davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1937-11-27
COercing the Farmer.

Without undertaking to pre-judge the
constitutionality of the farm bill now
under consideration in the Senate, it
should be pointed out that the proposed
measure embodies provisions that find
no sanction in the Supreme Court de-
cislon OF last year invalidating the old
Agricultural Adjustment Act. The oues-
tionaole provisions of the present bill
may be eliminated from the final draft
OF the law, but a first reading of the
measure indicates that they are in
extricably woven into the basic theory
OF the recommended legislation.
among other reasons, the old A. A. A.
was declared unconstitutional by a six
to-three vote of the court because it
sought to compel all farmers to abide by
crop restrictions. This was not at
tempted directly, but through the device
OF granting cash benefits to those farm
ers complying with the restrictions and
by withholding them from those who did
not 1t was contended the legislation
was not coercive because farmers could
elect not to comply if they wished, but
OF this. Associate Justice Roberts, speak,
Ing for the majority, said: THE power
to confer or withhold unlimited benefits
is the power to coerce or destroy. .
This is coercion by economic pressure.
The asserted power of choice is illusory."
But the present measure INDUCES in no
such nlceties. Its fundamental purpose
OF compulsion is frankly stated. First,
the act calls for referendum of farmers
who, for example, grow wheat. They will
be asked to state whether they want the
Government to fix quotas limiting the
quantity of wheat each can raise in re-
turn for cash benefits. If two-thirds of
the farmers vote in the affirmative the
Secretary of Agriculture is authorized to
FIX the quotas and, should any farmer
exceed his quota he becomes guilty of
an unfair agricultural practice. This OF
course, applies as we'll to the one-third
who voted in the negative and to those
who did not vote at all. To make these
potential dissenters conform, the act
makes it the duty of the proper United
States district attorney to sue farmer
marketing wheat in excess of his quota
to recover the penalty prescribed by the
act-fifty per cent OF the parity price of
any wheat so sold. In addition, farm
ers must furnish cards showing they
have not exceeded their quotas, and
should they fail to do so, they may be
subjected to fine of not more than
500 for each offense.
The Supreme Court, since rendering
the A. A. A. decision, has adopted a
more liberal view of the powers that NAV
be exercised by the Federal Govern
ment. But 1t seems almost fantastic to
hope for approval of the punitive pro-
visions OF the new act from the five
justices still on the bench who vetoed
the original legislation.
Evening star., 1937-11-27

The Spaniards were early attracted bv
the delicacy. The first turkeys were sent
to Spain from Mexico in 1893. barely six
years after the discovery of America.
From Spain they spread over Europe. In
1924 is the first record of turkeys in Eng
land-a notable progress in a quarter of
century considering the sloWness of
communication in those days The native
Mexican stock gradually was improved
by breeding.
At about the same time the guinea fowl
relative OF the turkey, but native of
Africa, became known in Western and
Northern Europe. 1t has been domesticat-
ed In Rome thousand years earlier. It
was supposed to have come from Turkey.
The larger American bird was confused
with 1t and became the bird of Turkey. !"
After the United States was settled. it
appears that the first domesticated tur-
keys were imported from Europe rather
than derived from the native wild stock.
For a long time there was no effort to
cross the two breeds In fact, very little
breeding work ever has been done with
the Thanksgiving bird until within the
last Few years and the laws governing its
heredity are practically unknown.
Evening star., 1937-11-27

inescapable that Franco is flirting with
the idea of restoring the Spanish mon
archy, long reported to be the rebel
lions underlying objective.
Because of dynastic ties with the de-
throned royal house, the British are said
to desire its restoration, though favor.
ing Prince Juan as King, rather than
his father, Alfonso.
Britain's great stake in the Rio Tinto
copper mines and other Spanish indus
trial interests doubtless also lies at the
root OF her pro-1nsurgent leanings,
coupled with the fear that Communist
dominated Spain, resultant from Loyalist
triumph. might jeopardize British prop
erty rights. 1t is an interesting COIN
cidence that neighboring France and
Spain should simultaneously be rock
ing with revived monarchial movements
which contemplate puppet thrones un-
der Fascist relationships.
Evening star., 1937-11-27
Toward Better Health.

betore the investigation of conditions
at Galllnger Hospital by committee of
local doctors is under way, Secretary of
the Interior Ickes has announced a some
what similar inquiry at Freedmen's Hos
pltal, Washingtons colored hospital. to
begin December l.
Three points concerning these hoSpi-
tai Investigations should be borne in
mind. In the first place the examination
OF conditions at Freedmens is not in
spired by the Gallinger investigation.
Second, it is not the desire of any of the
examining groups to dig up scandal, but
simply to obtain correct appraisal of
conditions. Third, the District should
be represented in the Freedmens inves-
tlgatlon because it bears half the cost
OF the maintenance of the institution.
Although Mr. Ickes has appointed Mr..
Richard Mackenzie for the Freedmens
Hospital work. Mr.. Mackenzie having
previously been called in by the Budget
Bureau to investigate other hospitals re-
celving Government support, the Interior
Department has made it clear that Mr..
Mackenzie began making preliminary in
quiries at Freedmens Hospital six
months ago and had already reported
verbally to Mr.. Ickes
In the case of both hospitals, the
authorities have made it plain the inves-
legations are being conducted funda-
mentally in the interests of a better
health program for Washington and not
with the idea of pinning something on
somebody. DR.. Ruhland has insisted
that his request for investigation does
not imply criticism of Dr. Edgar A. Bo-
cock, superintendent of Gallinger, and
the Interior Department has likewise
made it plain that the survey ordered is
not concerned with personalities.
In the selection of Mr. Mackenzie to
make the survey at Freedmen's, Mr..
1ckes has picked man with consider
able experience in hospital administra-
tive and management problems. But in
all fairness, it seems that the District, as
half-contributor to the hospital budget,
should be included among those who
make the inquiry and that representa-
tive of the health officer or DR.. Ruh-
land himself with one or two others rep
resenting the community, should par
ticlpate. Mr.. Mackenzie, of course rep
resents the Interior Department, which
pays the other half of the hospitals ex-
penses and which has exclusive jurisdic-
ton over the institution
Charles Dickens once spoke of the
Capital as very unhealthy" These ex-
aminations into institutions dependent
upon public funds are a commendable
effort to remedy condition that has
continued too long and to arrive at a
co-ordinated and efficient health pro-
gram that will give the taxpayers a
good return for their money.
If the investigations are interpreted as
digging up scandal or trying to pass
the buck" back and forth between Con-
eress, the Budget Bureau and the COM
munity, much Of their value will be lost.
Evening star., 1937-11-27
Monarchy for Spain?

Far Eastern events have so effectually
crowded Spain of the news map that
American attention has been diverted
from the civil war on the Iberian PENN
sula, now drifting into its seventeenth
deadlocked month Military fortunes
have cumulatively favored the 1nsurgent
arms. Virtually an but Eastern Spain is
now In General frances possession.
Madrid. Barcelona, Valencia and most
of the Mediterranean Coast are still held
by the Loyalists. but many observers in
cline to the belief that once the rebels
launch their long projected drive from
the west and north the governments
doom, after year and a half of Stub
born resistance, will be in sight. Loyal
1st hopes largely went glimmering with
the abortive and never very earnest in
ternational effort to end italian and Ger
man Intervention. Both Mussolini and
Hitler have taken occasion to let it be
known that frances eventual victory is
q consummation they intend to see ac-
complished.
The Spanish governments cause has
suffered no more serious reverse than
Great Britain's acceptance of the Duke
of Alba as General Francois agent In
London. It does not quite constitute de
facto recognition OF the Insurgents,
though it is in pursuance of the trade
agreement recently negotiated between
the British government and the rebel
leader.
The identity of frances emissary is of
special importance. He was the last of
King Afonsos foreign ministers, and, on
account of his great wealth, many titles
and British ancestral connections, will
rank much higher in London than a
mere commercial envoy. As the Duke is
also one Of the closest friends and coun-
selors of the ex-KiAg, the conclusion is
Evening star., 1937-11-27

other to beat the band. The "blues" won
Now, these fellows were neither brick
layers nor brewery drivers. They were
husky rumhounds gathered up by the
theater management from the nearby
marsh market. These gorillas collected
fifty cents each, the loan of dirty pair
of overalls and two beers at the bar
one before and one after.
Those were the days, seated in the gall
lery, sans coat, sans vest, sans every
thing. You could take in all this glory
for ten cents. After the show (about
IL pm0 you went to schooner house."
had one and filled up on such free lunch
as you could grab. Then home and to
bed. Fifteen cents for q whole evenings
entertainment. All good, clean fun"
Can you beat it?
Ernest Roeber is hale and hearty at
a. About a year ago, If remember
right, he was here in Washington ref
ereeing one of Joe" Turner's shindyS.
We herewith commission Joe" to extend
to the old gentleman our hearty good
wiSes. FRED VETTER.A
Evening star., 1937-11-27
Sulfanilamide Elixir.

The Secretary Of Agriculture's report
to Congress on the sordid sulfanilamide
elixir episode last month-ninety-th
persons killed by medicinal preparation
clears the atmosphere in several direc-
tions. 1t reveals the inadequacy of pres
ent food and drug laws actually to pro-
tect the public. It reveals the callous
commercialism possible in the manu-
facture of medicines with potentialities
of life or death.
Neither physician nor layman will be
so likely, for some time to come, to ac-
cept drug preparation on the word Of
the maker. They will want to know
what Is in 1t in addition to the thera-
peutically potent ingredient the qualities
of which they are familiar. The episode
will make doctors more cautious. It will
stand as terrible warning against SELF
medication with remedies about which
one knows nothing.
Whether or not the tragedy results in
any legislation, it is bound to have untold
value as demonstration. sulfanilamide
itself comes out Of the investigation un-
scathed. First introduced about three
years ago. it has come to the front
steadily as one of the outstanding med
ical discoveries Of all time. It is almost
specific against streptococcic infections
1t is valuable agent in the treatment
Of pneumonia, meningitis, certain We
nereal diseases, malaria and possibly
some Of the virus maladies. Physicians
were experimenting with it for about
everything. It promised, professionally
administered, to save thousands of lives.
Naturally cloud was thrown over it
by the horrible deaths following its use.
Now it seems clear that the drug itself
was innocent. It did not kill anybody.
All the deaths were due to the diethylene
glycol, known to be poisonous, with
which 1t Wi mixed. Very likely table
Evening star., 1937-11-27
THIS AND THAT
BY CHARLES z. TRACEWELL.

One eyed goldfish evidently are CATCH
ing.
A reader on Calvert street writes a
follows:
Dear Sir: Some weeks back you had
an articles on your one-eyed goldfish,
fiddle.
my sister and I laughted over it, for I
have a one-eyed fish, too, except that
mine has the one eye missing on the
right side and yours had one missing on
the left.
Two months ago bought two gold
nsh at the ten-cent store. and the girl
slipped in the one-eyed hsh on me.
Il know she didn't do 1t on purpose,
as there were hundreds Of fish in the
tank, and she just put In the net and
picked two at random.
AT 1lrst was going to take him back,
as I didn't like the idea so much, but
now wouldn't trade him for q two-eyed
fsh.
II read your spinach article, too. It's
too bad you don't like spinach. I like it
and could eat it every day.
"Why do you eat it. when you don't
like it?
Il don't think 1t is any better than lots
Of other foods that you could eat with
relish. Despite the fact that like and
eat spinach, have been In bed sick for
the last two weeks with some twinges Of
neuritis-the October rains. guess.
ITS not catching, SO you can come
over and see my one-eyed goldfish, if
you can spare the time. Sincerely, E. NJ"
From a restaurant, over a foaming
bowl of spinach r. l.. writes as follows:
Dear Sir: I enjoyed your skit on
spinach.
And I quite agree with most every
thing you said.
In fact I've been on a spinach hunt
since arrived in Washington in an en-
deavor to discover tasty dish OF the
green medicine, and I've come out of q
dozen restaurants exceedingly disillu-
stoned.
Il wrote this over some bad spinach.
My pencil broke and had to beg a pen.
Il loathe spinach as much as you, but
the fact Of the matter is partook of q
dish OF it once that actually was delight
fully edible.
~ udppcIlcO q LHONLn ago IN Ola New
Orleans, somewhere, but I can't recall
the name of the restaurant. Yes. sir,
that dish had pleasant tang; it left q
good taste in the mouth: it was not
fuzzy. And I'm not boosting the old city,
for I could tell you some things deroga-
tory to both old N. O. and spinicia, too.
But that was one of the rare times I
have eaten the green leaves with gusto.
Sincerely, r. L."
So it does come out fit to eat, once in
q while!
1t is pleasant to hear OF people who
like spinach, and have found 1t cooked
so that they could praise 1t.
We have tasted it in many forms. in
many places. and have always found it
just-spinach.
Spinach, by the tables brim, is SPIN
ach and nothing more to him.
Or her, for that matter, for many
women have to pretend they like spin
ach, just as most men do.
With most persons. liking for spinach
is pure fraud
They do not care for it, actually; they
just make out they do.
Evening star., 1937-11-27

And the question is most pertinent.
indeed:
why do you eat it, when you don't
like IT."
Why do people do many things they
don't like?
Usually 1t is habit, education or propa-
ganda, in some form, or a combination
Of these.
1T is good for you." people have been
told.
Spinach is supposed to hold vast stores
OF precious iron, In organic form, with
out which life cannot 60 on.
There seems to be little doubt that
spinach has as much of this essential
element as any other food in popular
usage.
Organic iron, though in very minute
quantities in the blood, Is the one ele-
ment which enables the red corpuscles
ito 60 places" in the language of the
moment.
Those who suffer from lack of iron
suffer from anemia, in some form or
other. There are, Of course, severe and
less severe forms OF anemia. Some of
the anemias are incurable Others NAV
be mitigated by the now-famous liver
therapy Others, the result of infections
somewhere in the body, cure themselves
when the infection is removed.
Iron, and minute amounts OF copper
seem to be necessary in preventing
anemias, from which many persons suf-
Ter without knowing 1t. Many cases OF
laziness, SO called, are nothing but sick
blood. The victim is suffering at the
very seat OF life, and no amount of will
power and other persuasions of the type
will do any real or lasting good without
aid given the blood itself.
1t Is amazing. the pickup which VIC
Tins of some of the anemias secure as the
result OF the combination of liver ex-
tract and hydrochloric acid, especially in
the case Of aged persons.
We have witnessed within the past few
months one such recovery, and that it
was wonderful is putting it mildly. It
was almost miraculous.
II spinach. in proper amounts. can be
helpful in supplying a necessary quantity
OF certain minerals it may be realized
that it has a real place in the average
diet.
Iron in foods is so sparingly placed
tnat IL Is practically impossible to get an
~dN"1S SuPP'y VI ~ ny taxing LnOuRAC
OF any one article Of diet, however.
II ones diet were iron-free, in other
respects. one would have to consume un-
oellevable amounts of this green's to get
enough iron.
A properly varied diet, therefore
which contains some eggs, also rich in
iron. apricots, vegetables, some meat.
whole wheat and fresh fruits, will be
about all the great average person can
do toward supplying himself with an
adequate diet in this respect.
No more unhappy fate for a mortal
could be imagined than to eat with a
scale In hand, vainly trying to get lust so
much iron just SO much phosphorus so
much calcium, and so on
This is to say nothing against proper
investigation Of the subject, with a real
interest, and determination to get
some good out of it.
Once the investigation is made. how
ever, one should forget about 1t, and eat
without too much worry.
The homely old American advice to the
children, Eat your victuals, and say no
more about them" is still good Only
sometimes one must blow up about spin
ach. evidently
Evening star., 1937-11-27
''Washington City" Is Not
The District of Columbia

~ Vac DoieoA Va 1 uc star.
That portion of the District included
within the limits of the City of WASH
lngton, as the same existed on Febru-
ary u. 1871, and all that part of the
District of Columbia embraced with
IN the bounds and constituting on
February II, 1895, the City of George
town shall be known as and shall
constitute the City of Washington, the
Federal Capital"
This is found in section 7, title 20, Of
the 1929 Code OF Law, District of Colum.
ola. 1t Is recognized as unrepealed law.
Tor bill to make the City of Washing
ton co-extensive with the District of
columbia never was acted upon approv-
lngly by Congress.
In 1871 the District of Columbia con-
sisted OF the City of Washington, the
City OF Georgetown and the County of
washington, the latter being all that part
OF the Maryland cession not included
Wlthln the two cities. Boundary street
NOW Florida avenue) marks the north
ern limit OF the City of Washington, and
tnere is large network of highways out
Sloe OF It's boundaries to the north east.
northeast and southeast, notably in
CneVy Chase, Takoma Park, Woodbridge.
Langdon, Benning, Anacostia, and many
others.
BY act of Congress February %, 1905,
10, purposes OF assessment and taxation
only' tne commissioners of the District
OF Columola were authorized by Congress
70 place square numbers and lot num-
oers over the territory of the District of
Coiumola outside OF the City of WASH
lneton (that city then also including the
Clty OF Georgetown by the act of Con-
greSS Feoruary II, 1885. The lawful
name OF what heretofore was known as
the county OF Washington" thus be-
came changed legally to "all that terri
tory OF tne District of Columbia outside
OF the City OF Washington" It is not
louho tnat congress ever took action to
cnange tnls onlcial and legal designation
unless the above be proved otherwise.
tne commissioners of the District of Co.
lumola should not be too hasty in pro-
mitigating regulations for snow removal
or nlght parking of automobiles through
out the District of Columbia on a sug-
gestlon that they may do so as to the
main highways of Washington CITY,"
Legally according to the section of the
code quoted) there is no such place as
washington City," and there is a large
portion OF the District of Columbia con-
tanning arterial highways outside of the
CITY OF Washington" to which the Incl
tatlon to action, by its use of words, does
not seem to apply.
Inc recent dictum as to making trafic
regulations seems to be based on a Brit
ism conception that the owner of a We
nicle has no right to make a stable OF
Inc kings highway" Have we kings
highways" in the District of Columbia >
The general impression is that our thor
oughfares are the peoples highways (for
public uses, donated by original pro-
prietors. dedicated by landowners. or ac-
quired by a method of condemnation
tnrougn which the people pay for their
acquisition. They are the peonle,s hioh.
ways also because the people (not the
klng) are compelled to pay for their i'm
provement and fof~keeping them In re.
pair. JOSEPH w CHEYNE,v
Evening star., 1937-11-27

sugar mixed with the same toxic liquid
would have caused nearly as bad effects.
The physician need not hesitate to
prescribe sulfanilamide in cases where
it is indicated. But he apparently should
give some little pains to making sure
that 1t is not mixed with prussic acid
and that the cod liver oil prescribed for
an anemic child is not favored with
arsenic to make 1t sweet. Such precau-
tions would have seemed foolish a few
weeks ago. The elixir incident places
them in a far different light.
Evening star., 1937-11-27

AS children decide on heroes of Mother
Goose Rhymes for subjects of mural deco
ratlons they reach an easy conclusion.
Commissioner Allen finds docile and
unanimous agreement in his taste. The
Well-known children of definite world
OF fiction are still beloved, easily choose
their own favorites while we proceed to
cares OF duty without waiting for the
companionships of youngsters, save as
living mortals may introduce them now
and then for fleeting hour of reminis-
cent pleasure.
Evening star., 1937-11-27
Incorrect Dates Cited by
John Clagett Proctor
To the Editor Of The Star.

TO the Aditor Of The Star:
In your issue Of this date, Mr.. John
Clagett Proctor, in his Lafayette Square
History" states as follows (speaking Of
"Paymaster Beale, U. s. NJ: I'm 1896 he
was appointed to the Naval Academy.
from which he (was) graduated in
l842. u" As . mere matter of his
torical accuracy, the Naval Academy
was not founded until 1845 AS q matter
OF TACT, paymasters are not usually acad-
emy graduates, but are appointed from
civil life. H. NJ. GODFREY.
Evening star., 1937-11-27
No justification for
Fidelity Case Decision
To the Editor Of The Star:

To the Editor Of The Star:
submit the following comment on the
decision of Justice ODonoghue relative
to the dividend payment of the Fidelity
Building and Loan Association.
His reason for prolonging the pay
ment of this money at this time should
be vigorously protested by every share
holder of that institution.
I say this, for the reason, further
checking and appraising is unnecessary
and expensive and will only tend to de-
prive the people of the money they have
so long waited for.
There is just no justice in such a de-
cision. INA DIJRRAN
Evening star., 1937-11-27

That Thanksgiving turkey did not cost
very much and carried with it wholesome
reminder of the family that needed re-
membrance in this particular line. There
are many valuable reminders as we 90
on from day to day.
Evening star., 1937-11-27

If the youngsters decide they no longer
care for the Jacks and Jills of byeone
days there may be something new to
try them with; maybe a Jackski and a
Jillkovitz, with Asatic terms lowering
in the background.
Evening star., 1937-11-27

There was something to be thankful
for in the kind Of football brought to
notice by the holiday season and graft
tude for the present was as usual mingled
with appreciation of future prospects.
Evening star., 1937-11-27
Shooting Stars.
BY PHII4ANDER JOHNeON
OF the Map.

In Lazyville the horses 20
Upon their way, sedate and slow.
Around the old post office stands
The man with leisure on his hands.
The town policeman sits around,
For no offenders has he found:
Except, perhaps, 81 Simlins dog,
Who lies as still as any log
And could be taken up for crime
Because he's parking overtime.
wake up, wake up," the old clock sings,
And think of more important things.
Remember, the electric spark
Speeds us by daylight and by dark.
Life has new and swifter thrill.
There's no such place as Lazyville"