The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1923-06-02

whoever the peSsimiet was who
started the story that several Of
the railroads had decided to cur
tail their special train service in
connection with Shrine week, he
succeeded in doing but one thing
winning for himself the undis-
puted reputation Of being the
worst tipster In the Capital.
Contrary to the report that In
dicated that the railroads had de-
cided to reduce the number OF
special Shrine trains. circulated
today in hotel circles, the rail-
roads viii increase the number
of special trains.
This information was received
through railroad circles From
all sections of the country, but
especially from central western
and New England points, conven-
ton crowds will come in numbers
exceeding the estimate made by
passenger departments.
For this unexpected increase in
passenger traffic In connection
with the Shrine convention an IN
teresttng explanation is given.
The American public, It is said,
has suddenly lost sight Of the
great spectacular demonstration
staged by the Shrine as the one
incentive for visiting the city
during convention week and Is
coming on to see the Capital as
much as to witness the brilliant
features organized In connection
with the convention.
Thousands Of visitors are here
today. Many Of them arrived yes
terday afternoon. Evidence OF
this is seen in the crowds patron
tzing concessions. Practically All
OF the tented and big ground
shows are playing to capacity
audiences. It was estimated to-
day that last night more than
10000 persons took In the carnI-
val shows. Business has also
started up for the numerous oasis
where soft drinks are sold to he
found scattered ell through the
convention zone. This IL declared
by carnival men TO Indicate the
presence OF liberal spending
crowd which means that, SO far
as the Outside" attractions are
concerned, the convention assure
to prove big money event
Noticeable among the hawkers
are a score Of men who make
business Of following the crowds.
They are the professionals who
during the summer spend their
time at the popular resorts sup.
plying the novelties the holiday
crowd always demands. One CON
tingent deserted Atlantic City and
came down here regardless of
the resort just opening up for
the summer season.
Might better pick plums where
they grow in punches than where
You have to hunt plum trees"
explained one of the Atlantic City
hawkers. 1--WE are here for the
convention, and believe me, it's
going to be some big shuttle be-
fore its through"
Grandstand building took On a
new activity today when at many
points along Pennsylvania avenue
small stands were started. Re-
ports that the Shrine committee
had withdrawn more than 1000
seats considered undesirable be-
cause Of tree or shrubs cutting of
views tended to stimulate interest
in small stand building. Again,
it became known that the trans
portation companies were making
arrangements to increase their
service which mean even larger
crowds than had been ANTICIPATED.
In several instances it was re-
ported again today that grand
stand seats were being sold in
blocks. In some instances the re-
port had 1t that they were trans
ferred in lots of 500. It was said,
however, they were not being
bought up by spectators, al
though statements were made
that In some instances seats were
being held at $40 and higher.
Shrine officials, it is declared, are
using every influence to prevent
profiteering in seats.
Thousands OF children in groups
and squads have been viewing the
preparations made for the great
street demonstrations arranged
for by the Shriners. Today they
exhibited a partially for the
grandstands. Several Of the lat
ter along Pennsylvania avenue
have been little less than crowd.
ed by them at times. If left to
a Juvenile vote grandstands for
viewing of the pageantry Of the
Avenue would become permanent
features.
Ice cream vendors have awaken
ed to what they will face during
the time the convention crowds
are here. Special orders for IN.