Evening star., 1924-12-14

of terminals. location Of terminals
and terminal markings for dry cell
and B batteries; shape Of cartons
for dry cell A batteries; standard
tests to determine the operating char
acteristics Of A and B batteries, and
system of designation of types OF
dry cell b batteries.
These standards OF the battery COM
mittee have been adopted by tho
radio section as a whole compris-
ing the most important manufactur-
ers and dealers In radio apparatus,
and are now officially in effect.
German radio fans object to being
taxed, even "a marks a year, for the
privilege of listening in, and do not
take out licenses. So difficult has It
become for the postal authorities to
locate unlicensed radio sets that con-
siderable sleuthing is now necessary,
reports from Berlin state. All letter
carriers and even the chimney sweep
ing industry have been called to assist
the post Office In locating and spying
out unlicensed radio receivers. When
1T is realized that there are about
100000 unlicensed sets in operation,
and approximately 100000 In Berlin
alone. II Is seen that the authorities
are losing about 100000 marks a
year. Unlicensed reception is reported
as still growing and the government
Is striving to stamp out the practice
The enlisting OF the cooperation of
the chimney sweeps was a strategic
move on the part Of the municipai-
ties. since these master craftsmen OF
sometimes 20 years experience are
the privileged entrants Of every home
in their districts. Chimneys in Ger
many are the kind designed for Santa
Claus: that is, they are large and
readily climbed or entered from the
tops. Regular cleaning is part Of the
monthly routine, and the master
sweeps are appointees Of the munich
palities.
When the sooty Ieather-suited
sweeps and their apprentices appear
at the door the hausfrau Is practical
ly forced to admit them, black and
dirty as they are, for her chimney
must be cleaned. As these men cover
the same territory for years they
know every nook and Granny Of the
individual chimneys as well as Of the
general domici1es. During their regu-
lar work they have excellent oppor-
tunities to discover illicitly operated
receiving sets.
Seldom does the hausfrau have time
TO hide radio apparatus or take down
at the door. 1t is believed that
through the constant surveillance
OF the trusty sweeps unlicensed
radio sets will soon disappear. Post
men, too, keep an eye aloft for an
tennas, reporting also the receipt by
post of any packages believed to con-
tain radio sets or parts.
The German government also lee
lures unlicensed fans over the air
every night, advising them OF the
law, which confiscates unauthorized
use Of sets. Officials plan to broad
cast seizures, together with the name s
of individuals found to be evading
the radio law.
Evidently it takes a detective to de-
tect radio detector in Germany.
Radio does not hold the dignified
and useful position abroad that IT has
in America. and In some instances
radio apparatus is classed with the
felonious weapons Of cracksmen. bur-
glars and gangsters. Imagine putting
harmless receiving set in the same
list with the tools and implements of
the underworld. Yet this Is just what
has happened in British West Africa
BY an order OF the Gold Cost Colony
council "knuckle busters" better
known as brass knuckles, used by
thugs and toughs as weapons, and
wireless sets are classified in the same
category and placed on the list Of
prohibited imports. according to an
official report to the United States De-
partment Of Commerce.
Conditions in the radio industry and
in broadcasting have changed so ma