davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1939-02-20
REGISTERS COMPLAINT

Editor, The Citizen: / IA
Yesterday afternoon my wife
and were seated peacefully in
front of our cabana on Rest
Beach, which we had just rented.
Near us was a large machine en-
gagged in excavating the beach.
We were politely approached by
the man in charge, who told us
they were about to set off a
charge of dynamite, but assured
us that we would not be dis
turbed at all.
But when the explosion came,
it raised a column of water
thirty feet high which swept
down over our cabana, drenched
us to the skin, and also drench-
ing our car by the roadside. AL
so, a number of large stones fell
very near us. We were obliged
to drive back to town in our wet
clothes and in wet car. AS I
had recently got out Of hospital
having had a very bad attack of
pneumonia, and my wife was re-
covering from bronchitis, we
were both afraid of the results.
The man in charge was very
courteous, and did what he could
to make up for the accident by
having my car washed.
I had supposed that, the work
being done on Rest Beach was
intended TO deepen. the water
there and SO improve the beach;
but on inquiry I was told that it
was private business enter
prise, that the owner of that
property was excavating ma
terial to use or sell for the build
ing of houses.
My wife and 1 have been in
Key West for several winters,
this being the fifth. Everything
about the cabanas has + depre-
ciated since they were first built,
except the price; many of the
steps are broken down, the beach
is neglected, and evidently. no
effort whatever is made to keep
things in condition. ~
And now, added to these at
fractions, the lives and health of
the hirers of cabanas are en-
dangered by a private business
enterprise. One would think at
any rate that the man who de-
riyes a profit from the situation,
The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1939-02-20
ABOUT SECRETLY PAID ADVOCATES

In representative government it is
neeessary>for the public to be informed up
on public questions. The expenditure of
money, in reasonable sums, for this pur-
pose ought not to be considered a crime.
For example, when an editor adj
vocates public policy the presumption of
his readers is that he is an honest, UNI
biased thinker, and, because of that be-
lief, some weight attaches to his conclu-
sions. If unknown to his readers, he is in
the paid employment of those who profit
by his advocacy the weight that attaches
to his opinion, on account OF his reputa-
ton for honesty, vanishes and ne becomes
a special advocate, for compensation.
There is no difference in the argu-
ment advanced. but considerable differ
ence in the value of his opinion.
The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1939-02-20

The column recently asked: 'fWhat
has become of the umbrella member? His
cry Umbrellas to mend" familiar to the
Oldsters, is heard no more in the land"
Ever alert to solYe the intricate and per-
picking problems of the world, p E. B. in
the Tampa, Tribune, explains and asks a
pertinent question: Several theories of
the mysterious disappearance of the UNI
brella mendere have been advanced by
biologists. One is that due to lack of con-
servation laws, all the umbrella members
have been shot during the mating season,
or run over by automobiles, becoming ex-
tiRct. Another is that nobody carries or
borrows an umbrella any more. using rain
coats instead, or closed cars, or staying in
doors. or just going ahead and getting
wet, so the umbrella having vanished, the
member co-vanished. The third theory is
that umbrellas have been perfected so they
don't need any mending. Do you know
anybody in Key West who has an umbrella
which needs mending?"
The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1939-02-20
Observation-Disclosures.
PEOPLES FORUM
sssssessseesssssss.sssss
- CITES J TAX SITUATION

Editor, The C1tizen.s
In my previous letters I have
discussed certain phases of the
tax situation both as to principle
and practice but with no idea of
trying to cover the details
of the whole tax situation. My
idea was to point out the great
est weaknesses and the most diff
ficult problems and suggest rem
edies to correct them. At every
opportunity I have emphasized
the fact that we cannot have
"a just and equitable system of
taxation" throughout the state
without state control. With all
due respect for the county asses
sors, they cannot develop a state
wide method of assessment DE
cause they are elected every four
years and the personnel is con-
tinually changing. I know if the
state had a body of high class
men to establish rules for obtain
ing values on which to base sas-
sessment, with sufficient power
to enforce its orders and decisions,
most of the troubles of the county
assessors would be removed.
/ ;Counles,sare not. governments
but simply Subdivisions of ahe
state established for the sake of
convenience to help carry out the
laws of the state. 1t was neces-
sary to have many counties for
many years because of the diff
culties of travel at that time, tax
ing more time to travel ten miles
than it takes to travel one hun
dred miles today. County lines
have nothing to do with business
and all values are effected by
taxation, so the tax problem is
statewide and not local. The
legal profession would be de-
stroyed if every county Judge
could establish principles of law
and methods of procedure in his
county. This, of course, is un-
thinkable. The state, through
different agencies, now controls
other important public matters
such as. Health, schools, roads,
hotels, restaurants, state banks,
fish, game, etc.
No one has any confidence in
our tax methods. The finances
of the state and most of the gov
ernmental units are seriously in
volyed and all kinds of patent
medicine tax methods" are pro-
posed.
The advalorum system is con-
demned, but there is no adva-
lorum system. There is plenty
of authority under the law, but
no system.
The present method or meth
DDS (67 different .kinds), of course,
is a failure so would any kind of
business fail if sixty-seyen differ
ent managers had charge of it,
There is only one answer--a
state tax and finance commits
sion. What objection can there
be to a state tax and. finance COM
mission?
PERRY G. WALL.
EoI ~ 1000
The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1939-02-20
would help to keep the property

would help to keep the property
in some kind of condition.
In spite of the natural lowell
ness of the beach and the whole
of Key West, I myself have met
several persons who have given
up the cabanas because of the
general conditions there. Key
West is in special need, because
of the economic conditions, of
visitors; and it doesn't seem quite
logical therefore to permit such
conditions to persist. So far as
we can see, nothing watever is
done to make the place attrac-
tive or comfortable for visitors.
HUTCHINS HAPGCOD.
I113 Grinnell St, .
Key West, Feb. 20. 80
The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1939-02-20

The Murphy law gives every delin-
quent tax payer an opportunity to wipe out
all county and state taxes with small ex-
pense. After June the state will take
title to all property with unpaid taxes.
Then some property may be acquired
cheaply.
The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1939-02-20

TO man up stump, it. appears that
the only real offense of which Germany's
Jews have been guilty is having something
Hitler wanted.
The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1939-02-20

American place names: Big Eddy,
Ore, and Big Isaac, w. Va.
The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1939-02-20

What has become of the old-fashioned
man who believed that the professions
were dominated by men not interested in
profit?
The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1939-02-20

If you will stop to consider it, the
fellow who insists he is boss in his house, is
a fellow who will lie about other things as
well!
The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1939-02-20

1t is seldom the deaf whom the judges
give hearing
The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1939-02-20

The Chicago Daily News suggests that
a woman's tongue is her sword. Than
which the pen is not mightier.
The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1939-02-20

We acknowledge that free speech is
blessing, even if some folks around Key
West do talk too much.
The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1939-02-20

Key West-the stragetic position for
an air base, naval base and submarine
base, but the political strength is want
ing.
The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1939-02-20

The people of the United States can
save money by not rearming, but they may
be saving their money for someone else.
The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1939-02-20

It is said that the average family's
doctor bill is SIS year. 1t would be
nice for the doctor if he got it.
The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1939-02-20

Deserving Democrats get what is
coming to them, if they were lucky enough
to have backed the right horse.
The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1939-02-20

Key West, where President Roose-
welt is fishing, and seeing the Caribbean
maneuvers on the side.
The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1939-02-20

Fewer college girls marry, which may
indicate that higher education improves
their judgment
The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1939-02-20

Almost any citizen will admit that
any tax that he pays is "btfdensome.
The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1939-02-20

Editorial comment: The city is
offering a reward for the party or
parties who cut tires on a number
of automobiles recently at a
place where dance was in prog
ress. That is a commendable step
and the }ainohnt shbuld be aug
niente6 by Iaddftional rewards
from the county and substantial
citizehs, IL a.
Irving Berlin, of New York, ia
NOUS 4 writer and composer of
popular songs. arrived in Key
West from Long Key 8 o'clock
last night with a party of friends
aboard his luxurious yacht
"Windswept". The party sailed
IL o'clock today on the return.
A baby weighing 1912 pounds
has arrived at the home of MIR.
and Mrs. John Bennett Villavi-
sanes, 703 Duval street. The
youngster has been given the
name Thomas A. VillaviSanes.
4,
Sheriff Niles and deputies
made a raid last night on An
tonic Martinez place and seized
spindle which they describe as
Mexican gambling device. The
sheriff placed MARTINEZ under
bond of $500. '
The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1939-02-20
KEY WEST IN DAYS GONE BY
Hsppesinss Here Just Ten Year, Ago To-day A. Taken
From The Files OF The Citizen

Orders for advertising space
and publicity folders totalling a
cost of $l.755 were placed by the
county commissioners in special
session last night. The transac-
ton provides for the. purchase
from the American Automobile
Association of $4,000 folders for
81, SOS, the amount including the
expense of mailing the folders,
$4,000 of them, from Washington
and one page of advertising space
in the Southeastern Tour Book
of the association at a cost of
$3.50. This book or directory
of the Southeastern territory was
shown by Darden Allen, field
representative of the association,
to have a circulation in excess of
100000. The folders, which fea-
ture the Overseas Highway
ferry system, win be practically
! in the same colors and designs.
Ten thousand of the folders or
dered last night will be furnish
ed Immediately since the county
has none on hand and finds the
demand increasing every day.
| Thieves are reported to have
visited five more homes in the
city during the past few nights
and to have committed in each
case similar depredations to that
perpetrated at the Kistler home,
712 Waddell avenue, Monday
| night. Professor Carter, princi
pal of the Key West High School,
says everything in his home at
1419 Won Phister street was turn
ed topsy turyy Monday afternoon
by thieves who forced an en-
trance through the screened
bathroom window and stole about
$24 in cash. Two $40 bills were
included in the loot and can be
easily identified by ink which
had been splotched on the bill.
Mr.. Carter said that the neigh
bors on the same street, Mr.. and
Mrs. McKillip were also visited
by the thieves.
There will be room for 20 boys
| of Key West between the ages of
! l6 and 81 at the Citizens Mill
tary Training Encampment at
Fort Screyen, Ga, this year, ac-
cording to William ". Albury, of
the local company, Florida Ma
tional Guards. The training Pc
Rod will start June Is and end
July IL. The government pays
all the expenses of the boys who
attend the camps.
All is ready for the great Red
Mems Jubilee and Picnic with
an elaborate, extensive and spec
tacular program to be rendered
Friday in celebration of Wash
ington's birthday anniversary.
The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1939-02-20

Key West is your town; help it along.
The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1939-02-20

All is ready for the great Red
Mems Jubilee and Picnic with
an elaborate, extensive and spec
tacular. program to be rendered
Friday in celebration of Wash
ington's birthday anniversary.
The Daily Alaska empire., 1939-04-11
JUDGES WIFE SMUGGLE5;; I5
 SENT TO JAIL
Wife of New York State Supreme Court Justice
 Given } Months

NEW YORK, April 11-Mrs. Elm ma Lauer, wife of the State Supreme Court Justice, Edgar Lauer, was sentenced to three months in jail and fined $2500 after pleading guilty to four count indictment charging her with conspiracy in smuggling,
 The Governor asked the jail term of Mrs. Lauer because she is second offender, having been before the court on similar charges in the fall of 1887.
 At the time, Justice Lauer set tied for $10000 in claims against his wife for undeclared jewelry she brought into the United States.
 She was accompanied by phys ician and a nurse when she ap- peared in court today to face charges accusing her of smuggling clothing over from Paris last year.
 Two hours later, Albert Chaper- au. go-between in a series of snug gling adventures which involved no only Mrs. Lauer, but George Burns and Jack Benny as well, was senten- ced to five years in prison and finec 5000.
The Daily Alaska empire., 1939-04-11

 COMING TO
 N0RTHLAND

SEATTLE, April H. Seattle, the Pacific Northwest and Alaska will see an unusually large if not a re- cord breaking movement of tourists during the spring and summer, ac- cording to K. D. Mckenzie. assis- tant general passenger agent of the Alaska Steamship Company, who has returned from two-month tour of Eastern and Middle Western states.
 Alaska and the San Francisco Ex- position coupled with the desire to travel within the borders of this con- tinent instead of Europe account for the increased interest shown. Mckenzie said.
 Everywhere I went people were talking Alaska, the exposition and the Northwest" he said. Last year there was a great deal of interest shown, but nothing like it is now l expect unusually large numbers of tourists this season, since the fair and Alaska will bring them over Southern and Northern routes West. Those who come to see the one will not return without visiting the other
 We filled Alaska line passenger space last year and it looks like the same thing this year and we have additional tonnage besides"
The Daily Alaska empire., 1939-04-11
ONE TENDER RELEASED;T0
 COME NORTH
Elm ard Packing Company Signs Stipulation Agree
 ment with Unions

SEATTLE, April 1.-The Emard Packing Company which operates in Cook Inlet, Alaska, has signed a stipulation agreement with the Maritime Federation of the Pacific so that one tender could be released for a trip north. The statement is made by A. E. Harding Secretary of the Council here.
 Harding said the pickets were withdrawn from the tender Smith following signing of the agreement which also affects the Machinists Union, Alaska Fishermen's Union and Cannery Workers Union.
 The Emard Packing Company agrees to pay whatever wages are agreed upon between the Alaska Canned Salmon Industry and the unions.
The Daily Alaska empire., 1939-04-11
Final Services
 Tomorrow for
 MtNaughfon

Funeral services for Guy Mo Naughton will be held tomorrow af- ternoon at 2 o'clock at the Elks aud itorium, with the Rev. John A Glasse delivering the eulogy.
 Mrs. Lola Mae Alexander will sing three selections during the service
 Interment will be in the Elks' plot of Evergreen Cemetery.
 Pallbearers will include: John Krugness, Harley J. Turner, George Kohlhepp, Earl Cleveland, J. F. Mullen, Ben Mullen, John Morri- son and Peter Melseth.
 In respect to MT. McNaughton, who for many years was an employee of the B. M Behrends Bank, both the store and the bank will be closed tomorrow afternoon from l:30 O. clock until after the funeral service
The Daily Alaska empire., 1939-04-11
Faseists Charge Britain and France Plan Corfu
 Fertilization BRITISH FLEET IN
 NEW SECRET MOVES Russia Seeks Broader Pdtf in Defense Against
 Nazi Forces
tBY ASSOCIATED PREss)

Greece is today the focal point of world concern as to the possibilities of war or chances for peace.
 France and Great Britain fear the partnership of Berlin and Rome might direct an expansion drive to- ward Greece now that Italian troops have invaded Albania.
 Athens newspapers announce how ever that the Italian Government has given Greece categoric assur- ances" with respect to the integrity of Greece, including the Adriatic island of Corfu, which it was report ed yesterday might be occupied by Italy.
 Fascist newspapers charge Great Britain and France have made new plans to encircle the axis powers, reporting that the British themselv- es might fortify the Island of Corfu.
 Two Nations Warned
 The German controlled newspap- CTS have advised Greece and Yugo- slavia that they will be in danger "only if they let themselves be mis- used"
 This is seen as warning to the two little nations to stay out of the British French sponsored defensive 1nti-aggression alliance.
 The British Mediterranean Fleet sailed suddenly and mysteriously for unrevealed destinations but believ- ed to be Corfu or surrounding wat CTS.
 Hostile Act
 Fascist Editor Virginia Gayda, in Il Giornale d'Italia, declares that Italy would consider the use of any Greek port by vessel of the Brit ish Navy as hostile act.
 Gayda denies that the Italian oc- cupation of Albania is a threat on the safety of Greece.
 Prime Minister Chamberlain is expected to announce on Thursday strong promises to aid Greece or Turkey, also to Poland This an- nouncement is expected to be made at the special session of Pariia- ment, recalled from Easter recess.
 May Change Plans
 London sources said the Prime Minister might modify his intended declaration of the received word that Italy will guarantee to seek no fur- ther change in the Mediterranean or neighboring seas and would also agree to withdraw troops from Ma tionalist Spain.
 Soviet Ambassador Ivan MaisL in London, called at the British Foreign Office. This was done dur ing reports that Prime Minister Chamberlain is again trying to get Russia into defensive alliance.
 The Soviet Ambassador is reported to contend that the British Poland alliance is not enough. in the Rus sian view, to stop the axis powers and he discussed broad agreement which would include Rumania, Turkey. Greece and Yugoslavia
The Daily Alaska empire., 1939-04-11
CANNED SALMON INDUSTRY GIVES
 OUT STATEMENT
Tells of Negotiations with Unions : Wage, Hour
 Agreements. Dispute ,

SEATTLE, April 1.-The Labor Committee of the Canned Salmon Industry has issued the following statement which is signed by A. I Ellsworth, chairman of the com mittee:
 "The Canned Salmon Industry for the past several years has nego- tiated with Unions representing the thousands of workers in this indus try. The industry this year is again negotiating with the same unions with whom it dealt last year
 Tt is of course apparent that re- gardless of any agreement between the packers and the unions with whom they are now negotiating, it will be impossible for the industry to operate unless labor can speedily settle the dispute within it's own ranks and dispose of the jurisdic- tional conflict that is now preventing the loading of supplies and the dis patching of cannery boats and steamers for Alaska
 Agreements Offered
 "The industry desires to make it clear that the packers who intend to operate in Alaska this year have offered agreements relative to wages hours and conditions of work on the same basis as finally prevailed in 1888 out of Puget Sound ports.
 Tn the light of present and pros pective prices for canned salmon, such conditions and wages place a burden on the industry that makes profitable operation decidedly ques- tionable. The industry's offer can be adhered only if it will result in agreements being speedily signed with all the unions with whom the packers deal. It is obvious that un- less an accord can be reached with all of the groups involved it would be futile to expend large amounts preparing for seasons pack with no assurance of being able to oper- ate
 "The packers feel that in submitt- ing this offer they are rendering the very best proposition that they can possibly make. They have gone so far only because of their feeling of responsibility to the Territory and people of Alaska; the people of Pu- get Sound and adjacent territory and to the thousands of individuals and businesses who directly or in directly are dependent upon the con- tinued operation of the salmon can ming industry in Alaska"
The Daily Alaska empire., 1939-04-11
OF ALASKA IS GIVEN HONOR
 AT CEREMONIES
Is Placed with State Flags in Independence Hall
 in Philadelphia
By J. J. ECKLES Secretary to Delegate DimOnd

WASHINGTON, April 1,-(Spec- ial Correspondence)-In an impress sive ceremony witnessed by state and city officials and leaders of pa triotic groups the official flag of the Territory of Alaska was pre- sented to the States Committee for display with many flags of the States in Independence Hall in Philadelphia on March 30 by Dele gate Dimond
 The presentation, as reported in the Philadelphia Inquirer, was preceded by a procession of girls bearing the flags of the 13 original States. Leading them was Miss Dorothy James, daughter of the Governor of Pennsylvania, carrying the flag of Pennsylvania.
 The girls filed in from the Lib erty Bell to the front of the Su- preme Court room and stood ranked behind Mrs. George Horace Lorimer, chairman of the States Committee which arranged for the assemblage of flags during the ceremony.
 Flag Handed Over
 Anthony J. Dimond, Congress sional representative from Alaska, handed his flag over to Mrs. Lori mer who, in turn, turned it over to Director of Supplies and Purchases Wilhelm F. Knauer who represented the city.
 "Dimond described the presenta- tion of the flag as 'emblematic of the desire of the men and women of the North to share with the States all the responsibilities, the hazards, and the dangers which may in years to come confront our common land,
 Tn messages sent to Mrs. Lori mer, and read by John J. Under wood, president of the Washington Alaska Society, Secretary of War Harry H. Woodring and Secretary of the Navy Claude A. Swanson hailed the flag presentation as especially significant, in year when the de- fense forces are vitally interested in the strategic area of Alaska"
 MT. and Mrs. Carl J. Lomen Of Nome, who have been consistently active in working out details con- nected with having the flag placed in Independence Hall, had prom inent parts in the presentation. The flag itself represents contributions made by a number of citizens of
 Continued on Page Three)