davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-02-12

This IL Q special department devoted
TO the handling OF inquiries. You have
at your disposal an extensive organi-
Zation in Washington to serve you in
any capacity that relates to informa-
ton. Write your question, your name
and your. address clearly and inclose
2 cents, in coin or stamps, for reply.
Send to The Evening Star Information
Bureau, Frederic j. Haskin, director,
Washington, D. c.
Q. How did golf derive its manner
A. It Is probably from the Dutch
word "kolf," meaning club.
@. What is the gait Of an elephant
called when it Is faster than walk?
L. s.
A. An increased pace is fast shut
fie, not trot, canter, gallop, lope or
Jump.
@. Must dinner guests remain until
the guest of honor has departed?-D. K.
A. Emily Posts Etiquette says that
this Is no longer considered obligatory.
While the guest of honor usually de-
parts first. should he remain beyond the
convenience of some of the guests, 1t is
permissible for them to depart.
@. How long is it believed that the
statues of our Nations heroes which
are being carved in the Black Hills will
last?-N. w.
A. 1t is estimated that the memorial
will endure 100000 years.
@. What was the average age of our
soldiers in the World War;. P.
A. According to statistics compiled
by the Veterans Bureau, out Of $780,
900 officers and enlisted men serving
in the World War, the average age was
24.95 years.
Q. What is the best type of food to
plant in duck marsh where the water
is slightly brackish?-C. P. H.
A. The Bureau of Biological Survey
says that the best type Of food, and
particularly the only type to plant in
the duck marsh described, is widgeon
grass. Wild rice, which is ordinarily
grown in marshes, cannot be success
fully raised where the water Is brack-
ish to any degree.
@. How Is the President of the Re-
public of Austria elected?-F. L.
A. The present government of Aus
tria, under the constitution of october
/, 1920, consists of a Parliament Of
two houses-a Bundesrat Of As menu
bers, chosen indirectly, and National
rat elected by direct vote for four
years. These two houses elect Presi-
dent to serve for four years, and eligible
to two terms only. The present Presi-
dent of the Republic of Austria is DR..
Wilhelm Miklas, inaugurated Deem
Der 8, 1928, for four years.
@. Why has America its present sys-
tenn of weights and measures?-H. H.
A. In the early Colonial days of
America the weights and measures
used by the colonists were naturally
those of the mother country, and in
most cases copies of the home stand
ards were brought over and intrusted
to the care of special officers of the
Commonwealth. In the English COL
onies 1t was usually the yard of 1888
that was employed. At the time of
the Revolution the new country nat
urally continued with its existing Brit
ish standards, and, although the Con-
stitution gave Congress the power to
fix the standard of weights and meas
ures, nothing was Immediately done
Thomas Jefferson in 1870 suggested in
Congress the establishment of a deci-
NAL system. The question was again
taken up in Congress in 1917 and 1880.
On July %, 1868, the metric system
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-02-12
The Union Station Robbery.

In the daring robbery committed this
morning at the Union Station, in which
an undetermined value in Federal Sc
curities and possibly currency was
taken, there was plain evidence OF adj
vance knowledge of the shipment and
careful preparation for the theft. In
respect to the shipment, 1t is noted
that such transfers of valuables are
being made constantly by the Govern
ment between New York and Washing
Z ton. A shrewd observer Of the practice
might conceivably ascertain the hour
and the circumstances of the shipment
and the arrival in this city. But the
thieves may have had some further in
formation regarding the transfer than
that which they could have picked up
through watching past transactions.
All the circumstances in the case
point to a prepared plan to take some
of the precise shipment due in Wash
ington at about two o'clock this morn
ing. The thieves were waiting for the
truck at the least guarded and observed
a car with running motor waiting for
them Immediately outside, very close at
hand. If the procedure of transfer at
the station this morning was the same
as 1t has been heretofore, it would be
q simple matter to devise scheme to
take the loot with little chance Of de-
lection and interference.
Always after theft, especially OF
this character, 1t is easy to note how
safeguards have been neglected or
omitted or weakened. In this case 1t
Is clear that the guardianship Of the
treasure in the stretch from the car to
the post Office precincts was made
quate. Presumably the reliance has
been upon the fact that the shift is
made behind q high barrier. But it is
easy for people to pass through that
barrier. A railroad ticket to Baltimore,
for an instance, will yield admittance
to the inclosed space. One using such
q ticket as a means of passing through
the gates would not need to take a
train, but could easily effect conceal
ment to await the arrival Of the treas
ure ear.
Locking the door after the theft Of
the horse is . familiar practice. In
this case it becomes evident that the
method Of transfer Of money and other
valuables must be amended, the span
Of space to be covered with the precious
load merely piled upon an open truck
must be shortened, the guardianship
must be strengthened. In short, the
percentage of chance, which Is now in
favor Of the robbers, must be lessened.
It Is Of little moment whether the loot
an this mornings theft was directly val
liable, or negotiable, or worthless to the
thieves. The important fact Is that
they got the goods and got away. Even
II not a dollar has been actually lost
10 the Government in this case there
Is serious danger in q condition Of
transfer practice that permits such a
crime TO be committed.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-02-12
From the Los Angeles Evening Express.

From the Los Angeles Evening Express.
This city and all the ports of the
Pacific Coast can rejoice over the con-
illusions of Lieut.. Col. Dan T. Sultan,
ARMY Engineer, who, having just COM
pleted the survey ordered two years
ago by Congress, reports not only the
practicability but the necessity for
ship canal across Nicaragua, to sup
plement the Panama Canal, the Ca
pacity Of which already has been about
reached.
What followed completion Of Panama
Canal is a matter Of record, in large
part written in the thousands of in
dustrieS, the mammoth Office and mer-
camille buildings, the many schools,
churches, theaters and auditoriumS, the
hundreds OF thousands of dwellings for
the increased population that have been
added here since the canal was opened
and ships began to make use of the
harbor that had been prepared for
them
And what Panama Canal did, sec
ond canal will do. In fact, Col. Sultan
may be understood to say that it is
his belief the second canal will do
more. It will make shorter route be-
tween the coasts, he says, reducing the
sailing time from one to three days, a
great economy to ship owners and ship
perS.
The question before the Government
appears to be whether to enlarge Pan
anna Canal, installing neW locks, or dig
a second canal across Nicaragua, the
right to do SO having been secured by
treaty negotiated by the late William j..
Bryan, when Secretary Of State.
Col. Sultan unreservedly favors the
second canal. He reports that it will
take as much time to install new locks
for the enlargement of Panama Canal
as to dig the larger canal across Mica
ragua; that q second canal will be of
inestimable value to commerce, and,
from the military point of view, insure
the national defense, since an enemy
to separate the forces on the Atlantic
and Pacific would need to destroy two
canals instead of only one, a thing
thought to be wholly improbable Of &C
complishing.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-02-12
SHOOTING STARS.
BY PH1LANDER JOHNSON.
Big Business.

Big Business.
Big Business we must admired
It means the answer to desire
Which all must cherish, now and then,
To help along our fellow men,
And earn the praises which they give
To those who make us glad to live
Amid the wonders that abound
To make earth seem enchanted ground
We swiftly ride or fly or sail,
Defiant Of the threatening gale,
And may be happy, should it please
Our minds to dwell In mystic ease.
Yet this is not enough, we find,
To cheer all hearts 'mongst humankind
We hasten to relieve distress
And that's indeed Big Business.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-02-12
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
BY FREDERIC J. HASKIN.

Of weights and measures was legali1ed
by act OF Congress. In 1878 the United
States joined with a number of others
in the establishment of the Interna-
tional Bureau of Weights and Meas
ures in Paris.
@. Who is now chief Of staff Of the
Army?-L. X.
A. Gen. Douglas Macarthur.
Q. Is there a money loss through
the souring of mike. M.
A 1t is estimated that there IL
S40000,000 loss yearly through the
souring of milk and the developing Of
unpleasant f1avors.
Q. How many stamps, bills and seals
bear the picture Of George Washing
A. The Post ONCE Department says
that there are approximately 1900. 600
600 2-cent stamps bearing the portrait
Of George Washington issued annually.
The Treasury Department says that
from July 10, 1929. to June 80, 1880,
there were 751,152,000 dollar bills
issued bearing the portrait of WASH
ington. The Bureau of Internal Rev.
enue says that there are two stamps
in use bearing the portrait of WASH
ington. One is a 500 documentary
stamp and the other a 500 stock
transfer stamp. During 1880 29,640
OF the documentary stamps we're sold
and $500 stock transfer stamps. The
Bureau Of Engraving says that there
have been two seals made bearing the
portrait Of washington In the last
year. These seals have been made for
the use of the Bicentenr1ial Commits
sion, which has charge of the cele-
bration Of Washington's birthday an
niversary.
@. Who founded the University Of
Heidelberg?-M. McC.
A. 1t was founded by the elector,
Rupert I, the bull Of foundation being
issued by Pope Urban VI in 1885.
@. How long have there been castles
In Indfa?-W. w. G.
A. 1t is not known definitely Just
when castles originated in India. Rec
ords are not available until the Vedic
Arya period, about 1900 BIC. Castles
were then in existence.
@. Who was the NEUROLOGICAL charac-
ter who could never be harmed while
his feet were on the ground?-K. A. w.
A. 1t was Antaeus, a gigantic wrestler,
who was finally killed by Hercules.
@. What are essential oils?-S. W.
A. They are chiefly the volatile prin-
cipleS Of plants, and are used in per-
fumery and medicines.
@. How long had Alexander Hamil-
ton and Aaron Burr been unfriendly be-
fore they fought the duel which cost
Hamilton his life?-B. o. N.
A. The rivalry between Alexander
Hamilton and Aaron Burr began when
they were studying law. Alexander
Hamilton completed his study and pass
ed the bar examination first. Later
when the election of Burr and Jefferson
was thrown into the House of Repre-
sentatives, Hamilton, although disliking
Jefferson, threw his influence In favor
of him and secured the defeat of Aaron
Burr. Still later when Burr ran for
the office Of Governor of New York and
was defeated, he blamed this defeat on
Hamilton and challenged him to duel.
Q. How much newsprint does Canada
produce in a year?-W. s.
A. In 1890, Canada's production to-
tailed 2,50G000 tons.
@. What is a bascuIe bridge?-E. D.
A. A bascule bridge is the type of
drawbridge in0which two sections d.
vide and the driveways of them are
lifted into the air.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-02-12
Bruening Rides the Storm.

It is five months this week since the
world was startled by the Fascists-
Communist victories in the German
Reichstag elections. The rise of Hit
lerism to the dignity of the chambers
second strongest party caused shud-
ders of apprehension not only in the
Reich, but everywhere abroad. Hitlers
avowed program of wrecking the treaty
of Versailles, repudiating the Young
plan and abolishing the parliamentary
system, was revolutionary in every
sense of the term.
In the face of such a menace, bull
warked by a formidable Reichstag
group, Chancellor Bruening's task was
no bed of roses. Pitfalls awaited him.
He had to govern by coalition In a
house sorely divided against itself and
accept majority where he could find
it. His plight was not relieved by the
nature of the legislation he had to
sponsor, q series Of laws calling for
even heavier sacrifices from already
overburdened German taxpayers.
More than once Bruening's fate has
seemed to hang in the balance. A day
or two ago his parliamentary foes
staged demonstration in force which
was designed to unhorse him. A formal
mo confidence" motion was submitted.
The Reichstag overwhelmingly rejected
it. The Hitlerites and their Commu-
mist and Nationalist allies proved
powerless to obstruct the governments
economic reconstruction scheme. All
Europe, especially France, breathes
easier because of the now established
inability Of his enemies to impede
Chancellor Bruening's program of
progress at home and peace abroad.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-02-12
Cougressional Immunity. q

The Senate District Committee prob
ably saved the City Of Washington much
grief In the future when 1t eliminated
from the trafic bill the provision that
leealized and In effect gave immunity
10 holders Of congressional license
plates" Inserted while the bill was In
the House. the item, supposedly de-
signsd 10 permit members Of Congress
% park IN restricted zones while on
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-02-12

February is the month Of heroic birth
days. The climate leaves the younger
people on the farm more time to study
the careers Of men who began in hard
ship to prepare for achievements Of his
toric brilliancy.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-02-12
Professional Pride.

why are you so resentful toward
people who want to break into the Cap
itol and make speeches."
Maybe" said Senator Sorghum,
"there is some spirit of professional
pride involved. We statesmen naturally
feel that we are the reliable speech
makers and we can't be expected TO
welcome amateur talent"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-02-12

Convict labor in Russia may provide
deserved punishment for offenders over
there. This country sees no reason why
free and self-respecting labor should be
penalized to meet the competition. set
up by such system Of production.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-02-12

School children are described as more
eager to learn than those Of previous
generations. The discussion of car fare
may have some effect as q reminder
that requirement Of education is q priv
lege rather than an ordeal.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-02-12
Poor Celestial Shots.

From the San Francisco Chronicle.
It Is said that meteors will now bonn
bard the earth for three years. but, like
wartime bombardments, they probably
won't hit the right people.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-02-12

A homicide mystery creates unlimited
discussion from every possible angle. 1t
is the onesAnstance In which publicity
persistently pursued accomplishes the
object for which 1t is employed
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-02-12

At the age Of "a Thomas Edison Is
still a Woodworking man who has
leisure only for an occasional reunion
with old friends and brilliant birth
day party once a year.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-02-12
An Other states and Canaaa.


The Associated Press is exclusively entitled
to the use for republication OF all news dis
patches credited to it or not otherwise cred
tied in this paper and also the local news
published herein. All rights OF publication Of
special dispatches herein are also reserved.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-02-12

Modern affairs move rapidly and the
stock market goes one way or the other
at q pace in keeping with the temper
Of public accustomed to high speed
of all kinds.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-02-12

NOTE-This is one of a series of
articles dealing NTH the making
and expansion OF the Constitution
and designed to aid participants In
securing a background for their
work in the National OrdtoricGE
Contest.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-02-12
Gun Eodder.

From the Fort Wayne News-Sentinel.
Before our gunner beat their ma.
chine guns into roller skates, let them
give attention to the decree by q Paris
fashion expert of a royal blue evening
Suit for men, ito be worn with pale
blue crepe de chine underwear"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-02-12
A sMght word Of announcement.

II have heard you say you would not
consider marrying the best man alive"
remarked the sadly persistent man.
IT repeat it," said Miss Cayenne.
But do you consider yourself the best
man alive?"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-02-12

Jud Tunkins says politeness is q good
thing, but it needs discretion these days.
Anybody who stops in a crowd to apol-
ogize is liable to get run over.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-02-12
With Dotted Lines.

From the Charlotte News.
When Senator Helm becomes ex-
Senator Helm, we have every tnten-
ton of saying, Eek marks the scene
Of the tragedy"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-02-12
InprOprieties.

A lecturers talk we thought improper
And so we did our best to stop 'er.
At rough show we went to smoker
And never let an eyelash flicker!
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-02-12
Shortened Working !

For music and for words we call
Until, If we are let alone,
No one will have to work at all
Save those who feed the microphone.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-02-12
Weakling.

From the Omaha orld-Herald.
It's q poor earthquake now that can
not push up an island.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-02-12

MANY may toll to make respondent
robes" said Hi Ho, the sage of China
town. When the task is completed, it
seems small compared to that Of finding
one worthy to wear them"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-02-12

II ain superstition" said Uncle Eben,
"'cause amt got time to so down de
old road dodgin' ghosts an automobiles
both at once"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-02-12
States Representatives Population

census returns Of 1890 (round thou
sands being used for States) follow:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-02-12

Rate by MaiI-Payable in Advance.
MARYLAND and Virginia.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-02-12
Rate BY Carrier within the City.

The Evening Star .45c per month
when i Sundays -. SOC per month
when S SundaysJ 49,. CSC per month
The Sunday Star .............. Sc per copy
Collection made at the end Of each month
orders may be sent in by mail or telephone
National 5000.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-02-12
THE AMERICAN CONSTITUTION
"I787 and Today"

BY RANDOLPH LEIGH,
Director National and International OrGorcaI Contests
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-02-12

@. Who was the NEUROLOGICAL charac-
ter who could never be harmed while
his feet were on the ground?-K. A. w.
A. 1t was Antaeus, gigantic wrestler,
who was finally killed by Hercules.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-02-12

@. How long have there been castles
In India?-W. w. c.
A. 1t is not known definitely just
when castles originated in India. Rec
ordS are not available until the Vedic
Arya period, about 1900 BIC. Castles
were then in existence.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-02-12

@. Who founded the University Of
Heidelberg?-M. McC.
A. 1t was founded by the elector,
Rupert I, the bull of foundation being
issued by Pope Urban VI in 1885.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-02-12

@. What was the average age Of our
soldiers in the World War;. P.
A. According to statistics compiled
by the Veterans Bureau, out Of $780,
24.95 years.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-02-12

Q. What are essential oils?-S. W.
A. They are chiefly the volatile prin-
ciples Of plants, and are used in per-
fumery and medicines.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-03-25
WEEKLY MEETING OF KIWANIS CLUB
Dr B. F. Battin, Who Was to Speak, Died on
 March l7
TALK BY MIR TRACY

Having partaken of bountiful luncheon, the members of the Ki- wanis club, meeting at their weekly session at the Elton this noon. heard the preliminary aitnouncements and leaned back comfortably in their chairs. Cigars and cigarettes were lighted and all got set for an inter- esting talk from Dr. E. r. Battin resident vice-president of the Ma tional Surety company.
 Interest was taken in the speaker as the weekly Kiwanis bulletin had stated that Next Wednesday, Doc tor B. F. Battin, resident vice-pres- ident of the National Surety com pany, will be our speaker. His sub ject Is Fighting Financial Fraud " We wonder if MT. Battin Is the man who broadcasts those interesting sketches each week for the National Surety company. The broadcasts are certainly extremely interesting. We feel confident that Mir Battin's talk will be interesting, too.
 The program chairman arose, Ed ward E. Tracy, to introduce the speaker. We were to have heard to- day MT. Battin but last night I re- received telegram that he had died March 17 so will speak instead, |" said MT. Tracy.
 The Kiwanians hitched up their chairs and listened to an extremely interesting talk on autograph collect Ing. MT. Tracy said he has been col
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-03-25

took his law degree from Georgc- , town university in 1917. During the war he was sergeant in the A. E. F. and later attached to the Ameri- can peace commission in Paris for nearly q year.
 For six years he has been in the office of the United States attorney Although he has resigned with the announced intention of reentering private law practice 1t Is understood he will be asked to accept q post as special assistant to the attorney general until pending prosecutions of certain officials of the +. H. Smith company have been cleared up.
 In this case. involving a congress- man and former controller of the currency, embeZzlements from a real estate company totaling $5,000,0O0 have resulted in number of con- victions obtained by Burkinshaw as prosecutor.
 Burkinshaw was identified with tho "oil trials" for five years, prose cuted Sinclair on the charge of "jury shadowing." for which the million aire was sentenced to serve six months in jail, and received public comnendation from the attorney general.
 Attorney Burkinshaw is the son of Thomas II. Burkinshaw of 255 Colony street. Meriden, foreman of the sand bufiing department at Fac tory +, International Silver com pany.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-03-25
AVOID UGLY PIMPLES

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 Help cleanse the blood. bowels and liver with Dr Edwards Olive Tablets, the successful substitute for calomel: there Is no sickness or pain after taking them.
 Dr Edwards Olive Tablets do that which calomel does, and just as ef- fectively, but their action Is gentle and safe instead of severe and irri- tating.
 Thousands who take Olive Tab let's arc never cursed with Clark brown taste." bad breath, dull, listless. "no good" feeling, constipa- ton. torpid liver, bad disposition. pimply face.
 Olive Tablets are Il pure yege- table compound; known by their olive color.
 Dr Edwards spent years among patients afflicted with liver and bowel complaints and Olive Tablets are tho immensely effective result. Take nightly for q week. See how much better you feel and look. 1bc, 30c, COG.