Evening star., 1928-05-12

public and private life of the National
Capital.
The automobile which struck Mr..
Edison was being operated by Robert ].
Gutheim, Is years old of 33 West Lenox
street, Chevy Chase, Md, son of Au.
gust @. Gutheim, local lawyer.
The Gutheim youth had pulled his car
slightly ahead Of a parking space on
the north side of F street, near Ninth,
and was starting to back into the
opening when the accident occurred.
Mr. Edson had just crossed F street
from the Washington Loan and Trust
Co, of which he is chairman Of the
board, and was walking through the
space toward his Office in the Equita-
be Cooperative Building Association
Building.
He was knocked down and rendered
unconscious. The Gutheim boy assisted
passersby in placing MIR. Edison In his
car and the youth drove him to
Emergency Hospital. An immediate
X-ray examination. made by DR.. Ed
ward Grass Of the hospital stan, dis
closed three fractures Of the skull and
two broken ribs. It was said the frac-
lures were not depressed, which was
somewhat encouraging.
Accident Held UnavoiuaDte.
Gutheim was taken to the first pre-
cinct station for questioning. but later
was released In custody Of his mother.
Richard r. Walsh of 2 Newland street,
Chevy Chase, Md, was passenger in
Gutheims machine. Precinct Detec-
tive George r. Browning conducted an
Investigation and afterward expressed
the opinion that the accident was un-
avoidable He ordered test OF the
brakes on the car and they were found
TO be In excellent working order.
Mr.. Edson's advanced age Is grave
factor TO be reckoned with in consider
ing his chances for recovery, his ply.
sicians. state. He would have observed
his eighty-second birthday anniversary
next Thursday. The attending ply
sicians are Or. James F. Mitchell, sur
geon, and DR.. Gregg Curtis Birdsall,
family doctor. No attempt win be made
TO operate at this time, II was stated.
Mr.. Edison had planned to celebrate
his birthday next week by going early
to his desk, as usual. and attending tc
his duties as president of the building
association. On his last birthday ami
yersary he paused In his routine only
long enough to give q reporter for The
Star his ideas on "the joy OF work.
At that time he expressed the sincere
hope that he never would be forced e
become an idle man by reason Of III
health or other infirmity."
Planned 10 CurtaiI Work.
In the evening OF my life" he said,
81 feel that should preserve my health
and effectiveness and usefulness by con-
serving my energy and strength.
cannot work at fun speed, and therefore
must relinQuish some OF my more
arduous connections.
"As long as am physically able to
get about, however. ! win not forsake
public service or leave my desk here In
my cffice. I love work. for have found
It TO be life's greatest pleasure. hope
the day never may come when ] am
helpless to pursue my labors."
In accordance with his plan for cur
failing some OF his heavier RESPONSE
bilities. Mr. Edison last December relin-
ouiShed the post OF treasurer of the As
sociated Charities. after period of
service In that capacity Of 81 years.
He was presented with brass fireplace
set In appreciation of his long services.
One OF Mr.. Edsons later positions OF
trust and service has been the treasurer
ship Of the National Press Building Cor
poration. In which capacity he arranged
the financing and many details OF con-
struction OF the new National Press
Building at Fourteenth and F streets.
He regards his association with this
enterprise as one Of the more impor-
tant services Of his career. for he en-
visions the new club building as -
great national gathering place for the
press. where journalists from all parts
OF the world may come together. get
acquainted and discuss important prob
lens OF how best to promote their pro-
fessional interests and render the high
est public service"
Outstanding Civic Figure.
MIR, Edison has been an outstanding
figure In civic life OF washington for
many years. His numerous Affiliations
with civic. phtianthropic, educational
roster OF organizations for the public
welfare He long has been an ardent
advocate Of national representation for
the District Of Columbia and was
member Of the executive committee Of
the Joint Citixens' Committee on Ma
tional Representation for the District
Of Columbia.
Born May n. 1876. In jefferson, Ohio.
he received his elementary education
In the Ohio public schools lie en~
listed at the age Of Is with the New
York Volunteers and served from 1881
To 1883 In the Civil War, detailed With
the Infantry He was mustered out be-
cause OF impaired health. whereupon he
came to this city in search of a Gov
ernment Job.