davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1938-12-13
CupituIizinq Misery

Nazi ingenuity in the works of
oppression seems inexhaustible. A
scheme to convert into a German
export trade boom the plight of Jew
tsh refugees fleeing from He'll on
earth is the latest deviltry devised in
Berlin. A more cynical plan for
capitalizing human misery was never
spawned.
The Associated Press on high Off
cial authority" thus summarizes it.:
zone wealthy and four Impoverished
Jews will be allowed to leave the
country in the proportion that
enough German exports are sold
abroad to yield foreign exchange to
meet the costs of their emigration" !"
The disclosure of this refined black
mail ruse comedies with intimation
OF slight letup shortly in the Sc
verify of anti-Semitic measures, in
return for which curtailed cruelty,
Germans expect foreign Jews to pro-
vide foreign exchange on the follow
ing basis:
Every emigrating wealthy Jew
would agree to take four penniless
Jews with him. Obviously we cannot
give him foreign exchange to finance
such an exodus. He should find some
wealthy coreligionist abroad to lend
him such sums as may be necessary
to enable him and his four brethren
to start life modestly anew in some
other country. We are willing to re-
tmburse this foreign Jew, but OBJ
viously can do it only by furnishing
goods made in Germany. The emf
grating Jew thus has it in his own
hand to hasten the day of his de-
parture from Germany if he can pro-
vide additional markets for German
made products"
For sheer effrontery, to stigmatize
1t mildly, this method of forcing the
Jews to make their liberation source
of business profit to their oppressors
outstrips anything even Nazi re-
SourcefulnesS in the arts of tyranny
has so far evolved. DR.. Jonah B.
Wise, speaking for the Jewish Distri-
button Committee, that great Ameri-
can philanthropic agency which has
so long ministered to the needs of
oppressed Jewry beyond these shores,
gives the only answer possible to
such impudence: "Not one penny for
tribute, but millions for relief"
Evening star., 1938-12-13
Urges Formation of
Negro Infantry Unit.
To the Editor of The Star:

To the Editor of The Star:
I consider The Evening Star one of
the fair, impartial papers in the country,
and therefore I address plea to your
reeders, particularly to my Jewish kins-
men, to join in demand for Negro in
fantry division in the United States
Army.
At present, Negroes are virtually denied
admittance to the Regular Army. This
is only one of the many determinations
suffered by them for many years.
In time of war the Negro would be
drafted in the same manner as any
American citizen. Would it not be the
wisest plan for all concerned to begin
the training of Negro troops right now
instead of the last possible moment?
know that the The Evening Star is
particularly interested in the matter Of
national defense and read your edi-
torial on proposed changes in infantry
tactics with considerable interest.
Jews who are thinking of their perse-
cuted kinsmen in Europe should be par
ticularly interested in backing this move
as thus they can demonstrate their SYM
pathy with members of another oppressed
race.
Let us all begin thinking of the welfare
OF our Nation and discard petty
hatreds and jealousies by asking Con-
gress for a Negro infantry division.
OSCAR LAPIROW.
Evening star., 1938-12-13
Defense and Relief

Senator David I. Walsh, chairman
Of the Senate Naval Affairs Commit
tee, sensing" an undercurrent of
pressure on the Government to gear
national defense spending to needs of
the unemployed and underprivileged,
has spoken out strongly against such
a tie-up. A similar stand was taken
recently by President Roosevelt in a
discussion Of his plans for expanding
the Army and Navy to afford maxi
mum security against possible foreign
invasion in this era of world unrest.
Senator Walsh did not disclose the
source of the pressure which is be-
ginning to make itself felt. It is
quite probable he does not know its
origin, in view Of its rather intangible
proportions at this time. That the
undercurrent exists, however, cannot
be doubted, for other Senator's have
expressed fears Of a campaign of ex-
travagant spending in connection
with the rearmament program.
1t would be most unfortunate If
serious attempt were made when
Congress reconvenes to link the prob
lens of relief and armament produc-
ton. National defense against un-
employment and hunger, and ma
tional defense against a potential
threat of aggression from war-mad
enemies abroad are both grave prob
lens Of government-but they are
wholly unrelated. 1t would be unfair
to confuse the vital issues involved
in each question by making one
problem dependent upon the other.
The Nations security is so impor-
tant that it does not have to apollo
gize for its cost. It has no cause to
masquerade under the guise of work.
relief, to use the recovery program
as an excuse for seeking adequate
appropriations. Sound national de-
fense, as envisioned by the Presi-
dents military advisers, is expensive,
it is true, but it is not an act of ex-
travagance. The program we'll might
assume extravagant proportions,
however, if it were closely coupled
with demands of the not-always-
conservative relief and spend-for-
prosperity groups. Seized by these
cliques, the preparedness program
soon might become a football of poll
tics. And it is fully as dangerous to
play politics with national defense
as it is with human misery.
Evening star., 1938-12-13
Euvesdroppers

love the revelry of youth,
But now, alas, am told,
That I no longer need appear
I'm just bit too old.
So when musicians are ensconced,
And rooms are cleared of chairs,
I peep down through the banisters
And listen on the stairs.
Soon "Almost-five'' and "Just-past.six,'
Who should be sound asleep,
All softly on their bare tiptoes
Close to my lookout creep.
When footsteps come we, scampering,
Each to her nest repairs
Then once more to the banisters,
To listen on the stairs.
It seems but so few yesterdays,
Since I, too, young and gay
Upon the onslaught Of my clan
Would firmly tuck away
My mother and my little ones,
Safe In the bedroom lairs-
Did they peep through the banisters
And listen on the stairs7 ID. A. G.
Evening star., 1938-12-13
Prince Georges Survey

Among the foremost problems con-
fronting the Prince Georges County
Board of Commissioners, which took
office last week, is the question of
authorizing sweeping survey of the
countys government such as is about
to be undertaken in Montgomery.
The issue was put squarely up to
the new board by the retiring COM
missioners, who recommended that
the Brookings Institute, which is to
make the Montgomery study, be en-
gagged for similar purpose in Prince
Georges.
In making the recommendation
the outgoing board pointed out that
during the past twenty-five years the
character of the county has COM
pletely changed, yet its governmental
machinery has remained the same.
A quarter of century ago Prince
Georges population was seventy-five
per cent rural and twenty-five per
cent suburban. Now the proportion
is reversed and the suburban popu-
lation is rapidly increasing, the board
noted.
Both groups would benefit from an
overhauling of the governmental
structure, the commissioners said.
They claimed revision should help
provide for modern development of
the metropolitan area by giving
greater protection to home owners
and merchants" and permitting COM
munities to obtain municipal i'm
provements without resorting to in
corporation.
For the rural areas it is held that
change in the governmental setup
would pave the way for better roads
and protection against "nuisances in
cident to proximity to a large city
such as indiscriminate location
of roadhouses."
If the retiring board, after four
years experience, concludes Prince
Georges needs to remodel it's setup,
the new board should give the pro-
posal careful consideration. No ex-
tensive survey is needed, however, to
reveal one glaring defect which has
given the county black eye in the
public's estimation. That is the in
effective police efforts to close large,
organized gambling establishment
just across the District line. It will be
interesting to see If the new board,
which also is the county's board of
police commissioners, takes any con-
structive steps to remedy that dis
graceful situation.
Evening star., 1938-12-13

How can any one really believe such
maunderings humorous?
Perpetrators Of this type Of so-called
fun pat themselves on the back for hav-
ing sense Of humor, but 1t is pretty low
grade, compared with the real thing.
Even slapstick humor, so-called, has as
poets Of fun in 1t which cannot be denied
going back to the old cynicism of the
Frenchman, There is something in the
misfortunes Of our best friends which is
not displeasing."
Who are the victims Of this universal
pest?
Good-natured people, undoubtedly.
They are an easy prey, taking all that
comes IN the best spirit, but this does
not mean that they will not see the USE
lessness Of it all. They smile, but inside
OF them they are wondering what makes
him tick so. Why couldn't the fool say,
1T is pretty day." or speak of inter-
national, national or local affairs?
Heaven knows, the field is wide enough.
There Is no limit, provided one has
enough sense to be interested.
Is that the clue?
Are these fellows who 20 around TAX
ing underhanded digs at others, all in
the guise Of fun, really people without
much brains?
Are they men doing intellectual work
who ought to be doing manual labor,
misplaced persons who find life irking
them, and so are not inclined to joyful
utterance at all?
X X X
Since kind-hearted persons, the usual
victims, are often at a loss as to what
response to make, it might be well to
consider few of them. One is in kind.
Thus silly remark is followed by one
equally asinine. Turning the question is
a favorite of some. Silence is golden
here, too. 1t is possible to take a real
tip from deaf people, and pretend not to
have heard. This would be the best pos
sible answer, if it did not play directly
into the hands of the other. He likes
nothing better than to say the same lit
tie nothing all over again.
There can be no doubt that, Just as
certain types of dogs have keen scent
for game, and can root it out from cover,
so these negatives and pessimistic takers
have an uncanny ability at spotting their
acquaintance who do not care for this
sort of thing.
Since the game" in this case, realizes
this trait, he often trys his best to cover
up by joining in the "joke" This is the
reason for the vast amount of joking,
joshing, kidding heard on all sides.
Success in covering up, however, too
often leads to that undesirable goal a
real ability at the very things one dis
likes!
The person who thinks that negative
criticism, as commonly practiced is both
useless and harmful, will not wish to sue
ceed too well at this sport. He will leave
that to others, believing that in the end
he is the gamer and they the loser, a
most comfortable way for any human
being to feel.
Evening star., 1938-12-13
Clearing the Atmosphere

A clergyman of any denomination
Is entitled to form and, at least
In the United States, to express
private opinions of a wide range
OF subjects. In the broad fields of
science, politics, economics and even
sociology he has the unalienable
right, in common with every other
American citizen, to do his own
thinking, make up his own mind, and
try to convert others to his convic-
tions. Only in the realm of theology
and the rather narrow belts where
other interests impinge upon it is he
in honor bound, so long as he remains
the authorized representative of a
denomination, to restrict his pub
licly expressed opinions within the
tenets of that denomination.
Unfortunately, this is not always
clearly comprehended by the general
public. The statements of clergy
man, and especially of a Roman
Catholic clergyman, are too often
identified with the tenets of the
church he represents. This has been
the case with that energetic radio
broadcaster with strikingly pro-
nounced economic and sociological
views-the Reverend Charles A.
Coughlin of Detroit. Father Coughlin
has been careful never to identify his
archaeological views with those of
the Catholic Church. Perhaps he las
not, however, gone far enough in
stressing that his personal opinions
are not Catholic dogma. There is
little question but that thousands of
persons have considered his opinions
as officially adopted positions of the
Catholic Church.
Cardinal Mundelein of Chicago,
Just back from Rome, renders a serv-
ice to the church and to the public by
a clearly worded statement issued
Sunday that Father Coughlin "is not
authorized to speak for the Catholic
Church nor does he represent the
doctrine or sentiments of the
church" At the same time he up
holds the right of the radio priest to
express his own opinions in fields
outside the direct province of the
church.
Such statement was needed to
clear the atmosphere. It is obvious,
OF course, that many thousands of
Evening star., 1938-12-13
Advocates License Tax
On Cigarette Vendors.
To the Editor Of The Star:

To the Editor OF The Star:
AS local taxpayer would like to ex-
press my opinion with reference to the
much-discussed tax problems.
Apparently for long time an impor-
tant and justiflable source of tax revenue
has been overlooked in the District of
Columbia. refer to retailers license
for the sale of cigarettes which is imposed
in practically all cities, counties and
States in this country. Certainly ciga-
rettes cannot be classified as necessities,
: therefore it is fitting and proper that a
license fee should be levied. In Mary
land the annual license fee is $25 plus
so cents for clerks fee. yet cigarettes are
sold at D. c. prices. Retailers in WASH
ington are not required to obtain nearly
as many licenses, ETC., as in the average
city of the United States Again I say
place these new tax burdens on nom
essentials. E. O.L.
December ..
Evening star., 1938-12-13

1t seems that Walter Johnson won
his victory as Republican county
commissioner at total outlay of fifty
cents, whereas his opponent gave up
about six grand" for the privilege
Of having contested with the big
Train" Half dollar is reminiscent
of some of those old Washington
teams he pitched to victory after VIC
tory, many of them against such
teams as the Yankees, Athletics and
Giants, represented by the opposing
several thousands.
Evening star., 1938-12-13
THIS AND THAT
BY Charles E. IrdceUell.

Perhaps ideas as to optimism and the
positive, as opposed to pessimism and
the negative, have been overdone in this
county, but there is still plenty Of room
for their application, as may be discov-
cred In listening to the daily greetings
between men.
"Why do you do so-and-so?" and "Why
don't you do so-and-so?" are among the
most common expressions heard every
where.
Instead Of saying something positive,
which usually means something pleasant,
the greeter inclines to the unpleasant
and therefore critical side.
Say what one will, few persons really
like being criticized, especially when
there is no point to 1t, and utterly no
necessity for it.
Criticism, in this mood, really is moth
Ing more than nagging. The male nag
ger, by the way, is far more prevalent
than the female Of the species. Often
this nagging is done as joke, which
perhaps it is, in the eyes of the one who
does 1t, but seldom assumes that rosy a
hue from the viewpoint of the other, who,
IN his turn, must pretend to take it as a
"joke," too. >
A careful observer will feel convinced
that If this type Of everyday kidding
could be ended, even if by dictate, 1t
would be of great benefit to the country.
There Is no computing the i'll will which
such tactics build up. If they could be
replaced by an honest acceptance of
others, even If put on for the time being,
the good will engendered would do mar
velous things toward a really bigger and
better America.
What is the point, for instance, of
greeting an acquaintance who happens to
be wearing a raincoat home from the
Office on sunshiny day with the remark,
What are you going to wear when it
rains?"
This perfectly senseless type of talk
Is commonplace with hundreds of per-
sons, revealing their little desire to make
negative and destructive criticisms of
others on the slightest openings.
One whose mind does not run this way
might think such persons had to work
hard to find such openings, but he would
not know the long training such minds
have had; surely if the same amount of
work had been put on something con-
structive and helpful, their own lives and
those of others would be frightened, and
the country at large could not help be-
ing in better position than it is.
Such petty attitudes, revealed on all
sides in every elevator and other places
where people of slight acquaintance are
forced to endure each other for a few
seconds, must do great deal more harm
than some think.
1t is bigger question than just the
little meeting, the few words, the forced
smile, the pretense that the other thinks
it funny" too, which the other does not
of course.
Evening star., 1938-12-13
Shooting Stors
BY PHILANDER JoHNsoN.
The Cheer Leader.

The Cheer Leader.
I kind O like old Santa Claus,
Who comes around each year,
And wins the popular applause
With gentleness and cheer.
He bids the public smile once more,
And takes attention from
The deliberations gone before
And troubles yet to come.
He doesn't yearn to be admired
And show his eloquence;
His operations are inspired
BY sheer benevolence.
He does his work without a pause
For platitudes prolix.
I sure do like old Santa Claus.
He ne'er talks politics!
Evening star., 1938-12-13

after the Fifth Circuit Court had set
aside a Board order directing the
steamship company to re-engage a
number of discharged seamen. In
refusing the request, the Supreme
Court, in effect, approved the ruling
OF the Circuit Court.
In reviewing the facts, the lower
court found that the case grew out
OF fight between an A. F. of L. and
a c. I. o. union, which had led to
three sit-down strikes while the
company's vessels were In port, and
the eventual discharge of all crew
members. The Labor Board decided
that the discharges resulted from a
desire on the part Of the employer
to discriminate against those crew.
men who had Joined the c. I. O.
union, but the Circuit Court refused
to accept that finding and said the
entire crews were dismissed because
the company had reason to antici-
pate trouble at sea, although the
names OF the prospective trouble
makers were not known.
The facts in the case are not of
general application, but industry as
whole should be vitality. interested
In what the court had to say about
the extent to which the Board may
go in accepting at face value testi-
mony given on behalf Of labor and
rejecting rebuttal evidence offered
by the employer. In that connection
the court conceded that the Board
has the right to pass upon the credi-
bility of witnesses and to reject
testimony it does not believe, but
added:
"The Board has wide discretion in
administering the Wagner Act but
In doing so it must deal fairly with
both parties to the controversy. It
is the duty of the Board to decide
the case before it on all the evidence.
1t is not at liberty to rely upon part
OF the evidence in support OF its
findings and put aside all other un-
disputed evidence. = On all the
evidence in the case, the company.
In the circumstances shown, was not
guilty of violating the National Labor
Relations Act. The findings of the
Board are not supported by evidence
within the meaning of the law"
That is highly significant state
ment. and goes farther, perhaps,
than any other judicial pronounce
ment in delineating the limits within
which the Board may believe or
reject evidence. If the Board accepts
this restriction upon the exercise of
its discretion, and presumably it will.
there should be less room in the
future for objection to its orders on
the ground they are unduly weighted
on the side of labor. II motif the
Board should err again, as any
human agency is apt to do-the
aggrieved employer, as a result of
this decision, can appeal to the courts
with renewed confidence that he will
receive an adequate hearing on the
facts as well as the law pertaining
to his particular difficulty.
Evening star., 1938-12-13

they would fird that they have been
scorning development which holds more
for the future of democracy than all
the impassicned utterances that will ever
decorate their papers.
Democracy will grow not from your
saying things, but from people doing
things.
WALTER R. VOLCKHAUSEN.
December g.
Editors note-The Star is glad to pub
lish Mr.. Volckhausen's factual criticisms
of the editorial in question, which was
not printed with any intent to minimize
the accomplishments of the Greenbelt
community.
Evening star., 1938-12-13
Labor Board Discretion

Although yesterdays action of the
Supreme Court in the Peninsular g.
Occidental Steamship Company case
was a defeat for the National Labor
Relations Board, the setback may in
the long run prove beneficial to the
quasi judicial agency. That, at least,
Is likely to be the result If the Board
seeks to profit by its own mistakes.
The Supreme Court was asked to
pass on the case by the Labor Board
Evening star., 1938-12-13

devout Catholics do not share the
opinions of Father Coughlin. They
may well be embarrassed by having
those opinions attributed to them be-
cause they are Catholics by acquaint-
ances who may labor under the error
that whatever Catholic priest says
about anything is Catholic doctrine"
Evening star., 1938-12-13

Americans who condemn in the
strongest terms Britain's criminal
negligence in permitting London to
be pitifully helpless target for air
attack at the time of the Munich
flasco might do less talking and more
thinking about Washington and
New York.
Evening star., 1938-12-13

If Commissioner Hazen has his
way the District, Maryland and Vir-
ginia may become Three Musket-
eers" of crime prevention and ap-
prehension, to the extreme discom-
fort of all lawbreakers.
Evening star., 1938-12-13

Is there well-to-do person in
Washington who can stare back into
the pictured eyes of the child de-
claring, "You are Santa Claus!" with
out changing his own expression?
If there is, God help him.
Evening star., 1938-12-13
Late Approval

Late Approval.
"Nero fiddled while Rome burned!"
exclaimed the student.
"Well," replied Mr.. Growcher, that's
better than the custom many violinists
have Of practicing at a time when every
thing is nice and quiet otherwise"
Evening star., 1938-12-13
Safety.

Captivity is hard, that's true,
And yet, I've heard some people say
'Twere better to be In q ZOO
Than on highway any day.
Evening star., 1938-12-13
Not Appreciated.

THAT speech of yours was a classic,
said the admiring friend.
Your criticism" replied Senator Sor-
ghum, "is kindly intended, but dis
couraging. The formal expression of
public opinion is something like the COM
position of music"
"You mean 1t should fall soothingly on
the ear?"
mo; you want to keep away from the
classical and get something that will hit
the popular TASTE"
Evening star., 1938-12-13
Letters to The Star

Letters to the Editor must bear
the name and address of the
,Driter. although the use of a
pseudonyn for publication is per-
missible. Please be briet!
Evening star., 1938-12-13
Unappreciated.

They say the tune is popular" which
everywhere I hear.
The radio now grinds it out with glee,
The neighbors far and near,
Sing it till it hurts my ear.
And the small boys persevere
With whistle shrill and clear
1t isn't very popular with me.
Evening star., 1938-12-13

Some men," said Hi Ho the sage Of
Chinatown, "put away so much money
for rainy day that they must be looking
for deluge."
Evening star., 1938-12-13

II don't want no real estate" said
Uncle Eben. II amt got de money to
pay de taxes an I amt smaht enuf to
dodge sism."
Evening star., 1938-12-13
Member of the Associated Press

=. The Associated Press is exclusively entitled to
tne use for republication Of all news dispatches
credited to it or not otherwise credited in this
paper and also the local news published herein
herein also reserved
Evening star., 1938-12-13

Q. What is the smallest republic in
the world?-J. K. L.
A. 1t is San Marino in Northern italy
with an area OF SO square miles.
Evening star., 1938-12-13

Q. Please give the date of the races at
Hialeah.-E H.
A. The Hialeah track at Miami, Fla,
Will open on January II and the races
will be held through March 4.