davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1931-01-05
Open Windows
THE old idea that it is not wis

THE old idea that it is not wise to
Il stand near an open window or
door during lightning storm was
a wise one, McEachron says.
ut has been proved in several diff
ferent ways" he says, that light
ming can be blown and moved from
its path by the wind.
This is possible because MANY
lightning discharges consist of a
succession of discharges, too rapid
for the eye to distinguish, but not
too rapid for the wind to blow along.
Recently photograph was taken
of a bolt of lightning passing near
large radio transmission tower
which shows very clearly the stroke
being moved in its path some little
distance.
For that reason it is not wise to
stand in an open doorway or near
the open window, for If lightning
should strike and be blown by the
wind in the direction of the person
standing, it might prove fatal. Such
instances, however, are rare.
Another old idea concerns the
lightning rod. The very valuable
instrument came in disrepute
number of years ago through the
high pressure methods Of travelling
statesmen who peddled lightning
rods all dressed up with fancy bright
balls and unnecessary trimmings
and caused the idea to suffer in
consequence.
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1931-01-05
Lives Thrown AWay

GPEAKING Of generals and revo-
~ lutionS, what about the wholly
unexpected turnover in Panama, OF
the equally unexpected recurrence
Of trouble in Nicaragua? Revolt
may be more successful where our
marines are not present to uphold
the hands of constituted authority,
but it appears to less bloody.
How many lives have been taken
to prove that we can maintain the
kind of government we want in
Nicaragua, and what have we &C
ccmplished by. proving it?
OF course, now that we are in the
mess, we have got to see it through.
But let's not overlook the moral
when g similar problem arises in the
future.
While we have been putting on
this demonstration to teach Latin
America the sinfulness of changing
government by revolution, several
Latin-American countries have been
so impolite as to do it; and, except
for the ousted officials, no one
seems to be any worse off.
Even our own prestige seems not
to have suffered in Peru, Bolivia,
Argentina or Brazil, though we sent
no marines there when rebellion
broke out, or denied the rebels re-
cognition when they won.
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1931-01-05

Out of this winters hardships when young men
and women implore work which they can not find
better future may come for old and women whose
condition is desperate in every season, every year.
Six states probably will pass old age pension
Jaws when their legislatures meet this winter bring
ing to total of eighteen state those that pledge Sc
cur1ty instead of misery for the close of life.
The old age pension movement is receiving more
support this winter than before, because young
inen and women realizing that to make more jobs
for them the aged must be taken out of industry.
1t is not surprising that only this selfish approach
TO the subject stir people in the prime of life to
action. The human mind shrnks from recognizing the
TACT, in spite of evidence on every side that under
present conditions it is impossible for any one no
~natter how wealthy, matter how honest, how
thrifty, how Woodworking, how cautious, to assure
himself absolutely of security in old age.
Recognition of that fact robs men of their self
confidence and may them to fatalstic despair
The young fight against believing it, and when they
are old and want is upon them, it is too late.
Nineteen thirty New York and Massachusetts,
Join the ranks of states acknowledging the right of the
aged to an income freeing them from the horror of
the poorhouse This year, Indiana Delaware New
Jersey Michigan Pennsylvania, Ohio and Illinois viii
sconsider old age pension laws.
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1931-01-05
Old Blind Tom

When Henry Ford or Thomas Edison is asked to
give his opinion prohibition or any other issue
outside his special sphere of experience and sue
cess, it brings to mind Blind Tom, a remarkable
character Of two generations ago.
Blind Tom was Negro musician. He could make
a piano sing. He was taken all the country to
play the piano at concerts and played to crowded
houses. He considered marvel, freak Of
nature, because he couldn't read note Of music and
mentally not far removed from zero. But nobody
could play the piano by better than old Blind Tom
Nevertheless nobody sought to interview him on
the tariff the Napoleonic wars prohibition, or any
controversial topic issue then exciting the minds
of men in this country Nobody expected Blind Tom
to radiate wisdom any subject-even on fiddles,
though fddling the best thing he did.
Nowadays, however, we are such worshippers of
success that foolishly imagine all eminentIy> sue
cessful men superlatyey wise-especially if they
are rich. There are many of the most outstanding
men in industry however who owe their position much
more to accident than to any singular ability and who
are men of most ordinary mentality.
Only the few who come in personal contact with
them know that they are not the supermen they are
cracked up to be, but merely are riding along with
superb organization of capable subordinateS.
If you want information from a bricklayer get him
to talk about brickIaying
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1931-01-05
Lightning Helps

DUT though we fear lightning. 1t
D is well to remember, as Nc
Eachron points out, that in spite OF
its reputation as an enemy. light
ming is one of the greatest bene-
factors of mankind.
ct produces, free OF charge, about
100000 tons of fixed nitrogen
yearly over the earth's surface" he
says. 1T acts in this capacity the
same as heavy electric discharges
do in nitrogen fixation plants.
The only difference is that the
bolt of lightning coming down
through the air, which is approx
mately four-fifths nitrogen and
one-fifth oxygen, breaks down the
chemical constituency of the air
and deposits fixed nitrogen on the
soil, all at no cost to the farmer
I'm manufacturing nitrogen. cleo
trio sparks of from Is to 20 feet in
length are used. In nature, light
ming provides a spark thick and fat,
for perhaps 1000 or more feet in
length. thus producing immense
quantities of this absolutely essen
tial themical in agriculture.
Hence, it is that we find lightning
as a great benefactor, although
sometimes it does jump about wild
and loose, causing considerable
property damage and even loss of
human life"
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1931-01-05
The Worst of CharIatans

You might excuse thief of money. But he
who takes a human life in the guse of an ambassa-
dor of medicine and mercy not be condemned too
Severely
The sick long have been the victims of quacks The
oldest manuscripts and the earliest printed medical
books give marvellous recipes for the of all man
ner of disease. Some of these the work of the
nea ancestors of the modern physicians and medical
research worker. Others produced by mere
charlatans
We still have charlatans. The treatment of cancer
is one of the most fruitful fields for the medical
ouacks of today-and of the most deadly for his
innocent hopeful suffering victims.
The man who tells you II can cure cancer" and
tries to sell you his pills saIves you may put down
as charlatan. The only effective ways of treating
cancer known today surgery and radium. But
neither the surgeon nor the radiologist will tell you
definitely that he can your cancer though he may
offer good hope if you consult him very early
Not to be confused with the out-and-out charla-
tan is the man who investigates in scientific way
the effectiveness of various substances and methods in
the hope of finding something specific that really will
conquer the dread disease Practical test of such
mans theory may prove it merely another chimera
If he is true scientist he will be the first to acknowl-
edge this.
Scientists have decided what is known as the
veyear test of any proposed cure for cancer If the
disease does not recur and the patient is alive and
well five years after treatment, the method may be
said to have cured him.
& However, if he is alive and cancer-free five years
after any treatment except surgery or radiu he prob
ably did not have cancer in the first place.
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1931-01-05

The compositors are compared
with all other employees, it is found
that they have a higher percent
age of nearsightednesS and that
as time goes on, the refractive error
increases toward nearsightedneSS,
more than in the other groups.
In addition, the percentage of COM
positors suffering from a consider
able amount of inbalance of the eye
muscles is higher than in the other
groups.
The British Investigators are in
clined to believe, therefore, that any
occupation with a considerable
amount of eyestrain has a deleteri-
Gus effect on the eyes, and that one
of the results of such occupation is
to encourage the development of
nearsightedness.
The period during which the boys
were studied, namely, the second
decade of life, is one in which the
eyes undergo changes fairly easily
and a similar amount of which is to
be expected in the third and fourth
decades.
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1931-01-05
The Ralfimnre Snn

On New Years night fire destroyed the plant of
the Baltimore Post yet regular readers of the Post
received their paper next day as usual The reason
was-and Is Tor newspaper plant can not be built
in day-the Baltimore Sun papers.
It has become a newspaper tradition that when
FIRE or other catastrophe levels one newspaper its
nearest neighbor comes to the rescue The Sun pa
per, in this instance the Evening Sum- met the eer
eency in Baltimore last week In a manner than
worthy of the tradition
While iremen still were fighting to save some part
OF the Rost building. the Evening sun was clearing
away working space in its editorial advertising and
circulation rooms for the staff of its competitor and
.allotting press. stereotyping equipment and a
number Of its linotypes for the latters use
:. The Fsst is grateful And so IS each Of the
sscripps-H Howard newspapers. to which family the
Post belongs
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1931-01-05
EScobar in LinneIight
WE ARRIVED in Ell Paso t

XXTE ARRIVED in Ell Paso to
w find General Jose Gonzales
Escobar occupying the front page
once more, which did lot to make
it seem like old times.
General Escobar is one of those
numerous "Liberators" who suffered
defeat in trying to save Mexico, but
without getting killed, or failing to
turn an honest penny.
In the spring of 1929, he startled
Mexican authorities not only by is
suing thunderous proclamation of
revolt, but by Selling a large sum
of public money.
We landed just in time to see, or
more accurately hear, one of his
lieutenantS take Juarez.
Just now the general is being
sued by his wife, who claims she
is not, or ought not to be, his wife.
Since he already was married to
another when he led her to the
altar, and who wants such part of
the generals property as the court
may think she deserves.
Among other things, it is alleged
that the general has some 100000
tucked away in Montreal, where he
is supposed to be residing under an
assumed name.
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1931-01-05
Peoples Voice

Editor The Times-The East New
York Street Civic League desires to
go on record as asking the members
of the state legislature and the Gov
ernor to give consideration to the
removal of the woman's state prison,
located at Randolph and East New
York streets. We believe that the
entire east side of Indianapolis is
united in the desire that this should
be done.
There is no reason to delay this
project any longer. The contract
can be let on account of the pres
ent unemployment situation at a
lower price than at any other time;
also the same goes for the ground
to be acquired. 1t is a humanitarian
question as well, as it is an oppor-
tunity to give employment to the
building industry where it is most
needed.
The city is no longer a place for
high fences and the environments
are not such as to cause the inmates
to reform. The institution is over
crowded badly and the ground can
be sold for almost enough to build
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1931-01-05
Hotels Are Amazing
TRAVELLERS used to conside

TRAVELLERS used to consider
Il themselves lucky if they could
find decent drink of water within
fifty miles. Now they yell if they
don't get a room with private bath
and a bellboy to carry the bag,
which they generally do.
The hotels and garages one finds
in towns of from 1000 to 1000 peo-
pie, like Junction, Ozona, FIT. Stock
ton and Vanhorn, are simply amaz-
ing. They not only possess all
modern equipment, but an original
ity of design which makes them
doubly delightful.
These children of the desert are
making good culturally, as we'll as
commercially. One senses it not
only in the new school of architec-
ture they have developed by adapt
ing the Spanish mission and Indi-
an pueblo to modern life, but in
the many other things they are
doing to encourage artistic effort.
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1931-01-05

been made by every leader in re-
gard to the virtues of America.
If our present system was success
full in completely ending all Russian
propaganda the debate might take a
different turn. T. still would be for
free traffic in ideas, but any such
controversy is purely academic.
1t is palpable that much dis
cussion and much missionary work
go ON. And I have yet to hear any
plan even from the most violent of
the suppressionists which could end
it.
I In sense it is the old prohibition
problem over again. We could get
more authentic stuff If it were not
for various laws which make it
necessary for the building economist
to rap three times upon door and
say I'm a friend of Stah1's" before
he can get his position Of radical
philosophy.
To me it has always seemed that
the spokesman of the SovietS in this
country are not truly representative
of their own land. The Communist
cause is most imperfectly presented
when its interpretation is left in the
hands of the Fosters and the Bob
Miners.
Once recognition was assured, we
would have a right to expect contact
with Communist leaders of much
higher grade Of intelligence. The
synthetic stuff which has been
served out to US is pretty bad.
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1931-01-05
Food Riots

perhaps the food riots in Arkansas will jar the
COMMUNICATION out of its complacent argument that
present relief measures are adequate. When the ao-
rnstration blocked increased relief to farmers with
the plea that the Red Cross could care for all indl-
tidual distress the President took upon himself
very serious responsibility.
And when the President and the secretary Of
agriculture decided that none Of the drought relief
authorization should be used for human food despite
the intention of congress to the contrary they in
creased the administrators responsibility
That hundreds we're starving in one section of
Arkansas was widely known before the 500 farmers
stormed the stores of one town last Saturday. More
than three weeks ago reports from there were read
into the Congressional Record stating that 200 school
children we're starving.
According to Senator Caraway of Arkansas, the
Red Cross has been trying to feed the starving by
paying each $1.19 month. When the riots occurred
Saturday special grant was obtained from the Red
Gross giving to 265 of the 500 families food ration
worth s275 each. That ration already is gone, and
The families are hungry as before-with no more
food in sight.
"The merchants of England either must move
their goods or mount machine guns their stores"
says the town Official who was unable Saturday to
turn back the attacking farmers.
Our children are crying for food and we are going
to get it," the threat of the rioters.
The American government must not let Americans
starve to death. That would be inhuman. Also it
would be very dangerous.
These rioting farmers not foreigners, not
Communists they are conservative Americans OF
pioneer stock AS SUCH they will fight if necessary
to feed their children
Without any delay President Hoover should
ascertain why the Red Cross not feeding the starv
4,,o.
sevident-that the Red Cross lacks sufficient funds
then that fact should be made public at once
If the emergency not be met by private funds,
the federal government should hep-just as it has
,helped many times in other emergencies in this
country and abroad without question.
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1931-01-05
Questions and
Answers

Did a prohibition enforcement Of
fetal recently state that the Vol
stead act permitted the making of
home brew and wine for family
use? How would this affect the
Wright bone dry law in Indiana?
Amos Woodcock, national prohi-
bition director, recently announced
it is the policy of the federal en-
forcement agencies under his direc-
ton not to ferret out the home
brewer or wine maker who is brew
ing beer or making wine for his
own consumption. His announce
ment did not affect the illegality
of such manufacture, but reflected
only his policy on enforcement.
Homebrewing and wine making are
just as unlawful in Indiana or any
where else as before he made the
announcement, but Woodcock in
Dictated federal agents will not
search out these offenders unless
they are selling their products.
How old is Douglas Fairbanks?
Forty-seven years.
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1931-01-05

a new institution. I have inter
viewed many prominent clubwomen.
who all agree its location should be
outside of the city.
While this is not strictly an east
side movement, yet we can not hope
for growth with institutions of this
kind in our midst. The removal will
give at least three or four outlets or
new streets for this part of the
city, which We are much in need of.
Bear in mind the crowded condi-
ton, lack of sunlight, and the nat
ural tendency Of those incarcerated
to be gloomy. Sunshine in the open
may be the saving point for some Of
these women while they are down.
Fresh air and sunshine will bring
better thoughts and a greater desire
to live and may save the souls of
some Of these unfortunate women.
We would be pleased to hear from
all woman state organizations on
this removal.
SAMUEL HARRIG, Chairman,
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1931-01-05
1T SEEMS TO ME BY HE EEE4fS

TWO prominent men spoke wise
4 ly recently concerning Americas
attitude toward Russia. And this
was all the more remarkable, since
one was a United States senator
and the other a Baptist clergyman.
Bronson Cutting of New Mexico
not only recommended the recogni-
ton of the Soviet republic but
added, "And instead of STIMULATING
that they should not propaganda
in the United States, we should in
vite their propaganda"
The senator explained that "the
more our people know about the
Soviet system and conditions, the
less they would like it,"
But this last observation seems
to me slightly irrelevant. The
people of America have a right to
know what is going on in the world
whether they like it or not, and it
is ridiculous that any barrier should
be set against the freest opportunity
for the presentation of all argu-
ments which can be made in favor
of Communism,
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1931-01-05
REASON BY FREDERICK T5aS11S

TINS said that neither Mr. Coolidge nor Mr. Hoo
L yer desire to dedicate the tomb of the late Pres-
dent Harding and if this is true it is but index
to the frigidity of politics.
So long as Harding lived he was courted but now
he is dead.
We suggest that those in charge of the Harding
memorial invite James A Cox to deliver the dedicatory
speech.
Cox was Hardings Democratic opponent for the
presidency in 1920, but believe he's thoroughbred
enough to do it.
MIR. HARDING was not an angel but many who
1VA now shun his grave eagerly sought him when
he had power.
And as for angels, we thank the Lord we don't
have to depend politics to furnish them, else
should be rather short on wings
Admiral Byrd thought he had found the coolest
regions when he flew over the poles, but he
wrong; he should have gone into politics.
You may not have been a lover of Roosevelt but
there wss one thing. about him you had to admire;
he was loyal to his friend in season and out of season.
And he stuck closer to that friend when he was
under fire.
During the Progressive campaign of 1912 several
Of went to Oyster Bay suggest that he eliminate
George w. Perkins from Bull Moose leadership
Perkins past relations with big business dscredting
his professed interest in good government.
TEDDY heard us through, then said:
l. mfr. Perkins now sees the evils in the prac-
tees Of privilege and wishes to do all he 60 pro-
mote good government. In this fight every man is
welcome. to fight for the right, matter what bis
past"
That ended the debate.
And one night in Cleveland. Teddy handed it to
those who criticised him for staying at the home Of
Dan Hanna.
When he came upon the stage in a vast tent some
10000 people shouted then he lifted his hand and
aid something like this: II have been informed that
am criticized for accepting the hospitality of Dan
Hanna"
1t was still as death, then Teddy concluded Dan
Hanna is my friend. and welcome his assistance.
IF the time ever comes that I am toe cowardIy
to stand by my friend, hope the Lord viii re-
move mel'
And that crowd took the roof Oh that tent.
The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1931-01-05

The Hotels ard Garages
Which a Tourist Finds Far
DoaOn in Teras Are Simply
Amazing.
I'll PAsO, Tex, Jan. 5-we took
II three days to make the trip
from San Antonio. We could have
made it in two. Some folks make
it in one. All things considered, it
was the easiest 500 miles we have
found since leaving New York
wide, smooth, well-graded roads.
even if they were mostly gravel, and
gasoline never more than twenty
miles away, even though there was
not a single town of 10000 people
It's wild, weird region, especially
after you leave the Kerrwille coun-
try, with vast expanses of sage
brush, cactus and tunbleweed,
broken by flat-topped limestone
mountains. You note the thousand
of longhaired goats, fine sheep and
fat cattle, and wonder how they do
it You see Lincoln cars coming out
of ranch roads and wonder how the
ranchmen do it on twenty acres to
a steer, or three acres to a sheep.
Some one has done a he-man's
job, not only in blazing trails
through this desolate waste, but in
making it yield enough wealth to
provide modern comforts and con-
veniences.
1t wasn't the bad men, or two
gun sheriffs who did the trick,
though they played their part, but
the boys who studied animal hus-
bandry and improved the stock, who
bored wells and found water, who
damned creeks, started irrigation
projects and laid out townsites, who
built decent houses for wives and
children, who spent their surplus
cash for community betterments.