davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1932-10-22

OF all the dispositions human being
may possess, one Of the worst is that
which is eternally "agin" anything sug-
gested by another human being.
There are some men and women so
determined in this perverse reaction
that by no possibility can a friend say
anything at all, on any subject under
the sun, but what they react unfayor-
ably.
React" Is a mild word for it.
Some fashioned folk call it pure
cussedness."
1t Is, however. veritable reaction
akin In the mental realm to the various
reactions of muscles in the physical:
Poke the average man IN the Jaw.
apropos Of nothing at all, and he will
strike back at you.
Ask one of these chronic against"
people what he thinks of certain
course of action: you can save yourself
the breath, because 1t will be the oppo-
site to what you think.
And it will be contrary, no matter
which side of question you suggest.
Whether the matter be serious or gay
makes not the slightest bit of differ
ence.
If you say THE wind is blowing from
the west today" the perpetual contrary
will out with "Oh, no; it Is from the
east"
The fact that you may be able to
see a flag blowing in the wind makes
no difference to him.
Contrary reaction Is in his blood. ana
his first thought must be an anti
thought.
II this makes him feel better, Of
course, it is good for him, perhaps, but
1t is not good for YOU.
There is no reason in the world, you
feel with all justice to yourself. that
everything you happen to say should be
knocked down.
Surely you must be right. once in
a while!
You would never know it, however,
from the typical reactions of such con-
trary minded persons.
And, unfortunately. some people
seem to attract this type of friend.
Every thought they have provokes 2
counter thought in the minds OF those
who claim to seek to help them.
It is question, however, just how
much real help is given another by con-
stantly taking a position on the other
side Of every question.
**f X
Harm is done him. on the other hand
because he comes in time to realize, al
though for while he may not notice
it. that he never gets any serious con-
sideration.
All he receives is vote against.
The curious thing is that these people
so persistent in taking the opposite side
always have the best Of reasons. accord
ing to their way Of thinking, for what
they say
They would be vastly surprised to be
confronted with a choice list of their
answers to the last IL or ~ questions
at issue.
They would be amazed. perhaps. to
see that their vote was no" on every
one Of them.
The trouble with such persistent
anti bodies is that they never re-
member what they say from one day
to another.
They take each question on Its merits
they would say.
Curious. then, is it not, that they
always take the opposite side?
1t is impossible, one may think. that
one human being can always be wrong
and another always be right.
Evening star., 1932-10-22
THIS AND THAT
BY CHARLES E. TRACEWELL.


Even the brainiest men and women
claim no infallibility.
The dumbest person must be able to
strike 1t right some time.
Wherefore it would appear that these
men and women who never agree with
forever taking the opposite" side, nc
matter what that side is, are convicted
Of sheer contrariness simply BY the
weight of facts.
If they sprinkled their mays" with a
few ayes" now and then, just as a
matter of habit, they would find their
stock had taken a Jump with many who
now find it low.
Just how low these sufferers regard
the stock Of these persons 1t is impos-
sible to say, since their way of looking
at the matter is gradual growth.
Few of the victims of these ''antis'
ever get onto" their tormentors at first
1t takes them days, even years, to find
out that these others are not motivated
by honest interest, but only by the Joy
Of taking the opposite side.
Those who suffer most at the hands
of this perpetual opposition are the
serious minded. those men and women
who have high regard for the truth
and believe that every one else feels the
same way.
1t takes most of these innocents Q life
time or whereabouts, to discover that
the truth, in any line, is the very last
thing of all the average human being is
concerned about.
What this lamentable mass OF hui
manity wants, above all, first and al
the time. is to think well of itself.
1t secures this result by the seeming
roundabout method Of setting itself up
in opposition to any remark made BY
the worlds innocents, whom 1t shortly
sees are much too intently attempting
to find out abstract truths to put much
attention ON the why's Of conduct.
Thus they get away" with it. except
when some one, more interested in ar
abstract study of the curious animal
man, proceeds to call their bluff.
Even then, however, little good will
be achieved. except insofar as the pro-
ceeding satisfies the inquisitive mind oi
the investigator.
For there is no more stubborn brute
in the world than the perpetual "agin-
ner," the man or woman who never
agrees With anything or ever praises
anything
He or she cannot listen to the most
artless and enthusiastic account Of
plans made by another without rising
al once to many counter suggestions.
Why do you do that?
Why don't you do this?
What is the point Of purchasing a So
and-So when a thus -and-thuS could bt
/ bought with the same money?
The plain fact that you happen tc
want the other makes not the slightes,
bit Of difference.
| Without giving the matter an in
! stant's consideration, such sad OATS are
able to tell you more about your owr
desires and needs than you know your
/ self
! Is this omniscience?
| No, it is contrarinesS, that is all.
| Surely there must be weak spot ir
| the characters of such human beings
one which they recognize themselves
but do not exactly relish exhibiting tc
/ the world. or even to themselves.
Their own lack Of judgment is whal
/ they fear.
/ So they put on, more for their OWE
benefit than for any one else, an ex-
( tremely decisive character
/ The easiest way, of course, is to take
issue with every one else, and immedi-
ately.
| Neat scheme. Ell?
Evening star., 1932-10-22
Parks and Crime.

The parks Of the National Capital,
according to a Department OF Labor
report, prepared under the supervision
OF First Lieut.. F. B. Butler, assistant
director of the Office Of Public Build
ings and Public Parks, ARE serving to
prevent crime by keeping people in
terestsd in the out Of DOORS" At first
glance, the claim seems large one, but
on more Thoughtful examination 1t ap-
pears to b. sound. 4.
Z 81 golf courses, twenty-eight base
ball diamonds, seVenty-fye tennis
courts and eighteen picnic centers Ger
tainly are very attractive substitutes
for saloons. spsakeasies, pool rooms ana
gambling dens, People, it may be pre-
, sumed, are somewhat less apt to get
j into trouble in the former than in the
latter.
Lieut.. Butler believes in the practical
value Of recreational enterprises. He
{ Things 1t is . matter for rejoicing that
, the parks are helping to enrich COM
munity life through sports, music
drama, nature study and art" He
speaks OF these activities as serving
to prevent the crime that Is born OF
idleness, to safeguard children from
street accidents and to build up morale,
good citizenship and health" unques-
tiouably, this view in its broad aspects
and applications is simply justihed
Hence the reports scientific sociological
character.
A city without recreational centers
would be city without social defenses.
washington is no exception to the rule.
People have 2 certain amount Of leisure,
especially In times Of economic disor-
Eapisation and stress. and that leisure
will Be snti-socially used in part at
least unless provision Is made against
such Unemployment Of it. The cost Of
laying out and maintaining breathing
spots for the masses is nothing as COM
pared with the cost of correcting the
sSf resulting from their absence from
the connurity's life. And Lieut.. But
JaPs 6GSaRins that xecreationAl esutsgl
Evening star., 1932-10-22
SHOOTING STARS.
By PHILANDER JoHNsoN.
Merely Elucidatilg.

Merely Elucidati4g.
Sometimes voice resounds so loud
Amid the general din
It causes all the wondering crowd
To ask, Who's breaking in?"
1t is the Public Conscience. bent
On making matters clear,
Demanding why such discomfort
Disturbs the patient ear.
The spokesman of the mighty throng
Explained, We're not in rage.
With questions grave of right and wrong
Our thought We now engage.
We seek from fallacies to free
Our fellows in the state.
We do not quarrel; as you see,
We just elucidate."
Evening star., 1932-10-22
tsker may have sighed; mo. tits hard

taker may have sighed: mo. It 70 hard
to, amt it?" They may have walked
back to the empty house together, the
veterinarian arguing to himself aloud:
IF he had ordered us to give them
away, that would have been all right, or
to sell them, or anything decent like
thst. But this is such an ugly way,
don't you think'" The caretaksr may
have replied: YES, liked them little
dogs quite lot"
Perhaps one day the master will come
back to the quiet garden. Perhaps he
may notice that it is quieter than ever
now. Meanwhile, exile and disgrace,
the disgust and not the sympathy Of his
fellow men are his daily fare.
Evening star., 1932-10-22
Highlights on the Wide World
Excerpts From Newspapers of Other Lands

We are almost certain that the hotel
keepers are coming to complain about
the high taxes that eat I'D most of
the profits in the hotel business We
are not so sure, however. that the boni-
faces are going to present their case
precisely as 1t exists. For it is really
not so much the assessments and taxes
paid to the government by the hotels
and restaurants in times of economic
crisis that are so disastrous, but rather
the exorbitant rates charged the guests.
1t cannot be denied that patronage falls
OF in direct proportion to the eleva-
tlon Of the tariffs, when such charges
depart from reasonable and normal
mean for services rendered. No hotel
Is taxed except upon the basis of the
business represented by those that So
journ there, but people are not going
to linger long in any establishment that
imposes excessive charges. Therefore,
hotelkeepers would have more money
to pay their taxes if they were willing
to make it possible for more people to
use their accommodations
Just how the balance of trade is to
be adjusted, SO there will be minimum
of tax and a maximum of patronage,
is the problem of the innkeeperS, but
not Of them alone. 1t is problem of
the whole country. It is an economic
problem, and is fast becoming political
problem. With proper consideration, 1t
may be adjusted to a nicely. France
has always profited from her tourists,
but here.o .ofore they were no. mulcted
of all their money at one fell stroke.
They were allowed to spend this season.
and to return and spend in subsequent
seasons.
There must be a reorganization and
revision all along the line. both on the
part of the hotels and of all the ex-
terror interests that supply and serve
them. Else We shall continue to read
in the papers every day or so THAT the
managers have had another conference
with the minister for tourist trade, and
that some relief for the hostelries IS
assured. regardless Of the fact that
there Is not one more guest IN any
hotel nor one more "pourboire" (tip)
in the pocket Of waiter or Chamber
maid.
Street Musicians
Keep Glasgow Awake.
Evening Times. Glasgow-To the
your column in the Evening Times to
lodge a complaint in which I am sure
Will be supported by all sensible and
law-abiding citizens Of Crosshill and
Queens Park districts.
Up to very late hour in Victoria
road the iarring strains Of banjos and
ukuleles make well-earned sleep i'm
possible The youths who tear at these
Internal instruments invariably stand
In shop doors, making themselves q
positive hindrance to the passersby.
This pastime Is all very well in Hawaii
or Honolulu but in Glasgow 1t is stupid
and very common. Let these so-called
musicians park their nutcrackers in
the family trunk and keep them there
until next fair holidays. when they are
at Douglas or some other far away
spot. I am, etc, d. STEELE.
Evening star., 1932-10-22
Two Little Dogs.

Not very long ago, in fact, only
few DAYS ago, there were two little dogs
in a quiet English garden. One was
a Sealyham, the other an Airedale.
They were comrades in happy romps
over the velvets green lawns and, per-
haps, over beds of flowers, where mis-
chief lured them. They were comrades.
too, in tedious businsss Of waiting.
There was a certain sound. the slow
ing down Of motor, that they both
knew in a particular relation. 4 famil-
lar car, they understood, should come
grapdly up the drive to stop at the
door of the mansion in the gardens
heart, and . familiar figure, they real
lied, should step ponderously down
from the car. And that would be their
master, returning from his other home
across the sea. They would be doubly
happy then, each in bis own peculiar
dosgish way. Their eyes would shine
and their tails would veg. They would
tremble With joy. But, meantime. the
waiting was unpleasant. The days
seemed long.
Then message came for the care
taker, who always had been very
friendly and kind, and the caretaker
swore softly under his breath. That was
strange. The sealyham looked a ques-
ton at the Airedale, but the Airedale
could not answer Still puzzled, they
saw the caretaker comforting with the
veterinarian. They followed the two
men to the tool shed and watched them
bring out spades end dig two small
holes in the garden turf. It must have
been only at the very snd that at last
they guessed.
When 1.-THE thing had been done. the
veterinarian may have seid: Il always
bslieyed N him hstorG " spits Of every
thinR, hut ! eanH ueME And TIE saee-
Evening star., 1932-10-22

A songstress, accused of killing an
heir of the Reynolds tobacco fortune,
wants a trial in order to win an abso-
Lutte acquittal. Her contention seems
reasonable enough. In SO important q
transaction there should be no loose
ends left to offer the slightest possibility
of future complication.
Evening star., 1932-10-22
The Geneva Life Line.

Ever since it adjourned last Summer
the Geneva Conference has presented to
an incredulous world somewhat of the
aspect of . drowning man who has not
yet gone under for the third and last
time, but Is perilously near that fate
To save the World Disarmament Con-
ference from flounderipg to its DOOM
the United States has now joined twen-
ty-five other nations in throwing Ge-
neva life line
This country has agreed to extend the
naval holiday, which otherwise would
have expired on November /, for an
other four months. The purpose is to
prolong that psychological atmos-
phere," the term used by then For
eign Minister Grandi of Italy in pro-
posing the holiday, in which it was sup
posed that Genera might be spurred
into results. The underlying theory
was that If the delegates could conduct
their deliberations undisturbed by the
rumble of shipyards in their ears. they
might amid such quietude the sooner
reach their goal.
Six months of talk evaporated at
Geneva amid the contemplated psyche
logical atmosphere" but it is not OBJ
servable that the cause of disarmament
in consequence advanced by any sub
stantial degree. 1t is planned that the
eho1
when two months OF the extended naval
holiday will have gone. That will leave
another sixty days Of it for the at
mosphere of psychology to get in its
work. The most that can be hoped for
is that it will turn out to be more
stimulating air than has so far been
breathed into the Geneva talkfest.
Fortunately for the United States,
the additional holiday will not seriously
retard any American naval construc-
ton either under way or already pro-
jected. When the Washington Gov
ernment accepted the original Grandi
plan, it was specified that work on a
number Of light cruisers, destroyers and
submarines for which Congress had
provided the necessary authorizations
and appropriations should not be in
terrupted. Only one lo00O-ton s-inch
gun cruiser, out Of total program Of
eight such vessels, will be hung up by
the extra four months holiday. Sec
retary Stinlson, in notifying the chair
man of the Geneva conference Of our
acauiescence, naturally stipulates that
other principal naval and military
powers" shall, likewise, accept the ex-
panded holiday. Japan and Italy thus
far have approved it only in princi-
pie"
Intensive efforts are now afoot to
reconcile the primary differences which
prevent further agreement on reduction
of naval armsments. There are Franco
Italian parity problems to be ironed
out, and Arglo-American questions
affecting size Of battleships and cruisers.
All the Geneva conference powers, when
they stopped talking for the nonce in
July, pledged themselves to give serious
consideration. before reconvening in
January, to the Hoover plan Of fiat
one-third reduction in ornaments.
The world is full of hope, as we'll as
Of good and evil. Let there be derived
as much satisfaction as possible from
the prospect that the new naval holiday
,,,ov fur, ont fo ho moro fruitful fho n
its vanished and ineffective precursor.
Evening star., 1932-10-22

A strictly polite campaign will be dis
tinguished at Detroit by a reply from
the Republican leader to the head of
the Democratic party. 1t might be con-
strued as an implied discourtesy for the
candidates to ignore each others re-
marks.
Evening star., 1932-10-22

In the opinion of Norman Thomas
campaign speakers ought to devote more
attention to the recognition Of Russia.
This Socialistic demand for recognition
will hardly be seriously considered until
Russia has offered more convincing eVi-
dence that she has found herself.
Evening star., 1932-10-22

Radio advertisers graciously yield
their time to representative men in
public life for the discussion Of national
policies. There are times when the
most advantageous publicity may be at
tanned by temporarily relinquishing the
spotlight.
Evening star., 1932-10-22

Counterfeit tickets for admission to
hear President Hooyers Detroit speech
have been put in circulation. Precau-
tions have been taken to leave them
without as much practical value ss fat
money would have
Evening star., 1932-10-22

The national budget must be bal
snced. Uncle Sam cannot follow the
example of the discouraged family man
who disposes of the matter by throwing
the budget book out of the window and
starting over
Evening star., 1932-10-22

Desire of AL Capone for freedom IS
likely to be disregarded for some time.
No candidate would want his political
friends to take a chance on declara-
ton by Al In his favor.
Evening star., 1932-10-22

The campaign has advanced 50 far
that enough voters have made up their
minds that it becomes uncertain
whether Ex-Gov. Smiths speech is to
be credited with great influence.
Evening star., 1932-10-22
Planetary Promotion.

From the Salt Lake City Deseret News.
Astronomers have recently detected
signs that the inhabitants of Mars were
endeavoring to attract the attention Of
the people of our planet. Perhaps they
have bond issue on sale
Evening star., 1932-10-22
A Passing Menace.

From the Nashville Banner.
We are pleased tto report that radio
singers are apparently recovering from
the worst part of their former fearful
dread that the river wanted to come up
to their doors.
Evening star., 1932-10-22

His public agrees with Norman
Thomas unanimously on one point. He
cannot be disputed when he says there
is no chance of his being elected.
Evening star., 1932-10-22
The Vicious Circle.

From the Schenectady Gazette.
What's the use? When wheat is too
farmer far G is saved, ,ts : shame to charge
. much f0 d0ur. ''-'' 80
Evening star., 1932-10-22
Ebb and Flow.

Ebb and Flow.
The market rises and goes down
Till it appears to be,
As Fortune seems to smile or frown,
Like the vast tide at sea.
But winds or earthquakes now and then
Disturbances will show
And shipwreck comes to many men
As markets ebb and flow.
Evening star., 1932-10-22

Probably many persons will laugh at
Henry Fords idea Of currency manage
ment. 1t will be remembered, however,
that at one time everybody laughed at
the "f1ivver"
Evening star., 1932-10-22
Safety in Penmanship.

"The typewriter is of great assistance
in business"
THE fountain pen is safer," remarked
Mr.. Dustin stax. 1T gets. out Of order
50 easily that it often compels you to
stop and think before You put some
thing on paper that maybe you'll Wish
you hadn't"
ITO expect gratitude for every gen
erous action" said HI Ho. the sage Of
Chinatown, brings deserved dissp-
pointment, SINCE it seeks to put ? price
on simple human kindness"
Evening star., 1932-10-22
Candidates and Parties.

From the Alberqusrque Journal.
Senator Borah says both parties ore
bad and both candidates are good. He
doesn't explain how they happened to
be nominated.
Evening star., 1932-10-22

Facts and Words.
The dictionary comes to vew
With hope for sll Of Us.
The siwple facts are very few,
But words are numerous
So orators may 60 their yays
And bravest efforts bring,
Seeking to form some novel phrase
To tell the same old thing.
"Politeness don't costanything," said
Uncle Eben. land maybe dat's de reason
why 80 many people seems to thipk Y
en- worth hothesin' abeuts
Evening star., 1932-10-22
Billions Must Be Somewhere.

BILLIONS Must Be Somewhere.
DO you find your audiences re-
sonsive?"
Invariably" answered Senator sor-
ghum. Especially when I mention two
or three billion dollars"
But that doesn't satisfy men who
haven't two dollars apiece"
Not at first. But my line of argu-
ment is that if there is that much
money left in the world everybody has
right to hope that he can get some
of it."
Jud Tllnkins says there are SO many
statistics in this campaign that to be
considered truly eloquent q man must
learn to sound like lightning cal
culator.
Evening star., 1932-10-22
Sure .Wsy to Suspicion.

From the NJ lFeukee Sentinel.
Love thu peighbpr and yoHU be slls-
ppeted q sntf tntns " nHss.er mo-
Evening star., 1932-10-22

Lower Rates Urged
In Freref Hotels.
Le Matin, Raris.-The managers OF
slI ths biz hotels sEs 2sssnnlin,g for for
Evening star., 1932-10-22
Rate by Carrier Within the City.

Rate by Mail-Payable in Advance.
MARYLAND and Virginia.
Evening star., 1932-10-22

Business once.
llth St. and Pennsylvania Ave.
New York once: ITO East And st.
Chicago once: Lake Michigan Building
European ONCE: IA Regent ST.. London.
ENGLAND.
Evening star., 1932-09-04

At right: The new transcontinental speed king
Capt James Haizlip is shown just after landing
at Floyd Bennett Field to end his record speed
fight of 10 hours and 1e minutes from Los
Angeles to New York. And his arms seem bit
stiff. 9 Associated Press Pno'o'
Evening star., 1932-09-04

Things are happening in the air. An air
minded thrcng at the national air races in
Cleveland looks skyward as daredevil flyers
cut capers above the $4,000 heads
Wide World Photos.
The Washington times., 1932-12-28

III GuS col
umn several days ago. There
are three boys in the Schmid
family, Henry, George and Jack,
and all three are members of
our club.
Jackie looks like q girl in the
picture but he is very much of
a boy. The costume was the
one with which he recently won
a prize in a children's contest
at a local theater.
He makes pretty little girl.
don't you think?
Bat Stories
The BIG BLACK MOUSE
WITH WINGS, so thrillingly
described in a letter of Will
liam Bernstein's a couple of
weeks ago, is still interesting
the club members. The major
ity of them have guessed that
it was a BAT and not a mouse.
Here are a few letters from
those who were right.
Annie E. Sheltman, 1877
Massachusetts, Ave. S. E.:
II know what the black thing
was in William BernStein's let
ter. 1t was bat. / have only
seen one once but can still
remember how it looked"
Virginia Rose Herzer, 1923
Riggs Pl. N. W.:
81 think the BIG BLACK
THING was a BAT. 1 am
hoping to meet you duEing the
Christmas holidays"
Bernice Schwartz, an old
club member:
~ read william BernStein's
adventure and thought it very
exciting. think the BIG
BLACK mouse with wings was
q bat"