Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-07-04
BY EDWIN G. PINKHAM.
snecial Cnrrhsnondent Of The star.

LONDON, July 4 IN. A. N. A0-This
writer smoke in an early dispatch OF
of the Briton's individualiSm. his SELF
reliance. his unconcern for the opinion
of others, his national and racial habit
of going his own way and without re-
gard for what possibilities might be
involved in bringing him into coliision
with the ways Of oppositely inclined
persons.
It was said these individuallstic traits
compel the admiration Of my American
soul which already Is beginning to re-
assert itself. Yet though have done
dark deeds I have not been arrested
a single time. I ought perhaps to at
tribute this to British tolerance, how
ever.
"PoIice Very Delicate"
In one case I am sure of 1t. had
climbed to the top Of a bus, and there
being no vacant seats, had taken
standing position. I was followed by
two young Britons who also stood: In
moment the conductor came boiling up
the steps, collared the two young
Britons. showed them down the steps,
and with no gentle propulsion shot them
into the street. Then he came back and
explained to me apologetically that
standing on the top was not allowed
IT don't blyme you" he said. You
didn't knaow," and added conf1dentially,
"the police are very delicate about it."
This was one of my first come-downs in
London. Although I was carrying an
umbrella and hadn't spoken a. word.
I was recognized as an American and
as such excused.
But British individualism and the
faith that goes with 1t that nothing
ever will change and no obstacle ever
come up in its path, are not without
national dangers, as has been limited.
Here is Bernard Shaw with his new
play. THE Apple Cart" preaching that
British democracy Is flop, and show
ing, in look ahead for a generation
how the business of government must
come wholly at last into the hands OF
the ignorant and incompetent. how
nobody will take the trouble to vote, and
how parliamentarism, advanced by the
painful labors of craftsmanship from
the time when Britons wrested their
rights from the grasp of arbitrary kings
Is coming now to be an arena for the
trafficking of intriguing politicians with
no gift but that of CAB.
G. b. 8. Not Taken Seriously.
Britons do not take Mr.: Shaw very
seriously, but they are talking a good
deal about his play which had just had
its opening in Warsaw.
Mr.. Shaw is not alone In recogniz-
ing the national danger that comes
through the British conviction that
nothing ever can happen to the insti-
tutions of these islands. I have just
read warning notice posted in a pub
public house, that shows Mr., Shaw's
q scientific zeal I have made a thor
ough investigation of this institution.
/ have investigated it from Mayfair to
White Chapel, and I am bound to say
It Is much more alert to the national
danger than the institutions that func-
ton through parliamentarism at West
minister.
The pubs carry on their walls.
along with the prices of horses
can films, this red-lettered warning:
1.-THE indifference of public opinion
In America brought prohibition to that
country. Beware of the first step. Re-
sist local option. 1t leads to what
America has-prohibition."
Already the pubs have felt the
menacing hand of regulation and
are aware of the danger it presages for
the rights of the Britons. They are
required to close In midafternoon and
not to reopen until 5:30-an arrange
r1ent designed, should think, to make
the Briton late in getting home to
dinner. This is a survival Of the war
time regulations, as is the early closing
at II o'clock at night.
Takes q Hotel Room.
The purposes of these regulations are
not fully carried cut, hear, which will
not surprise. Americans. The resource
full Bfiton books" a room in hotel
and evades the law. The hotels. being
legally minded, post notices In the
rooms advising guests that they may
not drink except by ordering q proper
meal, and that proper meal may not
consist merely of a. biscuit" More
over, even with q proper meal tins
thirsty guest must consume his drink
by 1i:S0. Whether the management
makes the rounds at that hour to see
that all glasses are empty do moi
know, but I should imagine not.
The national danger seen by the
pubs also has been seen by the British
Aim industry, but too late. 1t Is diff
cult to find British Aim In London
In the Strand they are selling stand.
ing room at American Aims at shili-
ings and 9 pence-$2.12