davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1954-02-12
This and That

when not many persons. as compared
with the whole population. read printed
books
The carrying over of the last word,
after setting it plainly aside. no doubt
was done to help the wary reader car
ry over"
We of today, brought up on books, as
it were, can have no real idea how Won
derful-and terrible. at times-books
must have seemed to the unsophiStf-
Gated people of yesteryear.
The whole explanation for the custom
probably went much deeper. 1t may
have been an aid to elderly people be-
fore the day of eye glasses
We seldom stop to think that eye
glasses so widely worn today, are
comparatively new in the world.
Certainly their history does not run
much farther back than 100. There
may have been a few specimens, here
and there. but they were not in the pos
session of the masses" as the whole
group of people came to be known.
(And very nasty word it is, too, we al
ways have thought
For one, We are glad the custom of
carrying over the last word and repeat
ing it on the next page has passed
away.
There was never much sense to it.
Many of the old herbals used the device,
though the type was very large. You
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1954-02-12
letters to The Star.

Senator James E. Murray and others
have made great progress. almost. in
spite of the community rather than
with it's help. in the direction of pro-
viding facilities for artistic perform
ances. Others have from time to
time attempted to create other needed
housing for cultural and recreational
programs also.
All of these people might well join
forces to demand purposeful planning
to provide for the various necessary
structures.
The prestige of this Nation through
out the world would be increased in
much greater ratio by the development
of the cultural and recreational facili'
ties in Washington than by an academ-
ic information program which attempts
to describe the culture of a Nation
which has never found it worthwhile
to provide cultural and recreational
facilities in its own Capital City.
Carl w. Berueffy.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1954-02-12
Memorial Studium Commission

Senator William F. Knowland is the
author of pending bill. S. 1043, to dis
establish the National Memorial Sta
dunn Commission. an agency created
by the 18th Congress in 1914 to con-
STEER plans for an athletic field and
stadium as memorial Ito the men and
women who gave their lives while Serv-
ing as members of the armed forces of
the United States during World War I
and World War H." The thought
behind the introduction Of Senator
Knowlands bill is that the Stadium
Commission is useless.
While the commission has never
been active, its proposed disestablish-
ment is a matter of considerable con-
Germ to the local community and the
country at large. Senator Knowland's
energy might better be devoted to
plans for making this National Memo
rial Stadium Commission really func-
ton. Minimum civic needs, if Wash.
jngton is to have the facilities equal
to those available in every other major
city in the United States. and every
other capital in the world, are: The
stadium and convention hall proposed
in the Federal Center" plan of Pierre
M Client set forth in The Star Of
December 10. 1858, as we'll as the ma
tional theater, music center, and con-
temporary art gallery provided for in
the fine arts bills which have been
introduced in this Congress by five
Senators and eight Representatives.
Washington's inadequacies in these
facilities are disgraceful.
Representative Charles r. Howell,
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1954-02-12
Fodinq Crime Picture

The continued decline in number of major
crimes in Washington, especially sharp during
January, is strong proof that our reorganized
Police Department has shaken off the doldrums
which marked recent era of low morale. 1t IS
not Just coincidence that as the spirit and eff
cheney of the department have risen, the crime
threat has diminished. Chief Murrays policy
of keeping more men on the streets and OF
decentralizing Investigations paid off with "a
per cent drop in crime last month over January
a year ago. The number of cases closed indi-
Gated effective detective work
The greatest decline was in number of rob-
berries and housebreakings, usually serious
problem at this time of the year. The drop
paraleled the assignment of all members of the
force to extra night duties to meet an incipient
upSurge in holdupS. number of gangs and
lone operators were rounded up and literally
scores of crimes solved Not all of the fine work
can be credited to the eXtra-duty assignments,
however. The new f1vedistrict detective Sys-
tenn, under which veteran crime investigators
from the Detective Bureau were put in charge
of rowing squads of picked detectives has proved
highly successful, according to Chief Murray.
These squads are not confined to precinct
limits, but function in collaboration with
one another and in close laison with police
headquarters
An example of the effectiveness of the new
system is seen III a report on cases closed in the
ninth precinct during the past five months& In
this active precinct the report by Lieutenant
Nunzio Bonaccorsy shows, there have been solu-
tionS of los aggravated assault cases. AZ rob-
berries, "a burglaries, 149 petit larcenes and
many other crimes Special squads in other
districts have submitted similarly encouraging
reports. And the efforts of the police are being
supported by vigorous prosecution and sitter
penalties in the courts. In short, the nationally
publicized picture Of Washington as crime
ridden city where citizens fear to walk the
streets has begun to fade away. Relentless,
intelligent law enforcement can prevent a recur-
renee of the old look.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1954-02-12
Arlington Curriculum

Even my accustomed live and-let-
live" attitude as an Arlington parent
will not permit me to overlook the I'M
called for. inaccurate remarks in the
letter from Just a Parent" dealing
with the Community Council on In
struction sponsored by the Arlington
County School Board. Under the anon
ymous cloak of Just Parent" some
disgruntled critic of our school board
has sought to paint a false impression
of what actually took place at the
council meeting January 20 AS one
who attended that meeting. I am in a
position to know that the picture which
Just Parent" portrayed is deliberate
~ distorted and untrue.
At the outset, J. A. P. shows his bias
by his use of the belittling terms "edu-
cational servants" and "deadening jar
gon.' If he were a truly concerned
parent j, A. P. would refrain from
insulting the altrulStlc members Of our
school staff who gave of their own time
to prepare and deliver Well-considered
and informed talks at the council.
Had J. A. P. been truly interested, or
perhaps even awake, during the No
vember council meeting which was de-
voted TO pnonlcS, he could not possibly
have failed to learn. from the very first
speaker on the program, that the Ar
lington school system begins teaching
phonics the moment the pupil enters
school, which at present is the first
grade.
In addition to being biased. ]. A, P
while protesting to discuss the meeting
lin democratic manner" charges Dr..
c. Glen Hass with 'evading criticism by
parliamentary gag when the latter.
according to j. A. P, declined at
pm. to comment on a note passed to
him during the meeting, stating that
he preferred to answer it at the next
meeting. Actually. Hass left the COM
munity Council meeting at 9:15 pm. to
catch a Norfolk plane. That person,
J. A. P wasn't raying attention to was
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1954-02-12
Nearby Virqinio's Court Crisis

Evidence presented to the General Assembly
as to the urgent need for additional circuit
judges in nearby Virginia was impressive. 1t is
doubtful that any of the four other judicial
circuits seeking more judges could make out
more persuasive cases in support of the several
proposals for enlargement of the State judiciary.
Unfortunately however there seems to be a
tendency on the part of the Legislature to defer
action at this session, pending suggested sur
vey of the whole judicial system. Such delay
would only aggravate conditions seriously ham,
pering the administration of justice in Arling-
ton and Fairfax Counties.
Thomas w Phillips chairman of the Arling-
ton Bar Associations Judgeship Study Commit
tee, described the situation in Arlingtons (35th)
circuit as critical" He compared the work
loads in that circuit with those in circuits serv-
ing such other heavily populated areas as Nor
folk and Richmond Whereas there is one Judge
for each $4,000 persons in Norfolk and one for
each 10000 in Richmond, the ratio in Arlington
is one Judge for every $4,000 persons Similar
statistics were cited for the 18th circuit, made
up of Fairfax and Prince William Counties,
Alexandria and Falls Church The two nearby
circuits now have two judges each. Legislation
to increase this strength to three has been intro
duced, with the support of the entire legislative
delegations of the two circuits and of lawyers
and other organizations.
The dockets in both circuits are so over
loaded that cases which ought to be heard now
cannot be set for trial until next fall or later
The backlogs in both areas have been steadily
increasing, despite special efforts of the judges
to keep abreast of the work Such conditions
tend to reflect discredit on the judicial system
of Virginia as a whole The current Assembly
ought not to permit such situation to continue.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1954-02-12
GEORGIA AVENUE.


Dear Sir:
II have a book printed in 1900 by
Charles Scribner's Sons in New York
entitled "A Garden of Simples,' by
Martha Backee Flint. My father picked
this up more than so years ago.
THE author tells about whatever
grows or can grow in a garden, and
gives a national and domestic interpre-
tation with historical setting to herbs.
rose fruits Michaelmas daisies, liberty
pea, dooryard shrubs. and the like.
geographically, the book Is inter-
esting. It has no index.
Especially interesting is the treat
ment at the bottom of each page. The
last word on the page is to the right on
line of its own. with the bracketed
page number in the center
1.-THE word is repeated to start the
first line on the following page.
How prevalent was this practice?
Sincerely, s. L."
The practice referred to was begun
in the early 18th century, and was not
prevalent in 1900.
It probably was adopted for the book
in question to give it an old-time flavor.
Many years ago We picked up some
English books. printed in TOO or there
about, and most Of them used the de-
vice mentioned.
The custom probably arose in days
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1954-02-12
Lincoln in 1854

The 145th anniversary of the birth of Abra-
ham Lincoln is an appropriate occasion for
remembering to what degree and extent he was
unifying force in his own time. No man
regretted more than he the tragic incidence of
the Civil War. Again and again he declared
that his major intention was the preservation
of the Union-nothing more than that and GER
tainly nothing less. When the terrible struggle
finally was drawing to close his thoughts
turned more and more to reconciliation. His
hopes were set forth in his Second Inaugural,
spoken at the Capitol on March 4, 1865, only
six brief weeks before his death. The speech
concluded with the familiar, oft-quoted words:
With malice toward none, with charity
for all, with f1rmnesS in the right as God gives
us to see the right, let us strive on to finish
the work we are n to bind up the Nations
wounds, to care for him who shall have borne
the battle and for his widow and his orphan,
to do all which may achieve and cherish a
just and lasting peace among ourselves and
with all nations.
OF course, Lincoln's references were specific
He was talking to the South as we'll as to the
North; he also was addressing foreign countries,
their governments and their peoples His mes
sage was meant for the world at large. 1t was
an appeal to all men to settle their differences
in the spirit of mutually and fellowship. Against
the background of one of the most terrible and
costly of human conflicts, he was proposing a
peace which should benefit humanity as whole.
In 1854 Lincolns appeal still has meaning
and significance. The example he set remains
constructive now 80 years after the event. Our
country still needs the practical amagam of
charity for ALL" We still are too inclined toward
malice, too unf1rm in "the right as God gives
us to see the right" Each days passing brings
proof that individuals, groups entire commune
ties are failing ito do all which may achieve
and cherish just and lasting peace" This
applies at home and abroad. To say that it
contradicts Lincoln is but to concede an obvious
truth. If he is to be honored today with the
proper connotations of respect and reverence
for his leadership, it must be with feeling Of
contrition that we Americans of living genera
tons have not more faithfully followed him to
our own honor and credit.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1954-02-12
By Charles E. TroceweN
Mrs. Frank Morgan.

would think that the larger the type,
the less need for such repetition.
What the reading world really needs
is type that would let one word glow
to show just where one left off reading.
Now, that would be bookmark worth
something!
We have in our attic library-a very
precious place for books-an old volume
in which all of a great French chess
masters games are printed move by
move, with each move on a page to
itself
His name was Philider. and his name
is almost forgotten today but for many
years he was the very last word. 1t was
not until Paul Morphy of New Orleans
came elong that a more famous name
loomed in the chess world
Another use for the carried over last
word was to help the printer He, too
was new at his job, since movable type
had not come in too many years before
Setting that last word by ITSELF and
carrying it over and setting it anew at
the top of the page made sure, certainly,
that it was not lost in the shuttle.
AS the fine arts of printing and read
ing grew apace. such helps were no
longer needed. They are interesting,
however, as relics of the past. and some
times are used today to give an ancient
flavor.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1954-02-12
Abe Lincoln is No Legend
By THONGS R. Henry

Some speak of him as if he tDere giant
Who d,Oarted the people, but they
ought to knOW
Abe, Nth more troubles than his poor
est client.
Just climbed to stature as all men
must oroW.
No boy could start nth less than what
he had:
AbeS britches hung doun from so
lean shoulder,
He looked more like scarecro,D than
lad
Who'd bind the Nations mounds
Uhen he orcU older.
Hts gears OF hardship only made him
stronger,
More patient. Abe seemed somewhat
bigger 70hen
He somehow kept on groping that
much longer
To stand tuU head taller than most
Beside the Sangdmon. the rtuer road
Repealed some mighty boot prints in
the mud
Along that solitary Way he strobe
When he 1UaS mortal will and flesh
and blood
Yet, eren noU. 1UhdteDer dark ordeal
OF nameleSS terror threatens, through
the land
Where nGtiUe heroiSm StirS, you feel
His Uitdl presence dlWayS near at
hand
To those OF us 10ho knoW vhereoJ ne
speak,
One miracle remains Americans:
Where boys orow strong, great men
are not unique
Abe Lincoln is no legend, he is man.
Corl John Bostelmonn
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1954-02-12
D. c. Public Works Program

The only logical. equitable and eco
nomical method of obtaining public
funds, including funds for the District
of Columbia public works program. is to
have a single, uniform tax on income. a
part of which should be used locally
and the rest nationally.
Advantages of this are:
l. Ability to pay should be the first
principle Of taxation. People have
only so much money. If it is eaten
up under a system of uncontrolled
multiple taxes. their purchasing power
is reduced and public assistance has to
be given them, requiring more taxes
to pay for it.
2. 1t is efficient. eliminating the enor-
nous waste of money time and man
power. and the evaporation the present
complicated system takes to administer.
g. This would be a safeguard against
overtaxing any one to the point Of
hardship. such as forcing people, espe-
cially in old age when income is greatly
reduced. to lose their homes when they
cannot pay real estate taxes. It would
eliminate the paying of more proper
Tomato real estate taxes by families
living in single homes. than by those
in multiple dwellings. Sales taxes would
no longer be hardship to large fami-
lies with low incomes
4. 1t would prevent many Implications
and ineouities now existing. For in
stance, the present exorbitant Inherit
ance tax is legaliZed theft.
The National Governments payment
toward expenses of the District should
be based on the actual expenses the
Government incurs here. the amount
of real estate taxes lost because of land
used by the Government and foreign
ownership, and in addition an adequate
amount to make up for lack of pay
ment for these in the past
1t is important for The Star to print
testimony on the public works program
In more detail to keep people informed:
and if the people of the District ever
want to be relieved of the unfair burden
they have been carrying, in the financ-
ing OF District expenses they should let
Congress know! &c. Nj,
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1954-02-12
Let the Tuxpuyer Decide

The Star criticized me for refusing
to sponsor sales tax legislation re-
quested by the Arlington County Board.
Evidently, the editorial writer has a
rather peculiar attitude in regard to
the responsibility of delegate as a
representative Of the people,"
would like to point out that l was
not elected a delegate to the General
Assembly by the Arlington County
Board. was elected by the people Of
Arlington to represent the people, ac-
cording to my best Judgment.
The only request which I have re-
ceived for sales tax referendum has
been from the County Board. There
has been no broad public demand or
sentiment for referendum on the
sales tax from the people themselves.
In fact, all of the sentiment, since the
County Board suddenly initiated the
subject just prior to the legislative ses-
sion. has been to the contrary.
feel that there is definite respon-
sibility on delegate to give the ut
most consideration to the introduction
of constitutional referendum legislation
widely requested by the citiZenry.
There is an equal responsibility not to
sponsor frivolous referenda or a refer
endum when there is no public senti-
ment for it. However, based on The
Stars rather novel concept, I would
be remiss in my responsibilities if !
did not Immediately rubber stamp into
referendum legislation a request from
the County Board to levy a business
privilege tax on all newspaper delivery
boys in face of complete lack of de-
mand for taxes on newspaper boys.
If The Star is proceeding on the
assumption that because the County
Board was elected by the people, it
reflects the peoples sentiment at any
point, then it would save the taxpayer
a good deal of money and trouble if
the board would send a county employee
to Richmond instead of elected repre-
sentatives.
Your editorial, Let the Taxpayer
Decide" is a perfectly sound approach
when there is substantial public senti-
ment for a decision on an issue, such
as the poll tax. 1t is a demagogic sub
stitute for reason when used to justify
a referendum on the request of any
five people alone, irrespective of the
merits of the proposal.
Harrison Mann.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1954-02-12

that make up the human body were
worth exactly 81 cents. During the
past few years these prices have also
changed, with the result that on to :
days market we are worth $3.50 tr
almost three times as much At these
prices we can't afford to do the careless
driving we have been doing.
The $4,000 persons killed on our
highways last year constitute one
bumper" crop this Nation cannot be
proud Of.
Anthony L. Ellison,
Traffic Safety Officer, D. c. Govern
ment.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1954-02-12

sections roasted wheat to a golden
brown. ground it and boiled it like
coffee. They served it steaming hot,
with little sugar or honey and cream
to suit the taste.
My grandmother told me about it years
ago. and after trying it myself l found
it a good substitute. After few days
you learn to like it. 1t is wholesome.
Every ones using it will accomplish a
twofold purpose: Help reduce the price
of coffee and help the Government dis
pose of some of our great wheat surplus.
Hermit of Crist Corners.
TimberVille, Va.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1954-02-12

quit the RPP, then the only party IN the coun-
try, and founded an opposition group, the Demo-
cratic Party. Four years later, he led the
Democrats to an overwhelming election victory
Current evidences of his popularity in his own
country do not lead to serious fears that an
anti-American campaign will result in Demo-
cratic defeat in May or in major shift in
Turkish policy toward the United States and
the West.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1954-02-12

Arthur Young. citizen chairman of the
Community Council and curriculum
chairman of the County Council of
PTA's. incidentally. Norfolk has in
vlted DR., Hass to participate in a sur
vey OF its school system as chairman of
the Curriculum Offerings and Proce-
dures Committee. Orchids to DR.. Hass
and to the School Board which Sc
lected him.
Mrs. Frank Morgan.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1954-02-12
High Cost Of Traffic Accidents

Rising prices are another important
reason why we should pay more atten-
ton to our driving. Most cars on the
market today could have been pur-
chased for less than half of their
present day prices few years ago.
Present day repair bills are in the same
category.
Until recently the chemical elements
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1954-02-12
Coffee Substitute

Some say stop drinking coffee for a
while; others recommend sassafras,
velvet beans. and some are using other
substitutes.
But if the American people really
want to whip speculation by coffee inn
porters, they could accomplish it in a
very few months by using roasted
wheat.
During pioneer DAYS people in MANY
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1954-02-12
Impressed by Correspondent

Accept my congratulations on the
comprehensive and clear-cut dispatches
of Crosby S. Moves. They are in marked
contrast to the pontifical sophistries Of
Mellett, Fleeson and Thompson. / be-
lieve Mr.. Noyes is headed for great
journalistic career
n
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1954-02-12

AS former editor and lifelong news
paperman with rather brief diplo-
matte and Government career, beg
permission to commend Crosby S. Moves
for his excellent and highly enlightening
articles about the Berlin conference.
His articles have. indeed. the quality
of a refreshing and cleansing breeze
blowing through the fetid atmosphere Of
the diplomatic meetings now going on
in the rubble-strewn German capital.
come out in praise of Mr.. Noyes'
articles only after having avidly read
and digested practically every other
correspondent attending the conference,
which adverse circumstances have pre-
vented me from covering in person.
Constantine A. ChekreZi,
Former Commissioner of Albania
the United States.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1954-02-12

Pen-ndn1es may be used If letters c0y7y
10rlterS' correct names and addresses.
All letters are subject to condensation.