davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1937-11-22
Localizing Utopia.

Every one who has driven over the
Baltimore Boulevard or Defense Highway
on crowded Sunday afternoon will find
merit in the suggestion that two new
highways, consisting of dual traffic lanes
with parkway between, be constructed
Immediately to supplement the existing
routes.
Every one who has tried to find enjoy
ment at crowded private beaches will
acclaim the idea of publicly owned water
Ing places along the bay between Balti-
more and Plum Point.
Every one who has witnessed the
hodgepodge growth of many nearby
suburban communities will indorse pro-
posal calling for subdivision control and
provision of adequate open spaces to
prevent overdevelopment.
Every one who has tried to 60 picnic
Ing in a big city park and found it over
crowded or tried to reach State forests
over congested highways will welcome
the creation of strip parks" in nearby
stream valleys and large State or national
forest areas for recreational purposes and
wildlife readjustment near the National
Capital.
In short, just about every idea Mr.
Average Citizen has about localizing
Utopia, as far as the geographic devel-
opment of this vicinity is concerned has
been articulated in report published
yesterday.
1t is the regional planning work of the
Maryland State Planning Commission,
which had the assistance of a consulting
staff provided by the National Resources
Committee in viSualizing the proper
future growth of the Baltimore Wash
ington- Annapolis area.
In addition to the proposals which
might be considered Obvious to the aver
age resident it includes some that are
comparatively novel:
1t suggests a coastal parkway from
Annapolis to Solomons Island, extending
southwark from the Baltimore -Annapo-
lis divided highway now under construc-
ton. This route would link many bay
communities and afford a scenic bay
drive.
1t further proposes an upland free
way" or road by-passing Baltimore and
Washington, but with connections to
both, for through traffic.
Permanent reservation of certain lands
to prevent inappropriate use or subdivi-
sion is suggested along with future
Greenbelt or suburban extension COM
munities separated by intervening open
spaces.
The report represents the ideal con-
ceived by some Of the best brains in the
engineering and educational fields-a sort
Of picture Of what this area would be if
they, collectively, were king.
The planners have dreamed with their
feet on the ground, however Most, if
not all, of the proposals are sound,
although few, if any, can be carried out
In the immediate future. The develop
ments proposed are costly and require
more or less concurrent action by three
or four Jurisdictions. Often 1t takes years
to get one authoritative body to act.
With three or four progress is bound to
be slow.
Evening star., 1937-11-22
THIS AND THAT,
BY CHARLES E. TRACEWELL.

Let no one think there is any short cut
to literature.
There isn't.
You may read condensation Of some
great book, but don't fool yourself into
thinking you have read the book.
You haven't.
If the excerpts were the real thing,
there might be some possibility of putting
the real literature" of the ages into one
volume.
But they aren't the real thing, and
there can be no question about it. Per-
haps it is significant that one famous
shelf made no such attempt, but took
full five feet. All of the masterpieces
included are complete, as far as they go.
This hurryup age is tempted con-
stantly by offers OF masterpieces in little,
condensations, excerpts, all Of which are
valuable, provided the reader knows Just
what he is getting.
If he actually believes he has read the
book, however
Well, so much the worse for him!
Proper elaboration Is what makes any
work a worthwhile work.
Even a short story, the very shortest
short story, must have a certain amount
of build up.
This good elaboration, in little or
in large, is the essence OF literature. A
high-brow word, perhaps, but still it
means great deal.
We should not be afraid of Literature,
as a word, or literature as a thing in
itself.
They may have been abused, but that
should not make any genuine seeker
after the best refrain from them. Lit
erature means the best writing, as 1t has
been determined over the ages. OF
these, we may say, there Is no doubt.
They comprise but very small part Of
! per cent of all the books published.
They are the glorious residue Of minds,
the immortal leftover from the distilla-
ton Of brains working.
H&
The honest reader must not, he will
not, be afraid Of genuine literature.
The more he sWims in THAT great sea,
the more surely he will realize that these
things were done, once and for all, and
that no man who comes along later has
any right to monkey with them
If he does So let him make no
claim TO give us the real thing Let him
permit no agent of his TO make such a
claim
Let him present his work for what it is,
an effort to save somebody else time.
The reader for himself will say what the
pruner would not, probably could not
say, that something great has been lost.
-
These ideas came the other day, in
looking over a condensation of a book
published last year
II purported to give the book, but it
did nothing Of the sort.
The pruning had been done by some
body who neither knew nor loved the
book
Some Of the best parts had been left
out.
Certain directions, in the original
book, were omitted. solely because the
maker OF the cut version did not realize
their value.
With them left out, the part given was
utterly useless.
Evening star., 1937-11-22
This was one of the "how" books which
have been so pOplllar

This was one of the how" books which
have been so popular.
The maker of the condensation had
left out sentences and paragraphs which
had seemed unessential to him.
The real friend OF the book knew bet
ter. The parts cut were among the best,
and were, in some instances. absolutely
necessary for the best understanding of
the work. The author had worked up
his case, as any good writer should. He
had gone TO the trouble to look over his
ground, put some ideas down on scrap
paper, elaborated on them at the proper
time, worked over his ideas, really putting
himself into the writing.
Nothing is useless in such work. And
nobody afterward can do thing to it
we are speaking OF masterpieces-with-
out harming it.
The sad part OF it is that the person
who has never read the book will have
no standard Of judgment when he reads
the cut version.
He will not know the difference alas.
and may think he has read the book"
He hasn't. 1t can't be said too many
times. He has not read the book, and he
has only poor idea of it.
ting even when we'll done, not only is
grossly unfair 10 an author, but that it
is even more unfair to the reader, since
1t fools him into believeing he has read
something when he has scarce begun
to read it.
Such slicing and mutilatng, in the
name of the busy reader, is going to do
world of harm, in the end, unless
readers keep squarely in mind just what
they are reading.
AS to what will happen to such readers
as do not know what they are missing,
it is difficult to envision
They will 60 the rest of their lives
thinking they have done something
which they have not done.
They will become soft, mentally, as
thousands Of persons have become soft,
physically.
When a certain masterpiece is spoken
| OF they VIII pop up with the triumphant
cry, "Oh, yes. have read that" when in
| fact and in truth they have not read IL
at all
All they have doAe is read something
little better than the publishers blurb
on the jacket, something not half as
satisfactory as really good review.
All the slaShing is done in the name
Of the busy" man or woman.
Evidently it fatters many persons to
be told that they are so tremendously
busy that they cannot do justice TO an
author.
What would the world think of ruth
lesSly trimmed musical MASTERPIECES,
with only few phrases left, here and
there?
Cut versions with all repeats" left out
are not exactly the same as too con-
densed books, for music makes allow
ance for such repeats, and their excision
if time demands
There is no such provision in litera-
ture. Let US take our masterpieces
straight, or at least keep well in mind
what We are losing when We do not.
Above all, let us never flatter ourselves
into thinking We have done an author
justice, or ourselves, in such hasty
reading.
Evening star., 1937-11-22

there appears little hope of getting 1t
solved at the special session. 1t is a
problem which the manufacturer as we'll
as possible. The present confused state
of antitrust enforcement benefits no.
body.
The people will support enthusiastically
the administrations effort to lower prices
through trust busting" drive, but in
the meantime they might as well go
ahead with their Christmas buying.
Evening star., 1937-11-22
Too Many Fires.

Three costly blazes-two in Washing
ton and one in napolis-furnish op-
portunity for calling attention to the
fact that winter is the season for con-
fiagrations. Overheated furnaces COM
monty are to blame. But there are
other causes. Practically every summons
to the Fire Department traces back to
human carelessness. 1t follows that hu-
man caution can solve the problem Of
the great majority of blazes. Inflam-
mable debris, for instance, ought not
to be permitted to accumulate in cellars,
attics, alleys and backyards. A property
owner who allows his premises to be
Uttered with Junk is in double danger
he may lose both his house and his in
surance.
OF course, the community also is con-
cerned. A fire is. negatively, q social
affair. Whole cities on occasion have
been devastated by blazes which origi.
mated In small accidents which could
Evening star., 1937-11-22

When we are moved to anger about our
japanese cherry trees by Representative
Jenckes we will have a large catalogue
to consider of other things that have had
their origin in a manner which brings
foreign names into customary usage here.
The Nation went through one experience
that threatened to annihilate our most
delightful supply of German Sausages.
Even these are now welcome in every
American household.
Evening star., 1937-11-22
The Traction Problem.

Several letters on this page today
commend The Star and the author for
the series OF articles on the street car
problem. The letters join with such
unanimity in praise of The Star for pre-
senting the traction companys side of
the case that-despite at least one dis
claimer-the suspicion is invited that all
the correspondents are stockholders.
Praise even from stockholders for pre-
senting facts need not be faint or unde-
served praise. But The Stars interest
in the street car problem and its effort
to present all sides of a most complex
and controversial issue do not arise
from any interest in the stockholders
as stockholders.
The Stars interest in the traction
problem springs from it's interest in the
welfare of this community and efficient
transportation for, the thousands who
ride the street cars and buses plays a
vital part in that welfare.
The Star does not believe the interests
of the community are served by merely
berating the traction company any more
than it believes those interests are served
by coddling the traction company or
bewailing the plight of its stockholders.
The Star does believe that the answer
to the traction problem will be found
through intellioept Studv apd apnrocia =
ton of the facts, not merely the facts
that bear on one side of the question
but all the facts. The articles attempt
to present these facts.
Evening star., 1937-11-22
Shooting Stars.
BY PHILANDgR JOHNSON
Poetry and Prose

hoetTy ana fTnSe.
A gentle touch of sentiment
Expressed in rhyming phrase
Serves, with generous intent,
To tighten weary ways.
And yet sonnet brings no bread,
Nor shoes, nor garment warm.
Even an epic cannot shed
A glow mid wintry storm.
And so we count the humble cash
Which to good purpose goes.
Let poets sing adventures rash.
Good deeds are done in prose.
Evening star., 1937-11-22

have been prevented. The legend OF
Mrs. O'Learys COW may be fiction. but
its moral is meritorious, none the less.
A few fires need not frighten any
body into panic hysteria. But three in
a day is too many. Even one would
have been more than enough.
Evening star., 1937-11-22

AS war is more seriously discussed it is
fight without loss Of valuable working
time. People are anxious to live better
and are ready to try experiments with
the future in an effort to do So When
one experiment does not succeed others
must be tried.
Evening star., 1937-11-22

In the interest of dlgnified understand
ing photographs are being circulated
which make the United States Supreme
Court look like any other group of citi-
zens who have undertaken responsible
ties under conditions of serious reminder.
Evening star., 1937-11-22

Some of the divorce theorists appear
to favor an idea of allowing everybody
to start over and seek personal happi-
ness anew. 1t might be a desirable plan
as conditions change, but 1t should not
be indiscrlminately applied.
Evening star., 1937-11-22

Fascism has been discussed from time
to time in this country. but usually
without assurance that anybody knew
exactly what it was. As more effort is
made to explain it, the more dificult
the subject becomes.
Evening star., 1937-11-22

According to some program makers,
an opera must be very old or very new
to have a chance at popularity The
average of merit is not having a fair
chance as novelties are sought.
Evening star., 1937-11-22
To the Editor Of The Star:
Poor Comfort
From the Lowell Leader.

From the Lowell Leader.
According to the Manchester Union,
pogonotomy is another name for shaving.
But that's no consolation when the bar
ber makes q slip.
Evening star., 1937-11-22
Rate by MaiI-Payable in Advance
All Other States and Canada
Member of the Associated Press

a, The Associated Press Is exclusively entitled to
the use Tor republication of all news dispatches
created to IT or not otherwise credited IN this
paper and a so the local news published nerein
al rights OF publication of special dlsps tches
herein also reserved.
Evening star., 1937-11-22

Perhaps the correct time to study
"Fasclsm was when it was only theory
and not semblance of economic cure-all.
Evening star., 1937-11-22
Endeavoring to Please.

You have played the game OF politics
a great many years"
1T isn't game" protested Senator
Sorghum. TITS scientific study of pop
ular opinion with view to regulating
the supply to the demand"
Evening star., 1937-11-22
Eagerness for Peace
From the Worcester Gazette.


As We get it, Japan is eager to discuss
peace on any basis that will help her to
conquer all Of China ct minimum cost
and trouble
Evening star., 1937-11-22


attitude with respect to the street car
problem as illustrated by the fair and
constructive articles appearing daily and
signed by Mr. Chinn.
1t is natural for the riding public to
desire the lowest rates whether these are
Justifiabe or not.
The attitude of organized labor with
respect to one-man cars is Likewise
patent, notwithstanding the fact that
the record proves the operation of one
man cars to be safer than that Of two
man.
The accusation. however, that the
transit company is operated for the bene-
fit of the stockholders has no basis in fact
and is due either TO the intent TO deceive
or to Ignorance. The stockholders in
the four years of merger operation have
received but one dividend and that of
only per cent.
Although the courts have held that the
company is entitled TO fair return on
its valuation stated by the Utilities
Commission at not less than $4,000. .O00)
and that such fair return is fixed in the
cases of the Potomac Electric Power and
the Washington Gas Light Cos. as 6la
per cent on their valuations, the Public
grant the same rights to the transit COM
pany. In fact in its latest findings it
explicitly states the raise in fares is in
adequate to produce a fair return while
at the same time refusing the request
OF the company for a greater raise
There is no question but that in so
far as its funds would permit the
company has improved its service.
Further opT mara roni5
necessarily dependent on its ability to
earn sufficient funds to accomplish this.
corporation whose, bonds are selling
at such low figures is in no position to
encourage the investor to provide new
funds for expansion or improvements.
Responsible agencies such as The
Star are doing public service when they
present such information as contained
in Mr.. Chinn's articles.
THOMAS J. D. FULLER.
To the Editor of The Star:
write to commend you for the pub
lication of the articles by Mr.. James E.
Chinn regarding the Capital Transit
Co. These articles, think, are en-
tightening the public to a greater extent
than any articles that have heretofore
SNSAA' AAiS SoPitoA IL dliSll W. D WclidlC
is very important factor in the welfare
OF the City of Washington and fair con-
sideration should be given it. 1t is un-
fortunate that the public so seldom
knoWns the real facts in such matters.
I congratulate you and hope you will
keep up the good work
G. l.. NICHOLSON.
To the Editor of The Star.
This is to congratulate you and Mr..
Chinn for running the series of informa-
tive articles about the fare increase of
the Capital Transit Co. These articles
thus far have been excelIently done and
give the gist Of the facts in a very read
able manner. In the turmoil of resolu-
tions passed by citizens associations, each
condemning or approving of the order
of the Public Utilities Commission ac-
cording to whether their own particular
figures have been increased or decreased
1t is refreshing to have fair statement
of the considerations and facts in the
matter. WALTER H. DUNLAP.
Evening star., 1937-11-22
To the Editor of The Star:

To the Editor of The Star:
The Evening Star Is rendering an i'm
pOrtant service to Washington in pub
fishing the articles by Mr.. James Z.
Chlnn, dealing with the mass transporta-
ton situation, six numbers OF which I
have read with much interest. AS a user
OF the facilities Of the Capital Trahsit
Co. and as a stockholder l have been
puzzled at the lack OF public understand
ing OF the problems of Washington S
largest industry, which has, as far as 7
know. excellent management, both as to
standing in the community and as evi-
oenced by real achievements I have
faith that appreciation of what the Capt.
tai Transit Co. has done and is doing
Will come, however belated. when all the
facts are known to the Washington pub
lie. Mr.. Chlnn is giving the public data
which for some reason has previously
not been readily available to the public.
He Is to be commended for the thorough
ness with which he has prepared his
articles and for doing something that
was very necessary.
No other loCa! utility comes in closer
contact with the public than does the
transit company. and perhaps no other
mass transportation service in the coun-
try has had more difficult problems to
meet recently than has our local transit
company. Such service, OF course. can
never be perfect, and, with due allow
ance for all Just criticisms. believe am
undertaking when I say merely that
good work is being done
JAMES F. SULLIVAN.
Evening star., 1937-11-22
The Evening Star Newspaper Company

Main once l1th st. and Pennsylvania Ave.
New York Office: 1I0 East 42nd st.
Chicago Offce 435 North Michigan Ave-
Evening star., 1937-11-22

Jud Tunkins says an old friend is like
an old shoe; not so stylish mebbe, but
more comfortable.
Evening star., 1937-11-22

To the Editor of The Star:
am reading with great deal Of in
tereSt the series of articles being written
by Mr.. James +. Chinn on the tranSpor-
tation situation in Washington. I think
The Star and Mr.. Chinn are to be con-
graduated on the fairness and timeliness
of these articles. 1t seems that in view
of the imminent congressional investiga-
ton and the recent criticism Of the Pub
lie Utilities Commission and the Capital
Transit Co. because of the increase in
fares, it is only fair that the Washington
public should be advised of the true pic
ture surrounding the company, and I
know of no better medium than The
Evening Star. I believe that the public
is entitled to the best possible service,
but that the company is also entitled to a
fair return on its investment, which
seems to be the unbiased opinion of Mr.
Ch!nn. q. CLIFFORD HOWARD.
Evening star., 1937-11-22
Letters Reflect Interest
In Stars Transit Articles
TO the Editor of The Star

To the Editor of The Star:
Your articles, relative to the local
street car situation, are being read with
much interest by those of us that wish
to obtain an unbiased opinion concerning
our transportation problems.
Unfortunately, many groups who per-
sist in condemning the recent fare in
crease, service, etc, are apparently gov
erned more by emotion and self-interest
than anything else. II they would occa-
sionally resort to reason. and not jump
at lot of absurd conclusions, they would
realize that the local system, in view of
increased taxes, wages and the millions
spent on improvement. equipment, etc,
have been compelled to ask an increase
in fare rate, in order to function with
efficiency. Moreover, the stockholders
II am not one) are entitled to some ScanC
return on their investment, in view of
the fact their money provides the system
and all that goes with it, Has not this
rather important point been completely
overlooked by the various embittered
groups who regard the entire situation
from very narrow viewpoint?
E. K. GOLDSBOROUGH.
Evening star., 1937-11-22
After the Collision

After the Collision.
Good morning, judge!" we used to say,
When motoring became too gay.
The present situations worse.
We wake and say, Good morning
nurse!"
Evening star., 1937-11-22
Delivered by Carrier-City ard Suburban
NiKht Final Edition

Evening and Sunday. 65c per mo- or SC per week
The Evening Star 45c per mo. or ! &c per week
The Sunday Star 6c ner copv
Evening star., 1937-11-22

Self Defense.
do you admire the latest dances?"
mo" declared Miss Cayenne.
"Yet you were out on the floor"
"Id rather dance them than look at
them
Eve cannot hope to silence all COM
plant" said HI Ho. the sage Of China
town. Even = piece OF machinery
squeals and rattles If Ill managed"
Evening star., 1937-11-22
Night Final and Sunday Star---7Oc per month
N;oht

Night Final Soc per month
Collection made at the end OF each month or
each week. Orders may be sent by mail or tele-
phone National 5000.
Evening star., 1937-11-22

When Snow Falls.
Coin to sleep? I don't blame you, Old
Earth,
As you call for a cover Of snow
It's no use to weep and there's no call
for mirth
AS the wearisome hours come and 60.
The blossoms have. fled. It is time for a
rest
While the storm clouds relentlessly
creep.
Though much that we dread is, OF course,
for the best,
I don't blame you for going to sleep.
'Dar amt no Santa Claus" said Uncle
Eben; 80 you an mes got to work all de
harder to make life cheerful round de
holidays." |
Evening star., 1937-11-22

@, What statesman has the most
places in the United States named for
him?-J. K.
A. Andrew Jackson and BENJAMIN
Franklin have the largest number Of
towns and counties named in their
honor
Evening star., 1937-11-22

Q. Please give some information about
Marta Abba. the star of "Tovarich."-
J. w
A. Miss Abba was born in Milan, Italy.
After attending a dramatic academy
there for several years she began at II
to act in the companies of Ettore and
VIrgilio Palladin. In 1925 Plrandello
saw her performance and engaged her
to appear in Six Characters in Search
of an Author Since then she has ap-
peared on the Continent in a number
of plays. Pirandello dedicated his play,
LAS You Desire Me- to her.
Evening star., 1937-11-22

@. Is real steam used in the A. & P,
coffees sign in New York CIty?-C. j.
A. Approximately 10000 pounds Of real
steam month is used for the steaming
cup sign.
Evening star., 1937-11-22

@. Who was the first American COM
poSer?-E. G..
A. Francis Hopkinson G737-179D and
William Billings 1746-1800J share honors
as the first American composers.
Evening star., 1937-11-22

@. Is the home of President James
Buchanan a shrine?-J x
A. Wheatland, at Lancaster. Pa, the
home OF the bachelor President. has re-
Gently been dedicated as a shrine By
the Wleatland Foundation.
Evening star., 1937-11-22

@ Has any woman ever received the
Nobel Prize more than once?-W R l..
a. In 1903 Nine. Cure received the
Nobel award in physics Jointly with her
husband. In 1911 she was awarded the
Nobel Prize in chemistry.