davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1946-12-26
Proper Care of Auto Batteries
Advised as Shortage Continues

Nurse your automobile battery
along as If 1t were the last one you'll
get for some time. Because maybe
it is.
A few shipments are trickling into
this area, but not nearly enough
to satisfy the demand.
A spot check of several places in
Washington disclosed only few
which had batteries for sale. Most
of them were holding the supply
for regular customers, although a
few were selling "over the counter
as the batteries come in.
If your old battery is beginning
to run down, you'd better do some
thing about it. It may last a while
longer if you have it recharged
properly.
Even If your car or battery is new
it's q good idea to have the bat
terry, the generator, and particularly
the voltage regulator checked now
and then by an expert, say the
men who know batteries. Many
batteries are injured by being over
charged while the cars are being
driven.
The shortage Of batteries is the
result Of the lead shortage. accord
| ing to the Civilian Production Ad-
ministration. It may be as long as
two years before the supply Of this
essential metal brings the battery
Evening star., 1946-12-26

The Army's overcoats may bt
warm but they don't do a thing fol
a mans figure, a number of Wash.
ington area GIs agreed yesterday
when asked why so many soldiers
appear without their overcoats ever
IN the coldest weather.
One of 10 coatless soldiers ques-
toned admitted he was wearing a
suit of the Army's new itchless long
handled underwear. The other nine
comprising so per cent OF the SOL
diers who passed Eleventh street
and Pennsylvania avenue NV. In
30 minutes yesterday, said they
would rather be cold than uncom-
Portable in bulky issue overcoats OF
binding "heavies."
Pvt. Walter Ziegler, q, of Buffalo,
IN. Y, said he didn't have any par
ticular reason for not wearing the
Army's g-johns, but added that
he didn't use his overcoat because
it fit him as if Omar the Tentmaker
personally had designed it. A SOL
dier for three months, Pvt. Z1egler
is stationed at Fort Belvoir.
Although he shivered in the crisp
temperature, Pvt. Ziegler said he
considered Washington a tropical
paradise compared to his native
Buffalo.
Another Fort Belvoir soldier. Pvt.
Wallace Velie, Is, of Rochester, N.
Y, didn't care to be mistaken for a
Evening star., 1946-12-26

Plans to establish annual scholar
ships at the best military and pre-
paratory schools In the country for
so delinquent boys were announced
yesterday by Attorney General Tom
C. Clark during his annual Christ
mas visit to the National Training
School for Boys.
Mr.. Clark said he will put the
plan into operation as rapidly as
he can find donors willing to invest
$500 to $500 year for each scholar
ship. The Attorney General expects
also to parole boys to organizations
of former servicemen near their
home towns.
Mr.. Clark visited the training
school on Christmas of 1945 and
when he renewed the custom this
year he was received by reception
committee of two boys from each OF
the seven cottages on the grounds.
Each cottage had its Christmas
tree in q recreation room decked
with bright holiday decorations put
up by the boys. At each cottage also
there was brief entertainment pro-
gram as a preliminary to the noon
day Christmas dinner in which Mr..
Clark shared.
Mr.. Clark told the 425 boys at the
school that he wished to instill a
competitive spirit among them by
holding out the possibility that any
one of them can win scholarship.
Evening star., 1946-12-26
Winter Too Cold,
| So Pet GuzeiIe
Is Given to Zoo

The National Geological Park to-
day had the first gazelle in its his
tory, thanks to the fact Eastern
Shore, Maryland, winters are too
rigorous for such animals.
The fieet-footed antalope-like an
imal is the gift of Mr.. and Mrs.
Newton Shaffer of Hobbs, Md, near
Denton. It was sent from Arabia by
their son, Newton Shaffer, jr., while
he was in the service and had been
q pet for 10 months.
The Eastern Shore climate, how
ever, made the Shaffer's decide to
give their pet to the Zoo where it
now has a warm billet in the an
telope house and experienced care
takers. The Shaffers tried moving
the graceful creature into their
home before they decided gift to
the Zoo would be more practical.
DIR. William Mann, Zoo director,
said the gazelle now is on exhibit
after being quarantined for two
weeks,
Evening star., 1946-12-26
Dr.. Simpsons Funeral
To Be Held Tomorrow

PURCELLVILLE, Va, Rec. 26.-
Funeral services for DR.. George
Franklin Simpson, II, practicfng
physician in Purcellville for 80 years
who died Tuesday, will be held at 2
pm. tomorrow at the Bethany
Methodist Church. Funeral will be
in Lakeview Cemetery, Hamilton
Members of the Loudoun County
Medical Society will act as pail
bearers.
DR.. Simpson practiced in WASH
ington for seven years before coming
to Loudoun County. He was a past
president of the Loudoun County
Medical Society and Of the Vir-
ginia State Medical Society. There
are no immediate survivors.
Evening star., 1946-12-26
Women S Clubs TO Urge
Virginia School Pay Rise
BY the Assoeiafsd Press

RICHMOND, Va, Dec. 26.-Mem-
|bers of the Virginia Federation Of
Women's Clubs plan a concerted
effort to urge upon State legislators
the passage of a bill to increase
salaries OF public school teachers.
The General Assembly meets In spe-
cial session January 6 to consider
raising teachers pay.
Mrs. o. F. Northington, jr., Of
Fredericksburg, federation president.
disclosed she has sent to each club
president in the federation a direc-
tive urging that the 5000 or more
federation members make "con-
certed effort to see or telephone our
Representatives before they leave
for Richmond" She suggested spe-
cial sessions of the 234 clubs to con-
slider a course of action.
If Gov. Tuck "feels so strongly the
need for enactment of the legisla-
ton (as to call special session Of
the General Assembly,, we as cit
izens should feel just as vehemently,"
Mrs. Northington said.
Evening star., 1946-12-26
Antitetanus Drive
Here Today
Children S Hospital

Children's Hospital officials today
began a campaign to persuade
Washington parents to have their
children inoculated against tetanus
AS its contribution, the hospital is
offering free preventive shots" for
all children brought to the hospital
Appointments may be made by tele-
phone.
The idea of an intensive effort to
promote public awareness OF the
tetanus menace originated with hos
pital doctors several weeks ago after
a young boy died of the infection
He had been playing with a bow
and arrow and had suffered cheek
wound which his parents at first re-
garded as minor
In the current campaign, the doc
tors point out that youngsters often
cut themselves In play and the
wounds provide openings for the in
lection, which may lead to lockjaw
and. not infrequently, death.
There were no reported wartime
deaths from tetanus among the Ma
tons servicemen because all were
given inoculations, according to hos
pital officials.
There is no danger to children
in administering the inoculations
which are given quickly and almost
painlessly, it was pointed out.
Children who are regularly at
tended by private physicians should
be taken to them for the shots, hos
pital authorities said.
However, because Of the impor-
tance they attach to general ac-
ceptance of the inoculations, they
are offering the preventive treat
ment to all whose parents bring
them to the hospital.
Evening star., 1946-12-26
Plea Of Insanity Filed
For Snyder Youth
lin Triple Murder

Attorneys for Robert Whitlock
Bobby Snyder, 14-year-old con-
fessed slayer of his foster parents
and foster sister, have filed plea
of insanity on behalf of the boy in
Montgomery County Circuit Court
at Rockville, 1t was learned today.
John r. Reeves and Joseph C.
Cissel, defense counsel, said Circuit
Court Judge Stedman Prescott has
ordered the Maryland State Board
Of Mental Hygiene to examine the
youth.
It is believed DR.. George Preston,
chairman of the board, will make
the examination soon in the Rock
vile Jail where the boy is being
held pending trial January 13.
The insanity plea asserts the boy
Is now insane and was insane at the
time of the slayings.
The two defense attorneys said the
psychiatric examination will be the
first to be given the boy. They said
there had been talk of ordering 9
mental examination shortly after he
was arrested and placed temporarily
in the custody of County Juvenile
Court but that no such examination
was made.
The youth has been indicted by
the grand jury on charges of fatally
shooting his foster parents, Mr.. and
Mrs. Ross H. Snyder, and foster
sister, Jane Ann, II, at their home
in Darnestown, Md, November %
Police said the boy told them he
killed the three victims with a shot
gun after Mr.. Snyder had scoldee
him for coming home late the night
before and denied him the use o1
| the family car.
Evening star., 1946-12-26

supply back to normal: Lead is short
because of inadequate labor supply
at the mines and the wartime lag in
developing new mines.
A spokesman for the American
Automobile Association said: "Up to
this month there has been a great
dearth of batteries, all over the
country. Now they are coming In
very limited quantities"
CPA officials say this increase, al
though slight, is the result princi-
pally Of Government removal Of the
ceiling price on lead and the LIFTING
of restrictions so the general trade
may buy lead anywhere it can find
lit. Previously most Of the lead was
bought by the Government for al
location.
Hints on how to preserve batteries
came from men in the industry. The
slow charge, which takes from 4a
to go hours in q shop, IS best method,
according to E. ]. Payne, wholesale
distributor in this area for the Exide
battery. The best fast-charging ma
chimes are about 80 per cent as
enicient as the slow-chargtng sys-
TEN, ne explained.
One difnculty In getting q battery
slow-charged is the shortage OF
rentals for use while the old battery
Is In the shop.
Evening star., 1946-12-26
Clark Plans to Give De|inquents
Scholarships at Best Schools

"I think the scholarships will induce
the fellows to compete for them, and
I am sure the boys picked will be OF
the highest type"
Many of the boys were sporting
Christmas gifts consisting of muf-
f1ers, neckties and gloves. Mr.. Clark
complimented them on their appear
ance and assured them he was con-
fident they will make fine citizens.
One entertainment number was q
chorus of Deep in the Heart of
Texas" sung by two dozen boys
from Mr.. Clark,s home State.
The Attorney General and his r.
year-old nephew, Bobby Clark OF
Dallas, Tex, joined in the singing,
Another song led by harmonica
player was I'm Dreaming OF
White Christmas"
Accompanying the Attorney Gen.
eral were his assistant. A. Dewitt
Vaneach; James v. Bennett, direc-
tor of the Federal Bureau of Prisons,
and Leo M. Cadison. an informa-
ton specialist at the Justice De-
partment.
After dinner Mr.. Clark spent more
than an hour interviewing several
boys on their personal problems. Be-
fore leaving the school he re-em-
phasized his desire to be helpful and
invited any boy who wished to COM
municate with him to write him
personally.
Evening star., 1946-12-26
Attorney Is Retained
For Davis, Suspect
In Hammer Staying

Paul B. Mules, Baltimore attorney,
has been employed to represent
Bruce Davis, 81. now being held in
the Montgomery County jail at
Rockville on a charge Of numbering
Mrs. Florence McAllister, %. The
body was found December 10 in the
family home at Burtonsville, Md.
r. Jefferson Davis, Edison, Tenn,
father of the hammer-slaying sus-
pect, went to Rockville with Mr..
Mules to confer with States Attor-
ney Joseph B. Simpson, jr.
Accompanying the attorney and
the father were two other sons OF
Mr.. Davis, who refused to give their
full names.
Mr.. Mules said he has not yet
talked with his client. He added he
had not determined whether he will
seek a preliminary hearing. After
leaving Mr.. Simpsons Office Mr..
Mules and the father visited Davis
In his cell.
Mr.. Davis said he is positive his
son is innocent after talking with
him yesterday.
Bruce is a quiet boy and always
has made friends easily" Mr.. Davis
declared. II am sure he could never
have committed murder"
The father said he did not ques-
ton his son about the latter's re-
ported suicide attempt by taking
poison at the home of sister, Miss
Alma Davis, IS, in Memphis.
Davis was arrested last Thursday
by Federal Bureau OF Investigation
agents in a Memphis hospital on a
Federal charge of unlawful flight to
avoid prosecution for murder. He
was turned over to Montgomery
County detectives in Memphis after
he waived extradition on the county
warrant charging him with murder.
A bloody hammer was found near
by when Mrs. McAllister's body, clad
in underclothing, was discovered in
a second floor bedroom of the family
home. She had been struck over
the head four times.
Meanwhile, County Police Chief
Charles M. Orme said Davis has
been questioned but has signed no
statement.
Evening star., 1946-12-26
Montgomery Public Asked
Views on Bond Issue Vote

The Montgomery County Charter
Board released today its sixth ques.
ton in series designed to aid the
board in framing proposed new
county form of government.
The question is: Do you favor 9
referendum on large bond issues?
Under the 1914 charter refer
endum~ on bond issues in excess
of one-fourth of l per cent of the
assessable value of Montgomery
County property was provided If
per cent of the registered voters Pc
titioned for such a referendum.
County residents who have opin-
Ions on this question are asked to
contact by telephone or mail any
of the following board members:
Norman B. Ames, George Rust
Handy, Howard p. Bailey, William
C.. Hanson or James j. Hayden.
Evening star., 1946-12-26
Lorton Prisoner Dies,
2 Seriously III After
Drinking Antifreeze

One prisoner at Lorton Reforna-
tory is dead and two others are IL
serious condition in the institution's
hospital today as result of drink
ing antifreeze alcohol.
Donald Clemmer, director of the
Department of Corrections, identi-
fled the dead man as Robert w
Williamson, who was serving three
to nine year sentence for sex crimes
The names of the two Ill prisoners
were not disclosed but Mr.. Clemmer
said their condition was improved
this morning and they are expected
to recover.
DR.. Frank Klune, Lorton physi-
clan, was summoned yesterday
morning when the three "close Gus
tody prisoners" described as those
kept under strict surveillance, failed
to get out OF their hunks to answer
the morning muster, Mr.. Clemmer
said. The three we're unconscious,
the department head said.
DR.. Klune pronounced Williams
dead of methyl alcohol poisoning
Omcials have not yet determined
just how access was obtained to the
alcohol, which had been colored as
warning that it was poisonous.
Every precaution had been taken
to safeguard the antifreeze from
would-be celebrants," Mr.. Clemmer
declared. He added that incidents
such as this are not uncommon in
prison systems.
The fluid was stored in a locked
compartment and widespread warn
ings had been issued reformatory
personnel and inmates that it was
deadly, Mr.. Clemmer said. It was
used in the radiators of the insti-
tution's vehicles.
A thorough investigation" will be
made, Mr.. Clemmer said, and the
two men in the hospital will be
questioned as soon as their condi-
ti0y, r,ornnitS
Evening star., 1946-12-26
Christmas Day
Amnesty Given
81 1ipsy Folk
Judge Nelson Acts
After Sermon Motion
By Attorney Lone

Christmas Day amnesty for 81
men and women Of varying descrip-
tion, all charged with intoxication,
was granted yesterday with full for
mality and some eloquence in Mu-
nicipal Court.
As the defendants filed in before
Judge George D. Nelson, Attorney
Michael j. Lane stepped forward.
He represented the District bar, Mr.
Lane said, and with the courts per-
mission, he wanted to file a mo-
ton to release the defendants on
their personal bond.
Reason for the motion, said Mr..
Lane, "It is we'll for us to consider
in this year 1946 the greatest miracle
the world has ever known - the
miracle of Bethlehem"
Court Praises Motion.
For the next five minutes Mr..
Lane recounted the story of the
birth Of Christ.
At its conclusion, Judge Nelson
nodded approval.
THAT was fine motion and a great
sermon" he commented. Assistant
Corporation Counsel Richard w.
Barton, wearing a large Santa Claus
bade in his lapel, said he joined in
Mr.. Lanes motion.
Addressing the defendants Judge
Nelson admonished them ito go out
into the community and lead good
life. The true meaning of Christ
and Christmas has been brought
home to you"
I'm glad to know I'm living to-
day." declared one defendant. "You
all have been so nice to us. I'll get
a job and stay off the streets"
Said another: II can't promise
I'll stop drinking, but that speech
has made an indelible impression on
my mind"
One Lost His Shoes.
During these proceedings one of
the defendants had been standing in
his stocking feet. He had lost his
shoes In a scuf1e Tuesday night.
As he was leaving the court building,
A. S. Hammond, chief janitor, no.
ticed the mans plight, and gave
him q pair of used moccasins to
wear.
Merry Christmas" said the jani-
tor.
Merry Christmas-and thanks" !"
replied the freed prisoner.
Evening star., 1946-12-26
Firemen PIoy Sonto to Bootmon
After Blaze DESTROYS Shack

The Glen Echo and Cabin John
Volunteer Fire Departments are 60
ing to play Santa Claus for Millard
A. Reid, 70-year-old Potomac River
boatman, whose shack on the river,
about miles west of Cabin John,
burned down yesterday.
When firemen from the two de-
partments arrived at the scene yes
terday it was too late. Mr.. Reid's
two-room shack, In which he had
resided almost all his life, was moth
ing more than smoldering embers.
An oveEheated wood stove was re-
sponsible.
His entire worldly possessions, ip-
cluding clothing and money-of q
total value of about $1,500-were
lost In the blaze.
On the spot firemen chipped IN
Evening star., 1946-12-26

and raised $40 for Mr.. Reid, VINO
has been a familiar character along
the river and the G. g. O. Canal.
Today flremen at the two depart
ments are going to seek contribu-
tions of food, clothing, money, ma
terials- anything person wants TO
give-for the old boatman. Chie1
David Tuohey Of the Cabin John
Fire Department said the two vol
unteer organizations will continue
to accept donations for him until
he has enough on hand to rebuild.
Boating and fishing enthusiasts
used to stop at Mr.. Reds place,
near the old Anglers Inn, both to
rent boats and canoes and 70
have them repaired and buy bait.
Mr.. Reid is living at present at the
house of q neighbor.
Evening star., 1946-12-26
New York Woman Is Killed
In Baltimore Hotel Plunge
BY the Associated Press

BALTIMORE, Dec. 26-A woman
identified as Mrs. Elizabeth Poor, IS
of New York fell to her death yes
terday from a 10th-f1oor window OF
the Lord Baltimore Hotel, in the
heart of the downtown section
police reported. Her body landed
on the top of an entrance marquee
Police said they were told by Mrs
Poor's aunt, Miss Jane Durham OF
New York, that Mrs. Poor, a patient
at a Baltimore hospital, came to
visit her in the hotel.
Miss Durham reported, police said
that Mrs. Poor asked her to leave
the room SO she could telephone her
husband in New York. Miss Dur
ham went out in the corridor, and
when she felt a draft from under
the door about 10 minutes later,
entered the room to find her niece
gone and window open.
Evening star., 1946-12-26
Maryland Plans S1,7R,OOO
For Farm Conservation
by the Assoeioted Press

Maryland's Agricultural Conser-
vation Committees will have 81, ,746,-
900 to pay to farmers who follow
recommended conservation prac-
tices in 1947, State Chairman Joseph
H. Blandford of the Poultrymen's
Association announced yesterday at
College Park.
The total will be 100000 less
than in 1916. The State chairman
emphasized that county committees
will have the responsibility for de-
termining the distribution on the
basis of the most needed conserva-
ton practices.
Mr.. Blandford also announced the
January price of eggs will be sup
ported at an average price of 35
cents a dozen by the United States
Agriculture Department.
Evening star., 1946-12-26
Race Track Tax
Battle Started
In Baltimore
City and County
Clash Over Measure
For Special Session
BY the Associated Press

ANNAPOLIS, Md, Dec. 26.-Lines
were drawn today for another in q
long series of Baltimore City County
battles, the current one over the
form Of race track tax measures to
be presented at tomorrows special
session of the General Assembly.
City forces are insisting that the
Legislature follow recommendations
of the Sherbow Commission as they
apply to racing, while county sup
porters, backed by the Maryland
Jockey Club, contend the Legisla-
tive Councils amendments to the
Sherbow program should be en-
acted.
The special session was called
originally to appropriate funds
needed to continue after January /
pay increases granted State en-
ployes and to supply supplemental
funds to State agencies which will
exceed their original allotments be-
fore the end of the current fiscal
year.
City Imposes Tax.
But the city, waging fight against
mounting deficits, has imposed 5
per cent tax on the gross betting
pool of the Pimlico Race Track un-
der an ordinance passed recently by
the City Council but still unsigned
by Mayor McKeldin.
The Legislative Council, after
consulting with racing representa-
tives, agreed on a modification OF
the Sherbow Commissions pro-
posals. Under the Councils plan,
the city would receive about the
same amount of revenue as under
the per cent tax.
Mr.. McKeldin and the City Council
have taken a stand for the Sherbow
plan, which calls for a per cent
State tax on the gross pools of
major tracks, $1,000 daily license
fees and allotment of breakage to
the State.
If this plan is adopted, they have
indicated, the city's tax would be
vetoed.
Modification Proposed.
The Legislative Council proposal
would modify the plan by increase
ing breakage from cents to 10, and
allowing the tracks to keep the extra
money.
Leaders of the Legislative Council
said they looked to county legis-
lators to support the councils COM
promise measure.
The State administration, mean
while, was silent on the subject.
Senator Funk, Democrat, Fred
erick, principal craftsman of the
Legislative Councils proposal, said
his bill would be presented un-
changed and that he would rely on
municipal authorities to keep what
he said was an agreement to nullifV
the city's Pinlico tax 'ff equivalent
revenue was made available to the
city"
City Councilman Edward A. FIRE.
burger declared Mr.. Funk was wrong
in assuming the city was committed
to repeal of the Pimlioc tax If the
Legislature passed any bill giving the
city a share of racing revenues.
He asserted, "the City Council will
not repeal the per cent tax unless
the Sherbow race-tract tax Is
nasSed"