davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-03-08

- Douglas Fairbanks, Gloria Swan
son and few others. But all have been forced
TO reIinuuish their claims-and rightfully So
to the one and only Mickey Mouse
Many writer's have tried to mortalize Mickey,
70 put him in class with real human actors
hut that can't rightly be DONE as Mickey, after
all is only mouse-and not even live mouse
at that. Consequently this blotch OF INK winch
is what Mickey really is, must stand alone upon
a pedestal even higher than those allotted 70
some of our favored screen celebrities He can
do things which even the acrobatic FAIRBANKS
would hesitate to attempt But such stunts are
simple to Mickey. He thinks nothing what
ever about them.
This little inky star, whose pictures ranked
among the 40 best" Of 1890, can dance like
Yobocly's business. He can play any kind OF
musical instrument; can run faster than
Charlie Paddock: can climb the highest moun-
tain with no effort whatever, and can swim an
entire ocean much quicker and more easily than
the great Lindbergh could fly over it.
And who is responsible for this child OF the
silver screen-n you can call an 8-year-old
mouse a child? Somebody must be, as 1t Is
hard to believe that blotch of ink could do
ali the things Mickey does Of its own volition.
The power behind this little mouse, in fact, his
creator and the creator of his brothers and
sisters, is young man-Walt Disney
WALT is an interesting character, too; inter-
Nv esting because in real life he is Mickey.
About IL or IL years ago Walt, who even then
had a creative streak in him, went to work as
q cartoonist on the Chicago Tribune. Later he
took q similar position on the Kansas City
Star A few animated cartoons had been shown
on the screen at that time, but Walt thought
they could be greatly improved, so in the Fall
of 1928 he and his brother Roy went to Los
Angeles to go into the animated cartoon busi-
ness Their combined capital was less than
$500, but they had plenty Of energy, ingenuity
and ability, and originated series known as
the "Alice Cartoons"
from the first Disney thought 1t could be inn
proved through the introduction OF a live char
aeter. So young girl was put in the pictures
along with the animated drawings through
double exposure process. This series was pro-
duced for about two years, after which Disney
went to the Universal studio and originated
Oswald the Rabbit. It was during the produc-
ton of this series that Mickey Mouse was first
conceived. Walt wanted to spend more money
ON his cartoons to improve them but the execu-
tives demurred, so Walt went into business for
himself.
why did he choose mouse for his principal
character?
principally because needed small ami
NAL" Disney replies. 'T couldn't use rabbit
because there already was rabbit on the
screen. So decided upon mouse as always
have thought they were very interesting ami
mails. At first decided to cali him Mortimer
Mouse. but changed to Mickey as the name has
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-03-08
BY DAN THOMAS.

OVIELAND'S most popular star!
HH This title has been held at
AH various times by Charlie Chap
lin, John Gilbert. Mary Pickford,
- Douglas Fairbanks Gloria Swan
The Washington times., 1931-02-23

SCHROEDER DETECTIVE MRS. JOHNSON
THIS IS THE LAST PHOTOGRAPH taken of Irene
Schroeder who with her sweetheart, w. Glenn Dague
went to the electric chair in the penitentary at Belle
fonte Pa today for the murder of Pennsylvania State
policeman The photo shows Mrs Schroeder in custody
of Mrs. johnson, wife of Pennsylvania sheriff, and
detective way to the Belefonte penitenary to be
executed
The Washington times., 1931-02-23
Irene's Figure Seems Shrunken
As Dazzling Light Plays On 1t

of witnesses, IL in number, six
of them newSpapermen.
Irene's bright blue eyes cleaned
as she took a few steps to her
right to the chair. Directly back
of the chair stood Elliott, the
tall, gray-haired executioner He
was ready. And so was Irene.
They did not have to lift her
into the chair as they did Ruth
Snyder in Sing Sing three years
ago. Irene intuitiveIy and with
resignation walked to the chair,
with its mask of straps and
buckles.
BY this time there were per-
haps 10 men within the roped.
off encloSure-the prison chap
lain, three doctors, the nurse in
white, three prison guards in
khaki, the warden, and several
prison officials.
The prison chaplain, C. F..
Lauer, Lutheran minister, stood
directly before the chair as Irene
sat in it. He was reading from
the Bible:
Lord have mercy
Christ have mercy have
mercy upon me, o, God, ac-
cOrding to thy mercy"
1rene'S eyes frightened per-
ceptibly as the three guards in
khaki quickly adjusted the straps
to her legs and body.
A faint smile curled her lips.
They put a thick, dark brown
leather mask over her disordered
blonde hair.
A spot, about the size of the
palm of a mans hand, had been
clipped at the back of her head
to enable the electrode to estab-
liSh a contact.
Her left stocking had been
rolled down. also for the purpose
of enabling the electrode to make
a contact with the skin.
She wore beige chiffon stock
ings, concession to wOmans
vanity. They forced Ruth Snyder
to wear cotton stockings to the
chair, over her protests.
The Washington times., 1931-02-23
u. S. Provides Funds
To Complete Liners
Times Staff Photo

NEW YORK, Feb. % G.N.S).
Construction of the two new
30,0O0-ton liners of the United
States Lines, Inc, halted a week
ago due to finances, was resumed
today at the Camden yards Of
the New York Shipbuilding Com
pany. The vessels will start
transatlantic service in 1882.
The United States Shipping
Board will advance SO for every
ST put out by the company.
The Washington times., 1931-02-23
Irene Is Sixth Woman
To Die With Man
For Crime

Execution of Irene Schroeder
and Walter Glenn Dague today
marked the sixth time in the
country's history that a man
and woman had been put to
death together. Mrs. Schroeder
was the twenty-sixth woman
to pay the death penalty.
Previous double executions,
all for murder of the Woman's
husband, we're:
Mrs. Susan Eberhart and
Enoch Spann hanged in Pres
ton, Ga, in 1878.
Mrs. Martha Meierhoffer and
Edward Lemon hanged in Es-
sex county, N. j., in 1874.
Mrs. Catherine Miller and
George Smith hanged in Lyco-
ming county, Pa. in 1881.
Mrs. Ruth Snyder and Henry
Judd Gray electrocuted in Sing
Sing in 1923.
Mrs. Ada Bonner LIE Boeuf
and DR.. Thomas E. Dreher,
hanged in Morgan City, La, in
1929.
The Washington times., 1931-02-23
HOOVER ORDERS
DATAONN NEED
FORBONUS
President Making Survey of
Number of Veterans Who
Require Relief From U. S.

President Hoover, in his con-
Sideration of the soldiers loan bill,
has inaugurated a survey to de-
termine how many veterans are
actually in distress, it became
known today.
The President has called on the
American Legion, Veterans Bur
eau, Red Cross and other agencies
for eStsimateS of the number Of
veterans whose circumstances are
such that relief is required.
Presumably the results of this
survey will be Incorporated in
the veto message which he will
send to Congress later this week.
Loan Estimates Given
Veterans Bureau officials have
already furnished Mr.. Hoover with
figures bearing on the amounts
of money veterans may borrow
under the bill. They estimate
that 10000 veterans can borrow
an average of $50 each, 100000
up to $3.50, and 100000 between
$3.50 and $500.
Congress today took up a light
legislative program for the 10 days
remaining before March 4.
Eight departmental appropria-
ton bills have passed both House
and Senate, and one, the Navy
bill, is in conference. To COM
plete it's fiscal program, Con-
gress must adopt a conference
report on the Navy bill and
finally pass the second deficiency
bill. Then it will have appro-
priated nearly $5,000,0 100000 to
finance the Government during
another fiscal year.
Bonus Chief Measure
The bonus bill was the major
legislative item on the program,
depending naturally on whether
the President vetoeS it.
A number of other bills are pend
ing in the Senate-the naval con-
struction act, the Howell bone-dry
bill for the District of Columbia,
the Capper oil embargo act and a
proposed embargo on Russian lum-
ber, but none appears likely of
passing both branches of Congress
before adjournment.
The Washington times., 1931-02-23
Hands Turn Red As Current Sings
Death Chant And Nurse Weeps

! Instantly the three guards
stepped forward and deftly un-
clasped the straps and removed
the mask.
Two doctors stepped forward
and applied stethoscopes to the
woman's heart.
DR.. w. H. Barrett, the prison
physician, wheeled about, and
facing the witnesses, said in
unctious tones:
Gentlemen, / pronounced
Irene Schroeder dead"
1t was precisely 7:05 a. m.
The first contact was made at
7:O1.
Tenderly they lifted the form
of Irene out of the chair and
placed it upon a porcelain-top
wheeled stretcher that resumbled
an operating table.
Both Iron Irene" and her
sweetheart showed no signs Of
breaking down as the hour Of
their executions neared. They
had their last meal, breakfast,
shortly after o'clock this morn
ing.
And then they were dressed
for that grim march to the death
chamber-the last mile" as con-
victs call it.
Irene acted as though she did
not realize that her doom was at
hand.
Dague's attitude in the past "a
hours was that of a fatalist. He
was buoyed up spiritually after
several lengthy talks with the Rev.
Mr.. Teagarden, of Piedmont, Ohio,
in whom both Dague and Irene
! placed the utmost confidence.
The Washington times., 1931-02-23

Irene started on her death
march at two minutes before 7
o'clock. While she was emer'
ging from her cell. the Rev. H. o.
Teagarden, her spiritual adviser
and an evangelist, sang:
Lord God, be with me this
hour"
Several other voices accom-
panied his. the singing echoing
through the grim corridor of
"murderers' row."
Passed Lovers Cell
She passed Dague's cell on
the way to the chair. Dague,
and Irene were very much in
love with each other. Dague,
q married man, and the father
of two children, left his wife
shortly after he met Irene.
The blonde Trigger Woman"
was the mother of a boy, five
years old.
As she entered the death cham,
Der, the white-garbed nurse held
her gently by the arm, but she
did not seem to require any as
sistance.
She looked straight ahead, her
blond hair stringing down over
her forehead and her round, pale
face set in a wiStfuI, resigned
smile that was ever so faint.
An area of Is square feet had
been roped off just inside the
door. The ropes were white and
very heavy. In this enclosure had
been laid a black rubber mat.
The rest of the room was a spick
and span white that was sug-
gestive of an operating chamber
Irene's short and rather plump
figure seemed strangely Shldnken
and pathetic as she came, the
sheet of dazzling light playing on
her features. Her black satin
slippers, ornamented with small
bow, beat softly on the floor.
She looked straight ahead
Around the room, seated on con
crete benches, sat the little knot
The Washington times., 1931-02-23
GAS DEATHS TIP
WINS AWARD

Prompt use of the telephone
and accuracy in reporting inter
esting happenings exclusively to
The Times once more has brought
prompt cash awards to winners
in last weeks Washington Times
News Tip Contest. These ener-
getic persons are enjoying the
fruits of their brief labors. Each
week The Times gives $50 in
News Tips rewards.
First prize of $50 has been
awarded to the person who first
tipped The Times 10 the acct
dental asphyxiatiOn by gas Of
Harry Gallatin and George A.
Campbell in room of a Penn
sylvania Avenue rOOming house
last Tuesday.
HOldup Tip Second
Second money of $40 was won
by the person telephoning The
Times regarding the holdup on
Thursday of Albert Bakers deli
catessen store, at 615 H st. N. E.,
by two hungry men.
Third place prize of SIS goes to
the person telling The Times of
the sending home by school au-
thorities of four young girl stu
dents of Business High School.
Fourth place reward of SO was
won by the tipster telling of the
collision of a truck and sedan
at Fifth Street and Florida Ave
nue. Northeast, early Saturday
morning, in which one man was
killed.
Six So Prizes Given
Prizes of 81 each were won by
persons tipping The Times to the
following newSy stories:
Collision between two automo-
biles on the Observation-Disclosures
Highway last Friday in which two
University of Maryland girl stu
dents were seriously injured.
Dropping of a bottle of whisky
by some unidentified person in
front of Senator Morris Shop
pard'S office in the Senate Office
Building. Senator Sheppard is
the author of the Eighteenth
Amendment.
Routing of two bandits who
attempted to hold up Walter E.
Thompson. Disregarding a pistol
jammed into his side the unruly
victim of the stick-up knocked
his asSailant down.
Indictment of Bachelor
Indictment of Percy Ellsworth
Bachelor. former washington
The Washington times., 1931-02-23
RON IRENE" LIVES UP TO NAME AS SHE DIES in CHAIR
.LEER RESTS ON HER LIPS As
DEATH LEVER DROPS

ing on with wrenched hearts
Irene's lover and partner in
crime, Glenn Dague, "a years old,
a married man and father who
gave up his home for an illicit
romance, met death in almost pre-
cisely the same manner.
Dague, buOyed up by a sud
denly acquired religious fervOr,
also died without uttering a syl-
liable.
The only emotion he displayed
was violent quivering Of his
eyelids.
Thus did Irene and Glenn .1ay
the extreme penalty for the muir
der of Corporal Paul, whom they
shot to death on December 27,
1929, when he attempted to inter.
cept a car after a holdup at
Butler, Pa.
The Washington times., 1931-02-23
The guards stepned back.

The guards stepped back.
xecutioner Elliott rammed
down a lever with crunching
sound. A large wheel revolved
and a string of nine electric bulbs
suddenly lit up.
A sputtering crackIe swept the
room.
In the chair, beneath a huge
reflector that sent a strong white
light down upon the victim,
Irene's body lurched upward.
Mrs. Schroeder started violently
as Elliott threw on the current.
Her body grew taut as if threat
ening to break through the
straps, and then relaxed.
Her hands were clenched
tightly, resting on the broad arms
Of the chair.
They became brick,red as the
current was applied. So did the
exposed skin on her left leg.
The executiOner threw down
the switch again and once more
the bOdy-which seemed pitifulIy
gmall-heaved upward.
Each time Elliott threw the
switch the row of bulbs lit up.
By now the white-garbed nurse,
O handkerchief to her eyes, was
sobbing loudly.
Several of the witnesses turned
their eyes away from the grim
scene.
Elliott walked toward the chair.
indicating that his work was
done on this victim.
The form in the chair was
inert.
A spirit of smoke emerged from
the top of the leather mask and
evapOrated into the intense light
Of the reflector.
The Washington times., 1931-02-23
"Fan" Letters And Fine Appetites
Mark Final H ours of "Gun Lovers"

Fully 100 "fan letters" arrived
for the doomed couple. They read
these communications at inter
vals yesterday. None of the let
ters was of the crank variety, it
was stated.
Most of them were sympathetic
or religious in tenor. This mail
also was turned over to the Rev.
Teagarden.
Asked for Onion
The appetites of Irene and
Dague did not suffer even though
they realized how close was the
end. Both ate good breakfasts
yesterday of grapefruit, soft,boiled
eggs, bacon and coffee. In addi-
The Washington times., 1931-02-23
Final Rites Today
For Glider Victim

= NEW YORK, Feb. % Q,N.sJ.
Funeral services were held today
in Woodhaven (Queens) Baptist
Church for Emry Davis, 78-year-
old ink-well inventor and airplane
designer. He died Thursday, at
Roosevelt Field, while testing a
glider of his own manufacture.
Albert Davis, his son, said he
planned to carry on his fathers
work. He said he wished to prove
his fathers theories.
The Washington times., 1931-02-23

ton, Dague had a side order of
griddle cakes.
For luncheon they had chicken
and stuffing, tomato and lettuce
salad, gibIet gravy, mashed pOta-
toes, ice cream and coffee. Irene
had to have an onion, too.
For supper they partook Of a
broiled steak, potatoes and gravy,
fruit, coffee and rolls.
The prison authorities were in
telephone communication with
Gov. Clifford PinchOt at Harris
burg, the State capitol, at 6 o'clock
last evening and he indicated at
tfat hour that there would be no
respite for the condemned couple.
The Washington times., 1931-02-23

policeman, by Arlington (VaO
authorities, on charges Of bigamy
and assault.
Preparing breakfasts by mem
bers of the Wheatley Parent
Teachers Association for poor
children.
The Washington times., 1931-02-23
Soviet Army Warned
Of 'Capitalistic War

MOSCOW, Feb. % 0N.SO .
Warning of an impending
capitalist war against the Soviets"
was contained in staff order of
the Sc-'iet war council, issued
on the thirteenth anniversary of
the establishment of the Red
Army.
The order warned workers of
the whole world to prepare for
the capitalistic war. The docu-
ment declared the Soviet union S
five-year plan was frightening
the capitalists to DEATH"
The Washington times., 1931-02-23
Masonic Memorial
Group Holds Session

ALEXANDRIA, Feb. 23.-The
annual meeting of the George
Washington National Masonic Me.
mortal Association, which is build,
ing the temple on King Street hill,
convened this morning, with Louis
A. Watres, of Pennsylvania, pre-,
siding.
The roll call of the States will
determine the amount raised dur,
ing the year for the construction
on the temple.
The Washington times., 1931-02-23
Continued From Page y

W. Elliott. the same man who
threw the switch on Ruth Snyder
three years ago, crammed down
the lever that sent 1000 volts
of electricity shooting through
the puppet-like form of the girl
they called Iron Irene"
SibiIant Hiss EEds
There was a sibilant hiss of
high voltage, the low whir and
whine of electricity interspersed
with a faint crackle and sput
tering-and the mad career of
the small town waitress who
turned trigger woman" was at
an end.
A few minutes late1-endless
minutes they seemed to the little
knot of witnesses who stood look
The Washington times., 1931-02-23
FLORIDA JUDGE DEAD

PENSACOLA, Fla, Feb. %
GN.SO.-Judge Thomas F. West,
of the United States Circuit
Court, Northern district of Flor
ida, died today, aged SIS.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-08-20
SYLVAN FESTIVAL
READY FOR STAGING
Final RehearSaIS for Lantern
Fete Tomorrow Held
Today.

Various groups in the cast of the
Lantern Festival, to be presented in the
Sylvan Theater, Monument Grounds,
tomorrow night at 1880 o'clock, went
through their final rehearsals today. A
special rehearsal was held by the band
CT the 18th Engineers, Fort Humphreys,
Va, which will play preliminary con-
cert.
A contest Is expected for the two
cups to be awarded to the most pic
turesque and most musical groups, re-
spectively, according to Mrs, Elizabeth
K. Peoples, director of the Community
Center Department, chief sponsor OF
the event, who has visited the rehearsals
of many of the groups.
Among those who viii have parts in
the festival are:
Assistants to Mrs. Gertrude Lyons, di-
rector of community singing-Elsie Bar
Der, Frances Ferris, Jean Harden, Hilda
Gallagher, Lucy Hopkins, Ida Johnson,
Eleanore Kenderdine, Marguerite KEEP
pei, Grayce King, Edith MacCartee,
Mrs. Herbert Molineu, Mona Mason, Sa-
rah Neisert, Eliza Neuhaus, Marie Nolte.
Grace Rhodes, Ruth Riete, Gertrude
Russell Augusta Shutee. Ruth Stone,
Polly Smiffen, Marjorie Swanson, Dora
Trotter, Ida Kimmerling, Eugene Ken
derdine, Oscar Kuldell, Charles Nc
Tendon, Herbert Molineu, Jack Pearson
and Scott Pollock
The first Of four contesting groups
trying for the cups is the Lido Civic
Club, DR.. Raphael Manganaro, director,
representing a Venetian night. This
group will present Serenades, love songs
and carnival songs. Those participating
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-08-20

are to include Rose Bonanno. Ethel
Bonuso, Lucille Mezzanotte, Charles
Vincent, Anthony and Joseph Bonanno
and 5-year-old Signor M. MezZanotte.
They will be in costume.
The second group of 40 children from
Neighborhood House, Miss Erba Birney,
director, will present Chinese numbers.
Those to appear are Ellen, Ida, Regina
and Alice Hennessey, Linwood Jasper,
Robert and Anna Lee Nickel, Helen
Poore, Doris Taylor, Dorothy HUH, An
toinette Charuha, Margaret Hotchkins,
Christine and Helen Schwaner, Marga-
ret Roth, Dolores Morgan, Ruth Moore,
Erna and Margaret Jasper, Molly Cohen,
Sarah Gipkin, Thelma Hodgkins, Jane
Spalding, Harry Bozell, Margaret
Koehler, Marjory Roth, Junior Spalding,
Agnes Hodgkins, Milton Lee, Jesse and
Adrian Tavenner. Andrew Willoughby,
Dorothy Cohen, Eloise Reid, Katherine
Twiford, Thelma and Florence Merri-
man, Roy Wrenn and Edgar Poore.
The third contesting group is the
Greek Community group, James Mallos,
director. Its personnel includes: Mrs.
Peter Dounis, Mrs. George Yeonas, Pan
dora Stathopoulos. Gladys Lados, Con-
stance Paulis, Mary Mallos, Helen
Plakas, Helen and Irene Pertino, Vtr-
ginia SembekoS, Bertha Spyras, Anna
ana EraSfnla CnanClleS, Ellie PlakaS
Zoe Calevas, Anna Lynard. Sophie Mi
hos, Athena Paulis, Mary Chumbris,
Lula and Mary Chaconas. Constance
Phucas, Taula Comert, Helen and Bes-
sic Strathes. Catherine and Marie An
droulakis, Jennie Calomeris, Helen
Panopoulos, Aphrodite and Cleopatra
Taggas, Demetra and Bessie PanagoS,
Stella Seounas, Stacey Ladas, Bertha
Super, Bertha Shea, Margaret and
Helen Sintetos, Katherine PetrakiS,
Patra Calevas and Catherine Malas,
The fourth and last group in the
competition is representative Of the
AmericaniZation School Association. S.
H. Hanessian. vice president, is director
VLADIMIR Vasa, leader Of the school
associations orchestra, will lead
chorus in a group Of numbers. Kirt
Ritter, basso; Clara Schinskaya, So
prano, and Giuseppe Bruno, baritone,
will sing solos.
Members of the chorus are: Carmel
Ragusa. Evelyn and Carmel Jaccarino,
Hilda Weingart, Mary 1'odaro, Thelma
Rice, Elizabeth Smith, Helen Herman
Vasa. Franz Groemping, Loe Keller, Al
fred Rilson, Donald Helm, John Bond,
John Herman and Aaron Kaplan.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-08-20

mander explained, however his state
ment was to clarity some misunder-
standing of the organizations problems.
Wants Interest Reduced.
Defending the SO per cent loan value
granted by Congress last Spring on vet
Grams adjusted service certificates,
O'Neil said the matter of further
liberalization OF the act would be de-
termined at the national convention in
Detroit. He added, however, the inter-
est rate Of Az per cent should be re-
duced, because. he stressed, the Gov
eminent was making money by loaning
veterans their own reserve funds.
Immediate need for further liberaliza-
ton of the act would be removed. he
said, If the unemployment situation was
relieved. He noted that Is per cent of
the unemployed were World War
veterans.
Declaring that Congress should enact
proper legislation based on findings of
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-08-20

the War Policies Commission, tie
legionnaire said the Navy should b.
built up to the London treaty parity
and that legislation would be had to
carry out the spirit Of the 1920 defense
act.
The Legion, he added, should support
legislation to give the Justice Depart
nnent full authority TO deal with Com
munism.
!, ONeil said that legislation to pro-
vide for wives and children Of veterans
undergoing disqualification should be
enacted, along with relief for widows
and orphans of veterans.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-08-20
O'NE|L CLARIFIES
LEGION POLICIES
National Commander Says
Care for Disabled and
Strong Defense Favored.
BY the Associated Press.

BY the Associated Press.
A strong national defense policy and
increased care for disabled veterans were
advocated today in statement by Ralph
T. O'Neil, national commander of the
American Legion.
Asserting that no one had the author
ity to speak for the Legion on what
legislative program it would present to
the next Congress, the national COM