davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1939-04-12

hours, but any naive soul venturing
therein never fails to find it damned
with all-day parkers, with never chance
for the casual shopper or visitor.
I would suggest that special meters
be designed for this area to permit park
ing up to three different time limits, If
mechanically possible. These meters
should be installed with openings to
receive nickels, dimes and quarters, per-
uniting parking of one hour. two hours
and eight hours respectively. Thus would
the all-day parkers be cared for as we'll
as the casuals.
1nasmuch as the residents OF the area
might rightfully object to this sugges-
ton. it might be feasible to issue them
windshield stickers permitting them free
parking on their own block Cor imme-
date vicinity, still being subject. Of
course, to the present l8-hour limitation.
Besides encouraging the creation of
more parking lots to hold the cars Of
workers, the installation of these meters
would raise considerable amount Of
revenue for the District.
April 10. DAVIS P. LOW.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1939-04-12
Reader Comments on
Interest in Riders,
To the Editor Of The Star:

To the Editor Of The Star:
note that our Chief Executive, in
press release, April 1, let loose "blast'
at Congress for attaching riders" to
bills to which they had no relationship
whatsoever.
This is probably what soldiers, sailors,
marines and coast guardsmen felt like
doing last year when a rider" denying
them re-enlistment allowance-an item
which has since the year 1855 been
rightly considered a part of their pay
(until the so-called Economy Act) was
tackled" onto farm relief appropriation
bill.
We have never been able to figure out
just what the connections between the
farmers and the soldiers were last year,
but we have figured out that there was
no 'blast" released at Congress for let
ting the rider go through, so our pleasure
may be taken for granted at the fact
that the President now frowns upon the
"rider" practice and that leaders of both
parties have been trying to stop the
practice" q. L. N.
Herndon, Va.
April Z.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1939-04-12
New Life in Democracy

There is a lesson for European
democracies and for the dictators
In the sequence of events which
followed Italy's occupation OF
Albania.
Premier Mussolini wasted no time
in assuring both Greece and Great
Britain of his intention not to dis
turb peace in tho Balkans, and even
if the pledge is to be discounted, the
fact remains that Great Britain's
show OF armed strength in the Medi-
terranean impelled him to prompt
disclaimer that he had designs on
Greek independence.
OF course, it would be folly for Mr..
Chamberlain to rely upon such as
surances and promptly withdraw the
British fleet from its strategic posi-
lions, but it is possible to read in
II Duce's mind fear and determi-
nation to avoid a showdown with the
British fleet.
At bay between the frontal and
flank attacks of the Rome-Berlin
axis, European democracy is giving
a most convincing demonstration
that it still has enough vitality to
act powerfully and quickly.
The unhesitating manner in which
the British cabinet met 1taly's covert
threat to Greece, coupled with the
unequivocal warning reported to
have been given Premier Mussolini
that attack upon the island of
Corfu would be a casus belli, stimu-
lates the hope that a new Britain
has been born, a Britain capable Of
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1939-04-12
Urges Adoption Of
Vigorous Foreign Policy.

To the Editor Of The Star:
Strange, indeed, is 1t that men with
ability enough to sit in the Senate
haven't the capacity or vision to realize
the impracticability and ultimate con-
sequences Of their ideas in our relation
to world affairs.
No nation any more than an individual
liveth unto itself. We, as a great and
powerful nation, are under very definite
obligations to exercise our influence,
backed by our might, on the side Of
Righteousness among nations and for the
preservation of world peace. Our past
experiences prove that we cannot keep
out of a war of major proportions.
Jefferson's embargo policies came near
running New England in particular and
the country in general. Mckinley did
all within his power to avert our war
with Spain, which he would have
achieved had he been supported by the
people, but the people, under the in
fluence Of certain newspapers forced us
into that war. Wilson tried to keep
us out Of the World War, but was
forced into it by the people, and by the
very policies he pursued to keep us out.
And yet in the face of these experiences
certain members Of Congress are trying
to force through Congress referendum
to the people on the question of war or
peace. Such policy would not only not
avert war. but is negation OF repre-
sentative government. Then take our
present neutrality law. It was dictated
by selfishness, pacificism and cowardice,
and is on a par with the ostrich that
sticks his head in the sands, oblivio'ls
of all going on around him, thinking
himself safe. There are many situations
that arise and confront nation that
may be far worse than war. A policy
that destroys national self-respect. and
that forfeits the respect Of the world is
far worse than war, and sometimes more
disastrous in its consequences. The
thing for us to do is to realize that We
cannot keep out of any major war, and
to adopt manly and courageous policy
with a view to preventing war. instead
of our do-nothing policy.
It is the belief Of the writer that
should our Government proclaim to the
world that if a war is started by the
dictator nations every resource of our
country will be thrown into the balance
on the side of the peace-loving democ-
racies, such a declaration would do more
to avert war, which now seems imminent,
than all the pious, pacifistic, declara-
lions and neutrality laws that the in
genuity of our peace at any price people
can think Of.
God Almighty has not bestowed upon
us our infinite resources and might to be
used for our own selfish ends. AS one of
the family of nations 1t is our moral
duty, as well as our enlightened self
interest, to use these gifts Of God to
promote world Righteousness, and in sup
port Of the sanctity Of treaties and inter-
national law, and against wars of aggres-
sion. ALEXANDER .. LANlEH.
April 8
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1939-04-12

couraging to hear that q protective
amendment to the act will be sup
ported by such a powerful friend as
the New York Senator.
OF Senator Wagner's position to-
ward other revisions, 1t may be said
that he stands not far from those
who are honest in their belief that
certain weighted provisions Of the
law should be modified. It is no more
the desire of these than it is of Sem
ator Wagner that the law be emas-
culated and If on the basis of facts
as they may be adduced during the
current inquiry it is determined that
pending amendments are destruc-
tive of labor's rights then their ap-
prevail should not be voted. On the
other hand, if it is shown that GER
tain amendments of this act would
contribute toward the industrial har-
mony which the law itself was in
tended to effect then it may be hoped
that Senator Wagner will be among
those supporting their enactment.
There appeared in Senator Wag-
ner's statement the suggestion that
some of the proponents of amend
ments really desire to curb the I'M
questioned right of employees freely
to join labor unions and to bargain
collectively through representatives
Of their own choosing. If there is in
fact any such desire behind any of
the amendments it should be en-
phatically rejected by Congress, for
experience has demonstrated that
the Wagner Act should be changed
only to the extent necessary to curb
abuses by labor of the protection
the statute was properly designed to
supply. 4.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1939-04-12
No Showing Of Necessity

The task of writing a new tax bill
e Is thankless one, for nobody loves
taxes. In this respect, Chairman
Nichols and his subcommittee face
an unusually difficult task with the
revised tax bill For the question of
necessity for the new taxes, under
existing conditions, is added to the
political and other considerations in
volved.
The question of necessity is raised
by the 1910 appropriation BILL just
passed by the House. This bill cut
budget estimates by about 100000
and was reduction of nearly mil
lion and a half dollars under the
1899 bill. Such savings, it has been
shown, would permit the automatic
scrapping of the business privilege
tax at the end of the fiscal year
without necessarily enacting sub
stitute. If the current tax rate of
SITS were maintained, the Districts
revenue availability would almost
meet appropriation charges The
small deficit indicated might be elm
mated entirely by economies and an
ticipated increases in some tax col
lections.
On the other hand, the new, or
rewritten tax bill just introduced by
Mr.. Nichols, on which no further
hearings are planned, will impose a
flock of new taXes-an income tax,
sales tax, corporation tax and
higher taxes on utilities, parking lots,
etc. While it would carry the ad-
vantage of eliminating the unpopu-
lar tax on Intangible personal prop
erty along with the already destined
repeal of the business privilege tax
and would temporarily reduce the
real estate rate to $3.50, it would, in
the opinion of the tax experts and
Chairman Nichols, produce surplus
OF local revenues, although Auditor
Donovan does not agree.
Aside from the unpopularity of the
tax on intangibles, about the only
argument in favor of the new taxes
is that they provide "long-range"
program that will take care of local
budgets for some years to come. That
is an empty argument with the tax
payers. The only justification for
new taxes under the sun is to pre-
vent an otherwise unacceptable def
icit. The only conditions under
which "long-range" tax program
would be acceptable to the District
would be the simultaneous inclusion
of a "long- range" plan to fix the
Federal payment and "long-range"
program of expenditures that would
remove the local budget from capri
cious control by the Budget Bureau.
Neither of these conditions is a
part Of the proposed 'long-range"
tax program for the District. And
the promised relief of real estate tax
payers, to the tune Of temporary
twenty five-cent reduction in the
rate, is a too obvious snare and de-
fusion. Everybody knows that with
in a year or so the rate on real
estate would be lacked up again ard
the taxpayers would be carrying a
substantially Increased total tax
1,,,rI
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1939-04-12
THIS AND THAT
By Charles E. TraceUeH.
they will do so soon and thereby COM
pensate for their bad habits.
Sincerely,

they will do 50 soon and thereby COM
pensate for their bad habits.
Sincerely,
"R. w. g."
Purple finches are among the bird
families whose entire membership sings.
Immature males are said to sing al
most as well as the older males, and even
the females sing pleasantly.
This bird is a common visitant here
in spring, on its way north. It seldom
stays but drops down to feeders in spring
and autumn on migration.
Our correspondent has been favored by
so many at once.
Usually not more than one or two pairs
come to any one station.
If the feeding box is on the ground,
the birds seldom develop the quarrelsome
tendencies instanced.
This is because they have more room
In which to feed, hence probably do not
imagine they must fight each other and
members of other species in order to get
their share.
A look at any good photograph OF a
purple finch will show at glance why
this sparrow is inclined to be quarrel
some
It Is true member Of the great group
Of f1nches. among which the various
sparrows take high place.
The male has slight crest, which he
Is able to ruffle in a most belligerent
manner.
Its beak formation and set of eye also
gives it quarrelsome appearance. It's
very hue, a. deep wine red, has a touch
Of blood in it,
Truly, this is one of the handsomcst
birds to come to local feeders; it should
always be welcomed, even if its habits
are not just what the feeder might like.
The more one conducts free lunch
for birds, the surer one becomes that
their ways, not ours. are what count.
In other words, We must accept them
as they are, put up with what we do not
like, enjoy what we do, without attempt
ing to inject ourself too much into the
situation.
The part of the feeder is to feed.
That is his or her mission, insofar as
a bird feeding station is concerned.
With this attitude, one is free to get
all that the birds bring, not just a
part. The observer accepts nature. He
does not pretend to believe that he may
accept some of it. reject the rest of it,
take sides, offer rewards and deal out
penalties; he knows that all these are
for nature, herself, to deal with.
He is for the moment at the window
of life, looking and noting. In time he
finds that the things he does not like
tend to disappear, leaving only the men,
DRY of the best
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1939-04-12
MACOMB STREET.

N&GNSSA0 ~ 8tGA&j4s
Dear sir:
"Your column has been . great source
of pleasure to us, and especially your re-
cent article with reference to the blue
birds.
when first started to feed the birds
this fall from my third floor living room
windows, the rations included peanuts,
sunnower seed, suet and raisins.
1.-The suet attracted starlings in great
numbers and they made such fuss that
feared the neighbors in the other apart
ments might complain. Not wanting to
give up the birds altogether. I omitted
the suet and raisins.
1.-THE starlings caused no further trou-
BILE but I lost the friendship of three
bluebirds They had been coming to the
window for about week at that time.
They seemed very much at home despite
the fact that I sometimes got very close
to the windows before realizing the blue
birds were there.
Cardinals, titmice, nuthatches and
chickadees remained with us over the
winter The feeding station was peace
full and quiet as there was food for all
and none of our visitors was greedy.
"A little over two months ago, however.
pair of purple flnches put in their
appearance We were delighted with the
new arrivals and they caused no trouble
at all for about two weeks.
Then they brought some Of their
relatives to call.
Now the purple finches dominate the
feeding station completely.
1--WE have counted eight at the window,
but it is hard to say just how many
there are. There are at least four full
grown males in the flock and there Is a
constant fighting among the entire group.
Your statement that the late bird as
we'll as the early bird gets the seed is very
true at this feeding station. Since the
finches have taken to eating the chopped
peanuts have taken to putting out I'M
sheled peanuts with which they will not
bother. Consequently, between bouts
conducted by the finches, the smaller
birds slip in now and then for whole
peanut.
The big feeding time for the small
birds now takes place just before sunset,
when the finches have retired from the
scene, too replete, no doubt, to care about
their neighbors.
THE cardinals, of course. are able to
take care of themselves. though their
visits are not nearly so frequent nor do
they stay SO long.
so far as we can determine the finches
have not started to sing. but We hope
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1939-04-12
Barter Proposal

Limited as it is to the acquisition
of certain raw materials which would
be of vital Importance in event of
war, the barter plan announced by
Senator Byrnes, under which we
would exchange a quantity of cotton
and wheat for supplies of rubber
and tin, should be adopted by the
Congress. At the very least, the
proposal, in its present scope, con-
templates step which will result in
positive benefits to this country with
out exposing it to the danger of any
substantial loss.
This Government already holds
loans on more than eleven million
bales of cotton and eighty-one mil
lion bushels of wheat. This cotton,
and to lesser extent the wheat, has
been giving the administration a
severe headache. The supply has
been increasing while marketing
sources have steadily diminished. AS
a result, it is not surprising that the
President and other administration
officials should welcome the oppor-
tunity offered by the Byrnes plan to
dispose of some two million bales of
cotton and one hundred million
bushels of wheat. The pressure of
our SURPRISES would be relieved and
our reserve stocks of rubber and
tin-commOdities which must be
imported to enable American indus
try to function-Will be secured in
event of war against skyrocketing
prices and the more ominous pos
sibility that we might not be able
to get them at all.
The plan would be beneficial also
from purely military standpoint.
Should war break out, we could not
expand our defense machinery with
out an abundance of rubber and tin.
Nor could the European states with
whom it is proposed that we should
deal-Belgium, Holland, and, more
particularly, England-fght a major
war without adequate stores of
American cotton and wheat. In
other words, both the United States
and the nations with whom our
sympathies lie will be forermed.
The significance of that fact will not
be underestimate in Berlin, Rome
and Toxic.
The proposal has the admitted
disadvantage Of calling for transac-
ton between governments rather
than between individuals. AS such
it could represent a dangerous de-
parture from our established trade
practices If carried to extremes. It
becomes important, therefore, to
emphasize now that the Byrnes plan
is not to be viewed as establishing a
precedent and that Secretary Hull's
program of reciprocal trade agree
ments should be expanded energet-
ically in every possible direction.
Nor will this barter arrangement, If
effected, eliminate the problem OF
the cotton surplus. More than nine
million bales will remain and the
President has indicated he will press
for adoption Of an export subsidy
plan to facilitate the sale of that
balance. But the export subsidy
remains as offensive as ever-a device
which may have momentary political
advantages, but which in the long
run is sheer economic folly, in that
its real result is to substitute foreign
buyers out of the pockets of American
taxpayers.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1939-04-12
Believes Liquor Dealers
Control Congress.

To the Editor of The Star:
read with interest some weeks ago
that Congressman Sheppard of Califor-
MIA had introduced resolution in the
House calling for an investigation of the
privately owned liquor stores in the Dis
trict with view of replacing them with
Government owned dispensaries II said
investigation warrants such action.
Since then I understand over IS citi-
zens organizations have Endorsed the
Sheppard resolution. Yet a liquor store
owner advised me last week that the
class "A" licensees were not In the least
concerned, since the resolution would
positively never be reported out of COM
mittee. He told me that one Of the
wholesale liquor dealers, who claims to
have our Congress well in hand" would
see to it that the resolution died in
committee.
Now is this not fine state of affairs?
To think that the word is being passed
around that a liquor dealer controls
Congress. Sounds ridiculous, does it not?
It is nevertheless true.
And why are the liquor store owners
afraid of an investigation? Do they
fear that some skulduggery will be un-
covered2
Your paper could do something to
force the issue and insist in the name
Of 80 per cent of the population of our
city that this resolution be reported out.
Then If these liquor store owners sur
vive the investigation with clean hands
permit them to carry on their business.
If not, do away with them. And do it
quickly, before Washington becomes the
laughing stock of the entire Nation as
regards the liquor trade.
Aprile. ANTI-PROHIBITION
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1939-04-12
April! April!
The spirea in showering sprays

The splrea IN shoWerlng sprays
Exhales fragrance shy and rare,
Vieing with clover, whose perfume
With honied sweetness scents the air:
While like coins thrown by all who pass
Gold dandeIons dot the grass.
The air is filled with fluting calls,
Whistles and trills of lifting chime,
In all the fresh. green, leaning trees
Love-time is here and nesting time:
Vireos. robins, pipe and sing;
Blossoms and music. April Springi
GERTRUDE BROOKE HAMILTON.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1939-04-12

1t Is proposed to transfer the prof.
ect for improvement of Guam harbor
from the naval bill to the rivers and
harbors bill. Fine.now the Mikado
can get some sleep OF nights.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1939-04-12
Seeks Figures on
Doctors Salaries.

To the Editor Of The Star:
You have listed corporate salaries of
$4,000 or over as reported to Congress
by the Treasury Department, We Of
the District would have more interest in
earned incomes of $4,000 or over, espe-
cially those earned in the medical pro-
fession. How about getting them and
publishing them for US? 1t might
change the attitude of some on the
charge that the District Medical Society
Is . monopoly.
April I. OLD SUBSCRIBER.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1939-04-12

Dozens of discomforting things
can happen to a man. Perhaps one
OF the most unfortunate is to be
publicly proclaimed as one OF Amer
leans best-dressed males. Luckily
few suffer this trial.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1939-04-12
Advocates Extension OF
Parking Meters.

To the Editor Of The STAR
Now that the installation Of parking
meters in the shopping district has
nroyen successful, and their extension Is
being considered as well as their reten-
tion. would like to otter q few ideas
on the subject.
It seems to me that an area which
fairly cries for parking meters Is that
south, of M street NV, running west as
far as Twenty-fifth street, or even far
ther. At the present time parking In
this district is supposedly limited to two
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1939-04-12

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.
Az rights of publication of special dispatches
herein also reserved
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1939-04-12

A lot of Italians have been shout
ing "Tunisia!" and so far all they
have to show for 1t is touch of ton
silitis.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1939-04-12
Letters to the Editor

Letters to the Editor must
bear the name and address OF
the ,Driter, although the use OF
q pseudonyn1 for publication is
permissible. Please be brieU
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1939-04-12

Sometimes" said Uncle Eben, "a man
says he's terrible busy when he's simply
hurryin' to git a few things off'n his
mind SOS he kin loaf de res o. de day."
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1939-04-12
Belated Discovery.

Belated Discovery.
$50 you thought you would take a
chance in the stock market?"
Eyes" answered the disappointed citi-
zen, Il thought so. didn't know it was
against the rules to allow an outsider
like me to have q chance"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1939-04-12
All Other States and Canc
Member of the Associated Press

Entered as second class matter post Office.
Washington, D c.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1939-04-12
The Dictator.

Lord of the earth-such is mans part
SO all the teachers say;
But when the grippe germ gets start
He keeps the right Of way.