Evening Star Newspaper, December 26, 1926, Page 9

EARLY MOTORISTS HAD OWN WORRIES Dr. Barton Often Found That 400-Pound Battery Could Not “Pull” Capitol Hill. The horseless carriage, excursions to Cabin John and Great Falls, Gibson Girls, Rough Riders and gasoline a dime a gallon, Washington in those days, the turn of the centu vas the pedestrian’s Utopia and the motorist's Mecca., electric surrey, the steam mobile and the gasoline buggy were thrusting themselves upon the awed yet skep- tical Capital populace. . There was no speed limit, merely the prohibition of .~ which applied to horse-drawn_vehicles well. Any- thing over 35 miles an hour on the level in the year of 1898, or 1903, for that matter, was an unimaginable at- tainment of speed. The electric was the first mode of self-propulsion along the city streets, and Dr. Wilfred M. Barton, with his | 1899 model, was one of the ploneers | ~¢ Washington motordom. He lived | At the time on Capitol Hill, whence he would coast into town as he perched perilously on the driver's box. “The return journey uphill was, if any thing, more exciting, for the stora battery, occupying the rear of the | surrey and weighing 400 pounds, was liable to become exhausted, and it often did under the strain of the climb. Dr. Barton remembers that it required several men pulling a rope to supplement the motive power of his car when he wished to coax it up the garage incline. Others who placed their faith in electrics were Charles | J. Bell, Frank C. Henry, R. Golden Donaldson, Dr. Sterling Ruffin and Dr. A. J. Carrico. Dr. J. O. 8kinner still drives the electric runabout he bought in 1905. Engineers’ Licenses Needed. Prior to 1903 District motorists were not burdened with the formalities of license tags and operators’ permits. The advent of the steam car, or ‘'loco- mobile,” as it was called to distinguish it from the gasoline combustion en- gine, led the local authorities to insti- tute third-class steam engineer exami: nations for drivers of “locomobiles,” while gasoline and electric automobile owners remained temporarily exempt. Col. M. A. Winter, Dr. Frank E. Gib- son, Dr. Harvey W. Wiley, Harry Nor- ment, William L. Robins and G. Bowle Chipman were among the daring ad- venturers who boiled over the pave- ments in ther vehicular volcanoes. Gasoline contraptions of one and two cylinders launched themselves forth before the nervous gaze of both occu- pants and bystanders about the year 1902, and somewhat later four cylin- der automobiles. They had a plane- tary transmission system, two speeds, and were chain driven. A spectacular feat of the time was the surmounting by Rudolph Jose in a one-lunger of 16 of the front steps of the Capitol. Mr. Jose engineered his bout with gravity at daybreak to avoid the pos- sible disapproval of officialdom. All went well until the driving chain of his car parted, when he had to retreat precipitously with what little aid his brakes afforded. Considerable sensation was cauged about town when Royce Hough, also a veteran in the automobile business, took some visiting Indian chiefs, in full regalia, for a ride through the Soldiers'’ Home grounds. ‘The painted warriors whooped with glee, while on- Jookers trembled in consternation. | The leader 'of the Soldiers' Home Band, John 8. M. Zimmerman, wWas no | doubt surprised at the mechanical in- trusion, for he was practically the first Washington citizen, together with Thomas Bones, to risk his limbs on a motor cycle. . Clothes Made the Motorist. The preparation for an automobile ride in the petticoat era was a sar- torial ordeal in itself. Goggles, sev- eral layers of vells, linen duster and bonnet were absolutely necessary ad- juncts to an automobile expedition, ot only as a protection from dust, for windshields were unknown and home- adjusted puggy tops the only shelter from the elements, but as a sign of being stylishly dressed for the particu- lar_occaslon. The early automobile tonneau, with a rear door tor access to two rows of hard upholstered seats facing each other and the immediate roadside, were thoughtfully equipped with an all-embracing wicker basket to carry the baby, emergency rations and extra clothing in the event of a breakdown. There was a certain amount of leg room on the driver's seat, but mem- bers of the family in the rear doubt- less often felt that they were cooped up for life, even during one of the fre- quent pauses that had to be made to replenish the water in the radiator. Many prominent Washington resi- dents vied with each other in the what was then considered foolhardy operation of the gasoline car. A 30- imile jaunt in the first few vears of the ceritury was a_considerable undertak- ing; a whole day would be set aside for such an escapade. Some of the hardy spirits who ve survived to tell the tale are Arthur Moses, Dr. Clarence A. Weaver, Col. M. A. Win- Dr. Frank E. Gibson, John F. Walter A. Wells, Col. Henry May, who was one of the very first to appear with a car in the Dis- trict: Frank H. Edmonds, Mrs. Scott Townsend, Alexander B. Legare, whose luxurious machine is illus- trated; W. L. Tuckerman, H. L. Thornton, John W. Childress, Capt. Ridley McLean, W. Beale Bloomer and Harry Wardm: PORTION OF RAMPARTS OF CONCARNEAU FALLS Noted French Rendezvous of Paint- ers From America Is Hit by Ravages of Time. ssociated Press ARNEAU, Brittany, Decem- Sinking under the weight of 1 portion of the fourteenth- century ramparts of this old walled city, probably the most painted object in France, has fallen into the harbor. Ever since Alexander Harrison, the covered Concarneau, 85 years ago, it has been the Summer home of Ameri- can artists in France, for few places in ¥ 5 uch a wealth of subjec dscape artists, while n and women and chil dren are only too willing to pose for the painter of Breton “types’” at prices far below those demanded in Paris. SHIP SPIC FOR DUCHESS. British Cruiser Renown to Take Royal Couple to Australia. LONDON, December 25 (#).——Work is proceeding on the cruiser Renown at Portsmouth to 1 it smart for the little Duchess of York and her husband, who le on their Aus- tralian voyage January 6 The cruiser’s hull is being painted a pearl-gray, and in the sunshine she will look like a_silver ship. The walls of the royal cabin are being enameled white, at the duchess’ special request. Blue cretonne window curtains and Joose covers of similar material for 1he furniture will be provided. 1 Upper left: One of the first flivers in Washington. This car had a cus- built cabriolet body. It was owned by Alexander B. Legare of 1737 N street. His chauffeur and footman are shown in charge. Upper right: Rudolph Jose, wet- eran automobile dealer, and a friend pause for a breath in an early model automobile. Lower left: An electric, vintage of 1899, owned and piloted by Dr. Wil- fred M. Barton of 1718 Rhode Island avenue, who was one of the first physicians in the District to venture forth in this type of machine. Lower right: The first of its ymke in Washington. Mr. Jose is warming up for his ascent of the Capitol steps. tom THE SUNDAY STAR, WASHINGTON, D. C. AND THESE WERE FAMILIAR SIGHTS 25 YEARS AGO. MOUNTAIEER SET HOLDAY R HARK Million Gallons of Corn Whis- ky Expected to Last Over New Year Day. By the Associated Press. PULASKI, Va., December 25.—One million gallons of mountain-distilled corn whisky—that tremendous total is what the moonshiners and bootleg- gers of the Appalachian uplands ex- pect to contribute by way of ‘cheer” for the holiday season lasting through New Year day. Thousands of gallons of the grand total already have been transported to eastern and northern centers, and the armada of whisky-laden cars still is making nightly dashes from hills to lowlands. Operators calculate that 85 per cent of the liquor will be delivered safely at points of distribution. Some- thing will happen to the other 15 per cent. The blockaders reckon soberly with the army of Federal agents, dep- uty sheriffs and State officers who lurk at every crossroad, and in every hamilet, in a concerted effort to stem the white gurgling tide. Many cars will be seized and many rum runners Lwill spend the holidays in jail—unless they manage to make bond. Coast Cities Avoided. “Do mnot bother with towns and cities within 150 miles of the coast.” This is the admonition that has been given those charged with the task of distribution. Experience of the past two years has imparted to the vast moonshining syndicate knowledge of the necessity of catering to the inland. The rum fleet, while operating in a greatly curtailed latitude this year, was expected to be in a position to supply the coast—alded by synthetic liquor manufacturers. The job of the moonshiners is to administer to the interior. Two years ago the moonshiners were chided for falling down on the job. Their powers of imagination ere not sufficient to encompass the dimensions of the undertaking. So the supply of whisky was 50 per cent short of the demand. Last year they perked up, made a survey- of pros- pects and produced what was roughly estimated at half a million gallons. Again the supply became exhausted. This year the operators were fired by & new determination. They bezan early and worked late. Batteries of stills spurted booze where before there had been but one. The result was liquor in an amazing quantity and of embalming quality. Most of it has turned a light brown. It tastes of -tobacco, lye and still-black. Tt has been burned. It is a foul, for the most part, half-baked concoction, born of haste and unrivaled opportunity for profit. It will destroy eyes, stom- aches and kidneys, but—it has the “kick."” Main Object Attained. But the main object has been at- tained. It is unlikely that the de- mand will exceed the output this vear and the moonshiners from Mississippi to Maryland wear the smile of a vast content—of & job well handled. They are well satisfled with their demon- stration of ability to cope successfully with America’s thirst. * The boys of the road, the buckaroos who dellver the goods, are authority for the assertion that the further South the better the booze. The best, they claim, comes from Georgia, Alabama and South Caro- lina. Kentucky moonshiners are letting slip & reputation that was once the pride of Dixie. They're get- ting too rich, the transporters declare. Lactobacillus Acidophilus Call our product “L A.” . ‘Trade Mark) For Intestinal disorders. Ask _your phyciclan about it. X 2 NATIONAL VACCINE AND ANTITOXIN INSTITUTE th 89. 1515 U Calvert St. Bet. 18th & 19th N.W. With dinner choice of Roast Turkey Roast Capon Roast Lamb or Roast Beef $1.00 1 PM. to 7 PM.*= Service and Food Unsurpassed Parking on Thres & otambin 5042 five-course your have the you THREE MISSING SOUGHT. Police have instituted search for three persons reported missing. One of the trio is Mrs. Lols Jeffries, years old, reported missing from her home, 1445 N street, since yeste! day. Her husband, George Jeffri asked the police to make eves to locate his bobbed-haired wife. Walter 8. McDonald, 18 s 736 Twenty-second street, is missing since 7 o'clock F ing He left home to go to his work with the Southern Dairies Co., and failed to return. Thomas Edward Cole, disappeared from his home, 1506 Fifth reet, three told. years old, days ago, police were Lansburgh & Bro. BASEMENT—S8th & E Newest Silk Frock in high Shades They are so delightful in style and quality i as well as in color—these fresh, lovely one an two piece dresses of heavy flat crepe and silk ! \ AT Ui canton—for immediate and all-spring wear. New surplice effects, finely pleated skirt fronts, beautiful ombre effects, achieved by bands of graduated color tones and other chic details. Greens, rose tones, orange tans and hew blues. Sizes 16 to 42. Dance Frocks Charming Styles for the New Year! Fluffy ruffles, tulle yokes and overskirts, rhinestones, silk flow- ers, silver embroidery and velvet bands are just a few of the touches that make these dainty frocks so alluring—so reall wonderful at $10! Of georgette, crisp taffeta and gleaming satin, in the smartest evening shades. Sizes 14 to 38. Two Groups of Shoes $2.99 $3.99] Real bargains—these are—and worth-while ones, too! A smart, pleasing assortment that in- cludes all sizes from 3 to 8. All kinds of strap pumps, operas and cut-out oxfords patent and soft black velvet; featuring the various popular in glossy \ A Coat Sale Smart Fashions for Women and Misses %20 It is not only the be- coming styles that will impress you—the qual- ity, too, will amaze you at this price. bolivi Warm as, suedes and pin points, in deep reds, and blues with browns, blacks interlin- ings and linings (many of silk), as well as the richest of fur collars, cuffs, and sometimes fur borders and whole fur fronts. Siz to 46. Satinette Bloomers, 59¢ es A mighty unusual price for these famous aprons, with the practical reversible front. white and colors—most all sizes. Flannelette Gowns, 59¢ Flannelette Pajamas, 79¢ Flannelette Bloomers, regular and extra sizes, 39¢ In 16 DECEMBER 26, 1926—PART 1. CHRISTMAS BUYING LOWEST IN FRANCE 2 Business Never So Bad, in Spite of Wonderful Dis- plays, Dealers Say. BY WILLIAM BIRD. Special Dispatch to The Star. PARIS, December It's a menger Christmas for thousands of French children, judging by the volume of sales made by the big Paris shops. Never in the history of merchan- dising have the big Paris retailers of- fered such elaborate Christmas plays as this year and never, say, has business been so bad. The great department stores—the Bon Marche, the Galeries Lafayette, the Louvre—spent millions of francs in stocking and displaying their win- dows and counters. Every afternoon, in the early Winter twilight, myriad- colored electric bulbs gleamed out on the facades of these immense em- poriums, transforming thein into fairy palaces of dancing light, beckoning the throngs from afar to the enchant. ing displays of Christmas merchan- dise. Throngs There, But Not to Buy. And the throngs came. They came to press around the dazzling windows and gaze at the marvels of the toy akers' art, which was never so in- rged through end. less afsles of tempting novelties. But they didn’t buy. The economic crisis due to the rise of the franc was blamed for this state of affairs. People are out of jobs—or fear that they soon will be. Other people—small shopkeepers—sold noth- themselves, and therefore couldn't ord to buy. Investors—nearly everybody in France is to some extent an investor—had seen their securities decline on the stock market, and were full of caution, if not full of panic. And the consequence is that Santa Claus’ pack this year was a slim one. The hoy who wanted a bicycle found a jack knife in his littie wooden shoes. The girl who wanted a big talking doll with a real doll carrfage tried to be y'eased with a book of fairy tales. Somebody who wanted a watch or a bracel>t got nothing but hearty Christmas wishes. Of course, the custom of Christmas giving is not an old and deep-rooted one in France. In fact, it is a p war development, for in the old d: the great bulk of giving was done at New Year. The shopkeepers, taking advantage of the popular readiness for new ideas after the war, found the institution of Christmas giving an excellent plan for flattening the hollday peak Some of them hope that between now and New Year day the enormous stock of gift goods will begin to move. Others announce with determination that they will slash prices and force it to move. But a few of the wiser ones declare that when the .public gets into a_cautious mood there is nothing to do but wait until it gets over it. The mood is one that always goes with deflation, they say. But deflation revalorization and stabilization are pretty big words to offer the French children as explanations of why “Papa Noel” didn’t bring what th asked for. | The Wright Company | 1,000 MEN TO ERECT BIG ALABAMA DAM Upper Tallassee Development Is Increased From 8,500 to 50,000 Horsepower Capacity. By the Associated Press. BIRMINGHAM, Ala., December 25. —Upper Tallassee dam, familiarly known as the Montgomery dam, lo- cated on the Tallapoosa River, 7 miles below the Martin dam development, is to be converted into a major de- velopment by Increasing its height 57 feet, and jts capacity 500 to an initial installed ci- of 50,000 horsepower, accord- ing to announcement made today by Thomas W. Martin, president of the Alabama Power Co. Provisions will be made to install a third unit of 25,000 horsepower later if it is found desirable to do so. Work on the project is to begin early in 1927 and 1.000 men will be required on the job. Units to be installed will be the "largest ever brought into the Southeast for a dam of such a low head, the announcement stated. The construction 3 which will be a minlature city, will be located between the upper and lower Tallassee dams, which latter project is also owned by the Alabama Power Co. The lower Tallassee dam will also be converted into a major developmen just as soon as work on the uppe: project is completed, the announce- ment stated further, the same con- struction camp and force of 1,000 men being empl zzzzz;777%. Lowered Prices Make It Worth Your While to Invest That Christmas Money In Good Furniture 72 7 iz 7 227 13 OFF 14 OFF former prices of these ' Odd Pieces for all 1/20f Smokers, formerly from $1.00 to $35.00 each. Now— S0c to $17.50 ® 1 on odd /3 Off Chairs, sold from $19.50 to $150.00. Now— $13.00 to $100 - — on Library 1/2 Off and Deven- port Tables, sold from $25.00 to $65.00. Now— $12.50 to $32.50 D — L — ]/40ffon all Lamps sold from $295 to $35.00. Now— $2.21 to $27.50 Z, Beds, in brown mahog- e < Overstustfed Living Room Suile Carved-cood Frame Living Room Suite, in threetone jacquard velour, reversible cushiohs in neat designs to match. Suite was formerly priced $187.50. Now, $§11250. A Z 2277 Y 7 %, Or with the Club Chair (3 pieces), $149'50 e e e 100 10-piece Dining Room Suite, regularly priced at $165.00; walnut finish, chairs in leather, 60-inch buffet; only two suites left. Now $99.00. *99 MATTRESSES Reduced in Price $9.00 Cotton Maz- tresses. Now........ $1250 Felz and Cor- $Q.75 ton Mattresses. Now o 132 4 - poster Colonial $18.00 Alllayer Felt Mattresses. any finish; all sizes. $2400 Four- row Stitched, All- layer Felt Mat- tresses. Now... $29.50 Sealy Brand Matiresses. $3750 Con- science Brand &% Mattresses. Now Pay Only a Small Amount Now! Pay the Balance Weekly or Monthly As You Desire WRIGHT co. 905 7th Street