January 24, 1916 - From Zionism to Local Crime

Here is a letter with many diverse topics. I have linked the areas that I think may need some explanation.

 

January 24,1916.

Dear Helen:
Do you remember remarking that Dr.Wise was not as vehement in his reply to the recent criticisms on Zionism as might be expected from so powerful an orator and debater? Mr. Brandeis told me that Dr.Wise was very ill on Saturday,and was contemplating postponing his Southern trip, unless the physician permitted him to go, and he was rather surprised and happy to learn that Dr.Wise had recovered so as to be able to attend and conduct his services in so able a manner.

During the afternoon,I also had an opportunity to spend some little time with Congressman Garland from the Pitts­burgh district,in fact we dined together,and he being a man of about 350 avoirdupois, you can imagine my envying his appetite. He is the Congressman who introduced a rather unique prepared­ness program,and will probably explain the same in a few days.

What I intended to say, however is that early this morning I called the Metropolitan,and was informed that the house had been sold out a week or so ago,and that there wasn't a thing left to be had. It is rather discouraging, but I have heard such things before. At present I cannot think of any other method of securing any reservation,but then, perhaps a stray idea might come a strolling along to relieve the situation. Do you know whether Tyson's have anything to do with the Opera,or do they only look after the other theatres?

The Committee on Arrangements of our Club that is planning a large Charity Ball in March have left,and the atmosphere resembles the smelting district of the aforesaid Pittsburgh.Did you ever go through the old Hoosic Tunnel? That's what the office looks and smells like at this moment.But they are engaged in a good work, and if they enjoy smoking, let them have it. It reminds one of Bill Nye's stories of Sir Walter Raleigh appearing before Queen Lizzie smoking his first corn cob of uncured green tobacco.

There has been a very revolting crime committed in Shelton some months ago,and the authorities have just apprehended the guilty-that is the suspected guilty-parties; and upon reading one confession,and the notes of the testimony that will be given tomorrow by various witnesses for the State,it simply makes one disgusted. In such a modem time,it doesn't seem possible or even conceivable that relics of the second century before Noah's days, if ever there was such a time,could be found among us.Why in the wildest dreams of depravity or criminology,the normal person could not conjure up such crimes,and I am rather surprised to hear of it. But why thrust this on you?

Oh yes,that cold is rapidly departing,and if it keeps up at its present speed,ought to be quite aways from here by tomorrow or Wednesday."Non mia voce" does not apply at all.

Sincerely,
Joe
The next letter is January 26.