davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1923-08-11
ITALY TO GIVE Up
UTILITY OPERATIONS
Phones to Be First Turned
Back to Private Ownership,
Says Minister.
by EDGAR ANsEL MOwRER.

BY Cable to The Star and Chicago Daily News
Copyright, 1928.
ROME, August 11-A start will
soon be made in the fascist program
of returning public utilities to pri-
vate ownership. beginning with tele-
phones according to a statement
made today by Signor Giovanni CO.
lonna di Cesaro. minister of posts
and telegraphs under Mussolini.
Our telephones are nearly the
worst in the world" he said. "Ex-
cepting Russia. no civilized country
has so little telephone development.
AS to quality, our telephones are
even worse. Telephoning in Italy Is
a Christian and spiritual exercise in
divine patience. More than 5000 viii
lagos are without any telephone
connection. The blame must be laid
indirectly on the state. When. years
ago. the state took over the tele-
phones it found a great part of the
material ready for the discard But
that material is still being used. The
reason is that the state has not any
money to give for bringing the serv-
ice to date. calculate that
1.6O0.0n0.o0O lire must be spent before
our telephones are equal to the best
OF other countries.
Offers Three Reasons.
profit on telephone service is
slight and would be nil if We counted
the wear and replacement. The three
advantages of giving them back into
private hands are: First. service will
terprises must give better service
than state-oWned: second. the Serv-
Ice will be modernized; third. the
telephones will paw the state larrer
sum in taxation than they now offer
as profits"
How far have you gone toward
turning over the System?" he was
asked.
Now Seeking Bids.
We have providNd all interested
companies with adequate irforma
tion on which 70 base their bids and
make their conditions. for we wish
guarantee of adequate service. With
in eight months our wireless service
also will be given to private initiative
Two new stations and high power
connections with the world, especially
with North and South America,
Cesaro answered.
How far have YOU gone with the
telegraphs2" was the query.
II myself believe that the state Will
relinqutsh control of all but the main
lines. The telegrarhs are run by the
state I great and increasing loss.
put we HldN HidlHtdlh 'oHti'i oi '.ie
main lines for other reasons, the
minister replied.
Believes I'm Private Ownership.
"Are you not afraid that the same
influence which prevented the resto-
ration of the railroads to private
hands will intervene here?" the writer
incurred
The railroads were already being
ceded when jealousy between rival
business interests forced the state to
retain them" he said. But I hone
the state will relinquish at least the
smaller lines to private operation.
believe there is almost nothing the
state does that cannot be done better
by private initiative"
The final decision concerning tele-
phones will be made at the cabinet
meeting the last of this month
PLANS MINISTRY CHANGE,
Evening star., 1923-08-11
MEMORIAL SERVICE.
Favorite Scriptures of Dead Presi-
dent to Be Read.

Memorial services in honor of Pres
ident Harding will be held at Fifth
Baptist Church tomorrow night. The
late Presidents favorite Scriptures
will be read and his favorite hymns
sung, and brief addresses will be de-
livered by Prof. Clyde Greasy and
DR.. John E. Briggs. Miss Gladys
Price will sing. At the morning serv-
ice DR.. Briggs will preach on Good
Cheer" Rev. Beecher Rhodes Of
Norfolk. Va, will preach August 19,
and Rev. o. B. Falls of Bamberg, s. c.,
August 26.
Evening star., 1923-08-11
Harding Made
Last Front Porch
Speech 3 Yrs. Ago
By the Associated Press.

By the Associated Press.
MARION, Ohio, August 11.-Last
rites over the body of President
Harding yesterday lacked two days
of being exactly three years since he
first left his home in Marion as
the presidential nominee of his
party.
His first speech away from the
famous front porch here was de-
livered at Worthington, Ohio, a
small village between Marion and
Columbus. In that first address
away from home he made q plea
= for greater understanding"
Evening star., 1923-08-11
WORLD CRISIS, TOPIC.
Subject, From Bible Standpoint, to
Be Discussed.

The Present World Crisis and Its
Significance" from the Bible stand
point Is TO be the topic of j. f.
Grimes of New York city. at the Me-
tropolitan Theater at IL o'clock to-
morrow morning. Mr.. Grimes has
travelled extensively as a lecturer on
biblical subjects.
The service has been arranged by
the local branch of the International
Bible Students Association, of
which the late pastor, Charles T. Rus
sell. was president from the time of
Its organization to his death, in 1916.
Evening star., 1923-08-11
BIBLE HALL MEETINGS.
Interest Growing in Services at
9th and E.

The meetings at Bible Hall, 9th and
E streets, are growing in interest
Last Sunday night fve men were
converted at the meeting. An evan
gelfstic service is conducted every
night and a prayer service each week
day at noon.
Tonight on open-air service will be
held at Franklin monument, 10th
street and Pennsylvania avenue.
from to 10:15. Bible study classes
are being formed to start in Septem-
her.
Evening star., 1923-08-11
SEEK TO STABILIZE
BELGIAN CURRENCY
Financier Reported in Paris At
tempting to Get Loan to Stop
Falling Franc.
By the Associated Press.

BY the Associated Press.
PARIS, August 11.-Belgium is much
concerned over the fall of the Belgium
franc, which is now quoted at only
one-fourth of the par value. According
to Brussels financial correspondents Of
the Paris newspaper. III. lie Preux, vice
governor OF the National Bank of Bel
gium, came to Paris unannounced and
completed arrangements with Paris
banks to open a credit Of about 500, :
ooO 900 francs to Belgium for the pur-
pose of stabilizing the Belgian franc
quotation.
Evening star., 1923-08-11
ABYSSINIA SEEKS
LEAGUE MEMBERSHIP
Preparing to Send Delegation to
Geneva if Admission is
Accorded.
By the Associated Press.

BY the Associated Press.
GENEVA, August 1.-THE Abys-
sinnian government has sent a formal
to the league of nations
for admission to membership and IL
will be submitted at the next meet
ing of the assembly
Abyssinnia is preparing to send a
delegation with full powers and
ready to act if admission Is accorded.
Evening star., 1923-08-11
VISITOR TO PRESIDE.
Rev. F. T. Holland of Buffalo, NY.
to Conduct Services.

Rev. Floyd Talmadge Holland. pas
tor of the Fillmore Avenue Baptist
Church. Buffalo, n. Y. assisted by
his wife, is to conduct services to-
morrow morning at the District
workhouse, Occoquan. Va, under the
auspices of the Central Union Mis-
sion. They are also to hold an open
air meeting at 7 pm. at 7th street
and Louisiana avenue.
At 7:45 pm. at 434 10th street,
Robert c. Covel, president of the
Christian Endeavor Union, is to
speak.
Evening star., 1923-08-11
TANKER PAWNEE FLOATED.

LONDON. August 1.-THE Amer
lean tanker Pawnee, which grounded
at Nidingen, Sweden, has been floated
Benjamin Brewster and has arrived
at Gothenburg under her own steam,
says: q message to Lloyd's today.
Evening star., 1923-08-11

sojourn in China in the interests Of
international good will.
He was educated at Amherst Col
lege and Andover Theological Semi
nary. He entered the Congregational
ministry In 1882 and served as pastor
of churches in Littleton. Haverhill
and Boston, in Massachusetts; Detroit,
Mich, and Brooklyn. N. Y. In 1894
Amherst College honored him with
the degree of doctor of divinity. From
1910 to 1913 he was moderator of the
Congregational National Council of
the United States. Since 1906 he has
devoted his entire time to the World
Alliance for International Friendship
Through the Churches. DR.. Boynton Is
the chairman of the management
committee of this alliance.
Evening star., 1923-08-11
ISMET PASHA HAILED.

By the Associated Press.
CONSTANTINOPLE, August III
Ismet Pasha arrived yesterday from
Lausanne, where for several months
he has been engaged in the pourpar-
lers which led to the signing Of the
treaties with the allied powers and
the United States. He was acclaimed
by the populace. The city was elab-
orately decorated and beflagged, and
last night there were special illumi-
nations in his honor.
Evening star., 1923-08-11
HALL MISSION MEETING.
Rev. NJ. r. Japhet Will Preach
Sunday,

Rev. Mr.. Japhet, who is active in
evangelistic work, is TO preach at
Hall Nia;ion. 623 Louisiana avenue
northwest, tomorrow afternoon at
2:30 o'clock on The Grace OF Cod"
The attendance at the Hall Mission
meetings during the summer, it is
stated, has been satisfactory. ::
Evening star., 1923-08-11
WILL CHOOSE MINISTER.
Successor to Rev. P. A. Cave to Be
Selected.

A preacher to succeed Rev. p. A.
Cave, who recently resigned as min
lister of H Street Christian Church,
is expected to be selected at a social
and Fellowship meeting of the con-
gregation next Wednesday evening.
A musical program is to be given and
refreshments will be served.
Evening star., 1923-08-11
Post Will Teach
CalUaryChurch
Bible Students

Calvary NJ E. Mems Class will be
taught tomorrow morning by Louis
F. Post. former assistant secretary
of labor.
The Mems class of Mount Pleasant NJ.
Evening star., 1923-08-11
PLANS MINISTRY CHANGE.
Mussolini Would Consolidate Four
Into One of Communications.
BY the Associated Press.

BY the Associated Press.
ROME, August 1l-At the next
council of ministers, it was ascer-
tanned yesterday, Premier Mussolini
will propose the formation of a new
ministry of communications" incor-
porating the ministry of posts. tele-
graphs and telephones and the min
istries of railroads and mercantile
marine.
Evening star., 1923-08-11
TO PREACH OLD SERMON.
Evangelist in Pulpit at Columbia
HEIGHTS Church.

The sermon tomorrow morning a
the Columbia Heights Christian
Church, The Believers Blessed
Hope" is one in which thousands of
people have renewed their allegiance
to the Lord. Evangelist Bob" John
son of Chicago is to preach.
Evening star., 1923-08-11
never MISSES CLASS.
Ralph Holtzman Has Fifteen
Year Sunday School Record.

Ralph Hoffman, an employe of the
United States patent office and son of
Mr.. and Mrs. E. H. Hoffman of Lu.
ray, Va, has not missed one Sunday
in attendance at Sunday school dur
ing the past fifteen years. In the
nine years he has been employed by
the government he has not lost a day
from sickness
Evening star., 1923-08-11
TO SUPPLY PULPIT.
New York Man Will Preach Here
Six Weeks.

Rev. DIR. Lewis Hartsock, pastor of
St. Andrews Nj. E. Church, New York
city, will occupy the pulpit OF Foun-
dry Methodist Episcopal Church dur
ing August and the first two Sundays
of September.
Evening star., 1923-08-11
TO GIVE LAWN FETE.

Crusaders Glass of Christian
Church to Entertain Thursday.
The Crusaders class of young wom-
en- of the Sunday school of the Yer
mont Avenue Christian Church will
give a lawn fete and social at the
church next Thursday evening. The
arrangements are in charge of Mrs.
u. Amann. DIR. Wilmer Souder is
teacher of the class.
Evening star., 1923-08-11
REV. L. S. BROOKE TO PREACH

Rev. l. S. Brooke of Milford. Mich,
will occupy the pulpitTof the Eastern
Presbyterian Church tomorrow morn
ing and evening in the absence Of the
pastor, s1t
Evening star., 1923-08-11
TO ADDRESS BIBLE CLASS.

Mai. George V. Triplett will address
the All-Comers' Bible class tomorrow
at >s:45 am. A special musical pro-
gram is arranged.
Evening star., 1923-08-11
DR.. DARBY TO PREACH.
Will Occupy First Presbyterian
Church Pulpit.

Rev. Dr. w. l.. Darby, secretary of
the Washington Federation of
Churches, will occupy the pulpit at
First Presbyterian Church tomorrow
morning.
Evening star., 1923-08-11
PEACE CROSS SERVICE.

Roanoke Pastor to Conduct Meet
ing.
The preacher at the open-air serv-
Ice at the peace cross in the grounds
of the National Cathedral tomorrow
afternoon will be the Rev. Earl NJ.
Block, rector of St. Johns Church,
Roanoke, Va.
Mr.. Block will also preach at St
Margarets Church, Connecticut ave-
nue. and Bancroft place. at the II
o'clock service tomorrow.
Evening star., 1923-08-11
EPISCOPAL SERVICES.

Preachers Assigned at st. Alban's
Parish.
Rev. Mr.. Johnstone will have
charge of the services of st. DaTid's
Chapel, Wisconsin avenue, of st. AL
bans parish. Rev Mr.. McClintock
will officiate al ST. Albans Church.
assisted by the Rev Mr.. Purdue.
Evening star., 1923-08-11

Whale sharks found in the Indian
and Pacific oceans often attain a
length of sixty feet, but are quite
harmless.
Evening star., 1923-08-11
LECTURE IN AUDITORIUM.
Garnett January to Speak on "De
sire: A Quest for God"

Garnett January will lecture in the
Unity Auditorium. 1926 street
tomorrow evening at 3
o'clock on Desire: Quest for God"
Tuesday, at pm, Arthur P. Buck
will give the third lecture of series
on THE Keys of the Golden Thread"
the subject being The Key of the
Commonplace"
Thursday at pm. will be the reg
ular healing meeting conducted by
Garnett January. Friday at pm.
is q healing service of forty minutes.
Evening star., 1923-08-11
OPEN-AIR SERVICE.
Rev. Manly Cobb to Conduct Meet
ing Near Mount Vernon.

Rev Manly Cobb. assistant priest a
the Chapel of the Good Shepherd will
conduct the open-air service at the
Holiday house of the Girls Friendly
Society, near Mount Vernon, tomor-
row afternoon at 3 o'clock.
Evening star., 1923-08-11
DR.. whitley RETURNS.
Vermont Avenue Christian Church
Pastor to Preach Sunday.

Rev DR.. Earle Wilfley returned to
the city this week and will occupy
his pulpit at the Vermont Avenue
Christian Church tomorrow morning
and evening. Special musical num-
bers will be rendered at both services.
under the direction of William Z.
Braithwaite.
The Washington times., 1923-12-21
DRIVER OF RUM-LADEN
WAGON FINED SIS

Arrested December IS, after his
horse and wagon had collide1 with
an electric light pole at Maryland
avenue and street northeast. there
by revealing five gallons of corn
whiskey in the wagon, George Bern
ard Williams, COlored. 4O3 Four.and-
a-haf street southwest pleaded
guilty to transporting when he was
arraigned before Judge John p. Nc
Mahon in the United States branch
Of Police Court today, and was SEN
fenced TO pay fine of SIS or serve
fOrt%-tlVe days in Jail
Testimony was to the effect that
Williams had been hired to take
some packages to Bennings and that
Whlle en- route, the horse became
frightened and ran away. The wagon
crashed into the electric light pole
and then careened into a parked
automobile, throwing Williams out
on his head. lie had gone 10 the
hospital when police from the Ninth
Precinct arrived. This statement
was verified by a long scar on his
The Washington times., 1923-12-21

The late corners have made a big
gain on the center Of misfortune and
restitution established in the recOr Is
OF the Good Fellow Exchange of The
Washington Times, but while they
have pushed 1t back, a lot OF mop
ping up remains to be done, and the
Good Fellows who have not gone
into action should do so today
100 Appeals Are Left.
More than one hundred appeals re-
main to be placed. They are from
families and individuals in all sec
tons of the city. A number of them
are from aged couples looking for
ward to Christmas baskets to pro-
vide the feast which should be en-
joyed in every family circle on
Christmas Day.
Then there are many deserted
women with little ones depending on
the Good Fellows to provide, not
only the Christmas dinner, but what
the little ones are expecting. firmly
convinced that they will not be dis
appointed-toys. In these cases the
demand for clothing is general.
One day more remains in which
these cases can be taken over and
provision made to meet the demands
Cont ued ON Page 2. Column p
The Washington times., 1923-12-21
JURY FINDS
TIERS
GUILTY
Woman's Screams Fin Court
As Verdict Is GiVen-Face :.
2O-Year Sentence.
international News service.

NEWA YORK, Dec. 21.-Ernest
Vetter, middle-aged clerk, and
Marie, his young wife, were found
guilty in Queens county court to-
day of first degree manslaughter
for the killing of Lorenzo J. Storey,
Mrs. Vetter's former admirer.
Screams in Court.
The verdict carries a sentence of
from eight to twenty years.
Mrs. Vetter nearly collapsed wnen
she was found guilty. Her screams
filled the courtroom, causing great
confusion and disorder.
The jury recommended mercy.
Under this recommendation Judge
Humphrey announced he can make
the sentence anything from a day
to twenty years.
AS the jury announced the verdict
Mrs. Vetter fell back in her chair.
Vetter Hangs Head.
"Oh, Ernest, we didn't mean to do
it-you know we didn't. Why won't
they believe u.s." she cried
Vetter said nothing, but trembled
and his head hung down. Both were
assisted from the courtroom.
Mrs. Vetter's condition prevented
sentence being imposed Immediately.
She continued her screams in Jail
and physician was called 70 treat
her.
Said He Attacked Her.
Storey was beaten to death at the
Netter home early one morning last
May. He had been invited to the
house by Mrs. Netter to convince
her husband that she had broken
off all relations with him, she said.
But. according to the Vetters,
Storey tried to attack Mrs. Vetter
and the killing followed.
The Washington times., 1923-12-21
FOX IS GUARDED
FROM MOB
At COURT
Ku KIux KIan Slayer May Be
Attacked, If Cleared, Of
ficiaIs Are Told.
By B. v. STURDIVANT.
International Nexva Service.

ATLANTA, Ga, Dec. 21.-Rumors
of probable violence in case of an ac-
quittal for Phil E. Fox today
prompted court officials to station
heavily armed emergency guards
throughout the crowded courthouse.
Fox, Ku Klux Khan editor, is on
trial for his life after Staying Attor-
ney w. S. Coburn on November 5
last.
The fate Of Fox is in the hands
of the jury.
In charging the twelve men Judge
G. H. Howard declared there was
no half way grounds-that he was
guilty or not guilty of murder.
Three Verdicts Possible.
AS a result of Fox's plea for
acquittal on insanity grounds, the
burden of proof rested with defense
lawyers, he explained, and not with
the State. They were required to
prove beyond a reasonable doubt
that the slayer was insane and ire
Sponsible for his actions.
Only three verdictS were possible.
Conviction without recommended
.tions for mercy meant death by
hanging under Georgia laws. Con
viction with recommendations for
mercy carried with it life imprison-
ment.
The only other alternative was
acquittal.
Jury Lacks Power.
AS result of the manner in which
Fox was placed on trial the jury
had no power to incarcerate him in
an insane asylum. Defense attor-
neys refused to intimate what his
plea might be until the trial was
we'll underway, thereby FORGETTING
rights for an examination by q Stare
lunacy commission. Had he been
found insane by this it would nave
meant the asylum, as State laws pro
hibit the trial of mental unfortu-
nate.
Thousands crowded the courtroom
early today in anticipation of hear
ing the verdict. At the prosecution
table sat Mrs. Coburn and her daugh-
ter. Zoe, of the slain mans family.
Only a few feet away was Mrs. Fox,
pretty young wife of the defendant,
who has been at the side Of her hllS-
Since the trial began State at
torneys maintained that Fox had Il
definite motive for the shooting,
growing from strife and dissension
within the Ku Klux Khan. The
slayer was editor of THE Night
Hawk official organ of the "in-
visible empire" under the rule of
Imperial Wizard Hiram w. Evans.
Coburn was an active lawyer for the
William Joseph Simmons faction,
which was overthrown and lost con-
troll of khan affairs several months
ago.
The Washington times., 1923-12-21
ATTACHMENT PREVENTED
BY RESTRAINING ORDER

Justice Hitz, of the District Su-
preme Court, has granted re-
straining order against the John II.
Wilkins Company. Inc, to prevent
the suing out in the Municipal
Court of an attachment before judg-
ment against the United Candy
Company, which made the plea that
it's Christmas business would be
seriously crippled without the inter
Vention of the court.
The Winkins Company has
brought suit against the candy con-
Germ for $50S.O8 alleged to be due
on open account. The candy firm
claims that it relied on an alleged
promised extension of credit. and
its business would be seriously af-
fected if an attachment was laid
against it during the Christmas
rush.
The court will hear the wilkins
concern January 4 to show cause
why a temporary injunction should
not be granted.
The Washington times., 1923-12-21

Boy Sends Coolidge
81 For Harding
Memorial

President Coolidge today re-
ceived the following letter from
Reading, Mass, in which was
inclosed a one-dollar bill.
Dear Mr.. President: l am a
Reading school boy and my
Uncle Lou Fleetwood says /
should contribute to the Harding
memorial fund, so just thought
/ would send it right to you as
I want to be one of the first
Massachusetts, boys to send their
bit.
II met you and Mrs. Coolidge
at one of your receptions. l
guess Uncle Lou thinks / felt
stuck up when / told the kids
about me shaking hands with the
governor, and I would like to
shake hands with you as Presi-
dent, but l guess it's too far
away.
81 wish you and Mrs. Coolidge
and your children a happy
Christmas"
The letter was signed George
Floyden, 112 Ash street, Read
ing, Mass.
The Washington times., 1923-12-21
SMOKE SCREEN PROVES
TOO THICK FOR POLICE

A dense smoke screen from a
bootleg machine proved too much
for two pursuing policemen early
this morning and the car escaped.
although at no time did it's speed
exceed twenty-five miles an hour
After chasing the machine for
about q half mile Policemen Sanders
and Lineburger, of the Tenth pre-
cinct, said they could not see where
they were going, and gave up the
oh
The Washington times., 1923-12-21
PINEY BRANCH LEADER
OPPOSES FIVE-CENT FARE

The Districts Commissioners stand
against q scent fare for Washington
was Endorsed today in a letter re-
ceived by the Commissioners from
Edgar B. Henderson. president of the
Piney Branch Citizens Association.
He said:
II am glad that you have the good
judgment and courage to make an
adverse report on the proposal to re-
duce street car fares to cents.
$50 many civic organizations have
passed foolish resolutions on the sub
ject in the light of the cost Of such
transportation service at the present
time, it pleases me to learn that you
have shown the futilty of such pro-
posal under existing circumstances"
The Washington times., 1923-12-21
DIES FROM BEATING GIVEN
IN POOL ROOM ARRAY

Beaten on the head with a cue
stick during a fight in a pool room
at 1905 Fourteenth street north
west yesterday. Leroy Pryor, col
ored. thirty-fiVe, died at Freedma n $
Hospital early this morning.
A colored man is being sought
on a charge of murder in connec-
ton with the death.
The Washington times., 1923-12-21
LEV|AT HAN
RUNS On
Giant Liner Lost Way in New
. York Harbor-Being
Nosed off.

NEW YORK, Dec. 21.-The
giant liner Leviathan went
aground off Robbins Reef this
morning.
Ship Lost Her Way.
The steamship was inbound to her
pier. She sounded her siren for help
as soon as she lost her way and a
score of tugs went to her assistance
Some of the tugs. with tow lines,
tried to draw her off the reef, while
others nosed at her bow.
Is Not in Danger.
The ship is in no immediate dan
ger. Her passengers crowded the
decks as tugs worked to free her.
The Washington times., 1923-12-21
FOUR YALE MEN HURT
WHEN AUTO HITS WAGON

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 21.-Four
Vale students were injured today
when their automobile crashed into
a milk wagon on a steep grade in
Narberth, a suburb. The injured,
taken to a hospital. are: l.. o. Re-
mig. of Griswold. Iowa; H. Kirley,
Case Hotel. st. Louis; B, Beck.
Evanston. ILL.,, and l.. S. Lewis, of
Haverford, Pa Lewis was driving.