davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1939-11-27
Suspect Questioned
In Seven Apartment
81
House Blazes
Man Arrested After
Most Daring Arson
Case in II Y4urs.

Suspected of starting a series of
apartment house fires which spread
panic through the Mount Pleasant
area early yesterday, a 34-year -old
salesman was being questioned by
police today as every available
headquarters detective and Fire De-
partment official pressed an in
vestigation of the most daring arson
case in the District in II years.
Beginning shortly before 3 am,
fires broke out in rapid succession
in seven apartment houses within a
four-block radius of Eighteenth
street and Columbia road. Fifty
one pieces of fire apparatus roared
into the area, sirens screaming,
aroslsipg hundreds Of residents in
the neighborhood. s,.-..
Quick work on the part of fire.
men prevented serious damage at
any of the fire locations, and in
juries resulting from the panic and
f1reflghting were slight.
Five Questioned Previously.
Arrest of the suspect under oues-
tioning at headquarters today came
about midnight last night after five
men had been questioned at the
thirteenth precinct station during
the day.
Police agreed that. the man now
in custody probably would be able
TO !"shed some light .efi the origin
of the fires.
He was arrested at Eighteenth
street and Columbia road NV. by
Sergt. Todd o. Thonan of No. 13
on a ''tip'' received through police
informants
His description tallies with that
OF a tall man dressed in a dark
overcoat," seen fleeing the scenes of
two of the fires.
The suspect was taken to the
vicinity today for possible identifl-
cation after questioning by detec-
tives. The latter declined comment
on results of their conversations with
the man.
Lookouts for other suspicious men
seen in the neighhorhood at the time
of the fires, meanwhile, were still
being broadcast as reported to police.
Fire Marshal Calvin LAUDER said
he did not wish to discuss details
of the investigation until it is COM
pleted. He said, however, that at
least four of the seven blazes were
believed from the same origin-the
work of firebug.
Three Quick Alarms.
Most serious damage resulted in
the blazes at 1900 Eighteenth street
NV. and 1855 Calvert street NV.
Firemen answered three alarms
sounded in rapid succession at the
former address.
Barks of a small dog, Chubby,
aroused John Queen, "a, colored,
assistant janitor of the Eighteenth
street building, who leaped from his
basement window when he found
flames approaching the doorway of
his room.
At the same time Guy A. Shuttle
worth, whose apartment is located
on the ground floor of the building,
Evening star., 1939-11-27

LAKEHURST, N. j., Nov. q R.-
Naval Air Station officials postponed
today an experimental flight of the
blimp J-4 to raise persons and fuel
from the surface Of the sea. A
rough sea caused the .postpopement.
Evening star., 1939-11-27
RedArmy Presses to Affaek Films; FIN
MoscowA Awaits U|timatumRe sly;
Intensified Warfare Rages at Sea
An y
More Ships Sunk;
Export Blockade
Order Is Signed

(Tert OF Prime Minister Cham
berlain's radio address on page
Bib
Evening star., 1939-11-27

Foreign.
Finnish rejection of Soviet ultima
tum expected. Page Al
Red Army presses for drastic action
against Finland. Page Al
New sinkings, export blockade in
tensify war at sea. Page Al
King George signs order for export
blockade of Reich. Page Al
Japan lifts coal ban on Tientsin
concession. Page Az
National
American Student Union hit as red
by Dies witness. Page Al
200 colored workers enter struck
Dodge plant. Page Az
Pittman sees U. s. shipping increase
to neutral points. Page AS
Washington and Vicinity.
Municipal law officers asked to help
price-flxing probe. Page Al
Suspect grilled in series Of seven
apartment flres. Page Al
Evening star., 1939-11-27
Summary of Todoy's Star

Lord Lothian among those having
tickets adjusted. Page B-1
Park land acquisition plan defended
by Capper. Page B-1
Evening star., 1939-11-27
Three Quick Alarms.

(See FIRE, Page A-2.)
Evening star., 1939-11-27

(See SHIPS, Page A-4.)
Evening star., 1939-11-27
Blimp Rescue Test DELAYED

(See HULL, Page A-2)
Evening star., 1939-11-27

(See HELSINKI, Page A-3D
Evening star., 1939-11-27

(See MOSCOW, Page A-3D
Evening star., 1939-11-27

Fair tonight and tomorrow; not much
change in temperature; lowest tonight
about "a; moderate to fresh winds;
Temperatures today-Highest, So, at .
pan; lowest, 33, at, am.
Pull details on Page Az
Evening star., 1939-11-27

(See UN-AMERICAN, Page A-3.)
Evening star., 1939-11-27
BY the Associated Press.

(See TRADE, Page A-3)
The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1939-02-17
Police Improving
Radio System

Another step in coordlnahns inc
Tacoma police departments COM
municati2n system was under way
Thursday under the direction ~
James Picken. police radio en-
gineer.
Picken is installing a two-way
radio in the office of Sergt. Sher-
man Lyons. assistant to Chief
Laneseth. The set will allow Lyons
to hear all conversations with
prowl cars. and by means OF an
attached microphone. will enable
him to speak directly to the radio
operators at headquarters. When
completed, the set will also be
connected with the police garage
and with Commissioner Eastwood :
office, providing instant communi-
cation between offices.
The mike will also permit die
rect broadcasting of orders from
Lyons office to the prowl cars.
The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1939-02-17
MAILMEN ON WHEELS

revealed today there are more than
81 900 rural mail carriers in the
United States today.
The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1939-02-17
3O.76 READING
ONBAROMETER
Light Rain Expected
to Follow Heavy
Frost Here

Probable light rains were fore
cast for Western Washington FRI
day as the Tacoma weather bureau
reported the highest barometer
reading since 1880 and second
highest reading in history here.
At S a. m. Thursday. the read
ing was 3o.76. and the mercury
was still rising.
The all-time high was 80 50 on
Dec. 3, 1921: the mark of 1916
was equalled on Nov p. 1880.
Commonly high barometer is
associated with fair weather. COM
paratively clear skies. usually at
this time of year with lower tenn
reratures, also.
However. the official low for the
last "a hours was mere 80 de-
grees, though suburban areas re-
ported heavy frosts and minimum
temperatures al freezing or be-
low. Wednesdays official maxi
mum in Tacoma was 81 degrees
and right springy II was. too.
No rain fell overnight and
Thursdays weather report showed
continued surplus of 81 of an
inch OF precipitation above normal
The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1939-02-17
Better Telephone Service
For Lakewood Subscribers

Beginning Thursday. Tacoma's
Lakewood suburb hade farewell 10
telephone numbers of four digits
plus "J-5," IA" and such long
suffering suffixes. The 600 pa
irons Of the telephone company
on the Lakewood exchange were
enjoying a new service just placed
in full operation
This marked the latest develop
ment in a program begun several
years ago ana in which has been
included construction last spring
of the new Lakewood central
office. conversion of the suburbs
system 10 dial service last July.
elimination Of the intervening
The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1939-02-17
TWO HELD FOR
Theft Of CAR

Awaiting arraignment In supe-
rior court, Leland Cloud, a 16-year-
old boy from Bremerton and
George Joseph Smith. a 27-year-old
transient from Rochester. n. V.
were in the Tacoma city Jail
Thursday after confessing to the
theft of an automobile and truck.
The suspects were spprehended
at Issa1uah by state patrolmen,
and brought to Jail here Wednes-
day BY Officers Earl Brooks and
George johnson of the police motor
division.
According 10 Officer William
Cordell, they confessed stealing a
car in Seattle last week. After
stripping radio and other Access
sorics from il, they sold the parts
in Seattle, then came TO Tacoma.
Tuesday night of this week they
took a parked truck from 18th and
Pacific ave, owned by Kay Yama-
motto of McAleer station.
Heading toward Yakima, they
ran short of gas at Issaqnah and
drove into service station, their
confession recited. After ordering
81 so worth OF gasoline, they drove
away without paying. and the pro-
prietor notified state patrolmen.
The two were arrested few min
utes later.
The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1939-02-17
Local Residents
Get Cash Prizes

Checks to local winners in the
Van Camp Sea Food Co.'S tuna
fish contest were being distributed
today by Ariss Campbell & Gault.
local brokers for White Star tuna
fish. Prizes of $4,000 were given
10 1873 women throughout the
country. first prize of $1,000 going
To a Pasadena. Calf, woman.
District winners were announced
as follows: Mrs. n. II. klapp, 1907
So. Park ave. $50; and $40 cacn
10 Mrs. Percy II. Bowman, 422
No. nth st. Mrs. L. J. Costello.
Ri. 2. Box All, Kent: Marie KRAFT
schmer, Olympia. and Mrs. Hope
+ Stroud and Mrs. c. f. Anderson,
+ both OF Chehalis.
The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1939-02-17
CODE USED ON
POLICE RADIO
Pictures Tell How New Pope Will Be Elected CODE ea %
Stream Lined T ak
Is Developed by
Announcers

Tacoma radio fans who ENJOY
listening to calls from the police
DEPARTMENTS shortwave station.
KGZN. will have little trouble
understanding the conversations
from now on.
Instead of using considerable
time explaining the exact nature
of the calls. police announeers are
now using a stream-hned code
system. A short number takes
the place of a more cumbersome
explanation of the call Radio En-
sineer James Pickens said the code
was placed in use to save Tune
and to help in keeping police calls
confidential Several other police
stations use the same wave-lensth,
and time is frequently at prem-
ium. he said
The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1939-02-17
MISS BIVNS TO Be
NYA FORUM SPEAKER

Miss Betty Binns. daughter of
NYA state director John II. Binns.
and Tacoma's leading scholastic
orator. will speak before the FRI
day evening Young Peoples Vo-
cational forum. sponsored by the
Youth Administration in room 3os
of the Y. NJ. c. A.
The meeting will open at 7:30.
Miss Binns will speak on THE
Future of Washington. her topic
in the state oratorical contest in
OLYMPIA.
The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1939-02-17

suburban operator and now.
elimination of the exasperating
letters and numerals.
The company announced Thurs
day. BY Tar the majority of
customers previously on lo-party
suburban lines are now using 'eN-
tended service one of the new
services available which enables
those on one and two-party lines
TO call any telephone in Tacoma
without additional charge
The telephone company has
surveys actively under way to de-
termine the most practicable ways
and means Of providing improve
ments IN other suburban dis
tricts."
The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1939-02-17
CHURCH Dinner
TO Be SUNDAY

Selective marketing has been in
progress throughout the week TO
insure the best foods available for
the full course dinner which the
parish of SITS. Peter and Paul
church will serve on Sunday, Feb.
10, at the parish hall, East 35th
and Portland ave. The skilled
chef, Joseph Zatkovich. will pre-
pare the meal which will be served
from noon to , p. m. =
The Rev. Henry Rozycki. pastor.
is general chairman. He will be
assisted by Mesdames Mary Bag
inski. Anne Kalapus, Anne Kari
woski, Mary Volkirch and Rose
Zinski.
All friends of the parish are in
vited to attend. Proceeds of tho
dinner will go to aid the church.
The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1939-02-17
RECRUITING RESUMED

Resumption of unrestricted re-
cruiting has been ordered In the
U. S. army, it was announced
Thursday. For some time no one
was enlisted except soldiers who
had been honorably discharged
from the service.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-05-02
TOM PENDERGASF
 TRIAL SENSATION
State Key Witness Schnei= der Thought Suicide;
 Leaves Note for Wife
BY JOSEPH F. HEARST United Press Staff Correspondent

United Press Staff COrreSpOndent)
 Kansas City, May 2.-(UP)-The Missouri river yielded no trace today of Edward K. Schneider, close busi- ness associate of Democratic boss Thomas J. Pendergast and a key witness in federal prosecutions ot Pendergast, and federal authorities declared that he had not commit ted suicide.
 Schneider's suicide" or disappear ance was severe blow to the gov ernment's case against Pendergast and agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation were looking for him, convinced that he was alive.
 There was an abundance of evil dence that Schneider leaped from a bridge into the river. His car was found on the bridge. On its seat were suicide notes. His hat was found floating in the river two miles down. stream. But there was no trace of a body though firemen and sheriff $ deputies had made strenuous efforts to find one. Federal authorities thought the body should have been recovered if Schneider had actually drowned himself.
 Bremen dragged the river for six hours. A diver descended but his efforts, too, were fruitless.
 Search Is Resumed
 The search was resumed at dawn today. Deputy Sheriff Bob Moors, the first to reach Schneider's car where it was parked on a bridge over the river. said that until the body was recovered tits anybody $
 (Continued on Page 4
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-05-02

Attorney Weisman was ill court today, having been summonsed by the state. Frank c. Wareing of Albany. clerk in the Department of State, Division of Licenses of New York, was also called by the state. apparently to testify concerning Detective John B. Purdie, of New York, defendant.
 Leon Graffani of New York. for mer secretary of the Electric Steam Sterilizer Company, also attended the session.
 Fears For Operation
 Fear that an operation for Olsen might be necessary was expressed, but not officially. The trial, which has been delayed total of IT days by previous illnesses of defendants and defense lawyers, would De slowed for a considerable time, if that developed.
 It was reported that Olsen's con- dition consisted of a stone in the kidney and his rapid recovery rested on the question of whether he could pass it without surgical assistance
 Olsen Collapses
 Frank J. (Burns) Santalucia, head of the Connecticut Supply com pany, reported that he was walking with Olsen, about o'clock near the Waterbury Trust company, on Grand street when he collapsed.
 Santalucia assisted Olsen into the Brass Rail restaurant, neat y, and called Dr. Everett H. Allen. After a brief examination, Olsen was re- moved to his home at B Woodlawn terrace in an automobile owned by Frederick Dalton. He was immedi- ately confined to his bed. Within a few moments the news of Olsen's collapse spread to the courthouse and it was understood at once that the incident would cause the adjournment of the trial for at least the balance of the day.
 Dr. Allen was called to the court house for conference with Judge Ernest A. Inglis, Special Prosecutor Hugh M. Alcorn and Atty. John H Cassidy, counsel for Olsen. Court was not convened until 10:35 after Judge Inglis was advised by Dr. Allen that it would be impossible for Olsen to appear in court today.
 The attack was said to be a re- currence of kidney condition which incapacitated Olsen for sey- eral weeks about four years ago.
 (Continued on Page 4)
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-05-02

The Lampooners then decided that if they could lay hands on a couple more Crimson editors. the rival publication might be unable to go to press with today's issue. They descended on the Crimson plant and built a bonfire against the front door. When this proved ineffective they sought to open the door with a blow torch. Failing this, they swarmed onto the roof of the building. where the beleagueretl Crimson forces mixed up with them in Q battle royal.
 Bumps, bruises. discolered eyes and 50 broken windows were the casualties of the skirmish, which ended with the sudden withdrawal Of the invaders.
 At 2 e. m. today, with the tem- perature near freezing, Read eg- caped from his captorS automobile at Cottage Farm bridge and walked barefooted over q mile to the Lam. poon building,
 After conferring with his fellow Editors, they visited . nearby build Ing and released the three Crimson dlRniiarles who had been bound and suspended from meat hooks iFl . hnee ice bos,
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-05-02
Near Tragedy, Aftermath Of Wellesley ''Hoop Race''

Cambridge, Mass, May 2-UP)- Kidnapings. arson, assault and bat tery, and a rooftop riot were the surprising repercussions today to the annual Wellesley College hoop race, a supporting event ordinarily about as exciting as the Vassar daisy chain.
 The sensational sequence began yestarday when Edward 0. K. Read of Villanova. Pa, editor of the Har- yard Lampoon, donned makeup and e blonde wig and won the hoop race,
 After he had been dunked in Lake Waban by the irate Wellesley girls, Read returned to Cambridge. He was strolling along Q street when q gang of youths who were Q reasonably exact facsimile of the Harvard Crimson staff abducted him.
 within an hour. the Iampoon staff had retaiiased by Kidnapping three ranking officials Of the Crim. son, Managing Editor Benjamin Sheffield Wet ef MinneapollH, Minn, editorial board member Rob. ert L. Groves Of Cleveland, O.. and chief editorial write, Arthur |. Goldsmith. IT, of New York city.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-05-02
CHASE DONATED LAND RETURNED Three Pieces of Property Deeded Back to Miss
 Helen Chase

The land which was to be the site of 8 Federal Housing project in Waterbury was turned back to it's donor today. and with it went the hopes of the Waterbury Housing Authority for 250-dwelling sec- tion for low income families.
 At the town clerks office today there was filed a quit claim deed whereby the Waterbury Housing Authority turns back to Miss Helen Chase the three pieces of land in the north end which she had do- mated for use of the proposed project. The land is located along Chase avenue, North Milan street and Perkins avenue.
 Donated Sept. 1888
 Miss Chase had given the land to the Housing Authority Sept. 28 1888. The quit claim deed giving the land back to her was signed on be- half of the Housing Authority by William M. Harris, chairman, and Rev. Eugene P. Cryne, vice-chair- man.
 The Board of Aldermen rejected the housing project proposal after 8 public hearing at the Wilby high school auditorium. The hearing found great deal of opposition be- ing voiced, particularly by real es- tate dealers and property owners.
 Slum Clearance
 The aldermen recommended irl- stead that 2 slum clearance pro- gram be started, if possible. Such 8 plan is now being studied by the Housing Authority, and it has re- quested the aldermen to set up a WPA project to survey local housing conditions. The authority asked for such a survey by the WPA because it is without funds to do the work itself.
 The housing project would have involved the erection of 250 dwell ingS on the Chase property, with the homes to be rented to families with small incomes. The authority claimed that such project was needed, citing that many local dwellings are now sub-standard.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-05-02
ADMIRER OF LILY
 PONS SENTENCED
Arthur Casper Had Choice of Jail or Home ; He Took
 Jail Penalty

Norwalk, Conn.,, May 2.-UP)- Arthur Casper, love-smitten San Bernardino, Calif., mechanic, accept ed sentence of year in jail and a $2O0 fine today rather than return home and forget his infatuation for Lily Pons, operatic soprano.
 'This is a big decision for me, Il Casper told City Court Judge Paul R. Connery as he turned down an offer of freedom if he would take a bus or a train "and leave this sec- tion of the country and stop bother ing Miss Pons."
 I've been disappointed in love before and I'm not going to be pushed around.
 i've got President Roosevelt be- hind me and he'll stand with me ir this thing"
 Came Here Tuesday
 Casper arrived from California by bus and taxi last Tuesday, let him. self into the Pons home in the ex- elusive Silyermine colony through an unlocked side door at midnight and announced to her startled moth- CT. Mme. Marie Pons, I'm here to see Lily"
 Mime. Pons whispered to @ servant
 (Continued on Page q
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-05-02
JUDGE EDWARD J,
 FINN AS CORONER
Being Prominently Men= tiOned in Legal Circles
 for MOnzani Seat

Judge Edwadr J. Finn of the common pleas corst is being prom inently mentioned in legal circles as the successor to the late John T. MonZani as coroner for New Haven county at Waterbury. The vacancy caused by Coroner Monzani's death will be filled by the judges of the superior court at their annual meet ing in June.
 It is not known whether or not Judge Finn would be in a receptive mood for the appointment. The post pays salary of $2700 year, out of which the coroner must pay his as- SiStant.
 Term Expires May 13
 Judge Finn's term on the com- mon pleas court bench expires May 13. He will then be replaced by Judge John F. McDonough, of Nau- gatuck. who has been nominated by Gov. Raymond E. Baldwin. Judge McDonough's nomination must be confirmed in the General Assem- bly,, however, before he can ascend " oA'S SOAAAAAOAA PASdo SOuiI bSliCli Judge Finn has held his present po- sition for the past eight years. The Salary is $7500 a year.
 If Judge Finn is not named or should decline. the next most likely choice. at the present time, is Depu- ty Coroner William B. Hennessy who has been assisting the coroner since last June. Attorney Hennessy has done cirtually all the investi- cations of the coroner's office in that time, and his advancement to the position of coroner is not at all unlikely.
 The coroner's duties are not tou numerous, and the holder of the poe sition has sufficient time to carry on c regular law practice,
The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-05-02
Gov. Asks Compromise
 On New Appointments
Requests Senate Leaders to Agree on Minor Court Judges, County ommssoners-Wants States Both Houses Will Accept

Hartford, Conn. May 2.-UP)- Gov. Baldwin called upon Senate leaders today to compromise on a slate of county commissioners and minor court judges which would be acceptable to both Houses of the General Assembly.
 The appointments were begged down during the 1887 session and were filled by recess selections of former Gov. Wilbur L. Cross.
 After a conference with Republi- can Leader Sen. Anthony J. Rich, Bristol, and Democratic Leader Jos eph B. Downes, Norwich, the gov- ernor said:
 T have asked Senators Rich and Downes to compromise on county commissionerships and minor courts and to agree on slates both Houses could accept"
 Basis for Deal
 The conference was regarded as furnishing a preliminary basis for a "deal' to divide the patronage posts, which have been highly controver- sial subjects in past sessions.
 The recess appointments to the courts made by former Gov. Cross were effective until the sixth We'd nesday of the current session and the General Assembly voted to ex- tend them until July 1 to avoid con- tests at the beginning of the session.
 The county commissionerships, unless acted upon in this session, will continue for another two years. Brennan Begins Duties
 Hartford, Conn, May 2.-CUP)- E. Gaynor Brennan, Stamford, Re- publican minority leader in the 1887 state Senate, today assumed his duties as state liquor control com- missioner.
 Brennan, appointed to the $6.000 job last week by Gov. Baldwin, suc- ceeded Frank s. Bergin, New Haven Democrat.
 College Name Changed
 Hartford, Conn.,, May 2.-UP)- The Senate concurred with the House today in approving a bill changing the name of Connecticut State College to University of Con- necticut.
 The measure now goes to the en- crossing clerk and to the governor for his signature.