& sh i apa bce RE calm ee, ey nd ee St TL is a miner from Wilkes-Barre in the By javi SECOND THOUGHTS e aiche Three hours were left to McDevitt, Millionaire-for-a-Day, when Wyo- ming Valley's most successful bid for publicity was interrupted by space restrictions in the re-telling of the episodic adventure last week. The year was 1912 and .it was nine o'clock of the night and there was to end at midnight the metamorphosis of McDevitt from the drab denizen of anthracite to the gay butterfly of the lime-lights. At the Waldorf there were invitations with box tickets to every theatre in New York and Brooklyn—and in those days there were the- atres by the baker’s dozen lots. On the palace along with the rest, untilé he found a card from Raymond Hitchcock. “There’s our ace,” said John Jay, “we're going to play him.” The first act of “The Red Widow” was just ending and an audience that jammed seats and standing room was calling for a curtain speech from Hitchcock when the millionaire-for-a-day and his en- tourage trooped down a side aisle to an empty box, the one yawning gap in solid patronage, reserved by Hitchcock himself on a hunch that he could lure the anthracite party into its enclosure The actor, who had never taken a drink of alcoholics in all his life, but yet had made famous the role of the drunk, stepped to the foot- lights. He said: “You must wonder, my dear audience, why that box over there was empty all through the first act, and what all that rum- pus was that just filled it. Now, I'm an old trouper. I've been all up and down and across again and again, everywhere on this continent. I've had special trains that cost me $1200 to make up a five-minute de- lay in theater time. What I got was nothing in the papers.” “Well, over there in that box anthracite regions, a chap who got the bizarre idea of becoming a mil- lionaire-for-a-day. My newspaper friends tell me his story has been printed in every civilized language around the world, and Heaven knows you all are aware of what it has done to New York City and its immediate environs. So, I'm going to ask John Jay McDevitt, “Butch” McDevitt, to make my curtain speech. Ladies and gentlemen, the millionaire-for-a-day.” Pandemonium! Pyrotechnics of flashing palms! The public in ap- plause! McDevitt rose in the height of the storm. An usher directed him back stage. He strode out to meet Ray- e after another the wastrel repected, > ‘ THE LOW DOWN FROM HICKORY GROVE I see where in Oklaho- ma the Governor has been counting his change, and he is up on his ear. Says those swivel-chair slicker boys dowm on the high and mighty Potomac short-changed him. They owe Oklahoma 850 thou- sand, he says, and until they fork over the cash he is gonna close down the show. They been messin’ around in his state on an- other one of those dams, like they are putting in all over the country. Maybe those old boys there in the Sooner State are quiet-acting and friendly, but you rile em up, and pardner, they are bad medicine! We been kinda fooled all around, on this dam- building business. Besides Oklahoma, the folks over in Tennessee and out in Oregon and lots of places, they are scratching their heads and feeling dubious. Getting short-changed two bits at the side-show wagon, you can charge it to fun and amusement, but when it comes to 850 thousand, Oklahoma, she starts shootin’. Yours with the low down, JO SERRA. mond Hitchcock with arms out- stretched for an embrace. And without further a-do the man from | Wilkes-Barre took stage-center in the glare of the calcium. | “My dear friends,” said John Jay, “it is a matter of being a good neighbor to come to Mr. Hitchcock's | theatre. He is an old-familiar back | home at our Press Club, with Frank O'Malley, McCutcheon, MacDougall, ‘ Cohan, Maude Adams and many , others of newspaper and theatrical fame. | “I don’t know what's the matter ; with the people down here. I have done nothing to deserve all this ad-' vertisement they're giving me. I was a candidate for office and I, won a nomination. I had a Dutch- | man against me and I licked him. Any Irishman can lick five Dutch- | men and if I didn’t whip one I. would have changed my name. | “Well, they wanted my nomina- tion and I sold it to them, for $1, 200 and a job. I took the money but 1. won’t take the job. I gave up the bad habit of regular employment years ago.” With only that much the audience was convulsed, but there was much more. McDevitt went on with a half-hour of easy story-telling and as he quit the stage the auditorium | resounded for six minutes with stamping and cheering and demands for an encore. He went back to his box, took a succession of bows and settled for enjoyment of the re- mainder of the show. At its end, Hitchcock reappeared personally to escort the party back-stage to the dressing rooms, there to meet Mary Brian, ‘The Red Widow”, and all others of the company. Then, true to his promise of one day’s glory and return to his cocoon, McDevitt ordered taxicabs, and fled the scene, sans reporters, sans ad- vertisers, sans theatre agents and all. In a quiet corner of Jack’s Chop House the party sat down to its last meal of the millionaire tour. Steaks were the general order—for all ex- cept McDevitt. What he had was a piece of pie, a cup of coffee and a cigar. “I've got to remember I'm poor again,” he said as he paid the bill. It was goodbye, then, and the sleep- er home, the empty-purse million- aire-for-a-day finally abandoning his plan to steal back on a freight. The End. Visitors to Treasure Island this | summer will have a wide choice in foods from a 5-cent ice-cream cone to a 25-course South Sea dinner, with a cooking of several dozen dif- ferent nations interspersed here and there. FREEDOM The columnists and con- tributors on this page are allowed great latitude in expressing their own opin- tons, even when their opinions are at variance with those of The Post. HARRISBURG WHIRLIGIG The moment Pennsylvania's mighty rivers begin rising towards flood stage, a vast or®¥mfzation known as the Disaster Emergency Committee swings into action to coordinate relief and intelligence | services. The organization was formed during the 1936 flood and stands , ready at all times to begin function- ing. At its head is Major General Edward Martin, Adjutant General. Under the direction of Governor | James, the Committee has at its dis- | posal all of the resources of all of !the departments of the State gov- ' ernment. As flood waters began creeping! { upward -last week, the Committee set up its headquarters in the spa- cious reception room of the Gov- ernor’s Office at the Capitol. Spe- cial telephone lines were installed and the huge task of handling sit- uations arising from the flood be- gan. Hundreds of National Guard cots | and blankets were rushed into the | flood districts for the use of those! driven from their homes by the murky water. The Health Depart- | ment concentrated all of its atten- tion on the problem of protecting milk and water supplies in flooded zones. More than ample supplies of serums and vaccines were as- sembled at strategic points. Air- planes of the National Guard and the Division of Aeronautics stood ready in Harrisburg and Philadel- phia to fly to any point to cope with any eventuality. Mobile laboratories of the Health Department were rushed to flood districts to test water supplies and condemn unsafe wells and other sources. Field representatives of the department’s Bureau of Milk Sanitation inaugurated a close scru- tiny of all milk supplies. Tons of chloride of lime were taken into flood areas and WPA . forces were assembled to assist with cleanup work as soon as fleod waters began to subside. Colonel Lynn G. Adams of the Pennsylvania Motor Police stood by with the department's portable ra- dio station, ready to proceed to any locality isolated by the flood. Sev- eral hundred troopers were sent to flood districts to assist in patrol and rescue work. The Highway Department furnish- ed pumps to drain cellars in both the Wilkes-Barre and Sunbury dis- tricts. Fleets of Highway Depart- ment trucks also were pressed into service to haul debris from flooded areas and transport supplies. Engineers of the Department of Forests and Waters watched the river rise at all stations, gathered hourly reports of stages and fore- cast crests and the hour at which they would be reached. The Department of Mines stood by to give all possible aid in cases where mines were flooded. 1 | however, NV WORLD Ne = a i — Copyright 1940 Lincoln Newspaper Features, 277 Inc. THINK IT OVER By FR. STEVENS — Thomas Jefferson was the prin- ciple framer of the Declaration of Independence. Alexander Hamilton was a firm supporter of that historic document and a leading member of | the convention that drew up the Constitution which was designed to put the principles of the Declaration of Independence into actual oper- ation. Basically they agreed, They were, many points on which they were at odds. Jefferson be- lieved that the right to administer the principles of liberty rested in the hands of the people. Hamilton thought those liberties could best be protected by elected representa- | tives: Personal and political an- Hteconiom arose “between these lead- “More than a mewspaper, a community institution’ ESTABLISHED 1889 - THE DALLAS POST A non-partisan, liberal progressive newspaper published every Friday morning at its plant on Lehman Avenue, Dallas, Penna., by the Dallas Post, Inc. Entered as second class matter at the post office at Dallas, Pa., under the Act of March 3, 1879. Subscription, $2 a year, payable in advance. Single copy, five cents. Howard W. Risley... Manager Howell E. Rees... Editor Harold J. Price Er > Mech, Supt. ers. Jefferson claimed that-repre= sentatives would only protect their own liberties, would give special privileges and disregard the rights of the masses. Hamilton countered with the claim that the masses were not informed, and that they were easily swayed by vicious propaganda and passion. At a cabinet meeting during Washington’s temporary absence, the personal. bitterness between the two men became so great that they had a fist fight and rolled on the floor hammering away at each other. Time passed and Hamilton's party put Aaron Burr forward as Jeffer- son’s opponent for the Presidency. Burr had the reputation of being an opportunist who was ever ready to disregard the principles of the Dec- laration, or at least make them sec- ondary to his own personal ambi- tions. The elections in the House of Representatives developed into a tie vote. In this crisis Hamilton, realizing that our liberties were at stake, went personally to Congress and brought about the election of Jefferson as President of the United States. In this selfless act principles were placed above party and personali- ties. Hamilton’s devotion to these ideals were to cost him his life in the duel with Burr on Weehawken Heights. Today the discussion between conservatives and liberals still con- tinues as it has throughout our his- tory. I hope it will always continue. It is the American Way. In the contests that lie immedi- ately before us let us contemplate the picture of Jefferson as President of the United States; and let us look at the bust of Hamilton placed by Jefferson in the niche of honor at Monticello; and let us remember that above party politics, above per- sonal advantage, above even life it- self stands our continuing devotion to our country. Insurance By Eleanor Graham I took a walk, as people do, To give me time to think of you. I found a poem in my head, But it was words that you had said. I tucked the poem in my heart To comfort me when we must part. Now if you go, or if you stay, I have you with me night and day. dustry prepared to inspect all in- dustrial structures in flood districts to determine whether they are structurally safe and take any steps that might be needed to protect the public. Thus, every arm of the State government was used to alleviate conditions and assist the suffering public. The Disaster Emergency Committee stands as a bulwark to The Department of Labor and In- State's rivers. “THE SAFETY VALVE This column is opin to everyone. Letters should be plainly written and signed. April 6, 1940. Editor: Your editorial “A Nation Of Pan- handlers” in the April 5th issue of The Dallas Post I read with great interest. It is one of the best edi- torials I have read in a long time and certainly “hits the nail on the head.” I want to congratulate you on a fine piece of work and only regret that it does not reach a larger audi- ence. May I suggest that copies of your editorial be sent to some of the big metropolitan newspapers and mag- azines throughout the country ? Very sincerely yours, Paul Epstein. DAILY DOZEN (From the Medical Society of the State of Pennsylvania) Some facts are contradictory— especially about food. Meat is an acknowledged energy producer and builder. Yet the larg- est and strongest animals are vege- tarians. Elephants, hippopotamuses, wat- er-buffaloes and giraffes eat no meat. Gargantua, the powerful gorilla, is a vegetarian. Man’s intestinal tract was de- signed for a meat diet. Meat is stimulating, digestible and palatable to man. There are vegetarians among hu- mans—but not many. A questionnaire was recently sent to hundreds of centenarians. None of these century-old persons had ever been a vegetarian. They all smoked and drank mod- erately. Americans consume 134 pounds of meat per person every year. — NEW STOCK — FISHING BOOTS Lowest Prices In City MEN’S AND BOYS’ WOOL MACKINAWS and JACKETS $2.98 and $3.98 Ball Outlet the thousands who live along the || 118 SOUTH MAIN STREET WILKES-BARRE FOOTNOTES | By EMMONS BLAKE The suspension of broadcasting over our local station last Saturday, due to differences with the Federal Communications Commission, came as quite a blow to me as I had come to count on the little station for en- tertainment. It seems that I was not the only one in our newspaper shop that liked the station; our radio was so partial to it that it refused to function on any other setting. Where we used to get the baby voice of Bonnie Baker we now have only a hollow buzz. This particular radio in the first place is a rather queer specimen. It is about three-quarters of a foot | square and is covered with intri- cately. carved veneer, now slightly warped and oi! and ink-soaked. It used a type case as an- aerial, and rested on a work bench, which left it usually covered with sawdust and lead filings. But for all its faults it served its purpose well, bringing us every day the ‘Sunrise Serenade,” and many other periods of recorded music. For three months we have been listening to the same records played in a different order, and then the day before they went off the air the station bought about fifteen new ones. That doesn’t seem very considerate of “we, the people.” Another point under the head of lack of consideration for the pub- lic—last week our local station an- nounced a contest, of which the winners were to have been revealed Sunday and then they went off the air on Saturday. I tried again this afternoon to get another station but I am afraid it’s hopeless. So all I can do is hope that our local station opens again soon as I want to hear those fifteen new records before they become too outdated. But if it doesn’t start up pretty soon, I'll have to insert the following in The Post’s want-ad column. : Arrival and departure of the giant Clipper Ships which span the air- ways from California across the Pa- cific will be among the interesting spectacles which will greet visitors to Treasure Island this summer. THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK DALLAS, PENNA. MEMBERS AMERICAN BANKERS’ ASSOCIATION DIRECTORS R. L. Brickel, C. A. Frantz, W. B. Jeter, Sterling Machell, W. R. Neely, Clifford Space, A. C. Devens, Herbert Hill. OFFICERS C. A. Prantz, President Sterling Machell, Vice-President W. R. Neely, Vice-President W. B. Jeter, Cashier F. J. Eck, Assistant Cashier Vault Boxes For Rent. No account too small to secure careful attention. Interest On Savings Accounts. THE SENTIMENTAL By EDITH BLEZ bringing to the people all over the country? new Rector, and he is quite a young man. shook their heads in doubt. they are keeping them safely hidden. Have you noticed what the young men in the ministry today or I have noticed it partic ularly in our village because at the church next door to us there is When he first came to th: church I know some of the parishioners were convinced that such a young man could not carry on the work of the parish successfully, and th But if any of them have any doubts now Not only has the young man brought his own enthusiasm and clear thinking to our village but in addition he has given the people the privi. lege of hearing other men from churches in other towns and cities. The people in the town are convinced® that the young men in the Ministry are giving something they have never enjoyed before. I make no claims to knowing anything about religion. I have been a casual church-goer all my life. Just one of those people who wander in and out of churches listening with an open mind; but as I grow older and am better able week, ONLY YESTERDAY Items from the columns of The Post ten years ago thie to understand what is being said from some of the church pulpits I am really amazed at the amount of work that is being accomplished. I am amazed at the lack of sham and hypocrisy. I am glad that the young men in the Ministry are bringing their congregations a new religion, if an old religion can be termed new. The old puritanical idea of hell and damnation, and a heaven where. everyone sits around all day play- ing a harp, has disappeared and ministers of the gospel seem to be holding out the dread of light and truth and freedom to their people. They are trying to teach their con- gregations that they can live more abundantly right here, and that it isn’t necessary to wait for a here- after to be rewarded for a rightful living. Preachers are daring to de- part from the old orthodox manner of doing things. They are teaching their people, and the people are lis- tening, that “the meek shall inherit the earth” and that those who really do unto others as they would have them do unto them will come into their own right here. The days have disappeared or are in the pro- cess of disappearing when rules for right and wrong were set down by ministers: of the gospel. The men ternoon. who resigned. A cozy, Whitesell. gusting ? From The Post of April 18, 1830: The funeral services of Frederick Turpin, 59, were held Tuesday af He is a brother of Con gressman C. Murray Turpin. Russell Carey of Shavertown has been named Kingston Town : auditor, succeeding Wilfred Rests A singing club composed of me of this district was organized on Friday night at the home of Pro Ernest Wood of Dallas. 3 This has been the best season for making maple syrup in years. = three-room bungalow, with all conveniences, completed at Harvey's Fire Tower for the use of Mr. and Mrs. Irvin Walter Elston has gone to Jarier town, N. Y., where he will be lo cated for some time with the A. J. Sordoni Construction Co. Ten? The third annual Easter egg hunt of the local Rotary Club will be held at Fernbrook Park Saturday. ( How many people realize that the local street railway company has discontinued running a car out 2 the Square at 5 o'clock, making standing room on the 5:05 very dis- has beer in the ministry are teaching their people to be men and women—not by promises of punishment but by promises of peace in their own hearts, .by the comfort and satisfac- tion of a clear conscience. They are helping people to find not only the light of heaven but the light in their own every-day lives. They are helping their people to live, to be bigger people, people who are not bounded by the four small walls of their own faith. They are teach- ing people to be tolerant of their fellowmen, to realize that we are ‘all of one heart. I doubt if a generation ago|er. preachers would” have dared tol preach so. I doubt very much if they would have dared to be sore like human beings and less like ex- | i alted individuals who were destined by some divine power to lead the sinners of the world. The young men in the ministry today are leaders of men but first of all they are men themselves, men with frailties, just like you and me, but men who dare to be men, and men who lead their people by their | so little about. own example of good living, and true, clear thinking. The pulpits to. day are being filled by men who are seriously trying to be men of good faith, men who walk among othe men, not as beings set apart, but as men who walk humbly, graciously and understandingly. come into one’s home as a friend men who can be depended on time of need not just to say a few prayers, but who can lend advic and a helping hand because they have been a part of their congrega- tion as a man and not just a preach- Ministers are not preaching half as much as they are teaching, and I wouldn't be at all surprised if that isn’t one reason why the churches are more crowded than they were 10 or 15 years ago. in our pulpits who are willing first of all to be human, men who are trying by their own example to help the rest of us get all we can in this short period we are allotted, before we go on into something we know Ben who can - We have men CAP GUNS—CAPS All the new models. Upholstering See them in our window. BACK DATE MAGAZINE STORE 61 Main Street @® Luzerne, Pa. ARBOR RBGE REBAR Fr ® Free Estimates PAUL B. SMITH Rr. 16 N. Main Street Wilkes-Barre —— PHONE 38-0231 —— Adhd bd bo de be bool i loi loi i bab quately protected against the haz ards of fire, explosion, riot, wind- s storm, or whatever would endanger + the use and occupancy of your home or business, Lo 74 Davenport St. PHONE 382 Standard protection WM. J. NIEMEYER, Bent Dalla T your property should fall victim to fire, a dozen problems may confront you. What should you do first? With whom should you get in touch? How should you present your claim? That is when youll be doubly glad you have a home-town Agent to whom to turn for advice and assistance. For the home-town Agent is on the job not only to help you plan your insurance program wisely and economically but also to help you when disaster comes. The Local Agency system is a basic feature of CAPITAL STOCK COMPANY FIRE INSURANCE. That is one reason why four out of five people choose capital stock company fire insurance in preference to other types. Let us help you make certain you are properly and ade- (IAL aro, So +
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers