davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1938-07-23
MORRISON STREET.

Dear Sir:
IF Conan Doyle were writing this in
connection with the adventures Of Sher-
lock Holmes, he would undoubtedly en-
title It The Mystery Of the Vanished
Crows
I'm 1893 my family moved to Chevy
Chase. Nd, and until 1905, when left
Washington for several years, you could
always see, on any day in fall and WIN
ter, vast hocks of crows.
I'm the morning they came from the
southeast, and in the evening from the
northwest, in long files 20 or more deep.
Often there were two or three files par
alleling each other.
Their numbers were almost incred-
ible. believe figure of 100000 might
easily be an underestimate. They usu-
ally took at least half an hour to pass
overhead.
"No winter weather could stop their
daily trek. In the great blizzard of
February, 1899, we were snowbound in
Chevy Chase for three days with feet
on the level. On the worst morning q
bowling gale and heavy snow came from
the northwest.
THAT morning the crows were no
longer able to fly in formation; they
could hardly make any headway at all,
and flew from tree to tree, voicing
hoarse caws as they were forced to
alight and rest at short intervals am
confident that some never reached their
destination on that day.
"At a time subsequent to 1905 the
daily excursion of the crows ceased
just when I do not knoW-but you
seldom hear even one crow in Chevy
Chase now.
What became OF that great concourse
of birds? Can you solve The Mystery
of the Vanished Crows?
VERY truly yours. G. NJ R."
Crows are not city birds.
AS Washington grew, suburban Mary
land and Virginia grew with 1t.
In the years spoken of by our cor
respondent, Chevy Chase was woodland,
with comparatively few houses.
1t is commonly overlooked that the
cutting down of trees. even just to make
room for homes. with every care taken
to leave as many as possible, still re-
moves from a given tract of land a
great deal of its woodland.
The removal would total between Is
and SO per cent, we believe. probably
nearer to 33la per cent, just to provide
for houses, lawns and gardens.
X X
AS farmland and woods decrease in
given neighborhood, the crows tend to
give it the go-by.
They are canny birds and know per-
fectly well that there is poor pickings
in the average suburban lawn.
In eight years in Chevy Chase We have
heard crows not more than half dozen
times. We have seen them perhaps
three times.
Evening star., 1938-07-23
Another War Scare.

With an unusual state of serenity pre-
vailing in Europe, dispatches from the
other side of the world bring news Of
another war scare in the turbulent Far
East, with Russia and Japan shouting at
each other In threatening tones across
the Siberia -Manchukuo border.
Reports from Toxic have been so con-
f1icting, however, that observers wonder
If it is not all bluff on the part Of
Japan-a bluff which Russia obviously
believes Japan can i'll afford to back up
with force Of arms. One official spokes-
man at Toxic, indeed, made concilia-
tory statement which seemed to bear out
the Moscow view, but another spokesman
was quoted as using belligerent language
The dispute arises over Russia's refusal
to accede to Japanese demand that
Soviet troops be withdrawn from a bor-
der area embraced in a jurisdictional
controversy.
IT bluff 1t was, Russia quickly called it
by daring Japan to strike the first blow.
The Russians know that Japan has her
hands full in the struggle with China
and that to relax one Of those hands
in order to deliver blow at Russia
would be highly dangerous business. 1t
may be significant that the conflicting
attitudes expressed by the Japanese
"spokesmen" we're disclosed to different
groups of correspondents. The concilia-
tory statement was given to foreign
press representatives, while the blustery
one was delivered to the Japanese press
for home consumption. The warlike
offering, therefore, well may be swal-
lowed with grain of salt.
1t must have required considerable
sacrifice of japanese pride-"face" they
call it in the Orient-for one spokesman
to inform foreign correspondents that
Japan implied no threats to Russia that
compromise was planned and that
Japan might drop the matter for the
present. Such modifying statements
would not go well in Japanese news
papers-and the other spokesman un-
doubtedly realized it. All in all, there
seems good ground for the Russian be-
lief that Japan is having trouble enough
subduing the Chinese dragon without
wanting the Russian bear to claw at her
flank
From the other side of the world,
meanwhile, comes news of "unbreakable
ties" between England and France-the
words are those of King George-and OF
optimism in Paris over rumors of friendly
discussions between these powers and
Germany on problems threatening the
peace Of Central Europe. The optimism
stems from reports of a compromise
offer by Chancellor Hitler for settlement
of the Czechoslovakian problem" and
from indications of a general move for
an understanding" between France and
Germany regarding military aviation.
There is said to be a feeling in French
and English quarters that Hitler will pay
utmost respect to the Franco-British
alliance, so materially strengthened by
King Georges visit to France and by his
avowals of friendship for the French
people.
This news from Europe is a welcome
relief these summer days for those who
prefer headlines of trans Atlantic flights
and other auguries of international
amity to black streamers bringing de-
pressing omens of i'll will and world
disaster.
Evening star., 1938-07-23

under which he will be working are "out-
siders" in one sense Of the word, they
should receive invaluable assistance from
the Advisory Committee of local authori-
ties designated to cooperate in the
study. In fact, it is the acquaintance Of
this group with the peculiar local condi-
tions which is greatly responsible for the
confidence that conclusions of worth
while significance will result from the
study.
If such proves to be the case, DR.. Pond
and his associates may be congratulated
for doing service both to the Nation
and to the taxpayers of this community.
Evening star., 1938-07-23
Sees Change in
Views on c. 1. o. Actions.

To the Editor Of The Star:
1T IS my belief that the majority of
our people are astonished at the
extreme actions taken in some of the
c. I. o. movements. From a large por-
ton of the United States men who for
merly belonged to this union are un-
doubtedly changing to the A. F. L..
The c. I. O. invaded Puerto Rico this
year and tied up commerce from early
January until around February 10. They
would not sanction the loading of mer-
chandise on steamers leaving the United
States or the island. Hence thousands
of people were thrown out of employ
ment and millions of dollars in trade
were lost.
1t was the height of asininity when
considering that wage increase to the
small group of longshoremen was offered
Immediately and the final outcome was
to be decided by an unbiased commit
tee. Over 100000 people had to be
inconvenienced to satisfy the ambitions
of the c. I. o. delegates from the United
States.
From recent report published in the
New York Herald Tribune, the c. I. o.
instigated strike in Puerto Rico against
the Waterman line in sympathy with
one in Mobile, Ala.
Previous to this year. strikes on the
island were rare and of short duration.
Amicable agreements were always ar
ranged. 1t is my contention that resort
ing to arbitration in the event of differ
ences OF opinions as to wages and
hours is the better method to pursue
CASPER THOMAS.
Evening star., 1938-07-23
New Roads for Old.

The offer of the receivers of the w. B.
81 A. electric line to sell their old road
bed to the State of Maryland is the
source of pleasant day dreams to the
thousands of motorists who find it neces-
sary to travel the present routes to
Baltimore, Annapolis and many of the
bay resorts. Any alternative to the pres
ent congested highways would be well
coined. And double welcome awaits
one which offers comparatively straight
route to Baltimore and the North.
The already graded roadway would
have the added advantage of linking
numerous small communities with the
National Capital, towns the trafnc Of
which now goes to swell the volume
using the Baltimore pike and the De-
tense highway.
But there is a more important aspect.
In recent years tremendous volume of
truck traffic has developed, connecting
the fruit and vegetable producing areas
of the South and Southwest with the
great centers Of population in the North
and East. For this traffic Washington
acts as bottleneck. The several routes
south of the Potomac converge at the
Highway and Key Bridges. Maryland
and New York avenues carry most of the
trucks to the Baltimore pike. Until they
can disperse again beyond Baltimore
there is congestion of interstate traffic
unequaled anywhere outside the close
suburbs Of New York City.
Some months ago . group Of leaders
Evening star., 1938-07-23
Disputes DR.. Freeman
On Longstreet at Gettysburg.

To the Editor of The Star:
As LEES invasion of Pennsylvania, in
June. 1868, was so ambitious a
project, his failure at Gettysburg natu-
rally caused widespread loss of hope
among Southerners, and it was thought
necessary to assign reasons for this fall
ure which would prevent loss of faith in
their commander. Lees first official re-
port appeared to place the RESPONSE
bility on the absence of Stuarts Cavalry
and lack of concert in the attacks. No
blame was attached to Gen, Longstreet,
who had done most of the fighting on
both the second and third days. The
Federal Gen. Sickles is authority for the
statement that Lee told Longstreet after
the battle that he knew he had done
the best he could under the circum-
stances. Thus things remained during
Lees lifetime. Gen. Lee died in 1870.
Two years later appeared an ingenious
invention of the Rev. William N. Pendle-
ton of Lexington, Va, formerly an aide
of Lees. He placed most of the blame
on Longstreet stating that his slow
movements July and failure to obey
direct order to attack at daybreak on
July 2 caused the loss. These groundleSs
statements were later denied by all Lees
aides. Charles Marshall, who wrote Lees
reports, said there was nothing in Lees
official report indicating that he expected
Longstreets attack on the I'd to be
made any sooner than 1t was. In spite
of all this, In your issue of July 2, dur
ing the great Gettysburg Anniversary
Encampment just closed, DR.. D. S. Free
man, author of four-volume Life of
Lee" revives these old discredited false
hoods in somewhat modified form. He
says Lee decided late at night, July l,
to have Longstreet attack Immediately
after daybreak July 2.
The official war records, including the
report of Gen. Pendleton, prove that he
reached no such decision, but on the con-
trary spent nearly all morning July 2
accommodating, undecided where to at
tack. Longstreet and Anderson's troops,
over 10000 men, spent the morning rest
ing in sight of general headquarters
waiting for Lees orders.
Longstreet's troops, instead of being
slow, actually did the best marching Of
any divisions In either army to reach
their positions and then by their MARVEL
Gus fighting. they achieved immortality.
Dr. TEeemau says that ut daylight Lee
Evening star., 1938-07-23
Approves Refusal to
Supply Germany With Helium.

Approves Refusal to
Supply Germany With Helium.
To the Editor Of The Star:
THANKS for your editorial in The Star
on the subject of our refraining
from supplying Germany with helium.
Dr. Eckener's recent sneer at Mr.. Ickes
was rather surprising to me. The whole
matter might be simple one were it
not for the German attitude. Why did
not Comdr. Rosendahl make it plain to
the Germans that definite guarantee
that they would not use the helium for
any kind of war purposes might make a
difference, even though many Americans
have no faith in the word of the present
German leaders? The testimony in the
congressional hearings is evidence that
DR.. Eckener is not the controller. He
would have to do as he was told. Ninety
per cent of the American people will
back Mr.. Ickes in his stand when they
know all the facts. If helium has no
military value why does not the German
government give the guarantee 1t will
not use it for that purpose?
PAUL MOORE.
Evening star., 1938-07-23
What to Mix and
How to Serve 1t.

The Booklet, MIXED DRINKS, con-
tains not only the recipes for al the
famous compounds known to mixologists,
but also embraces much valuable infor-
nation for host and hostess on the
choice of wines, types Of glasses and
serving temperatures. There is a chart
indicating the correct wine for various
dinner courses. Another section deals
with spirits in cooking. To secure a
copy of this 32-page booklet send 10
cents In coin to cover cost and handling,
Evening star., 1938-07-23

The question of who actually earned
the 100000 demanded by Count Revent-
low from Barbara Hutton is not permit
ted to figure in the present transaction.
Evening star., 1938-07-23
Lightning and Badness.

From the Lowell Courier-Citizen.
Reported from distant Australia that
after exposure to severe electrical
storm bald head again began to sprout
plentiful hairs. Still, according to local
experience, it is very difficult to train
the lightning to strike the right place.
Evening star., 1938-07-23

Politics is introducing emphatic ef-
fects in impressing distinguished per-
sonalities. Even Snow White and the
Seven Dwarfs" may feel like establishing
a competition to determine which person
of political prominence is to figure as
Snow White and which are to be con-
tent with the Seven Dwarf" roles.
Evening star., 1938-07-23

Even In the most rapid and exacting
responsibilities that can be assumed a
time arrives when it is obviously we'll to
pause and think matters over. Such a
time has arrived for Hitler and Musso-
lin1 with an impression to the effect that
Stain has neglected this advice.
Evening star., 1938-07-23

It Is now indicated that on meeting on
Maryland soil Senator Tydings greeted
Representative David L. Lewis with q
hearty handshake. 1t is sometimes diff
cult to see how the average voter works
up so much violent indignation while
candidates remain perfectly amiable.
Evening star., 1938-07-23
Twenty Years Ago
The World War Day by Day
July 20, 1918,

The Germans continued their counter
attacks. They gained no ground by these
tactics. but they did succeed in slowing
up the allied advance, giving those men
not engaged in the action a better chance
to retreat.
The whole German line south OF Sois-
sons was now practically gone, and tney
were trying desperately to reform it further
back, In location better suited tor oe-
tense,
Evening star., 1938-07-23

The new vocabulary includes the word
"pick- back as a mature and reputable
term in aviation. We have grown So
phisticated and no longer associate the
expression with innocent joys Of youth.
Evening star., 1938-07-23
Bingham Bow Vows.

From the Savannah News.
It is said that in Bingham, Utah,
known as the worlds narrowest town,
the one street is 50 narrow that Bing-
ham dogs have to wag their tails up and
down instead of in the orthodox manner.
Can you beat that?
Evening star., 1938-07-23

Rome reports that Mussolini purchased
a two-lire ticket to hear local produc-
ton of "Lohengrin." The admiration
for German opera may possibly be cited
as an evidence of powerful German in
fluence.
Evening star., 1938-07-23

Some of the gentlemen who accom-
panied President Roosevelt as far as the
Pacific Coast are again in position to
report, in some favored instances, that
the fishing Is very good around the banks
of the Potomac.
Evening star., 1938-07-23
Thanks Contributors
To Y. w. c. A. Pool Fund.

Thanks Contributors
To Y. w. c. A. Pool Fund.
To the Editor of The Star:
want to express to you our deep
gratitude for the fine work done
by The Star in raising the money needed
to open and carry on the activities at
the E street pool in the Y. w. c. A..
building. The pleasure which is being
given to the children in the central
neighborhood cannot be estimated, to
say nothing of the actual physical i'm
provement these youngsters will derive
from the opportunity for healthful recre-
alton which normally is so lacking in
that particular section of the city.
We should like to be able to thank
each contributor personally and to as
sure them that every penny given will
be used for the benefit of the children
of the central area, for whom the ap-
peal was made.
LOUISA S. ROBERTS,
Executive Secretary,
Washington Council Of Social Agencies.
Evening star., 1938-07-23
Letters to The Star

Letters to the Editor must bear
the name and address OF the uriter,
although the use of pseudonyn, for
publication is permissible. Please be
brtet!
Evening star., 1938-07-23
Poetic In1agination.

Doesn't the delay at the telephone
annoy your"
NO" said the slow-spoken person. II
kind Of like silence and solitude and I
never feel more alone than do with the
receiver at my ear and no sound save
that of low sad voice now and then
in the dark distance that sighs Wait
ing!'"
Evening star., 1938-07-23
Considerate Kindness.

What kind of dog do you prefer?"
I'm my public career" answered SEN
ator Sorghum, II have made enmities.
shall not risk prejudicing the future of
any kind Of dog by expressing a pref
erence."
Evening star., 1938-07-23

Japan is said to be facing pecuniary
difficulties. One of the great problems
of war is that of paying for it in cash
or by means of expert borrowing.
Evening star., 1938-07-23

China claims credit for having invent
ed gunpowder, but Japan is mentioned
with regret as having been overzealous
in improving the gun.
Evening star., 1938-07-23
One Town and Another.

An aviator may get mixed,
But what's the use of troublin'-
He didn't know the difference twixt
Los Angeles and Dublin.
Evening star., 1938-07-23

The last word is always important. 1t
was the codicil of the Ringing will that
disowned the family.
Evening star., 1938-07-23
Shooting Stars.
BY PHILANDER JOHNSON.

A Plea.
Say Of my friend the worst you may.
Say that in follys paradise
He lived hapless gilded day,
Uninfiuenced by good advice.
Say that like some oer-weening king
He squandered where he should have
spent well.
But say not that contemptuous thing,
HE meant WE'LL"
Call him a rogue, II you should think
That he deserves so harsh a name,
But do not bid him cringe and shrink,
. Some empty pitying phrase to claim.
Spare him, since now misfortune rules,
A fate where all, not long since, went
well
That stock apology for fools:
"He meant WE'LL"
Evening star., 1938-07-23
Even Majesty Nav Fail.

Oh, war is a terrible thing.
A man may be proud as a king
But his people look queer
And, perhaps, they will sneer
When he cuts loose with efforts to
Evening star., 1938-07-23

Some men fail to do their BEST" said
Hi Ho, the sage of Chinatown, until
they are convinced that an enemy is do
ing his worst
Evening star., 1938-07-23

"Dar is de finest kind Of music in
Heaven" said Uncle Eben. "An earthly
sinner VIII good voice needn't look foh
special iavoes."
Evening star., 1938-07-23
Rate by Mail-Payable in Advance
All Other States and Canada
Member Of the Associated Press

The Associated Press is exclusively entitled to
the use for republication of all news dispa tches
credited to it or not otherwise credited in this
paper and also the local news published herein
ALI rights of publication of special dispatches
herein also are reserved.
Evening star., 1938-07-23

Tho Evening Star Newspaper Company
NAH once: l1th St. and Pennsylvania Ave.
New York once: ITO East 42nd st.
Chicago once: 435 North Michigan Ave.
Evening star., 1938-07-23

Wight Final and Sunday Star ---70c per month
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Collection made at the end Of each month OF
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bhone National 5000
Evening star., 1938-07-23

O. How much farm land In the West
Is under irrigation?-H. S. G.
A. There are nearly 100000 acres
farmed under irrigation in the Western
States.
Evening star., 1938-07-23

Evening and Sunday CSC per mo. or 15c per week
the Evening Star---45c per mo. or 10c per week
chs Sunday Star -.--- &c per COPY
The Washington times., 1938-03-05

The Cast of Characters
LON EISENHOWER, a dray-
man with an unblemished
record. His closest friend,
despite social lines, Is
SIM BREWER, q bank presi-
dent.
The Washington times., 1938-03-05
"The Presidents Chair"
By DENNIS MORRISON

Lon Eisenhower high his steel throne the back
of ray pulled his eyes, gray beard tucked
into the neck of his peaacke numbering slowly past
The Washington times., 1938-03-05
EASY ON HORSES

He had some chores to do next
day, Had to drive seven miles out
20 the Hughes farm for a load OF
hay and also to stock up few
fresh vegetables for his own table
eff we're a goin' to be at the depot
by noon to pick up whatever Sims
got there" he told Tom and Jerry,
his big geldings, I'VE better get ar
early start" For he never was one
TO push his horses out of walk no
matter what the crisis might be.
The Washington times., 1938-03-05
THE HOLDUP

|
AS he moved slowly toward the
bank he saw that the automobile
was stopping and a couple of men
were getting out. Three, by golly,
he said to himself absently.
Strangers. Hoped they wouldn't
get in his way. Abreast of the
bank, he was about to flip the
lines for a halt when he glanced
inside looking for Mr.. Brewer.
What he saw was the entire force
standing in silly postures with
their hands in the air, the two or
three customers the same, and the
men who had just entered ap-
parently very, very busy with bags
they were carrying.
He flipped the signal on the
reins to back. Called quick COM
mands to Tom and Jerry. "Haw,
there, now! Haw! Back up!"
Back up!" The obedient animals
strained to meet their masters
commands. Slowly but surely the
heavy mass of the dray went over
the curb. rear first, until it COM
pletely blocked egress from the
bank.
A man at the wheel of the auto
mobile yelled: Hey, there, rube.
, pull that damn thing out O. there!
Get move on you'll"
If that gent was suddenly ex-
cited and nonplussed, his three
pals inside we're more so. One
made a mad dash to climb over
the dray. Lon fetched him a smart
crack on the skull with a heavy
wrench and that was the last Of
> him. The others tried to shoot
=. their way out but Ions perch was
; so high he couldn't be touched.
Their distraction gave the
cashier and Sim Brewer a chance
to take their hands out of the air
and into the places where the
S banks guns was kept. So the net
!, result of the attempt to rob the
City Savings was one dead bandit
! two PRETTY badly bunged up, and
] a fourth who was captured five
miles down the line.
Lon climbed down from hit
throne when the firing ceased anc
7 dropped inside, Lon, by Jimmy
t crickets. you've saved the bank!'
I Sim Brewer cried. THAT was the
v smartest, nerviest piece O. bust
ness~I ever saw"
t "Well. I'll tell you. Sim" sale
S Lon Eisenhower. II was figgerin' tt
), back up to the door the way
. did anyway. This here new chail
: of yours is just too doggone prett!
, to take o chance with"
ii THE END.