Evening Star Newspaper, February 11, 1930, Page 7

THE EVENING STAR, WASHINGTON. D. ORIGIN OF CONGEPT BUSINESS ADVANCE OF GOD HELD LOST Dr. Cooper Cites Confusion That Has Followed in Wake of Science. BY THOMAS R. HENRY. {The origin of the concept of God in the human mind is lost in the shadows of the past, Dr. John M. Cooper, pro- Tessor of anthropology at Catholic Uni- versity, said in a public lecture at the university last night. ! The science of anthropology during the past 20 years, he said, has de- melished most of the old theories of the | nings of religion, but has not been al to resolve the confusion. The be- of the most primitive ples ' ywn today, he insisted, are evidently | & long way from the beginning. Dr. Cooper pointed out that the re- ligions of the world can be classified as animism, or belief in nature spirits; manism, or fear and wroship of the flm of ancestors; polytheism, or be- in many gods; and monotheism, or ‘beliet in one god. In the past, he said, anthropologists have tried to picture an evolutionary process, with one belief arising from another. Exist Side by Side. ‘The striking fact which has come to light in recent years, he said, is that among the most primitive races exist- ing today, all these beliefs exist side| by side, and that the development of religion, as it can be observed in his- tory, does not seem to proceed by one belief evolving into another. All, he said, seem to have had parallel growths and still exist parallel. Dr. Cooper, who has spent many Summers studying the culture of Hud- son Bay Indians, pointed out that gen- erally the human race can be divided into culture areas. Along the north- ern and southern frontier belts of the habitable world are scattered the mar- ginal nomadic peoples. Approximately in the center of the habitable world have arisen the four great civilizations ~—that of the Mediterranean, of which the Western civilization of today is an extension; Northern Indian, China and Mexico and Peru. Stretched between the marginal and the civilized peoples, he said, are the agricultural peoples who have not quite | attained a civilization, but who are ' greatly advanced culturally. the Indians who were found in the United States and Canada fall in this class, as well as most of the African tribes. - ‘This, he said, is believed to represent roughly a time relation, the marginal peoples representing the general state of the human race at an early period, and the agricultural peoples the state from which civilization arose. But when the time relation is applied to the evo- lution of religion, he pointed out, the inferences are not clear. Primitive Races Were Monotheistic. many of them have a concept of one Tuling deity. ‘The next step, he said, still shows some of the more advanced peoples with on> god, but the general concept has changed. This god is apt to be imper- sonal, vague and far away. The idea of delegated responsibility seems to have come in and prayers are mnot directed to the Supreme Being, but to hosts of inferior gods. Anthropols logy can neither sustain or | task disprove the concept of an original revelation of an inborn consciousness of a creator, he said. Neither can it sustain or disprove any other concept. view of the enormous tangle of evi- collec in recent years, Dr. sald, many years of study must before any concept can be ed with “t‘mfi.:lle ge“mmty. concept of a single Supreme Be- ing, he said, differs widely among the peoples who hold it, but gen- ly it includes three factors—the it f God as the creator of man and the of a benevolent force and of a fold mhyohglc:i Mrl.gin B 'f - :1g' ol psyc] o of religion. “The idea of a creator would be arrived an inborn sense of right and wrong. ‘The idea of a benevolent diety would come from man's emotional yearning Zor help in trouble. ey BLAZE IN COLLEGE. Loss at Moorhead State Institution Estimated at $750,000. MOORHEAD. Minn., February 11 (P).—Loss estimated at $750,000 was caused early yesterday by fire which destroyed the main building at the Moorhead State Teachers’ College. The loss included a 25,000-volume library and valuable records. Approximately 700 students were dis- missed from classes because the heat- ing system, centered in the building, was out of commission. Plans were under way, however, to have the col- lege in full operation by Thursday. Defective electric wiring was blamed for the fire. . FREDERICK M. ECKER. Installation Law Draws Sarcastic Briefs by Counsel If Refrigerators Are In- spected, Why Not Waffle Irons? Is Question. Debate over the proposed assessment of $1 for inspection of the installation of mechanical refrigerator boxes in homes, which yesterday brought an ac- tion of former President Coolidge into argument at a hearing before the Dis- trict Commissioners, today developed into a neat bit of letter writing, with the need for the inspection and the Tesulting cost at issue. Calls “Fee” a Tax. In a brief, poking fun at the need for this proposed inspection, Rufus S. Lusk, secretary of the Operative Build- erd’ Association, declares the dollar charge would not constitute a “fee,” since no ‘“needed” service could be rendered, but rather would amount to an additional v If such a be imposed, he asks, why not have a similar tax for the in- spection of the intallation of waffle irons for householders’ use? John H. Lorsch, representing the en- gineer’s union, Local No. 99, who en- gaged in debate with Lusk yesterday over whr President Coolidge signed a bill providing that during the operation of any machine driven by electricity, steam or gas a licensed engineer shall be present to supervise, was given oppor- tunity to file a brief in further argu- ment, Lusk countered today by filing with Engineer Commissioner ~Ladue this statement: “We object to the inspection fee of $1 for class D unit systems. Just what is the purpose of this inspection, and what good it will do, we are unable to understand. These units are delivered complete, and all that the householder has to do is to plug in the refrigerator to an outlet. This outlet, along with the balance of the electrical wiring, has been inspected and passed at the time the building was constructed. The ‘n- spector would have the highly technical of gazing at the outlet to which it is proposed to attach the electrical re- frigerator and again decide that such an outlet is all right, even though it has al ly been passed by some other electrical inspector. This seems to us 2 double inspection and that dollar fee is not a fee at all, but a tax. Why Not Waffle Irons? “If it is necessary to inspect for an electrical refrigerator connection why not _make an inspection necessary for idea | WafMle irons, washing machines, vacuum cleaners and electric heaters? n though the hook-up is made at :heger- ticular outlet inspected, what is there to prevent the householder from moving the refrigerator? Indeed, one refrigera- tor on wheels is now being marketed. “The inspection can have nothing to do with the mechanical part of the re- frigerator itself, since there is one type of refrigerator the mechanical part of which cannot be inspected without the use wgt a cm'bf;\:i “We respectfully suggest that if the Commissioners insist upon this dollar fee that they call it by its right name— Tecesiary seice. " Thene ioat.oLt Ty service. ese mig} ery pleasant, indeed, if the electrical inspector is an affable sort of a chap, but just what necessary service will he render?” , FIRE HITS AIR STATION. Records of Tests at’ Anacostia Are Saved From Flames. Fire, believed to have started In a heating plant, gutted one office room used by the flight test section at the Ana- costia Naval Air Station and dlmlfid a part of the executive office early this morning. Records relating to the flight testing of naval planes at the local sta- tior;d and records ,of the station were saved. The fire was confined to the south end of the administration building, a one-story frame structure on the river front. The portion burned was a new THRDUGH 1530 SEEN = Metropolitan Life President Predicts Normal Increase in Capital. in Washington should show advance during the current year with hard work, real thought and careful planning on the part of enter- prisers, coupled with the growth of the lation here, in the opinion of Fred- . Ecker, president of the Metro- Life Insurance Co., who today & conference at the Willard Hotel of more than 20 representatives of his $3,00,000,000 institution. * Business a - Speaking of the construction industry here, in which the nsurance company is int through mortgage loan in- vestments, Mr. Ecker saw no neec for a serious decline in the volume of new work, nor did he see any reason for any great step-up in building operations. Careful Planning Needed. need for each project. There are some fields in the construction industry here. he indicated, in which there is room for steady progress, and there are others in which new projects should be started after exact study of supply and demand. Referring to business generally, Mr. Ecker sald: “Washington is one of the stable cities of the country. You are mnot subject to fluctuations in industry and commerce as are other citles. Your city constantly is expanding and the normal, steady growth of the popula- tion brings naturally increased business to this section. “Conditions here essentially are sound and the city is sure to show con- tinued ess. There is no feeling of resistence to placing of mortgage loans here on operations that are es- sentially sound and conservatively planned. Home Loans Subject to Study. “Loans on homes are always subject to the question of supply and demand. This aid in the home construction in- dustry is not as essential now as it was in the immediate post-war period, since_the shortage has n taken up by past peak years of construction. However, with the steady growth of the city, there is a field for activity in this line in certain classes and certain sections, as shown by careful and con- servative studies of needs. “In some sections supply of housing New activities in the building field, he told a representative of The Star, should be carefully and conservatively planned on the basis of scientific study of the has caught up with demand and in others there is need for additional pro- visions.” Discussing the business situation of the country as a whole, the insurance company president said he felt that there would be a steady advance gen- erally. He pointed out that the larger concerns generally do not report large inventories on hand now. Following the slump in the stock market, he sald, the general tendency of business organizations was to hesi- tate temporarily to see what the rea tion would be, but that with the re- newal of confidence and the impetus lent by the conferences organized by President Hoover a reaction had set in that would offset any hesitation result- ing from the stock market break. Steady Advance Is Predicted. ‘The current year, he predicted, would show a steady, normal advance over 1929. As head of the insurance concern Mr. Ecker has supervision over the in- vestment of a daily average of $2,000,- 000 of the company's funds. Mr. Ecker became associated with the Metro- litan 46 years ago, starting as a clerk at a salary of $4 per week. He made a study of the method of handling ap- praisals and mortgage loans and when the company created a real estate mortgage division about 21 years ago he was placed in charge, at the age of 25. After passing through various posts with the company he was made president to succeed the late Haley ke, Mr_Ecker, accompanied by Leroy A. Lincoln, vice president and general , and other officials, is making a_tour of the country to discuss policies of the company with its field agents. TUESDAY,. FEBRUARY 11, 1930. TRACTION MERGER 1S WEIGHED TODAY £ & Car Fare Continuance Guar- antee in Present Proposal a Major Question. Sentiment in the Senate District committee toward the pending plan for a street rallway merger may be defi- nitely ascertained late today, when the committee goes into executive session. While the meeting has been called principally to consider the merger, Chairman Capper probably will also discuss informally with his colleagues the Cramton park development bill and the Howell prohibition enforcement measure, to find out when the commit- tee wishes to take up these proposals. The nomination of Richmond EB. Keech to be people’s counsel before the Public Utilities Commission also may come up, but it is probable the commit- tee will defer action for a few days. The nomination was only received by the committee yesterda; ‘The committee is expected to call in members of the Utilities Commission plan should ‘nclude the guarantee change in rate of car fare following merger, and amendments to the utili- for two whether ppeals from decision: of the commission, should be made part of the merger resolution or handled as se| te legislation. committee also has before it a number of amendments proposed by William McK. Clayton of the Federa- tion of Citizens' Associations, including & definite provision for reduced rates for school children and free transfers between street cars and busses. WOMAN SLAYER CLEARED. Killing of Son-in-Law Held Jus- tifiable by Judge. Ark., February unicipal Judge Louis Josephs yesterday dismissed a charge of murder against Mrs. Hannah Johnson, 40, for the slaying of her son-in-law, John Porier, 20. Porier was shot by Mrs. Johnson at the latter’s home, near here, last Sat- urday. She said he was advancing toward her with a hoe after threaten- *% A7 MORRIS GOLDSTEIN FILES PETITION IN BANKRUPTCY Hardware Merchant Lists Debts at $35,701.52 and Assets at $3,313 in Action. Morris Goldstein, hardware merchant, 903-5 H street northeast, today filed in the District Supreme Court a voluntary' petition in bankruptcy. He lists his debts at $35,701.52 and estimates his assets at $3,313. He is represented by Attorneys Tobriner & Graham. street, today advised the Dis- trict Supreme Court through its presi- dent, Ella D. Levis, that it is unable to pay its creditors and wishes to be ad- judged bankrupt. The company an- nounces that it will flle a schedule of assets and liabilities within the 10 days allowed by the law. Attorneys Vane doren, Rafferty & Rogers appear for the company. — DOCTORS ARE HONORED. Three Capital Physicians Are Elect. ed to American College. Three Washington doctors were elect- ed fellows of the American College of ing to kill her entire famil; ‘The 14-year-ol man, Gertrude fied for her mother. ly. d_widow of the slain Johnson Porier, testi- Minnesota Wildman and Winthrop Physicians at Minneapolis yesterday. An Associated Press dispatch from the id that this honor was given to Drs. Joel JHBAefl White, Otls Fur~iturE, Froor CovERINGS Lamps ..s FaBRICS _A” are Rea’ucec[ in our FEBRUARY SALE Everytlfing ‘in our line ll1at contrilmtes towar(l ma]ti;lg a Ilomc ORIENTAL RUGS and mal\ing it most attractive and correct is included in our collec- tion—and all marked at prices for this important occasion which HAND WOVEN TURKISH RUGS 6x9 9/x12' 9'x12" 9 x12/ $55.00 $110.00 $175.00 $300.00 INDIA & CHINESE RUGS 9'x 12/ from ‘$185.00 LARGE CHINESE RUGS 10’ x 14’ 12 x 18’ $395.00 7 $900.00 SCATTER SIZES &) will strongly appeal to those interested in cfrectins real savings. Livine RooMm FurRNITURE An atmosphere of ease with all the elements of good taste may be expressed in the Living Room with the many pieces of Furniture found on our floors, all marked lower for this Sale. English(Club(hairsdceply Sofas are here in a host” of PERSIAN $20.00 0 MOSULS $50.00 ORIENTAL MATS $10.50 20°$35.00 EMBROIDERED NAMDAS $13. * 50 LINOLEUMS INLAID LINOLEUM $1.25 70 $3.50 per sq. yd. cushioned to provide easy com- fore, are all splendid examples of the upholsterer’s art. There is 2 rangeof covers from which to choose and for the Sale they are marked from s195 . Open. Arm (Chalrs of graceful lines and in a variety of woods, start with a Queen Anne_reproduction at § 35 * styles and sizes, many of them made in our own factories. A wide, range of covers provides ample freedom of choice and prices start at . o .- $170 Love Seats, ideal for the small apartment, in covers of - repp, tapestry or chintz are priced from & 4 . $110 in Muslin $75 DoMEesTIC RUGS REPRODUCTIONS OF . ORIENTAL RUGS Size 9/ x 12/ from $125.00 2 $190.00 WILTON RUGS 9 x12t $65.00 207$125.00 AXMINSTER RUGS 9'x12' $35.00 20 $49.50 MODERNISTIC RUGS from $12.00 to $175.00 ANTIQUE HOOKED RUGS [from $8.00 CARPETINGS BROADLOOM SEAMLESS Ferndown — 9/, 10-6%, 12’ and 15’ wide, $5.00 per sq. yd. Special Heavy Pile Broadloom —9’, 12/,15'and 18’ wide, $6.50 per sq yd. Saxony — 9/, 10’-6" ‘and 12’ wide, $9.50 per sq. yd. Imported Lascony — 9', 106", 12/, 13%6", 15’ and 18’ wide, $1000 per sq.yd ; PLAIN LINOLEUM $150 70 $3 50 per sq.-yd. JASPE LINOLEUM’ $2.25'10 $3.00 per sq. yd. addition to the structure, erected last Summe; Sofa %bles, suitable - for living room or library, are here Secretaries of fine designs and in woods of mellow tone, many by our own cabinet in several styles and priced makers, are from , . 3165 HORY it & o i 363 CORK CARPET o . $2.00 per sq.yd. NARROW WIDTHS Figured Axminster 27" wide—$2 25 to $6.00 per yard. Figured Worsted Wilton 27" wide | —$2.75 t0 $6.00 per yard. Hooked Rug Carpet and Saxony Frieze 27" wide—$7.25 per yard. Plain Velvet 27” wide — $3.25 to $5.50 per yard, 295 . FABRICS Colored Youth Frightened Off by; Her Screams. Mrs. Jennie Lewis, 1129 Twenty- first street, was attacked by an uni- dentified colored boy about 9:30 o'clock last night while in the vicinity of Eighteenth and Q streets. She was not serfously hurt. It is believed the boy made the attack for the purpose of robbery. Mrs. Lewis’ screams frightened him off before he had suc- ceeded in taking property from her. Girl Killed on Way to Church. DETROIT, Mich., February 11 (#).— An 8-year-old girl was shot and wound- ed fatally while on her way to church One Room Often Sells a House Maybe it is the spacious bay window in the dining room, or the open fireplace in- the cozy living room. . Show a view of this room in your advertisement in The Star under Sale Houses. ‘Bedroom Suites, which embody the clements of good furniture--choice woods, splendid lines and faultless workmanship —show the Sale reductions and are priced from . . Such a picture will tell to i thousands what your salesman LAMPS could tell fo only'a few on the premises. here Sunday. The little girl, Jennie For particulars Call Classified b Mark, died in Recelving Hospital. Po- || Department, Th lice said they believed the shot was || 5000, s fired by some person who was trying o kill pigeons. EXCHANGED UPRIGHT PIANO Small Size $125 CHAS. M. STIEFF, Inc. 1340 G Street N. W. Table™ Lamps, teproduced * from old tole urns, with shades of parchment orsilk) formerly $75.00 are-now ' $55.00. .A Two Light Student Lamp of oldbrass with 6" parchment shade, is $18 00. Dresden'Figure Lamps. with ribbon trimmed taffera’ shades’ complete, from $45.00. . i Reproductions ot: old Lowestoft porce- lain l.ump:; from $60.00. Adjustable Bridge Lamps of period de= signd'are now $24.50¢ "Dim'ng Room Groups, most of them period reproduc- tions from our own factory, are all ‘priced lower at this season radisre markedifiom: « o v e P v e v 3395 oo W. & J. SLOANE *The House with the G;'mn Shutters” 709:7111713, TWELFTH)STREET, N.W,, ‘WASHINGTON, .D. C., Rare Tapestries of the 17th and 18th centuries and modern ones from Belgium, France and Flanders now range from $500:00 to $10,000. Needlepoints " imported from France are now marked lower at this season. Chintzes and Linens in a variety * of distinctive patterns are priced, for the Sale, as low as $1.50 per yard. Brocatelles and Damasks in a choice range of - colors « arex marked - from $5.00 per yard.