Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-01-05


ity will inherit invaluable art contribu-
tions depicting the era in which We live
and those who donate to its veal.
Stores and shops long ago recognized
the value of lifelike wax models for the
display of attire. Many years ago an
institution was established in London
in which were exhibited hundreds of
wax effigieS of the famous and infamous
folks of the day Dickens mentions
Mrs. Jarley's waxwork show in The
Old Curiosity Shop" The Eden Musee
was for years a we'll known institution
in this country, and its chamber of
horrors" contained horrifying spectacles.
Itinerant exhibitors of waxworks con-
tinue to exploit their efigies.
For two bits one may gaze upon ef-
figies of dead men. among whom are
former bandits and two-gun toters.
Mystery broods in such places.
The other night group was startled
at the sound of what seemed like re-
volver shot followed by an unearthly
scream. Upon investigation 1t proved
to be the backfire of an automobile.
The scream was emitted by lady in an
adjoining house who apparently had
been frightened by mouse. Neverthe-
less the men of the group began an
investigation.
Mystery has intrigued the worlds
greatest men. The late President Will
son was fond of detective stories, II
We are to believe those who should know.
One night we were walking through a
narrow stepped street in Algiers. Small,
barred windows through which strange
brown faces gazed fianked the dark
thoroughfare. Unintelligible murmurs
sounded from behind tightly closed
doors. An occasional soft-Slippered
Arab Sauntered by. The blue-green
shadows would have inspired Belasco.
Suddenly we heard shouts from within
one of the native houses. Stopping in
our tracks. We were Mortified at the
sight of a diminutive monkey lying on
it's back on a doorstep, bleeding.
Through a window in the door native
woman shouted at us and gestured to us
to move on. Her invitation was unnec-
essary We are still trying to solve the
mystery of the dead monkey.
Every town large enough and pros
porous enough to support paid fire
department has an official greeter or
hand-shaker He may be the town
banker or an ordinary citizen who
wears his clothes we'll. 1t Is his func-
ton to, receive the notables who visit
his municipality and head the line of
march to the city hall or whatever
the destination may be. His sole COM
pensation is the knowledge that he Is
regarded as a distinguished citizen. One
of these town greeters is in Washing
ton. Many of those whom he has
welcomed to his own city are return
ing the amenities. OF course. he Is
not being paraded down the Avenue.
Only visiting heroes receive that honor.
THE President is the official greet
err here" he ventured. 1T is surpris-
ing that the busiest and most respon-
sible man in the Nation should be
deputized to perform such service.
Why, even in our small place the
mayor seldom devotes any time to
welcoming the big boys
IN never forget an occasion that
nearly caused me to resign my job
as hand-shaker A we'll known states
man was to visit our town. We were
duly informed that he would arrive
on the 10 am. train. I gathered the
committee together and with our of
fetal ribbons pinned to the lapels
of our coats We met at the STATEN.
When the train stopped We rushed to
a group Of distinguished-looking men
and singled out the statesman. He
was, evidently SURPRISED, At the Eecen-I