davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1936-12-01
Public Opinion Inadequate
Safeguard of Merit System

To the Editor OF The Star.
In the leading editorial of your issue
of November Is, you take the ground
that a constitutional amendment is not
necessary - safeguard the merit system
as urged by the National Civil Service
Reform League. You state that re-
lance may be placed upon public opinion
to preserve the system from the en-
croachment of the spokesman.
The history of legislative exceptions
to the merit system does not bear out
this view 1t has been the quite in
variable habit of Congress for several
years past to insert provision making
exceptions from examination when
creating new agencies. What assur-
ance is there that this habit will not
be continued in the years to come?
Congress was not deferred by public
opinion from making exceptions when
creating the alphabetical agencies or any
of the agencies in the past two decades.
Although the President had full au-
thority to make exceptions, Congress
deprived him of this authority in these
instances and itself provided that ap-
pointments be made without regard to
the civil service act.
Ohio, New York and Colorado found
it necessary to provide against legisla-
tive tinkering with their civil service
laws by constitutional amendment, and
the Federal Government can only be
saved from spoils provisions by like
means. The President should be left
free to make such limits to the COM
petitive system as he may deem the
interests of good administration to re-
quire. JOHN T. DOYLE.
Evening star., 1936-12-01
STARS, MEN AND ATOMS
k of Science Progress in Field.
Laboratory and Study.
BY THOMAS r. HENRY.

first discovered in Labrador in 1861 and
since then scattered deposits have been
found throughout the Appalachian area
from Vermont through New York.
Pennsylvania and Maryland to Virginia
One of the largest known deposits was
found about the middle of the last CEN
tury in Sardinia, and scattered speci-
mems have been picked up through the
Cambrian regions of Central Europe The
building of the Trans Siberian railroad
brought to light several strata of them,
and Russian biologists now are carrying
on an intensive search for them through
Southern Siberia.
In North America the chief deposit
found to date is along the shores of the
Strait of Belle Isle in Canada. The late
DR.. Charles D. Walcott, former secretary
OF the Smithsonian Institution, found
an archaeocyanthinae area extending
from Northern California into Nevada
Up to date, however, the most extensive
and best-preserved fossils have been
found in the Beltana Mountains Of South
Australia where they occur in ancient
limestone reefs in company with many
other forms of pre- -Cambrian animal life.
The cup bearers apparently were one
OF the chief forms Of animal life on earth
for millions Of years. perhaps twice as
long as the mammals and birds have
existed.
Evening star., 1936-12-01
Washington is the Proper
Stage for Army.Navy Game

To the Editor of The Star.
The Army-Navy game Of 1896 has
been played. But this service game was
not played here in the Nations Capital,
the logical place for the Army Navy
game to be played. No, there wasn't q
suitable stadium. There is o suitable
site, the property already owned by the
Government. There are millions of dol
lars lying idle here in the vaults of the
city'S banks. The welfare organizations
Of Washington are spending millions Of
dollars every year feeding thousands Of
able-bodied idle men needing work, but
the men here who should put their
shoulders to the wheel and direct the
work have not got the civic enterprise
to start the Job and put it across.
A stadium seating 125 900 would make
Washington the center of the Nations
athletic life, drawing many capacity
crowds every season. Washington has
had two world series of base ball during
the last so years. 1t could have as
large and as enthusiastic a gathering
of foot ball fans three or four times
every Autumn.
Nearly 10000. 900 people live within 10
hours conveyance of Washington. Great
intersectional games played by the sea-
sons famous teams as we'll as the WELL
known gridiron classic of the year for
which Washington is drawn upon to
furnish the social and official color would
arouse an urging desire. Social life in
the Nations City would throb with re-
newed energy. Millions of dollars would
be drawn into the commercial Golfers of
all Washington every season for the
next 100 years.
The people of Washington who have
attended these Army Navy games during
the last 81 years have taken enough cold
cash from the city to finance the con-
struction of the different stadiums where
this gridiron classic has been held from
year to year.
Why not begin building large sta
dunn right here in Washington this
next Spring? JACK SPRATT.
Evening star., 1936-12-01
Concerning Authorship of
''Mary Had a Little Lamb"
To the Editor Of The Star,

To the Editor OF The Star:
While others are guessing as to who
wrote Mary Had a Little Lamb" I can
say that feel sure am one of the few
people living who really know who was
the author. because I was told go years
or more ago by John Roulstons sister,
Mrs. Ansley, about the writing of the
famous little rhyme.
Mrs. Ansley lived in the little town in
Wisconsin where I was born and raised
She was very fine old person with a
marked Boston accent. saw her very
often as she was an intimate friend of
my grandmother, who was born in 1873
think Mrs. Ansley was a little older.
She told me many stories of her gifted
brother, who died very young. They
lived near Boston, Mass, as children.
Several years ago a controversy much
like the present one was being carried
on in the Chicago papers. wrote to
one of them-I think it was the Tribune
and told the story as knew it. My
article was printed in the paper.
The story told by Henry Ford ut the
time is, think, the true one. Mrs.
Ansley told me that some woman added
several lines to the original ones written
by her brother.
I think we elderly people should tell
the things we know for the benefit of
the present generation.
am q retired Chicago school teacher
and have been living in Washington for
nearly three years.
MRS) HARRIET L. POST.
Evening star., 1936-12-01
Detroit Not Entirely
Rid of Street Beggars

To the Editor of The Star.
The Star of November ~ gives letter
of G. E. Rightor in regard to begging
on the streets of Washington, and
heartily agree with him that this is
a matter that should be curtailed to as
small degree as is possible.
However, believe the conditions per-
tanning to the size Of the Community
Chest fund should not be based on a
dollar comparison only.
Mr. Rightor says that one-third Of
the Washington population is employed
by the Federal Government. Right there
is the key to the problem. Where Is
the other two-thirds portion to secure
its employment?
Washington has no large factories and
medium-size plants to absorb or furnish
part-time work to the unemployed At
the present time, with auto plants and
kindred industries booming, Detroit Is
in an especially good spot.
But when he states that Detroiters
have been free of begging on the streets
for many years." must. from my own
experience, contradict this. I remem-
ber one night in Commute walk get
ting requests for help from 18 different
people.
The experience was so depressing Il
was out of a job MYSELF that went
back to my hotel. Grand Circus Park,
Michigan, Washington and woodward
avenues up as far as the Art Museum
were all covered by the needy in an
effort to get something.
1t is true that many are not worthy,
but among them are many who have
fallen, not through their own fault, but
through circumstances beyond their own
control. I know, for while out of work
for two years and travelling in many
cities, I contacted many whose past posi-
ton radiated from behind a shabby
suit. Many times he had been penalized
on account of the fact that he had filled
a superior position and had been fired
to cut the size of the employers pay
roll while others were kept because the
inferior position they held did not carry
salary enough to make it factor.
Let's be patient with the unfortunates
walking the streets, and if his condition
does not warrant it. pass him up. If
you feel you can't afford to help him
pass him up with a smile at least, for
remember, in this great depression 'it
happened. to him: it could have hap
pened to me-" j. H. MacCLANE.
Evening star., 1936-12-01
THIS AND THAT
BY CHARLES E. TRACEWELL.

How the birds ut the feeding stations
enjoyed their Thanksgiving day!
Surely no human family. full OF turkey
and "fixins," could have been as happy
as those birds.
How could an observer know?
It was easy.
BY the flying back and forth across
the garden. time after time, for the sheer
exuberance of motion on the wing.
When a bird flies, Just for the fun
happy.
All day long, from shortly before
o'clock in the morning, to 3:45 o'clock
in the afternoon. flocks of sparrows new
back and forth from one feeder to an
other.
With them. from time to time, went
blue jays. cardinals and nuthatches, with
an occasional titmouSe.
These constitute the home garden bird
picture at this time. Later there will
be other species. flying in at the touch
of cold to join the free lunch.
~ ~
1t almost seemed as If the birds recog-
nized that it was a special day and tried
to show it and prove to those who pro-
vided their food just how much they
appreciated it.
Now, how would flock of birds be able
to show appreciation?
Surely, by eXuberance of flying.
They always fly around, of course, but
there was a special quality in their ac-
tions that day.
1t was a raw day, which would make
them eat more, Of course. A bird S
warmth comes mostly from what it eats.
If it has plenty of carbonaceous foods,
such as seeds and grains, which build
up heat, any wild bird can stand any
amount of cold. Zero, or subzero, tenn
perature, makes no difference to him or
her.
Usually they do great deal of flying,
but mostly up into the shrubbery, almost
on a fixed plan, as II with the wisdom
of their race, which says that too much
time at any one spot is bad.
Usually birds at feeding station will
ny, with one accord, into the shrubbery
about once every 80 to 60 seconds. No
doubt this is done to be sure that pos
sible foes are fooled. Such is the wisdom
Of their race.
On this Thanksgiving day, however,
the flights were across the yard. all to-
gether, boys. in a mass flight. but quite
spread out, as II to make the best possible
picture for their human friends behind
the windows.
No one who likes bird watching will
think this too imaginative an interpre-
ton. And to those who might think the
idea overdone, let us tell them to hold
their judgment try bird feeding for
themselves this Winter and then see if
they do not agree that birds have ways
of thanking their friends.
The humble English sparrow, so con-
sistently a city bird. loving to congregate
near the crowded dwellings Of man, also
will come to the suburban areas, if food
is put out.
The sparrows. all Of them-and this
includes many varieties-are very clever
fellows. They rank near the top of
the bird tree. Nothing shows their
efficiency better than their ability to
scout out food wherever it is put out
The newcomer to bird feeding will
hope for what are called the more de-
sirable birds, but he will be sure to
have plenty of English sparrows, along
with a few white-throated sparrows,
song sparrows and few other members
of the tribe.
Evening star., 1936-12-01

from the st. Louis Fair Of 1904; lump
of green Stag with a fragment of .
horseshoe imbedded In it; an imitation
pink carnation, sadly faded; Q cardboard
trunk labeled Lotto: silk handker-
chief embroidered with the arms of
Canada and The Maple Leaf Forever"
ink stained; pencil sketch of a cot
tage surrounded by trees captioned, July
and August, 19l0"; celluloid button,
reading Liberty Loan; an envelope con-
tanning dried rose, still fragrant; q
yellow ribbon printed in gold, "Fiftieth
Reunion; charred pipe with *"
scratched on the bowl, and a handful
Of clippings.
OF course, no one wanted such trash.
The person charged with the obligation
of clearing the premises glanced 1t over
casually and ordered it burned. These"
he said. "are things that do not matter"
And there naturally was general agree
ment in the verdict. The souvenirs were
precious only to their departed owner.
He had kept them as symbols Of mem
cries carried in his heart, and now those
memories were merged with the infinite
safe beyond the danger of any de-
Struction.
The Janitor picked out the valentine
for final glance. But it did not appeal
to his modern concept of what is beau
tiful. So he tossed 1t into the furnace
with a conclusive gesture of contempt,
banged the door and went upstairs to
bid on a radio
Evening star., 1936-12-01
Repetition of AnnOuncers
Antagonizes Radio Hearers

70 the Editor Of The Star:
Just comment in agreement with the
vember 81.
Granting the necessity of sponsored
radio programs, it would appear the
good sense of the listeners is greatly
underestimated. So very much of the
advertising is in the imperative mood
commands to do so and so and do it now.
AS you infer, the result in many cases is
to antagonize the intelligence.
An instance overheard in a Washing
ton store: A prospective purchaser. on
being offered q certain brand of mer-
chandise, stated, mo! I hate their an
nouncer.' N. L. HAMLLN.
Evening star., 1936-12-01

And this. no matter where he lives,
whether in the city or country, for these
English sparrows are capable birds and
will find their food no matter how far
they have to fly for it.
A great many people really love the
English sparrows. especially at feeding
stations. for they are energetic, happy
creatures to bird.
One correspondent writes:
Dear sir: Once again I feel prompted
to thank you for the real enjoyment
afforded by your wonderfully interesting
articles on such wide range of subjects,
especially those relating to birds.
1T is particularly gratifying to read
your generous defense of the sparrows,
for to me they are the most lovable
little birds of them all.
After three or four years of daily
feeding, have yet to see a single in
stance where these greatly misjudged
creatures have been in the least OBJ
jectionable
They do very little fighting even
amongst themselves, and the accusation
that they drive other birds away is
simply ridiculous. The blue jay and the
startling are surely past masters at this,
but the formers shortcomings are gen.
orally forgiven by most people because
of his unusual beauty. My sympathies
are really with the poor startling, how
ever, for, while he cannot help his fight
ing proclivities, almost everybody seems
to be against him. Very truly,
"a H. c."
Blue jays were in on the THANKSGIVING
feast. but only for q limited period, as
is their custom.
There is a feeder on a locust tree,
placed about shoulder high, and to this
one the jays come every morning at
exactly o'clock.
They do not stay more than IS
minutes. but while they are present the
yard Is filled with color.
In some respects this is really a more
beautiful bird than the favorite cardinal.
The blue jays usually number eight in
this little flock. The feeder, which has
a circular trough, or tray, will permit
only two Of these large birds at one
time. We have detailed previously how
each pair of birds, in turns. Gusts the
pair in possession, and so the flashing
color parade goes on.
The flights across the yard. first one
way, then the other. did not assume
their full beauty until in the afternoon.
Then the birds, hocks Of about so,
began to fly across the garden once
about every IS seconds.
These flights had leisurely quality to
them that had in it nothing of the
shorter trips for safety.
The birds were widely spaced. They
would sit chittering away in the branches
of trees and shrubs for a time, then. of
one accord, wing their way back to the
feeder from which they had just flown.
Often there would be two hocks. of
about the same size. one taking off in
one direction as soon as the other had
completed the flight the other way.
This constant flying of these little
birds was varied. now and then, by q
complete resting period. when the entire
gallery sat in some tall tree and seemed
to rest up from feeding
The chattering which went on then
reminded observers of nothing so much
as the conversational noise which goes
on in theater during the intermissions
All in all. it must have been q very
satisfactory Thanksgiving day for the
birds, as it was to their watchers.
Evening star., 1936-12-01
Shooting Stars.
BY PHILANDER JOHNSON.
Mystery Story.

Mystery Story.
Mystery draws nearer
'Mongst mortals here below.
The things that should be clearer
Still more mysterious grow.
Affairs are problematic
On earth and in the sky;
And even love ecstatic
May fade-we know not why.
Life's episodes we follow
With interest intense.
Some seem a little hollow
And others seem immense.
The world with all its glory
In wonderful display
Is just mystery story
We read it day by day.
Evening star., 1936-12-01
Prophets.

From the shreveport Journal.
An exchange wishes to know what be-
comes of the efficiency experts during q
time of depression. They are probably
listen: Il told you 20. but you wouldn't
holievo me-"
Evening star., 1936-12-01
The CRYSTAL Palace.

Fire last evening removed the Crystal
Palace from the list Of worid-famous
buildings. It's passing will stir sigh in
hearts not young enough to receive such
news impersonally. Constructed origi-
nally In Hyde Park for the World Fair
Of 1851, the huge framework Of iron and
Evening star., 1936-12-01
A Rhyme at Twilight
By
Gertrude Brooke Hamilton

Fire Dreams.
Alone by my fireside
Crossing the Great Divide:
Breaking bonds of the world;
Foot-loose and fancy free
Tramping strange roads. and whirled
Windward. beyond the sea;
On-with the wanderlust
Strong in the heart of me.
Nightfall, and cry Of loon;
Afar gray wolf whines;
A magic wisp Of moon
In the dense darkness shines:
A bracken bed. And soon
Sleep-and the scent Of pines.
For the dream lay ths blame
On my hearth's ftftil flame.
Evening star., 1936-12-01

Literature has had able contributions
from Mr.. Claude Bowers, whose present
experiences are equipping him to write
some Of the most worthwhile things he
has ever put into print.
Evening star., 1936-12-01

President Roosevelt has the tactful gift
of avoiding a look of boredom, although
there may be room for suspicion that by
this time parade is no treat to him.
Evening star., 1936-12-01

Vociferous agitation by the Depart
ment Of Agriculture has not disguised
the fact that some of the big work in
human affairs has been going on under
the auspices of the Department of State
Evening star., 1936-12-01

Political botanists are naturally puzzled
by the announcement that the next num-
ber on the program will be a Kansas
sunfiower giving an imitation of modest
violet.
Evening star., 1936-12-01
Abattoir Approved as
A Source of Revenue

To the Editor Of The Star.
thoroughly approve of the abattoir.
Anything that will bring more money
to washington and pay rolls to needy
workers meets with my approval.
s. STRAUSS.
Evening star., 1936-12-01

Aviation is referred to as In its in
fancy. Judged by the primitive equip
ment sometimes revealed in . crash, so
is railroading.
Evening star., 1936-12-01

The Department of Agriculture has
equipped itself to act in an advisory ca
pacity on the growth Of cities as well
as the growth Of oats, peas, beans and
barley.
Evening star., 1936-12-01
As Politics Is Played.

do you miss the serene dignity which
distinguished politics in days gone by?"
NO." answered Senator Sorghum.
Formerly politicians fought duels in
deadly earnest. At present politics is
more like foot ball game. 1t looks
terribly rough. But at the finish it is
always discovered that nobody is very
seriously injured"
Jud Tunkins says when a man laughs
all the time, laughter loses its meaning
and he might as well wear a comic false
face.
Evening star., 1936-12-01

Trying to teach an American schoolboy
not to salute his country's nag is a hard
job: something like trying to give lessons
in how to be happy though lonesome.
Evening star., 1936-12-01

Some Of the leaders in organized labor
are inclined to believe the Federation is
able to develop all the politics it cares
to attend to right within its own ranks.
Evening star., 1936-12-01
International Bridge.

Prom the Joplin tMo) Globe
Italy will double its navy Great Brit
ain most likely will redouble. And woe
to the one that tries the first finesse.
Evening star., 1936-12-01
Rate by Mail-Payable in Advance.
All Other States and Canada.
Member Of the Associated Press.

a. The Associated Press is exclusively entitled to
the use for republication of all news dispatches
credited to it or not otherwise credited in this
paper and also the local news published herein.
All rights of publication Of special dispatches
herein are also reserved
Evening star., 1936-12-01
Awaiting a Superman.

H"osAuB " SuRCAhhoAhs
Maybe some one will come along
With intellect so big and strong
That he can show the world q way
To shun the sorrow and dismay
That life has been compelled to know
Since days of very long ago.
Maybe some one will yet draw near
To conquer every human fear
And bid us heed what we were told
BY Wisdom in the days Of old.
Maybe we'll find some man so great
That he can end all mortal hate.
Pride" said Hi Ho, the sage Of China
town, becomes a great man, since 1t
must be inspired by q respect for the
opinions of others"
Too Much to Expect.
"You have had much to be grateful
for"
For instance?" queried Farmer Corn
tossel.
"You had q fine Thanksgiving dinner7"
Eyes. But you can't expect one
turkey to keep a man uplifted with Joy
for O whole year."
An Explanation Of NERVES"
Earth on its axis turns again
No wonder that we sometimes fret,
And, without knowing why, complain
That we feel terribly upset!
"A race horse" said Uncle Eben, "is
de only sure winner. He gifts his rent
an board paid whether he loses q not.
Evening star., 1936-12-01
Too Much to Expect.
An Explanation of ''Nerves."

Earth on its axis turns again
No wonder that we sometimes fret,
And, without knowing why, complain
That we feel terribly upset!
Evening star., 1936-12-01

"A race horse" said Uncle Eben, us
de only sure winner. He gifts his rent
an board paid whether he loses q not
Evening star., 1936-12-01

reader can get the dnsper to any
question Of fact by writing The Euening
Star Information Bureau, Frederic J.
Hdskin, Director. Washington, D. C.
Please inclose stamp for reply.
@. If person is more than IS years
old. will he be taxed for the old-age re-
tirement fund?-H H.
A. An employe, who would otherwise
have been taxable, but is 65 years old or
more, is exempt He is not taxed and is
not benefited by this phase of social
security.
Evening star., 1936-12-01

@. What is the name of the man who
is walking around the world?-E. w. S.
A. Jean de Vaudreuil Manchot of
Brussels, Belgium, has been walking
around the world since 1920. He makes
an average of 20 miles day and expects
to complete the trip within two years.
Evening star., 1936-12-01
Night Final Editiol

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