davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1925-02-28

placed in the declaration of the pres
ent royal commission, however.
1t is now stated that the cause of
the continuing inclination of the tower
is a trench at the base dug more than
century ago by the architect Gherar-
desca to enhance the artistic effect of
the construction. Water accumulated
in this trench and softened the soil.
The tower was built without founda-
tions. resting merely upon a circular
base of masonry planted only short
distnace below the surface. 1t is
recommended that the trench be filed.
If that measure does not cause cure
of tie continued inclination a proper
foundation is proposed.
Should it be determined TO construct
a foundation under the leaning tower
as it stands, the Italian authorities
may find in the records of the com
pletion of the Washington Monument
in this city data of value When the
United States Government took charge
OF this work it was found that the
foundation as originally planned and
executed was not adequate 10 carry
the structure at the full height OF $50
feet, and that, moreover. there was a
weakening due to the infiltration of
water from neighboring ponds and
from the river, which then rose at
high tide to the neighborhood of the
mound on which the shaft stood. 1t
was decided to remove the old founda-
ton and replace it with a new one
Col. Thomas Lincoln Casey of the
Engineer Corps of the Army was given
charge of this work, which he accom-
plished with such skill that the shaft.
then nearly onethird Of the total
height proposed, did not settle i'll the
slightest. 1t was Il stupendous work
The Pisan tower is 179 feet in height.
or about one-third of the Washington
Monument. It is. in fact, only a little
higher than the latter shaft was at the
time the foundation was replaced
Evening star., 1925-02-28
Editors Debate Effect
OF Beard on Mans Rule

due to the awe-iuspiring effect Of
flowing boards, suggests the San
Francisco Bulletin. Some men de-
void Of chins may have concealed the
fact by q mask of facial foliage, but
sooner or later their woman folk
found them out. There were hen
pecked husbands long before safety
razors, and, in fact, the term orig
mated in an age Of widespread whis-
kers. If anything, the habit of clean
shaving is conducive of the elmina-
tion of the chinless and spineless. II
gives a woman a fair look at her
prospective matrimonial bargain, and
though she may waste her afternoons
with lounge lizards when real men
are earning money, it is the real man
she chooses for a husband. The cake
eaters may buy her cake. but she does
not rely upon them as meal tickets
and home makers
THE British have a King. and that
King has a beard" declares the Bing-
hamton Press. But we have vet TO
meet any subject or ex-subject of thai
monarch who believes for d moment
that Queen Mary stands in awe Of
her bearded lord and master We
guess she can see through his whis-
kers."
"Since women have resorted to bob
bed hair. knickers and the major por-
tion of the masculine wardrobe" the
Akron Times observes, distinguish
ing marks between the sexes have all
but disappeared. A waving chiupiece
or a spreading pair of handlebars
would save much confusion and FIRE
quent embarrassment for both women
and men. That Whiskers can effect a
renaissance without desperate effort
however, is quite doubtful, A trail
ing arbutus that gets tangled up IN
typewriter keys, winds\ttsef around
Ford crank, interferes with the
view of the golf ball, muff1es ones
voice in a telephone transmitter and
increases the fire hazard from cigar
cites will have to fight hard for IA
vor."
Evening star., 1925-02-28
Voluntary Merger.

Yesterday the Senate passed with
out debate the bill providing for a
voluntary merger of the street railway
corporations of the District. This was
accomplished by the adoption of an
amendment, to meet the views of an
objeCtor to the terms of the measure
as originally drawn, by which the ap-
proval of Congress will be necessary
to effect consummation of any merger
that may be arranged. The bill now
goes to the House, where, despite the
congestion, there is a chance of pas
sage.
1t has long been evident that the
street railway corporations of the Dis
trict should in the interest Of the pub
lie, as well as the stockholders, be
combined into a single corporate or
ganization. Various measures to this
end have been proposed in Congress,
some mandatory and others permis-
sive. 1t has likewise been evident that
compulsory merger could not easily
be prescribed and effected, and that
the two companies could an equitable
basis Of consolidation be found. The
present bill provides for such an ANAL
gamation, and the Senate amendment
the public interest TO prevent a merger
which would yield a capitalization
inimical to the rights of the travelling
public.
The two street railway systems Of
the District, If united, would form
model equipment. They are at pres
ent widely different in their physical
and financial conditions. The Capital
Traction, with a smaller and more
compact track mileage, has an advan-
tage in a more concentrated patron
age. The Washington Railway and
Electric Co., with its larger mileage,
covers much territory that is now un-
remunerative, but has great potential,
prospective value. Save at a few
points there is no privilege of trans
fer, and at them transfers cost the
passenger a penny apiece. Under
unified ownership and management
the public would benefit in a greater
freedom OF transfer and now compare
lively unremunerative lines would be
made profitable.
Whether, if this bill should become
a law. a merger can be effected is to
be determined. But it can only be de-
termined through the enactment of
this measure. Whatever is accom-
plished under it must, as the bill now
reads. be returned to Congress for ap
proval. No merger injurious to the
public interest through overcapitaliza-
ton is likely TO receive congressional
approval. and it is obvious that no
merger can be effected save upon the
voluntary basis unless Congress takes
a chance with a compulsory measure
that must stand the test of judicial
review.
Therefore, the passage of this bill
is to be regarded as in the interest of
the public primarily, to forward con-
solidation which will permit a read
iustment Of values and, presumably,
a reduction of rates.
Evening star., 1925-02-28
The Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Whether .the leaning tower Of Pisa,
rated as one of the 'seven wonders of
the world" was built with the design
Of departure from the perpendicular is
a question which architects and stu
dents Of the past have debated for
some centuries with vigor. Some aver
that it was Intentionally constructed
out of plumb, others that after it had
been started on a strictly vertical de-
sign it began to settle TO one side, and
the architects continued the construc-
ton to conform 10 the change. Still
others are Of the opinion that the al
teration of the tower occurred after its
completion. But on one point there is
no question or dissent: The tower not
only leans, but it is leaning more and
more as the years pass.
Recently a royal commission has
examined this remarkable work with a
view to determine its rate Of departure
from the vertical and whether there
js any danger of its collapse. Its re-
port has just been filed. 1t indicates
that there is an increase in the angle,
and urges that measures be taken to
check the subsistence, which il con-
tinued will endanger the tower. The
inclination from the perpendicular is
now stated by the commission to be
4.21s meters at the top or 1882 feet.
This figure is in disagreement with
one given in an article in the Encyclo-
pedia Britannica, which places the de-
parture in 1910 at 16.5 feet, as against
l5.J feet in 1929. Confidence must be
Evening star., 1925-02-28
Makes Alfonso Hero.
Ibanez Assault on Spanish King
Gets Thanks of Dictator.

1t is difficult to write a good king
down, or, for that matter, even an
ordinary one. Blasco Ibanez tried il
on Alfonso XIII of Spain, and has now
received what amounts to the thanks
of the nation from Gen. Primo de
Rivera, head of the military direc-
torate. Ibanez, he AYERS, has made
the King a hero. If there had not
been an Ibanez, he further deposes, II
would have been necessary TO invent
one. The mistake the novelist and
pamphleteer made, ii seems, was
sending four horsemen out to do
job unworthy even of a single foot
man. He called the King monster
of tyranny, Every body knows thar
Alfonso is not monster of any kind,
for monstrosity implies bigness OF
some sort, and bigness has never been
associated with the Spanish King.
Besides. strange as it may seem il
this day, Alfonso has strong hold
upon the affection of the Spanish pco-
pie. The charge of the -Four Horse
men of the Apocalypse simply served
to strengthen it.-Philadelphia Public
Ledger.
Evening star., 1925-02-28

absence OF strong candidacy COM
Reichstag the President would be
named for another term.
Friedrich Ebert came into interna-
tonal view virtually from obscurity
in the reorganization of Germany fol-
lowing the E;mperor's abdication and
the establishment of the republic.
Nothing was known outside OF Ger
many regarding him. He had taken
no prominent part in any Of the pre-
revolutionary proceedings. He was a
harness-nl2 ker by occupation, worthy
tradesman of no particular political
standing. Indeed, so little was he
known that at the time of his election
his real identity was for a while in
question. Totally different portraits Of
him appeared in print. His was most
difficult task, and he has discharged
his duty with ability and fidelity. Evil
IDENTIFY he possessed the precise quality
needed in that difficult situation.
Ebert's death may be the signal for
the Monarchists to renew their ma
neuvers for ascendency. The German
republic. however, is substantially es-
tablished. Two distinct monarchical
movements have been checked and
their leaders have been punished. Re
Gently the former Crown Prince visit
ed the capital, where he was received
with some acclamation, but protest
was made by the republicans against
this manifestation. His movements
now will doubtless be closely watched
for any sign of a maneuver TO take ad-
vantage Of the death of the President
FOR another "putsch."
Evening star., 1925-02-28

American editors have been stirred
recently to deep retrospection and some
defense of the prevailing hiTsute styles
together with comparisons Of those
of earlier days through the discussion
of whiskers in an English magazine
by Arthur Ponsonby, member of the
British Parliament.
Among other things Mr. Ponsonby
said:
The whiskerlesS young men of to-
day are dominated by the girls and
willingly submit. 1t is most noticeable
in cafes and restaurants. Today you
will see the girl stride in with an air
OF mastery and assurance, her brirn-
less hat crushed over her eyes, long
cigarette holder suspended from her
lips. and behind her trots the little
man. She orders the meal, and if there
is any swearing to be done at the
waiter, she will do II. None of the
bewhiskered men of the old school
would permit anything like that
would they?
:: Y x =
Now that's deep stuff" remarks the
Lincoln Star, for a member or Par
lament to be pondering over. After
reading II over, most OF us Amerl-
cans will be forced to conclude thaI
the most charitable thing to be sald
is that at least one Englishman lacks
a sense of humor," However, the Fort
Worth Star-Telegram believes: Mr..
Arthur Ponsonby, distinguished Brit
isher. who has pondered the past
through diaries and is ACC ualnteu
with the present through It's poitlcs'
is To be heard with attention on So
ciaI changes. And when he chooses 10
write, with true humor, on the sishlt-
icance of the modern young women
= subiect which usually attracts trlv-
iaI tests and still less helpful de-
nurciation-there should be Few VINO
are not ready to cock an attentive
So with the attentive ear to MI
pnnsonbv the Philadelphia inquirer
goes in reminiscence to the epocn ol
"Ouida" and the author or Guy LAFinS-
stone" and reflects: "In those days Woih-
on admired whiskers at least they never
nrotssted against them How is il now?
The question is important, because, dis
suise it as they may, men want their
facas IN nlea se women. Even II they are
TO resume the role of conquerlng nero
thev will expect their self-esteem 10 De
fed by the captiveS or their DOW anu
smear This is assuming, to be sure, that
whiskers do make a difference, as MT
Ponsonby insists and perhaps IL Is peg
ging the question Even IN jest, tHe
|
ponsonbv would not have made his ter
rifying suggestion if he could have
glanced over the pages of a pictorial
history of the war between the States, or
if he had ever looked over an American
family album dating as far back as the
middle of the Gen. Grant period
X X x =
Samson, after he had deceived Delilah
three times as to the source of his
strength" observes the Buffalo Courier,
replied to her continued entreattes :
There hath not come razor upon my
head if / be shayen, then my
strength will so from me, and L shall
become weak and be like other men,
What happened is, as ono says history,
and also grand opera So far as we
know. interpreters of the past have not
designated it as the beginning of wom-
ans emancipation. Maybe they VIII
now"
THE subjection of women was not
Evening star., 1925-02-28
The Death Of President Ebert.

The death of President Ebert of
Germany, which occurred this morn
ing after an apparent turn of the tide
IN his illness toward recovery, causes
a situation which may have an impor.
tant bearing upon the political condi-
tons in Europe. Although his term
would have expired on the 3oth of
juno next, this sudden interruption of
service will nccessitate d new selection
that will cause an alignment of parties
III the Reichstag, for which provision
not have been chosen to succeed him
self but there was feeling that in tine
Evening star., 1925-02-28
SHOOTING STARS.
BY PHILANDER JOHNSON.
Silence Impossible.

The motor gong will loudly sound;
Electric cars will buzz around:
The ambulance Il din will raise.
When traffic cops avert delays
With whistle loud or lusty voice,
While on the sidewalk we rejoice
With trumpets and a lot of toys
Expressly built for making noise:
And nights with music shall be filled
Where all the world is gayly thrilled
Authority may lift voice
To bid men TRANQUILITY rejoice.
But who shall find quiet way
To greet Inauguration day
Evening star., 1925-02-28

make difference in receiving music
IT. Il.
A. The height of the aerial affects
the wave length and the distance
from which the receiver can pick W
| signals. All of the transoceanir
antennas are very high. Referring 10
| music from q nearby broadcasting
station, the height is nos so I'M
portant, but it does count if you wish
to bring in distance. Get it as hirf
as you can
.. Was Brigham Young ever d
yorced by any OF his wivcs?--G y
A. The nineteenth wife of Brig
ham Young, whose name was Am
Eliza, sued him for diverse, but II
was not granted, the court holding
| that her marriage was not lega
one.
@. How was the obeIisk in Centra
Park, New York City, brought to thc
United States?-O. NJ.
A. The obelisk was brought across
the ocean in the hold of the steamer
Dessouk, into which 1t was put
through the side.
@. Did Guiteau make moro thar
one attempt TO assassinate President
Garfeld?-C. S. L.
A. The statement issued by Dis
trict Attorney Corkhill says that
Guiteau came to Washington. March
S, 1881, determined to assasinate the
President on May IS, secured his
weapon on June 8, and followed the
President on several occasions. once
to church, before he found the oppor-
tunity he sought on July 2
Q. How much Of the electricity
produced in this country is produced
by water?-M. b. r.
A. In 1923. 35.I per cent of the
States was produced by the use ot
water power.
Q. Where is the Emmanuel Mis-
sionary ColIege?-M. NJ.
a. Berrien Springs, Mich.
Q. How many children are there
in schools for feeble -mnded?-T. G. T
A. In 1922, PA schools for feeble
minded reported a total enrolment
of $3.50.
Q. Do the Fiji Islands belong to
England X.
A. The Fiji Islands constitute
crown colony of Great Britain.
Q. Can the President appoint amy
one he chooses Governor of Hawaii.
or must the governor be an Hawaiian:
B. 5. T.
A. The Governor of Hawaii must
be il resident OF the Territory to
qualify for the appointment, but he
need not be Il native Hawaiian.
Q. Why was the Battle Of Bunker
Hill so caIled?-V II.
4. The battle was fought on
Breeds Hill, but the original order
oh {E
nearby. The name was derived from
the family Bunker, which owned CON
siderable property in CharlestoWH
! during the early period. Bunker HIN
was formerly a pasture belonging 10
this family.
@ What is meant by back gam
at chess. {. q.
A The continuance of a game or
| the strength of a hypothetical move
| Q. In the Middle Ages was ther.
not a special day of the week re
served for the coronation ceremony
D. a. F.
A. Sunday was the day always
chosen for this ceremony.
Q. Are there wild pigeons in the
| District?-A. c. H.
A. The Biological Survey says tina
there are no wild pigeons IN the DIS
| trict of Columbia, and the only one
| of this family appearing in this vi
| cinity is the morning dove. which
! builds its nest on the ground AND
! breeds in the early Spring and during
| the early Summer. The eggs of these
! birds are protected by law.
(Tf pott hare a question you tCGnt GJ-
! Sipered send IL TO The Star Information
| Bureau, Frederic j. HdSki1I, DirectOr.
| Ttoeaty- first aud c streets H0TthiUcSt.
! The only charge for this service is
cents IN stamps for return pOstGGe.)
Evening star., 1925-02-28
Wisdom Unattained

Human knowledge is a strange af-
fair" remarked the readymade philos-
opher. THE more we learn, the more
we are impressed with the immensity
of our ignorance"
That's perfectly true answered
Senator Sorghum; especially when
you take it in connection with some of
these investigations"
Evening star., 1925-02-28

In accordance with the policy Of the
present administration, Mr.. kellogg
will enter upon his duties with as few
words and as little ostentation as pos
sibIe.
Evening star., 1925-02-28
Taken Literally.

''I wouldn't marry you if you were
the last man on earth" said the girl.
"How could your" inquired Mr.. Sill
yoss very seriously. "If 1 were the
last man on earth there wouldn't be
any minister, or justice of the peace,
or anybody
Evening star., 1925-02-28

The power of publicity is shown by
the career of the handsome collie
whom nobody appeared to care for
when the dog catchers got him, and
for whom there were a dozen claim
ants when he was mentioned in print.
Evening star., 1925-02-28

Washington is prepared TO take care
Of a liberal number Of guests. although
so far as the outdoor demonstrations
are concerned it becomes necessary to
display the notice Standing room
only"
Evening star., 1925-02-28

Russian trades unions will be OBJ
served with apprehension by other
unions in Europe until it is understood
whether the object in affiliating is to
promote harmony or create discord.
Evening star., 1925-02-28

Conservative naval experts are in
many cases averse to any idea Of NOV
ing warfare out Of the ocean into the
air.
Evening star., 1925-02-28
Nonsense.

A little nonsense now and then
Brings sorrow into many a land.
When folks discuss with voice or pen
What they but slightly understand.
Evening star., 1925-02-28

As u naval man, Admiral Sims is an
old-timer who holds out for the most
modern ideas
Evening star., 1925-02-28

It is at least admitted that coast
bombardment by airplanes would
prove no idle sea serpent scare.
Evening star., 1925-02-28

Jud Tunkins says while you're put
ting one bootlegger out Of business he
is doing the same for dozens of better
men.
Evening star., 1925-02-28

Economic, said Uncle Eben, but
do it discriminaciously. Oar ain no
sense in begrudgin' oats to a winnin'
race hoss."
Evening star., 1925-02-28
Fortunate.

King Tut was very fortunate we say
Long centuries he spent
Content,
All safely housed, and never had to
pay
A single cent
OF rent.
Evening star., 1925-02-28

(If potI hare question yolC tCGnt G5s-
sipered send It to The star InfOrmd alton
Bureau, Frederic j. HdSkin, DtrectOT
Ttoenty- first aud c streets Horthi1eSt
The only charge for this service is .
cents IN stamps for return pOstaGe)
Evening star., 1925-02-28

A collection of sermonettes entitled
six Days of the Week" has recently
been written by Henry Van Dyke
There are more than 800 in all. Each
is about a page long and each is
headed by a-text from the Bible. All
show the Kindly wisdom, philosophical
spirit and appreciation of the practi-
cal Characteristic Of Dr. Van Dyke.
Evening star., 1925-02-28

Q. Does the height of the aerial
Evening star., 1925-02-28

Q. Are there wild pigeons in the
District?-A. c. II.
A. The Biological Survey says tha'
there are no wild pigeons in the Dis
trict of Columbia, and the only one
of this family appearing in this vi :
cinity is the morning dove, which
builds its nest on the ground aHd
breeds in the early Spring and during
the early Summer The eggs of these
birds are protected by law.
The Monmouth inquirer., 1925-04-02
Events That Concern the Two
Hemispheres Recorder So as
to Be Read at a Glance.
FOREIGN AFFAIRS EPlToMlzED
Paragraphs Which Picture Executive
and Legislative Activities at the
National and State
Capitals.
WASHINGTON

Attorney General Sargent an
nounced that antitrust will be
prosecuted whenever the facts war
rant Ten such cases are pending In
the federal courts.
. Persons found to have manipulated
wheat prices in the recent violent
fluctuations on the Chicago board Of
trade will be prosecuted, Secretary
of Agriculture Jardine announced. II
conditions warrant, the exchanges
license can be revoked by that depart
ment.
Frank w. Stearns, close friend Of
President Coolidge, accompanied by
his wife, sailed for Naples for a two
months vacation.
Contributions received through
American Red Cross Chapters for re-
lief of tornado sufferers in the Middle
West totalled sos, 1870.
An increase in duty may result In
a flexible tarif case where an inves-
tigation by the Tariff Commission
was based on an application for a re-
duction. The commodity involved Ia
potassium chlorate.
The T~reasury's plan for mapping
out It's tax program faces a change as
a result of the appointment of A. W
Gregg as Solicitor Of Internal Reve-
nue.. Mr.. Gregg succeeds Nelson T.
Harrison, the latter having resigned to
resume the practice Of law here.
The Monmouth inquirer., 1925-04-02
FOREIGN

Germany. virtually repudiating war
and pre-war loans. cuts 95 per cent
off value Of original issue.
Dictator Mussolini hailed by Ital-
Ian Fascist when he visits Cham
Der of Deputies In Rome.
Whenever she appears in public or
at official functions Queen Elizabeth
Of Belgium, wears a diamond diadem
to hide her shingled hair.
The Washington disarmament con-
ference has been indefinitely post
poned, due to reservations and conds-
tions made by the French and Japan
ese, says Bonsoir, radical socialist
newspaper of Paris.
At Forbach, France, fifty men
plunged 1000 feet to death when a
mine cage cable snapped.
Bona ide investors. who loaned
money t o Germany when she was q
symbol of financial wealth, and who
hold the old paper, would receive a s
per cent return If the issue is pre-
war and 2h per cent If the issue is
one foated in 1920, according t o a
proposal the Luther government
makes in a bill for the valorization OF
the securities. It proposes t o OK
change a stable issue of paper for dis
credited issues, which have a value
OF $14. 900, 000, 900.
The Commonwealth Government OF
Australia has ordered two subma'
rines to be constructed by vickers,
Ltd, in England to cost 2716.000.
The Russian Government has agreed
to exchange the two former Polish Of
fcers. Baginski and Wieczorkiewicz,
now held political prisoners, for two
Poles condemned to Geath.
Mohammedan and Christian Arabs
close shops as a protest against Ear
Balfour. former British Foreign Sec
rotary. on his visit to Jerusalem
Crowds gathered and addressed By
Moslem and Christian orators. but nc
/. violence was done.