Evening Star Newspaper, October 27, 1935, Page 7

Treasury Hawkshaw Quits Bert C. Farrar Found Clue in Lindbergh Ransom Note. Mr. Farrar plays Hawkshaw. BY WILLIAM A. BELL, JR Bert C. Farrar, modern Sherlock Holmes, who has helped solve mys- teries ranging from the Lindbergh kidnaping to the lost secret of a fra- ternity grip, is going out of business; going to take a trip around the world and take a load off the minds of people who put things in writing that they shouldn't. At a testimonial luncheon yester- . retiring as Treasury ex- aminer of questioned documents, after 47 vears in the Government service uratively doffed the cap and gown ap and bells. Bid- his associates pi . checkered “Sher- in his mouth » in his hands a g glass exclusive of testi- mummery. Farrar pipe. a magnified magnif life, on fourth floor Building which he leav day for good. When not there he runs around the country unraveling big and littie question marks. Found Lindbergh Note Clue. It was Farrar who looked at the first Lindbergh ransom note and de- clared the er was a German and & man determined to carry out his cruel plan regardless of the conse- quences to himself and others. And it was Farrar who testified for the prosecution in the Rockville, Md., murder conspiracy trial of Anne Lyddane that the famous “Googy” Carnell note was written on the same kind of paper and on the same type- writer which the blond defendant used in her bank office. Joining the Government during the edministration of President Harrison, who had appointed his fathcr, Gen d G. Farrar, subtreasurer at saved the Treas- ions of doilars by revealing at- tempted frauds, and outside the Gov- ernment realm has solved mysteries which would baffie the best ds among detective fiction heroes. t s in the 90s, Farrar recalled, that he handled his first famous case involving identification of writing. A prominent St. Louis business man had typewritten anonymous letters con- taining “vile language and accusa- tions” to a member of another prom- dnent family. Typewriters were rare s0 it was comparative- Farrar said, to track down the ch the letters had on the ritten. Every culiar characteristics has habits of touch which he may be identified, Farrar said. The sus- pect in this case blew out his brains after Farrar identified him as the author of the notes. Aided St. Louis Suit. A St. Louis man once sued a stteet ear company there for $5,000 after being put off one of its cars when he offered as fare a nickel so smooth that the conductor refused to accept it as legal currency. Farrar, who knows as much about coins as he does about handwriting, was sum- moned by the plaintiff to testify on his behalf. He rubbed the nickel with his fingers and brought out its outline sufficiently to convince the court that it was legal tender and that the plaintiff was entitled to a judgment. A fake dental house in Chicago tried some time ago to defraud the Government by shaving gold coins, melting the chips and collecting on the bulk residue. Farrar discovered that the “company” was buying $20 gold pieces to make “dentai fillings” and cutting $2 worth of gold out of each so that it actually was get- ting $22 for $20. Phi Beta Kappa, national honorary scholastic fraternity, had been in a quandry over the proper method of giving the fraternity grip until Far- rar was called in three months ago to examine a document describing the official handshake as it was estab- lished at William and Mary College in 1776, the date of the fraternity's founding. Students had scratched out the description to hide it from invading British who were romping around the neighborhood at that time. Farrar found it extremely dif- ficult to decipher and tried several methods of micro-photography. He finally succeeded by using infra-red rays. So now Phi Beta Kappas every- where can twist their fingers in the proper gesture. ‘Termed Note Writer German. In the Lindbergh case, Farrar told Col. Lindbergh the kidnaper of his child was a stubborn German, who had arranged the crime far in ad- vance and was intent upon carrying it through—come what might. angularity of the letters in the “bed- side note,” its t's, the use of lan- guage, all proved conclusively that the writer was a German, Farrar said Farrar displayed two photographs ,of a will recently contested in a Southern Maryland case. The paper was burned almost to a crisp—prob- ably had been burned willfully, Far- and every writer The | —Star Staff Photo. rar said—but with the use of ultra- violet rays he deciphered the entire document. The testimonial luncheon was given for him by 200 Treasury associates, including Chief W. H. Moran of the secret service, Mrs. Marion Bannister, assistant treasurer; F. A. Birgfeld, chief clerk of the department, and F. G. Awalt, deputy controller of the currency. Farrar said he was glad to leave the Government service. “I need a rest,” he said. “I think I'll take one of these round-the-world cruises and take my wife.” SUIT TO BE STARTED FOR OVERPASS LAND New Step Planned in Michigan | Avenue Grade Crossing Elimi- nation Program. A new step in the program to elimi- nate the Michigan avenue grade crosse ing will be taken tomorrow when As- sistant Corporation Counsel Walter L. Fowler starts condemnation proceed- ings in District Supreme Court for acquisition of additional land needed for the project. Right of way for the overpass for the tracks of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad will be 90 feet wide, running from Michigan avenue and Monroe street to Michigan avenue and Tenth street northeast. The overpass plans call for elimi- nation of a bend in the highway. Some of the land needed already has been acquired. Cost of the construc- tion work will come out of Federal funds of $410,000 allocated to the District for grade-crossing elimina- tion. The current District appropria- tion act provides $100,000 for plans, starting of construction and condem- nation of needed land. Fowler yesterday reported com- pletion of testimony before a District Supreme Court jury on the widening of Nichols avenue from Chesapeake street southwest to Upsal street south- east, and South Capitol street be- tween Mississippi avenue and Chesa- peake street southwest, west of Nich- ols avenue southeast. Decision in this case is expected in about a month. 711 NON-STANDARD MEASURES SEIZED D. C. Office Head Reports 64 Cases | of Prosecutions and Collection | of $3,251 in Fines. | Confiscation of 711 non-standard instruments of weight and measure during the past fiscal year was re- ported to the Commissioners yesterday | by George M. Roberts, superintendent of the Department of Welghts, Mea- sures and Markets. The department conducted 571 special investigations, made 597 test purchases of merchandise and con- cluded 64 prosecutions in court, which resulted in collection of fines or for- feitures of collateral amounting to $3.251, he said. | Only one prosecution resulted in ac- | quittal, he said. | Receipts from market rent from the several markets operated By the Dis- trict totaled $37,213.55 for the year ending last June 30, s against ex- penses totaling $21,999.38, leaving a , net profit of $15213.17. | The department made 2,009,788 in- | spections of weighing and measuring | instruments, including 7,912 measur- | ing pumps, 1,962,590 measures of vol- | ume, 467 mechanical linear measures, | 875 non-mechanical linear measures and 209 fuel oil meters, he reported. . {PENNSYLVANIA SCHOOLS MUST TAKE FLAG OATH By thie Associated Press. | PITTSBURGH, October 26.—Penn- | sylvania’s teachers refusing to take an oath of allegiance to the American flag or failing to require pupils to do so | should be discharged summarily, At- torney General Charles J. Margiotti ruled today. | “Whether such refusal be based upon | conscientious or religious scruples, or upon any other reason, it should be followed by immediate dismissal,” de clered Margiotti in an opinion given Lester K. Ade, superintendent of pub- lic instruction. ‘The ruling added that students re- fusing to pledge allegiance to country | and fag should be considered as in- subordinate and the act “treated as any other refusal to obey the lawful regulations of our schools.” Ade requested a ruling after several teachers had refused to swear alle- giance. some of them on religious grounds. 3 ‘, | | THE SUNDAY STAR, WASHINGTON, D. C, OCTOBER 27, >1935—PART OXNE. CONSUMERS, RESEARCH ers’ Research, Inc., went on a hunger STRIKERS REFUSE FOOD | strike in the jail si Belvidere today. ‘They have been in jail from two to four days and are charged with unlaw- Employes Jailed Make Protest.| ) assembly and malicious mischie. Accused in Connection They were arrested in connection with | a riot October 15 in which the plant With Riot. was stoned. By the Associated Press. ‘Three more prisoners continued to WASHINGTON, N. J, October 26.— | eat their prison fare. One of those Nine prisoners, one a woman, jailed | who - refused meals today is John W. 8 J. Sloane the grade, never high priced.” The assortments are big—so are the values. the highest expression in the art. Very Finest of the Imperial Kermanshah Rugs Soft, beautiful pastel colors, ex- quisite effects. 25.00 _____ 5389 Size 4.8:7.6-s10500 . $Y 15 Size 3x5—885.00 The Size 9x12—S$ o Size Size Size Scatter Size —of excellent design, including semi- antique. s1 3.50 and up Size In a wide variety of designs and colors. Size 9x12 Reduced from $225 India Rugs Resular Special Size 20.1x143— $1,500— s95° Size 18x12— $975— s765 w0 $650 sL60— § ws- $925 $650— 3525 Kermanshah Rugs Regular Special Size 17.8x9.1— R Sarouk Rugs Regula; Size 18.5x8.10— $675— Size 18x12— Size 18x12— Size 15x11— Size 15x12— Special 57 ‘ * Reproductions in Oriental de- signs from the looms of Alexander Smith & Sons. Many new patterns from which to choose. 9x12 Size 827050 pile. Regular price $35.75 _ Special _ | in the strike of employes of Ccmum~| Oriental Rugs You who are judges of Oriental artistry will recognize in these Rugs Size 20x11— Size 14.10x10.5— Size 18x12— Size 18.9x11.7— 9x12 Size Heasty, president of the striking Tech- nical, Editorial and Office Assistants' Union. Heasty issued a statement from his cell, in which he said: ‘This hunger strike is not against our treatment in Jjail. We are on a hunger strike against trumped-up charges, excessive bail, wholesale arrests, the New Jersey in- junction law and the refusal of the company board to arbitrate the strike.” Continuing Sale of Rugs and . Carpets It is just exactly what we design it to be—a demonstration of Sloane supremacy in floor coverings of the finest grades—and as offered, em- phasizing this nearly century-old and store-wide slogan: ““Always high- And the pieces interesting. Royal Sarouk Rugs critically selected from the Sarouk district. soft blue, red and rose grounds. weaves In the 9x12—$395.00 6x0—$245.00 ____. 5185 4x7—3$95.00 3x5—$65.00 Serapis—Herez—Lillehan Tapriz and Mehrebad Rugs *159 - Oriental Rugs in Salon Sizes That come from all the famous rug districts and each is a masterpiece in design and coloring. Kermanshah Rugs Special $850 Regular $1,200— Sarouk Rugs Regular Speeial Kermanshah Rugs Speeial Ispahan Rugs Speeial $650 Bersiac $550— Domestic Rugs Broadloom Rugs, in new, plain colors—the Alexander Smith & Sons tru-tone shades. Deep, rich B - The World’s Finest Broadloom Carpet —which includes Alexander Smith & Sons and the imported weaves. most popular tru-tone colors. Alexander Smith & Sons’ Broad-’ loom Carpet of excellent weight, in the 9 popular colors and in 9 and 12 ft. widths. 52.85° Regular price $3.45 sq. ydo___ 71 1 Park your car in the chinl Garage at | TW elfth our expense when shopping here. The House The Mayfair —made’ expressly for us by Alexander Smith & Sons’—something en- tirely new in weave—S8, 10, 12, 15 and 18 ft. widths and in 10 of the Regular price $11.75 sq. yd._. W. & J. SLOANE Imported Broadloom Carpet. Made of the finest yarns; expertly woven. Choice of 18 colors—?9, 10.6, 12, 13.6, 15 and 18 ft. widths. $4.95 With A—7 bankers, once reported missing on li Durrell said a rebel band came to hunting trip in the wilds of Sonora, |their hunting camp and took the Mexico, were back in Douglas today, | Americans to their general. The lat- on their way home. | ter told the bankers, Durrell said, he The two financiers, along with Dr. Was leading a “religious revolt,” and W. S. Fulton and Lee Paull, both of took about 300 rounds of ammunition. Worry, Say Rebels Took Wheeling, W. Va., were the object of Ao considerable concern when Arthur D. 3 Ouly Amumimition. Norcross, New York publisher, brought Fruit by Plane. Tomatoes and apricots are being BANKERS ARRIVE IN U. S. | AFTER SONORA INCIDENT Financiers, Who Were Object of | | By the Associated Press. news here two weeks ago they had | | DOUGLAS, Ariz, October 26.—J. H. been held up and relieved of their | shipped by plane from the Csucasus to !Durrell and James Bryce, New York |guns and ammunition. Moscow, Russia. 2711 Twelfth Street Bedroom Groups The Suite illustrated is one of these six exceptional values. It is made of solid Honduras mahogany, in Colonial design—and after the Sloane custom, famous originals have served as models. Handsomely turned posts on the twin beds. The dressing table is the knee-hole type. The hanging mir- rors have pediment top, interesting moldings and turned finials. Bureau and chest have the old-time ogee feet. sistent in design. 7 pieces You can make up your own ensemble from these pieces—all at pro- portionate prices. Full size bed may be substituted for twin beds. Maple Suite, in Early American design. Solid rock maple (the only maple suitable for cabinet work). Pieces adapted from originals. Pegged construction, with the worn edges of that period. The eight pieces include twin beds s!89 American Hepplewhite group in genuine mahogany, and the splen- didly proportioned pieces carry out the thought of the school in which it is designed. Twin poster beds have delicately reeded posts; and the fin- ish throughout is a warm szS“ red-brown. 8 pieces___ Directoire group of maple, the right growth of maple; painted in French gray with decorations of soft green. Hanging mirrors and full-size bed. Complete $l49 in 7 pieces 19th Century group—of fruit- wood, finished in amber tone. Suite has and the drawer pulls and decorations are $375 in silver finish. 8 pieces_ twin beds, For the Living Room An interesting ensemble is offered in these pieces—of Sloane design and Sloane construction—and all the quality of workmanship and mate- rial that insures. The Hornby Sofa Of the Queen Anne school, with gracefully carved cabriole legs; shaped back and arms. Notably comfortable because of the correct pitch to seat and back. Upholstered in gold damask, Bur- s l z gundy velvet, red damask; or will be tailored in your selec- tion of fabrics. Clifford Wing Chair American Chippendale, ' with graceful ball and claw feet, and acanthus leaf carving. The pitch to the seat and back, and the shape of the wings give the extraordinary comfort. Choice of 874 Hornby Chair The English type, and a fitting companion to the Hornby Sofa. Separate pillow back and seat cush- ions, filled with genuine down. Cab- riole legs; or ball and claw carved legs. Gracefully curved back and arms. Covered in a s79 selection of fine vel- DIs. vets, damasks, bro- 7262 blue, gold, green and Burgundy damask up- holstery. cades, etc. Charge accounts opened and settle- ments arranged for your convenience. the Green Shutters