. handed the memhsrs'
of the Rotary club up to III" Ne"
Willard Hotel yesterday afternoon
AS the guest of our old friend ful-
and Robbins. Harr, was called Cn by
William Knowles cooper. pinch hit
tin for President Charlie Semmes. to
max a few ..--narns and huh-iicve
me. he made EN-.
Skiddin' briefly over thirty odd
years Of his truly remarkable ca :
rser. the human naught." who has
made every crowned mead OF Europe.
Asia Africa and yap think they had
the "willies," was expostulatin' to the
RotaYisns on what EIer" babes in
swaddlin clothes the great majority
Of actors, artists and genera: perform
ers were when il come down to busi-
ness You coulda heard pin drop in
the big hall as the 'wigg!er" told Of
his struggle ag'in adversely. his sue
cess in overcomin' all barriers and
finally how he'd accumulated u fair
size fortune and then lost it all in a
year.
O course. there wasn't man in the
inclosure who wouldn't have gambied
his last berry" that Harry was gonna
tell how he'd invested his life's saw
in's in some oil co:cern or old apple
orchard. but they had another guess.
IT'S short story, friends" con,in-
used the "escaper." Leaving my ar
ttstic temperament in the checkroom. 7
started out to meet the legitimate
business world face to face met it
and in twelve months | didn't have
4 cent
Clu;ckcr'n f1asr he followed up
his tale o. woe i:r add but. gentle
Evening star., 1922-01-12
KILLED AS AUTOS SKID.
Pedestrian in Philadelphia Pinned
Between Two cars.

By the Associated Press
PHILADELPHIA, January 12.-One
death and damage estimated at
thousands OF dollars. resulted from
the storm that swept through east
I'm Pennsylvania. southern New Jer-
sey and Delaware today. A pedes-
trian was killed here when two auto
mobiles skidded and crashed together,
pinning the man between them.
Telephone and telegraph companies
reported the heaviest damage from
broken wires.
The JERSEY coast was whipped by a
gale. reports from that section said.
that at times reached a velocity of
seventy miles an hour.
Many places in Pennsylvania east
of the Allegheny mountains reported
the heaviest snowfall of the season.
the depth ranging from eight inches
in the northern part of the state to
two inches in Philadelphia. Trans
portation lines in the northern part
of the state were interrupted and a
number of anthracite mines were
closed.
Evening star., 1922-01-12
CANAL BILL INTRODUCED.
Would Develop Channel From Lake
Erie to the Sea.

Claiming that, the new We!iand
canal. between Lake Erie and Lake
Ontario, has been recommended as a
link in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence
waterway to the sea by the inter-
national joint commission that has
heen in conference here for month.
Representative Chalmers of Ohio il-
troduced q bill in the House Yas.
terdsy calling for Improvement Of
the waterway by the United States
of a thirty-foot channel from Lake
Erie to the sea by bond issue,
guaranteed by the United States and
Canada. which can be paid off by sale
Of hydroelectrie power made avail
able for commercial uses by the I'm
provement.
The report of the commission has
been submitted to the State Dceart-
ment. but has not yet been made
public.
Evening star., 1922-01-12
ZONES HEADS TEAM
FOR HALL Project
Will Be Among Leaders Who
Raise Funds 10 Erect Con-
vention Building.

Col. E. Lester Jones Of the coast
and geodetic survey. resident OF
Washington for many years. and one
Of the organizers of the American
Legion, national and local. called on
Robert y. Harper today and signed
up as chairman Of one of the 100
committees Il at viii raise mimi
mum of $3.0a0 for the. new $500 0OV
convention hall. the construction o!
which 8 heing promoted by the 'hafn :
! Der OF Commerce and Merchants and
Manufacturers Association Mr.. Har-
per is chairman OF the joint commit
tee.
There is every reason in the world
why all citizens 81 ouid Immediately
take sn active part in bringing
Washington convention hall TO an I'M
mediate fruition." said Col. Jones.
''Thtse Of US who have had occasion
to endeavor to bring national conNen-
tioEs and national headquarters to
W. sbineton ,ealize only too well the
impos sihle situation that Washington
finds itself in by the lack of con-
vent.on nall.
Lack One Great Esscntinl.
"ka:sas city. the sctne o! me las'
Am.r.ciu Legion convention. is ad-
miraDiy equipped in the matter oi d
hall End there are many O.DeT titiFs
that ! can mention. but mont OF them
have the great attractions that tnf
National C.pital has. yet with ali OF
our nat onal ard civic beauties anc
vjtru,S g We lack the ono great fs-
sertiai for convention business. II
may al it. a suitable place to house
a roaven H..
Organization % the committee III
the project will be comnlcicd by the
clos. ~ he week. Mr.. Htrpe~ of tn.
Joint committee announced lasi night
Members OF the jon; committee he
iieve. it was said. that two weeks
OF rarrpa iguing will brn- spbs"rip-
;ions for the s3n0 coo Men and women
OF all walks of If" are reg stcrinc
ior the rampa isu that is being car
ried forward.
Mr. Evans "sigss Ip.''
Joshu Ev.ene. VICE reeiaent of the
Riggs Nationai Bank. was the twenty
fifth man 10 sign UP for the sales cam
paign Cor convention hall.
II am on Y too > lad to do my share
in this great work" Mr.. Evans advised
Mr. Harper.
Citizens deSirin" 10 head on"itteer
to raise the requisite sum of $1,000 mry
sign up with either Chairman A. "
| Harper or Secretary Charlie J. ColiIni-
bIs. ~ the office of the audi -orium
committee room 400. Star building.
! provided each apple mt measures up
/ TO the requirements Of the commit ee
instructions TO Gh2 irnIan Harper a;id
Secretary Columbus.
Evening star., 1922-01-12
SHIPS HALTED AT NORFOLK.
Vessels in Danger. But Escape Sc
rious Damage.
By the Associated Press


NORFOLK Va, January 1.-THE
Shipping Board steamer Western
Ocean, reported in distress earlier
yesterday. was riding easily at anchor
off Cape Lookout last night. As soon
Is the storm subsidies the Western
Ocean will proceed to Charleston for
bunkers. Bad Weather and engine
trouble were the cause of the steam
er's plight.
Indications are that the worst of
the storm had passed northward to-
ward New England. A few vessels
sailed from Hampton roads but most
of those scheduled to leave rem" iped
in port awaiting the passing of the
storm.
The submarine O-9 which started
from the Hampton roads naval base
for Guantanamo. met such heavy
weather off the Virginia capes that it
returned. Though there was no ap-
parent damage from the rough buff
feting the 90 will be placed in dry
dock for examination.
The Shipping Board tank steamer
.Watertown, from Tampico, dtschaFg-
Evening star., 1922-01-12
HUNDRED WOMEN TO ACT
AS TRAFFIC OFFICERS
Will Not Have Police Authority,
But Will Protect School
Children,

approximately one hundr I'd Washing
ton women within the reNt two weei.s
v''ii assume the task o ote"tirE chill
iren IN crossing streets near sehco
aou es. Capt. A bert J. Head'ey. chic:
of the traffic bureau. anHounc-l today.
They v:l not have no ice authority.
but viii wear white bands on their
arms They will station themselves at all
Intersections where schools are located
during the hours when the children are
going to and coming from their classes.
AT present, Capt. Headley pointed out
scores of mothers accompany their lit
tie ones to ard from school because of
fear that they will he knocked down
by vehices These women, headed by
Mrs. Ellis Logan, will endeavcr to re-
lieve parents of that apprehension.
Evening star., 1922-01-12
9(M|LE GALE HITS
NEW YORK SECTION
Much Damage Reported as
Wind Plays Franks on
Pedestrians.
By the Associated Press.

BY the Associated Press.
NEW YORK. January l2.-This sec
ton Of the country was iashed yes
terday by the worst gale of the VIM
ter-a gale that at 2 pm. reached
velocity of ninety miles an hour on
Sandy Hook.
Jshered in with snow that later
turned to hail and rain. the storm
buffe.ed New Workers without mercy
carrying many across slippery Slue-
walks and plunginS them face down
ward in sluShy streets. JmbrS'i'S
were torn ont of many hand. WIN
dow glass fell tinkiing into the street
mail package boxes were blown o,sr
and traffic generally h rmpered. Many
pedestrians were injured
Several tall stacks fell before the
wind One. eighty feet high, toppieu
in Trenton " j. falling on feed wires
that supplied tr;tctiun lines and tying
IN service for nearly two hours. \
chimney l25 feet tall crashed in
Brooklyn.
Harbor trafic was hard hit. "A
number of small boats we're blown
from their roor;nss ard incoming
liners were held at gu rantine by
high winds which made il Impossible
for health officers to board them. Inc
weather bure:u sent out the ilrSt iull
gale warning in many years.
Several bundled men. women ard
children. storm struck. APPEAL to
the municipal lodging hous- = for sue
cor. Preparations were made to sup
ply food and clothing I" I needy.
Many Freak Incidents.
Many freak incidents l.arned TIE
storm.
At Garden City. |. L.. Pilot {. r. ID.
Colver flying a mail plane from Ciere-
land and Chicago, reported he had
been unable to land. even though he
gave his plane the gas aud uoscd
her down almost perpendicuiariy. En-
countsring freak winds that SWirisd
up from the earth. Il 9 machine. nose
down seemed to hang for several mo-
ments dead still in air. Then the
pilot flew over HazrihurSt Field and
anchored his Sleet-CONe:ed snip by
laShing il to Il motor truck.
Tom Breen. twehty-three. despite
his best efforts. WAS blown INTO a
taxicab tina, stood nearby with it's
door open I'll machine took him to
a hospital. where he was treated for
severe contusions.
Wind borne missiles of various
kinds knocked several pedestrians
down oue. Anne La Cart. fourteen.
was killed by Il blow from limb of
a tree which had been wrenched off
by the gale.
Evening star., 1922-01-12
TALKS TO REALTORS.
John Barrett Also Shows Pictures
of Pan-American building.

John Barrett. former director
general of the Pan-American Union.
gave an illustrated lecture on the
Pan American building before mem
bars of the Washington Real Estate
Board at their luncheon this afternoon
in the La Fayette Hotel, 18th and /
streets northwest. Edmund ID. Rheem,
chairman of the luncheon committee,
presided.
Mr Barrett recently gave similar
lecture before the Rotary Club and
before the Georgetown Citizens Asso-
cietion. Interesting points in connec-
tion with the erection of the building
and it's history were given, and It's ap-
pFopriRtepess as q meeting place for
the conference on limitation Of arma-
ment was explained.
A rising vote Of thanks was offered
Mr.. Barrett at the conclusion Of his
talk.
Evening star., 1922-01-12
BRAVE STORM IN SEARCH.
Tank Corps Members Buck Gale
and Drifts in Hunt for Man.
Rr the Associated Press

Rr the Associated rress
DULUTH. Mimi, January 12.-Atter
bravius a thirty Ave mile hour
gale and bucking large snowdrifts.
four men and an officer of the Duluth
Tank Corps. Minnesota National
Guard were due TO reach Grand
Portage, $50 miles northeast, today to
assist in the hunt for James Maher.
missing Cook county commissioner.
The detachment left here last night
and will establish a base for an air
plane, piloted by Maj. Ray Miller of
the National Guard. who expected to
leave Duluth today. He will fly over
the vicinity of Cloud Hay. Lake Su-
perior. where Maher was last reported
seen more than two weeks ago, when
he left Grand Portage in an open
motor boat.
Evening star., 1922-01-12
BIG JUMP IN TRADE.

Total value of United States trade
with European countries probably ap-
proximated S3,3S0.600.000 in 1921
against $l,4ss,573,3S3 in 1918, accord
ing to statement today by the De-
partment Of Commerce. The United
Kingdom is still Americas best custo-
mer in Europe and In the world, the
statement said. while Germany has
risen to second place in Europe as
q consumer of American goods. Ex-
ports from this country to Germany
during 1921 exceeded by about S25,-
100000 exports to that country In
1918.
Imports from Europe to the United
States during 1921 were approximate
ly $1,000. 900 against 1854. .6SS.lo3 In
1918. American imports from France
slightly exceeded those Of 1913. I'm
ports from the United Kingdom were
slightly less than in 1913. while i'm
ports from Germany were less than
half the pre-war figures.
Evening star., 1922-01-12
INCORPORATION ASKED.
Women's Overseas League Mem
bers Before House Committee.

Miss Ialen ]. Day of the wyoming
apartment, who was an overseas can.
teen worker during the war. and Miss
Margaret Lambie. president of the
Warrington Unit Of the Women's
overseas League. appeared before the
House judiciary committee today,
urging that the league be incer-
perated. Both of these women told
of the work done overseas by the
women Of the United Statex during
the world. war and impressed upon
lowing the league to be incornorat ted
Three Washington women are
among the incorporators-Mrs Hor-
ace Anderson. Miss Day and Miss
Dorethea Denys.
Evening star., 1922-01-12
FERRY DRIVEN AGROUND.
Stranded on Reef Ten Hours Near
Baltimore-Arrive Safely.

T.: ic A>sor "d Psrs>
BALTIMORE. Nd. January l2-The
+ veiS!dc. a iJ2-tou vcSse used as a
terry between here and Love Point.
Nd. limped into port after laying on a
rec; in Chesapeake bay for ten hours.
The vessel lett Love Point at O'clock
yesterday morning for her two hou:- run
across the bay. and wnen night came
aud see had not arrived. Sc ;r..h was
Instituted 70; Thi.e it was believed
she was lost. SIX passengers and crew
Of six We're abo..d.
The worst iOi tilet:st storm in many
reiis visited this reg on. TIE weather
bureau baron t." fe | to ~ so, the 10 ~
est poiut r-to. dld lie G si, ce 1878.
Che apsa!.e ba, shipping wd. driven to
iii" teI and ;e fpho IL rvce virtually
W. .estr.cted TO tn U d"ryrounu s.rv-
ge. The IT. csfs ph co .ra: ies Wee re-
poi ted in better .ape. except ia vest
ern Marylaid. wher,. blizzard conditions
prCvai .eu.
Evening star., 1922-01-12
POSTAL RECEIPTS GAIN.
Washington Office Figures Com
pared With Those of 1870.

Postal recsipts of the Washington
C & post o;fice during December, 1921.
totaled s460.isl.S7. AS compared wit !
sil0.il7,6S during December. 1920. an
increase OF more than 12 per cent.
Receipts at the fifty largest posi-
offices of the country. in which list
Washington stands sixteenth. tetaiei
326,677.570 the past December ~
compared with S25.o0i.347 In Becem-
ber. 1920. Receiets Of the same offices
in December. 1915, totaicd $l4,25l,-
954S0
Evening star., 1922-01-12
;OFFERS THEATER SEATS
TO GIvERS OF CLOTHES
TO POOR OF DISTRICT

At the suggestion of one Of the
local charitable organisations, l..
Stoddard Taylor. manager Of the
sent to any one vino turn. in serv-
iceabe. cust-off sweater. overcoat or
Homan'S warm Co.L at the theater.
an orchestra seat free for the Sum
day evening performance OF Walter
Scanlan, in Irish Eyes" at the Shu-
bert-Garrick
Proper winter clothing is essential
for many out Of wo.k in order to
seek employment" prominent
chai.tab e worker tod Nj. Taylor.
Tie c othing donated WI; be dis
Il libuted through regular charity or
ganiZation channels.
Evening star., 1922-01-12
FOOD PRICES DROP.
Decrease # Q Per Cent in WasA-
ineton in Month.

Cos. Of food at retail in Washington
decreased !. per cent in the month fran
November IS to December Is. 1921. the
bureau of labor statistics announced TO-
day. At the same time II was an
rounced food at retail cost 81 per cent
more on December Is than the averase
cost In the yoar 1918.
During the month period there was a
decrease In the cost Of food In twelve
cities and an increase In two. In two
StheF cities there was no change in
food prices.
Evening star., 1922-01-12
coLoRED ASK JOBS.

A meeting to enlist aid in securing
employment for. 200 coiored women
and many men is to be held at Cos
mopplitan Baptist Church, n street.
between sth and 10th streets, under
the auspices Of the White Cross Free
Labor Bureau of America, Monday at
8 pm.
Rev. Simon p. W. Drew, pastor Of
the church and head Of the bureau,
stated today many coioYed men and
women have appealed 10 hin, for aid
in securing employment, while stu
dents Of the co,orsd high schools and
Howard University also desire en-
ployment after school hours.
Evening star., 1922-01-12
LEGISLATORS PUSH
MORAL MEASURES
Track Gambling and Liquor
Come to Front Quickly in
Maryland.
special D;a,atca to The Star.

ANNAPOLIS, January l2.-With
the committees If both branches OF
the Maryland Legislature completed,
lhore Was an adjournm. nj until next
Tuesday evening. II is probable
that there you'd have been a more
determined and successful effort to
.tart the busin, IS Of the session ex-
,ept for the illness of Gov. Isitchie.
Minor leaders hesitated to launch
the real matters Of imrortanc- un-
Ill the chief executive can be CON
suited.
Cheering news came from the gov
crnor mansion today. his physicians
r,atins that the danger Of pnHu-
monia has passed However, warm
ing is attached 10 the announcement
and nothing more is promised than
that he can hc seen for brief periods
next W oh by friends.
Favers Business Matters.
GOV. Rit.hie was par iruldr'y
-.nxious to Keep the purely business
matters of legislation to the front
aud To prevent a split on the moral
issues unit, after. the more import
ant matters Of the former kind had
been transa cted. To that end. he
made no mention at All of such sub
jects as prohibition enforcems mt or
race track gambling. Such is the
feeling. however. that these issues
are occupying the minds of irgisla-
!, .rs and the pubiir to the exc,usion
o: the constructive policies 30
.Enngly urged by the governor.
The bill to prevent race track GAM
bling has been introduced IN the sen :
ste BY Senator Bvrne of Dorch' ster
county. and in the house by Delegate
,fp p.,l 4 q L.
current enforcement act to aid in ca
erutins the eighteenth amendment rs
ais, ready. a ID active friends are on
hand to force action as suoa as pos
siblr.
Opponents of race track gambling
have already won two great tactcai
advantages. stephen Gambrill. the
most vigorous and able member of
the l,ouse, and strenuous foe OF the
gambling raeetracks. has been select
ed as foor leader of the democratic
ma jerity. while the bill in the senate
has been referred to the committee
oil finance. known to have Il majority
Of It's members in it's favor. 4 favor
able report Will give 1t big n.tiai
impetus.
Sennte Presidents Attitude.
incidentally. President Norris of the
Senate has been claimed by the enc
mics of race track gambling. HIS
reference OF the Dlll TO the nhanre
committee may be straw. 1t was
thought that il would go to the com
mittse on judicial proceedings, the
majority of which is in favor of the
tracks Al any rate. it is known that
the Senates presiding officer is no.
satisfied with the present regulation
OF the tracks.
Proponents of the anti-race track
gambling bill claim that il will easf-
" pass the house of delegates, and
are beginning to be more confident
about the senate. Recent claims are
that twelve OF the twenty seven
! members of the latter body are for
the bill and eight positively against
it. Seven are doubtful. but the help
of only two of that number would
make a majority. There is no ques-
ton at all that the friends of the
tracks and poolrooms are very much
worried as to the situation.
Evening star., 1922-01-12
||C0L. HAM IELLS.0F
| SOLDIERS HANGING
Only Two Executions at Is.
Sur-TiIIe While He Com
manded.

only two soldiers were hanged al
Is-Sur-Tille while he was in command
there. from March to July. 1919. Col.
Samuel V. Ham testified today before
Senate committee investigating
charges that soldiers had been put to
death in France without trial by
court-martial
Explaining how the orders to exc
cute the men had been carried out.
Col. Ham said they caused him such
personal regret that he kept them
from the knowledge of his staff for
day. The post chaplain was directed
to confer with the condemned men
while the gallows was being erected
and to remain with them constantly.
The military police were directed ito
throw Gordon around the scaffold,"
he said. and the mayor and town
authorities were asked to attend. Col
Ham added. however that nearly all
the French women and children In
the neighborhood were present.
How many American soldiers were
present." Col. Ham was asked.
Not over 400 or 500." he replied.
Il had endeavored to place the gal
lows SO that it would not be in public
view more than could be helped"
How many French there"
aDcuI fbb.
Watson Questions.
Serator Watson. democrat Georgia.
questioned the officer regarding the
first man hanged. a negro. at Is-Sur
Tile for murder and rape.
The only thing | was concerned in
was the mandate f ON the high com
mand." said Col. Ham. 81 WAS not
present at the trial.
The second soldier. white man
was put to death a month later. he
said There were 10000 men at camp
at the time. and by Col. Hams direc-
tion the cause of each hanging was
publicly stated from the scaffoid. as
warning that there must be law and
order
Convicted of Rape.
"The man hanged was convicted OF
the rape of a nine-year-old girl.
stiJ Cal. Ham. There was no other
hangin-s. no lynchings. al Is-Sur-
Till. wh l. | was there
Asked about the testimony of for
mer s'.'titrs that men in the Ameri
ran Army We're tried by French court
marta al col. Ham. speaking with
great emphasis. declared:
THAT is not possible.
col Ham also denied previous teS-
t:mnTy that here were more than two
han0inSs az IA s post.
Witnesses have ella lined they were
,f,'uid to report what they regarded
as shooting of .oidi.rs without cause
l. that true asked Chairman
:rand.rce.
Such 4 thing is inromprehensible
to NE" he replied. adding that all the
m II had been t"lH they could make
| 80" rlaints without fear of punish
ment.
Evening star., 1922-01-12
GETS DRINKING WATER
FROM HUMAN BREATH
TO SAVE LIVES At SEA

An apparatus which its inventor.
G.. W. Amhurst, Albany. N. Y, said
would transform vapor from the
human breath into water WAS
shown today to members of the
House merchant marine commit
tee, who Were tod that ship
wrecked sailors never would be
short OF drinking water IL they had
one OF the vapor transformers
with them.
Mr.. Armhurst declared his inven-
tion was as necessary on shipboard
as life belts. and urged that the
government adopt the contrivance
for use on its vessels.