davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1939-09-19
Dep1ores Anti -Americanism
OF Teacher.

To the Editor Of The Star:
In The Star Of September Is there
appeared letter from M. s., teacher
of history and civics, quoting an anony-
nous eminent historian" as asserting
that a democratic form Of government
is not necessary in order to have a good
and just government and that prior
to the World War Germany's was prob
ably the best government in Europe;
an anonymous political science pro-
fessor" as suggesting that the Kaiser
would eventually be known as Wilhelm
II the Great because he and his govern
ment did more for the good of his peo-
pie than any other nation did, and "a
number of people" as arguing that the
world would have been better of If
Germany had won the last war and
that England, and particularly Sir Ed
ward Grey, was responsible for its being
a World War.
Pro-German is hardly the term to
apply to these views-anti-American is
more fitting. It is strange that they
should be entertained by one who claims
to be a teacher of history and civics.
Their falsity has been demonstrated
countless times by the patriots who have
made our history what it Is.
The American constitutional system,
based on the experiences Of previous
centuries, was established for less than
Evening star., 1939-09-19
Bid for Unity

President ROOSevelt'S invitation to
Alfred M. Landon and Frank Knox,
titular heads of the Republican party,
to attend the White House conference
tomorrow on the question of repeal
ing the arms embargo lends force
to the praiseworthy effort by Mr..
Roosevelt to prevent the debate over
the neutrality issue from developing
into purely partisan controversy.
Some critics of the President have
said that he is really asking for a
harmony which implies a complete
surrender on the part of those whose
views on the embargo question differ
from his own. But that contention
is only specifically true. Obviously
Mr.. Roosevelt wants the embargo
repealed and is trying to rally all
elements in Congress to his support.
1t does not follow from that, how
ever, that Mr.. Roosevelt is trying to
prevent those who disagree with him
from giving the fullest legitimate
expression to their opinions. On the
contrary, there is every reason to
believe that the President recognizes
the necessity for full debate and will
make no effort whatsoever to cur
tail any discussion that is germane
to the issue.
The real purpose of conferences
such as that scheduled for tomorrow
is to forestall any attempt to re-
solve the embargo debate into a
political issue. There have been re-
ports already that leaders of the
isolationist bloc are hoping to align
Senate Republicans as group
against the repeal proposal, an effort
which, if successful, would tend to
make the question of repeal or re-
tention of the embargo party ISSUE
If the isolationists should accom-
plisf their purpose, which appears
most unlikely in view of the fact
that such prominent Republican
Senators as Taft, Austin and White
have declared themselves in favor
of repeal, there would be little il
any chance of securing the objective
consideration of the issue which its
Importance requires.
Mr.. Roosevelt is eminently in the
right in asking for an adjournment
of partisan politics at this crucial
moment, and those who oppose him
in this respect must do so in the
knowledge that they are gambling
recklessly with the country's welfare
Evening star., 1939-09-19

Der, 1887: IF these aggressions and
inhumanities increase, let no one
imagine that America will escape,
that it may expect mercy, that this
Western Hemisphere will not be at
tackled, or that it will continue to
carry on the ethics and arts OF
civilization"
Those words carry to this country
significance tenfold that which
they bore two years ago. Congress
should take them to heart as it ap-
proaches consideration of the gravesI
issue it has confronted in our time.
Evening star., 1939-09-19
Time for Action

Unless there is speedy settlement
of the New York seamens strike that
has tied up seven ships scheduled to
take stranded Americans out of Eu-
rope, the Government should exer-
else it's right to requisition the
vessels, put Navy crews aboard and
get them on the job.
For the best part of week now,
the ships-some withdrawn from
other routes-have lain idle, as the
crews pressed their demand for a
$3.50 bonus and $4,000 war risk in
surance as compensation for the
travel hazard created by the Euro
pean outbreak. Reports now are that
the bonus figure has been cut to
$3.50, and the insurance provision
waived pending congressional action,
and if an agreement can be reached
on an amicable basis, so much the
better. Failing of that, the Gov
ernment should not temporize fur
ther at this time.
So far as is known by officials of
the Bureau of Marine Inspection and
Navigation here, only one creW-that
of the American Trader-struck after
signing articles, and it is for that
reason that only the sixty-one men
from that vessel yesterday faced
hearing that could result in suspen-
sion or revocation of their licenses.
In the case of the six other ships,
presumably, the regular crews simply
refused to sign on for the evacuation
expedition, and in such circum-
stances no action is required by
the bureau.
In defense of the American Trader
strike, one member of the crew tes-
titled he saw what he believed was
ammunition being taken aboard. The
captain denies there was contraband
on the ship, and the Government
properly is undertaking an investiga-
ton. The distaste for service aboard
a suspected munitions carrier is un-
derstandable, and could account for
the fact that the crew, signing
up last Thursday, decided within
twenty-four hours to quit the ship
unless added compensation was forth
coming. There should be added COM
pensation and insurance for the risk
involved. But the strike, under the
circumstances, was not the way tt
obtain either.
The issue that bred the present
| strike is not new, having arisen a!
Evening star., 1939-09-19
SECOND ST. NV.

"Dear Sir:
'In yesterdays Evening Star you had
an article about squirrels. My expert
ence with these animals this summer
has been most interesting. live near
the United States Soldiers Home
grounds, ard spend many afternoons
reading in the park.
"It was here, quite by accident, that
I made the acquaintance of three gray
squirrels and chipmunk. I had bag of
peanuts one afternoon and suddenly I
noticed two bright eyes peeping from
behind an oak tree. threw him nut
which he grabbed instantly and ran up
the tree.
"Soon he was back with two more
squirrels. Now I feed the three daily
and one golden brown chipmunk. They
have grown quite tame and eat from
my hand but this stage of familiarity
was a long time coming.
"At first I had to throw the peanuts
at q great distance-now the squirrels
climb all over my lap and one little
fellow sits beside me on the bench and
let's me pat his sleek head as he cracks
nuts.
"How beautiful these animals are,
when you are close enough to observe
their peculiar markings. The hair on
their backs is deep dark gray, shiny
like satin. Their stomachs are soft
tawny beige, almost like down.
Their large bushy tails are most beau
tiful as they sparkle in the sunlight.
They are gray, blending to white and
tipped with Jet black and each hair
stands out as if electrified.
'They are merry little animals and
do many funny things, almost like
monkeys. I have seen them play with
each other, racing up and down a tree,
spiral fashion, in perfect rhythm. As
they run, they make little noise be-
tween a grunt and squeak.
The chipmunk is hardly 4 inches
long and as quick as lightning The
manner in which he eats is amusing.
In fact, I have never seen him actually
eat nut. He grabs it, stuffs it first
he can hold no more and how droll he
looks with his cheeks puffed out!
Then he runs home to hole in the
ground and soon is back for more
THE signal for feeding time is the
rustic of paper bag. AS soon as they
hear it, they come running and always
seem glad to see me. One little fellow
always gives my hand an extra little pat
as though he were shaking hands.
1T gives you queer feeling to have
one of these wild woodland creatures lay
his soft paw in your hand in perfect
comradeship.
To-day we sat in circle on the
ground, the three squirrels, Mr.. Chip
munk and myself, all five of us crack
ing freshly roasted peanuts and had
to laugh to myself as I watched them
and listened to the soft cracking sound
| in the deep dark woods.
Evening star., 1939-09-19
Timely Warning

The president of the League Of
Virginia Municipalities has sounded
timely warning against the danger
of turning local government func-
tions over to the State. At the open
ing of the leagues annual conven-
ton at Old Point Comfort, he drew
a parallel between that trend and
the discussed danger of CEN
tralization of power in the Federal
Government.
AS the president of the league is
also city manager of Charlottesville,
he knew whereof he spoke when he
blamed the trend not on the greed
of State politicians, but on the
counties themselves. He pointed out
that the counties have given over
to the State about all of their gov
ernmental functions, and are begging
the State to take over more"
The State government, he rea-
soned, will not long administer gov
ernment over part Of its area, so
that the cities will have to come
under its jurisdiction also. He
pointed out that at every session
of the General Assembly 1--WE swap
concessions for our local rights and
responsibilities.
His speech was heard by the men
who rule Virginias cities. But it
deserves the attention of the voters
in those cities and in the counties.
1t could be read profitably by citizens
in all States, for the trend denounced
is not confined to Virginia. In Mary
land, for example, the counties sur
rendered the maintenance of their
local roads to the State few years
ago Now, some of them, including
Montgomery, are getting that au-
| thority back. But it is not always
so easy for a local unit to regain a
power once surrendered. At best 1t
takes years to change a govern
mental system.
It is easy to give up rights and
responsibilities. In doing so, local
governmental units often are merely
rejecting the indifference of the
voters themselves. 1t may even be
argued plausibly that some one in
the distant State capital, or the
| National Capital, is more competent
to handle the job. The clear duty
of the local voter, however, is tx
take such an interest in city anc
county rule that competent person.
mel will be found. For if he is indif-
ferent to local government, the one
closest to him, it is almost inevitable
that he will be Indifferent to State
and Federal governments and the
trend toward Capitalization of power
will face no barriers.
Evening star., 1939-09-19
Commends Knee-Hi Safety
Demonstrations

To the Editor OF The Star:
It has been my privilege to hear Of
the aptness of DR.. Brunson's dog Knee
Hi in giving convincing demonstrations
in behalf of pedestrian safety.
Our local child fatality figures are
appalling, very large percentage of
persons killed being children under 13
years Of age, who attempted to cross
streets at points other than crosswalks
or who were unmindful of signals or
signs or approaching vehicles. 1t is per-
haps natural that children get tired of
rules" and "don'ts" and drop into the
habit of following the poor safety ex-
amples of some adults. But the demon
strations Of Knee-Hi. being novel and
spectacular, are likely to leave a lasting
imprint on the minds of young people.
1t is my hope and expectation that
highly beneficial results will flow from
the demonstrations mentioned and that
the sponsors Of the program are making
Evening star., 1939-09-19
THIS AND THAT
By Charles z. TrdceUeH.

"Peace and quiet in a troubled world.
Nature is truly wonderful when you
get close to its heart. And wild animals
are most interesting. No one knows the
clever things they do and how friendly
they can be, when they come Of their
own free will to make friends with you
But back of it all must come that feel
ing OF security, that you are their friend,
a feeling that man seems hard to find
today.
Prom my experience with these little
furry creatures, I know I could never
bear the feel Of soft silken squirrel fur
around my neck. Far better that they
should fit from tree to tree in the woods
as God intended they should.
Sincerely, H. F. B."
Patience is the key to understanding Of
the wild animal world.
Squirrels and chipmunks and rabbits
and others ordinarily flee from man-and
woman-until they lose their fear. At
the first sign Of treachery, they run
away again. They have taken to their
ancestral heart the old Chinese maxim,
"Of the % ways of getting out of trouble,
the best Is to run away"
Our correspondent puts her writing
finger on the fact that winning the
hearts of the wild things is, in most
cases, matter of days, not hours and
that the best way to win them Is by
offering them food The way to the
heart is through the stomach.
Peanuts, of course, are prime lure
for squirrels.
Somehow they fancy these as much
as they do walnuts and the like. Maybe
the fact that the shell is easy going has
something to do with it.
Wonder what a squirrel would think
Of spoonful of peanut butter?
This would be a delicacy utterly out
side the ancestral experience. 1t would
smell right, but it would neither look
nor feel right to squirrel.
If the butter were slightly hard, por-
ton of it would be carried away to be
buried, where it would be lost. Squirrels
often do this with bits OF milk choco-
late, which must be irretrivably lost
during the first heavy rain.
It is quite true that no one knows
the beauty of the squirrel except at close
range. Then the markings are seen in
all their perfection, together with the
gradations of shades and especially the
fine tips of the hairs, each standing out,
yet all blended. 1t is no wonder that
squirrel fur is favorite with those who
have not had the desire nor patience to
gain the friendship of these small ro-
dents.
1t takes both patience and loving kind
ness and unfortunately the world is
filled with people who have neither.
Maybe that is what is the matter with
the world of humans, after all, basically.
Patience and loving kindness might
solve a great deal, but if you haven't
them, we'll, you haven't them. If you
have, you sit with your squirrel friends
in the woods and enjoy life together.
Evening star., 1939-09-19

soon as the fighting started. On at
least two occasions the crews of
American ships demanded additional
guarantees, but sailed in advance of
settlement when the operators agreed
to work out new terms that would
be retroactive. And British shipping
in New York is having taste of the
same thing.
Shipping problems in general,
created by the war, will demand
careful consideration, and that in
turn requires time. In this partic-
ular instance, however, the presence
of Americans in the war zone con-
stitutes an emergency, and measures
should be taken accordingly.
Evening star., 1939-09-19
Wants to Know Who
Sponsored Lindbergh.

To the Editor of The Star:
Mr.. Lindbergh speaks again! This
time to a large American radio audience.
About year ago he spoke. 1t was just
a short time before Czecho-Slovakia was
sold into slavery. His words were ad-
dressed to the British cabinet and
warned the British people not to put
trust in the efficiency of the Soviet Air
Force That was when it appeared cer-
tain that If Britain and France went to
the aid of Czecho- -Slovakia, Russia would
be their ally.
Mr.. Lindberghs spoken opinion had
great weight with certain members of
the British cabinet. Lindbergh was one
of the foremost authorities in the world
on aeronautical matters.
A few days after that historic pro-
nouncement by Mr.. Lindbergh he took
q plane to Berlin and was given q
tumultous reception. The German gov
ernment bestowed upon him certain dec
orations.
If he earned those decorations on that
occasion, what will be an appropriate
reward for him now? Will the German
government honor him with some other
cross?
Who sponsors Mr. Lindbergh? Who
wrote the speech he read last night over
the air? He has not told us but the
assumption is that he wants the Ameri-
can public to think he wrote 1t and that
he spoke to us in the guise of the same
Charles A. Lindbergh who thrilled Amer
leans everywhere on that great day In
1927. HARRY r. LEE.
September is.
Evening star., 1939-09-19
Right and Might


rope has served to re-emphasize the
Importance of might in the interna-
tional scheme of things. A powerful
Germany, making mockery of ap-
peasement, has trampled ruthlessly
on the rights of weaker nations in
her campaign of conquest. Austria,
zecho-Slovakia and now Poland
have been ready stepping stones in
the planned pathway of totalitarian
aggression. And the end is not yet.
France and Britain, being democra-
cies are obstacles in the way of
further realization of Hitlerian
dreams. They are inadequately
armed, and Der Fuehrer well knew
it when he gave the orders to invade
Poland, whether England and
France liked it or not. Their warn
ings that they would come to Po-
lands defense made but little i'm
preston on Hitler, for he has moth
ing but contempt for words not
sufficiently backed by the persuasive
power of bayonets and bombs.
1t is deplorable and almost incredi-
BILE that this state of affairs should
prevail in so much of the civilized
world today. The realities are there,
however, and they must be faced and
considered by thoughtful persons in
peace-loving lands everywhere-even
as far removed from the sound of
battle as the American continent
Particularly timely is the advice Of
so experienced an observer of the
international scene as Bernard M.
Baruch, who, as head of the War
Industries Board, directed Americas
industrial mobilization in World War
days. Mr. Baruch says that the best
insurance against involvement in the
European tragedy is complete pre-
paredneSs against any threat of ag-
gression that may come from across
the broad but not insuperable ocean
barriers which separate the United
States from the immediate dangers
abroad. He believes this country
must begin creating at once an
armed defense so formidable that
no single power or presently conceiv-
able combination of powers would
risk an invasion of this hemisphere.
General Pershing, President Roose-
velt and others whose paramount
hope is that America may be kept at
peace with the world have expressed
similar beliefs. The woeful weak
nesses of our national defense sys-
tenn have become more than ever
apparent to them in the light of
Europe's lurid holocaust. AS General
Pershing commented, our armed
forces are mere skeletons of what
they should be if our shores are to
be properly protected. Much has
been done of late to strengthen the
framework and to extend it, but a
tremendous job of reinforcement lies
ahead Our right to live peacefully
on this continent depends largely on
our will to live that way-and in
these troubled times the will to live
peacefully, or even to live at all, is of
little avail unless guarded by the
might of sea power, land power and
air mower
Evening star., 1939-09-19
r. ~. ra,to. rho Go

To the Editor Of The Star:
What a contrast between what our
country is today and what it was 20 to
40 years ago! Then we were great
people and Nation, striving for our own
welfare and cooperating with other
nations for the good of mankind. For
eign possessions were acquired; the op-
pressed inhabitants were liberated; the
allies were helped to defeat the ruth
less German invasion of Belgium and
France; treaties for international peace
were signed; we pledged ourselves, along
with other great powers, to guarantee
the nationality and territory of China.
Recently, compelled by the cold
blooded, selfish isolation sentiment, our
Nation has repudiated every obligation
and responsibility. We are now like
the individual who thinks he or she will
never need assistance or friend, and
will do absolutely nothing for the well
fare of others.
Even victorious Germany would
probably not attack our own shores.
But against an alliance of ruthless Eu-
ropean and Asiatic powers we could
not, unaided, defend the whole Western
Hemisphere and could not defend our
own coasts and island possessions. We
must sympathize with the countries that
are striving for world peace and civii-
zation and against banditry, terrorism,
devastation and massacre. Neutrality
must not mean indifference toward the
ruin of civilization and the enslavement
of mankind
CYRUS H. ESHLEMAN.
Lakewood, Ohio.
Sept Is
Evening star., 1939-09-19

100000 people, confined to a narrow
area along the Atlantic Coast. 1t has
since been adapted to the needs of more
than 10000 900 people, from sea to sea.
hope, M. S., that in your history
classes you are careful not to UNDER
estimate the importance of the histori-
cal fact that for $50 years the Con-
stltution has served as the fundamental
law of successful people.
GLADYS BROWN BERRY.
Gept 15
Evening star., 1939-09-19
Wants Embargo Repealed
To Aid Canada.
To the Editor of The Star:

10 the EQlU0I Oh 4Hc oLSSs
If Germany is victorious, what will be-
come of Canada? This Is the real ques-
ton now facing the American people.
Should Germany win, control of the
Atlantic would pass from England to
Germany. Would the result be Hitler
ized Canada?
In order to avoid direct challenge OF
the Monroe Doctrine, Germany might
not formally annex Canada. But the
Nazis might hold a Canadian "plebis-
cite," the voters knowing that If they
failed to vote as the Nazis wanted, they
would be shot or sent to concentration
camp.
Would this be agreeable to the United
States?
In order to protect-before 1t is too
late-an honest and peace-loving neigh
Dor, it might be well to repeal the arms
embargo without delay.
HERBERT CARTER.
Arlington, Va.
September IL.
Evening star., 1939-09-19

If Alaska, as suggested, should be
made a haven for refugees from Eu-
rope it is likely that such would set
tie therein with less pampering and
fewer squawks than the Americans
Uncle Samuel has tried to plant
there.
Evening star., 1939-09-19

large contribution in promoting safety
mindedness in the community.
EDWIN S. HEGE,
chairman Safety Promotion Commit.
Tee OF the Traffic Advisory Council.
September 10.
Evening star., 1939-09-19

The Associated Press is exclusively entitled to
the use for republication of all news dispatches
credited to 1t or not otherwise credited in this
paper and also the local news published herein.
All rights of publication of special dispatches
herein also reserved
Evening star., 1939-09-19
Praises Lindbergh
Radio Speech.

TO the Editor Of The Star:
Charles Lindbergh's speech is the
greatest speech I ever read. It shines
through a midnight blackness like the
undimmed light Of the North Star to
guide a shipwrecked mariner.
September II. HI. CHANDLER
Evening star., 1939-09-19
Letters to the Editor

Letters to the Editor must
bear the name and address OF
the Driter. although the use OF
a pseudonym for publication Is
permissible. Please be brief!
Evening star., 1939-09-19
Member of the Associated Press

Entered as second-class matter post once.
washington D. c.
Evening star., 1939-09-19

The Evening Star Newspaper Company.
Main once: 18th St. and Pennsylvania Ave.
New York ONCE: ITO East 42nd ST.
Chicago once: 435 North Michigan Ave.
Evening star., 1939-09-19

White House?-E. E.
A. This walnut bed is 8 feet long.
@. What is the deepest we'll in which
water is found?-G. F. N.
A. The deepest hole in the ground from
which water is known to have flowed
under it's own pressure was that drilled
for an oil we'll of the Gulf Production
Co., located in section 1877, block F.
UPTON County, Tex. Water flowed
freely at 10,5OO feet and also at 1880
feet.
O. How far is 1t from London to Berlin
by ark. L.
A. The distance is $50 miles.
@. How many pure breeds Of dogs are
there?-A. H. B.
A. There are approximately 225 pure
breeds of dogs throughout the world.
The American Kennel Club recognizes
107 breeds. Only about 100000 of the
American dog population are pure-bred
dogs.
@. How much did Tom Thumb weigh
at birth? Was he an only child?-W.
R. T.
A. Tom Thumb weighed 91a pounds at
birth and had two sisters of normal
size.
Evening star., 1939-09-19

@. What is a round robin?-G. M. c.
A. A round robin is written petition,
memorial, protest, or the like, the sig
natures to which are made in circle
so as not to indicate who signed first.