davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-07-21
Local Utilities Regulation.

The right of appeal to the courts re-
mains, and will remain, fundamental
Legislation may restrict it without de-
stsoying it.
The street car fare decision merely
adds one more to the rather imposing
list of cases that recently have been
taken out of the hands Of the Public
Utilities Commission, supposed to regu-
late public utility rates and practices,
and reversed by the courts.
The Public Utilities Commission
denied the application of the car COM
panies and the court granted it, using
as basis for the valuation Of the COM
panies a valuation handed down by the
Court of Appeals in 1925.
A case involving the valuation of the
gas company was argued in the Dis
trict Supreme Court more than a year
ago on appeal from an order Of the
commission. The court still has 1t UNI
der consideration, and the Public Utili-
ties Commission is marking time watt
ing for the answer.
Recently the Public Utilities Commits
sion tested its power to designate bus
route to be followed by an interstate bus
doing business in Washington. 1t fined
the company for leaving the prescribed
route and the company appealed the
fine. The Municipal Court dismissed
the case and 1t is pending now on ap-
peal.
When the gas company purchase went
through some time ago the Public Utili-
ties Commission took the ground that it
was contaminated in violation of the
La Toilette anti-merger act The courts
decided the case against the commits
aion.
The Public Utilities Commission en-
deavored to enforce regulation req'lir-
ing taxicab companies to show financial
responsibility. The commission was en-
Joined by the courts from enforcing
Congress the legislation that would give
It the authority denied by the courts.
Every rate case, every valuation case,
and, it now seems any case involving
anything more than a trivial effort of
the Public Utilities Commission to regu-
late, runs into extensive litigation and
the record shows that the commission
Is apt to come out second best.
Congress made half-hearted effort
during its last session to broaden the
authority Of the Public Utilities Com
mission and restrict to some extent the
grounds upon which appeals from Its
decisions may be taken into the courts.
Another session of Congress should see
definite action in this respect, or the
recently enlarged personnel of the Pub
lie Utilities Commission might as well
be reduced as saving to the taxpayers.
It is now hlndered and handicapped at
every turn, either by the lack of regula-
tons with which there is no earthly
reason for the Congress of the United
States to concern itself, or by its total
Subordination to the courts as regu-
latory body in the matter of rates.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-07-21

State" The Haverhill Gazette points
out that preceding that disastrous oc-
casion was a decade of industrial and
political strife and that feeling was
high" The Newark Evening News
contends that Mooney has been made
a living martyr by California, not only
in the eyes of radicals and extremist,
but to fair minded persons of the mort
circumSpect and conservative political
affiliations"
The effect of agitation on the punlIc
mind is discussed by the San Bernar-
dino Sun, and in the course of the
statement it remarks: For a long
period of years the Mooney Defense
League has flooded the country with
literature designed to prove to the
satisfaction of any reasonable person
that Mooney and Billings are inno-
cent. This campaign, supported by
donations running, into the hundreds
of thousands of dollars and perhaps
into the millions, has had a marked
effect on public opinion. There was no
organization to challenge the claims of
the defense league The Supreme
Court, however, challenged these claims.
The league has had in its pos
session statements of the presiding
judge, all Of the surviving jurors, and
various police officers. Likewise, it had
the benefit of the opinion of COM
missioner appointed by President Will
son to investigate the case. 1t Is
not surprising, therefore, that many in
huential organizations, led by church
and labor bodies, have made fiat decla-
rations of their belief in the theory
that Billings and Mooney were rail-
roaded.'"
Which shall we believe" asks the
San Francisco Chronicle, 1.-The testi-
Mcnnor1oll -,
subsequent denial? This looks like a
hard question. However, the Supreme
Court has shown how it can be ana
lyzed. Macdonald testified in court
under .the discrimination fire of able
lawyers for the defense The LAWYERS
did their best TO break down his testi-
mony, Tor 1t was vital They had two
chances IN two trials. The LAWYERS
did not succeed in breaking down Mac
Donald'S story. They were smart
lawyers and Macdonald was no intel
lectual giant. But his story stood up
under fire.
Organized labor has been unceasing
in its efforts TO secure Mooney's par-
don, asserts the Salt Lake Deseret
news, while the Youngstown Vindica-
tor offers the judgment that 'the aei-
tatlon to release these two has beer
chiefly propaganda" The Muncie Star
contends: Much of the agitation on
pehalt OF the California prisoners has
Deen based on no more understanding
IMAM that which prompted the bombing
OF our embassy in BuenoS Aires shortly
DeIore the execution of Sacco and VAN
zetti in Massachusetts"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-07-21
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
BY FREDERIC J. H4SKIN.

Have We had the pleasure of serving
you through our Washington Inforna-
ton Bureau? Can't we be of some help
TO you in your problems? Our business
is to furnish you with authoritative in
formation, and we invite you to ask us
any question of fact in which you are
interested. Send your inquiry to The
Frederic j. Haskin, director, Washing
ton. d. c. Inclose cents in coin or
stamps for return postage.
@. Please advise me from what wood
or woods, the heads of wooden golf
clubs are made. G. T.
A. The Forest Service says that the
heads of wooden golf clubs are made
of persimmon wood. A little dogwood
has been used. but the former is more
commonly employed.
@. Do children learn geography more
readily through visual instruction?
L. A. S.
A. Experiments sponsored by the
National Education Association and
conducted by Dr. Wood of Columbia
University and DR.. Freeman of the
University of Chicago show that chill
dren make 33 per cent greater gains
in geography and Is per cent greater
gains in science by Tearing these sub
Jects partly through motion pictures.
@. How much ice is there in the Ant
arctic regionS?-B. M.
A Prof. w Meindardus of the Uni
versity Of Gottingen has estimated the
extent of the ice in Antarctica at
$4,000. 900, 000, 900, 900 cubic yards of ice
weighing about 20 quadrillion tons
There is enough ice there, he says, to
cover all Europe to depth of $500
feet, or to blanket the whole earth un-
der layer between 100 and 100 feet
thick.
@. Is Wang" one of the Gilbert and
Sullivan operaS?-S. E.
A. This opera is often mistakenly at
tributed to Gilbert and Sullivan, but it
was written by Theodore Morse.
@. Why is ermine considered the
royal fur?-T. v. E.
A. Its beauty caused it to be worn
by royalty, and King Edward III made
it a punishable offense for any persons
except those of royal birth to wear 1t.
This restriction has long been removed,
but the fur still enjoys royal favor.
@. How long has the Jockey Club ex-
isted?-M. G.
A. 1t was incorporated under the laws
of the State of New York on February g.,
1894. The first annual meeting was
held December 81, 1894. 1t now has
Jurisdiction over all the fiat racing in
the State of New York. 1t also ascer-
tains and keeps a record of the pedi-
grees of horses in the United States. No
horse can start in race at recognized
meeting unless it has beens registered
and named.
@. What becomes of electricity after
it is used?-F. N.
A. The Bureau of Standards says
that electricity is simply form OF
motion When electricity is used" the
energy given out appears in some other
form, such as heat or work of some
kind.
@. Are girls eligible for Rhodes Scho-
larships?-H. E. T.
A. The scholarships are given to men
only.
@. Is it deleterious to the health OF
a growing family if the housewife shuts
out the sunlight by always keeping the
blinds closed?-D. v.
A. The United States Public Health
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-07-21

Service says that sunlight Is essential
TO proper cleanliness.
@. What do the Japanese call the coll
lection of dolls that is made by each
family?-J. G.
A. 1t is called the Hina.
Q. How deep does the whale dive?-
A. The maximum dive of the whale
is supposed to be about 500 feet.
O. Who was the first Russian ruler
to assume the title of Cars. T
A. Ivan ", known as Ivan the Ter
rible, was the first to use the title.
O. Did the Indians practice any aero
battles before the white man came,
such as sonersaults and handsprings?-
A CT. d.
A. The Bureau of American Ethncl-
ogy says that while instances of aero
batic practice are known since the COM
ing of the white man. 1t has no knowl-
edge of such practice before his COM
ing.
@. What is the best way 10 rescue
drowning person?-C. 1.
A. In Swimming Scientifically
Taught" by Frank E. Dalton, the su-
thor says: "Of the many different ways
of saving life the safest and best meth
cd IS to SWIM as near the person as
possible, then dive under and come up
behind him; otherwise he is liable TO
grab you around the neck With death
clutch, from which it is extremely diffi-
cult to escape When swimming up be-
hind the person. grab his biceps and
force him on his back. the more he
struggles. the more he helps himself to
keep afloat."
Tr fp,,o tbaf nf1Oif1npF has
built hotel in Death Valley? N. M.
A. Fl. w. Eichbaum has built Stove
Pipe Wells, the hotel, and has started
mining operations and opened road
in Death Valley. He had a pumping
plant installed at Stove Pipe, and now
l 900 gallons of pure water an hour are
being pumped from this well: Mr..
Eichbaum keeps a force there all Sum-
mer long to care for travellers who may
venture into the valley during The pc
Rod when the temperature may range
anywhere from So to 1873 degrees.
@. Which State has the largest num-
Der of zoned municipalities?-G. NJ
A. At the end of 1923 New York led
with 131 zoned municipalities. New
Jersey was second with "a. California,
third, with 70; Illinois, fourth, with IL.
@. In measuring various sugars IN
to one pound?-H. T. B.
A. Two cups of granulated sugar are
equivalent to one pound; 2l2 cups Of
powdered sugar cups brown sugar,
314 cups confectioners' sugar.
@. Please give me brief description
of John wilkes Booth, as to his height,
etc, at the time Lincoln was assassi-
nated.-C. r.
A. A description issued by the War
Department, dated April 20, 1865, gave
the following information: Height, 5
feet 7 or 8 inches; slender build. high
forehead, black hair and eyes, heavy
black mustache.
@. How much life insurance did the
late President Harding carry-M M.
A His life insurance totaled S34,-
422.41.
@. What is the correct name of the
cathedral in Washington. D. c., popu-
larly known as the Washington Ca
thedral?-B. N.
A. This has formally been designated
as the Cathedral of st. Peter and st.
Paul.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-07-21
Open Mind on MONEYS Case
Is Held Creditable to Public

widespread comment on the case of
Thomas J. Mooney and Warren K. Bill
lings, convicted in California as guilty
of the fatal Preparedness day bombing
in San Francisco in 1916, is considered
evidence that the American public has
an open mind on subjects OF this kind.
Charges that the defense of the two
men has been largely radical propa-
ganda are made, but there Is also re-
sponsible opinion that, in view of the
change in testimony by such witnesses
as John Macdonald Of Baltimore, there
are doubts as to guilt
Interest in the fate of Mooney and
Billings does credit to the country"
AYERS the Buffalo Evening News. Moth
ing can be far wrong so long as the
people maintain a passion for justice.
To see justice truly served should, as a
member of the Supreme Court once
observed, be the greatest interest OF
man on EARTH" The News finds that
the opinion is widely held that the men
were convicted on general principles, an
opinion which is fortified by statements
from the trial judge and the surviving
members of the jury that convicted
them"
Describing the crime as zone Of the
most fiendish, brutal and diabolical In
the history of the country" the Los
Angeles Express reviews the later court
proceedings in connection with recent
appeals, saying: Gov. Young asked the
State Supreme Court to make an ex-
haustive inquiry into the Billings case
and advise the Board of Pardons II
in the courts opinion there were cir
cumstances to warrant pardon, this
course being followed because Of the
fact that Billings was an eX-convTct,
and as such could receive no clemency
excepting upon recommendation OF the
States highest court. 1t was assumed
that Gov. Young meant to be guided IN
his action in the Mooney case by the
courts decision in the case of Billings.
After a thorough examination extending
over several months, the Supreme Court
announced that there was nothing in
the records to show that Billings had
not been fairly tried and justly
sentenced"
att cannot be said that Mooney has
not suffered punishment" declares the
South Bend Tribune, convinced that
"belief that he is innocent has in
creased as the years passed, largely be-
cause the evidence on which he was
convicted has been apparently torn to
shreds by Investigators and volunteer
witnesses" The Albany Evening News
holds that "the' case was never con-
vincing." while the Kansas City Star
states: 1.-The responsible authorities in
California evidently have been disposed
to believe the men are guilty because
they were suspicious characters But
other persons, including MONEYS trial
Judge, the 10 living jurors Billings
prosecutor, the present district attorney
and several police officers who worked
on the case, have been convinced OF
their innocence"
X X
Attitude of trial judge, prosecutors,
police who handled the case and jurors
causes the Portland Oregon Journal to
feel that there is substantial question
of Mooney's guilt" The Hartford Times
believes that CALIFORNIA; handling Of
this case does not reflect credit on the
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-07-21
A Treaty Fleet.

Senator David 1. Walsh of Massa-
chusetts insists that the United States
should build its Navy up to the full
strength authorized under the London
naval treaty, now awaiting ratification
in the Senate. He excerpts, 1t is true,
cruisers Of the six-inch gun type be-
cause some of the American naval ex-
perts hold that vessels of that type are
not fitted TO the needs of national de-
tense. But of the, eight-inch gun
cruisers, the submarines, destroyers,
and aircraft carriers permitted the
United States he would build every one.
Senator Walsh is entirely right. Out
of the London Naval Conference has
come an agreement, which is designed
to give the United States parity" in
naval strength with Great Britain and
a ratio that approximates 10-6 with
Japan. If we are to have parity, we
must have it with ships. That is clear.
And parity has been promised the
American people. 1t is up to Congress
to go ahead with the naval building
program which will give us that parity
Congress has been prone in the past to
neglect naval building. But now the
limits for Great Britain and Japan are
fixed as well as for the United States
A naval building program will not be
regarded as competitive building, but
merely in keeping with the treaty itself,
designed to make for limitation Of naval
armament and world peace.
The Massachusetts Senator argues
that the only way to bring about a
marked reduction In naval armament
is for the United States to construct up
to the full OF the treaty strength. When
the United States has done that, he
says, the other nations win be ready
to talk about Scrapping war ships. In
other words, they will be able to tell
their nationals that the United States,
some scrapping, just as the United
States announced in 1921 at the opening
of the Washington Naval Conference.
To those who favor peace and reduction
Va. OCIldbOI
Walshs plan may seem a roundabout
way of arriving at the end they desire.
But the argument has a foundation
that appears to be sound. To those who
favor Navy capable of defending the
United States and its commerce in event
of an emergency, Senator Walsh's plan
will commend itself beyond doubt.
1t would be sham and mere folly
to bring this country into a treaty
which guarantees naval parity with
Britain and a 1916 ratio or something
like it, with Japan, and then by failure
to build the ships abandon both.
Senator Walsh has asked the Senate
to go on record as favoring the building
program he asks in the midst OF its
debate on the treaty. His resolution
has no real place in the Senate at this
time. The Senate can only express
itself in this matter. The appropriations
for a naval building program cannot be
made at this time, nor authorizations
for building. Those are legislative func-
ton requiring action Of the House.
December steps should be taken prompt
ly to advance a naval building program
which will give the United States the
feet to which it is entitled under the
treaty--a feet second TO rome in the
world.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-07-21

ends. If he does follow Mr.. Huston
"out" there will be a number of the
Republican Senators who will not wear
mourning.
*
Senator Metcalf is going back soon
to Rhode Island and begin a round of
State meetings and State and county
fairs etc. It is expected that Peter
Goelet Gerry, former Senator from the
State, is going to make the race against
him as the Democratic nominee Mr..
Gerry has been particularly active
lately. although he has not formally
announced his candidacy. The Demo-
Gratis insist they have a good chance OF
carrying Rhode Island this Fall with
Gerry on the ticket But Metcalf has
a strong following in the State and
particularly in Providence, which he
carried against hts Democratic OPP
ponent when he ran last by 5000 votes
or more. Providence is rated Demo-
cratic city.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-07-21
FARO Agha.

FARO Agha of Istamboul has just ar
kived in the United States.
The old old Kurd-156, he says, on
lRss last birthday, his passport stating
Che day of his birth as February Is,
i774-wants American scientists to look
him over and pay for the opportunity.
Perhaps they can find in his ancient
body a clue to the secret Of overcoming
the presumably inevitable advances OF
age
A part of FARO Agha's longevity
must be attributed, OF course. to al
most Incredible good luck. Most per-
sons die OF accidents long before they
reach the century mark, unfortunately
and unconsciousjy getting themselves IN
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-07-21
A Reversed Decision.

Americas Davis Cup chances are I'M
measurably brighter with big Bill
Tilden reversing his decision not to
play and becoming member OF the
team which will take on France In the
challenge round next week. Thden has
Just emerged from his usual difficulties
with the United States Lawn Tennis
Association. At almost the last minute
the governing body of tennis decided
that Big Bill" was needed for this
years classic, although his retirement
had been accepted last Winter and he
had agreed to write articles for syn
dictate, something he would not be per-
mitted to do under the strict rules of
the association.
So a cable was duly dispatched to
Tilden in Paris requesting him to give
mp his writing contract and to play on
the team. This he refused to do. But
now Joseph Wear, chairman Of the
Davis Cup Committee, announces that
"Big Bill has had change of heart
ard that the association is making some
concessions in his favor. The syndi-
cate has agreed to waive its contract
for his articles on the actual playing
days. Of the matches, and the current
1880 squabble appears to have been
amicably settled.
The settlement is gratifying TO the
American public. Tilden is showing a
fine national pride and brand Of sports
manship in deciding to play. The U. S,
L. T. A. in permitting him to carry out
his contract in SO far as advance articles
on the matches are concerned is making
n concession that will find universal
approval. Now 1t is up to the team
to 60 ahead and win for America.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-07-21

For poor old Portugal life is just one
thing after another, severe heat wave
being followed by hurricanes and mum
dated crops. 1t is thought no small
country has packed such heavy bag
of troubles as has this little republic
since the assassination Of her next-to-
last King and the Punishment of her
last one.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-07-21

One way, though not recommended,
to become a successful physician, Illus
trated by man out in Decatur, ILL.,,
is to collect moths for years, sell the
collection to the Government for $780,
600 and with the money build a fine
hospital.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-07-21
EXPLANATION.

THAT man." said the proud friend,
went into politics a poor man and
came out of 1t a poor man."
WELL" answered Senator Sorghum,
all I can say is that there must have
been contributory negligence on his
part"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-07-21
Solution Suggested to China.

oOIIIIIOh Suggested TO China.
From the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
The readieSt method of disposal of the
10000 rebels captured by the forces of
the Chinese government might be to
have then fight on the National side
for a while.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-07-21

The Duke of Gloucester finishes
poorly on the Sali>u.'ry, England, race
course, but anyhow, he and his mount
arrive under the wire simultaneously.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-07-21

The Congressional Medal of Honor
has been given to Col. Eddie" Ricken-
hacker. What was the hurry? The
war has been over only twelve years.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-07-21
Social Martyr.

1.-THE man who serves on jury often
makes a great deal of sacrifice for the
public good" said one Juror. cit is hard
work to listen to all this testimony"
ut is not only hard work." answered
the other, but it is mighty demoraliz-
ing"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-07-21

Representative Fish says he is In
favor of modification of the eighteenth
amendment which would give bottled
beer to the working man." Why such
narrow discrimination?
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-07-21
Victim of Taxi Meter.

From the Walla walla Daily Bulletin.
A fare in a Seattle taxicab was found
dead, which only goes to prove that
they ought to have law against plac-
ing those meters where fellow has to
watch them work
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-07-21
ANY. Yacatisnist Understands.

From the San Antonio Express.
The vacationist just returning to his
job can svmpathiZe with the Ohioan
whose 25-year loafing spell was ended
by sentence to the workhouSe.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-07-21
Inverse Ratio.

In youth success seems easy won.
With years our hopes diminish.
The work that's easiest begun
Is oft most hard to finish.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-07-21
Hagen Bags kangaroo.

From the Fort Wayne News-sentinel.
Walter Hagen has returned from Aus
tralia, where he shot kangaroo. Well,
WE'LL We thought Walter would bring
back some kind of birdie.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-07-21
Easier.

"Are you going to send your boy to
college?"
'I don't see the use" answered Farmer
Corntossel "The first thing a college
professor does when he gets a bright
idea is to publish it. I'd rather sub
scribe TO the newspaper"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-07-21
Candhi's Dressmaker.

Prom the Louisville Times.
Judging by his pictures, Mr.. Gandhi's
dressmaker must be the same woman
who makes Quefn Mary's hats.