davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1947-05-28
Tax Assessment
Proposal Fought
In Bethesda
Montgomery Boord
Studies Protests
Of 30 Merchants

Vigorous protests by approx
mately 80 merchants against pro-
posed tax assessments on CONNER
cial property in Bethesda were being
studied today by the Montgomery
County commissioners.
Leaders of the group appearing
before the commissioners yester-
day in Rockville, urged that the
board either make substantial" re.
ductions in the proposed assess
ments or that action be deferred
pending a study of assessments or
comparable property IN Washing
ton.
The new figures would increase
assessments in the Bethesda busi-
ness district from $5,000,000 tt
SIC, 200, 900, according to Supervisor
of Assessments Wilton T. Allen.
Commissioners Warned.
Mr.. Allen warned the commits
sioners that If the assessments are
lowered, he will appeal to the State
dA 1OtlilIllSStUIl.
Opponents of the proposed as
sessments argued that they are "out
Of line" with those in the District
ahd Silver Spring and would place
Bethesda merchants "at a disad-
vantage"
Former County Commissioner
William H. Prescott, who said he
represented the majority of COM
mercial property owners in Be-
thesda, said the contemplated in
crease in assessments together with
the 2 per cent Maryland sales tax,
scheduled to go into effect July /,
would deal paralyzing blow to
our businesses"
He added there would be no in
centive for out-of- town merchants
to establish stores in Bethesda.
Under the proposed assessments
and the recommended 38-cent in
crease in the county tax rates, Mr..
Prescott said, the owner of the aver
age SO by 100 foot commercial lot
In Bethesda would pay $515 year
in taxes. He compared this figure
with 1898 in taxes which he said
the owner of a similar size lot in
the upper Connecticut avenue sec
ton in Washington would pay.
Proposal Criticized.
Mr.. Prescott also criticized the
proposed increase in assessments on
commercial property In Silver
Spring. A corner lot on Georgia
avenue at the District line is
assessed at SIS square foot, he told
the Commissioners, while similar
lot just across the line in the Dis
trict is assessed at $2.75 a square
foot
At the conclusion Of the hearing
Board Chairman Brooke Johns said
he believed land values are too high
and suggested that property owners
come back every II months and ask
us to reconsider the assessments. /"
II believe residential and agricul-
tural property is assessed too low at
Mr.. Johns said, but who
knows when the present inflated
market will break? If we have the
money today. let's pay for the i'm
provements we need. If we don't pay
1t to Montgomery County, we'll just
have to give 1t to the Government
Evening star., 1947-05-28
District u Of Lions Club
Starts lis Silver Jubilee

Members of District 70 OF the
Lions International Club-Wash-
ington. Maryland and Delaware
started their silver jubilee conven-
ton this morning at Prince Georges
Country Club with golf tourna-
ment. About $50 of the club mem
bers played.
First day activities will conclude
with a iamboree at the Mayfiower
Hotel at 8 pm. tonight.
Between $500 and 1000 members
OF the Lions are expected to attend
the business sessions of the conven-
ton which begin tomorrow morning
IN the Mayiower.
Evening star., 1947-05-28
Capt. Edie' 5 Relatives
Rest Case in Action
Confesting His Will

Attorneys representing relatives
contesting the will of Capt John
Rufus Edie, U. s. N, rested their
case shortly before noon today in
District Court.
One of this mornings witnesses
was the Rev. DR.. C. Leslie Glenn,
rector of st. Johns Episcopal
Church, Sixteenth and H streets
NV. The church was named in the
will to receive the bulk of Capt.
Edie's $258, 900 estate. DIR. Glenn
testified he believed Capt. Edie was
of sound mind.
Counsel for two nephews and a
niece of Capt. Edie are seeking to
prove he was of unsound mind when
he prepared the document which
also left $40, 900 and large number
of cats to his housekeeper. Mrs.
Bertha Schwartz. Capt. Edie died
last September.
Another witness today was DR..
Winfred Overholser, superintendent
of st. Elizabeth's Hospital, who tes-
titled that in his opinion Capt. Edie's
mind was impaired. This view was
based entirely, however, on autopsy
reports, 1t was brought out at the
hearing.
Directed Verdict Asked.
Attorney Spencer Gordon, who
with Attorney John L. O'Brian, rep
racantr CT IoI,y,,e rh,,roI, ocl,a5 St,a
court to direct a verdict to hold
that Capt. Edie was of sound mind
He also asked for directed verdict
to hold that there was no undue
influence used on Capt. Edie regard
ing the will. Justice Jennings Bailey,
however, denied both requests, ex-
pressing the belief that the two
ISSUES were a matter for the jury to
decide. At the same time, though,
Justice Bailey indicated that he
might be willing to reconsider later
the question of undue influence.
Mr.. Gordon then placed on the
stand Attorney George Hamilton, jr.,
as the first witness for those seeking
to have the will upheld. Mr.. Hamil-
ton drew up the will for Capt. Edie,
MIR. Gordon told the court.
Pathologist Testifies.
DIR. Oscar B. Hunter, pathologist,
who said he performed post NOR
tenn examination on Capt Edie,
testified yesterday his findings in
dicated the retired naval officer
probably" was of unsound mind,
but not necessarily so.
DR.. Robert H. Groh, associate in
neurology at George Washington
University Hospital and member
of the Mental Health Commission,
testified that, assuming a list of
circumstances recited by ]. Edward
Burroughs, jr., attorney for the con-
testants, were true of Capt. Edie,
he believed the officer must have
been of unsound mind
Challenging the will are Mrs.
Aileen O'Donnell Baltazzi, zoos @
street NV, and her two brothers.
John c. O'Donnell of New York
City and Charles C. O'Donnell of
North Bend, Greg,
Evening star., 1947-05-28
kensingfon War Memorial
Committee Meets TONIGHT

The War Memorial Committee for
the Kensington area will meet at
the Kensington Armory at 8 o'clock
tonight, w. A. Rogers, general
chairman, announced.
Mr.. Rogers said the meeting was
called to act on a design for the
memorial which has been approved
by the Planning Committee, of
which Mrs. Austin Donaldson Is
chairman.
Present plans call for the con-
struction of the memorial in Ernest
Park, which Is located at the inter-
section of Baltimore and Connecti-
cut avenues and Lincoln avenue
The site will be appropriately land
scaped as soon as the memorial Is
erected.
Evening star., 1947-05-28
McGuire House 10 Go
Under Amendment 10.
Charleston Ordinance
By Mary Lou Werner

A proposed amendment to the So
called Charleston Ordinance and a
rezoning request granted by the
Alexandria City Council last night
cleared the way for razing of historic
MCGUIRE House at the corner Of
Prince and Washington streets.
The rezoning request from D-1 to,
DE- commercial was turned down six
months ago when strong public
opposition to rezoning the site was
voiced. Last night, however, after
hearing similar protests, the Council
granted the request with only Coun-
Gilman Paul Delaney dissenting.
Maurice D. Rosenberg, owner of
the famed colonial house, has stated
his intention Of tearing the building
down and erecting an Office building
in it's place.
At the same time, the city attor-
ney was instructed to prepare an
amendment to the so-called Charles
ton Ordinance to exclude King street,
with the exception of the corners at
King and Washington, from the
scope of the Charleston Ordinance
and to exclude the portion of the
ordinance that says no building more
than q hundred years old can be
razed without first obtaining per-
NIT from the Architectural Board of
Review set up under the ordinance
Although final action on this
amendment will come in later
Council meeting, the vote last night
indicated quick approval of the
amendment. When this is done, it
no longer will be necessary for the
Mcclure house owner to ask the
Architectural Board for permission
to tear the building down.
Opponents of the rezoning. who
also pleaded for retention of the
Charleston Ordinance in it's entirety,
told the council that to destroy
landmarks such as the MCGUIRE
House would be to destroy the
memorial and historical character
of the city of Alexandria.
The ordinances supporters point
ed out that many of them had in
vested large sums in restoring old
homes and they look to the ordi-
nance as a protection for their in
vestment
The Charleston ordinance adopt
ed 10 months ago established a
historic zone in the city. Any struc-
tural changes made to buildings in
this zone must pass the Architec-
tural Board of Review.
Evening star., 1947-05-28
Doc White of 'HitIess Wonders
Wins New LuureIs in Garden

lest on the team, left field; Fielder
Jones, who was playing manager
of the team, center field, and Eddie
Hahn, right field. Ed Walsh, Roy
Patterson and Frank Smith were
the other pitchers.
Most of these aren't living now
he said. about the only one I
ever see anymore is Nick. I sit
near the bullpen at Griffith Sta
dium when I go there and always
drop by and say hello to him. But
I haven't had time to go out there
Iyet. this year. Perhaps I'll drop
out and see them play the Yankees" /"
Doc really clinched his niche in
baseball's Hall of Fame in the short
time between September IL and
September 80, 1904.
During that period he pitched
five straight shutout games-a
record still not matched in either
major league. Walter johnson
once pitched 56 consecutive score
less innings, but only four complete
shutout games.
MY lifetime record?" Doc res
ponded to a question. don't even
remember"
Managed Coast Club.
Doc said he left the White Sox
after the 1918 season, going to the
old Vernon (now Hollywood club
in the Pacific Coast League, where
he became manager 2 years later.
| In 1916, he remained out of base
ball and a year later, became part
owner Of, the Dallas Steers in the
Texas League until the war closed
| it down In 1918. He took over Waco
in the same league in 1919 and came
to Washington two years later, join
ing the public school system.
The next decade was spent first
as physical education instructor at
Central High Schoor and then as
supervisor of the entire department
At Wilson Teachers College, where
he's been. since 1881, he coached
baseball and basket ball when the
school fielded teams.
Now graying bit at the temples
the tanned veteran athlete still
weighs about the same as during his
ball-playing days-about $50 pounds
and standing feet inch.
Il guess it's this gardening that
does it,"
Native Of Washington.
A native Of Washington, Doc lives
with his wife, Iva, and daughter
Marian, a secretary for the District
Recreation Department, in theil
two-story frame bungalow. A son
Martin H. White, is married anc
lives in Philadelphia. Both children
also attended Central High Schoo
as well as the University of Mary.
land.
Asked If he had a "hankering" tt
return to baseball, Doc replied
mo"
| Il enjoy watching it," he asserted
''but from now on, it's my garden
for me-"
Evening star., 1947-05-28
By Chorles A. McAIeer

It's been more than 80 years since
the name of G. Harris (Doc) White
graced the big league baseball score
boards.
Now, at So, the former Chicago
White Sox pitching star is again
producing winners-in his Silver
Spring, Md, garden.
Doc, the flower fancier, last week
came through with his first major
victory. He won gold ribbon honors
for growing the best rose in the an
fnual Silver Spring Garden Club
Flower Show.
His new-found hobby tops a
three-fold career that has included
being a dentist, ball player and a
school teacher for 26 years. Pres
entity he is a teacher in physical ed
ucation at Wilson Teachers College.
will Retire in Two Years.
Doc is scheduled for retirement
from the District school system two
years from now, when he reaches
the maximum age limit for teachers.
In his garden yesterday, next to
his home at 1912 Glen Ross road,
Silver Spring, the one-time pitching
star of Chicago's famed "Hitless
Wonders" of baseball pointed
proudly to the garden he started
less than three years ago.
"It doesn't look like the same
place. he boasts. tits been hard
work, all right, but It's pleasure for
me-"
His prize-winning rose, he ex-
planned, was a Frau Karl Dauschki'
"a large white rose. Besides taking
first place, it also won blue rib
bon, top honor for its class.
But roses aren't all that Doc
White raises. In his 50x189-foot
garden-once a weed-covered vacant
Elot - he also cultivates numerous
other flowers, including pansies,,
bleeding hearts, columbines, snap
dragons, Canterbury bellies, painted
daisies and others. .4
Also Raises Vegetables.
More practically, he raises straw
berries, raspberries, corn, tomatoes,
asparagus, beets, lettuce, onions,
beans, peas, plums, cherries and
apples.
The diamond star turned gardener
recalled his baseball debut in 1901
with the Phillies after graduating
from Georgetown University and
practicing dentistry for four years.
Two years later, he went to the
White Sox, where he remained for
IL years. A lifetime pass, engraved
in silver and signed by the presi-
dents of both major leagues, Is a
memento of this part of his career.
"I got my biggest thrill from the
1906 World Series,' he declared.
That was the year when not one
man on the team batted over 800
and the same year we won 10
straight games, the American
League record. That's why they
dubbed us the 'Hitless Wonders.
II pitched in three games that
series, winning one and losing one.
Nick Altrock, who now coaches for
Washington, also won victory.
anu tlle WlAtc OoA Woil 1OuI SdulSo
to two"
Playing against them for the
Chicago Cubs was the famed
Tinker to Evers to Chance" double
play combination, and the great
hurler, Mordecai Brown.
White SOx Lineup.
On the White Sox then, were
Billy Sullivan, catcher; Jiggs Dona-
hue, first base; Frank Isbell, second
base; Lee Tannehill, third base;
George Davis, shortstop: Pat Dough-
erty. who batted 290 in 1906. high
Evening star., 1947-05-28
Bill Before Committee
Provides FWA Aid 10
Non-Center Hospitals

|, A bill to authorize the Federal
Works Agency to repair or rebuild
Washington hospitals which have
not joined in the projected hospital
center today was before the House
District Committee.
Introduced by Representative
Mary Norton, Democrat, of New
Jersey, the measure Is designed as
an amendment to the Hospital Gen.
ter Act approved by President Tru-
man last August.
Under the Norton amendment, the
Federal Works Administrator would
be authorized to make Federal
grants to the "non-proflt private
agencies" in such amounts as he
may deem to be in the public in
terest"
Provides for Equipment.
Such grants would enable the hos
pitfalls ''to make surveys and investi-
cations, to plan, design, construct,
remodel, relocate, rebuild, renovate
extend, equip, furnish or repair hos
pital facilities"
+ The bill provides, however, that
the grant shall not exceed so per
cent of the value of each renovated
or rebuilt hospital plant.
No names of institutions are listed
in the bill. It is presumed, there
fore, that the measure intends the
grants to be available to any non
profit private institutions, except
the three already joining In the
center. These are Emergency, Gar
field and Episcopal Hospitals.
Such an amendment to the hospi-
tai cented act long has been sought
by institutions which did not GO
into the center. -
Purchase Item Pending.
Estimates totaling $2,7500O0 are
pending before the House Appropri-
ations Subcommittee on Independ-
ent Offices for purchase site and
planning the center. The site al
ready selected is on grounds of the
Naval Observatory and the District
Industrial Home School. The area
faces principally on Wisconsin ave-
nue. at Calvert street NV. but also
would have an entrance on Mas
sachusetts avenue at about Thirty
fourth street NV.
The Hospital Center Act author
ICES more funds to be appropriated
than are estimated to be needed
for the center itself. The law car
ries figure of $35 900 900, but FWA
officials have estimated roughly that
the center may cost between $15,-
100000 and $20,00000O. This would
leave a balance of between $10,00O,-
600 and $15,000,000 for other hos
pitfalls here if Congress permits use
of the funds for this purpose.
The actual appropriation has not
yet been made available for the CEN
ter, but the Appropriations Sub
committee is winding up it's work
on the Independent Offices appro-
priation bill and plans to report
it to the House early next month.
Evening star., 1947-05-28
B. and P. Club Holds Dinner

The Prince Georges County Busi-
ness and Professional Women's Club
will hold its annual dinner meeting
at pm. today at the Dodge Hotel
Mrs. Earle Marshall of Hyattsville,
incoming president, will head slate
of new officers to be installed.
Evening star., 1947-05-28
Hardy Withdrows Suit
For Divorce in County

Russell Hardy, former Assistant
United States Attorney General and
who now is engaged in law practice
in Washington, has withdrawn his
divorce suit in Montgomery County
against his wife. Elizabeth c. Hardy,
Kenwood, Md, it was learned today.
His attorney, Alger I. Barbee,
Rockville, said he was requested to
withdraw the suit in a letter from
Mr.. Hardy.
The suit had been scheduled for
trial during the June term of court
in Rockville.
Evening star., 1947-05-28
Dr.. Bird Is Reelected
To Heed BerWyn PTA

DR.. Herbert r. Bird last night was
reelected president of the Berwyn
Md Elementary School Parent
Teacher Association.
Other officers named at a meeting
in the school are M. M. McAdoo, vice
president; Mrs. Frank H. Warner,
secretary, and Fred C. Frost, treas
urer. Mr.. Frost also was reelected.
Evening star., 1947-11-10

Choose Any One of These
3 Convenient Payment Plans:
u) Levowoy-o small deposit reserves your coat until
Fall, with equal payments spaced over PERIOD OF
months
l7) BUDGET Account handy budget plan OF Poynen1s
sooced over comfortable period Of months
t3) choroe-Pote"-use your regular Heeht Co. charge
account
reg U. s. Pat. Office.
Evening star., 1947-11-10

Every coat has the new look" plusl
The luxurious look of coats, far, far more
expensive. Think Of superbly soft woods
heaped with the grandeur of black dyed
Persian lamb, silver fox, dyed China mink,
beaver or lynx-dyed white fox! Think Of
full flare swing backs, full-skirted fitted
effects think of the tax-free price of
S1O8.OO and come illustrated are
two typical beauties from this outstand-
ino collection. Sizes for misses, short
misses, women and half sizes in the group
Goats, Third Floor OF Fashions
Evening star., 1947-10-26

and maintenance and the care Of
those who seek its protecting arms
Medical Attention Given.
Due to the cooperation OF an able
courtesy staff which consists Of DR.
John L. Park, head Of the depart
ment Of gynecology Of the George
Washington University Medical
School, and Drs. Walter William
Boyd, Stafford w. Kawken, P. A. Nc
Lendon, John H. Peacock, William
Allen Howard and Francis Warren,
the medical care given the girls at
the House of Mercy is as skillful as
this community affords. The girls
are given maternity care in Colum-
bia Hospital. Their future and that
of their babies Is protected as far
as it is humanity possible. Adoption
procedures for the babies Is in strict
accordance with the laws Of the Dis
trict and of the various States.
Mrs. Lena Whitman, r. N, Is the
supervisor in charge Of the nursery
at the House Of Mercy. Under her
direction and with her enthusiastic
guidance the girls who are at pres
ent living in the home have skill
fully re-enameled and redecorated
all of the nursery cribs and helped
make the two nurseries and the
formula room among the most at
tractive Of their kind in this city.
This Is only one Of the many means
used to make the experience of these
Evening star., 1947-10-26
Food and Apron Sale Nov. 6
To Benefit House of Mercy
List of Putronesses
Is Headed by
Mrs. Truman
By Jessie Font Evans

Well named is Washington s
House of Mercy. In a setting of
ancient trees and sunny gardens,
this 64-year-old institution is a
place of refuge for unfortunate
girls facing motherhood without the
blessing of clergy or the sanction
of law. Here, in the quiet of its
elevation overlooking Rock Greek
Park at Klingle Road and Rose
mont avenue, the girls are given a
spiritual haven and excellent care
for themselves and their babies un-
til they are better prepared to face
the world again.
While the home is under the aus
pices of the Episcopal churches of
the Diocese OF Washington, it is truly
ndenominational. Thus far this
year. 81 girls have been helped
through the desperation of their
plight, girls whose ages range from
II to e. A number were still in high
school and college. The others were
from the Government agencies here
In most instances 1t was a case of a
girl away from home for the first
time whose home environment and
counsel had been inadequate
Newspaper articles about the home
have been the means Of bringing
in many who were hopeless and at
loss where to turn.
Sale to Be Held Nov. 6.
On November 8, the lady Board
of Managers of the House of Mercy
will give its annual food and apron
sale to help finance its operating
expenses, since the home Is not a
member of the Community Chest
To this it invites the general public
with an earnest plea for donations
from those who find it inconvenient
to attend. On this day, the home
will be open to visitors.
Mrs. Donald c. Bingham, presi-
dent of its lady board members, who
with her husband, the late Capt.
Donald C. Bingham. formerly secre-
tary of the Board of Trustees of the
House Of Mercy, was largely respon-
sible for the modernization of its
plant and its present connection and
cooperation with Washington's
various welfare agencies, has Sc
cured a notable list of patronesses
for the sale. Headed by Mrs. Harry
S. Truman, 1t will include "a women
prominent in Washington's official,
social, civic and welfare circles.
Resourceful Mrs. w. Wayne Wirg-
man of 4707 Fulton street NV. is
in charge of all the arrangements
for the sale, the gifts Of aprons, pot
lifters, food, infants apparel and
cook books, which will be featured.
For this occasion, it is customary
for board members and friends to
donate articles Of original and un-
usual handicraft, and cookies and
cakes from cherished family recipes
which are so much in demand pros
pective buyers have to come early to
secure the items Of their choice
Large and efficient committees are
assisting Mrs. Bingham and Mrs.
Wirgman in their preparations for
this sale, upon which the House of
Mercy leans heavily for It's upkeep
Evening star., 1947-10-26
Continued From Page A-32.)

predominant over industry. Friendly
the Stephenses knew their home
would have to be large enough to en-
tertain many house guests.
The idea took shape as a hotel
small, intimate and with the
cordial atmosphere of a private
estate. 1t was decided these quail
ties could be preserved in a hotel
as large as SO rooms or more. 1t
would not be folly project" for
Businessman Stephens would see
that it carried itself. What seems
to be more important, however, is
that old acquaintances could come
and new friendships could be
formed. for the liking of people
is strong in the Stephens family.
A native Virginian was named
manager. From Colonial Williams
burg, not so far away, Mr.. Stephens
brought G.. Bland Hoke, resident
manager of the Williamsburg Inn
and executive assistant manager of
the hotel properties for the Res
tOration.
Il X
However well Ennols Stephens
and his brothers knew the country
in their boyhood and through later
visits, he decided on the site. only
about three years ago. The white
structure, with broad picture win
dows and red tile roof, stands on
a spit of land 40 feet above Carter
Creek. Local labor built it, largely
from native materials. Even the
cypress for the interior paneling
was found within IL miles Of the
spot.
Carter Creek winds from behind
the inn and broadens into minia-
ture bay in front. Just down the
knoll is the dock where the Sun Tan
is made fast, flanked by the inns
skiffs and sailboats. A mile or SO
away, one can see the Rappahan-