davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1939-05-20
Tornado Tumer

An ambitious Mississippian has
just written to the Governor of
Kansas and made an interesting
proposition. He has, he says, worked
out way to kill twisters, and for
five hundred dollars will personally
supervise all cyclones in the Sun
flower State.
The typical Kansas cyclone is no
pushover. A good husky one con-
tains enough wind to run Congress
for year, If spread out. 1t is
closely akin to the Oriental typhoon,
but with kink in the middle that
makes it spin. Competent observers
say that it starts with low moaning
sound of air through the scenery
until it gets warmed up, shortly after
which the scenery itself goes through
the air, with the greatest of ease.
This exaggerated zephyr, as it frolics
across the landscape, amuses itself
by swooping down on farms, impair
TALLY shuffling houses, barns, live
stock, and humans into a new deal
and lifting everything but the cy-
cioiiG cellar and the mortgage.
One cannot help but admire the
fortitude of the gentleman from
Mississippi who proposes, without
even the aid of an umbrella, to look
this phenomenon in the eyeball and
quell it, even If he does have some
low Machiavellian trick up his sleeve.
From much practice, tornadoes have
learned to protect themselves at all
times, particularly in the clinches,
and are constantly on the lookout
for unethical maneuvers. Few peo-
pie can be deceitful enough to do
much good against such a shifty,
restless opponent. In fact, one of the
most arduous, thankless, and dizzy
tasks known to mankind is that Of
sneaking up on healthy cyclone in
full bloom and putting salt on its
illusory tail.
Evening star., 1939-05-20
The Canal Vote

The Senate showed good judge
ment in refusing to authorize re-
sumption of work on the Florida
ship canal at this time.
No doubt the issue will be revived
next year, or the year after, as it
has been from time to time since
the administration spent $4,000, 900
OF emergency funds to start it sew
eral years ago. And the time may
come when the advocates will sue
ceed In convincing a majority in
Congress that it has sufficient eco
nomic merit to win approval.
But even had they been able to re-
move all doubt at this time as to the
need for this new shipping lane
across the northern end of the
Florida peninsula, and its self
liquidating possibilities, Congress
would not have been justified in
committing the Government to such
a costly undertaking while the Treas
ury is still in the midst of the deficit
era. Its cost was estimated to be at
least $197,92 900.
In recommending the project, the
President said he would not object
to construction period lasting ten
or fifteen years. 1t seems appropriate
to observe, in this connection. that
If completion of the waterway could
wait that long, surely the Senate
mas done no harm in deferring the
authorization for the time being
With amendments written into the
Dill to require that the canal be
made self-liquidating through tolls,
and that appropriations be deferred
until the President made a report on
the tolls that would be reduired the
measure mustered thirty-six votes
There were forty-fve Senators
however, who still opposed author
lzlng the project at this time. In a
congress that has not been verv
successful in slowing down Govern
ment spending, this Senate vote ia
mildly reassuring.
Evening star., 1939-05-20

Center, and erection of the public build
lngs now planned, including new build
ings for Government departments and
bureaus, the Municipal Auditorium,
Armory, stadium, etc.
In this connection the locations of the
last three mentioned buildings should
be as near as possible to the site of our
proposed Fair, should it be held.
Fifth. 1t would be most desirable (if
possible) to construct substantial build
ings for our proposed fair, to house per-
manent industrial exhibits, etc., after
the close of the fair.
Sixth. 1t should be possible to have
our proposed Worlds Fair self -liquidat-
ing and return all necessary appropria-
tions at its close, but if this objective was
not entirely accomplished, at least the
great and inevitable benefits to the local
employment situation and business
should compensate for any possible
deficit.
Seventh. Last but not least, our pro-
posed Worlds Fair would be a gesture
- NNASNA AAAoAShAoA SOSu WILL ana U6QO TO
promote world peace, just as Premier
Mussolini has announced that the pro-
posed Italian Worlds Fair will promote
world friendship and peace.
I realize that these suggestions are
quite ambitious, but believe that thev
are entirely possible of achievement, if
only our city displays enough public
spirit to put over this plan as herein
tentatively suggested.
II our powerful civic organizations, in
cluding especially the Federation of Citi-
zens Associations and the Board of
Trade would appoint joint committee
IN the near future to study these sug-
gestions am confident that their de-
STABILITY and feasibility would strongly
appeal to them
Yours for a better and greater WASH
ington. VIM. v. MAHONEv
May 10.
Evening star., 1939-05-20
New Peace Offer to Hitler

Prime Minister Chamberlain has
chosen this moment of relative calm
in the European situation to hold
out another olive branch to Ger
many. In essence it does not differ
from President Roosevelt's plea to
the dictators on April IA for a ten
year assurance" of non-aggreSsion.
The occasion is not inappropriate
for calling attention to the fact that
although Hitler and Mussolini con-
temptuously rejected Washington's
proposal, they have done nothing
meantime to breach the peace to
which Mr.. Roosevelt sought to pledge
them. How long they will restrain
themselves is unpredictable. Lloyd
George said in the House of Com
mons yesterday that there is gen.
eral feeling of dread. d. Every one
is contemplating another blow from
the axis powers. No one knows where
1t will come, but every one fears it is
coming somewhere"
It is amid what 81. G." terms the
omnipresent tension and strain"
that Mr.. Chamberlain, unwearied by
the failure of previous appeasement
efforts, again appeals to the Reich.
He told Parliament that Britain is
ready to lay down a definite long
range policy for European peace if
Germany will renounce in convinc-
ing fashion the intention of aggres-
sion or the further use of force"
Hitler is informed In the same
breath that, anxious as the British
are for peace, they "are not prepared
to buy it with concessions which
would only lead to further demands"
The Fuehrer is thus notified, in
pretty plain English, that he cannot
come to Britain and say "Give us
back our colonies, and then we'll
talk peace" He is now on notice
that John Bull is not minded to
yield to political blackmail.
The Germans have known for at
least two years that colonial restora-
ton is debatable with the Anglo
French allies on one condition prec-
edent-that it be the cornice and not
the corner stone of negotiations. If
and when Germany is ready to re-
duce ornaments under an agreement
which would have to include aboli-
tion Of air warfare on civilian COM
munities, and with an equally bind
Ing compact to renounce aggression,
then-but not until then-it will be-
come feasible to discuss return of
the Reich's war-lost overseas terri
tory.
Mr.. Chamberlain now restates that
position, accompanied by a gentle
reminder that the fate of Austria
and Czecho-Slovakia has shaken
faith in repeated Nazi assertions of
non n-aggressive purposes. Hitler may
wait. for the outcome of still pending
negotiations for a British-French-
Russian defensive alliance before
taking notice of London's latest over
lures.
Evening star., 1939-05-20
Rabbi GerstenfeId

Rabbi Norman Gerstenfeld, already
well and favorably known in the
Nations Capital, succeeded two great
religious leaders when he was in
stalled last evening as minister
OF the Washington Hebrew Congre-
cation. The history of the Temple
dates back to 1855. It's charter was
granted by the Thirty-fourth Con-
gress, in President Franklin Pierce's
administration. DR.. Louis Stern
came to its service in 1872, DR.. Abram
Simon in 1905. Both gave of them
selves so generously as to win the
respect, the admiration and the love
OF the entire community. Their ira
dition now is to be carried forward
by a man equal to the responsibility.
Scholar and teacher, traveller and
keen student of world affairs, Rabbi
Gerstenfeld is an artist as we'll
as a philosopher in his attitude
toward creation and its problems.
He values life and strives to increase
its opportunities for fellowship,
peace, freedom and progress. The
doctrine to which he is devoted is
the ideal of humanity in harmony
with just and merciful God. If
there be nothing new in his teach
ing, the reason may be found in the
glorious sufficiency of the prophetic
vision of the Almighty Father. Such
a concept needs no apology. All that
1t requires is reaffirmation and re-
application.
OF course, Rabbi Gerstenfeld as
sumes his duties in time troubled
and distraught. But he has courage
enough for the task. The challenge
Of the hour he accepts without hesi-
tation. In the ceremonies of his in
stallation Christian pastors partici-
pated. The laity joins with the
clergy OF the whole city to welcome
him to his place among the mentors
Evening star., 1939-05-20
THIS AND THAT
BIZ Charles E. TraceveH.

Certainly only birds would know lust
where to strike to cripple the bird on
the first blow.
Two Of the young cardinals killed by
grackles Gas described here recently had
their legs broken, and one was appar-
emily untouched.
These facts make the purple grackle
suspect in this case.
The grackle is a powerful bird, with
vicious long beak and as mean an eye
as Is to be found in all birdland.
Often the f1sheye Is spoken of as the
ultimate in coldness. 1t is common to
hear mean human described as "ishy-
eyed"
But the grackle has the coolest eye
Of all.
Worst enemies Of f1edglings and young
birds in general are grackles, bluejays,
owls, squirrels, cats, dogs and rats.
AL OF these can and do kill young
birds, and no doubt there are many
other culprits. 1t is hopeful sign for
humanity that small boys are no longer
to be reckoned as among bird enemies
Much work in the schools, coupled with
conservation by and large, and greater
public interest in bird life, has made
most youngsters, especially of the better
class, friends of the songsters.
We must look, then, to animals and
other birds as the killers of baby birds.
These slayings have been going on, evi-
IDENTIFY, since time began, so the person
who suddenly runs into them must not
be too upset about it. Yet there is no
gainsaying that an average person of
good Sensibilities is often heartsick, as
our correspondent phrases it, over such
attacks.
Watching the building Of the nest, the
laying of the eggs, the Matching, the
care OF the young-these activities re-
quire many days, and all the time the
observer is building up a real respect
Tor the specimens OF feathered life which
go about what they do so wonderfully
well.
Where they fall down if they do fall
down, is in lack of protection for the
young
THE lesson of all history" Mussolini
said over the radio, lis Woe to the
weak!"
And that goes for birds, too.
The baby bird is one of the most help
less OF all infants, because its nest, or
cradle, is hung out in the open, at the
mercy of all corners
Despite the fact that the nest may
seem well hid to human eyes, the chirp-
ing OF the f1edglings gives it away to all
birds and animals.
There must be an odor, too, sufficient
to attract animals, whose powers of
scent are surprising any possessed by
mankind.
There is very little that even the best
intentioned human can do to help the
birds at this time 1t must be remem-
bered that birds have been facing this
menace for millions of years and still
exist in great numbers, when given rea
sonable protective laws. AS long as there
is life there will be sadness mixed with
gladness.
Evening star., 1939-05-20
Letters to the Editor
A White Paper Follows

A White Paper Follows
The Great War.
To the Editor Of The Star
Calvary-Vintage OF '39-Sold down
the River!!!
lsls-the Great War hangs in the bal
ance-
The allied cause hangs by a thread.
For want of shoe the horse was lost"
For want of munitions chemical the
fate Of the entente hangs on the ropes!
Into the ring of despair and despond
an English Jew, Chaaim Weizzman
tmaster chemist) throws the life buoy
Of discovery-acetone-f cousin of
TINT.
The allied defense is ransomed. Hope
flames anew. Victory ensues
War ends! A grateful England offers
her son all honors. Weizzman declines
asks only that his people be given a
land OF safety and sanctuary.
Palestine-Balfour declaration-Brit
ish mandate. A home for the ever-per-
secuted Jew-not by sufferance by
right! Weizzman's prayer answered.
May, 1939-the British white paper to
Parliament. England cuts the life line.
The Jews and Palestine cut adrift.
Calvary, '39-Right- t-Justice-Democ-
racy sold down the river!
JOSEPH D. KAUFMAN.
May 10.
Evening star., 1939-05-20
The G-Men's Spy War

In recommending that the Federal
Bureau OF Investigation be given ad-
ditional funds with which to combat
espionage in this country, the House
Committee on Appropriations was
moved by facts, not fancy. The facts
were supplied by J. Edgar Hoover,
director of the F. B. t.. during
hearings conducted by a subcommit-
tee of which Representative Thomas
S. Mcmillan, Democrat, of South
Carolina was chairman. Mr.. Hoover
disclosed that the number of spy
cases which the G-men were called
upon to investigate took an amazing
jump in 1888 and that the upward
trend is continuing this year. During
the five years preceding 1888 the bu-
reau handled an average OF thirty
five espionage cases per year, but last
year there were 634 such cases and
this year it is estimated that 772
cases of this type will have to be in
vestigated
Properly impressed by these fig
ures, the House committee has ap-
proved the bureaus request for
substantial increase in appropria-
tions and has recommended. in ad-
dition, a supplemental emergency
fund of 100000 which the Attorney
General could make available to meet
special contingencies arising in
espionage, kidnapping, bank robbery
and extortion cases. The committee
felt that the G-men should not be
handicapped by lack of money in
their efforts to protect American
military secrets from the prying eyes
OF foreign agents, who seem, Incl
dentally, to know no scarcity of
funds Our counter-espionage agen-
cies-the F. B. l., the Military Intel
ligence Division of the Army and
the Office of Naval Intelligence
nave demonstrated in recent spy
cases that they are we'll able to
match wits with the best of the alien
snoopers-given the opportunity to
do so.
1t is of interest in discussing the
qualifications of the Omen to note
that the House committee attached
10 It's report a proviso that none Of
the F. B. I. appropriations should be
used to pay salaries of civil service
employees other than fingerprint
claslfiers. The purposes of this pro-
vision, 1t was explained, is to insure
continuation Of the present non
civil service system OF picking most
OF the F. B. I. employees. The small
group OF fingerprint experts long has
been under civil service and would
remain so. Mr.. Hoover has instituted
certain high standards of personnel
selection for the bureau that, in
many respects, are acknowledged to
be stricter than for any other Fed
eral service. There is no spoils sys-
tenn, no politics, no patronage. There
seems to be no good reason whv a
merit system as meritorious as this
one has proved to be should be dis
turbed In any way. With the spy
situation as serious as depicted at
the hearings, the time is certainly
not propitious to experiment with
new methods of selecting this coun-
try's already capable counter-espio-
mage forces.
Evening star., 1939-05-20
Encouraging Armory News

Joy of National Guardsmen and
their friends over approval by the
House recently of the movement for
new National Guard armory in
the District of Columbia was tenn
pered somewhat by the change in
site proposed for the structure in the
1910 District supply bill. Now, as the
bill comes up for consideration on
the Senate side, there is cause for
general rejoicing again, because of
the apparent unanimity of opinion
in favor OF the East Capitol street
location originally picked for the
structure.
The unheralded provision in the
Evening star., 1939-05-20
CHEVY CHASE, MD.

Dear Sir:
II almost always read your column in
The Star, and have noted what you have
written recently about purple grackles
and squirrels robbing nests Of eggs and
baby birds.
I'VE had four baby robins getting
along splendidly in tall cedar tree real
close to the front door, the nest being
about feet from the banister Of the
porch and almost against the front of
the house.
''The nest was plainly visible from the
porch, but could not be seen from the
yard. The robins were OF q good size
and had about a half-inch tail.
Il would stand on the milk box and
pat them on the head and stroke them
once in q while, but for the most part
we kept of the porch SO as not to scare
the parents.
'They were all right last night at dusk
Il went out every day to see II they were
all right, but this morning at about 8
o'clock went out and not a bird In the
nest.
Il rushed out and looked under the
tree and porch and on the lawn, then
saw one lying in the street, but could
find no mark on it. then a few feet
from 1t another with one leg broken
where joined to the body, but no other
mark.
"The first bird was still warm. The
third I found on a neighbor's lawn
across the street with one wing gone and
the back partly eaten.
THE fourth bird looked and looked
for but I couldn't find 1t. I had a slight
hope that maybe I might find 1t alive
and care for it until 1t could fly, but
suppose that whatever got the other
three. ate 1t or carried it farther away
am just heartsick over those BIRDS
II tried to revive the one that was
still warm but wasn't successful. I
couldn't find a mark on him and that
puzzles me.
Il put them under lilac bush while
/ was looking for the fourth one and
until I could bury them, and saw one of
the parent birds carrying a worm to
them. which was sad thing to see.
THE parent flew away with the worm
and both parents took up positions on
the wire overhead to be near them and
kept up continuous chirping, and then
when was burying them, one Of them
flew up close and watched.
They have gone now.
Il was surprised there was no COM
motion around the nest when I went out
The parents didn't come to the nest at
all. suppose the raid took place very
early In the morning
Il know you said squirrels eat the eggs
but would they attack good sized birds
like that or would you suggest another
bird? Thank you
Very truly yours, L. S. M"
4 xk
The breaking of legs, as described by
our correspondent, seems to be a char
acteristic OF attack by other birds rather
than by animals.
Evening star., 1939-05-20

measure-as adopted by the House
for appropriation of $15O,OO0 with
which to purchase an undesignated
site somewhere in the already con-
gested Southwest section of the city
came as shock to those who had
envisioned an attractive and up to
date Armory building on property al
ready owned by the Federal Govern
ment near the end of East Capitol
street. Apparently the proposal to
shift the building to the Southwest
resulted from misconception Of the
type Of structure planned for the
guardsmen. Some members of the
House feared, it Is said, that the
Armory would not harmonic with
the monumental development pro-
posed in the East Capitol street area,
but these fears seem to have been
allayed as the full details Of the i'm
posing Armory project have become
known.
Strong Endorsement of the East
Capitol site has been given the Sen
ate committee in charge of the bill
by such authorities as Brigadier Gen.
eral A. L. Cox, commanding the Dis
trict National Guard; Frederic A.
Delano, chairman OF the National
Capital Park and Planning Commits
sion, and District Commissioner Mel
win c. Hazen. Supplementing this
testimony is the previously announced
preference Of Committee Chairman
Overton for the eastern location. The
best news of all, however, is that the
Senate committee is considering in
sertion in the supply bill of an item
to appropriate $4,000 for an i'm
mediate start on the long-deferred
armory project. 1t is to be hoped
this proposal is made to the Senate
and that both Houses will agree to 1t.
Evening star., 1939-05-20
Suggests Worlds Fair
Here in 1943.

suggests worlds Fair
Here in 1943.
To the Editor Of The Star:
The corner stone of the United States
Capitol Building was laid on September
18, 1893.
1t is my privilege to suggest that the
150th anniversary Of this historic event
should be celebrated in some worthy and
adequate manner and that a Worlds
Fair held at Washington during 1943
would be the most appropriate manner
in which to commemorate this first step
toward building the Capital City on this
site.
A precedent for Worlds Fair in
Washington was given us by New York
City in observing the 15Oth anniversary
Of the Inauguration Of our first President
in that city, by opening their Worlds
Fair on that date.
There is doubtless ample time for the
necessary preparations for such an i'm
portant event, provided early and favor
able action by Congress could be secured
for the proposal.
The chief problems to be solved would
probably be financing and selection of
suitable site.
A four-year plan Of preparation for the
proposed Washington Worlds Fair
should include the following realizable
objectives:
First. Restoration OF the franchise
and self-government; for If the local
citizens still are politically impotent in
1943 We should be ashamed to welcome
the world to washington and attempt to
explain away our total lack OF democ-
racy.
Second. Continued improvement in
local health and sanitation and reduc-
ton Of crime, drunkenness and traffic
accidents to the lowest possible mini
mum 50 that we could claim to be a
model city as well as beautiful one
Third. Complete accomplishment Of
the program of the Board of Education
for new school buildings and the general
improvement and expansion Of the pub
lie school system.
Fourth. Completion, before opening
the proposed fair, Of the new Municipal
Evening star., 1939-05-20
Wants Firemen on Equal
Basis With Police.
By Thomas r. Henri.
To the Editor of The Star.

TO the Editor Of The Star:
Kindly grant me space in your valu-
able paper to urge that Congress enact
legislation during the present session
placing the members of the District Fire
Department on an equal basis with mem
bers of the Police Department relative to
annual salaries and working hours. be-
lieve that If such legislation were en-
acted more harmony would prevail and
better results would ensue. I am at a
loss to understand why the Fire De-
partment members are compelled to
work longer hours weekly than are men,
bers Of the Police Department.
May 16. HENRY +. ASH.
Evening star., 1939-05-20
Wants Children Trained.
For Appropriate Work.
To the Editor of The Star:

1t Is well to prepare for the future
and accordingly it is sound doctrine that
children be adequately educated.
1t would seem, however, to be better
social doctrine to see to it that all are
adequately equipped to do the work
which lies closest at hand, and which
is the more likely to fall to their re-
spective lots, than to repeat Gas was
done from Washington during the past
week. the trite flattery Of the people
that somewhere there is child Git may
be In palatial home, or it may be in a
log cabin destined In the FITNESS OF
Evening star., 1939-05-20
Regrets Abandonment of
City Council Plan.

To the Editor Of The Star:
The Star Of this afternoon reports
that the plan to have a city council
elected by the people of the District
has been scrapped in favor of the pres
ent commission form Of government. OF
all disgusting decisions, this takes the
cake. think it behooves the people of
the District to give full expression to
their disgust DEMOcpAr
May II.
Evening star., 1939-05-20

of the Capital. His work will prosper,
and his labors will be blessed and
fruitful in the name of the Deity
who makes no distinctions among
the children OF earth.