davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-01-02
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
BY FREDERIC J. HASKIN.

tnat 1t Is not known Just who shot
down Baron Won Richthofen during the
World War, since several alien planes
were lighting him at once.
g.. What proportion of the mechanic
cal devices that are patented come into
successful use?-G. OBJ.
A. Only l or 2 per cent Of the ar
ucies patented are ever commercializcd.
G. Do bears have tails?-J. p
A. They have rudimentalE tails.
O. When was the first fire insur-
s an company organized in the United
A. The first directors. meet,ro If
the first fire insurance COMPANY in this
country was held in Philadeiphia on
May ID 1852. This was the Philadel-
pnia Contributionship for the Insurance
OF houses from Loss by Fire. BEN
board Of directors.
@. When was the Cathedral of
Rheims built?-K. H.
A. The Cathedral of Rheims was
completed In 1891. It was Celebrated
for its wonderful rose window as well
as for other architectural details of great
beauty. The cathedral has undergone
many changes. Its facade is said 10
De one OF the most perfect masterpieces
0, tne world: The building suffered
almost beyond description during the
World War. 1t is in the process of
restoration.
Q. Why are there more earthquakes
IN europe and Asia than in the United
States?-H. F.
A. The occurrence of earthuuakes
depends on strains set I'D by changes
IN elevation and other slow earth move
menus. Inere are more such actively
moving regions in Europe and Asia
than in the United States, henc~ more
quakes. The. details as to why certain
regions are IN this state of char %. and
otners are not, are not fully known.
O. Why was the Caterpillar Club,
given this name?-M. w.
A. The Caterpillar Club Is conposed
OF avlators who have reSorted to nara
chutes to save their lives in airplane
disasters. The name was chosen be-
cause 1t Is the caterpillar that spins
tne SIX OF which parachutes are made.
q. How many people lived In the Dis
trict of Columbia In 18OO?-T. G.
A. According to the 800 census. thcra.
were 1,493 residents.
C. w. 0'0- 5
A. Rain has no odor, but in falling
purifies the air. Often rain is produced
by electrical charges in the air. and
these charges produce a gas called ozone
which has delightful fresh odor.
q. When were schools for training
teachers first established?-J p. M.
A. The first genuine effort for the
professional training of teachers under
taken in the world was undoubtedly by
Jean Baptiste de La Sale at Rheims in
1881. At the beginning of the nine
tenth century the development Of in
situations to train teachers took on a
new life and the Prussian system of
normal schools was firmly established,
Six normal schools had been Organized
IN that country. 1t was about this time
that the subject of preparing teachers
for public schools began to receive at
tention in America.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-01-02
THIS AND THAT
BY CHARLES E. TRACEWELL.

pleases-more or less-every one is a
poet.
The key-word to our quoted wisdom is
the verb makes"
He who believes well of the world,
and he who hopes well of II, makes the
world he lives in.
How can any one deny it?
One does not have to join any organ
ization or read any particular set of
books In order to believe and to hope.
This is practical optimism, helpful
idealisn1.
We can all be optimists and idealists
in this sense. Even cynical people "be-
long," for they are driven most Of all
to making for themselves q world to
live in.
The greatest pessimists become the
greatest optimiSts. Misanthropes no
longer loom as haters Of mankind, but,
because they do hate human beings,
paint for themselves race Of super
human beings.
Out of disgust comes love, from dis
like whole battery of kindness, de-
cency and gentleness.
This is the way to put the worst to
work, and to make 1t produce the best.
Those who rant against cynics, pesSi-
mistS, miSanthropes. little realize that
If it were not for the dreams of such
people the world would be the poorer in
literature, music. philosophy, religion.
The high place which the child takes
in modern society is due, in part to the
railing of those who once foamed at the
mouth over the lowly place it held
Those who were satisfied did nothing,
but those who despaired of voluntary
aid banded together for child Labor laws,
and the world got on.
X X r.
The world Of experience" as Emer-
son put it, is the sole abiding place Of
those who refuse to believe and to hope
well of the world. 1t is their world
The mere fact of believing and think
ing we'll of the world is the quitting It
of which the sage speaks. He asks no
mystic something or other which the
ordinary man or woman finds difficult
to understand or do.
He who believes and hopes thereby
makes the world he lives in. Let him
be brave In that world. Let him not be
frightened because a hard realist says
he Is a day-dreamer, or q senta-
mentalist, or q Victorian.
n ~
Grass holders to the world Of expert
ence know no more about their world
than these others, who like to think
that Heaven abides off there, and that
little things that die are loved there as
here.
The materialist pushes his ignorance
back by giving 1t new name, but it is
ignorance still. Dissection never takes
the place Of love. The psychologist re-
names old experiences, but the next
generation Of psychologists repudiates
his names, and glories in still newer
ones.
He who makes his own world to suit
himself quits the world of experience
because he finds 1t necessary and pleas
ing to do so. If the others do not
understand him, he does not understand
them any the better.
He feels that he has the advantages,
because belief and hope are better than
doubt and despair. He who fools him
self with eyes open, may fool himself
as much as he pleases
Whether We know it or not, each one
OF us makes the world he lives in. We
make it by every thought and word and
look, by every sound, by every idea.
Hail to the world Of our make believed
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-01-02
Dale.Lehlbach Bill
Support Is Opposed
To the Editor OF The Star.

To the Editor OF The Star.
The Star Of Sunday, December 49,
published an article concerning the re-
tirement bill now before the Senate. I
am inclined to think that Mr.. Alcorn
has somewhat a selfish motive in his
desire to have all organizations support
the Dale-Lehlbach bill. Why should the
Federal clerks sacrifice the 5000 bill
with uniform optional retirement Just
to have Mr.. Alcorn, the chairman on
retirement, get bill through that is
only pleasing to his special branch of
the service, as well as the railway or
ganization Of postal service? Why not
take into consideration those that are
compelled to retire on disability and 90
through an examination every year
between the ages Of so and 70 and
then perhaps never get back in the
service?
If those so situated could have op-
tional retirement at so years of age
with 30 years of service, which many
have had, I think that would relieve
the situation and place all Of the en-
ployes on an equal basis Of retirement.
I hope this may enlighten the situa-
ton as It now stands and help to get
the desired bill passed with the so years
Of age after 80 years service optional.
j. ERWIN LATIMER.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-01-02

stop minute ana mink ABOUT THIS
fact. You can ask our Information
Bureau any question Of fact and get
the answer back in a personal letter.
1t is a great educational idea intro
duced into the lives of the most intel
ligent people in the world-American
newspaper readers. 1t is part of that
best purpose OF a newspaper-Servtce.
There Is no charge except 2 cents in
coin or stamps for return postage. Get
the habit of asking questions. Address
your letter to The Evening Star In
formation Bureau. Frederic j. Haskin,
director, washington, d. c.
Q. Is the inventor of basket ball
still living?-T. S.
A. DR.. James A. Naismith. its in
ventor, Is the professor Of physical edu-
cation at the University of Kansas,
which post he has filled for 30 years.
1t is SO years since he invented the
game.
@. Which is farther West, Reno,
New, or Los Angeles, Calf. Pc. o. B.
A. Reno is farther West. It lies al
most upon the 120th meridian, while
Los Angeles is situated in longitude
1180 IA 80" west.
@. What is the depth of the Mis-
sissippi River at New Orleans?-R. p.
A. 1t varies in the channel from 81
to 1877 feet.
Q. Is Frances Aida with the Metro
politan Opera Co. this season?-N. T. F.
A. Nine. Aida made her farewell APP
pearance with the Metropolitan Opera
Co. on December %, 1929, in the title
role Of Puccini's "Manon Lescaut" She
is to devote herself primarily to radio
work.
@. Is the birth rate higher in Japan
than in European countries?-M. H.
A. It Is. In Japan about 80 births
occur yearly in each 1000 of the popu-
lation. In Great Britain the number
has fallen to 17.8. Belgium, 1879; France.
1873; Germany, 20.7; Italy, 27.8; Nor
way, 1877.
Q. What does the prefix Fitz mean?
e. c. J..
A. It means son and is derived from
the Latin filius.
@. How many passenger pigeons have
been preserved at the Smithsonian
w. H.
A. There are IS to 40 specimens of
the wild or passenger pigeon preserved
at the National Museum.
". WuCIC Wuo <AIluIcW
buried?-E. A.
A. He died August II, 1919, at Lenox,
Mass, and Is buried at Sleepy Hollow,
N. Y.
@. When did Sarah Bernhardt make
her first stage appearance in New York
city?-L. u.
A. Sarah Bernhardt made her first
appearance on an American stage at
Booths Theater, New York city, No
vember 8, 1880.
q. Were Abraham Lincoln and his
wife ever photographed together?-
G. L. v.
A. DR.. w. E. Barton says that they
we're not. The group pictures, some
times including the children, were in
dividual photographs which were as
sembled and Photographed.
@. Who shot down Baron Won RIGHT
hofen?-J. D. H.
A. The War Department informs us
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-01-02
Better White House Offices
Are Urged as Result of Fire

created within its walls. The building
itself has been rather an adjournment of
the White House grounds than q de-
traction to their charms. In avoiding
further risk from fire the architects will
have also to avoid the risk of replacing
the office building with structure less
suitable to its place."
After all important papers had
been removed, and while the President
and his family stood in the beautiful
old White House itself, watching in
safety the fire in the wing" suggests
the Grand Rapids Press, sit is probable
that Mr.. Hoover was not greatly con-
cerned about 1t ALL No doubt he was
already planning how to rebuild a
makeshift and unsatisfactory structure
into real business edifice, fireproof
and on up-to-date lines"
The Kansas City Journal-PoSt offers
the verdict: IF we were building a
mansion for the President and an exec
utive office now. unfettered by tradl-
tons, the ONCE would probably occupv
a few floors Of a modern skyscraper and
the residence would be in some other
part OF town. Presidents might last
longer If they kept regular business.
hours and could not be reached ~
other times"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-01-02

ut is greatest to believe and to hope
well Of the world, because he who does
so. quits the world of experience, and
makes the world he lives in"
So wrote Emerson in his journal for
May 20, 1S43, when he was 80 years
old. BY that age a man usually decides
where he wants to place the accent, in
the one world or the other.
Life is mostly a matter of accent.
where you put the accent means
everything. The main things, earth here
or heaven there. are immutable; argu-
ment does not change them.
Let every one have his own idea of
earth and heaven; 1t is the placement
| OF the accent which counts, and which
Will do most to make life acceptable to
those who are sometimes irked by its
harsher aspects.
Has not man done wonderfully well
ny himself to have got to the point
nave ideas as to life itself? This has
always been the glory Of mankind.
The animals accept life as it comes.
Meat pleaSeS, noise affrights, but the
creature does not know meat as pleas
ure or noise as fear. What happens is
what happens, and what will be Is what
Will be. The brute creatures are the
true fatalistS.
Man cannot be a fatalist because he
is able and willing to do what Emerson
advises. He may believe, or not believe
He may hope well Of the world, or re-
fuse to hope. He may quit the world Of
experience, at least upon occasion, or
he may live in 1t solely.
II he does quit it, he makes the world
he lives in.
Making the world one lives in is
rather large order, 1t must be admit
ted, easier for an Emerson than Jones
or Smith or Brown.
But 1t may be done. It is being done
every day all around us, by every man
who believes in himself, in his Job, in
his religion, in his hopes, in his fears,
too; in family, in his motor car, In
his books, in his beliefs and faiths.
In the peculiar sense which Emerson
meant, however, one truly makes the
world he lives in when he comes to the
time in his life when he is willing to
admit to himself that it is greatest to
believe and to hope well of the world.
This attitude is optimistic, but SEN
sibly optimistic, not mere clap-trap. It
Is sensible because it is the result Of the
mind coming to itself.
1t is not merely great to believe and
to hope well of the world, it is great
est. Only the superlative will do.
Millions Of men have been trying all
sorts Of life attitudes since history be-
gan and the sensible ones almost in
variably come to Emerson's conclusion.
They have tried every type of action
and believing, but no matter what
their actions may be, their beliefs are
strangely alike.
Disraeli replied, to q woman who
asked him his religion, THE religion of
any sensible man, madam"
But what Is that?" she insisted.
"A sensible man never says" he
smiled.
He would have been reasonably well
satisfied with Emerson's words, 1T Is
greatest to believe and to hope well of
the world, because he who does so, quits
the world Of experience and makes the
world he lives in"
The poet was the original maker. In
the sense that man may think as he
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-01-02
Arguments Offered
Against l3.MOnth Year
To the Editor Of The star:

To the Editor Of The Star:
Concerning the proposed new calen-
dar of Is months, certain magazine
recently gave the following disadvan-
tages which are worthy of every ones
consideration:
Under the new calendar there
would be Is business closings each year,
instead of IL. This would increase the
cost OF bookkeeping and accounting
considerably. The number IS Is not
Invisible, as is IL, and in quarterly and
semi-annual business statements frac-
tional numbers would have to be en-
ployed
"2-The public utility companies
would have their expense in reading
meters and mailing out bills increased
8 per cent annually, and the increased
cost would be passed to the consumer.
"3-The new calendar would necessi-
tate Is monthly payments OF rent, tele-
phone, etc. 1t is to be doubted that
landlords would reduce the monthly
rent unless forced to by competition.
Thus the new calendar would increase
the cost of living to the average family.
MANY longtime leases and con-
tracts, payable at a specified monthly
rent rate, would Immediately be thrown
into litigation because OF so radical a
change in time reckoning, with the
likelihood of injustice and great ex-
pense.
"5-The proposed calendar would
change all former dates, anniversaries,
wedding days, greatly complicating the
work of the historian, and necessitating
a double system Of calendar reckonings.
"6-Every person whose birthday does
not fall in the first % days of January
would have the date of his birthday
altered.
"7-Such national holidays as the
Fourth OF July in America, Bastille day
in France and Empire day in the Brit
ish Empire would be changed.
S-The 13-month calendar would
destroy the unbroken continuity of the
weekly cycle once each year and twice
In leap year as a unit of measurement
OF time. This would give different
day each year to Sunday and to the
seventh-day Sabbath observed by Jews,
Seventh-day Baptists and Seventh-day
Adventists, thus destroying their re-
nglous significance.
The calendar has been revised sew
eral times IN the Christian era, but not
once since God gave the week at crea-
lion has the weekly cycle been broken.
Thus the calendar reformers would defy
God and destroy the primal unit of
time measurement.
"9-Such radical step would pro-
woke religious dissension and strife. and
would divide religious organizations into
divergent groups, some following the
original continuity of the fixed weekly
cycle and others accepting the wander
ing holy days of the new calendar.
lOEThe new calendar would entail
great hardships to religious bodies and
individuals whose consciences would NOT
allow them to sacrifice their convictions
regarding fixed religious days"
RALPH NESTLER.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-01-02
A Park Bird Center.

Col. U. S. Grant. Sd, director of
Public Buildings and Public Parks, is
planning to stock the Tidal Basin with
wild ducks, and is making that stretch
OF water bird refuge. Already sew
eral hundred birds are appearing on
the Basin, attracted by food that is
distributed for them by park attend
ants, and it is believed that with per-
sistence and systematic efforts large
numbers of wild fowl, including sea
gulls, will be brought to the park.
At Oakland, Calf, bird refuge has
been established in the public park of
the city. Tens Of thousands of fowl,
ducks, gulls, wild geese and indeed many
varieties, assemble there at certain
times of the year. They attract great
numbers Of people. Indeed the bird
refuge, as 1t is called, is one of the most
popular places Of public resort in Oak
land. The birds, which are strictly
protected from molestation, become
quite tame and the children of Oak
land consider it great privilege to be
taken to the park to feed them.
Washington might develop q bird
refuge of exceptionally interesting
character. 1t is near enough to the sea
to bring saltwater fowl here as
resting place at migration time or as
permanent feeding ground. While the
Tidal Basin is fresh water, salt water
-
and 1t is altogether possible that with
special provision for feeding the Basin
might become center Of pathological
study Of scientific importance. Ger
tainly the presence Of large numbers
and a wide variety Of birds there
would add to the attractiveness of the
park.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-01-02
Lights for Pedestrians
Called Sensible Idea

SEVm tne NeW IOIk world.
This scheme of Miss Ida Lathers, who
carries q little red electric light when
she fares forth on the street, does seem
rather odd, that must be granted. But
who can say 1t is not sensible? When
you go walking around New York, par
ticularly at night, one Of the fears you
cannot shake OF is that the driver of
an approaching car will not see you, and
will mash you TO pulp simply because he
did not know you were there. AS things
stand at present you are quite helpless
to attract his attention. The idea that
you can yell at him assumes that you
realize he does not see you, which you
do not until he Is almost on top of you;
when it is time to yell It is all over but
the verdict Of the coroner. And you
cannot very well wave at every car that
approaches: you would probably get ar
rested If you tried 1t for annoying q
policewoman. But little light might
afford real protection. Possibly some
manufacturer might offer lights set in
the head of q walking stick, for men,
or cleaning In the side Of q handbag,
for women. Then they would seem q
bit smart and their absurdity would to
some extent disappear.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-01-02
international conferences


ever held.
The Republicans of New Jersey are
congratulating themselves upon the fact
that Mr.. Morrow has agreed to accept
appointment to the Senate on his re-
turn from London. He will take the
seat which was held by Walter Edge,
now Ambassador to France, and which
is now held by David Baird, IT,, who
will resign when Mr.. Morrow is ready
to come to Washington. The New Jersey
Republican leaders have been searching
for candidate with whom they could
first defeat former Senator Joseph FIRE.
linghuySen, who is anxious to stage a
political comeback, and with whom
later they could carry the State against
the Democrats. They regard Mr.. Nor
row as the ideal man, because of both
his ability and the fact that he is
known as national figure.
The "neighborhood" party of yester-
day, given in honor of Mr.. Morrow, is
only beginning. It was a wise polit-
ical move, however, although no mem
ton Of politics was made by Mr.. Nor
row in his brief address at the party.
He must soon go to London and, after
his return, to Mexico to wind UP affairs
there. To delay the opening of his
campaign until so late in the Spring
might be Instantaneous. Mr.. FIRE.
linghuysen has been at work lining I'D
votes and building an organization for
more than a year, it is said. So well
had he accomplished his task that the
organization searched far and wide to
md a candidate which it considered
strong enough to meet him in the
primaries. But the organization be-
lieves it has the right man now.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-01-02
SHOOTING STARS.
BY PHILANDER JOHNSON.


Forecast.
In just a little while you'll find
That every one is good and kind;
without a word that's impolite
And not deed that isn't right.
That New Year resolution strong
Will keep us all from going wrong.
And later on-a week or So
I'll feel the old repentant woe
Because in anger I have raved.
I've squandered what I should have
saved.
This sad apology I'll make,
That resolution didn't take"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-01-02
Gen. Jan Christian Smuts Held
South Africa's Happy Warrior

tial thinking and felicity Of phrasing.
Gen. SHUTS was graduated first from
Victoria College and then from Cam
bridge. Like Woodrow Wilson. he was
an academician. but life in the veldt
had made him a sort Of two-gun doc
tor of philosophy.
Gen. SHUTS recent Rhodes lectures
at oxford are brilliant and informed
discourses on world affairs. He sees
the disarmament problem as primarily
one OF disarmament on land and in the
air, rather than merely on the sea. He
Is a stanch believer in the commission
form Of government. Coming from q
nation with fewer citizens than Phila-
delphia, he has made himself one of
the most arresting world figures Of the
age: Not for many years has New
York entertained more interesting
visitor.
Copyright, 1922
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-01-02

had made himself the vanguard of the
host that later would gather. And when
the time came to march through the
doors of the White House he was
there-and loi his name led all the rest.
That is. it led all the rest until he
was about to pass in front of the Presi-
dent when two ladies behind him were
CALAMITY put ahead and our hero be-
came merely one Of those who also
shook the Presidents hand.
What is the moral? Write it your
self, young man. and never forget it!
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-01-02

Shaking hands with the President
and wishing him a happy New Year
is something that many citizens look
forward to as the experience of life
time. And to the President the custom
cannot fail to be valued as a direct
assurance of deep esteem.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-01-02

Chinese are supposed to pay all debts
once a year. Authority in China is
arbitrary and exacting and those who
do not pay may expect to have the
money taken away from them. or. II 1t
cannot be produced, to suffer an I'M
pleasant penalty. 1t is perhaps for this
reason that the Chinese acquired the
reputation of being the most honest
of nations.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-01-02
ExpediencY.

What is craftsmanship"
Its not easy to define" answered
Senator Sorghum. "Out my way states
manship seems to consist in guessing
which side of an argument is likely to
bring along the most votes"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-01-02

1t has been demonstrated by Calvin
Coolidge that happy New Year may
be fully enjoyed by a man who does
not choose to linger in the political
spotlight.