davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1939-02-01

William Butler Yeats was born a
poet. BY careful study, cautious ex-
perimentation, rigorous self -disci-
pine, he made for himself a place
among the great singers of his race.
It was his choice to live the part he
aspired to play, and there can be no
question about the success of his
achievement as man and as bard
His verse is not easy to read. Its
mystic quality frightens away more
than a few of those who dare not
yield too much to the Wizardy of
words. But even when it is most dis
tant and most difficult, it still is
music. The dreamer was endowed
with the authentic gift. 1t may be
discovered in his prose, it viE2lized
his conversation. He was a person.
ality good to know.
And it must be added that, loving
his country with an ardent passion,
he likewise loved the world. Per-
haps it was from his father that he
inherited his enthusiasm tor every
thing. Be the cause what it may,
he never was bored with existence.
To walk with him in a city street or
by preference, in a rural scene, was
an experience never to be forgotten.
Mr. Yeats, doubtless, was an artist
who tranScended what he wrote.
One had that feeling about him.
Words were frail symbols for his
thought He wished a nobler Ireland
than plain people could build, a
richer literature than exceptional
people could create, a heaven beyond
the powers of human aspiration. So
his victories must be measured by
different yardstick. The renaissance
of Fire is his monument. He was not
disappointed with it. Leaving it, he
had reason to be proud; and for his
pride uncounted millions have man
date to be grateful.
Evening star., 1939-02-01
Suggests Changes in
Taxicab Regulations.
To the Editor of The Star:

Relative to previous correspondence
with the Public Utilities Commission
concerning rates and zones of the taxi
cab industry of the District, our organiza-
ton of independent drivers has sent in
signed petitions giving reasons why this
industry should be given change in
rates and zones in order to balance and
offset the overhead of added insurance.
We are not only operating at loss, but
face possible elimination in this field.
We feel that within the present setup
there is sufficient room for operation for
both the independent, individual owner
and the association companies. The re-
Zoning and rerating of the present setup
can be simplified by shortening the first
zone to North Capitol as boundary and
to permit us scent increase in each
zone. AS the situation exists now
driver will pass up an individual for
group of three or four persons He will
only work at his best hours, which leads
to confusion and added tieup in traffic.
Rather than have an elimination of in
dividual workers and drivers in this in
dustry, there is no reason why the cabs
with odd and even numbers could be
placed in two shifts. This would nave q
tendency to give every man an equal
chance to gain his income in a reason
able length of time.
May add that unless we are able to
purchase new equipment in order to keep
traffic safe, and also make enough to
keep up our insurance, the taxicab op-
orator will be added to the unemployment
field?
trust that we may get back to more
profitable basis for the man who gives
his best service so that the District may
have quick and safe transportation.
January 20. F. E. LEA.
Evening star., 1939-02-01

ence. No Easter rebellion, no Eamon
de Valera, no Gaelic revival. The Gov
ernor General would still sit enthroned
in Dublin Castle, and the annuities would
still be paid when due. No more. Let
them thank the Kaiser. He got the
Dutch lin Dutch" but he was a god
send to the Irish.
In fact, as We read at the time, it was
partly due to England's Irish difficulties
that the Emperor decided on the in
Vaslon OF Belgium. Up in the Ulster
lrredenta King Carson spoke threat
lngly to the South. The latter, in a re-
belllous mood, talked back. All this was
expected to keep Britain sufficiently busy
at home, and a foreign complication was
considered out. But with plenty Of allies
in sight John Bull took a chance.
Modern history, according to the text
books, dates with the French Revolu-
ton. But up-to-the-m minute history will
have to be labeled: The Age of William
II and After" He didn't wish it-but for
better or worse-his adventure has GER
tainly changed the worlds attitude in
many respects.
True social legislation, even these days,
is not always enacted. But the matter is
being discussed and voted on. Formerly
all such "uplift stuff" was buried in
committee" and permitted to slowly de-
compose. Kindly Uncle Joe Cannon and
his myrmidons were wonders as licensed
undertakes. Ask Senator Norris. He
knows.
And, by the way. if the Kaiser still
ruled, last year would have been the 50th
anniversary of his assession And 1899
will mark the 25th milestone since the
beginning of the old war and, maybe, the
first to keep count of the new one.
January %. FRED VETTER.
Evening star., 1939-02-01
Reduced Power Rates

For the fifteenth time in as many
years, the Public Utilities Commis-
sion has ordered a cut in the con-
sumer rates charged by the Potomac
Electric Power Co. as result of the
operation of the sliding scale plan
under the consent decree adopted at
the end of 1924.
The rate decrease for this year will
aggregate some 1894 600, effecting a
relatively small reduction in the
monthly bills Of individual reSiden-
tial users, but the cumulative effect
of the sliding scale plan is far greater
than at once meets the eye.
Figures compiled by the commits
sion reveal that the average, overall
rates of the company have been re-
duced by about 81 per cent since
1924; that during the same period
the power sales Of the company have
increased by more than 300 per cent;
that the rate base, or value Of COM
pany properties, has risen from $32,-
100000 to some SIT ,0O0, 900; and that
gross revenues of the company have
increased by about 81 per cent.
Also, back in 1924, prior to adop-
ton of the sliding scale plan, the
average customer charge, consider
ing all classes of consumers, was
498 cents per kiloWatt- of
power. In the past calendar year
this had dropped to 1858 cents per
kilowatt-hour
In other words, by reason of force
full but reasonable control, power
company rates were tremendously
reduced and yet the company con-
tinued each year to pay high divi-
dends on its stock and to earn in
excess of the basic rate of return on
value stated in its sliding scale plan,
the latter calling each year for fur
ther consumer rate cuts. Since the
beginning of the sliding scale plan
in 1925, net rate cuts have totaled
more than $7,900,000, but the cumu-
lative effect of these reductions rep
resents total saving of more than
$66 100000 to consumers, on the basis
of present consumption levels.
incidentally, District electric rates
for domestic consumers are near the
lowest of any large city, even includ-
ing plants municipality owned, and
are said to compare rather favorably
with the T. V. A. yardstick.
Evening star., 1939-02-01
SILVER SPRING. MD.

SILVER SPRING, MD.
Dear SRI would like q book de-
scribing the birds of this section, With
illustrations. What 90 you recommend?
This is my first winter In the North,
having come here from South Texas The
birds are so different, am not able to
identify many Of them.
1--WE have birds, rabbits, squirrels and
quail on the grounds here, and I have
been feeding them during the snow, get
ting much valuable information on the
subject from your articles, which I en-
Joy immensely. Thanking you, am,
"Truly yours, E. P. c."
With bird books, as with dance bands,
every one has his own favorites.
An excellent little pocket book is 1.-The
Bird Guide" by Chester A. Reed Double
day, Doran). This fits the pocket, and
comes in slip cover. This is the most
used bird book in our house.
Birds of America" a one volume pre-
sentation Of three volumes, issued by the
Garden City Publishing Co., is an ex-
cellent work.
Bird Portraits in Color" by DR..
Thomas S. Roberts, published by the
press Of the University of Minnesota, is
a valuable book, with particularly at
tractive paintings. The plates also may
be secured without the text in a ring
binder.
Last year the National Geographic So
ciety put out its excellent two-volume
work, THE Book of Birds"
Macmillan's one-volume presentation
Of Audubon's plates, entitled THE Birds
Of America" is nice thing to have if
you have $3.50 to pay for 1T.
DR.. Frank M. Chapmans Handbook of
Birds of Eastern North America" pub
lished by D. Appleton, is standard.
All of these books include the birds
which live in the Eastern United States,
and those which migrate up and down
from Canada to Mexico and points far
ether south.
The main point about any good bird
book-and there are many more in ad-
dition to the ones named-is to use it.
An impatient person, for instance, may
find that many volumes, especially very
large ones, confuse him, and cause him
to refrain from snatching them up when
necessary.
Such an observer will do we'll to stick
to the pocket books, which may be slipped
into the coat, or kept handy on a table
by the window.
Patient, persistent types of bird watch
ers will find that the larger works may
suit them better.
In naming the reprint of the Audubon
plates we do not do so because Of it's
Evening star., 1939-02-01

plement this appropriation in March
or April. A Senate amendment pro-
vides for submission of a later esti-
mate by having the President state
the existence of an emergency.
And, even though the conferees
narrowed the scope of one of the
non-political amendments, so that
it prohibits solicitation of campaign
contributions only from those paid
out of relief funds instead of all
Government employees, this and
other amendments still in the bill
should prove an effective barrier
against the mixing of politics with
relief.
1t Is difficult to see why all
Federal employees should not be given
the same protection from campaign
fund solicitation. There is ample
time, however, at this session to
draft separate legislation, strength
ening the general statutes that al
ready restrict campaign solicitation
among Government workers. The
Sheppard Campaign Expenditures
Committee has suggested several
improvements in these general code
provisions that should be considered.
A wise feature of the bill is the
section designed to encourage those
on work relief projects to accept Of
fers of private employment, by spe-
cifically providing that such persons
shall be entitled to return to their
w. P. A. status if they lose the pri-
vate jobs through no fault of their
own.
The new Congress, however, still
has on its doorstep the more difficult
and equally important task of trying
to find a more permanent solution
of the unemployment problem than
is embodied in the periodic appro-
priating of emergency relief funds.
Evening star., 1939-02-01
THIS AND THAT
By Charles Z. TrdcetDell.

suitability for identification purposes, al
though 1t might be used for that. We
include It in the very short list simply
because Of its historical value.
There is right and a wrong way to
handle a book used to identify birds
which you may see in your garden. We
will assume that you are, as the writer
here, just an ordinary human being in
terested in bird life, but no expert, in
any sense, certainly not an ornithologist.
Let us take pride in not being experts.
adayS.
Experts, it would seem, seldom get any
real fun out Of life, they are so busy try
ing to avoid being stumped by people
who ask them questions.
1t must be the devil to be an expert
about anything.
But to want to know something, and
then to try to find it out, although in
very hesitating and maybe clumsy
fashion, why, that is great deal'of fun,
and means that you are carrying on your
education day by day.
~
When you see strange bird in the
yard, and instantly want to know what
it is, you will never rest satisfied until
you do.
A friend who knows the bird may tell
you, but it is infinitely more fun-and
amateur bird watching really is great
sport-to find out for yourself.
This is where the bird book comes in
To use it properly, read it from cover
to cover; when you have the time. Ac-
quaint yourself with its colored plates
by much looking. (You can call it study,
If you choose)
That's the first step. You must know
the book inside out, to get the most value
from it.
Then try to visualize, in your mind, the
various families of birds, and especially
what colors, markings, traits, diferenti-
ate one species in the same group from
other species in the group.
Take sparroWs, for instance.
In Washington and its nearby suburbs
you will have many kinds of sparrows,
including the truly ubiquitous English
sparrow, the song sparrow, the white
throated sparrow, and the fox sparrow,
to name but four of a large family.
All sparroWs will look alike to you,
unless you ground yourself firmly in the
rather slight differences, because it is
by them that you are going to tell which
is which.
To say. "Oh, that's some kind of a
sparrow" Is something, but it isn't
enough.
You want to know which sparrow
identification of birds which winter
here is not difficult, because the number
is limited. In future article we will
present several lists of the possibilities.
Evening star., 1939-02-01
Deplores Acceptance
OF German Medals.
tn the Edition of The Cfor.

Your lady correspondent of yesterday,
with an emotional vehemence worthy of
a better cause, comes valiantly to the
defense of Ford and Lindbergh for ac-
cepting medals from the German or
rather Hitlerian government. That both
of these fine Americans merit almost
any reward society can offer for their
SURPRISING contributions to progress few
will gainsay. But in time when we
find men who have given their very
hfeblood to Germany disdainfully cast
ing aside their travail-marked medals,
when we see Won Moltke forswearing
his German allegiance, can we look with
approval on acceptance of these medals
by men whom we have learned to love
and to look up to and admire? A reward
if it is to have enduring value must not
be tainted with the blood and the tears
of the children of men.
January 81. HERMAN FELTER.
Evening star., 1939-02-01
Viroiniu Poll Tuxes

There is irrefutable logic in the
comment of Governor Price of Vir-
ginia that there is no reason why the
Old Dominion's poll tax should be
assessed and not collected. At the
same time the proposal of State Con-
troller Hodges to invoke a long
dormant statute requiring payment
of poll taxes as prerequisite to OBJ
tanning any State license urdoubt-
edly will create much discomfort.
It is easy to understand how Mr..
Hodges, in his official role as con-
troller, could become upset over the
fact that the State is losing an esti-
mated $1,2OO,0OO a year because of
failure to enforce the payment of poll
taxes.
However, it seems logical to as
sumo that the law has not been en-
forced as rigidly as possible because
of the inequitable effect of requiring
payment of poll taxes before issuing
automobile licenses, dog tags or
hunting permits. The discrimination
imposed on such licensees would seem
to be unjust, particularly in areas
such as Arlington County, where
many residents do not vote. Vir-
ginia's citizens already are deprived
of their right to vote if they do not
have their poll taxes paid for three
years and this, to many, is a serious
penalty in itself.
The step contemplated by Mr..
Hodges may add to the ranks of
those advocating outright repeal of
the State poll tax. At all events it
Evening star., 1939-02-01
New Relief Bill

Considered in its entirety, the
agreement reached by House and
Senate conferees on the new $725,-
100000 w. P. A. relief bill contains
many commendable provisions.
The cutting of $150,000,000 from
the administration estimate reflects
a tendency in the new Congress to
exercise greater legislative discretion.
The economy bloc is counting on
greater opportunities for private
employment in the spring, partly
through the effect of the P. w. A.
heavy construction program on in
dustry. But even if they have guessed
wrong, the way is still open to sup
Evening star., 1939-02-01

ness and leaps into the canal on another
occasion when assassins close in on him.
In short, he spends most of his time
escaping from peril, but eventually he
returns to England as something Of
hero.
For all these adventures, however, the
story grows tiresome and says here and
there In the telling.
Evening star., 1939-02-01
Another Reader DisIikes
Franklin Column.
To the Editor Of The Star:

To the Editor Of The Star:
heartily indorse the letter of j.. A. B.
in this evenings Star, asking that Jay
Franklin be displaced by Frank R. Kent.
Months ago I wrote you protesting
against the af1ront to those of your
readers who have the ability to think by
your publication of most of what Frank
lin writes, but did not request rublica-
ton of my letter. Regardless of what
Jay Franklin says he thinks, the last
elections settled the political future of
the New Deal with definite assurance
that 1t is on the way out. R. s. A.
January 26.
Evening star., 1939-02-01

Would it not be a happy day for
business if firm were compelled to
fill out exactly one Federal informa-
ton form, covering everything per
annum and have done with it?
Evening star., 1939-02-01
Shooting Stors
BY PHILANDER JOHNSON.
Narrow Escape.

Narrow Escape.
A bold explorer started forth
To find the frozen pole.
He journeyed bravely to the north,
Undaunted was his soul.
But many plans must go amiss-
Our hopes can't always thrive:
The best part of the trick is this,
He got back home alive.
An aviator craved much fame,
He'd take the world by storm.
To Washington a statesman came
With plans for quick reform
All, 'gainst how many dreams of bliss
Doth cruel fate contrive,
The best part of the trick was this,
They got back home alive!
Evening star., 1939-02-01
The Kaiser
And the Irish.

The Kaiser
And the Irish.
To the Editor Of The Star:
It was great day for the Irish
January 27. Hale and hearty at the age
of 80, William II celebrated his ami
versary. When the Kaiser, in August,
1914, bade his guards to unsheath their
swords, that high command also affected
Ireland. The World War made her what
she is today. Otherwise the Irish, no
doubt, would have continued their vocif-
erous agitation, going back to Parnel
and Gladstone. Concessions would have
been extorted, but no virtual independ-
Evening star., 1939-02-01

There is one thing the Nazis have
not accomplished yet and never will
They simply cannot make skiers do
the "goosestep." In fact, they may
ban skiing entirely some day on the
theory that it is undignified for a
Nordic to fall down.
Evening star., 1939-02-01

The United States Coast and Geo.
detic Survey announces that it is in
a position to determine the exact
shape Of the earth. Bad, if you
ask us.
Evening star., 1939-02-01
Health Rather Than Stone
Memorial Urged.
To the Editor Of The Star:

AS an individual, I cannot commend
too highly the war on infantile paralysis
and the widespread support it has re-
ceived. 1t is an excellent display of the
real American spirit.
I just want to suggest a comparison
between money devoted to this cause
and that to be spent on the jefferson
Memorial. Is not the living soul of
health the real memorial to build?
I doubt the sincerity of those direct
ing the spending of public moneys in
building of stone memorials, when ma
ture and the Improvement of life can be
made so much more beautiful by sin
cere-hearted men.
LELAND H. MADORIE.
January 28
Evening star., 1939-02-01
Common Fare

From the Savannah News.
After all, 1t Is not so surprising that
California, Claiming to be q land Of
milk and honey, would turn up It's nose
at ham and eggs.
Evening star., 1939-02-01

1t looks as though a good way to
rise rapidly in the movie business is
to get a nice Job as a vice president
first.
Evening star., 1939-02-01

Perhaps-Who knoWs?-some day
Japan will bomb just one British war
ship too many.
Evening star., 1939-02-01
Member of the Associated Press

The Associated Press is exclusively entitled to
the use for republication of all news dispatches
credited to II or not otherwise credited in this
paper and also the local news published herein.
All rights Of publication of special dispatches
herein also are reserved
Evening star., 1939-02-01
Not So Smart.

Not So Smart.
"Why don't you buy stock in that
company"
"It doesn't seem to me that the men
running it have good business judgment.
They say that in month the price Of
the stock will be double"
Eyes"
"Well, why don't they wait a month
before selling it to me?"
Evening star., 1939-02-01
Letters to The Star

Letters to the Editor must
bear the name and address OF
the ,Driter, although the use OF
q pseudonym for publication is
permissible. Please be brief!
Evening star., 1939-02-01
Watch Your Step.

$50 you think there is less bribery
among public officials than formerly?"
II am sure of it," answered Senator
Sorghum. Its gotten so that man
can't tell whether an offer of money is
a bona f1de transaction or merely trap
to get him before the grand jury
Evening star., 1939-02-01
Saws Uncle Ehen.

Says Uncle Eben.
Howdy, Mistuh Weather Man.
Here you is again!
A little bit O. sunshine an
A little bit O. rain.
A little bit O. freezin' cold
A thaw to ease our minds.
Ididn't know one day could hold
So many different kinds
Evening star., 1939-02-01

Money talks" said Hi Ho, the sage of
Chinatown. Some of it at present seems
gossipy and scandalous in its remarks" "
Evening star., 1939-02-01
The Record.

The Record.
Life is real, life is solemn,
When the speechifiers rage
They could say in half a column
What they print page after page.
Evening star., 1939-02-01
Attachment.

"Is Bliggins a book lover?"
"He must be. He never returns any
that he borrows"
Evening star., 1939-02-01

Main Once: 11th St and Pennsylvania Ave.
New York Office: 110 East 42nd st.
Chicago Office: 435 North Mchigan Ave.
Evening star., 1939-02-01

is the enemy who is responsible for the
hair-raising adventures intended to re-
suit in his death.
Innocently drawn into web of inter-
national intrigue for which he has no
liking, NARROW settles down to the busi-
ness of seeking out the reason for the
murder of his predecessor, to untangle
the hodge -podge records and to clean
out the corruption in the Milan Offices
of his firm, to defeat the forces seeking
to steal international secrets and, If pos
sible, to save his own life while putting a
crimp in the now famous Rome-Berlin
axis.
While working toward the accomplish
ment of all these good deeds NARROW en-
counters with nerve and shrewdness
numberless scalp-creeping, spine-chilling
adventures that make thrilling If uncon-
vincing reading. He meets such for
midable and unguessable personages as
General Vegas; Bellinetti, assistant to
the departed Ferning; Andreas Zale-
shof and his sister Tamara, who may or
may not be working in the interest Of
Soviet Russia; Commentators Bernabo:
Venezetti; Merinetti and others engaged
in schemes smacking more of mystery
and intrigue than of honesty and good
business.
In accordance with the law, NARROW
surrenders his passport and is unable
to get it back; his mail is tampered with,
censored and filched; he escapes from
death at the hands of a one-legged
music box and monkey artist; he notifies
his hotel that he will not return and the
following morning learns that the
traveller assigned to the room has been
murdered; he swims to safety from
munitions smuggling ship In dead dark
Evening star., 1939-02-01
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