davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1932-03-25
Deforestotion May Be
Cause of Climate Change
To the Editor Of The Star.

To the Editor of The Star.
In the magazine section of the Sum
day issue Of The Star March 20 7 read
the article entitled Cause of Chang.
in Climate" The article Vas UNSIGNED
and therefore I do not Anow who
wrote 1t
Many people are speculating as to tho
cause Of change in climatic conaitions
If there is change, and are tryii.0 IN
account for it. The question OF forest :
and their relation to climate was not
discussed in this article, and while sas
forester I do not want to claim tso
much for the effect of trees upon az
mospheric conditions, yet it does seem
that they may have some effect. The
burning of some 50.000.000 acres of
land each year in the United States.
largely in the Southeastern part of the
country, does not kill all the trees. but
does destroy soil cover and much of the
organic matter, leaving great areas bare.
The ground is heated and the hot air
rises, cold air coming in to displace it.
II this occurs over these great areas at
one time, is it not possible that our
climatic conditions become more er-
ratio, as is true in a semi-arid coun-
try? Furthermore. burned land only
absorbs about one-third as much water
as unburned land, therefore more
water runs off the surface. causing ero-
sion, forming gullies, so that as the
years pass a great percentage of water
runs from the surface instead of sink
ing into the ground. Much OF the water
which sinks into the ground is taken up
by roots of trees and vegetation and is
transpired through the leaves into the
atmosphere to come down again as rain.
II 1t runs of the surface, it is lost to
that region.
In the southwestern part Of the
United States the great desert and
semi-desert regions have been over
grazed for the past so or 80 years.
There is heavy surface run-off Of water
and erosion as a result. Dr. Edgar L.
Hewitt of the University of Arizona
says that the Sahara Desert was once
inhabited and was similar to the pres
ent Navajo Indian Reservation in Ari-
Zona, and that the heavy overgrazing of
the Indian reservation is bringing
about conditions that will eventually be
like those Of the Sahara Desert at the
present time.
Since the greater bulk of the $780,
900, 900 acres Of public domain is over
grazed, Is 1t not possible that here
again is another reason for disarrange-
ment Of climatic conditions? Does not
the history Of the countries of Asia and
parts Of Europe and Africa show that
extensive overgrazing and fire will
eventually bring about erratic climatic
conditions and even deserts?
1t is impossible at this stage to draw
positive conclusions in these matters.
but it seems to me that any scientific
discussion as to why our weather is
erratic might properly take some of
these points into consideration.
The papers of today tell of the ter
rible tornadoes in the Southeastern
States. Did such storms occur so fire.
quently and with such violence when
the region was timbered? 1t is always
cooler and moister in the forest and the
air rising from the forest area is cooler
than that rising from bare ground.
H. N WHEELER,
Chief Lecturer, Forest Service.
Evening star., 1932-03-25

I ONCE Department is deliberately seek
ing to destroy independent air trans
port operators and to build up mo-
nopoly of the Nations transport busi-
ness by refusing to let contracts to
independent operators who. If given
the opportunity, would be low bidders
for the airmail business.
While there is probably some merit
in the contention Of Postmaster Gen
eral Brown that a monopoly for the
airmail would result in a more effec-
tive system of distribution than If the
Department was compelled to throw
open bids on every small extension of
the service, it would appear obvious that
If the charges of discrimination and IA
voritism in the drawing up Of contracts
that are designed so that only one
company can successfully bid are sus
tanned, there should be full warrant
under the law for such procedure on
the part of the department. Only in
the Governments announced determi-
nation to create such a monopoly un-
der legislation in force can the criti-
cism be Stilled
On the other hand, it seems a pity
that the rapidly growing air transport
in the United States should be retarded
by favoritism to one company or set Of
companies. No service carrying pas
Sengers only can show a profit that
makes it worth while for it to continue
in business. Only one transport line in
the United States showed a profit last
year without carrying the mails, and it
was SO small that it was negligible
Powerful independent lines have been
built up over the past few years with
the expectation on their part that if
they furnished fast and sure service
they would eventually be recognized by
the Post Office Department with air
mail contracts. Many of these COM
panies have been forced to suspend
service because they could not operate
without the aid of the mails.
Unquestionably, there are two sides
TO the question but broad general
policy on the part of the Post once
Department which would take into ac-
count the desirability of encouraging
air transport throughout the country
would seem to be the best method of
advancing the interests of aviation in
the United States The efficiency of
the airmail service is undoubtedly i'm
portant but perhaps the same efficiency
could be obtained If competition was
among all air companies.
Evening star., 1932-03-25
Capital Responsible
For Care of Labor
To the Editor Of The Star:

To the Editor OF The Star:
One of our nationally known finan-
cial writer's recently endeavored to
bring out the fact that not all indus
trialists had used the depression as an
occasion for debating labor Some of
more than average wisdom, he stated.
regarded high wages as the secret Of
economic progress.
To illustrate his contention he tells
an interesting example of where an
industrialist raised the wage rate if
the efficiency Of the employees reached
a certain quota. Under the pressure
Of this Stimulant, and no doubt with
his eye on individual reward. one en-
terprising, $3,500-a-year foreman de-
vised a method or formula that saved
the corporation $750,000 on a single
operation.
The corporation, true to its princi-
Piles OF recognizing and rewarding
meritorious service, increased the fore
mans income from $500 to $500 per
year. The story did not state for how
many years. Magnanimous. Just think
Of receiving four -tenths of l per cent
per annum for saving a corporation
quarters of million dollars on a
single operation. with no telling how
many times year that operation is re-
peated.
This is very graphic commentary
on the attitude of capital toward
labor and capitals conception of what
constitutes adequate reward This
story was intended to reflect to the
credit of the induStrialist, but it most
accurately describes the condition that
brought about the depression
The entente cordiale between capital
and labor was strained to the breaking
point just few years ago when work
was plentiful and the labor unions took
advantage of '.apital and held up bill
lions of dollars in new construction
until they forced their demands for this
and that concession. Capital has not
forgotten those days of reconstruction
that followed the depression of 1921,
but they should have never let the
pendulum swing so far into the other
extreme.
Capital is now, and always will be-
charged with the responsibility of TAX
ing care Of labor. They cannot expect
to perpetually use and release labor at
their will and always have it at their
beck and call. This premise Is illogical
In pioneer days farmer or cattle
man might reasonably expect to catch
up his requirements in horse power by
rounding up wild or half-wild horses on
the plains Civilization soon stopped
that practice, however, and made
commodity out of horse flesh and
placed it in the category of personal
property along with grain, land and
other possessions. Now a farmer or
rancher would be considered insane and
subject to fine and Imprisonment If
he worked his horses to the limit of
their endurance in season and then
turned them out to shift for themselves
out Of season.
This one point Is the crux Of our
whole economic problem today. and If
the level-headed leaders on both sides
would get together in q constructive
effort to work out a solution. We would
soon round the much-talked-of corner
to prosperity.
ROBERT F. JONES.
Evening star., 1932-03-25

ending February AZ. none; In the week
ending March 5, six; in the week end
ing March IL, seven, and in the week
ending March 49, Ave. These are
met figures" signifying the excess of
failures over recoveries and reopenings.
! They mean. in effect. that the banks
Of the country have been stabilized.
Two major legislative enactments
have furnished the basis OF this re-
covery, the Reconstruction Finance Cor
poration act and the Glass-Steagall act
hberalizing the credit basis OF the banks
with the Federal Reserve system. Un-
der the former loans have been made
from Federal funds TO railroads. banks
industrial corporations. farmers and
others. Under the latter the national
banks have been enabled to make loans
on collateral which formerly could not
be so employed. The outflow OF funds
from hiding places and Improbable Sc
clusion has supplied currency to the
banks by deposit and to the industries
by investment.
While the Treasury officials will not
predict an early improvement in busi
ness on the strength of these develop
ments. they point out that when the
upward trend gets under way it will
nave solid financial foundation. That.
after all. is the vitally important con-
Slderation. The financial structure has
been repaired. Confidence in the banks
has been restored to a great extent.
Business may not revive broadly and
progressively until the tax measure
now In process of enactment has been
given its Anal form. but pending that
event the fundamental elements of the
economic situation are being improved.
with the prospect that when the up-
ward movement starts it will proceed
steadily and healthfully.
Evening star., 1932-03-25
The Bonus Ghost Walks.

The Senate Finance Committee has
voted to report the Barkley bill, making
loans Immediately available to veterans
on their bonus certificates instead of
requiring the veterans, as under pres
ent law, to hold their certificates for
two years before borrowing on them.
OF the 3,662,374 bonus certificates is
sued up to February 90, 1,185,362 have
not been used as collateral for loans.
More than five thousand applications
for certificates have been received since
February.
But in the House there are far diff
ferent and bigger ideas on the bonus
The indications are that some of them
will be advanced in the form of bills to
pay the face value of the certificates in
cash and that the most bizarre of
these will come to a vote and will
probably be passed.
The practical question that occurs to
erybody-entirely aside from personal
views and predictions concerning the
merits of the soldiers bonus-is how a
Nation that is now trying to raise
revenue to balance a budget by wiping
out a threatened deficit of more than
81 $1,000, 900 can, at the same time,
seriously consider paying in cash a
sum that will practically equal the
amount of that deficit.
OF ros1rea fhara &c The
vanced by some of the advocates of the
bonus-paying plan, the answer being
that the printing presses can be started,
and as paper money is relatively easy to
manufacture in unlimited quantities, the
money can be readily furnished. It
might not be necessary, even, to 60 TO
the trouble of printing all this money
The certificates themselves might be
so tndorsed as to make them available as
legal tender. And II this Is shown to
work well, the next step would be SIM
pier still. Everybody knows that one
Of the troubles with this country today
is that a lot of people have no money
TO spend. Well, give it to theml Print
bales of it and have it distributed, I'M
der congressional frank, as 1t Is re-
quested. Write or telegraph your Con-
gresham, requesting money in what
ever amount is needed, be sure to specify
the denomination of bills preferred, use
only one side of the paper and write
your name and address plainly.
It would be comforting to believe
that such insane schemes as paying
the bonus In full at this time will
properly be consigned to oblivion when
they are advanced in Congress. Such
comfort, unfortunately, is lacking. 1t
is yet to be shown that Congress will,
when the time comes, exenxse the
modicum of intelligence and courage
needed to prevent such further drains
on a depleted Treasury. In the de-
feat of such proposals the American
Legion could render its greatest service
to peace-time America by going be-
yond its stand in Detroit last Fall,
when it refused to become a bonus
petitioner, and vigorously protest
against these latest bonus-grab plans.
Foes of Alfalfa Bill do not take him
seriously, thus preserving a certain ad-
vantage by which he has profited on
previous occasions.
Evening star., 1932-03-25

local theater 1t was indicated then,
and this week it was proved"
Observing that previously 'prohibi-
ton and labor have not mixed" the
Scranton Times states that the attempt
to bring them into alliance failed, and
that "the citizenry of Atlanta generally
rallied to Mayor Key, and he confused
and confounded his enemies" The
Charleston (W. Va Daily Mail Is con-
vtnced that "the decisive nature of the
results speaks we'll for Atlanta's citizen
ship while the Lowell Evening Leader
thinks that evidently Atlanta was not
willing to penalize him for the frank
expression of an opinion which many
good citizens share" The Fort Wayne
News-Sentinel points out that 'ff the
voting had gone the other way on the
issue involved, it would have meant
turning over Atlanta's civic affairs to
one or the other Of two minority groups
which for prejudiced and selfish rea-
sons instigated the recall proceedings"
The Wall Street Journal views the re-
suit as an indication of a tendency to-
ward reSubmiSsion of the prohibition
question.
The Georgia metropolis still stands
on the platform that publicity pays"
charges the Charlotte Observer, and
S1ldk paper also says dS 10 mayor Key
His supporters see in his Endorsement
by the people of Atlanta opportunity to
bring the prohibition issue to a refer
endum, to the casting aside of whatever
Congress might or might not do in the
matter. Probabilities are that Mayor
Key is shortly to project himself as a
candidate for the United States Senate.
II not for Governor, on wet platform,
and so another famous Georgia cam
paign is in anticipation"
On this phase of the matter the
Lynchburg News offers the comment:
The rumors are that Mayor Key, hav-
ing tasted blood, is out for more, and
will be candidate for Governor, or for
the United States Senate, or for some-
thing. 1t doesn't seem to matter much,
just so 1t is an office. If Mayor Key
wishes to continue receiving the enco-
miums being heaped upon him and to
be recipient Of further congratulations,
he will deny these reports as the work
OF his enemies. Say it isn't true, Jim"
Evening star., 1932-03-25
Proposed Reductions
In U. S. Pay Opposed
To the Editor of The Star

To the Editor of The Star:
With regard to the proposed reduction
Of 10 per cent in the salaries Of the
clerks, 1t took two separate acts of
Congress with the attendant expenses
of printed matter to give them a pro-
motion averaging $40 a month, and
the process Is now to be reversed, en-
failing paper work and bookkeeping
The Government service is neither a
political plum" nor a charitable insti-
tuition, but profession which persons
who have passed the examinations
required, gone through their period Of
probation. been recommended for pro-
motion are entitled to hold for life.
Married women who fulfill the require
ments have as much right to their
positions as single ones. unless THAR
appointment Is due to their husbands
influence.
When the spoils system was in opera
ton the lack Of efficiency of the clerks,
due to the constant turnover at every
election, was proverbial. and the appor-
tionment system Is q family connection
of 1t. ROSE VICKERS.
Evening star., 1932-03-25

being made. Nearly a year ago August
was tentatively fixed as the month
most suitable.
q How old is the present President
OF China?-E c.
A. The President Of China is Gen.
Cnlang kai-shek He was born in
1000; ano was inaugurated as President
October 10 1928
y When were neckties first generally
Worn?-M r.
A Neckties, formerly known as ma
vatS' were first extensively worn in
europe during the French Revolution.
Inc custom was borrowed from the
CEoatS' or Crabats, as they were called.
IN the seventeenth century.
y Do bats carry bedbugs?-G. ID.
A; 1t Is true that bats often nave
s smaIl parasites or insects which live on
sneT s podieS' but these are very different
from bedbugs.
@. Is there clause in the ConStitu-
tl0n prohibiting members of certain
IeHslohS from becoming President OF
the United StateS?-A. G.
a Ihere Is not. Article VI of the
constitution states that no religious
test shall ever be required as a ouaIif-
cation to any Office or public trust un-
der the United States
Q: Is it true that policemen in Eng
Iahd 90 not carry pistols or guns Of
any sort during their ordinary natrol
dutles?-C. c. r.
A. The police OF England carry only
tneir night sticks in their daily rounds.
Q, Will grains Of wheat which are
found In old Egyptian tombs sprout If
planted?-J. D.
A Seeds of most types Of grain re-
nldlh Vlaole generally for at least 20
FEARS IN some cases perhaps a little
r,UhSer, put 1t is utterly impossible for
smih-eat placed in the tombs of Egyptian
1ea'gS 10 be planted several thousand
y',S Sve.S later and germinate. No case has
eyer been recorded of the termination
OIL seals more than 25 years old.
q Wen did the baton come into
use IN Enlyland?-H. T.
a. In IS32-33. One Of the earliest
shos e!,sosrces g. +T Ii its employment was by
ononr at tne philharmonic in 1920.
9; Where is he Luke Flying Field?
A. 1t is located a. honolulu, Hawaii.
Q. What are falling s.srs9-o up
A. A falling star is A.ioun as
meteorite. These little flashtS of light
have the appearance of stay Iertins
across the sky. They are o. scCs aIiS
stars, but tiny masses whicL unoer Ger
tain circumstances of mot'n ana posi-
ton dash into the eartS atmosphere
at speed of from 10 o ~ miles per
second The heat gAerateo py tne
friction with the uper air Vaporizes
or burns them.
@. How much macy is spent on ILL
ness by the avepge American in
years time?-B e
A. 1t is estiyated that Americans
pay an averaeeH s25 per capita yearly
for all forms medical attention.
@. Has Ingfellow some living de-
A. Z. A.
A. His dughter, Anne Allegra Thorp,
IS living She has five children. while
six or possibly seven of the children of
Edith Ihgfellow Dana are living.
@. Fho made the first photograph
Of a ,erson?-B. T.
A Prot Samuel b. Morse brought
Daa1erre'S formula to this country, and
Is :redited with being the first to en-
poy it for human portraiture. Da-
derre had used 1t for landscapes. At
rst it took about Is minutes to take a
icture. This was accomplished in 1910.
Evening star., 1932-03-25
The Airmail Hearings.

The hearings on airmal contracts
held before the House Committee on
Post Offices and Post Roads will be
without result unless the widespread
criticism directed at the Post Office
Department is either refuted or the
committee undertakes to push legisla-
ton to remedy conditions. For criti-
cism of the Post Office Departments
tactics on the score Of discrimination
10 faEqred companies has beeArram-
f.pAnt. @charges have been lodged with
N3b Hcuse committee tlaat eae Husl
Evening star., 1932-03-25
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
BY FREDERIC J. HASKIN.

This newspaper puts at your disposal
a corps of trained researchers in Wash
ington who will answer questions for
YOU. They have access to the Govern
ment departments. the libraries, mu-
seums, galleries and public buildings
and to the numerous associations
which maintain headquarters in the
National Capital If they can be of
assistance to you, write your question
plainly and send with cents in coin
or stan ps to The Evening Star Infor-
nation Buresu, Frederic J. Haskin. Di-
rector, Washington, D. C.
@. Does the State of Maryland get
a percentage of the money wagered in
the mutuels at Maryland race tracks,
V. O. S.
A. TEe State gets a straight per
diem fee for each day Of racing. and
not percentage of the money wagered.
@. Does Col. Lindbergh hold his title
through State or Federal appointment?
L. c.
A. Col. Lindpergh was promoted to
the rank OF colonel in the United states
Army Air corps Reserve in June, 1927,
when the President of the United States
approved the recommendation Of the
Secretary Of War fo1' I,indbergh'S an
pointment as colonel. The commission
was presented by the Secretary of War
at ceremonies held later in st. Louis.
@. Are the barrels Of a double-bar-
relied shotgun parallel W. C.
A. They are not. The shots cross
at about 40 yards.
c. What are the business hours on
the New York Stock Exchange. espe-
oJa tho n n
A. The business day on the New
York Stock Exchange is from 10 to 3
and 10 to II on Saturday. In Summer
the exchange is run on daylight-Sav-
ing time.
G. What part of the population of
the United States more than 65 years
Of age Is not f-supporting?-R. K.
A According to the Social Work
Year Book. one-third of the population
more than IS years old is dependent.
@. What equipment does a man need
to be a successful architect?-E. ].
A. To be successful the architect
must have an intimate knowledge Of a
score or more Of the building trades;
of values, qualities and uses Of build
ing materials; of plumbing. ventilating,
heating and wiring: of decoration fur
nishing and finishing; of landscaping,
community design and city planning.
and of construction engineering and
business management.
@. Has Westminster Abbey flag of
its own?-D. D.
A. One was adopted in 1891 as the
official ensign Of the dean. 1t is a
banner which incorporates the red and
white roses Of the Tudors. the cross
and five nartlets of st. Edward the
Confessor, and the royal arms
Q Do pineapples contain vitamin
CO. w. o.
A. Pineapples are very good source
for vitamin c.
Q. What is a Lombard loan?-A.
A. 1t is a loan made on relatively
poor security at relatively high rate
of interest.
@. What is now being done on the
Black Hills Monument?-E s.
A. Lately Gutson Borglum announced
that work will be concentrated on
roughing away the stone above and
back OF Washington's head to separate
it from the stone reserved for Lincoln.
Borglum plans to give his entire atten-
tion this year to completing the Wash
lngton figure. Arrangements for Da-
kota's celebration of the 200th ami
Versary OF the birth Of Washington are
Evening star., 1932-03-25

Comments by J. Pierpont Morgan
show him to be man who understands
the management of money not only for
the very rich but also for the very poor.
Some OF his advice is more to be valued
than tips on the market" such as a
great f1nancier seldom permits himself
to give.
Evening star., 1932-03-25
SHOOTING STARS.
BY PHILANDER JOHNSON.
Same Old Answer.

Same Old Answer.
Questions in numbers great arise.
To answer them each vainly tries.
Apd, as we're struggling hard to learn,
Events will take another turn.
What yesterday seemed quite correct
Today proceeds to disconnect
From reasons complicated train,
And leaves the answer, Guess again!'
1t startles patient minds to meet
That old phrase romping from the street
To terminate present plan
To benefit your fellow man.
When you prepare to Danish care
New ones arrive from everywhere
And as your theories you explain,
You get the answer, Guess again!"
Evening star., 1932-03-25

Chang refused to participate in a
conference to arrange peace unless a
full ranking general was named by
Japan to sit opposite him. Apparently
this gives matters of social discrimina-
ton the highest Importance it has yet
attained in world affairs.
Evening star., 1932-03-25

Closest attention was given the ad
dress by j. P. Morgan on the subject cf
the block aid" system of relief. It re-
vealed pleasing personality and a
sympathetic viewpoint, such as have
not been ascribed to the great inancier
by popular imagination. One of the rea-
sons for gratitude to radio is that 1t
makes for better acquaintance.