davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-02-17
Mysterious Disappearance
Starts Police Search,
Which Is Halted.
NOTIFIES EMPLOYERS
IN LETTER HE HAS QUIT
Left Boarding House Thursday,
With No Trace Until Richmond
Office Gets Resignation.

Alfred Joseph Lefebvre today had
placed his friends and business asso-
ciates in state of perplexity.
Lefebvre, 32-year-old representative
of the Continental Oil Co., with head
quarters at Richmond, Va, left his
boarding place, at 1902 Calvert street,
early Thursday and has not been seen
here since that day The circum-
stances of his disappearance were 50
mysterious that the police were asked
to institute a search.
This morning, shortly after an ap-
peal was broadcast, the police were
advised from Richmond to discontinue.
Mrs. Margaret M. Bachtell. in whose
home Lefebvre boarded, and his asso-
ciates here, were astounded at the ex-
PLANTATION.
Letter Says He Had Quit.
A letter, postmarked in Philadelphia,
was delivered to the Richmond offices
of the company this morning, officials
there said, which asked the company
to please pardon the sender, Alfred
Joseph Lefebvre. for quitting his Job
without notice. The man gave no in
formation about his reasons or his
plans, but wrote that he was well. He
had been with the company about
eight months. officials said, and had
splendid record.
Mrs. Bachtell and r. w. Berry. man.
ager OF the filling station at Tenth and
E streets where Lefebvre parked his
automobile Thursday, were gratified to
learn OF the mans whereabouts, but
both wondered what would be done
with his effects.
Everything he has is here" Mrs
Bachten said. II never was so sur
prised.. He was hard working man:
often he left at o'clock and didn't
get back until midnight. He was very
nervous, tall, slender and delicate, and
didn't talk much. All his clothes are
mere and all his personal effects"
Business Affairs Sound.
The automobile Lefebvre left at the
Milling station Is the companys machine,
but In 1t were found an overcoat, over
shoes, drivers permit and several
letters
At the company offices in Richmond
1t was said that Lefebvre's business
affairs were In good condition and that
he was not under obligation to the
company financially or otherwise. "He
was a good worker" an oficial said.
and we thought our relations with him
were entirely satisfactory" The only
suggestion volunteered to explain
Lefebvre's sudden departure was that
he had suffered some grave disap-
pointment" and felt impelled TO make
a sudden change.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-02-17
DREYFUS WITNESS
DECLARES COUPLE
HAD NO QUARREL
DoWd, Last Questioned by
Grand Jury, Thinks Woman
Killed Accidentally.
FINDINGS EXPECTED
IN ABOUT A WEEK
Assistant U. S. Attorney Burkin-
shaw Says Special Report Prob
ably Will Be Made.

Mrs. Aurelia Fischer Dreyfus and
Edmund j. McBrien. New Nork broker,
never had a misunderstanding, James
E. Dowd of Chicago, declared today in
voicing the opinion that Mrs. Dreyfus
was accidentally killed, when Ques-
toned by reporters after testifying be-
fore grand jury investigating the
woman's death.
When Dowd had been excused. Neil
j. BurkinShaw, assistant United States
Attorney. announced no more witnesses
would be questioned. He added. a
special report of the grand jurys find
ings in the case probably would be made
In about a week.
More than twoscore witnesses have
been called since the investigation was
reopened several weeks ago. Questions
were propounded to every person Burk-
inshaw could find who knew anything
about the circumstances surrounding
the death of Mrs. Dreyfus, attractive
young divorce, in a 20-foot plunge
from balcony last October 20 during
a dance at the Potomac Boat Club.
MisquOted by Papers.
Informed he had been quoted in
Chicago newspaper dispatches as as
sorting he could give the grand jury
startling information, Dowd commended
he had been drawn into the case
against his will and had been grossly
misQuoted.
Dowd explained he had been a close
personal friend of both Mrs. Dreyfus
and McBrien. New York Broker, who
escorted the young woman to the dance
the night she was fatally injured. He
said he had been in their company on
many occasions, and Il never did see
Mac beat Aurelia or abuse her in any
way. As a matter of fact, they were
in love with each other"
Pointing out he had been informed of
reports that McBrien had threatened
Mrs. Drefus. Dowd termed such rumors
as pure hokum;" The former Chicago
broker said he knew of absolutely no
reason why Mac should want to see
Aurelia dead
Dowd stressed the fact that he was
not in Washington when Mrs. Dreyfus
met death. He said he possessed no
first-hand information of the circum-
stances surrounding the injuring of the
woman. He concluded: "Aurelia was
such sweet, beautiful girl I was ter
ribly sorry to hear of her death"
AfidayitS by Relatives.
The grand jury investigation was in
Stituted after relatives of Mrs. Dreyfus
submitted affidavits to United States
Attorney Leo A. Rover in which it was
charged McBrien had threatened the
woman because she knew too much"
about the Staying several years ago of
Dot King, New York night club enter
tainer.
Relatives argued McBrien had pre-
vailed upon Mrs. Dreyfus to establish
an abb for his friend. Alfred z. Gui-
mares, after the latter was taken into
custody In connection with the King
girls murder.
Other witnesses, however, made state
ments to reporters after teStifying be-
fore the grand jury which corroborated
McBrien's declarations to police that he
had gone after his hat and Mrs. Drey-
fus' wraps before she tumbled from the
balcony
coroner's jury returned a verdict of
accidental death after delving into the
case.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-02-17
JUDGE SCHULDT is GIVEN
COMMITTEE APPROVAL
His Nomination to Police Bench
for Another Term Recommended
to the Senate.

The Senate judiciary committee today
approved the nomination of Judge Gus
A. Schuldt for another term on the
bench of the District Police Court. The
favorable action of the committee will
be reported to the Senate within a day
or two by Senator Hastings. Republican,
OF Delaware, who was chairman of the
subcommittee in charge of the nomina-
ton. The other members of the SUBJ
committee were Senators Steiwer, Re-
publican, of oregon, and Caraway,
Democrat. of Arkansas.
Judge Schuldt has been on the bench
at Police Court since 1923. when he was
given his first appointment by President
Harding. A native OF Washington, Judge
Schuldt attended Columbian, now
George Washington University, and also
studied at the National University. He
was at one time on the staff In the cor
poration counsels ONCE,
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-02-17
GEN. RETF1ERS TO BE RETIRED
BY OWN REQUEST ON APRIL 16
Officer Who Selected the
Unknown Soldier to Close
Long Career.
Won Many Citations and
Medals During 80 Years
in Service.

Brig. Gen. Harry F. Rethers. assistant
quartermaster general of the Army, who
selected the body of the Unknown Sol
oier for interment in Arlington National
Cemetery, will b placed on the Army
retired list April 10 on his own appli-
cation.
With a distinguished record of 80
years OF active military service, Gen.
Rethers has taken part in practically
20 the campaigns Of the Army during
That time His services have been rec
ognized frequently with citations.
1t was while Gen. Rethers was in
charge of the Graves Registration
Service, after the armistice, that he
was charged with the singular duty of
selecting from some battlefield the body
of an unknown American soldier to
whom the American Government de-
sired to pay its highest honors.
During the World War Gen. Rethers
served with the Quartermaster Corps
in France
Gen. Rethers' fighting record goes
back to the Boxer Rebellion. He served
also in the Santiago campaign during
the Spanish War. and in the Philippine
Instruction. Most of his campaigning
was done with the famous eth Infantry.
During the World War the 9Th Infan-
try was a part of the I'd Division.
For gallantry in action at San Juan
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-02-17
COUPLE TRAPPED
BY Fierce BLAZE
Gas Station Proprietor and
Woman Customer Severely
Burned Following Explosion.

Fire. caused by the mysterious explo-
sion of coal-oil cans. trapped the pro-
prietor Of a gasoline station and a
woman customer in the once of the
establishment at IS H street northeast
late yesterday afternoon. the pair mar
rowly escaping death by jumping
through windows shattered by the blast
Mrs. Della Hill, 81 years old, of Prov
tdence, r. J., had just entered the once
to pay the proprietor, Augustus Creecy,
a, for refueling her machine when sew
eral oil cans stored in the rear Of the
ofiice blew up. Flames Immediately
filled the place.
Frightened by the sound of the ex-
plosion and the flames licking around
her, Mrs. Hill leaped through a nearby
window and was taken TO Casualty
Hospital, where she was treated by DR..
Joseph Rogers Young for serious burns
OF the face and head.
Creecy, his clothing afire. ran from
the ONCE and was seized and held until
the flames were beaten out and then
taken to Providence Hospital for treat
ment for severe burns Of the face, hands
and body.
Firemen extinguished the fire soon
after their arrival The cause of the
explosion could not be determined.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-02-17
RUM AND AUTO SEIZED
BY ALEXANDRIA POLICE
Collision Leads to Discovery of
More Than 116 Half-Gallons
of Alleged Corn.

Alexandria police captured more than
ll6 one-half gallons of alleged corn
whisky and an automobile here last
night following collision between the
rum car and an automobile operated
by A. w. Meade, 4e03 Wisconsin avenue,
Washington. D. c.
The driver Of the liquor car jumped
out after the crash and ran. Police
were not able to locate him. No one
was injured, although both cars were
considerably damaged and had to be
towed away.
Meade told police the rum car crashed
into him at Washington and Franklin
streets. Alexandria, shortly after 8 pm.
The other car bore a Maryland license
tag. Police brought the captured car
and its cargo TO Headquarters.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-02-17

Washington police we're told that
Jane last was seen at the corner of
Tenth and z streets, where she parted
from her mother, Mrs Harry Duvall,
The girl had $50 in her possession at
that time. but this money was said to
have been returned to her father, a
Pullman conductor, the next day, with
an unsigned note To the effect that she
would have no further need for the
currency. Members of the family said
the note also stated revenge is sweet"
The girl was member Of the Sopho-
more class at the university. She re-
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-02-17
FREE" AFTER 7 MONTHS,
MAN FACES NEW CHARGE
Convinced He Showed Judgment
in Having overcoat, Detective
Concurs in Prisoners Belief.

Twenty months ago Walter Fucker,
alias John ZuchelowSki, entered Dis
trict Jail to serve sentence on a swindl-
ing charge. At O'Clock this morning
his time up, he stepped into the ante
room.
Glad I have my overcoat," he re-
marked, with a glance at the wintry
landscape outside.
Perhaps you won't need it after ALL"
replied Detective H. K. Wilson, there to
take fucker in custody for Chicago
police.
a fucker, Wilson explained, was wanted
IN Illinois as a man who jumped bond
after $500 swindle.
All right" said Fucker. IF they
bring the proper papers, I'll go TO
Chicago"
ANYHOW" grinned Wilson, you'll
need that overcoat on your way to a
precinct downtown"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-02-17
Wife Asks Annulment.

Annulment of marriage is asked In
petition filed today by Stella Mayo, ll0l
Euclid street, against Charlie Mayo, Ala
New York avenue. She says her nus
band left her February /. saying he was
going to return 10 his first wife. An
inquiry revealed, she states, that under
the name of Robert Smith the defend
ant had married a woman at Amherst,
Va, September 81, 1927 This prior
marriage has never been dissolved. she
csserts Attorney Louis b. Arnold APP
pears for the wife.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-02-17
CHINESE NEW YEAR AND BIRTHDAY
OF REPUBLIC CELEBRATION ENDS
Local Merchants Association and Hip Sing Tong Hold
Banquet Concluding Festivities.

Celebration Of the Chinese New Year
and the nineteenth anniversary OF the
founding Of the Chinese Republic. start
ed two weeks ago. was brought to a
close last night. At o'clock in the
afternoon members of the On Leong
Chinese Merchandise Association and
the Hip Sing Tong held their closing
banQuets In Chinese restaurants In
Chinatown. later concluding their cele-
brations in their respective headquar-
tiers. the former at 335 and the latter
at 325 Pennsylvania avenue.
Sing Shuk and Moy Shuck, presidents
Of the On. Leongs, and Thomas Lee,
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-02-17
ESTRANGED HUSBAND
FOUND SHOT TO DEATH
Police Told by Wife, Man Seeking
Reconciliation, Had Threat
ened Suicide,

Costin Suel. colored. 80, q messenger
In the Government service, was found
shot to death with q revolver in his
hand, about 10 o'clock this morning at
436 Canal street southeast by neighbors
summoned by the screams OF Suel's
estranged wife, Mary.
She told police they separated a
month ago. and that this morning he
came to the Canal street address, where
reconciliation. She said she was afraid
to let him enter because he had
threatened her life. Suel declared,
police were informed, he would kill him.
self unless he was admitted. According
to the woman. she heard q shot and,
fearing he had made good his threat,
screamed for aid.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-02-17
PLANS TO MEET SALARIES
OF CUST0DIANS STUDIED
Capitol Officials Seek Means of Pro
viding Funds for Force of
40 Workers,

Oficials at the Capitol today were
considering plans for temporarily taking
care OF the salaries Of the custodian
force In the Senate ONCE Building UNI
til a deficiency appropriation can be
made for the fund from which these
workers are paid.
Approximately l40 laborers and char
women employed in the Senate once
Building have not received pay for the
FIRST half Of February. The deficiency
appropriation bill has not been acted
on thus far at the present session of
Congress-
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-02-17
PREPARE FOR MOTORISTS.
City Tourist Camp Has 40 Cabins
Under Construction.

washington Is getting ready to well
come great influx Of visiting motorists
this season and the 20 new cabins now
under construction at the Tourists
Camp in Potomac Park will be ready
FOR occupancy by April /.
+. w. Hoover, general manager of the
Welfare and Recreational Association
OF Public Buildings and Grounds, Inc,
said today that 80 of the cabins are
under roof and the frames OF all are
up. Twenty have been completely lined
with wallboard, the windows and hard
ware are in, and the association Is about
to undertake the furnishing of the lot.
The contract was let early In Deem
Der and raised q protest from local
hotelmen, who contended the Govern
ment was, in effect, In competition with
their business.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-02-17
STUDENTS LIQUOR
HEARING IS DELAYED
Captain Of st. Johns Basket Ball
Team Will Face Court
on July /.

Charges against Eugene Agusterfer.
is. student at st. Johns Preparatory
School and captain Of the basket bail
team at that institution, involving
alleged possession of one pint Of whisky
were continued until July / in Police
Court at Alexandria today.
Agusterfer was arrested along with
three other lads in Alexandria Friday
night, when police broke up a dance
at local hall. The dance was in
celebration OF basket ball game played
In Washington between st. Johns and
La Sale Prep School Of Cumber.
land. Md.
The three other lads, two charged
with disorderly conduct and one with
being drunk. were assessed nominal
f1nes In court Saturday morning.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-02-17

president of the Hip Sing Tong, were
honored by scores Of members yesterday.
The banquet of the Hip Sings was
held In the restaurant at 349 Pennsyl-
vania avenue. while the On Leongs
gathered in q restaurant at Pennsyl-
vania avenue and John Marshall place.
Strictly Chinese food was served menu
bers of the organizations and friends,
speeches being made both by the
Chinese and their guests. The night
celebrations lasted until after midnight
and sleepy residents Of Chinatown were
not Astir at the usual time Of opening
l their places Of business this morning,
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-02-17
CREDIT LEADERS OPEN
THIRD ANNUAL SESSION
President Husselton Tells Group
That Present Is witnessing j.
Only the Beginning.

The present is witnessing only "the
beginning OF the credit age in the mer-
field" T. L. Husselton of At
lantic City. president of the Columbia
Regional Conference of Credit Bureau
Executives, told that body at the OPEN
ing OF the third annual session in the
Hotel Mayfiower today.
The session was opened with invoca-
ton by Rev. DR.. James Shera Montgom-
cry. chaplain of the House of Renre-
sentatives, and an address OF welcome
was made by Albert G. Keen. president
OF the Associated Retail Credit Men of
Washington.
A banquet and dance will be held by
the organization tonight.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-02-17
GIRLS DISAPPEARANCE BELIEVED
SOLVED AS MARRIAGE IS REVEALED
Dean of Women at Maryland u. Says Jane Duval Told
Her She Was Wed.

The mystery surrounding the disap-
pearance early this month Of Jane
Sedgwick Duvall. 20-year-old former
University Of Maryland coed, appeared
solved today when it was learned that
the girl voluntarily had Withdrawn from
the home economics course of the uni
versity at the end of January after
telling the dean Of women that she had
been married last June.
The girl refused to reveal the iden-
tity of her husband, but is believed to
have left the university In his company.
Authorities of the university point out
that she was not a student at that In
stitution at the time she disappeared.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-02-17
MELLON ENTERTAINS.
Secretary Presides at Luncheon for
Customs Officers.

Secretary Of the Treasury Mellon was
host at buffet luncheon today at the
Willard Hotel TO customs officers gath
cred here from every port in the United
States, Porto Rico, Alaska, Hawaii and
the Virgin Islands
A distinguished guest at the luncheon
was Alastair Macdonald, son of Prime
Minister Macdonald Of Great Britain, a
young architect, who is in this country
studying American architecture.
The customs officers have been called
here for an extended conference on
matters pertaining to the customs
service.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-02-17
WOULD AID FATHERS.

A measure to permit fathers of SOL
diers, sailors and Marines who lost
their lives in the World War and who
are buried in Europe in cemeteries to
make a pilgrimage to the burial place of
their sons at Federal expense was in
troduced today by Senator Allen, Re-
publican. Kansas.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-02-17
SCHOOL BOARD BALLOT
DISCUSSION PLANNED
Civic Leaders Are Invited to Par
ticipate in Meeting Scheduled
for Tomorrow.

Several civic leaders have accepted
invitations to participate in discussion
on the subject Should the Board Of
Education be Elected by the People?"
to be held at 8 O'Clock tomorrow night
at the Wilson Normal School, Eleventh
and Harvard streets, under auspices OF
the Citizens Forum Of Columbia
Heights. They include DR.. George
Havenner. president OF the Federation
OF Citizens Associations, together with
several members of the latter organize
ton and presidents Of citizens associa-
TONS
Paul E. Lesh, former president of the
Washington Bar Association, will lead
the discussion for the negative, while
James @. Yaden. chairman OF the fed
eration'S committee on education, will
lead the Affirmative group. The public
Is invited.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-02-17
Quakes Damage Crete villages.

GAMBIA, Crete. February II Dr.
Severe cath shocks In Crete on Friday
damaged several villages and broke so
valuable and ancient vases In the
museum here. Though no lives were
lost the inhabitants we're panic
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-02-17
VICTIMS OF ROBBERS
INCLUDE 5 AT CHURCH
Coats and Hats, Valued at SASS.
Taken at st. LUX e's-Virginian
Held Up-Purse Snatched.

Petty robberies and hold-ups netted
bandits total of $500, consisting pri-
marily OF clothing, last night.
Five persons attending St. Luke's p.
E. Church, Fifteenth and Church
streets, were robbed of coats and hats
valued at Sass. Mrs Abbie l.. Riddick
was robbed of $500 fur coat. A coat
valued at 500 was taken from Mrs
Elizabeth A. Holman, 1912 Ninth street
A $50 overcoat was stolen from James
B. Lomack, 1922 Fifteenth street, and
hat valued at IS was taken from
Chauncey 3. Cooper, 1886 Eleventh
street
John Coleman, Potomac Yards, Va,
reported he was held up at pistol point
by an unidentified colored man at Third
and F streets and robbed Of 81.
A thief snatched the purse OF Mrs.
Ella A. Smith, 1920 Euclid street. when
she was walking near her home, but the
pocketbook contained only her glasses
and cards.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-02-17
FUNERAL RITES TODAY.
Mrs. Margaret B, Curtis, ~, to
Rest in Rock Creek Cemetery.

Funeral services for Mrs. Margaret
B. Curtis, ~ years old. widow Of Clarke
z. Curtis, who died Friday at the home
of her daughter. Mrs. William Henry
White. 1929 Park road, were held &C
. O'Clock this afternoon at the resi-
dence. Funeral services were conducted
by Rev, DR.. Albert Joseph Mccartney,
pastor of the Church of the Covenant.
assisted by Rev. Dr. Charles Wood, for
nler pastor OF the Church Of the
Covenant. Interment was In Rock
Greek Cemetery.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-02-17
CENTERS ARE LAUDED.
Excellent Conditions Reported by
Community Secretaries.

Community Secretaries.
Excellent conditions in Washington
community centers were reported Sat-
urday at a meeting of community sec
retaries. Community dances and other
meetings of a purely social nature were
discussed.
Among the speakers, all of whom were
optimistic, were Mrs A. G. Driscoll.
chairman; Mrs. l.. w. Hardy, super
visor of the East Washington center;
Mrs. M. w. Davis, secretary Of the
Southeast center, and Mrs. Martha
Ellis, secretary of the Birney center.
Records and Statistics" will be dis
cussed at the March meeting. Mrs.
4. l.. Irving will preside.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-02-17

Hill and at Tientsin ne was awarded
silver star citations and for his service
with the Quartermaster Corps in France
he was decorated with the Distinguished
Service Medal. the British Order of st.
Michael and st. George and the French
Legion of Honor.
Gen. Rethers has served as assistant
quartermaster general at the Munitions
Building since April, 1926. He has been
granted leave of absence until his retire.
ment.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-02-17
STUDENT is DEAD.

William c. Zacharias Is Victim of
Pneumonia.
William Carl Zacharias, a student of
the School of Law of Georgetown Uni
versity, died of pneumonia at Garfield
Hospital last night after a brief ILL
ness. His mother, Mrs. William j.
Zacharias. was with him when he died.
zacharias would have graduated IN
law this year.
The body will be taken to Brook
vile, Ind, for burial.