davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Imperial Valley press. (El Centro, Calif.) 1907-current, 1927-01-20
SAN FRANCISCO
FIRE THREATENS
BUSINESS BLOCK

san FRANCISCO. Jan. 20. -
Following terrific explosion of un
certain origin, fire here early today
swept a section of the city's auto.
mobile row on Van Ness avenue,
with early estimates of the loss
placed at 100000.
The flames ragged in the block
between California and Pine street
and within few moments of the
explosion, every building on the east
side Of the street seemed to burst
into smoke and flames.
Apartment houses were shaken by
the blast, and residents pOurc | into
the street in their night clothes.
Three alarms summoned all the
available fire fighting equipment in
the city. and a desperate fight was
waord to sas-" underground storage
tanks of the Associated Oil company
and nearby automobile agencies.
-Four or five other explosions fol
lowed at short intervals. Drivers
for the yellow TaXicab company,
aided firemen, after rolling 20 taxi
cabs from the company garage,
which was threatened. Machines
were pushed from buildings, and i'll
few minutes the street was jam
med with motor cars and fire
trucks.
Forty automobiles stored in the
destroyed buildings were lost, while
the Sargent Tire company lost a
big stock of new tires.
Preliminary investigation failed
to reveal the cause of the fire.
Imperial Valley press. (El Centro, Calif.) 1907-current, 1927-01-20
Many Suspects
Are Deported by
Italian Police
BY THOMAS 3. MORGAN
united Press Staff CorTespondentl

ROME, Jan. 20.-Morc than 1000
persons were deported from Italy
during the first six weeks of the OPP
Grafton of the police code, which
was adopted after the last attempt
was made to murder Premier Mus
solini. Under the new regulations
the police powers have been greatly
extended and anybody considered
dangerous to the welfare of the FaS-
cist may be punished, either by de
portation or otherwise.
Underlying the laws is what is
now considered the fundamental
doctrine of Fascism, namely that
every person in the country from
the highest to the lowest. is a scrv-
ant of the state rather than an in
dividual ruled by Il government. The
code is considered Minister FEEDER
zoni S contribution to the Fascist
system.
The principal regulations of the
new code are those regarding " dan
gcrous persons, the carrying of
arms, public meetings, license for
armorers, REGISTRATION of all guns and
revolvers, fireworks, control OF
printing establishments, betting,
control of private detective agen-
cies and commercial agencies, alec
holism, drug-taking, beggers, public
subscriptions and charities,
Two of the most important pro-
visions of the new law regard the
issue of "identitv cards. and the
police restriction of domicile, where-
by SUSPECTED persons can be order
ed to live in certain district and
forbidden to move out of it.
Three days notice must be given
to the police before any public
meeting can be held, and it cannot
take place without the permission
of the police.
Even private collections of an.
tiduc arms must be declared to the
police. and permit to keep them
obtained.
Commercial travellers of armory
houses, and even peddlers selling
knives for domestic or agricultural
purposes must have special licenses
which arc to he renewed every
year.
Imperial Valley press. (El Centro, Calif.) 1907-current, 1927-01-20
ABBREVIATED NAMES
USED IN RUSSIA

MOSCOW, Jan. 20. - A craze for
abbreviated names is sweeping Rus
sia. Almost every field of activity
is designated by a shorter nickname
from the official government de-
partments to the universities, and
even to music.
The explanation seems to lie IN
the extreme longness of the full
Russian titles, but the solution is
creating almost a new form of
language. Emigres from Russia,
living outside the boundary since
the revolution, would find much of
the ordinary conversation Of this
new Russia wholly incomprchensi-
BILE.
One of Moscow 5 symphony orch.
estras, for example. is called the
Uiersimfans. result of telescoping
the full name of Piervi Simfonicha.
ski Assemble. The Foreign office
of the government is referred 10
everywhere as the Nareomindiel,
derived by combining the words
Nardoni (People) Commissariat
(Bureau) 1nastranieh (Foreign)
Dell (Affairs).
Imperial Valley press. (El Centro, Calif.) 1907-current, 1927-01-20
Rising Franc
Drives Patrons
From the Cafes

PARIS, Jan. 20.-Thcrc is gloom
In Montmartrc. The proprictors of
! llnight resorts are aghast and are
considering putting up an immense
|ign stretching from the rue Fon-
ane ACROSS the rue Pigalle and
light up to the Church of the Sa'
red Heart with the legend; "Clos-
/ on account of bankruptcy II s
III because of the franc.
AS the national currency goes y
Ind up in value the patriotic owners
" the pleasure palaces feel their
earts dropping lower and lower.
The foreign element, without which
he cafes could not exist, is going
Sff to other climcs where pound
terling Or dollar can still purch'
So what their posscssors have been
accustomed to for more than a year.
~ don t care whether YOU be-
Iievc it or not, place like mine
0sts as much as a circus. one cafe
wncr said. 81 have to have two
rchestras. we got TO pay author :
lights on the songs and music. |
ave higher taxes than movie
how. pay 5000 francs IA night to
girl who gets o"'- 1000 at til :
heater where she plays before m l.
light. WHY. all that costs me NOR"
han nv lights and my linen bill .-
without talking of the other over
cad.
The Americans and English who
.idn't care at all when they had to
|,av 90 francs a drink at the bGr
vhen Tint means only 40 cents or
wo shillings think twice about Il
ghen round Of drinks costs moro
han in nipht club in New York
! London. Two hundred francs for
hampagne two or three months ago
epresented an expenditure of four
ollars or less than a pound. Today
/ represents almost double that
igure. No wonder the night resorts
re empty and their owners dismal.
Imperial Valley press. (El Centro, Calif.) 1907-current, 1927-01-20
Toprahanian Fine
Is Suspended

Tom Toprahanian entered plea
of guilty to charge of illegal pos
session of Intoxicating liquors in
Judge Mayficld's court this morn
ing. A plea of not guilty had pre-
Niously been entered by the defend
ant on arraignment and jury trial
demanded. The jury had been as
scmbled for the case but had not
been sworn when Toprahanian en-
tered the plea of guilty this morning
through his attorney, w. F. North.
Judge Mayfield imposed a fine of
$50 but upon recommendation OF
Ed, H. Law, of the district attor-
ney's office, payment was suspend.
cd during the good behavior of the
defendant. The court was informed
that Toprahanian had been a resid-
emit of the valley for several years
and that he had been a good citizen.
Imperial Valley press. (El Centro, Calif.) 1907-current, 1927-01-20
NEED FOR
DAM BILL
STRESSED
House Rules Committee
Urged to Give Measure
Preference.
OPPONENTS ATTACK
Taylor Terms Colorado
Greatest Asset in the
Country.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 20.-The
need for enactment of the Swing
johnson Boulder dam bill was
stressed today by supporters of the
measure before the House Rules
Committee.
The committee was urged to act
favorablv on a resolution giving the
bill preferential status in the
House.
Opponents of the bill began Il
vigorous attack on it but were I'M
able to conclude. Another hearing
is expected in a few days.
Favorable action on a rule for the
bill was urged by Representatives
Smith, Republican. Idaho, chairman
of the irrigation committee; Taylor,
Democrat, Colorado; Winter, Re
publican, Wyoming, and AREN'T,
Republican, Nevada. Leatherwood,
Republican. Utah opened arguments
for opponents Of the bill.
Smith gave the committee a gen
eral outline of the geographical
aspects and quoted portions of his
committee S report on the bill.
Taylor said the Colorado river
was the country's greatest asset.
He estimated its value at $10,-
000.0O00O0.
Valley Protection Demanded
Winter said the lam should be
built for power and irrigation pur-
poses. Five states could proceed
with the development he said,
apropos of the withdrawal of Utah
from the Colorado river compact.
cit is q crime against heaven. -
Taylor said, "that the government
does not do something to build this
dam to protect the people in the
Imperial Valley. Any one person,
armed with Il shovel, could send the
river down into the valley.
Taylor said the power companies
did not want the government to
build the dam.
"Congrcss has been stalling for
ten wears on this proposition and
has made no advances. We now
have this bill before us, bin which
+ believe is the best We can get. -
TAYLOR said. eve want develop
ment of the Colorado river, but
when Arizona or California take
water from the river we do not want
the four upper basin states to be
prevented from effecting their de-
velopment. -
Congress has no power, Leather
wood argued. "to allocate the wat
ers of the river He claims this
could be done only by the courts
or by an agreement among the
states.
He pointed to a California lcgis-
lature resolution he said demanded
"all she ever asked or could Gu
iov fam tn. n"o.,cct.
"My state is now experiencing
the same caution that California
exercised in that resolution, -
Leatherwood said, referring 20
Utah 5 withdrawal.
Imperial Valley press. (El Centro, Calif.) 1907-current, 1927-01-20
WOOD RESIGNS
AS" AS CHIEF HaS''''1 Of
STATE SCHOOLS

SACRAMENTO, Jan. 20.-Will
c. Wood, state superintendent Of
public instruction, today handed his
resignation to Governor G. G.
Young to accept the governor $ APP
pointmcnt as state superintendent
Of banks.
William John Cooper, superintcn-
dent Of schools at San Diego. for
merly of Fresno, was named by
Governor Young to succeed Wood
rs school superintendent.
Wood explains in his letter of
resignation that he "cannot con-
tinue at the present salary
Wood S letter goes on to state
that he has remained at his post
" for long time at great per-
sonal sacrifice in order to vindicate
certain principles and policies.
Happily it is no longer neces-
sarv to serve further, since the vim
dication of these principles and po-
licies is now full and complete. -
Imperial Valley press. (El Centro, Calif.) 1907-current, 1927-01-20
OIL T IRMS
SEEK TO
.ARb|TRATF
File Suits to Obtain Rul-
ing On Law From Mexi-
can Courts.
MANY ARE INVOLVED
Senate Hearing Is Set
Over Due to Other
Business.
By A. W. FOLGER
United Press Staff Correspondent

! Omitted Press Staff Correspondent
MEXICO CITY, Jan. 20.-While
discussion of arbitral settlement of
the oilolaw dispute between Mexico
and the United States continued to-
day, foreign oil companies had be
gun u concrete form Of arbitration
by legal action to obtain a supreme
court ruling on the constitutionality
eff the disputed law.
Those developments were the
major factors in the complicated po
sition Of the Gales government
which is confronted with rebellion
and some labor trouble at home
and with international friction with
the United States here and in Me
aragua.
The Mexican government appar-
entity has taken Secretary of State
Frank b. Kellogg 5 approval of the
principal of arbitration potentially
applicable to Mexican American
differences, as a reply to President
Gales statement of January 8 in
which the Mexican president ex-
pressed reluctance to accent arbi-
tration but explained that it might
be necessary ito adopt the lesser
Of two evils.
Thirty-one foreign OH companies
have filed injunction suits to re
strain the government from enforc-
ing the petroleum law. The suits
were brought against Gales, both
houses Of the Mexican congress,
Secretary of Labor Morones and At
tornev General Ortcga, The Aguii1
Huasteca, Richmond and Transcon.
tinental oil companies were among
the 81 companies which asked in
functions.
First, the companies sought tenn
porary suspension of the laws for
- hours, and second, II decision
during the weekend whether the in
functions could be made permanent.
If the decision goes against the com
panies, they will appeal to the SUI
prcme court.
No Comment Made
Gales has made no comment on
Kellogg 5 statement. General Al.
varcz. his chief of staff, said the
president had nothing to add to his
statement of Jan. 8. Alvarez sug-
eestcd n line of demarcation beyond
Mexico would not permit arbitra-
ton to enter into the question.
Mexico, he said, would not submit
her sovereignty to arbitration.
meaning that the constitutionality
of the oil and land laws, regularly
enacted by the congress and APP
proved by the president, could noE
be subjected to arbitration although
the question of damage to private
interests arising from enforcement
of the laws might SO be adjusted.
1t appeared that the Mexican
government was in Il receptive mood
toward arbitration within the limits
suggested by Alvarez.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 20 The
question of arbitration of United
States Mexican difficulties was
temporarily sidetracked in the sen
ate today when Chairman Borah
cancelled the scheduled meeting of
his foreign relations committee, due
to pressure of other business.
The committee had planned TO
consider the Robinson resolution
for arbitration in the Mexican oil
dispute. and also to study resolu
tion asking withdrawal of American
marines from Nicaragua.
The committee probably will meet
tomorrow.
Imperial Valley press. (El Centro, Calif.) 1907-current, 1927-01-20

SACRAM FXNTO, Jan. 20. =
Throughout the conversations on the
side lines at the annual meeting of
the Irrigation Districts Associa-
ton ran the feeling that unless the
price Of farm products rises or
other prices decrease, the farmer
will be out Of the economic pic
turc, aud the big banking interests
win own all the land.
Various causes are attributed.
Too much speculation in land is
given by one group, general eondi-
tions are blamed by another. But
over production of pcrishable
fruits and vegetables seems to be
the burden of the complaint of most
of those present.
The difficulty seems to lie in a
remedy. None is forthcoming. Sci
dom is gathering of farmers
found with the viewpoint so ap-
par"ntly hopeless.
With this condition in mind, it is
less difficult to visualize the cause
for the many bills that seek to
amclioratc the situation of the far
mcr.
Bradford Crittcnden has introdur-
ed into the assembly the first real
constructive agricultural measure
proposed in either house. Crittcn-
den asks for an extended survey
of the agricultural situation.
Most Of the agricultural mea-
surcs are petty affairs. but Crit
tcudcn has hit the nail on the head.
Northern papers are taking n
fling ut the administration because
Jake Croter. n baseball umpire was
named chairman Of the university
committee. Usually a graduate of
the State university has been nam
ed to head that important COM
mittcc.
w W. Van Pclt. manager of the
Imperial County Fair, and Il rep
rescntative of the State Fairs As
sociation, has been in Sacramento
10 seek wider distribution of state
premium funds for the smaller fairs.
Van Pclt declares the two or three
big fairs would never miss the diff
ference. while the change would
help wonderfully the smaller. fairs,
spch az those of Imperial and San
Luis Obispo counties.
Imperial Valley press. (El Centro, Calif.) 1907-current, 1927-01-20
CHAPLIN PLANS
RETURN TO FACE
DIVORCE ACTION
Defense Seeks to Void
Court Appointment of
Receivers.
by United Press Leased Wire

NEW ORk, Jan. 20.-A bandOn-
ing further interviews with the
press, Charles Chaplin today issued
a statement through representa-
tive in which he said he would re-
turn to Los Angeles to combat the
divorce suit brought by his wife.
The statement follows:
- shall return to Los Angeles to
fight my case. Other than the fol
lowing | shall have no statement
to make; my lawyers will make all
future statements and announce
mcnts.
~ wish to take this opportunity
to thank thousands of friends and
we'll wishers for their thoughtful
letters and loyal support; also the
women s clubs of America, the great
majoritv of which have shown their
fair mindedness. This is typical
Of the sanity and sympathy of
American womanhood.
1.-The press throughout the Unit
ed States has more than shown its
unbiased and friendly attitude to-
ward me.
L
thanks for the treatment everybody
has accorded me, all of which
strengthens me in my fight for my
childrcn.'
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 90. - The
bitter legal battle staged by attor-
ncys for Charles Chaplin seeking to
void the receivership appointed by
the court, pending Lita Grey Chap
lin divorce action, took fresh
turn late today.
Citing 90 specifications of error
in the court order appointing the
receivers, the comedian $ counsel
served Mrs. Chaplin 5 attorneys with
q proposed bill of exceptions.
Maintaining that the court cX-
ceeded its jurisdiction, attorneys for
Chaplin, based their claim that the
order is voided through errors cited
in the bill
The bill recites that the receiver
ship was appointed, previous to the
alimony order. and that it was not
for the purpose of enforcing ali
monv payments. 1t was further con-
tended that the receivership was
not warranted on the facts set forth
in Mrs. Chaplin s divorce complaint.
The bill will be submitted for
decision to Judge Walton Wood at
the end of 10 days, during which pc
rod. attorneys for Mrs. Chaplin can
make amendments to the bill of cX-
ccptions.
Imperial Valley press. (El Centro, Calif.) 1907-current, 1927-01-20
SMITH REFUSED SEAT

WASHINGTON, Jan. 20. -
Frank L. Smith. Republican sena-
tor-designate, Illinois, was refused
the oath of office in the United
States senate today.
Imperial Valley press. (El Centro, Calif.) 1907-current, 1927-01-20
WITTER PRAISES
BILL PRESENTED
BY CRITTENDEN
Assemblyman Declares
Relief For Farmer Is
Badly Needed.

Editors Note:-Following is
letter received by the Press
today from Assemblyman Wit
ter, commenting on the situa-
ton of the farmer, which it is
believed will be of general in
terest to readers of the Press:
Imperial Valley press. (El Centro, Calif.) 1907-current, 1927-01-20
CHINESE
QUESTION
SERIOUS
Chamberlain Summons
Ex-Premiers for Con-
ference.
MORE SHIPS LEAVE
Many Americans And
British Endangered in
Provinces.
BY CLIFFORD L. DAY
Omitted Press Staff Correspondent

!
LON DON, Jan. 20.-British diff
cultics in China today were formal
] ~ recognized as having developed
major importance when Sir Austen
i Chamberlain. the foreign secretary
i summoned Ramsay Mac Donald and
, David Lloyd George to the foreign
office to confer with him.
The two opposition leaders met
/ the foreign secretary separately IN
accordance with the British tradl-
/ ton that leaders Of minority parti 's
! in the House of Commons be in
formed fully regarding serious in
tcrnational situations.
Chinese nationalists had shown
no disposition today to back down
before the British in the IangtAe
valley and il was understood that
another fleet of British warships
would soon depart for far eastern
waters. The eighth destroyer flo
tilla merely awaited completion Of
rcttting work aboard the flotilla
l y. ~ Nv va '''' VI VI.
~, - ~: =" ~ n LYNN
~ MN" 'on'! +" Jo'" ."' - ID II ,s''
ton.
j far from beng aweStruck oV
western armed forces already IN
emma or by reports that war craft
were racing toward their country,
In" Chinese leaders, according 10
! reports received here even dlsc uss-
rd the posslhllity or me hor'h JON,
ing 'h' south against Foreigners II
force were r'sortcd to IN the ahS-
we valley. dispatches continued TO-
laN 10 report ATTACKS on MISSION
ares IN the province OF Shansi'
where the christian general
frng lisiang troops were said
Ing.
I
FEN Nj. Jan. 2o.-lhe United
! states consul M FoochoW today or
dcrcd all women and children TO
l'aNo the cltY' AFTER new outbreak
of noting,
flftv-s"Non women and children
Quit IN" cltN several days ago.
After prolonged demonstrations
M which several persons were shot.
the chinese authoritles placed lou
! rioters under arrest.
Thirty spanish nrIeStS and sisters
VINO fled from foochow after anti
ftrclgn demonstrations. We're men
accd by a mob which boarded their
vessel at Nov and permitted them
to depart only after selZing one
Imperial Valley press. (El Centro, Calif.) 1907-current, 1927-01-20

Lloyd George attended his first
public moving picture show the 9th
or day. The generation certainly is
going to the dogs.
Imperial Valley press. (El Centro, Calif.) 1907-current, 1927-01-20

Today's definition: to slough -
big league word meaning to play
football in a baseball uniform.
Imperial Valley press. (El Centro, Calif.) 1907-current, 1927-01-20

Obregon says the best job for
an ex-president of Mexico is farm
ing. You'd think the land down
there would be pretty we'll titled.
Imperial Valley press. (El Centro, Calif.) 1907-current, 1927-01-20

Chiffon hose at least give you
run for your money.
Imperial Valley press. (El Centro, Calif.) 1907-current, 1927-01-20

There are 1900 new bills be-
fore congress. That's only one of
the things that make life easy for
the newspaper photographers.
Imperial Valley press. (El Centro, Calif.) 1907-current, 1927-01-20
WHAT'S DOING
TONIGHT


B. P. o. E. No. 1926, Elks hall,
8 p. m.
Dinner dance, new Elks hall,
Brawlev. $50 p. IN.
installation, Barbara Worth
Rehekahs. 8 y. m.
R. A. M. No. 100. Masonic hall.
1.-THE Elder Brother Br1lnk's
tent theater.
'Everybody's Acting Val
lev theater.
Movie Makers of Hollywood, at
Palace theater.
TOMORROW
Kiwanis Club luncheon, Ho-
tel Barbara Worth.
P. T. A. meeting, Hotel Bar
bara Worth, 2 p. m.
American Home Study Group,
Wilson school, $50 p. M.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-09-03
MODEL HOME IN ROCK CREEK
AREA is NEARING COMPLETION
Finishing Details Advance Far Enough to
Give Idea of How Finished House
Will Appear. =

with tile in subdued colors for the
hearth.
Similar Ceramic tile in harmoniZing
colors Is being set in the dining room
hearth. In the kitchen rectangular
rubber tile in three tones of black,
ivory and gray will be laid in basket
weave pattern.
The plastering is now completed,
and jams will all be in place by the
end of this week. The finished floor
ing of quarter-sawed white oak Is on
the Job. ready to be laid on top OF
the felt which will cover the subhoors.
The trim or woodwork for the door
and window openings is all cut and
ready to be fitted in place.
Roof Partly Completed.
Much of the roofing slate is al
ready laid, and the general effect OF
this particular quarry of slate, with
it's irregular waving line ends. is most
pleasing. The easement windows.
known as London cottage type. are
now all in place and aid in making
apparent the livableness Of this home
inside and out. This type of window
tends to create the atmosphere of a
real home.
The finished grading around the
house is practically completed, and
the front is now being sodded.
To reach the demonstration house.
drive out Sixteenth street, passing by
Alaska avenue, to Kalmia road; left on
Kalmia road one block to Orchid
street. and then one block to the right
on Orchid street Another route,
slightly longer, is through Rock Creek
Park to Beach drive, continuing
northerly to Kalmia road, thence to
Orchid street.