davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1934-01-19
Government Clerk and
The Fifty-Cent Dollar
TO the Editor of The Sta

To the Editor Of The Star:
It appears from the papers that the
President proposes to stabilize the dol
lar at fifty cents This will be pretty
hard on the Government employe, for
it means that 1t will take two dollars
to buy what now costs him one dollar.
Unless he is to be subjected to a
bare existence and a pitiable standard
Of living, which Is very nearly his pres
ent lot, his salary should be doubled
before stabilization becomes effective,
for with the fifteen per cent cut. which
will be doubled by devaluation OF the
dollar, and the dollar reduced to fifty
cents, he will have sustained reduc-
ton In salary of eighty per cent.
When the so-called Conant system
of currency was established in the
Philippines the nomenclature of the
Spanish coinage was retained. The
peso was the unit Of value and SUBJ
sidiary coins were centavos. The peso
was exactly Of the value Of nifty cents
In American money. All salaries in the
insular government were based on the
American dollar. Therefore an official
whose salary was, say, $4,000. was paid
in Philippine currency at the rate Of
ten thousand pesos.
II we are going to Filipinize our cur
rency on the basis Of fifty-cent dollar
we should follow the Philippine gov
ernment in the matter Of government
salaries.
ALEXANDER SIDNEY LANIER.
Evening star., 1934-01-19

or seeking to exert influence on the
expenditures Of public funds. Certainly
Washington has not been an exception.
It has also had its full quota Of lobby
lists who for an honorarium attempt to
frame the course of legislation. Presi-
dents in the past have cried out
against the swarm. The late President
Woodrow Wilson sought to free the
Capital of them.
After President Roosevelt had spoken
effectually the word that persons high
in the political framework of the DEM
ocratic organization should cease to
practice before Government depart
ments, representing clients. an attack
on the politico-lawyers was launched
in the Senate by Senator Arthur Van
denberg of Michigan, Republican. He
has introduced bill which would make
it illegal for a member Of the National
Committee of any political party. Re
publican, Democratic or Progressive, to
hold office in the Treasury Department
or any of its subdivisions, or to prac-
tice before any Government agency. II
the measure Is given consideration by
the Congress-and it well may bet
may be still further broadened, even to
the extent Of making 1t necessary for
any member of a national political Or
ganization to give up that membership
II he is to hold Federal ONCE. The
Judiciary Committee Of the Senate
has been called upon to handle this
measure.
In the meantime, President Roose-
velt's potent voice has helped greatly
to clear the atmosphere. It was in a
measure unfortunate that the resigna-
tion of Frank c. Walker, treasurer of
the Democratic National Committee,
should have been announced imme-
diately following the Presidents pro-
nouncement. Mr.. Walker, as q matter
of fact, resigned two months ago, in
order to give his full time to the Ma
tional Emergency Council and to the
Executive Council, of which he is the
executive director and the executive
secretary, respectively. Mr.. Walker
has worked hard and with ability as a
co-ordinator of the activities of the
recovery program and his retirement
from the Office OF treasurer Of the Ma
tional Committee, long ago consum-
mated, has no connection with the re-
cent drive of the administration against
politico- Lawyers in Washington.
Evening star., 1934-01-19
Proposes Loans to Clerks
From Retirement Fund
To the Editor Of The Star:

To the Editor Of The Star:
Many years ago, when the movement
TO establish . parcel post system in the
United States was rapidly gaining sup
port. q postmaster general sought to
dismiss the proposal for all time by
saying, "The scheme was impractical,
because the Government would get all
the long hauls while the express COM
panies would get all Of the short hauls. "
Zone rates were the answer and the
Dill which was soon passed proved a
great convenience and has saved the
American people millions of dollars.
The Federal employees retirement
fund has now become large sum OF
money. This fund invested in Gov
ernment bonds can earn only very
low rate of interest. Most Government
workers occasionally find themselves in
q position where a small loan would
prove most helpful in solving their
financial problems. This is especially
true in these days of the pay cut and
various furloughs. Having this in mind,
some one recently suggested that q por-
tlon OF this fund be set aside for Just
such loans.
Strange to say, this movement was
temporarily halted by the objection
that like life insurance loans many
would borrow to the limit, payments
would run indefinitely and the purposes
Of the retirement act would be defeated
There Is no need whatsoever to fol-
low the plan used by life insurance COM
panies In making loans to their policy
holders.
wish to suggest q sensible, business
ike plan, fair both 10 the borrower and
the Government whereby loans can be
made with full assurance that every
payment will be promptly paid without
the loss OF single dollar. This is the
plan suggested:
Loans to be made available to those
In permanent Government service, con-
tributing to the retirement fund.
Not more than $3.50 to be loaned to
any employe and then only when his
salary and interest in the retirement
fund permit under the following restric-
tions:
Not more than Is per cent of the en-
ployes annual salary. nor more than Sc
per cent Of his retirement fund.
Borrower to make a note pledging
his interest in his retirement fund as
security for payment in from IL to "a
equal monthly installments together
with per cent interest.
A reasonable note fee to cover ad.
ministrative expense. A penalty OF
say, so cents to be charged for any de.
linquency Of over five days, and any
defaulting payments to be taken out o
employees next salary payment.
have tried to be as brief as possible
and will not 60 into the matter of sug.
gesting q loan corporation, openinl
an office in each Government depart.
ment and such other regulations a.
might be needed.
WILL S. LANIER,
Evening star., 1934-01-19
SHOOTING STARS.
BY PHn.ANDER JOHNSON.
H0ardef.

Hoardef.
look into the mirror bright,
I break into q grin.
For I have found . pleasant sight.
To take heart begin.
OF course, my features held no grace
But there is charm beneath.
So in esteem I hold my face
Thar's gold in them thar teethi
It's true I seldom smile because
fear that I may view
My dentist friend sent by the laws
Collecting revenue.
So I rejoice, though I repress
The smiles that seek to wreath
My countenance, as confess
"Thar's gold in them thar teeth!"
Evening star., 1934-01-19
THIS AND THAT
BY CHARLES E. TRACEWELL.
What shall the booky manNo with

What shall the booky man\do with
his books?
That is the problem which at some
time or other besets every bookman.
It is amusing how often q very hne
house will have little wall space for
cases in which to stow the beloved
volumes.
Especially do doors and windows take
up room which, according to the book
lover. might be given over to better
things.
The trouble comes with living and
dining rooms, In most homes. where
such conditions are most likely to exist.
The library. or room given over en-
tirely to books, Is the best solution.
but one which is out Of the reach Of
the average booklover. for a variety OF
reasons.
Most booky folk must content them
selves with placing their friends in
the best positions possible in the living
Even q small library is scarcely large
enough.
The problem is to fit the average
types Of cases into the wall space. to
make them harmonize with the dec
orations and, above all, the usages OF
the quarters-indeed, to find the room
at all.
A generous use Of built-in cases will
do much toward housing ones pur-
chases. Sectional and other types of
portable cases offer more protection,
but open cases are adequate If care Is
taken to wedge the books together on
the shelves and to give them q busting
every now and then.
Even at the best, however, It Is COM
monty found that there Is not enough
room in the living room proper to
hold even the modest collections Of the
average amateur.
Where shall the books 60, then?
Some solve the problem by using
boxes in the basement, or stacks In
the attic.
There is many a handsome set blush
ing unseen. perhaps to gather mildew,
in the lowest or highest reaches of
homes.
Alexander Dumas. that great writer
and booklover, told story Of q
bibliophile who stacked so many volumes
in the attic Of the house he rented
that the landlord protested at last. and
he was forced to sell many Of them.
We always have had the idea that
this character was Dumas himself.
He understood the physical problems of
keeping many books.
The living quarters, preferably the
so-called living room itself. should
house all Of ones books, II possible,
most owners will think.
The modern living room ought to
set forth the tastes, the likes, Of the
owners.
Normally the booky individual will
have no other love as powerful, so last
ing. From time to time he may be-
come interested in many things, to
each one Of which books will contribute
much, both in the way Of entertain
ment and knowledge, but in the end
the booklover will always 60 back to
his first love.
1t is proper, therefore, that his books
should strike the keynote, as it were,
of his dwelling. That they have un-
excelled decorative value is incidental.
Fortunately. there is no finer sort
Of interior decoration than well-bound
books properly arranged and displayed.
Not only are the colors OF the bindings
good display. but the very shapes and.
above all. the mental impression made
on beholders, are things to conjure
with.
It must never be forgotten that q
book makes an impression totally out
Evening star., 1934-01-19

The Civil Works Administration plan
to engage in theatrical production as q
means Of giving jobs to unemployed
actors and actresses Is just getting un-
der way in New York City. Some $50
men and women have been assigned
parts in II or more plays to be pre-
sented, without charge for admission,
in schools. auditoriums, museums and
hospitals at the end Of this month. The
identities Of the jobless players are con-
cealed. No programs will be used at
the presentations. Salaries range from
$25 to $35 q week. These are below
N. R. A. code pay for theaters, but the
code is not applicable to non-commer-
cial projects
That $4,000. 900 Reconstruction Fl
nance Corporation loan to the Dawes
bank in Chicago cropped up in the
House this week, with Representative
Luce, Republican, Of Massachusetts, Wig
orously defending the Hoover-time deal
The number of millions involved has
led the credulous to feel there was
something wrong In the transaction. 4"
said Mr.. Luce. Great heavens, do they
not know that loan saved Chicago and
all the surrounding territory for miles
and miles from the greatest financial
disaster imaginable, q disaster more
costly than the Chicago fire or any
commercial calamity that ever was
known? It was the size Of that loan
which saved the day" Representative
Brttten, Republican, Of Illinois added
that II the Dawes bank had not been
saved banks in Detroit, Milwaukee, st.
Louis. Indianapolis Of the banks
in that region-would have been swept
right of their feet by that terrible dis
aster."
Miss Belle Sherwin, president Of the
National League of Women Voters since
1924, does not choose to run for re-
election at the annual league conven-
ton in Boston at the end of April. Miss
Sherwin sought to relinquish the Office
before her present term, but was pre-
vailed upon to serve "just once more"
Native Of Cleveland, Miss Sherwin Is a
Wellesley graduate and q pioneer in
the suffrage movement. She Is one
Of the few American women who have
attended Oxford University. The
to join q regular political party rather
Woman's Party, devoted primarily to
Washington was host last week to
royalty-young Prince Louis Ferdinand
of Prussia, who dashed in and out of
town incognito. The second son Of
the German ex-Crown Prince, who has
been employed by the Ford company in
Detroit, is shortly returning to Ger
many. He ranks as q presidential
dark horse in eventual succession to
Field Marshal Won Hindenburg under
the protecting wing of Chancellor Hit
Ter and the Nazis.
N. r. A. code makers are overlooking
no bets. One of their latest products
is a code covering industries manu-
featuring bulk drinking straws, wrap
ped drinking straws, wrapped tooth
picks and wrapped manicure sticks"
Copyright, 1934)
Evening star., 1934-01-19
Clearing the Atmosphere.

President Roosevelt very properly has
focused attention on the improperly
OF the use, or even seeming use, of po-
litical influence in cases, contracts or
business Of any kind arising before the
departments and other agencies Of the
Government. He has stepped ehec-
tually on the toes Of men holding high
position in the Democratic party who
have come to Washington to practice
law since the incoming Of the present
administration. A member Of the
Democratic National Committee, with
cases before the Government depart
ments, would have extreme difficulty
in separating his legal from his po-
litical personality, even If he desired
to do 50. The same thing would be
true Of Republican National commit
teemen engaged in similar practice in
a Republican administration. The
Presidents plain speaking in this con-
nection, although he mentioned no
names, Is having its effect.
The Chief Executive has come to the
aid of his subordinates who have tried
to divorce politics from Government
business. Perhaps none of the Govern
ment officials have striven harder than
has Secretary Harold L. Ickes Of the
Department OF the Interior, admins
traitor of the huge public works pro-
gram, to prevent the handing out Of
governmental favors improperly or be-
cause Of political influence. It Is clear
that he has had the full support Of
the President himself in 80 conducting
the administration Of the public works.
At every seat Of government there u
usually . swarm Of politicians exerting
Evening star., 1934-01-19

dog, the beaver, the domestic horse, the
sea hon, the bear snd the domestic cat.
Q. Do books and papers last longer
In the city or the country7-v. s.
"A. Because OF the presence In city
AIR OF sulphur dioxide, paper and also
textiles and leather deteriorate much
more rapidly than in the country. the
Bureau Of Standards says.
Q. Now that so many amateurs are
taking up microscopy, Is it satisfactory
70 buy cheap instrument2-R. M. T,
A. Popular Science says that any
hobby requires good tools and that mi
croscopy Is no exception. While there
are some good microscopes In the low
priced neld, instruments vary, and tbs
purchase should be made with care.
Q. What were the most popular
songs OF 1s33?-M Z. L.
A. Deems Taylor says that The
Last Roundup" takes first place: "In
the Valley Of the Moon" second:
Shadow Waltz" third, and WHO'S
Afraid OF the Big, Bad Wolff" fourth.
q. What is the name of the man
who has lately built an ark?-J.
A. Wlnam Greenwood believes that
he will be In charge of q second ark
when the world Is overwhelmed by q
tidal wave in 1898. He is preparing for
the journey at Olympia, Wash, where
his vessel Is anchored.
9: What was the award given to the
producers Of The Private Life of
Henry VIII" in England?-E. L.
A. The Duke Of Sutherland, presi-
Gent OF the Institute of Amateur Cine
matographers, presented a gold medal
10 Alexander Korda for his direction of
the f1lm. This medal Is awarded an
nually by the institute to the director
OF the best film produced In Great
BRITAIN. The presentation was made at
the Leicester Theater In London.
Q. How many bills were introduced
INTO the first session Of this Consress7-
A. In the first session Of the sey-
enty-third Congress. $685. bills and
resolutions were introduced and
printed. 6,55s for the House of Rspre-
sentatlves and 2,l27 for the Senate.
Q. How long does 1t take monev to
double itself at per cent intersstp-
A. At per cent simple interest it
takes 1857 years; at per cent com
pound interest, IL years.
O. In how many States is table salt
produced? ?-L. G.
A; In "A. Michigan leads in salt
production.
Q. Has Russia q navy?-M b.
A. 1t has navy but 1t cannot be
counted upon at all times because some
RUSSIAN ports are icebound for DOR.
tlon OF the year and others are 40 stu
ated that their outlets are not con-
trolled by Russia. The port Of vladi-
Vostok does not have these disadvan-
tages, but is at great distance from
European Russia
Q. What is q musnud?-J. Ps.
A. In India. Persia and some other
Eastern countries large cushion or
orapted seat, often richly furnished,
serving as a seat Of honor, is called \
musnud.
@. What was the name of the prop-
erty bought by the Lees where STRAIT
lord Hall was built?-B. H.
A. On February IS. 1716. Col Thomas
Lee purchased from Nathaniel Pope,
mariner, OF London, the Gifts planta-
tlon containing fourteen hundred and
iorty-three acres. Here, about 1727, he
built Stratford Hall, now the property
OF the Robert E. Lee Foundation.
Q. What were the large glass shades
called which were used on candles to
protect them from drafts?-K. T.
a. Iney were called hurricane shades,
Evening star., 1934-01-19
Public Building Decisions,

Definite approval has been given to
the design for the so-called Apex Build
ing, which has been planned to occupy
the space at the eastern end of the
Mall-Avenue triangle, Immediately east
of the Archives Building, now ap-
preaching completion. This decision
was reached at joint meeting held
yesterday by the Treasury Board of
Architectural Consultants, the National
Capital Park and Planning Commission
and the National Commission of Fine
Arts, called specifically to consider the
treatment Of the great plaza inclosed by
the Commerce Department and the
triple unit structure now rising to house
the Post Office and Labor Departments
and the Interstate Commerce Commits
sion. The proposed treatment of that
space was approved, to include the
Oscar Straus Memorial Fountain.
The conclusion in regard to the Apex
Building permits action to secure funds
for its erection, either by ALLEGATION
from the public works appropriation or
by direct appropriation by Congress.
One of these two means should be
promptly sought to carry on toward
early construction. The structure Is
urgently needed for the housing Of sew
eral units, now inadequately accom-
modated.
In this connection it is to be noted
that an ALLEGATION Of public works funds
has been made for the repair Of the
present Post Of1ce Department. soon to
be vacated by transfer Of that branch
to its new home, now nearly completed.
This is for the purpose of making 1t
suitable for the accommodation ofvarious
Government units now occupying rented
quarters. Under q law passed at the
last session of Congress the old build
ing cannot be demolished at present. It
stands on q part Of the site Of the large
structure designed to occupy the space
between Tenth and Twelfth streets,
Pennsylvania and Constitution avenues.
One section of that structure has been
erected and Is occupied by the Internal
Revenue Bureau. Recently an aiicca-
ton of public works funds was made to
continue the construction along Tenth
street and as far west as Eleventh
street, leaving the northwest corner Of
the site for future development 1t
will, Of course, be wholly unsuitable to
halt this work at such stage, leaving
the old postal headquarters standing
indefinitely. 1t is entirely out of har-
mony with the structural designs for
the Mall-Avenue triangle, and no re-
pairs or remodeling can make 1t 80 con-
form. Nor is 1t economical to postpone
its removal for the sake Of its use
meanwhile as . housing for various
branches Of the Government.
The Mall-Avenue triangle project
will not be completed with the con-
struction of the Apex Building nor with
any interior renovation Of the old Post
Office structure. The present time Is
propitious for the full execution Of this
design, including the extension from
Thirteenth to Fourteenth streets, the
latter being subject to provision for the
municipal offices on the site already
secured and in part prepared in substi-
tuition for the District Building, which
eventually the Federal Government will
take over for blending with the struc-
ture now rising to the east.
Evening star., 1934-01-19
Motor Misery.

From the Rochester Times-Union.
Sympathy goes to the automobile
owner who traded In his old car, which
had q sticker on the windshield, and
found that the new car carried one Of
the same dimensions. Driving in life's
highway many disappointments are
encountered.
Evening star., 1934-01-19

Hollywood salaries are to be N. r. A.
coded At q glance the question OF
value would seem simple. A performer
IL worth what he can bring into the
box office, with q little held out for
press work and other overhead expenses.
Evening star., 1934-01-19

The scramble for wealth is repre-
hended by Secretary Ickes. The ad-
monition will have little influence on
terpret every responsible utterance
from the Nations Capital merely as
another tip on the market.
Evening star., 1934-01-19

Local politicians continue to line up
under national party names, although
national politics has become Z study
in economics and not q mere competi-
ton for office-holding advantages.
Evening star., 1934-01-19
Ancient Precedent,

Ancient Precedent.
When Moses saw the calf Of gold
Set up by Brother Aaron bold
He said: IT disapprove this show.
Your calf, along with pigs, must 60.
And, anyhow, to you vow
We're of Of the gold standard now.
Evening star., 1934-01-19

Gold may become tn the course OF
time the symbol Of democracy, In spite
Of Federal Reserve intimation that
some kinds Of gold. should be better
than others.
Evening star., 1934-01-19

There are 50 many constitutional
lawyers that 1t would be impossible to
wait for q unanimous opinion before
proceeding with business under consti-
tutional authority.
Evening star., 1934-01-19
Gotham Economy.

From the Philadelphis Evening Bulletin.
In New York City Q clock has been
removed from q municipal ONCE whose
employees are obliged to report the time
at which accidents occur, by way Of an
ured that q sun dial would be cheaper.
Evening star., 1934-01-19

North and South Carolina appear
content to occupy ringside seats while
observing the battle of various systems
Of repeal administration.
Evening star., 1934-01-19
Warned Sufficiently.

Prom the Roanoke Times.
MAX Schmeling's manager denies that
Chancellor Hitler warned the German
not to tight King Levinsly. However,
American sports experts have warned
him plenty.
Evening star., 1934-01-19

So far as patronage IS concerned,
question Is arising in remote districts
as to whether Postmaster General Far
ley is not almost as much Of myth
as Santa Claus.
Evening star., 1934-01-19
Fresh Gold.

Fresh Gold.
To wealth we're all aspiring.
Well try from day to day,
With energy untiring,
To beat the game some way.
The palace or the hovel
May seek for gold anew.
You may use pick and shovel,
But the chisel Is taboo.
Loud arguments" said Uncle Eben,
"I generally carried on by two people
tryin' to explain somethin' dey don't
either Of EN- understand"
Evening star., 1934-01-19
10 Evening Star Newspaper c,
Rusiness Qf1ica.

1lth st. and Pennsylvania Ave.
New York ONCE: 110 East 42nd St
European once: IA Regent ST., London.
England.
Evening star., 1934-01-19

One Of the greatest economic expert
ments yet suggested is a serious effort
to put politics out Of craftsmanship.
Evening star., 1934-01-19
More Deadly.

Prom the Cleveland Plaindealer.
After all, the curse of King Tut Is not
half so deadly as that Of the hit-skip
driver.
Evening star., 1934-01-19

Jud Tunkins says you may think
man who drives an automobile Is wrong.
but If he catches you at . crossing you
may as well step lively and not stop to
argue.
Evening star., 1934-01-19

Or Possibly Only = Decoy.
What b q lobbyist?"
There are several varieties" answered
Miss Cayenne. "The most usual just
now is the lame duck in disguise"
"The wisdom Of my ancestors" said
Hi Ho/ the sage Of Chinatown, "is not
unlike the wisdom Of today; volumi-
nously written, eloquently spoken, but
put into practice with great difficulty"