davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1932-01-06

Taking a rainy day of to enjoy
have you ever done 1t, honestly and
without subterfuge?
We do not mean pleading the excuse
of a headache, or staying home to do
necessary chore, or any such reason
but simply taking time out to enjoy the
rainy day.
There are probably many more peo-
pie in great city who can do this
than is commonly realized. just as there
are large number who are able to &C
to work at 10 am. and to leave tor
home at l pm. on Saturdays.
A real rainy day is becoming such q
rarity in these parts that some enthu-
siasts are coming to consider them al
most theatrical spectacleS.
They feel that a rainy day is worth
looking at for its own sake, not only
because it washes the air, cleans the
city, helps growing things and disgustS
small boys.
Some might be inclined to think that
it would be possible to see all that there
is to see in rainy day while doing
ones regular duties.
That, however, would scarcely be fair
to the day.
1t is not only what one may see
which counts, but also what one does
ones self and what one thinks.
Perhaps the best part of going to a
theater is what the spectator brings to
the performance.
What the reader does to book is
often more than what the book does to
him.
The song is to the singer and comes
back most to him." said a curious Amer
lean poet.
The rainy day, rightly viewed, is a
show all by itself. 1t cannot be COM
pretended by some one who Is trying
to do something else at the same time,
whether the task be counting, or lis
tening to radio, or walking, or
functioning in what is roughly called
the daily routine.
Most people have routine, even those
who do not have to have one. The
human economy thriyes on habit.
Habits are the roads over which the
living of human beings travels. Living
travels, rather than life. Life Is a
thing apart, but the living Of life goes
by roads.
Staying home to watch the rain will
put an abrupt stop for the time being
to these normal journeyings. Now,
breaking UP habit suddenly is good
for it! This action tends to keep a
habit in its place.
Many men, for instance, make such
a god OF. their work that they forget
that there is anything else in life. But
he works best, without doubt, who
understands the other facets of every
day living, and neglectS none of them.
That is why the busiest men nowadays
put great stress on the value of play.
X
If one deliberately takes the day off
to watch the rain, he will feel that he
mus see the show from every angle.
He will be helped in this by know
ing what sort of rain to select just
as a theatergoer should know in ad-
vance what the available shows are
and then which one he thinks he would
like best.
There are all sorts Of rains, Of course,
IN normally rainy seasons. Ordinarily
the rain-goer, If he may be called that,
would have a variety at hand.
During the past two years, however.
we have had to take our rainy days as
they have come, and they have come
few and far between.
In Summer the usual sort of rain is
the late afternoon thunderstorm, and of
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1932-01-06
Envoy Explains Status of
Ex-Minister From Prague
To the Editor OF The Star:

To the Editor of The Star:
In your issue of January you pub
lished a news item which, under the
title "Pergler Praises Philippine Hero"
contains repetition of Mr.. Pergler's
utterances on Czechosloyakia which
have already appeared in your paper
several times. Considering the fact that
Mr.. Pergler tries to strengthen the au-
thority of his utterances by pointing out
that he was CZechoslovak Minister in
Toxic, feel compelled, very much to
my repugnance and solely in the inter-
est of correct public appraisal OF his
assertions, to state that Mr.. Pergler was
in the year 1922 relieved of his diplo-
matte functions on the unanimous ad-
vice of the competent ministerial COM
mission on account Of reasons well
known to him. In performing this UNI
pleasant duty Of correcting once for all
the misleading utteranceS and actions
hardly compatible with the dignity of
former public servant. who, in spite OF
the fact that he still claims to be
CZechosloYak citizen and even Czecho-
Slovak representative, does not hesitate
to spread in all his journalistic and lee
turing activities vindictive defamations
regarding the country of his birth and
us leaders, ShouId ike 10 STATE tne
following:
There Is no preventive censorship in
Czechoslovakia, though. Of course, there
are similar repressive press regulations
which in the interest of morals and
public order exist in practically all the
modern and advanced countries
Mr.. Pergler'S assertions in regard to
the liberty Of assembly, legal law pro-
ceedlngS, legislation against defamatory
actions and the electoral system are so
exaggerated and absurd that they hard
ly need any correction on my part in
view Of the fact that Czechoslovakia is
known as one of the most progressive
countries, with a solid legal tradition
and constitution modelled on the
fundamental democratic principles of
the fathers of the American Constitu-
ton and with one of the most modern
and meticulous proportional systems.
FERDINAND VEVERKA,
Envoy Extraordinary and Minister
Plenipotentiary.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1932-01-06
Mastery of Foreign
Languages Needed

From the Atlanta Journal
since the magicians who were to pro-
ouce an acceptable universal language
are moving so much slower than tbs
ones determined to draw nations to-
gether through the air, it is becoming
generally admitted that study of for.
elgn languages must take the place for
the present, of Esperanto, A few dave
ago Secretary Stimson engaged In a
telephone conversation with Prince
Ghika, Rumanian foreign minister
They talked in English. That can he
used by lazy persons to prove that Eng
llSh is the only language we need. or il
can be advanced as evidence that See
rotary Stimson had not given as much
attention to mastering foreign tongues
as had Prince Ghika.
The forces that are compelling a new
regard for international understanding
are the radio, the airplane and the in
creaSing Importance of foreign trade
Even the thoughtful wife who wants
only to talk. in English, to her husband
in Paris, must either converse with
French operators or depend on some one
else to do 1t for her. Georgraphical
isolation cannot any longer protect
Americans from the perplexing contact
49, ItiA animal opeeCH. fOr Ihe pres
ent, the problem is mainly personal
Every one must decide for hirnS.Ys
whether he will study French and
Spanish, or italian and German. or
whether he will stand pat on what he
considers to be English. But when this
problem becomes pressing enough for
enough individuals who have to consider
their careers and the relationships IL
may bring it will swing decisions for
many others less Immediately con-
cerned with foreign contacts.
The schools and colleges are doing
their part by offering courses in MANY
languages heretofore given little atten-
ton, and other means are being pro-
vided for the instruction of those who
have passed the collegiate period with
out making full use of their lingustas
opportunities.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1932-01-06
King Signs Statute
Breaking Up Empire
From the st. Joseph Gazette

From the ct. Joseph Gazette.
The perfunctory signature of King
George to simple statute, already
passed by both houses of Parliament,
signifies the breaking up of an empire
that once covered nearly one-fourth of
the land area of the globe and the
creation Of group of independent
commemorative. Practical independ-
ence has been conferred on the former
British dominions, and Canada, South
Africa, the Irish Free State, Australia
and New Zealand are as free from leg
islatiVe rule at Westminster as were
our forefathers after their victory at
Yorktown
OF the once famous red line that
carried the Onion Jack around the
world there are only q few scattered
outposts left-British Guiana, British
Honduras, the Falkland Islands,
Jamaica. Trinidad, Barbados, the Ber-
mudas, a few trading ports and coal
ing stations in Asia like Hongkong and
Singapore, and few minor islands in
the Mediterranean. For the present
India remains in status quo with a
promise that liberal rule will follow
demonstration Of its peoples ability to
govern themselves.
The momentous step just consum-
mated may dim the glory OF the Brit
ish Empire that was, but the finer
title of the British commonwealth of
Nations marks probably a stronger
association of independent countries
than has hitherto been allied. There
Is still a strong sentiment which ties
the commonwealth to the mother
country-no better test of this allegi-
ance being possible than during the
World War. The fact that independ-
ence has been achieved by peaceful
agreement lays the basis for an under
standing that will not weaken as If 1t
were enforced by military displays.
imperialism has become democratic.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1932-01-06
''Let Your Light Shine
Urged as Yule Motto

To the Editor OF The Star
In a time Of so-called depression,
never has Washington been so gay with
Christmas Illumination 1t is hoped
that no one missed the fairyland pic
ture that Wesley Heights produced. 1t
seemed that each home tried to Guido
the other in its variegated colored bril-
liancy OF lights to help cheer up Wash
ington. Also Fourteenth and Seventh
streets cannot be overlooked.
Secretary Of State Stimson selected
the tallest cedar on his beautiful lawn
to dress it completely with white lights,
which was picture no one could for
get.
Let Your Light Shine" would be a
good motto to encourage all next Christ
mas to put light of some kind in the
window, even If only a coal-oil lamp.
What q picture of cheer and warmth It
would give, and many lonely, discour-
aged hearts would beat faster with the
real spirit of Christmas.
Let's give it thought.
BESSIE POWELL DUNLOP.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1932-01-06
A Kitten Learns in Time.

The kitten chasing the tip Of its tai
has a fellow-feeling for the proponents
' of the movement TO reduce Fedora
salaries in order to cut the Treasur!
deficit and thereby hasten The end Of
the depression. 1t all seems 50 simple
CT the face Of it.
But the kitten soon learns that every
time he makes leap for the tip OF
its tail. the tip Of its tail has a way OF
leaping, too
So It is with this theory that any
tangible results toward reducing the
Treasury deficit or Fastening the end OF
the depression would follow slash OF
Federal salaries. AS a matter Of r.,
neither the Treasury deficit nor the
end of the depression would be one whit
nearer the improved condition desired
The first slash of Government SAL
aries would be a step comparable to
the first leap of the kitten. Would we
be any nearer catching up with the
Treasury deficit?
What would happen after that first
slash? Could anything be undertaken
that would more surely mean the
further undermining Of confidence, not
in the ranks of Government employees
alone, but throughout the Nation?
Could the Federal Government take any
step more surely destined to bring about
wholesale reduction Of wages? Can
anybody conceive Of proposal that on
its face is more certain to reduce stand
ards of living, increase boarding, cut
down spending, invite the catastrophe
of involved labor disputes from which,
happily, the Nation has been relatively
free during these dark days? Can any
one conceive a single individual among
the Nations millions of wage earners
who, reading that the Government has
reduced salaries, would not say We'll,
ne next!"?
No corporation has the right to cut
wages until it stops paying dividends
and is forced to consider such 8 step
as the possible alternative TO bank
ruptcy. Is our Government bankrupt?
Has it stopped paying the dividends Of
leadership, of insurance against dis
aster, that represent the fruit Of our
investments In money and experience
Of the last century and a half?
Politicians may say, Il shall 60 back
home and tell my people that have
cut the fat salaries Of the Govern
ment employees"
But statesmen, not politicians, must
find out whether, granting the necessity
Of Catching up" with the Treasury
defiCit-or what amounts to the same
thing, Fastening the end Of the depres-
sion-it can be accomplished by cut
ting Federal salaries, that are not fat
by far, and thereby setting the pace
for a wholesale reduction of salaries
throughout the United States.
The end Of the depression means
renewal of confidence on the part of
the vast army Of workers who are
willing to spend what they make. 1t
means the renewal of confidence on
the part Of those who are willing to
extend credit and of those who seek
credit with which to continue or to
launch enterprises promising employ
ment. 1t means more spending and
more money to spend.
Is it not time that we stopped the
consideration Of expedients that, in the
end, are nothing less than joining
the kitten in the violent pursuit Of
the tip Of its tail?
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1932-01-06

United States cost and at what value
Is 1t now asseSsed?-E. K.
A. The cost of the Capitol, including
the grading of the grounds, alterations
and repairs, up to 1927, was s2,433,-
844.13. In 1927 the assessed value of
the Capitol building and grounds was
given as S37,50o,OOO.
@. What per cent of the retail price
of a manufactured product can be
charged to overhead?-A. F.
A. One authority says that IS
usually from 10 to is per cent, often
more. Through efficient management
and mass production. in some commod'
ties, the overhead has been reduced u
less than per CO..
@ How many people should
church auditorium Of certain si7~
Seat?-K. i. A.
A. The minimum spacing for pe~s
back to back is 80 iucheS-32 or eyel.
80 inches to be preferred A space O.
Is inches in the length of the pew i:
considered a sitting. The actual seating
capacity can be determined only by
drawing the seats to. an accurate scale
on the floor plan and then measuring
the linear feet of the peWs. For ap-
proXimate values or square feet
may be allowed for each seat.
Q. Who was Jack the Ripper
F. A. w.
A. He was believed to be the author
of a number of murders which took
place in London in the latter part of
the nineteenth century. Notwithstand-
ing special work by Scotland Yard and
private detectives, the murderer was
never captured.
Q. What was the known extent OF
the world four or Ave hundred years
ago?-M. ].
A. In 1400 the then known world
extended from the British Isles to the
little-frequented Far East, north to the
Scandinavian Peninsula and south to
the north coast of Africa.
Q. How long have honeydew melons
been on the MARKETED. r.
A. Honeydew melons were intro
duced into Colorado from France in
1918 and the culture has spread TO
every melon growing State in the Union.
These melons prefer an arid or semi
arid region.
@. When was the play THE Gorilla"
in Washington?-I. r.
A. The Gorilla" appeared at the
Belasco Theater the week of February
l, 1926
c. What was the largest piece OF
money ever coined?-J. H. D.
A. The largest metal coin is Swed-
ish 10-daler of solid copper, produced in
1886 1t is Is inches long 1919 inches
wide and half an inch thick and weighs
about As pounds,
@. Can anything be done to lamp
wicks to make them burn more brightly?
p. w.
A. If the lower end of the wick
which hangs in the oil is frayed for
about an inch upward, separating the
strands, the lamp will burn more
brightly.
@. There is a tradition or legend
that the late George M. Pullman once
moved whole row of houses across the
Allegheny River. I would like to know
the date of the Pullman feat, the loca-
ton, number and type of buildings, and
how we'll the undertaking succeeded
A. o. Fl. G.
A. Mr.. James Kelley, vice president
of the Pullman Co., says: II cannot
throw any light on the apocryphal yarn
that George M Pullman moved row
of houses across the Allegheny River.
No one in this office at the present
time has ever heard of that tour de
force"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1932-01-06

ton Of armed forces, the United States
does have an opportunity ct Geneva
which is not to be ignored. That OPP
portunity is one OF good ofices, OF
friendly counsel, Of disinterested CO.
operation, in the field Of questions
which keep Europe an armed camp.
The American delegation is evidently
proceeding to Geneva in the belief that
the most effective help 1t can render
is to persuade Europe to bury its vari-
Gus hatchets. These quarrels COM
posed, or at any rate the most dan
gerous among them, like the Franco
German feud or the Polish
Corridor controversy reduction OF
ornaments would at once be trans
ferred from the realm of the tdealistic
to the field of practically.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1932-01-06
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
BY FREDERIC ]. HASKIN.

Thousands of Government experts
are working constantly for the benefit
Of all citizens of the United States.
They will work directly for you II you
will call for the fruits of their labors
through cur Washington bureau, State
your inquiry briefly, write clearly, and
inCloSing 2cent stamp for personal
letter in reply, address The Evening
Star Information Bureau, Frederic j.
Haskin, Director, Washington, D. c.
@. Who originated the card display
used by the Naval Academy at foot
ball games?-W. c.
A. The card displays were introduced
at the Naval Academy during the 1880
foot ball season by Midshipman N. G.
Copeland, member of the 1881 class.
However, 1t was not Copeland's or1gi-
nal idea He received his information
regarding these stunts from Stanford
University, at Palo Alto, Calf.
@. What are the qualifications for
membership in the organization
known as Kentucky Colonels?-S. w.
A Any person who has ever been
commissioned colonel on the staff of
any Governor of Kentucky is eligible
to membership All living Governors
of Kentucky are eligible to honorary
membership.
@. When was the Great Seal of the
United States adopted?-J. A. E.
A. 1t was adopted June 20, 1882.
@. Please cite some passage in lit
erature in praise of water.-J. S. G.
A. Pure water is the best gift that
man to man can bring. Anonymous
" IT'S a little thing to give cup of
water; yet It's draught Of cool refresh
ment, draind by feverish lips, may
give a thrill of pleasure to the frame
more exquisite than when nectarian
Juice renews the life of JOY in happiest
hours, Thomas Noon Talfourd, Son
net III"
G. Why is it not practicable to run
automobiles with natural gas?-G. F.
A. The Bureau of Standards says
that automobiles could be run success
fully on natural gas, but the gas would
have to be compressed into steel CYL
inders, which would add considerable
weight. The amount of natural gas
equivalent to five gallons of gasoline
would require enormous containers if
it were not compressed.
@. Please name some we'll known
men whose wives were older than they
werc.-G. L.
A. Josephine was older than Napo-
lean; Catherine of Aragon was older
than Henry VIII; Mary Stuart was
older than Francis II of France; Jenny
Lind was older than Otto Goldschmidt;
DiSraeu's wife was his elder.
@. Has France day upon which
the graves CT the World War dead are
decorated?~M. c.
A. The French decorate their graves
on Armistice day, November II.
@. We have had a discussion whether
or not the Mona Lisa" has eyebrows.
Can you give definite information?-
A. w.
A Da Vinci's Mona Lisa" has no
eyebrows. During the early Renais-
sance some ladies followed the custom
of having their eyebrows plucked or cut.
There are many instances in the sculp-
ture and painting of the period. 1t Is
not known whether Mona Lisa had
shows none.
@. Who was the first man to fly over
the Alps?-B. c. B.
A. George Chavaz made the first sue
ceSsful flight, in 1910. He followed the
Simplon Pass and made a flight which
remains high light in aviation. but
lost his life through a mishap in land
ing his plane.
@. What did the Capitol of the
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1932-01-06
Would Name woodward
After DIR. E. E. budding

To the Editor OF The Star:
I read a news item in TIE Star Of
December 81, 1881, with a heading:
woodward Helps Salvationists Pick
Idlers From Workers" Why not call
the woodward The budding Wood
yard? If you will lock back on the
editorial page of The Star of November
u, 1880, you will read q transcript of
u letter from DR.. E. E. budding, in
which he suggests municipal farm for
jobless. The woodward idea came from
this suggestion and is in line with his
idea. My idea is that a mans plans
should not be used unless he is given
credit. DOROTHY M. BROWN.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1932-01-06

President Hoover might try the
scheme of persuading some of those
outstanding around the-corner peekers
who, for the past eighteen months, have
been announcing the end of the depres-
sion, to declare that he is sure to be
defeated for either denomination or re-
election.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1932-01-06

To be laughed at is hard To be
shifted at is tough. To be ignored is
difficult to bear But in his social
intercourse the blood Of the average
son of Adam is most quickly brought
to boil by lorgnette aimed his way.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1932-01-06
Nh Reliable Formula.

"I never put off till tomorrow what I
can do today" remarked the self-com-
placent man.
Il tried that plan" rejoined the will
ing worker. Il got to crowding myself
till had to put in nights doing over
what had dons badly ths>day before.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1932-01-06

The tremendous and confusing amount
of departmental moving scheduled for
the near future has given rise to the
expression Governmental chess board"
Well, any game is better than "Puss in
Corner"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1932-01-06

sne Associated Press IS exclusively entitled
60 tbs use tor republication OF all EeWS as
patches credited to it Or not otherwise creo-
lied in this paper and also the local LewS
published herein. All rights of publication OF
FsseSial dispatches herein are also deserved.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1932-01-06
Snats and Safety.

From the Sioux City Journal.
Sore one has urged Evanston, Ill,
pedestrians to wear white spats so
motorists can see them at night But
that looks dangerous at this distance
Some motorists might then wish to run
right over theaS and end their misery.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1932-01-06
SHOOTING STARS.
BY PHTLANDER JOHNSON

Super Improvements.
Inventors have kept busy
Till the world Is growing dizzy,
AS we view the vast improvements
they have wrought.
A button or a lever
Will relieve you of endeaVor
As you seek what may be nearest in
your thought.
All the wheels we have set spinning,
Speed and comfort soon were winning
And the world was like a fairyland
SO gay,
Where in light fantastic measures
We went dancing through the pleasures
Made more strangely fascinating every
day.
The inventors brain kept moving
And he went ahead improving
Everything that mortal genius could
devise.
Far beneath the placid ocean
1t put submarines In motion,
And 1t set the sirships dashing
through the skies.
AS we stand in awe and terror
While some passing human error
Causes man in every cline TO hold
his breath,
We look on in CONSERVATION
AS we fear situation
Where improvements will improve
themselves to death.
H0meward Suggestions.
| You must make your speech bring
your ideas home to your constituents"
! Yes" rejoined Senator Sorghum
land If I'm not careful what I say it'll
bring me home along with them"
| When a man gets what he wanted
he's lucky If he doesn't put in lot o.
time wondering what he wanted with it
| Forever Unfamiliar.
Though history itself repeats,
AS has been mentioned by the wise,
It's tales of victories or defeats
Still bring us sadness or surprise.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1932-01-06

From the Sioux Falls Daily Argus-Leader.
1t was not surprising to hear that
Japan had abandoned the gold stand
ard. 1t would be surprising, however
to hear that she has abandoned war
fare,
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1932-01-06

This constant turnover among the
partners in the Big Bridge Ballyhoo is
beginning to remind one of that popular
dance figure called the Paul Jones'"