Evening star., 1924-03-20
RADIO SHOW JAMMED;
THOUSANDS OUTSIDE
Popular Interest in Subject Proved
by Biggest Attendance at
Hall Since 1894.
Rox1E STAYS OVER TONIGHT
New York Entertainers Given 0va.
ton by Admirers Here.

The popularity Of radio in wash
ington was conclusively proved last
night, when 10000 persons jammed
opening night of the first annual ra-
dio show. and between 1000 and 5000
stood in line for several hours. hope
full of gaining admission.
Soon after the doors were thrown
open the big auditorium was filled to
capacity. About an hour later the
ticket booths were closed by orders
of Capt. Peck of the second precinct
and fire marshals. After S:15 o'clock
few additional radio fans were per-
mitted to enter the building, and the
thousands of persons who had stood
in lines three and four deep around
the outside OF the hall were denied
admission. 1t was the first time since
1894, when Moody and Sankey were
conducting evangelistic services at
the hall. that persons seeking admis-
sion had to be turned away.
Roxie Again Tonixht.
Those who were fortunate enough
to get into the building remained
throughout the evening in order to
see "Roxie" and his gang from the
about 1920 o'clock when the troupe
of vocal and instrumental artists. led
by the famous radio impresario,
reached the hall, where they were
given a great ovation by the immense
throng: The concert given by the
Capitol Theater troupe was typical
of those broadcast every Sunday night
by WCAP and WEAF.
"Roxie" and his gang will give
the final concert in Washington at
~ 10 icrh q
after which they will return to New
York. Fifty per cent Of the proceeds
of the radio show tonight will be
turned over to the "Roxie" fund for
soldiers and sailors at Walter Reed
Mount Alto and the naval hospitals.
Special Admission Arranged.
So great was the crowd last night
that few Of the visitors had an op-
portunity to view all of the numer-
Gus exhibits on display. An equally
large crowd is expected at the show
announced today that those who have
purchased tickets in advance will be
admitted Immediately and not forced
to stand in line as was the case last
night.
District Commissioner Cuno Fl. Ru-
dolph, chairman of the board of Dis
trict Commissioners, officially opened
the show with words of welcome to
the exhibitors and stressing the pop
ularity of radio in Washington. Com
missioner Rudolph estimated that
there are at least $4,000 radio receiv-
ing sets in use in Washington.
Fred S. Lincoln. general chairman
of the committee in charge or the
show. introduced Commis ssioner Ru-
dolph. and paid glowing tribute to
Mr.. Stern. the show director. and
William P. Boyer, president OF the
Radio Merchants Association. under
whose auspices the show is being
held.
Service Ideal Upheld.
"This show" said Mr. Lincoln, "is
the visible evidence of the desire OF
our local radio merchants to openly,
frankly and honestly assist the pub
lie with it's radio problems. To that
end only manufacturers of the high
est types of equipment have been in
vited to participate with US. These,
together with the federal govern
ment, some private organizations al
lied with the radio. industry. and
others are showing the latest achieve
ments thus far developed"
Other features last night were
concerts by the United States Army
Band, the Wilson Normal Glee Club,
phone solos by Master Henry Gold
stein. The music was carried to the
throng by loud speakers scattered
throughout the hail.
While success was anticipated by
Mr. Stern and other officials of the
show, the opening crowd far ex-
ceeded their expectations and most
have been at radio shows in New
York, Chicago and other cities said
that the Washington exposition
eclipsed them all.