Evening Star Newspaper, August 4, 1921, Page 7

_ handle its rapidly THE EVENING STAR, With Sunday Morning Edition. WASHINGTON, b. C. THURSDAY......August 4, 1921 THEODORE W. NOYES. . .. Editor The Evening Star Newspaper Company sylvania Ave. 150 ssau St. rst National Bank Building. Regent St., London, England. The Evening Star. with the Sunday morning edition. is delivered by carriers within the city at 60 cents per month: ily only, 45 cents per moath: Kunday only, 0 cents [ -n'.lmm. 2 lers may be sent by mail, or telephone 8000. Collection hrnude by carriers at the end of each month. Rate by Mail—Payable in Advance. Maryland and Virginia. Daily and Sunday..1 yr., $8.40; 1 mo., 70c Daily only. ‘1yr., $6.00: 1 mo., 50c Sunday only. 1yr., $2.40; 1 mo., 20c All Other States. Patent Office Congestion. In yesterday's Star appeared a state- ment regarding the congestion of business at the patent office. Figures were given that show a constant and heavy increase . of applications for patents. In the first half of the calen- dar years 1918, 1919, 1920 and 1921 the applications filed, respectively, were 31,568, 37,143, 42,607 and over 50,000. In the same time the applications for trade marks were 3,730, 5,447, 7,950 and 8,369. These figures mean that the patent applications have increased 42% per cent since 1918 and the trade mark applications 124 per cent. And in that time the patent office force has remained practically the same. Yet the government of the United States is expected to do its business promptly and efficiently. How can it keep its pledge to the in- ventors of this country if it tries to increasing patent business with a force that was ac- tually unequal to hangdle that of four Years ago? A bill to increase the force and reorganize the system is pending in Congress. It is delayed for some rea- son not fully understood. There is no logical consideration of economy in. this case. The patent office more than pays its way through the fees exacted. It is a “going concern,” the only one in the government. It has earned a surplus of income for many | years, and if it were given now all the force that is urged it would sitll maintain itself out of its income, with probably a surplus. This congestion in the patent office is an absolute blockade to invention and business projects. While many of the applications that are piling in are not worthy of patents, the usual percentage of them will be approved when they are reached. And every patent granted is a contribution to industry and an addition to the coun- try’s wealth. This is one bureau in the government that should never be stinted in personnel. Women at the Polls. ‘The men must wake up, or the ‘women will have everything their own ‘way at the polls. In Tuesday’s Virginia primary the ‘women at Petersburg “flocked to the polls in large numbers, and apparent- 1y took much pleasure in casting their ‘ballots.” At Staunton “woman voters took an active interest.” Richmond had been claimed for Tucker by 5,000 majority. He re- celved a majority of but little more than a hundred. The women turned out for Trinkle. And so all over the state. The women were alert. They improved the opportunity. In some counties “they polled 40 per cent of the vote, and in many precincts they outnum-. bered the men.” Trinkle won the nomination by 25,000 fhajority. The Old Dominion is one of the original states, and was long reck- oned as “a set conservative.” When the enfranchisement of women was first suggested the proposition found no favor there. Now that it is a fact accomplished and in operation, we see it working with lively effect. The franchise is an old story with men. They neglect it partly because of their familiarity with it. How to correct this and induce them to take the proper interest in elections has long been under discussion. Maybe the remedy has been found.| ‘They will not relish being outclassed by the women in citizenship, but be spurred to an activity in keeping with their numbers and the importance of their obligations. —_—————— An occasional may have its advantages for e con- ference to limit militarism as well as for other assemblages for large public purposes. —— e The scenes of the old Hatfield-Mc- Coy feud have long presented argu- ments for a special form of disarma- ment. The Speed Maximum. A proposition is being considered at the District building to reduce the maximum speed of automobiles in the city from eighteen to fifteen miles an hour, with a view cf lessening the possibility of traffic accidents. It may be doubted whether this is a wise or necessary move. The difference be- tween the two speeds is not the cause of traffic casualties. As a rule motor- ists whose speed gets them into trouble are now going very much faster than eighteen miles an hour. And at the same time a careless mo- torist going fifteen miles can do much damage. It is a matter of carefulness gather than of speed. In some cities there is no maximum speed limit, but motorists are required to exercise care in the handling of their cars in all conditions, and are held strictly to account for all accidents. This may be a better rule than a speed limit. F¥or it has often been the case here that the motorist whose car has struck and hurt or killed a pedestrian has pleaded and proved that he was moving at a lawful rate, within the maximum, and has thereby evaded Tesponsibility. ‘Reduction of the speed limit, if the zule is generally observed, will un- i preliminary caucus This is undesirable. It is necessary to keep the traffic in motion as rap- idly as safety permits. There is more danger, in one way, in slow moving than in rapidly moving traffic. Many accidents occur at congested points fdue to the interference of vehicles. Under " the impulse system at heavy corners a squad of cars can be sent across the streets at a lively pace in shorter time than at a slow pace. Consequently these alternating move- ments can be more effective and with jless crowding. If the speed limit is reduced the jam at these points is likely to be increased. Let the present rule be enforced. If a maximum of eighteen miles an hour is proclaimed make sure that those who exceed it are charged with the offense. A more thorough en- forcement of this rule will probably do more to lessen mishaps, if a speed limit is, after all, effective to check accidents, then a change of rule by reducing the maximum by three miles an hour. To reduce the limit would mean an entire change of habit on the part of the motorists of the city, and it would take some time for them to adjust to the new.rule. But, above all, whether the speed limit is fifteen or eighteen miles an hour, or there is any limit at all, let the police in charge of traffic make sure that the rules are respected in all matters ahd that the rights of pedestrians at cross- ings are carefully safeguarded. The Russian Tragedy. The other day it was indicated that the tales of suffering in Russia of famine and disease should be received with some reserve, as there was rea- son to suspect that they were colored by propaganda to produce sympathy for the soviet govefnment and perhaps bring about its recognition through the institution of relief work. Now comes a strangely contrasting state- ment by George Tchitcherin, the bol- minister of foreign affairs, ing to a wireless dispatch from Moscow to Vienna, says t “the foreign capitalistic press is wild- Iy exaggerating the facts to suit its own purpose.” . If there is propaganda for Moscow to create sympathy and if there is wild exaggeration on the part of the “capitalistic press,” conditions in Rus- sia are perhaps very far from as bad s the world has been led to believe. But, however that may be, there is reason to think that Russia is in & terrible way. It would be difficult to conduct propaganda or systematic exaggeration over a period of weeks without checking up. The stories of |sul'fering come froin too many quar- ters to be promoted for any purpose. Now comes an account of a concen- tration of hunger marchers upon Mos- cow, with preparations by the soviet government tq resist them. It is stated that trenches have been dug around the city and machine guns placed. For it is feared by the bol- shevik leaders that if the mob enters the capital it will overwhelm the gav- ternment. Truth is, the soviet is just now fighting for its life. It has seen famine and disease accomplish what Wrangel and Kolchak and Denikine failed to do. It has seen these ter- rible elements destroy the loyaity of the peasantry and the workingmen toward bolshevism. It has seen its own soldiers melt into the mass of the hunger strikers. o There is no parallel in the world's history to this situation. The French revolution was started virtually by a famine. So was that in Russia, But the French revolution was overturned through internecine conflict, through jealousies and mutual suspicions of leaders and the courageous seizure of an opportunity by a man of genius. The Russian revolution is not pur- suing that course. Famine, which began it, is completing the cy@le. ‘There is no leader save the figure of death stalking through the Volga val- ley and advancing upon Moscow. Out of this situation may come chaos temporarily. But new leaders will come, new organization will be leffected, and perhaps a government will be formed so founded upon right principles that it can be recognized iby the powers. Meanwhile the work of relief must go on vigorously. Whether there has been propaganda or exaggeration, an appalling situa- tion prevails, and the Russian people must be rescued, whatever their i faults or weaknesses or follies, what- ever the crimes of their present lead- ers. The innocent children cannot be Isuffered to starve and perish of plague for lack of food and supplies that can be sent to them. l e Suggestions of taxes on automobiles are undoubtedly practical, but they have long since ceased to convey any impression of originality. f Opinions of Lloyd George and Northcliffe on certain subjects are not clouded by any doubts as to accuracy or authenticity. t Peace not only brings increase of prosperity, but may be regarded as | representing in itself the highest form of prosperity. i “ways and means” as prominent as “foreign relations” used to be. l g g % The campaign in Virginia this year may result, as many previous cam- paigns in the state have done, in a democratic victory. The democrats have just put a strong ticket in the field. They are in full control of the state. Virginia’'s two senators in Congress are democrats, while all but one of the House members are of the same complexion. Last year the state withstood, the republican cyclone, ]th‘h. elsewhere, all but swept the democracy off the map. Advantages are wholly with the dominant party {in the commonwealth. Still, there is going to be a cam- paign. The republicans have put a ticket in the field, and this insures a thorough canvass. Strong as they are, the democrats’ must discuss the issues, which are largely local. In this country discussion is the life of things. The best government is party government, and party gov-| | i Congress has succeeded in making between parties. Parties bid for con- trol through their platforms and nominees. This time, the Virginla republicans are bidding for control with a good ticket, and a platform of principles appealing directly to state interests. The state’s resources are varied and considerable, and, while the state is forward-looking, these have not been developed, the republicans assert, as they should, and might, have been under a different management. They offer a new management, and the voters will pass on the offer in No- vember. doubtedly slow up traffic mterhlly-l&nm-nt. of course, means & contest The Reward of Genius. Estimates of Caruso’s wealth have placed his fortune at the time of his death wt about $1,500,000. He had earned, it is stated, in the course of his operatic career at least $10,000,000. He was a liberal spender, extravagant in many ways, and lavishly generous in gifts. He lived luxuriously, and it is easy to see how he could let so large a sum run through his fingers. He began his operatic career in 1894 at Naples, but he was not during all of the twenty-seven years of his stage work the high-priced artist that he later became. Not until he reached this country in 1903 did he get to the paint of rich compensation. But if the $10,000,000 estimate of his total earnings as a singer is correct his average annual income for the twen- ty-seven years of his entire career must have beqn at least $370,000. But not all of the $10,000,000 of his total income came from his voice. He was a shrewd investor and made a good deal of money on the side in business. Caruso’'s success shows that the world is generously disposed toward great artists. It is willing to pay liberally those who please it and reach the high standards of art. This is true in other lines than music. Never before ‘were painters and sculptors so well rewarded for their work as at present. Of course, there are cases of struggling genius, unrecognized and suffering for lack of means. Per- haps there are voices as great as Caruso’'s awaiting a hearing today, their possessors in acute need of sustenance. But when the artist be- comes known, whether in vocal work or other lines, the world responds. Merit is recognized and rewarded, perhaps more richly in some cases than in others, possibly unevenly, but in a manner to encourage all who aspire to artistic triumphs to go on in their endeavors. 3 It is not surprising that the offer of food to Russia should arouse fears of a plot to exchange bread for an opportunity to cause counter revolu- tions. Suspicion has become a habit of theight in Russia. ‘The average citizen would welcome any change in the system of railway taxation that would tend toward a simplified system of ‘ticket selling. The ultimate consumer is lost sight of until events gradually bring him into notice as the person whose pur. chasing capacity fixes the price. Germany is becoming more inter- ested in the cultivation of industry and less interested in the promotion of startling philosophies, Bergdoll's hidden wealth. has been as well advertised as if there were an idea somewhere of issuing a pros- pectus and selling stock. The increase in demand for cotton may be a forerunner of conditiens which will call for less expensive dress fabrics and more of them. l The modern improvements in the present Mayflower do not prevent the boat from being hailed as a historic symbol of patrioNism. % SHOOTING STARS. BY PHILANDER JOHNSON. Genuine Applause. “I-don’t pretend to criticise,” Sald Hezekiah Bings, “The words of men accounted wise Concerning numerous things; But when I hear a talk that's fair And clearly understood, The fruit of conscientious care, I say that's mighty good! A Half Billion for Bailroads. President Harding’s plan to allow the War Finance Corporation to raise the half billion to pay the railroads instead of taking it from the United States Treasury meefs with’ the ap- roval of the press of the coumtry. ven thosa newspapers which con- sider that to refund the debt through a federal-body is getting “the govern- ut " gpprove of the plan as the best way out of & bad situation, for all agree that until the buying power of the railroads ig stored general prosperity will be deferred. 3 The New York World (democratic), an active critic of the administration, declares that the President's message “advises such a plunge of the govern- ment into business as has never be known before for a time of peacs but admits that this plan is better in this regard than “the various meas- ures to which & floundering and lead- erless congressional majority is giving oose rein.” % Looking at the plan for financing the railroads as “something more than the outline of a railroad policy,” the Baltimore News (Independent)’ per- ceives in it indication that “it "has actually become impossible to with- draw the government any further from business” and concludes that the continued life” of the War Finance Carporation is “proof of the tenacity Wwith which the public will cling to any system of governmental aid after its Immediate justification has passed.” While the Cleveland. Plain Dealer (independent democratic) = acknowl. edges such objections exist, it feels that: here appears a demand for emergency from 8o many jources that the suggestion of the FPresident is doubtless better than the idea of establishing special financial g:‘ml:ll‘:latl‘o:n for dealing with in- indu th: a; lo’l\:f‘rr:me‘zul asaistance s Y demand at “the plan is not ideal” is the binion of the Syracuse Post-Standard ll;epu}}”can), Which adds, however, hat, “it is doubtless the best availa- hhe".and “without laying & new pipe v!ne to the Treasury, already drained, it will supply the railroads with ;I“W‘Ey they must have to aperate ef- ciently and economically.” taphe New York Globe (independent) akes a somewhat similar view. It says: “The immediate practical advan- tages of this pracedure ought to be considerable, for the expenditure of half a billion dollars by the roads Would lessen unemployment somewhat and stimulate business. It may wall be the best ?l;n under the circum- stances. But it will not take the gov- ernment out of the railway business. It is far more likely to pull the gav- ernment in even more deeply.” For the most part, however, the Rewspapers give their support to Mr. Harding's measure. The Wall Street Journal (independent) remarks that his proposals “for dealing with the critical condition of the raiiroads” il- lustrate “the country's good fortune to have a practical man in the White House and as big a man as Hoover in the cabinet.” The Topeka Journal (independent republican) also consid- Srs that the step Indicates that there 5 4 business man | v Hpude ets man in the White he Roanoke World-News 0- cratic) believes tnat Presmem‘g{?r‘d- ing “is making progress toward im- Proved business conditions” when he Bubmits these “absolutely sound” rec- ommendations concerning the relief of the railroads. Indeed, making this payment possible without involving additional taxation appears to the Seattle Times (independent) to be the one thing needed to speed nation- Wide prosperity,” for “investment of thig half billion dollars in equipment or its payment to thage naving claims against the lines would have a gen- erally vivifying effect, while the set- tlement of the railroad problem with- out imposing additional burdens on the taxpayers would encourage and stimulate business everywhere through- out the countr. Regardless of the “abstract equity of the scheme,” the Syracuse Her- ald (independent) feels “no doubt that its execution would prove a great stimulus to the country’s languishing business.” It also points out that long- delayed purchase of equipment and improvements would “impart fresh life to many industries.” The Lincoln (Neb.) Btar (independent) calls the President’s outline of procedure “di- rect and simple,” and thinks that “a revival of business may logically be anticipated,” if by this means ‘new blood can be put into the transperta- tion lines. redicting that the message will be tramed_ into a bill which® “will g through Congress without serious hitch,” the Baltimore American (re- publican) axprssson its approval of the plan, adding that “the people are interested in seeing the roads re- turned to a solid and paying basis as quickly and efficiently and expedi- tiously as may be.” Looking at” the question from the railroads’ viewpoint, the Lynchburg News (democratic) comments on the “especially clear-cut” meaning of the message, noting with satisfaction that it is “based upon a recognition of the present and extremely important needs of the common carriers for relief which is fairly their due, and which can only be further delayed at the price of great injustice to their interests.” The Charlotte Observer (independent dem- ocratic) remarks that “the whole coun- try has suffered while the transporta- tion system has been fed on promises. Unquestionably the aggressive atti- tude now assumed by the President should be productive of wholesome and expeditious action.” The Brooklyn Eagle (independent democratic) approves of the “sound business principle” back of the scheme, which has the further advan- tage of avoiding “anything in_ the nature of an appropriation,” and the Cincinnati Commercial-Tribune . (re- publican) looks upon it as “simple and eminently safe.” After reviewing the advantages that will accrue to the railroads and the country at large through restoration =1 “When something goes beyond my|of credit and stimulus to buying, the mind And reaches for my heart, New York Herald (independent) de- clares that “it is good business for the government,” better, it believes, And makes me want té help man.|than for the railroads, because the kind To get a better start, I do not yearn for the display That rippling rhetoric brings. ‘That's mighty good,’ is all I say,” Said Hezekiah Bings. Prudent Mentality. “You appear rather proud of the stand the relativity theory.” “I'm not exactly proud,” Senator Sorghum, “but I am resigned. the plain people. plain people didn't get the idea I don’t believe it would be to my ad- vantage to assert any superior in. telligence or exclusive information.” ors replied | Fritjof Nansen, to whom the work former will benefit by compromi that the roads will make on th claims in order to get “quick settle. ments.” A Great Work Well Done. ‘With the arrival of the last shipload of prisoners of war at Trieste one of the most stupendous tasks growing out of the world conflict has been completed. That it has been carried on so0 effectively and without publicity fact that you are unable to under-|is to the everlasting credit of the In- ternational Red Cross at Geneva and the untiring and unselfish ot was intrusted virtually at his own re- quest. To repatriate 250,000 worn and I put great faith in the wisdom of!wounded men from what was once So long as the|the Russian empire was an undertak- ing that could never have been carried to a successful close in small ways or by small men. Fortunately we may claim a share in the achievement. While Nansen de- rived his authority from the league “A man ought to make de most of|°f nations, to which we do not belong, his talents,” said Uncle Eben, “‘ceppin’ sumpin’ like crap shootin’ or razor swingin”.” Non-Production. ‘The man who strives for no result . Save personal enjoyment Presents a problem difficult Concerning unemployment. ‘The Book. classics?” “I'll say I do. have all these handsomely bound vol- vmes I've been paying on for years put entirely out of fashion.” Service. “Do you regard -public officials as servants of the people?”’ “Not exactly,” said Miss Cayenne. as servants, but few of them arge as indifferent about holding on to their| White Plains, N. situations,” “Do you believe in studying ‘the e he appealed to us for funds and we Tesponded. The prisoners were not when his talents happen to run to|our prisoners, but we entered the war to make the world a fitter place for men to live in. We rightly regarde the bringing home of these captive hosts, sent into Siberia by an imperial government and turned loose, to die perchance, by a soviet government, as part of our duty.—New York Evening Post (independent). Dempsey's reported marriage did not eventuate. Here is one fight he seems 0 have temporarily dodged.—Seattle ost-Intelligencer. An_optimist is @ man who belleves he flies are looking for a way to get out—Wyoming State Tribune and I don't propose to|Cheyenne State Leader. For her part, Germany is managing to keep her interest in the disarma. ment conference under perfect control. —Anaconda Standard. A girl with money to burn can al- ways find a Patriot. Lightning may strike twice in the “Good ones are as difficult to secure | Same Place: but it seldom needs to.— place; match.—Harrisburg | N Y., Police Mystified by Woman, says a headline. They have a world of company.—El Paso Herald.. . Clmed A" Day Saturday MEN-If You’d Like to Save $9.75 to $25.00 on a suit—patronize - Qur Great August Clearance Sale Every fancy mixture 3-piece summer suit in stock has been reduced, every blue serge, every black suit —uall have been reduced. Regulars, longs, shorts and stouts included—NO CHARGE FOR ALTERATIONS — All $29.75 and $33.75 All $40, $45, $48.75 and $55 Three-Piece Suits Three-Piece Suits 20 | °30 Every Palm Beach Coat and Trousers Just 128 : Th? Season’s Biggest Seller.' Genuine Mohair In view of the limited guantity, we heve con- centrated these susts at the Avenue store. Dlenty large sizes— regulgrs, stouts, shorts, lengs and long stouts. Keemior B $ 1 3 75 | | Coats and Panis § 1 9.75 A Great August Clearance Sale of All Fancy Shirts No Exceptions—No Reservations 2,000 Fancy $1.50 and $2.00 $ 1 1 Soft Cuft Shirts 2 A wonderful assortment of percales, woven madras, silk-stripe madras shirts in famous Emery and other makes. Cut and make guar- anteed; sizes 13Y, to 18. A Great August Clearance Sale 5,000 Pairs All Straw Hats are now reduced in our great August Clearance All Straw Hats Sold Up to $3 165 All Straw Hats sold up to $4.75 2.65 3,000 Fine $2.50 Fancy Soft Cuff Shirts 25c Cotton Men’s Hose 19¢ 2,000 Fine K Pair $3.00 and $3.50 Soft Cuff Shirts Black, Navy, Brown and Gray—9Y, to 11Y; A Great August Clearance Sale 3,500 Fine Knee Union Suits Sold All Season for $1.25 and $1.50 Including such famous makes as Roxford, Varsity, Rockin- chair, B. V. D., Shedaker and Mercer. 2