davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1932-09-21
A Plea for Mercy for
Unfortunate OYSTERS

To the Editor of The Star.
On September there appeared in
The Star, under the caption "Anes-
thetics for Oysters Arouse Public Specu-
lauon, a series of comments quoted
from different newspapers, some of
which expressed fair and sensible
view of the as yet problematicaf ques-
ton as to whether an oyster IS capa-
BILE of experiencing pain. There was an
attempt at Righteousness on the part of
some of the writers of these articles
which certainly does not reflect credit
upon themselves or the newspapers
they represent.
1t is not likely that many people
know positively whether or not oysters
have feelings, but inasmuch as Dr. Vera
Koehring is said to be an authority on
bivalves and states they do suffer from
the present ruthless method of opening
their shells and at the same time advo-
Gates more humane process, it would
seem that the least any intelligent per-
son could do would be to give serious
thought to her plan.
Pain. even though it be to the lowli-
est creature living, is not a mirth-pr
voking subject. Any manifestation on
the part of humankind to spare ether
creatures from unnecessary suffering is
evidence that civilization is not at a
complete standstill. In many ways man
IS still dominated by the rule of the
jungle, but. considering his supremacy
over the lower creatures, the gift of
speech and comforts of modern life. he
should be ashamed to take unfair ad-
vantage of their helplessness.
Those of us who regard the just
rights of all living creatures would ap
preciate your giving due consideration
to this and other problems of animal
welfare and see that they are fairly
championed in your worthy paper
against all shallow arguments to the
contrary by unfeeling persons.
A. P. HAMILTON.
Evening star., 1932-09-21

blushingly demanded its rewards. and
the masses. impressed by his preten-
sions. received him at his own valuation.
But an arraignment Of his short
comings cannot be accepted Is . full
and complete explanation Of SCOTS
achievement. His virtues were rs
numerous and as compelling as his vices.
He was . tireless worker, born to win
II he was quick to detect an op2or-
tunity, he was willing to toll to ex-
tract its entire worth. He did have
genius, and he was justified in be-
lieving in his powers. He drove him.
self as remorselessly as he drove other
men. That he could be spontaneously
and sincerely generous was repeatedly
demonstrated. Toward chosen friends he
was abundantly courteous and kindly.
His reactionary prejudices were ground
ed In a discernmeht of the real merits
Of ancient institutions. If he distrusted
his countrymen, he worshiped his
country. If he despised the mob and
loathed democracy, he nevertheless
served the public veal by his insistence
upon a high standard of personal ideal
ism among the so-called ruling classes.
There Is no deliberate teaching IN his
books, but an implied moral Is ever
present.
An unmitigated romanticist, fleeing
the problems Of his own times, he sur
wives In an age Of ruthless realism.
His novels still are read with pleasure.
He aspired to be popular, and he Is so.
He wished for success, and it came to
him. His name is by no means the
greatest In British letters, but 1t Is one
of the most significant.
Scott is eminently worth remember
ing, worth studying. In his personality
all the qualities Of the human race 1or
good or i'll, did battle. And, like the
race, he endures, is commended and
measurably prospers. He wrote what
he wrote because he was what he was.
It is not necessary to constitute him
plaster fetish in order to decently un-
derstand and appreciate him.
Evening star., 1932-09-21
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
BY FREDERIC J. HASKIN.

Any reader can get the answer to
any question by writing to our informa-
ton bureau in Washington, D. c. This
offer applies strictly to information.
The bureau cannot give advice on
legal, medical and financial matters 1t
does not attempt to settle domestic
troubles, or undertake exhaustive re-
search on any subject Write your
question plainly and briefly. Give full
name and address and inclose 3 cents
in coin or stamps for return postage.
The reply is sent direct to the inquirer.
Address The Evening Star Information
Bureau, Frederic ]. Haskin, Director,
Washington, D. c.
@. How Is 1t possible for the United
States relay team to run 400 meters
in 20 seconds when the record for the
100 meters is 1913 seconds?-R. T.
A. The 400-meter record Is made pos
sible on account of the athletes en-
ploying flying start. In other words,
the athletes are permitted to start run
ming within the relay zone and take
the baton from the previous runner at
full speed.
@. How many people die of heat
prostration in the United States?-
M. M.
A. In 1880 there were 1,487 persons
reported as dying of excessive heat in
the registration area in the United
States.
@. 1t Is considered in bad taste to
begin letter with the pronoup 1?-
U. B.
A. Beginning with I is permissible
and often desirable.
@. What is the term for the sign on
the front of street car to indicate
where it is going?-L. r.
A. 1t is usually called the destination
sign.
@. Is the time sent out from Airing
ton obtained from star readings, or ad-
JuSted from Greenwich time?-C. M.
A. The Naval Observatory says that
station is operated directly from the
Naval Observatory by observations of
certain fixed stars made with a tele-
scope. In reducing the observations
account is taken of the difference in
longitude between Washington and
Greenwich, but the time observations
themselves are actually made in Wash
ington-
Evening star., 1932-09-21
WASHINGTON OBSERVATIONS
BY FREDERIC WILLIAM VILE.

of the legendary heroes of Princeton.
He it was, as president of the university,
who invited the Congress to resume its
sessions in Nassau Hall on the Tiger
campus in 1888, when a section of the
Continental Army mutinied and drove
Congress from Philadelphia. Thereupon,
for period of nearly five months.
Princeton became the temporary Capital
of the United States. The Witherspoon
pamphlet, which is to be put on sale.
contains excerpts from the brilliant ad-
dress delivered by President Wilson in
dedication of the Witherspoon statue at
Connecticut avenue and Eighteenth
street in Washington.
X
Any time you chance to pass by Pat
Hurley's tall Office building at Fifteenth
and H streets northwest. Washington,
you're likely to encounter a good-look-
ing, outstanding American named Frank
Elbridge Webb. He is the second Cali
fornian running for President this year.
being, the candidate of the Liberty
party. Mr.. Webb was nominated at a
convention in Kansas City early in
July on platform calling for "a squarer
DEAL for labor, agriculture and the
common people generally. 1t advocates
retention of the eighteenth amendment
in the Constitution and payment of the
soldiers bonus by expansion OF the
currency system Mr.. Webb does not
expect to be elected.
Representative Robert G. Simmons.
Republican, of Nebraska so we'll known
as a former chairman of the House
subcommittee on District appropria-
tions. is having a tough fight for re-
election. Opposing him is another young
politician from the Simmons home
town of Scottsbluff, Democrat named
Terry Carpenter, who is conducting a
whirlwind campaign. Representative
Simmons is asking reelection on his
record. especially as a stanch Hoover
supporter and dry. Carpenter is run
ming as a wet Simmons is pro-Farm
Board and anti-bonus. Carpenter would
abolish the Farm Board and pay the
bonus.
Weird tales are beginning to circulate
about impending "conspiracies" to turn
the election tide at the eleventh hour.
They emanate for the most part from
Democrats, who depict themselves as
the intended victims of the brewing
plots. Yarn No. 1 is that employees of
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES industrial con-
Germs are to be warned on the eve OF
November that their jobs will be in
jeopardy if Roosevelt is elected. Yarn
No. 2 is that Republican gold" on
something like Mark Hanna lines will
be spent in close States to buy" the
election. Yarn No. 3 has 1t that RooSe-
welt is to be depicted in Southern States
as more pro-Catholic even than Al
Smith. on the record of his appoint
ments to State Offices in New York.
X X
Prohibition politics has split one OF
the country's prominent families wide
| open. Mrs. Charles H. Sabin OF New
York, Joan of Arc of the wet women, Is
sister of Mrs. Harry F. Guggenheim
| wife of the American Ambassador to
Cuba and intimate of Col. Charles Lind
bergh. The two women are daughters
of the late Paul Morton, Secretary OF
the Navy in the first Roosevelt admin
| istration. Mrs. Sabin is supporting Gov,
Roosevelt. Mrs. Guggenheim Is for
President Hoover.
| tCopyright, 1929
Evening star., 1932-09-21

@. Do boys dive for coins In the
harbor at Honolulu2-A. w. D.
A. About so native divers are In the
water most Of the time and dive for
coins tossed them from the decks of
arriving ships. It Is estimated that
coins Of small denominations to the
aggregate value of $4,000 are thrown
to these divers annually.
Q. What Is meant by meliorism?-
A. Meliorism is the belief that the
improvement of the world by human
effort Is not only possible, but that such
improvement is law Of evolution. The
term was first used by the novelist
George Eliot.
became King?-N. r
throne of his father at the age of from
II to IA years, exact time not known.
He reigned 40 years.
@. How far does the average good
swimmer go under water?-M. G.
A. The distance which a person
may swim under water varies as to
conditions. Probably an average SWIM
mer in pool can swim 80 feet under
"obNa' W. L 49,
on November 3, 1912, remained under
water minutes 1895 seconds Jack
Trivilla of Avalon, Calf, swan under
water 1854 yards In 2 minutes 1895
seconds at the Salt Water Natatorium
in Seattle, Wash, July IS, 1912.
@. Please differentiate between comedy
and tragedy-E. S.
A. Drama is composition in prose
or in poetry, usually intended TO be acted
upon the stage, presenting a story by
means of characters speaking and act
ing in situations contrived TO develop a
plot, with such accessories as scenery,
etc. Tragedy is that form Of drama
or Of dramatic composition in which
the theme is solemn, lofty or pathetic,
being a great action or series OF acts.
Comedy Is that branch Of dramatic art
that portrays laughable incidents or
characters. or the ludicrous, the satirical
or the gay. in familiar or humorous
style. 1t is opposed to tragedy, or cere-
monial drama.
@. What has become Of the country
which was called Transylvania?-H. D.
A. Pennsylvania was until 1918 a por-
ton of Hungary. Its official name u
now Ardeal-
Evening star., 1932-09-21
Scott-Minus and Plus.

The centenary of the death OF Sir
Walter Scott, poet, novelist and plog-
rapher, is being widely observed today.
Throughout the English-speaking world
and in France, Germany, Russia ana
japan, wherever his works are known
in the original or in translated form,
tribute is being paid to his memory.
SCOTS own personal story never has
been adequately told, and it is to be
hoped that the present celebration may
prompt some competent hand to do 1t as
it should be done. The man was
curious mixture of noble and ignoble
traits, a combination Of curious pre-
dilections, loves and hates. His hand
somer aspect was painted by his SON
;n-law. Jonn Gibson Lockhart; his less
admirable but not less interesting ma
ture, has been neglected.
The problem is rendered particularly
intriguing by the fact that many OF
SCOTS faults were sources of strength
to him. He was possessed Of overween-
ulS piluc dilo CsoVAoiAi' oAio AZ "No ~
exaggerated notion of his talents that
first prompted him to write. He was
greedy, and his passion for money and
prestige stimulated his productive labor.
He was intolerant, and his illiberality
made it possible, for him to focus his
thought effectively. He was cruel, and
his capacity for militant malice gave
him the instructive emotional material
for the creation of villains almost with
out parallel this side of those of Shake
speare. He was snobbish and opportu-
nistic, and his affection for pomp and
ceremony enabled him to idealize roy
atty and the aristocracy attractively
He took bis genius for granted and TN
Evening star., 1932-09-21
attentions by the bullet rather thar

attentions by the bullet rather than
by the ballot. evidently finding constitu-
tional processes too slow and cumber-
some to serve their purposes. Victory
generally perches on the banners Of the
contenders who control the army.
Nothing on contemporary record in South
America has equaled the ferocity and
magnitude Of the Ecuadoran turmoil.
The weeks battle Of Quito was the
fiercest in the country's modern history
and one Of the major engagements in
the annals of South America. The
residents Of the capital, isolated In the
high mountains Of the interior. were
cut OF for days as loyalist troops from
north and south marched in behind a
battering artillery attack. The single
military airplane at the disposal Of the
government dropped bombs on the
capital, while artillery laid down a
sweeping barrage on the invading rebel
troops. The long casualty list includes
many civilians of Quito, who had taken
no sides In the conflict between the
government and BonifaZ. American
diplomatic officials were constantly in
the zone of danger.
DR.. Alberto Guerrero Martinez presi-
dent Of the Senate, has been named
Acting President Of the Republic, re-
placing Acting President Baquerizo
Moreno. whose term expired last week.
But 1t would be a very optimistic
prophecy to foreshadow that tranquility
has descended upon Ecuador with any
guarantee Of permanency. The wounds
OF the late upheaval are not likely to
heal quickly.
Evening star., 1932-09-21
A Progressive Defeat.

Wisconsin's youthful Governor, PhlliE
La Toilette, has been defeated Tor re-
nomination by former Governor Walter
J. Kohler. conservative Republican, afte'
one of the most heated campaigns WIS
consin has seen for a number OF years
But that is not all. Senator John j
Blaine. a La Toilette Progressive, ap-
pears to have gone down, also, in the
primary yesterday, losing to John b
Chapple, a comparatively untried op-
ponent. Furthermore, if the returns SC
far received can be relied upon, three
Progressive Republican candidates fol
denomination TO the House have beer
dumped by the voters.
The results in yesterdays primary are
a bitter blow to the La Toilette grouI
in Wisconsin They have shaken the
hold of the Progressive organization or
the Badger State. The primaries al
which delegates to the Republican Ma
tional Convention were elected last
Spring gave an inkling of what might
be expected in the September primaries
The conservative Republicans elected q
majority of the delegates to the ma
tional convention for the first time in
many years.
No more severe critic of the Hoover
administration than Senator Blaine has
raised his voice in the past and the
present Congresses. In season and out
he has rallied against President Hoover
and all his works. The defeat OF Sen
ator Blaine by "stalwart" Republican
will come with added JOY to the ears
of the regular Republican leaders. They
will read in the returns the belief that
President Hoover, after all, is not as
unpopular in the Middle West as he has
been painted. Blaine opposed the elec-
ton of Mr.. Hoover in 1928 and came
out openly for AL Smith. He has been
ready to support Roosevelt this year
against Hoover.
Aside from the personal angle, the
vote in Wisconsin seems to indicate q
tightening of the lines of the conserva-
tive forces in the State, which may have
its parallel in other States. If that be
true. then the predictions of democratic
victory may be decidedly premature. The
Democratic nominee for President, Gov
ernor Roosevelt of New York, has been
hailed as a progressive" 1t is true that
his speeches in the West during his pres
ent campaign tour have rather aligned
him with the conservative thought OF the
country. But the effort has been to
sell him" as a progressive. If the vote
in Wisconsin yesterday is any criterion,
the progressives are not doing, nor are
they likely to do, SO well.
The La Follettes in Wisconsin prob
ably are suffering from the fact thai
they have been in power during hard
times. It might have been far carrier Tor
Governor La Toilette to win the nomina-
tion for example, had Kohler been Gov
ernor this year and La Toilette on the
outside. The inclination of voters te
strike at those in power when time'
are bad. to make change on the theor!
that any change would be for the better
has been manifested many times In cleo
tions.
Whatever the reason for their defeat
the downfall Of Governor La Toilette ane
Senator Blaine is balm to the harasset
Republicans, who have been wondering
in view of the Democratic victory IL
Maine last week, what was to happen.
Evening star., 1932-09-21

The famous dancer, Irene Castle, as
an S. P. c. A. worker, is protesting
against the rodeo as an entertainment
involving cruelty to dumb animal and
fact, it Is cruel world that insists on
being entertained even If trapeze per-
former breaks his neck or a dancer
Sprans her ankle. 1t is only fair to
give humanity equal consideration with
the four footed friends.
Evening star., 1932-09-21

Oil interests are observing closely the
enortS OF the Soviet to establish rela- :.
tions with French politicians. Much
more negotiation will be expected than
would be needed II Alfalfa Bill Muir
ray were in position to take a diplo-
matte hand in the situation as a petro-
leum expert.
Evening star., 1932-09-21

The ancient query as to which origi-
mated the other, the chicken or the egg
Is being suggested on a large scale by
the question Of whether wicked movies
produce crime or crime produces wicked
movies.
Evening star., 1932-09-21

1t may be doubted whether ex-Gov
smith as a magazine editor can keep
entirely away from current economic
discussion. The most expert pub
NSher would scarcely attempt to hold
large circulation with merely a con-
tlnued story and a cross word puzzle
Evening star., 1932-09-21

The editor Of the Taylor Cnl)
Breeze is probably wondering why any
one should have thrown a devastating
bomb when an anonymous letter would
have been an equally impressive DEM
onstration of sentiment without so
much danger of police action.
Evening star., 1932-09-21

England implies the opinion that
Germany and other neighbor nations
have already produced more military
devices than the British Museum should
be expected to keep busted of and cata-
logued.
Evening star., 1932-09-21

With so many topics in evidence that
require mental concentration, prohibi-
ton is in danger of being regarded as
affording the relief necessary when con-
Versation grows heavy and people need
something to talk about"
Evening star., 1932-09-21
Bird Gatherings.

From the Toledo Blade.
This Is the season when birds Of a
feather flock together. Even the Eng
lish sparrows are holding family re-
unions, relatives as far distant as fifth
cousins attending.
Evening star., 1932-09-21
Financial Note.

From the San Jose Mercury Herald.
Tea, it is revealed by those stepped
in numismatic lore, serves as legal
tender in Northern Manchuria, prob
ably because it can be so conveniently
iiquidated.
Evening star., 1932-09-21

Germany tried fat money not so long
ago with a result of establishing
parity by which paper money was
measured by the bushel, like wheat.
Evening star., 1932-09-21
Practice Cruises,

From the Greensboro Daily News.
Perhaps the Naval authorities think
that two years at sea will train the
Annapolis graduates in weathering
matrimonial storms,
Evening star., 1932-09-21
Basic Prosperity.

From the San Antonio Express.
Shoe factories are operating full time.
That will help put the country on its
feet again.
Evening star., 1932-09-21

Various stories are current as to
whether Ghandi is fasting as a means
OF economic protest or by the doctors
orders
Evening star., 1932-09-21
SHOOTING STARS.
BY PHILANDER JOHNSON.

An Unappreciated Effort.
Joe Struthers had a feelin' that he
must philosophize;
He said that Pohick on the Crick would
find it had a prize
In him. He started in to educate his
fellow men,
A-censorin' their conduct rather sharply
now an then.
1t wasn't long before he riled the intire
neighborhood.
Don't notice If it hurts" said Joe
Its goin' to do you good"
An when he bawled ST Simlin out for
bein' big an slow
We laughed ccept SD an said, Go in
an give 1t to em, joe"
He went through the directory with a
close but joyous care.
He roasted Deacon Boggs' new teeth
and Sallie Stubbs' front hair,
An everybody laughed again, 'cept
those who had to feel
The sting of oil Joe's eloquent reforma-
tory zeal.
An when at last he'd gotten pretty
nearly through the list
He found that he was lonesome, an the
few that he had missed
Turned in with the majority who told
a tale of woe,
And now all Pohick on the Crick is
busy roastin' Joe.
Dispensing With Help.
"You say you have musical educa-
tion?" asked Senator Sorghum.
Yes" replied the young man who is
learning politics. But I don't expect
it to be of much assistance in this
business"
You can't tell. There may be so
much objection to a mans receiving
campaign contributions that every can
didate will have to be his own brass
band"
An Utter Cynic.
$50 you think women could run the
Government as well as men?"
Il am inclined to think So" replied
Mr.. Growcher. "and they would prob
ably exert a refining influence by SUBJ
stituting pink ribbon for red tape
Here's To.
Sometimes we know not which to toast
As loftiest and proudest-
The public man who talks the most
Or him who talks the loudest!
Conversational Discretion.
why do you always insist on talk
ing about the weather to your barber?'
"You wouldn't have me talk about
anything as exciting as politics to 9
man who is handling a razor, would
you?"
Jokes.
Oh, jokes resemble boils, perhaps,
AS mirth to sorrowing reverts;
They're funny on the other chaps,
But when there's one on you 1t hurts
DE man dat thinks he knows mort
dan other folks" said Uncle Eben, IL
q useful citizen If he kin prove It IN
4 loefer II he can't"
Evening star., 1932-09-21
Conversational Discretion.

why do you always insist on talk
ing about the weather to your barber?"
"You wouldn't have me talk about
anything as exciting as politics to a
man who is handling a razor, would
You2"
Evening star., 1932-09-21
The Evening Star Newspaper Company
Business Once.
Rate by Carrier Within the City.
Rate by Mail-Payable in Advance.
MarvJapd and VIRGINIA.
Membar NJ the Associated Press,

The Associated Press is exclusively entitled
TO the use for republication OF all news as
patches credited to it or not otherwise cred
tied in this paper and also the local news s
special dispatches herein are also reserved.
Evening star., 1932-09-21
Here's To!

Here's 10.
Sometimes we know not which to toast
As loftiest and proudest-
The public man who talks the most
Or him who talks the loudest!
Evening star., 1932-09-21
Jokes.

Oh. jokes resemble boils, perhaps,
AS mirth to sorrowing reverts;
They're funny on the other chaps,
But when there's one on you 1t hurts
Evening star., 1932-09-21

DE man dat thinks he knows more
dan other folks" said Uncle Eben, rs
q useful citizen If he kin prove It an
q loafer II he can't"
Evening star., 1932-09-21

Sonora Teresa o. de Provost. South
American lady well known in Washing
ton official life, has made an interesting
contribution to the George Washington
Bicentenary by arranging for the pub
lication Of a monograph of John With
erspoon, signer of the Declaration Of
Independence and Washington's close
friend and sponsor. Witherspoon Is one
Evening star., 1932-09-21

@. What has become Of the country
which was called Transylvania?-H. D.
A. Pennsylvania was until 1918 a por-
tion of Hungary. Its official name u
now Ardeal-
Evening star., 1932-09-21

An UtteT CynIC.
$50 you think women could run the
Government as well as men?"
Il am inclined to think So" replied
Mr. Growcher. ''and they would prob
ably exert a refining influence by SUBJ
stituting pink ribbon for red tape"