davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-12-27
Unappreciat ted Kindness.

Kindness is not always rewarded.
Sometimes the elderly man or woman
for whom the motorist courteously stops
his car to let them pass rewards him
with a malevolent glare. and sometimes
the person for whom the pocKctbook ot
sheaf of papers is retrieved on windy
dav grunts inaudbly begrudging
thanks. A young man In Indianapolis
has had the doubtful privilege OF being
the recipient Of the most peculiar form
of appreciation for kindness on record,
walking with three companions. this
lad observed an old man confused bt
traffic at a busy intersection. 1 VIII
go ahead and help the old fellow across
the street" he said, and approaching
the stranger he offered him his arm ana
piloted him safely through the tra1tlc.
when they reached the opposite euro
the considerate young man was re-
warded not with thanks or indifference
hut with a bullet through the heart'
dronping dead on the sidewalk. the
old man was promptly arrested ana
could give no reason for his act.
r. has often been said that there Is
lack of respect among the younger gen.
Grafton for its elders. This is to be de-
plored, but few rewards like that &C
corded the Indianapolis boy, or even
some of the milder forms practlceo py
nersons who have no sense OF apprec'a-
ton, furnish the only extenuation tha'
could be granted youth. In many cases
vouth is anxious to be courteous ana
considerable. but. unfortunately, IL Is
often snubbed for its pains.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-12-27
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
BY FREDERIC J. HISKIV.

q. How much excelsior win . cord
Of wood rnake?-C. q.
A. II Is estimated that one cord ~
excelsior wood will yield an averaz. ~
1000 pounds Of excelsior. Horsv.r
this often varies from 1850 ~ ? .Gn
pounds per cord.
O. In auction bridge should N.
dummy place his trurnps on IN. .shls
before the first lead has beer made
w. NJ
A. No. No cards should ne .1,..
until the first lead has been mad.
@. Please list some Of the p!se., q,
natural beauty located in YVES, w.
giMA-M r.
A. $3.50 d list would include r,cb
places - Ssn1R Focks. HAWKS Sss,
Grandview ~ Mountain. P,rn,rle
Rocks. Lost Pitcr, Organ Cave. Troa1s
Rocks. Greenbrier Gap. the Fails .. ne
New. Kanawha, Tygart ard HIackrs,aY
Rivers, and the Valleys Of the G-ss1-
brier, South and MeadoF Brarr1
Shenandoah. Potomac ard Ohio.
Gcn Robcrt +. Ire sai4. "ra.
thrroU1h td"c1tion ~ peopI~ IL ne
most effc1cGOus means n pron1ot,r1
the prosperity o. the E1tior =" T5e,e
Uords 81 the djstin0utshed r9y.Eeyy
general Gre none the 1ess true ro.o
thrr 1chen he spoEe them cg,
Warrington TnformGsion Rgyeca q,
one Of the greatest GOencies FIR .Ss
djstribution of free tnforp4,.or mi
educational DATA in the -rrv11 ~,
serric|s are free to reqders ~ .b.,
Dnp1r. All you nred ~ IN - serd
Jour query, together nth 2 cer., .,
stamps for return postage. 414-e,,
The Erfnin1 Star Infornr1t.1r Ry-so,f
FTFderic J. HGskin, Director. Wash.
inQton. D. q.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-12-27
THIS AND THAT
by CHARLES r. TRACEWELL.

, that, but It cannot make up for lack
of cultivation, lack of fertilizer, lack OF
water when badly needed. Even ma
| ture, prodigal nature. Is unable to force
roots through stone in most instances.
or to cause plants to do well II too
closely crowded. or If grown close to
rank-growing vines.
These are some OF the factors which
every home gardener. whether flower or
vegetable might profitably muse over
In this holiday time.
| n II n
While the bright Christmas wreaths
and other decorations are around us. 1t
! Is interesting to speculate what flowers
will be given the honor positions on
the front and back covers OF the forth
coming catalogues.
! The secdsmen must arrive at this
| through their conventions. for often
enough most OF the annual catalogues
feature the same flower. One year 1t
was the aster.
Last season the scabiosa appeared on
| the front OF many Of the catalogues.
This Winter we expect to see the dahlia
prominently displayed.
The Summer OF 1927 brought forth
some Of the most beautiful dahlias in
| the history of Horticulture. Even anna
tours not particularly interested in the
dahlja were forced to admit their
beauty
The splcndor OF color and the ire
mendous size attracted the attention OF
even the indifferent, so that next Spring
will witness the planting OF thousands
upon thousands OF tubers by those VINO
never grew this flower before.
Then, too. there are fashions In flow
ers as in everything else These vogues
come and go. no one knows exactly
why. except that they are aided. ma
turslly enough, by the various flower
associations.
"dahlia year"
| At this time. too. the gardener NAV
| find it profitable to consider calmly what
| may be termed the essential flowers.
First of all. there are roses.
The world has never seen. and PROB
! ably never will. a better flower than the
rose. for the perfectly good reason that
nature never grew one.
| I.ilacs are elementary garden factors.
| No shrub is prettier. and none pos
sesses such a flower or fragrance. The
| smell of the lilac Is the very fragrance
OF Spring
peonies are vital. Their gorgeous.
uneoualed blooms come home to the
soul
| Petunias are indispensable. as ar"
| zinnias. One may not have MANY OF
either. but should have both OF them
| to some extent. They make any garden
better.
A few irises strike the early color
note for those who may not consider
| the tulip a garden essential The tulip
is beautiful but hardly comes within
the category Of which we speak.
| To be essential flower must be an
indispensable element in the garden.
without which the garden is not as
complete as with 1t.
Perhaps every gardener will have his
own ideas as to what Is essential and
what Is not: few will question. however
the place OF the six mentioned. Time
| has made 1t secure.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-12-27
A Full Confession.

Hickman, the kidnaper and slayer.
has come through" with the full story
of his horrible crime. Details OF his
confession are too gruesome for public
print, but the document. as far az DIS
closed, brings out clearly the fact that
Hickman engineered alone the entire
esaastly affair. and that the kidnapping
and killing OF little Marian Parker VIII
no down in history as one OF the most
revolving crimes ever committed. Gre
dencs was never placed in this fiend's
story OF an accomplish. II was typi-
ealiy fl!msy alibi Of a trapped feion.
and It was freely predicted that sooner
or later Hickman would come clean.
persons OF his iik have neither the
imagination nor the mental faculty 10
manufacture and stick 70 a plausible
defense. and the confession, made TO OIL
ficsrk O! the Los Angeles Police Depart
rnent az the special car was pounding
oyer the rails toward the scene OF his
crime, was not unexpected.
Throughout the Nation the pubic "sf
eistee when news Of the capture Of one
Of history. most dastardiy criminals
vas broadcast The public now awaits
with equal intensity OF interest the re-
assuring news from the jury room oil
conviction and the grave pronounce
n.snt o. the presiding Judge. You snail
be hanged by the neck until dead.
Then, and then only. will the American
public be satisfied that justice has beer
done
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-12-27
UNITED STATES
IN WORLD WAR
Ten Years Ago To-day

Official Washington Is cold To Teu-
ton peace offer and there is little like
iIhood that the President will modify
his attitude toward the central powers.
Presidents plan for Govern
ment operation OF railroads causes rail-
road stocks to soar and stirs UP widest
trading In rails witnessed In many
years. Railroad men and
iinanciers welcome Government owner
ship at this time as guaranteeing a re-
turn on the capital investment,
United States cavalfymen. pursuing
raidlng band OF MeSicans across the
Rio Orande, kill 10 OF them, Officials
hear they are inspired by Germans and
draft evaders south Of the border
One Of the heaviest air raids
ever attempted by Austro"0ermans on
Italian front comes To grief when nearly
half Of 4 fleet Of - airplaneS Is de
stroyed with an extensive list Of killed
or wounded, = Germans launch
two violent assaults IN Vefdun sector
after heavy sheliing but are beaten Mt
by French, leaving many dead behind
them Using Russia as a club
the central powers hope 10 force the
allies IN enter peace negotiations,
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-12-27

O. At what age do oysters yield the
best pearls?-R. p. r.
A. Oysters yield the best pearls at
about four years Of age.
O. What do the French call radio?-
d. w.
A. They speak Of the T. 8. r. This
stands for telcgra phic sans fills, which
means telegraphy without wire.
@. What kind Of tree is the smallest
in this country?-S. s. d.
A. The Alpine willow, which does not
exceed six inches in height. is the
smallest tree in the United States.
O. What per cent Of the business Of
this country Ia done on the installnent
plan?-L. J. J.
A. The Chamber of Commerce OF the
United States has estimated that the
amount Of installment sales has
reached the sum Of about IS 900 900 900
annually. II also estimates that II per
cent OF the entire amount Of consumer
goods sold at retail are disposed Of in
this manner. The Farmers Loan &;
Trust Co. estimates over three billion
dollars worth Of automobiles, washing
machines. vacuum cleaners. phono-
graphs. furniture. pianos, tewelry and
radio apparatus are sold on the INSTALL
ment plan.
@. Are the members Of Congress US
ually natives Of the State they repre-
sent?-K. G.
A. Members of the House OF Repre-
sentatives representing the Southern
States are usually natives or at least
born south Of the Mason and Dixon
line. Western members very frequent
ly are chose who have come from other
parts OF the country and aided in up
building the younger States.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-12-27
Death in the Cell.

No blame, IL would appear, attaches
D. the police III IN. sixth precinct sta
tion house for the suicide Of prisoner
IN q cell yesterday afternoon. The man
had been arrested IN the morning for
Information and Wa held during
the Day. He Was VISITED from time W
time. Al about fiYe-thiFty O'Clock he
asked for q drink u water which was
gwen 10 him. Ten minutes later one oi
the members Of the precinct staff went
10 the cell U observe him and found
him hanging from b beam by his belt.
which he had fastened securely enough
H. hold his weight when he Jumped of
his cot he was dead when found.
In some previous cases Of cell suicide
. there has been negligence IN not main
sfslnins q eIoss enough watch over
,D.lsoneys some persoHs held uedss 81"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-12-27

rest have died from disease. due to the
long lapses Of time between visits.
Strict rules now require frequent rounds
of the cells, and 1t is evident that they
are observed faithfully. In this case the
unfortunate man would seem to have
been possessed of a determination to
end his life, and he watched for his
chance craftily. The only way in which
he could have been prevented from the
deed would be to keep him constantly
under observation. II is not feasible to
station a policeman in front Of each
cell for such a purpose as station houses
are now constructed.
This case. however, emphasizes the
need Of frequent inspection OF the
station house cells, under the prevailing
rules. It is not safe to remit in vigi-
lance. The prisoners are often in a
deeply respondent mood and should be
protected from the reaction Of Self-con-
demnation and shame as far as possible
In the ideal station house the cellroom
should be so constructed as to permit
a full view of each compartment from a
central position. so that every inmate
may be held under unremitting observa-
ton by single guardian. Many of the
police stations in this city are old and
Of obsolete design Even the newer ones
are built according to a pattern that
does not permit such supervision. 1t
would be we'll to consider the adoption
Of a general plan of construction that
will reduce the chances Of death in the
cells during periods of observation.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-12-27

What better time than the magic
period between Christmas and New
Year to consider what many feel to be
the most wonderful time OF the year,
the outdoor gardening season?
Very soon, now, the annual seed cat
alogues will begin to arrive. This Is an
annual blow that pleases millions. one
bearing harvcsts OF mental Joy.
A scedmans catalogue. many be-
leve, is outside the regular category or
such publications. Here Is an old
friend from ones favorite house, bear
ing colorcd invitations to the great out
Of doors.
What colors, too!
Surely no tomato ever grew quite as
large or quite as colorful as this one.
but the honest scotsman says his do,
and one is forced. nay. Is willing, TO
take him at his word.
Calm reflection tells one that his own
garden will do we'll II II presents him
with tomatoes half that large next Sum
mer.
Yet. anticipation. in a forgiving
frame of mind. whispers that one VIII
} be able to do quite as we'll as the pic
turc that the scotsman is truthful To
the last detail. that he simply knows
how better than most
n X
After all. the knowing how" is a
great factor in any occupation. is 1t
not?
One cannot impugn the veracity OF
the seedsman's pictures without ilrst
knowing Just how the grower did 1t.
1t is only natural that the producer
would take picture of the largest to-
mato that he could find on his vines.
and certainly only just that the artist
should make as fetching painting as
he could.
In like manner, manufacturers OF
baking powder portray various bakery
products in all the glowing colors they
can. as samples of what can be done
with the aid OF their product:
Here in the street car ad, for m
stance, one has a chocolate layer cake
that causes every mouth to water. Such
cakes, every one knows. are baked'
there can be no doubt Of it.
The hungry male. making his way
homeward. sees the painting OF a bowi
OF cream OF pea soup, and AFTER ne
gets there nothing will do but that the
maid be sent to the grocery store for
can of the product
The gentleman has tried that very
soup before but he cannot get that
tempting green color out OF his mlno.
It haunts him.
Cream of pea soup. yum. yum, he
SAYS. smacking his lips. Il must have
come OF that for dinner"
u
II the home gardener could only do
as the seed house does!
II he could have such rich soil. to
begin with. and II he could fertilize 1t as
we'll. he might be able to raise sucn
tomatoes as are pictured on the cata-
logue covers.
Too often both the desire and the
ability to grow banner crops are lack
ing. This would be we'll enough. II the
gardener would not complain OF poor
results.
Yet nothing is more common than
that the amateur gardener expects too
much OF his seed or plants. Nature Is
wonderful. there can be no question OF
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-12-27
praying Motorists.

Two automobiles were in COLLISION
an the Black Horse Pike in New Jersey.
Roth drivers were taken before re-
corder to explain the accident. One OF
them asked permission to pray Tor
divine guidance as to the fixing OF
blame. After listening to the prayer the
other motorist, deeply impressed
walked up and asked to shake hanos'
and the two erstwhile belligerents
strolled amicably out Of the courtroom
arm in arm.
It must have been some episode such
as this which brought about recently a
"pray instead of pay" accident pre-
vention week in Denver. Instead OF
being arrested for traffic offenses. motor
lists were sent to church for their sins
But. strange as it may seem. Denvers
praying week was not success from a
traffic standpoint. and was soon aoan-
doned in favor OF sterner treatment OF
offenders. The New Jersey case. how
ever would seem to bear out the theory
Of praying motorists, but in the ma
iority OF cases. when 1t comes right
down to hard facts. 1t would appear
that the only persons who have neeo
to pray on the streets nowadays are the
pedestrians.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-12-27
More Psychological Cost.

The Census Bureau announces an
estimated population for Washington o.
$40 900. But this figure was arrived at
rs of June 80. 1927. and today it is
nearer $4,000. The latest actual head
count made by the Census Bureau was
In 1920. Basing annual increase in
population on the average annual in
crease between 1910 and 1920. the esti-
mate for washington's population in
1925 was 497, eo6. figure which ex-
ceeded the head count by the Police De-
partment. which set II at 472,012.
While these are at best estimates only.
they supply, nevertheless, an index
which has been proved trustworthy and
shows Washington's growth. II has
been a healthy growth, originating IN
normal conditions and due TO no arti-
fetal stimulation. 1t has not been I'M
vieldy, but has been absorbed by the
city from year to year without undue
stress or strain.
One of the interesting phenomena
noted in the growth Of cities, however,
is that larger populations not only IN
crease, as would be expected. the cost
of municipal maintenance. but at the
same time increase per capita cost.
Since 1920 washington's population has
increased more than 100000. In 1922
the District Commissioners were antici-
pating for this current fiscal year
budget slightly in excess OF 5000 600.
The estimates for the next fiscal year
already point to budget in excess OF
SAC, ooo, 600. In the same period the as
sessment Of Washington realty has in
creased more than 100 per cent. with
tax rate that has followed rising, in
stead Of falling, curve.
The latest census estimate places
Washington as thirteenth among the
cities of the United States, thus moving
II ahead of Milwaukee, which now re-
verts to washington's position Of four
tenth city in 1920. It is interesting to
note. however, that while Washingtons
population exceeds that Of Milwaukee.
Washington's average weekly bank
clearings are s27.53o. 900, as against
Miiwaukees s44.o4s, 900. a comparison
which affords interesting contrast be-
tween the money circulation in an In
6ustrial and a non-industrial city.
Increased population, OF course, has
not alone accounted for the sharp rise
In the cost Of municipal maintenance.
In the years since the war many dollars
have been spent which should. in nor
NAL conditions. have been spent during
the war. The city has not only been
caring for the larger needs OF larger
population, but has been making UP Tor
things which could not be done during
the war. But the population is always
growing, and the needs OF the city VIII
increase from year to year. Per capita
cost OF washingtonians for their cafy
and their Capital viii likewise increase.
This cannot 60 ahead indefinitely.
Every day brings new evidence In sup
port Of washingtons contention shat
its fiscal burden must be scientifically
and equitably distributed. Every year
Of 6elay will bring more hardshipe.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-12-27
Meter Readers, If Dry Spies,
Would Travel Difficult Road

out selling to others. Is held to be a
matter outside the sphere OF enforce
ment. Unless gas readers witnessed
actual sale. the alcoholic content OF a
cellar would be none OF their business
under Federal law" The Boston Tran
script advises that III the object Of the
present tactics is to enhance disrespect
for law. II may prove Overwhelmingly
successful" and that iii the Govern
ment seriously intends to enlist the
public utilities among the forces o.;
prohibition. it should announce Its
policy frankly and note the popular re-
action"
The need Of FAR wider public senti-
ment than now exists In favor OF OBJ
servance and enforcement" Is seen by
the Columbus Ohio State Journal. but
that paper believes that Ito create an
army OF spies. to poke around the Gel
lars and attics OF private citizens. in
stead OF increasing the volume OF sup
porting public sentiment. would reduce
1t very greatly"
With a different view OF the matter.
however. the New Bedford Standard
states: Suppose. instead OF finding n
still In the cellar. he found counter
IeltlTlk OutilI~-Wpuiu IIr pc uetiuuiiCCus "a
he reported that. for doing police work,
and being a snoop and spy? The oues-
ton answers itself-of course. he
wouldn't"
Referring TO Rhode Island legis-
lator who spoke heatedly OF the rights
OF the people to be secure in their
homes" the Worcester Telegram asked .
But is a still-equipped home secure
at the best? So many home stills blow
I'D while In operation. or blow up their
beneficiaries after operation, that double
as to the security prevailing must exist"
And the Telegram raises further aues-
ton: And can the Identification OF
mysterious apparatus as still by one
of those meter readers who read l.
change Of. say. $ll,S2 into a happy
home which has been vacant for the
month of the reading be regarded as
evidence sufficient TO convict Can Fed
erai authority feel confident that meter
readers. having read both meters and
stills may not mingle the two charges
so inextricably as TO render their disen-
tanglement task beyond even the
powers of the 100000 or so clerks In
the income-tax division7"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-12-27
SHOOTING STARS.
ny pHfLANDER JOHNSON.

Day After.
Twas the day after Christmas Inc
turkeys a wreck.
The sleigh Of old santas far-distan'
speck.
The presents enliven the girls and the
boys.
Though pain in the tummy quite oiten
annoys.
The dinner was good, and, with manner
sedate,
We first asked blessing, then cordially
ate.
Twas the day after Christmas. Inc
doctor drew near
And Strengthened us out for Happy
New Year
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-12-27

the same effect of monotony as de-
pendence upon the old stock.
After all, the important thing is UNI
derstanding. and while there may be
some to deplore the use Of inelegancies
and vulgarisms there will be no indict-
ment of either the British or the Amer
lean people on the score of verbal
vagrancy so long as they make their
meaning clear. Yes" is a very i'm
portant word in any language, and II
its substitutes are adequately significant
they will pass muster.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-12-27

A commentator on colloquial Eng
lish. writing recently from London, has
called attention 10 the fact that the
word yes is gradually disappearing
from the speech of both the British
and American peoples. The decadence
Of the simple direct affirmative In
Western speech has for some time been
noted, hut now IL appears that In Eng"
land, TOO, this word Ia becoming oh
soiescent. Home observers OF speech
tendencies have marked the substtu-
ton Of othsr sounds for the direct
derivstiye of the Anglo Saxon yea"
or yea" which is the basic note Of
approval or agreement In the English
speech Yep" "yeh." yeah" yah. -
and the altogether Illogical "nr-uh"
have come into common use through
sloyenly decsdence Of ntterance.
Sure" is q common misusaPe. Local
isms of other sorts abound, such as
you bet" and sometimes the spirit 81
affirmation runs 10 such lengths as II
gel you and %,
Now IN Great Britain IL appears that
attention hiss been directed 10 the fact
that yes" is becoming obsolete in rom
mon psrisnce. That's right" is fire.
queniIy heard, snd quite" has q dis
nnct vogue. Precisely Is alto being
adopted ss sn adequate affirmation u
a
sctly."
~'hese changes are inevitable Ia any
speech. They are rs 4 rule. the result
Of language poverty. Of small individual
socsbulsrtes. The person Of few words
few In variation though not IN flow e~
Is prone 10 Try 10 exc out his mesgel
supply With slang and carruptions, The
result Ia The formation 81 habits al
sDeeEu that become persistent and akVs
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-12-27

A killer succeeds in commanding ex-
traordinary attention for his personal
career. He should be considered as q
nernicious specimen Of species and
not as an important identity.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-12-27
Not 10 BE Ignored.

You have often said statesman
should not care fox money"
He should recognize It's power" said
Senator Sorghum, and beware OF 1t
nevertheless"