davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1939-07-26
THIS AND THAT
By Charles E. Tracepell.

SECOND STREET.
Dear Sir: Kindly print an article on
poke weed and poke berry. Refer to
leaves and berries, which am told are
eaten-and the plant not poisonous.
yours, B. r. c."
Who doesn't remember trying to make
"red ink" out Of poke berries? =.
We have forgotten whether the expert
ment was successful but rather think 1t
was, and is; the berries are beautiful
deep purple, the juice extremely colorful.
Experts believe that fine dye might
be made from this juice, but so far moth
ing has come of It,
This is typical, perhaps, Of the general
attitude toward the poke weed, poke
berry, poke root, call it what you will.
The root is poisonous, and you had bet
ter leave 1t alone.
Used in family medicine for many
years, its good" is still an unknown
quantity, If any. In the old days it was
recommended for some terrible diseases,
but today not even herbalists would be
willing to rely upon 1t.
1t has enough common names to fill
a book, but just one scientific name,
Phytolacca decandra.
Besides poke berry, poke root, and
poke weed, or just poke, 1t is known in
various parts Of the country as:
Pigeon berry, bears grape, red-ink
plant, American spinach, skoke crow
berry, pecan, cokan, coakum, Virginia
poke, kermesbeere.
The parts used in herbal medicine are
the dried root and the berries. The root
is fleshy. 1t is said that the young
shoots Of the plant may be used as
substitute for asparagus.
The leaves sometimes are cooked, but
we had rather leave them alone.
Poke is slow emetic and purgative,
with narcotic properties. The trouble
with all such home remedies is that the
user has no way Of measuring either the
strength of the preparation or his own
reaction to same except by trial.
He may be tough, or he may be weak,
IN regard to given household remedy.
One person might stand eating the root
with nothing more than purgative ef-
feet, while another might be killed.
There is no telling except by personal
experience-and why experiment?
+
Small boys in the woods know enough
to let the berries alone, except to try to
make ink with them.
An ointment has been made from poke
weed, to be used in cases of rheumatism
and bone felon.
What has become Of the felon?
Evening star., 1939-07-26
their Vaccinations constitute 1
growing menace"

their Vaccinations constitute a
growing menace"
The reopening by the F. B. I. Of
f1eld offices In Hawaii, Alaska and
Puerto Rico will add to the difficulties
of spies in those strategic outposts,
and the tightening by the State De-
partment Of restrictions on use by
the public of certain of its files is
another precaution. It is reassuring
to know that the F. B. l., the
Army's Division OF Military Intelli-
gence, the Office of Naval Intelli-
gence, the State. Department and
other agencies are on constant guard
against the secret. operatives of for
eign powers. An efficient counter
espionage organization in peacetime
Is as vital to our national security in
this disturbed era as it is in time of
war.
Evening star., 1939-07-26
A Busic Danger

For many months a steady, con-
slant campaign for greater safety
has been carried on in WASHINGTON.
Step by step the causes of accidents
involving death and injury have been
investigated and steps taken, through
enforcement of existing laws, enact
ment of new ones, and education of
all classes of citizens, to make the
streets safer. Each of these steps has
resulted in a reduction of the num-
ber of accidents. But in spite of the
multiplicity of plans to attain these
results, sight must not be lost of one
OF the prime causes of fatal accidents.
The National Safety Councils
annual analysis shows that speeding
Is the most prolific single cause of
death on the highways. In some
States as many as fifty-one per cent
of the drivers involved in fatalities
were speeding, and the national
average was nineteen per cent. More
than half Of the motorists in all
fatal accidents were violating some
fundamental law at the time. The
Safety Council finds three reasons for
this condition: Bodily defects, includ-
ing intoxication; lack of driving skill
or ignorance of the rules, and an
improper attitude which includes day
dreaming, ignoring the rights of
others, and giving way to excitement
or irritation in crisis. All Of which
are inexcusable.
The remedies for these violations
are available to every driver. They
are covered by four simple rules
suggested by veteran automobile
manufacturer: Slow down for inter-
sections, observe signals and signs,
make turns properly, grant right of
way. Safety depends upon a con-
scious desire not to have accidents"
Much that is fallacious has been
said in defense of higher speeds, the
principal argument being that the
modern automobile, with its low
center of gravity, sturdy tires with
wide, scientific treads, and high
powered brakes is much safer at
high speeds than the car of ten years
ago was at twenty miles an hour,
This argument recently was advanced
In Pennsylvania in an effort to raise
the State speed limit to fifty miles an
hour. The answer after careful study
was: The modern cars improve
ments have made it safer, but the
ref1exes OF the human body have not
kept pace with mechanical progress"
The highway death list is sufficient
comment on the argument for more
speed.
Evening star., 1939-07-26
No Mans Land Police

The several Jurisdictions involved
will welcome the move instituted in
the Federal Court at Alexandria to
obtain from the Supreme Court a
ruling as to the police Jurisdiction of
the mo Mans Land" along the Vir-
ginia shore of the Potomac River
across from Washington. Cases in
which the question is involved are
continually arising in that area and
the question needs to be settled once
and for ALL
A clear definition of one Federal
Court judges conception of the issue
has been handed down in the case of
a man brought before the Alexandria
court charged with a statutory Of
tense on the George Washington
Memorial Parkway. The man was
brought into the Federal Court after
both Arlington County and District
OF Columbia officials refused to han
die the case, claiming lack of juris-
dlctlon. The judge held that the
Federal Government does not have
to assume jurisdiction over the mo
Mans Land" just because the local
authorities refuse. He indicated that
ne expected Virginia would assume
what he believed to be it's RESPONSE
bility in such cases. An appeal of his
ruling, which quashed a charge
against the accused, was taken by the
Government.
Similar questions of Jurisdiction
have arisen in other cases of major
and minor Importance They were
raised in the famous Mary Baker
murder case, in the death of a man
aboard a Norfolk boat, in the opera
ton OF the numbers racket, and in
raid on barbecue stand. The issue
is bound to occur again, making an
early decision on the appeal taken in
the assault case most desirable. For
as long as the question is unsettled
there is the danger that investigation
OF a major crime may be obstructed
through lack of cooperation among
the police departments involved.
Evening star., 1939-07-26

niture, install the telephones and get
ready for the arrival of the boss-and
the constituents who pour into the Office.
We do not cease to function during re-
cess. Constituents still want yearbooks,
bulletins appointments to West Point
and Annapolis, jobs, passports, immi-
grafton visas for their relatives, pensions,
patents on inventions, civil service rat
ings, social security benehts-to men,
ton just few.
So we are there on official business.
And we are the only employees of the
Government required to pay our own
expenses on business for the Govern
ment. All the departmental clerks and
officials, no matter how "munificent"
their salaries, get travel pay and ex-
penses when travelling on official busi-
ness. 1t does not seem unreasonable,
therefore. for the congressional secre-
taries to fare likewise. SECRETARY.
July "a.
Evening star., 1939-07-26
Espionage in Peocetime

The growing menace Of espionage"
in the United States is emphasized In
the annual report Of ]. Edgar Hoover,
director Of the Federal Bureau Of
Investigation, as released this week
by Attorney General Murphy. During
the fiscal year ending June 80 the
F. B. I. investigated 1851 "spy" cases,
as compared with $50 during the pre-
vious fiscal year. In the five years
preceding 1898, the bureau investi-
gated an average of only thirty-ave
such cases per year.
The upward surge in espionage in
quiries apparently is due not only to
an increase in activity by foreign
agents in this country, but to redou-
bled vigilance on the part of Federal
agencies charged with protecting
military and naval secrets. That for
eign spies should intensity their ef-
forts to pry into the workings of our
Army and Navy is natural, in view
OF the rapid expansion that both
branches of the service are undergo
ing at this critical period in world
affairs. Our potential enemies want
to know what sort of ships we are
designing, what progress we are max
ing in aeronautical research, what
new types of guns and bombs are
being developed by our military ex-
perts. They want to learn as much
as possible about coast defenses, new
air bases, the Panama Canal area.
The American people no longer dis
miss as fiction the reports of espio-
mage and attempted sabotage ap-
pearing from time to time in the
press. Recent "spy" trials and con-
victions have shown that the spies
are real-however stupid some of
those who get caught may seem to
be-and that. as Mr.. Hoover says,
Evening star., 1939-07-26
Colombia Stands By

Through the friendly medium of
President Eduardo Santos, the Re-
public of Colombia issues notice to
all concerned that "the security of
the Panama Canal is indispensable
to her own welfare and that of all
South America" The Colombians
will permit no one to menace the
security of the waterway from their
soil" This significant contribution
to the cause of hemisphere defense
by strong Latin American state was
made by President Santos in mes
sage opening the regular session of
Congress at Bogota on Thursday. He
disclosed that the United States had
asked Colombia for technical COL
laboration in military, naval and air
force matters.
Colombia's readiness to participate
IN the protection of the Panama
Canal is of inestimable Importance.
She is the South American country
nearest the big interoceanic ditch.
The isthmus which it cuts was Co.
lombian territory prior to establish
ment of Panama's independence in
1908.
President Santos pledge is hardly
less important or welcome than his
assurance of Colombian hostility to
totalitarian intrigue in Latin Amer
lea. Without mentioning either the
Nazi or Fascist propaganda penetra-
tion, notoriously under way in nearly
all countries south of the Rio Grande,
and particularly south of the 18TH
mus of Panama, the chief of the Co.
lombian state asserted that "inten-
tions to establish centers or branches
of foreign political organizations on
Its soil would be considered un-
friendly acts, no matter what the
politics Of the group may be-" Presi-
dent Santos conceives the possibility
that, because of conditions prevalent
In Europe, nationals of certain trans
Atlantic nations resident in Colom-
bia might attempt to transfer their
political passions" to their adopted
country. He warns such foreigner"
to maintain "irreproachable dis
cretion."
Accompanying these manifesto
Evening star., 1939-07-26
Orchids
(ROndel,)

If orchids grew within my garden gate,
Would I still hold them in my hearts
guest room
Still treasure them above each fragrant
bloom
OF rose or violet on my estate?
Or would I soon forget them-contem-
plate
Some new exotic plant, possession to
assume?
II orchids grew within my garden gate,
Would still hold them in my hearts
guest room?
How prone we are to seek beyond, not
wait
Upon Life's loveliness within, presume
Our happiness lies just beyond the
bruno,
That hangs about cur heart, 30 ioy
comes late.
If orchids grew within my garden Qate
Would still hold them in my hearts
guest room9
MONICA WILLIAMS.
Evening star., 1939-07-26
On q New Front

the full import of today's announce
ment by the c. I. o. that it plans to
carry its internecine warfare against
the A. F. L. into the building field,
it is quite reasonable to assume that
the move signals new era of greater
bitterness and more intense strife
than any which has yet marked the
distressing and disturbing struggle
within the ranks of labor
For the greatest and most deeply
entrenched strength of the A. F. L.
admittedly has centered during these
turbulent years in the brotherhoods
OF carpenters, bricklayers, electrical
workers and lesser groups joined in
the Building Trades Department. In
these has been not only the power
OF numbers, but the weight OF long
established organization and the un-
contested rule of certain dominant
individuals.
Both the leadership and the rank
and file of the C. I. o. are fully
aware OF the deeply rooted quality
OF the Federation's influence in this
field. And certainly the leadership, if
not the rank and file, is fully aware
that actual invasion of this territory,
carefully avoided since the C. I. 0.
was founded in 1885, will be door
die struggle, with no quarter in the
hearts of either side. Nothing the
c. I. o. has yet done could stir the
resentment and retaliation in A.F.L.
ranks sure to result from this
decision.
AS for those outside the immediate
ranks of labor, the struggle must be
awaited with mingled feelings.
In their firm grip on the construc-
ton industry in many parts of the
country, the building trades unions
have not by any means been
thoroughly benevolent influence. In
deed 1t recently was asserted publicly
by a Justice Department spokesman
that the monopolistic conditions
which they maintained have resulted
In exorbitant wage rates and other
factors OF control contributory in
large measure to the stagnation in
the building field So true has this
been, in fact, that these unions them
selves have recognized the i'm
possibility of low-cost residential
building being undertaken at their
terms and have placidly allowed
much of their potential membership
to remain unorganized.
The reciting of these facts falls
far short, however, of constituting
any argument that the entrance of
a new labor force, probably intending
to make its initial drive in the very
sector where any increase in costs
would be most disastrous, will be
helpful. Certainly if it is to mean
further raising of wages or obstruc-
ton OF projects contemplated or
under way, 1t will be fatal.
Under the circumstances that our
economists are virtually unanimous
in their conviction that stimulation,
not discouragement, of the building
industry is the greatest requirement
IN the structure Of recovery, then
labor might well give pause before
taking step which almost certainly
would work to the serious disad-
vantage OF labor as we'll as the
general public.
Evening star., 1939-07-26
Cleanup Of Criminals
In District Urged.

TO the Editor Of The Star:
1t is disgraceful to see how many
Washington youths are engaged in crime.
One of the major problems in our city
today is the sale of narcotics. But what
happens to the dope peddler in the Ma
tion's Capital when he is brought to trial?
The defendent gets away with light
sentence that enables him when his time
is up to return to the street and rejoin
the dope ring. I would like to see q
crime drive put on in this city that would
expose not only the dope peddler but
number hackers, gamblers and other
criminals. When you have a house in
your neighborhood engaged in suspicious
activities, notify the Police Department.
Also join in protest to the Federal courts
asking them to give criminals the full
extent Of the law.
NORMAN WINSTON.
Evening star., 1939-07-26
Vile Thanked for Column
On District,

To the Editor of The Star:
Under the caption Congress Scan
dalous Treatment Of District Is Being
Brought Before the United States" Fred
eric William Vile, veteran columnist,
strongly proclaims vital truth, as touch
many of whom are employed, we hope,
very temporarily on Capitol Hill
Mr.. Vile, in lashing forth upon that
body of selfshness, ineficiency, bungling
and questionable patriotism Gin too many
instanceS, deserves everlasting praise
and vote of thanks from the Nation
at large and from the District of Co.
lumbia in particular. The present Con-
gresS has merited our national contempt
for its outrageous treatment of the Dis
trict and has brought down shame upon
its own name for its ruthless obstruction
OF valuable and urgent legislation at a
most critical juncture in the history of
the whole world.
Assuredly, since the beginning of time,
so large legislative body has never in
cluded so many small" men, to whom
citizens taxes paid salaries of $4,000
per annum each, as the present Con-
gress comprises. And these have a bill
tucked away for 1910, by which to Sc
cure life pensions from the Government
on which toiretire at the close of service!
Ye, gods! When large proportion of
this present body only plays politics and
serves its own selfish interests! To such
the welfare of the Nation is but second
ary. May the brilliance and courage of
the patriotic few, our real statesmen,
guide the Nation!
MILO ELsON EMERSON.
July 81.
Evening star., 1939-07-26
Secretary Defends Travel
Expense Provision.

To the Editor Of The Star:
May I have little space to refute an
erroneous statement concerning the con-
gressional secretaries made by your cor
respondent who signs himself 'Voteless
Taxpayer?s
He states that we are asking for mile
age to our homes for a summer vacation.
This is not true. We 60 home and work.
A great many people seem to think that
when Congress adjourns we have MOTH
ing to do. But we simply transfer our
activities from here to the home Office
and many times have more to do than
we do here, since we are constantly In
personal touch with our constituents.
Speaking for myself, the first thing I
do upon arriving at my employers home
town Is to md IN of1ce, rent some fur"
Evening star., 1939-07-26

There are so many inventions and
recipes ito awaken the jaded appe-
tite." One of the best things to do
when an appetite is that way is to let
it stay jaded for while.
Evening star., 1939-07-26

If only Cro-Magnon man had been
anywhere nearly as adept at portray
ing himself as he was at depicting
the animals of his period, we would
have pretty good idea as to what
our far distant ancestors looked like.
Evening star., 1939-07-26

London is this month enjoying its
garden party season, with all the
gay frocks and hats which can just
barely be seen through the sheets Of
steady rain.
Evening star., 1939-07-26

The Associated Press is exclusively entitled to
the use for republication of all news dispatches
credited to It or not otherwise credited in this
paper and also the local news published herein.
All rights of publication Of special dispatches
herein also are reserved
Evening star., 1939-07-26
Letters to the Editor

Letters to the Editor must
bear the name and address OF
the tDriter, although the use OF
a psendonym for publication is
permissible. Please be brief!
Evening star., 1939-07-26
Rate by Mail-Payable In Advance
All Other States and Canada
Member of the Associated Press

Entered as second class matter post once.
WASHINGTON. D c.
Evening star., 1939-07-26

Tie Evening Star Newspaper Company
Main once: l1th St and Pennsylvania Ave.
New York once: ITO East 42nd st.
Chicago once 435 North Michigan Ave
Evening star., 1939-07-26
Delivered by Carrier-City and Suburban
Might Final Edition

Night Final and Sunday Star 75c per month
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Evening star., 1939-07-26

July 81.
Evening star., 1939-07-26

@. What is the range of the most
powerful gun used by the United States
in any defense?-E. E.
A. The 16-inch gun is the largest and
has a range of approximately 80 miles
using projectile weighing about 2,340
pounds.
@. Where may I obtain information
on the care of the feet?-H. w.
A. See Haskin's advertisement on page
Az today
Evening star., 1939-07-26

Q. What are the smallest nations In
the world?-J. M.
A. The three smallest nations In the
world In area are: The Principality of
Monaco, which has an area OF eight
square miles; the Republic of San
Marlno, with SO square miles, and the
Principally of Liechtenstein with IS
square miles
Evening star., 1939-07-26

WASHING NGTON. D. C..
WEDNESDAY AY-July rs, 1889
Evening star., 1939-07-27
UNCLE RAYS CORNER

Before we take up the question
of people on Mars" I wish to make
q few points which most astrono-
nerS agree about:
Mars has rather thin air. The air
does not hold nearly so much oxygen
as the earths air, but it does have
a little oxygen.
Mars may have highlands but it
has few, if any, mountains. In gen.
eral, the surface is far more even
and low than the earth's.
Mars may have few shallow
lakes, but it has no large, deep
oceans. The surface is largely red
dish or orange in color, which prob
ably means vast stretches of desert.
The greenish stretches which appear
from time to time are very likely
= produced by plant life.
The question of canals on Mars
has been much in dispute. Several
famous and careful astronomers
have made maps showing great sys-
TENS Of canals on Mars. They have
said the lines were too straight to
be made by rivers.
II there are canals on Mars they
must have been made by. beings
with brains to think and with hands
to hold things.
we may suppose that the climate
OF Mars grew more and more dry,
and that the people found they
could not raise crops without canals.
10 meet this problem, they dug
p bitches OF great size, some of them
Evening star., 1939-07-27
Air Of Mars

On the other hand, many efforts
have been made to prove that ami
NAL life could not exist on Mars.
The chief claims are that the air of
Mars does not have enough oxygen
and that the climate is too cold.
In regard to oxygen, it seems
almost certain that people like our
selves could not live in the air
around Mars. 1t is impossible, how
ever, that Mars has people who can
breathe air with little oxygen in it.
Tests seem to have proved that
the climate of Mars is colder than
the earth's. Yet the temperature
in some parts probably rises to so
or rs degrees above zero Fahrenheit
during the daytime.
If the nights are far below zero,
it would mean hardship for people
on Mars, but we must remember
that Eskimos live through long, cold
winters. People on Mars may spend
the nights in warm, snug, under
ground homes.
The question of whether there
are people on Mars is still without a
certain answer. 1t will be a great
thing If we can find the truth dur
ing our lifetime.
Cor science section of your scrapbook. }
I~e&e R4
Tomorrow: Rocket Trips.