The Coolidge examiner., 1933-10-27
Lights of New York RyL. L. STEVENSON

Roy Mason was recalling the
time, years and years ago, when,
fresh from Yale, he was handling
publicity for the great agricultural
expedition organized by the late B.
e. Yoakum, president Of the Rock
Island railroad. Finding that his
road wasn't getting the business it
should because farmers along the
line could not haul their crops to
the stations, Mr.. Yoakum invited
heads Of various agricultural or
ganiZations to be his guests on
trip to Washington and through the
East, the idea, of course. being to
give a practical lesson In the build
ing of good roads. Engineers were
members Of the party so that when
ever stop was made where good
roads were being built, every step
of the process could be explained.
The expedition was great success.
Not only was the East busy build
Ing good roads but even the gov
ernOrs of several states acted as Of
fetal greeters.
Members of the party were not
allowed TO spend a cent. They trav-
eled In private car and the best
of everything was made available
for them. They were duly i'm
pressed and quickly saw the advan-
tage Of good roads. So they went
back to their homes and advocated
and built good roads. The thou
sands of dollars spent on the ex-
pedition seemed a good investment
as freight increased greatly. But
with the good roads came the mo
tor truck and thus, Mr.. Yoakum. by
his initiative, was assisting in Gre
ating opposition that has cost the
railroads of the country millions
and millions of dollars.
Amusing incidents in connection
with the expedition were also re-
called. There was the bearded
gentleman from Texas. After big
dinner. the delegation was taken to
the Hippodrome. at that time, the
great tank was In full operation
and before their astonished eyes
hundreds and hundreds of beautiful
young women marched into the tank
and disappeared under the water.
The Lone Star representative was
absolutely certain that the water
wasn't real-so certain that he was
willing to bet So that he wasn't
afraid to jump in. The bet was
leaped-and all but drowned. He
! couldn't swim a strokel
To complete arrangements for
the series, "The Incredible Barry
mores," Sumner Newton Blossom.
editor of the American Magazine,
went out to Hollywood to confer
with John Barrymore. In the
course of numerous discussions, the
talk turned from literature to an
intimate and essential article of
baby's wearing apparel. 1t seems
that there are two methods of fold
ing and adjusting the piece of linen.
the actor holding that one was far
better and the editor. who has had
experience with white ducks since
he was a lieutenant in the navy in
the World war, advocating the 9TH
er. The discussion went on and on
until quite late in the night.
Finally, neither being able to
clinch his argument. Barrymore
suggested that they awaken the
Barrymore baby and try out both
methods. Blossom agreed and the
infant was duly aroused. But, for
tunately, the baby didn't care to be
used as clinical material and didn't
hesitate to voice loud objections
That resulted in Mrs. Barrymore
being awakened. She rescued the
child and the knotty point, so far
as the actor and editor are con
cerned, is not yet settled.
An attorney friend was telling