davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1939-04-13

BACKGROUND
T,Co-year labor contract in soft
coal mines expired March 81.
Negotiations for reneWal haze
been under iDdy since March II
1Dith deadlock ouer issues OF
closed shop and elimination OF
strike penalties from district
agreements A total OF $4,000
miners are idle.
BY the Associated Praaa.
NEW YORK. April 13.-Mayor La
Guardia today took a hand in
the deadlocked negotiations for
a new basic contract for the soft
coal industry-a stalemate that has
kept $4,000 Appalachian miners
idle since March 81.
A subcommittee of four operators
and four representatives Of the
United Mine Workers Union &C. L.
o. heard the Mayor, worried over
the possibility Of a city fuel short
age. at morning conference.
The Mayor suggested that various
New York City institutions might
lease or even buy mine" to insure
an adequate fuel supply.
Leasing or buying mine would
be an extreme measure" he said
but we must have electric current
in this city Of seven millions per-
sons, where most of our power is
generated by steam"
The Mayor said rapid transit and
electric light and power industries
have on hand coal for only three to
six weeks.
When the committee adjourned
for luncheon Charles O'Neill of New
York, spokesman for the operators,
was asked if he thought such ex-
IRENE measures as outlined by the
Mayor might be necessary.
Undoubtedly" Mr.. ONeill said,
If there is not settlement
Phillip Murray. a U. NJ w. vice
president, returned to the confer
ences today after an absence of sew
eral days because OF the death Of his
brother in-law.
Lewis Gets Messages.
c. I. O. President John l.. Lewis
one OF the four negotiators for the
union, said messages had been re-
ceived from several cities and insti-
buttons running short Of coal. The
National Coal Association, through
it's executive secretary. John D. Bat
tie. insisted there is no fuel famine
Said Mr.. O'Neill:
I'VE admit shortages of coal or
possible shortages at public institu-
tions and plants of other consumers.
We are not prepared to say how
serious this situation may be as a
whole"
Use of power driven machinery
was discontinued at the United
States Military Academy at West
Point and coal was rationed by order
of Brig. Gen. Jay L. Benedict, SUI
perintendent. for the "strictest con-
seryation" Heat was also reduced
Three Weeks Supply Seen.
A spokesman for a large West
Virginia mine company expressed
belief there was ample soft coal
above ground to supply the Nation
for three weeks.
At the close of another fruitless
session by the subcommittee yester-
day, Mr.. Lewis told reporters the
miners had refused to return to work
unless the operators would grant
complete recognition of the union
And upon that issue the men are
idle" Mr.. O'Neill interjected.
And upon that issue the men
will remain idle" Lewis replied.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1939-04-13
TOMORROW.

Senate:
Program uncertain.
Military Affairs Committee meets
In executive session on miscellaneous
business. 10 am.
Military Affairs Subcommittee
conducts hearing on bill relating to
the pay and uniforms of the Ohacers'
Reserve Corps. 10 an.
House:
Considers special rules and mis-
cellaneous bills. =
Appropriations Subcommittee con-
tinues hearings on State, Justice and
Commel supply bills. 10 an.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1939-04-13
Jury Frees Two Youths,
Assesses Magistrate
By the Associated Press.

By the Associated Press.
PITTSBURGH, April ia Grim
inal Court jury which freed two
youths accused of beating" pin-ball
machines assessed half the cost of
trying the case on Magistrate George
Seibel because he did not dispose
Of the matter in Police Court.
The unusual action yesterday fol-
lowed visiting Judge C. D. Fetter-
hoff's assertion Magistrate Seibel
who held the youths for grand jury
action, should have settled the case
because 1t involved only $14O. He
said the jury could make the mag
istrate share the costs If it de-
sired.
Acquitted by the jury were Mike
Gally, %, and Kenneth Hathaway
90. They were charged with larceny
by trick for boring holes in the side
Of pin-ball machines and insert
ing wire to short circuit the
bumps" as the devices were being
played, bringing up high pay scores.
noakh nieo hiIs%x, Ar~osx .~J Co..
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1939-04-13
Plane Output Limit
For Wartime Causes
Great Concern
Air Corps Wostoee Foetor
Of 30 Per Cent Appears
To Be Optimistic

(ThiS is the 10th OF a series OF
articles dealing 1Dith the many
phases OF the $500, 100000 ma
tiondl air defense program noD
getting under tDay - Americas
greatest apiation effort since the
World War;
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1939-04-13

Six seconds may save your life and
1t won't hurt your appointment
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1939-04-13

River Report.
Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers clear At
Harpers Ferry Potomac clear at Great
Falls today.
Tide Tables.
FURNISHED by United States Coast and
Geodetlc Suryeyi
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1939-04-13

Death, Disability, Arrest and Scorn
are the Four Horsemen of traffic
safety.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1939-04-13
Report for Last "a Hours.

Record for Last "a Hours.
(From noon yesterday to noon today
Highest, 81. l pm. yesterday. Year
ago. 80.
Lowest. 81. 4 am. today. Year aRo. 20.
Record Temperature This Year.
Highest, as. on March 20.
Lowest. II. on February 90.
Humidity for Last "a Hours.
tFrom noon yesterday to noon today
Hishest. ~ per cent at 7 an. today.
Lowest. % per cent at 2:3O pm. yes
terday.
The Sun and Neon.
Rises. Sets.
Sun, today --- 5:36 6:42
Sun. tomorrow - b.35 6.43
Noon today $1,000 PIP am. Ill pm.
Automobile lights must be turned on
one-hAlf hour after sunset.
Precipitation.
Monthly precipitation in inches in the
CAPITAL (current month to date).
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1939-04-13
Precipitation.

Monthly precipitation in inches In the
Capital (current month to date):
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1939-04-13
La Guardia Takes
Hand in DeadIocked
Coal Negotiations .
Suggests Leasing Of
Mine to Insure
Supply for City
BACKGROUND

BACKGROUND
Tlco-year labor contract in soft
coal mines expired March 81.
Negotiations for reneDal haze
been under 1O0y since March II
1Dith deadlock oDer issues of
closed shop and elimination OF
strike penalties from district
agreements. A total OF $4,000
miners are idle.
Evening star., 1939-04-16

recommending the Sunnyvale site
after careful and deliberate study.
It would be little short of criminal
If our national security in this mat
ter were to be sacrificed to a matter
OF sectional pride or mere political
expediency. And 1t appears that
some of this feeling may be behind
rejection by House and Senate COM
mittees of the Sunnyvale project.
The cost is irrelevant. It Is less than
that Of providing squadron of four
engine bombers; one per cent of the
cost of the air defense program
would do the job.
The fact that the Sunnyvale mat
ter has been disapproved by the Ap-
preparations Committees should not
end the fight. There Is definite
promise that it will not. Further
efforts will be made to obtain funds
for this essential project, and Con-
gress should consider well the whole
matter before it adiourns.
Evening star., 1939-04-16

mature judgment. We are prone to for
get the old maxim that "in Quietness
and confidence shall be your strength" !"
The temperatures of public opinion rise
and fall as rumors, good or bad, affect
them. The swift pace of life, together
with the abnormal development of the
Nation, are contributing factors in shap-
ing our judgments. The news of sim
gle day affects values and creates suspi-
cton that something serious is impending.
Our days are colored by the hasty perus-
al Of the headlines in the morning press.
The speech Of dictator or the debate
in foreign parliament creates a sense
of distrust In the social, political and
economic order and causes a brief sus-
pension of confidence. Even a drama
heard over the air occasions such distress
and deep anxiety that men and women
lose their poise and become panicky with
fear. We are certainly a mercurial
people.
Just now we have need to hear again
the calm voice of Benjamin Franklin
and to look with greater confidence to
those things that have made and pre-
served us Nation. Franklin appealed
to his colleagues to recognize "the more
convincing proof that God rules in the
affairs of men" and that in a difficult
situation recourse to prayer and a finer
expression of dependence upon God was
indispensable to sane and wise action.
Have We in our confusion and haste
forgotten the ways of those who shaped
the course of the Republic? Have we
such utter dependence upon our own
cleverness and excelling genius that we
can direct the affairs of State and Ma
ton apart from divine guidance? These
are trying days and they call for high
grade Of craftsmanship, for freedom
from passion and fear and for that kind
OF calm judgment that is unaffected by
the capricious whims of an ephemeral
public opinion. It also calls for such
fidelity to high ideals that partisanship
and party strife shall give place to that
kind of action that makes the world be-
Heve we are one in purpose and one in
determination to hold to a course that is
consistent with our avowed declarations
and our professed faith as a people.
That course began with God and rev.
erent recognition of His will Quiet
ness and confidence make steady wills
and flrmness of decision.
Evening star., 1939-04-16
A STEADYING INFLUENCE
BY the Right Reu. James Freeman, D. d. IL. d. D. c. L.
Bishop of WdshinQton.

In the midst of an acute and trying
situation where there was lack of both
harmony and decision in the convention
that was met in Philadelphia in 1887 to
draft Constitution for the young Re-
public, Benjamin Franklin arose and
said:
Mr.. President. the small progress we
have made after four or five weeks close
attendance and continual reasonings
with each other-our different senti-
ments on almost every question, several
OF the last producing as many noes as
ayes-is, methinks, a melancholy proof Of
the imperfection Of the human under
standing. In this situation of this As
sembly, cropping as it were in the dark to
find political truth, and scarce able to
distinguish 1t when presented to us, how
has 1t happened, sir, that we have not
hitherto once thought Of humbly apply
Ing to the Father Of Lights to illuminate
our understandings? have lived, sir,
long time, and the longer live, the more
convincing proofs see Of this truth
that God governs in the affairs OF men.
And II sparrow cannot fall to the
ground without His notice, is 1t probable
than an empire can rise without His aid?
We have been assured, sir, in the sacred
writings that except the Lord build the
house, they labour in vain that build it,
I firmly believe this. and I also believe
that without His concurring aid we shall
succeed in this political building no bet
ter than the builders of Babel. I, there
fore, beg leave to move-that hence
forth prayers imploring the assistance
OF Heaven, and its blessings on our delib-
erations, be held in this assembly every
morning before we proceed to business,
and that one or more of the clergy of this
city be requested to of1ciate in that
service"
The wisdom of this old seer had a
stimulating effect upon the convention
and did much to bring into harmony
contending and contentious elements.
We need in these troublous days the
steadying influence of such wisdom.
Just now we are much influenced by
confused judgments and we act hastily
and without reckoning with those funda-
mental principles that have stood us in
stead in other crises. Many if not most
OF the trying and difficult times we have
experienced as people have been the
result OF panic and the lack of calm,
Evening star., 1939-04-16
Peace in the Heurt

When recently Jerome X. Jerome's
beautiful symbolic play. THE Pass
ing Of the Third Floor Back" was
broadcast, little child In a Wash
ington home remarked: wouldn't
it be wonderful if The Stranger could
come to us?" Her parents had the
wit to reply: He will, If we really
want him enough"
And in that brief domestic incident
there was meaning which, it would
seem, cannot be stressed too much.
People, plain people, the innumerable
multitudes of humble and unoffend-
ing people everywhere do not con-
sciously prefer greed and hate and
violence. Rather, they consistently
seek to make adjustments to avoid
trouble, to escape from suffering.
But they are tangled in competitive
system which they never have
learned how to simplify or control.
Thomas Hardy, out of his kindly and
sensitive soul, once wrote a poem
about a puzzled soldier. He has killed
an enemy, butH is not happy. Pom
dering the riddle, he says:
Eyes, quaint and curious war is!
You shoot a fellow down
You'd treat if met where any bar is,
Or help to half a crown!"
Former President Benes of Czecho-
Slovakia, speaking in Chicago a few
days ago, declared: mo nation
wants to fight" The words echo
endlessly. Their connotation is that
nobody truly wishes for the distress
of any fellow creature. Leaders may
aspire to the dubious privilege of
marching out to the murder OF rival
captains. But they confess that their
armies have to be coerced into car
mage, drafted into slaughter. The
history of the whole world is chron-
icle of horror for which the masses
cannot be held responsible. Espe-
cially now, educated as they are by
quarter century of crises, human be-
lngs OF every creed, class and coun-
try want rest from alarms, release
from threatening catastrophes.
But the individual citizen de-
mands: What can I do about it?
The answer is simple, clear, direct
and plain. It is: Practice peace in
your own heart! Such medicine as
may be had from personal serenity
is at least a partial cure Old books,
pictures, music, quiet walks in quiet
woods, harmless hobbies. close
friends with whom one does not have
to pretend, these assets are within
the reach of any willing spirit. All
that is required is the determination
to use them to obvious helpful ends.
If disaster comes, at least it has not
been invited by those who have tried
to live above the battle.
Evening star., 1939-04-16
Amendment Necessary

The pending tax bill for the Dis
trict OF Columbia has temporarily
diverted attention from an even
more important measure affecting
District of Columbia taxpayers. This
is the McGehee bill for amendment
of the Districts unemployment COM
pensation law. It's enactment at this
session of Congress should be con-
sidered imperative, in view of the
incredible situation that already
results from a law which taxes
employers far beyond the maximum
needs for which the tax is levied.
Mr.. McGehee's efforts should receive
the full support of local taxpayers
as we'll as the sympathy OF his COL
leagues whose home districts are
already beginning to experience the
condition found here.
For some reason which is not clear
now, the District pay roll tax for
unemployment relief was made O.3
per cent higher than the prevailing
rate in the States. 1t is taking from
employers more than $500 900 a
month. With reserve already accu-
mulated in excess of $4,000, 900, 1t is
piling up additional funds-the ben
eft of which is lost entirely as far as
local needs are concerned-at the
rate of more than $4,000, 900 a year
when the highest demands antici-
pated from local unemployment
would require less than $2,40O, 900
annually. In other words, a local
tax is being collected which is more
than two-thirds in excess of the de-
mands. Any such tax is a vicious evil.
The amount of this tax burden can
be gauged by comparison with the
estimated revenue yield of the pend
ing tax bill, which would produce
something in excess of S., ,OO0, 900 from
new levies. A substantial portion of
these new taxes will be paid by the
employers already paying the exces-
sive per cent net on payrolls. AS
Mr.. McGehee says in the article,
which is printed elsewhere in The
Stars columns today, the continual
ton of this tax at the present rate
will ultimately wreck business in
Washington. Within the relatively
short period of fourteen or fifteen
years it would pile up an idle, nom
interest-producing reserve OF forty
five or fifty million dollars.
Because the Social Security Act
imposes Federal tax which is cred
tied against the local tax, Mr.. Nc
Gehee's bill necessarily amends the
national act indirectly by divorcing
the District Unemployment Com
pensation Board entirely from the
Federal board. Whether this will be
the process eventually followed in the
States, where the Districts problem
is also being encountered, must be
left for later study. At present it
seems the most direct method of ac-
complishing the necessary and imme-
diate aims in the District of Colum-
bia.
Evening star., 1939-04-16
Not Too Lute

1t is not yet too late for Congress
to rectify an error which might con-
ceivably mean the difference between
victory and defeat for this country
in the event of our becoming involved
in major war.
AS part of the national defense
program, President Roosevelt recon-
mended to Congress the establish
ment at Sunnyvale, Calf, of a second
basic research laboratory for the Ma
tional Advisory Committee for Aero
nautics. The committee now carries
on all basic aviation research for the
Nation in single laboratory at
Langley Field, Hampton, Va.
The Bureau of the Budget ap-
proved the appropriation of funds
for the project, which has been
strongly indorsed by the Army and
Navy. Their reasons are obvious and
should be sufficient for Congress. In
case OF major war involving this
country our need for air defense
would be paramount. This defense
cannot be static. Airplanes must
continuously be improved. Improve
ment can come only through re-
search. In event of war, the type
of research carried on at Langley
Field would at once become indis-
pensable to our superiority in the air.
hence to our security.
Obviously, If an enemy could de-
stroy our aviation research, he would
have gone long way toward gaining
aerial supremacy, especially If he
possessed aggressive, capable re-
search workers who could continue
the rapid improvement of his air.
craft while we frantically tried to
replace what had been lost.
Langley Field would become an i'm
mediate and primary goal for enemy
bombers. It would be worth heavy
losses to the enemy to destroy the
laboratory there. Yet all of our basic
aeronautical research is so condensed
at this one point that a squadron of
bombers, in one attack, lasting a
matter of a few seconds, could wipe
out the whole plant.
1t Is apparent that for security we
should have at least two such major
research bases, with duplication OF
all essential facilities. European
countries have established not two,
but many such laboratory centers as
far apart as their geographical lin
its will permit. This is especially
true of Germany.
We should have at least two bases
and they should be so far apart as to
be inaccessible to enemy air raids
from one base or from the same fleet
This does not mean that a separation
of twenty-five miles, as has been pro-
posed in Congress. or 100 miles, or
even 500 miles, is sufficient. Defense
experts OF both services Joined in
Evening star., 1939-04-16

and Mussolini that they cannot
expect to enforce their claims by
saber-rattling, table-pounding or any
Of the other forms OF intimidation
by which three nations in Europe
and one in Africa have seen their
Independent existence terminated"
Evening star., 1939-04-16

concerned. But that same experience
shows that the market place still oper-
ates to fix the price Of most farm prod
ucts. The result has been acute malad-
justment.
Maladjustment, too, has arisen from
the fact that price fixing in industry Is
being followed by wage fixing as we'll
through organization of labor and
through direct Government action Price
fixing demands now are gaining momen-
tum In agriculture.
(oopyrtsht 1897 sesssSs-
Evening star., 1939-04-16
Shooting Stors
By PHILANDER JOHNSON.
On the Hill.

On the Hill.
There's shiver in the branches
AS the Southern winds float by,
And quiver in the streamlet
Where the pearly pebbles lie.
There's rustic in the marshes
Where the river lightly flows;
The whole world seems to waken
AS the sun more gayly glows.
And the shiver and the quiver
And the rustic seem to be
The prelude to some movement
Which a wondering world will see.
And If you think 1t over
You will presently discern
They are just the introduction
To a motion to adjourn.
Evening star., 1939-04-16

A., The Associated Press il exclusively entitled to
the use fer republication of all news dispatches
credited to 1t or not otherwise credited In this
paper and also the local news published herein
AL rights OF publication OF special dispatches
herein also reserved.
Evening star., 1939-04-16

Up to Date.
"The tone Of the voice has much to do
with making speech attractive"
Eyes," answered Senator Sorghum, "a
number of us would make far better i'm
pressions on our constituents If we could
send our voices over the radio instead of
mailing copies OF the Congressional
Record"
people are very patient with the
birds" said HI Ho, the sage Of China
town. If human being kept practicing
the same tune forever, like robin, they'd
run him out of the community"
Evening star., 1939-04-16

Reasonable Conclusion.
you can't get something for nothing"
said the man Of severe principles.
II have my doubts about that" an
swered Farmer Corntossel. "I've got
nothin' fur somethin' In several trades,
an I can't see but what it worked the
other way round fur the other feller."
Evening star., 1939-04-16
Delivered by Carrier-City and Suburban
Rate by Mail-Payahe in Advance
Member Of the Associated Press

Entered aS second class matter post ONCE,
Washington. D. c.
Evening star., 1939-04-16

says Uncle Eben.
Miss Spring, she come a-smilin'
But de Northwind was so cross
Her Sunday clo'es was all mussed up
An some O. dem got los!
He holler at her all day long,
She jes' set down to cry;
Her bonnet mos blowed of her head
An de trimmin's all awrv
We've missed her sadly, but she amt
To blame fob what she did.
She got 20 scairt an Justified u
She went somewah an hidl
Evening star., 1939-04-16

Having Her Troubles.
She is an heiress fair to see;
Her Joy we hasten to announce
She wed title long which she
Can never properly pronounce.
Evening star., 1939-04-16

The Evening Star Newspaper Company
Main Once: 11th St. and Pennsyivania Ava
New York ONCE: ITO East 42nd st.
Chicago Once: 435 North Michigan Ave.
Evening star., 1939-04-16

HAN~AJ w NSSCAOp UdCkWdIU 1ldC1OIlS dIlu
when capital could feel some assurance
OF return on what seemed like stable
! investment.
The situation that confronts Congress-
men and the President at home is
scarcely less scrambled
| Just as in the field Of the world eco
nomic machinery, the domestic machin-
cry Is dependent for effective and auto
matte operation upon free market in
which the forces Of supply and demand
work out adjustments and provide that
| balance that permits full use Of produc-
tive resources.
But at home disruptive forces are at
work.
The population growth upon which in
dustry has been able to depend for an
expanding market is slowing drastically.
The 1s2os saw 100000 added to the
population. while the 1930s are seeing
barely 100000 and the 1940s promise to
add no more than 100000.
In more and more Instances, the mar
ket place Is giving way to decisions Of
corporation executives in the determine
ing OF prices Of industrial goods. Indi-
v1dual decision determines that, when
| demand slackens, production rather than
prices shall be cut, with resulting unem-
ployment. The whole theory of the
economy which Congress thinks would
| operate, II left alone, is that the market
place Will serve to assure relatively con-
tinuous production by sacrificing price.
Ten years Of experience since 1929
serve to refute the underlying congress
siona1 idea' % far ~ industrial goods are