davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1940-08-13
Fair Suggestion

This famous fishing fair at CriSfleld
is now past history and was quite
success, more than five hundred en-
trants participating. One cannot
help but feel, however, that the
management might have used more
imagination in planning the various
events. 1t is all very well to offer
prizes for the biggest fish of the
species, or the greatest number, but
they should not stop there. One
small step in the right direction was
taken by an award for the most un-
usual fish, but this was the only evil
dence of that large outlook which
would have been so desirable.
In the first place, why limit the
one imaginative prize to the most
unusual fish? If the word catch"
were substituted, it would widen the
field to include such odd items as
old rubber boots, discarded coffee
pots, ETC., and do much to stimulate
competition. Why not at least favor
able mention for the party of six
who can return and swear before
notary that no member Of the party
accidentally knocked overheard
either the bait or the beer? Why
not bronze medal, instead of just
a Bronx cheer, for the best alibi of
the day? Why not some compensa-
tion for the biggest fish of all-the
one that got away? The grand prize
of all, however, should be reserved
for the fishing captain, if any, who
brings back twenty-fiv dollars cash,
five disgruntled customers and three
croakerS slightly larger than sar-
dimes, ,and refrains from mentioning
that he cannot understand it, be-
cause every day for the past month
he has caught so many fish that he
has had to throw most of them over
board to keep from sinking his vessel.
Evening star., 1940-08-13
County Growth

Another important step indicative
of the growth of Prince Georges
County, the establishment of a
branch of the county commissioners
office in the suburban area, is about
to be taken by the County Board.
Public demand for such an office
has led to approval of the proposal
and selection of the personnel that
will man 1t.
For the present there will be but
two persons in the office and their
duties will not be very specifically
prescribed at first. This tendency to
open the office on what appears to
be an experimental basis will be re-
assuring to taxpayers who might
fear an effort to create new, un-
necessary jobs.
As a matter of fact the admins
>tration in Prince Georges County
has been ultraconservative in re-
gard to branch Offices when COM
Evening star., 1940-08-13
THIS AND THAT
Bp Charles E. TracelDeIl.

There Is no street In Washington quite
like lower Wisconsin avenue from r
street down to the river.
Here is a bit of any American town,
set right down in the National Capital,
and 1t Is no wonder, for Georgetown was
q town before Washington was dreamed
of.
Changing the old Georgetown street
names, at later date. did not change
their peculiar American small-town
quality in any way.
Wisconsin avenue was High street in
George Washington's day. His coach
went along the same narrow and crooked
way, where today streetcars and auto
mobiles crowd the avenue, scarcely that
except in name.
Whatever is done to Wisconsin avenue
changes it very little, in the peculiar
essence which makes 1t so different from
most Of our streets.
In the last 10 years change has come
in the number of people seen on the
narrow sidewalks.
We can remember a time. and not
many years ago, when it was possible to
walk down this street, within the
boundaries listed, without meeting more
than two or three dozen persons.
Today you will meet hundreds.
There is great deal more congregat-
inc tho cideuolks GanrOefnur IL.
ways had friendly atmosphere. The
shopkeepers liked to stand out in front
of their stores, and that is true today.
At noon the other day We went up to
the door of certain shop, it is unneces-
sary to say which, and tried to get in.
There was a sign, hastily scrawled on
small piece OF note paper.
Gone to lunch" said the sign. There
was no word of when the proprietor
would return.
AS we happened to want to get in. this
place having commodity which cannot
be found any place else in the city, we
had some time on our hands.
There always has been this happy
atmosphere of the fair about George
town.
The times have not changed 1t.
The people are in no hurry, as they
are over in Washington!
Here school children walk the con-
crete blocks with businessmen and a
distinct class of persons who seem to
have nothing at all to do, either today or
tomorrow.
Their main occupation in life, it would
seem, lies in just walking around. en-
joying the sunshine, even if it is get
ting hot again.
Two men pass.
One is from Wesley Heights-and in
his shirt sleeves. at that
The other is from Chevy Chase. Md.
These men, who happen to know each
other, greet each other with nod and
a smile and a touch of the hands, in
passing, but they do not stop.
Each is on his way somewhere, but
Evening star., 1940-08-13
Criticizes Those Who Would
Let George Do It."

To the Editor Of The Star:
Jay Franklin is more than right when
he says that Let George do it seems to
be the Americans cry when it comes to
stopping Hitler" The average American
not only expects somebody else to do all
the work and take all the risks. but he
makes fuss if that somebody else is
any one who needs money or owes him
money, or asks help or consideration
from him in any way. George is sup
posed to work entirely for pleasure, and
not to annoy his busy" neighbors.
Men like Hitler don't just come into
power of their own accord. They are
product of conditions. The cheapest way
to stop them is to stop those conditions
before the men get started. And the
conditions that put Hitler into power be-
gan in 1928 when Stain became ruler of
Russia and started building up "the
largest peacetime army in history" If
Central Europe was to be kept dis
united after that it was necessary
that America and the allies match Stain
gun for gun, and put stop to his SUBJ
versive propaganda.
I tried to do the latter in the college
where I was teaching But ran into
disciplinary trouble that frightened the
other professors, so they were glad to get
rid of me. That sort of thing was going
on all through the democracies.
Germans were also saying "Let George
do it, And things began to get done
when they changed George" to Adolf"
Hitler is a genius when 1t comes to max
ing the rich do their part for the ma
tional defense. But all he has done in the
military line is to pay George. who had
been working thanklessly for patriotism
In the German Army, the same as he is
in ours.
The Germany Army has sprung no
surprises on American officers who had
been keeping up with American military
literature. German officers read our
service magazines and contribute to
them, and their army is no better than
ours could be if the people would permit.
American officers have designed the best
planes, tanks and guns in the world.
The only trouble is We haven't enough
of them. And we are well up with the
Germans on tactics and strategy.
But modern war has lots Of opportuni-
ties for Reserve oficer like myself who
can take time to think. There's human
problem to making a blitzkrieg blitz.
Germany has solved that problem.
France and England had not.
II the Germans attack America they
Evening star., 1940-08-13
Urges Severance of Relations
With Germany.


To the Editor of The Star:
Permit me to suggest that action should
be taken without delay in connection
with national defense to sever diplo-
matte relations with Germany, and re-
quire her diplomatic, consular and COM
mercial representatives to leave the
country There is sufficient evidence of
their subversive activities now in possess
sion of the F. B. l. and Of the Dies Com
mittee not only to warrant such action.
but to make it imperative in the interest
of national security.
While Germany is the chief offender
and the most dangerous one, the same
action might we'll be considered regard
ing Russia. Italy and Japan. In tolerat-
ing the representatives Of these nations
We are harboring enemies within our
gates, who may prove our undoing at
some crucial moment
ALEXANDER S. LANIER.
August 7.
Evening star., 1940-08-13
Critic JibeS at
Newspaper Comment.
To the Editor of The Star.

Critic Jibes at
Newspaper Comment.
To the Editor of The Star:
No one questions the wisdom of being
adequately prepared at all times to de-
fend ourselves. But I rather suspect
that some of the senatorial and con-
gressional speeches. in addition to many
of the newspaper editorials of this day,
are going to furnish rather amusing ma
terial for the historian some years hence.
AS young nation, with not more than
100000 people, we certainly did not
have the men nor the resources to de-
fend ourselves properly, had we been in
vaded. And yet the newspapers during
the era of French military might abound
with the same kind of talk that we
have been hearing today.
This talk of invasion continued in our
newspapers of that era at the height and
even the low point of French military
supremacy. In the Philadelphia (Pa)
Aurora, of June /, 1897, we read that
Representative Harper called France a
proud enemy who was aiming at uni
FClodi I1C gave ~ dS lllS
opinion that when France had finished
in Europe, we would be the last nation
to be devoured.
William Cobbett, whose pen name was
Peter Porcupine, published Porcupines
Gazette in Philadelphia from about 1870
to 1900. In Porcupine's Gazette on April
5, 1898, he said that "The French have
spies in every nook and corner of this
extensive country-they know their
strength here, much better than We
do" He excited the people about a
revolution in the United States in favor
of the French Directory. And this at a
time when We had only a few years
previously thrown off the domination
of foreign power.
Porcupine even talked of the land
ing of men in Virginia or North Caro-
lima, where they could begin by setting
the Negroes free and laying waste all
before them with fire and sword
Their army would augment in it's prog
reSs like ball of snow rolled down a
hill; terror would precede their march,
and desolation, sacrilege, violation and
murder would bring up their rear" he
said on June 10, 1898. This kind of talk
continued in the Philadelphia news
papers in the 1790's and eventually be-
came known as The News Mongers'
War"
Henry Wansey, an Englishman, travel
ing in the United States in 1894, later
wrote his impressions Of his trip when
he returned home. sIf America avoids
war and interference in the politics of
Europe, nothing can hurt her." he said.
What he wrote then is just as apropos
now as it was then.
August 10. RUSSELL s. BACHMAN.
Evening star., 1940-08-13
Evasion Of Law

The case against issuance of the
Democratic party's 1910 campaign
book" has reached the stage where
ordinary regard for the good opinion
of the American voters requires i'm
mediate abandonment Of this shady
political venture.
Senator Hatch, author Of the
"clean politics" law bearing his
name, has called upon his party to
abandon at once plans to publish
and circulate the book, urging that
the Democratic National Committee
should obey the spirit as well as the
letter of the law" And Attorney
General Jackson, who already has
held that purchase of the book
would be illegal, now warns Demo-
cratic Chairman Edward j. Flynn
against carrying out his latest plan
to distribute" the book through
State and county organizations. Mr..
Jackson said the view that state
laws could make permissible that
which a Federal law prohibits" is
not accepted or approved by the
Department of Justice"
The rising tide of public opinion
against the campaign book venture,
and the increasing weight Of the
belief that the whole undertaking
savors of illegality, leave but one
proper course open to Mr.. Flynn and
the National Committee. Plans for
publication of the book should be
dropped now and the money re-
ceived from advertisers should be
promptly refunded. The dubious
character of this project is not some
thing that takes the Democrats by
surprise; they have known or should
Evening star., 1940-08-13

have known all along that, at best,
1t Is an evasion Of the spirit If not
the letter Of the Federal Corrupt
Practices Act and of the Hatch Act,
which was in process of enactment
when preparation Of the 1910 book
was begun.
If the lieutenants Of the Demo-
cratic high command are not pre-
pared to erase this stigma on their
own initiative, it is clearly the duty
of the President to intervene.
Evening star., 1940-08-13
School Budget

Senator Overton'S assertion that
the 1912 public school budget raises
false hopes" which cannot be salts
fed unless the Districts revenue is
increased assumes particular peril
nence in view of the fact that this
is the first year in which final re-
sponsibility for preparation Of budget
estimates has devolved upon local
officials.
In the past, it was customary for
the heads of the municipal depart
mentS to submit estimates with the
expectation that they would be pared
down by the Budget Bureau-an ex-
pectation which amounted to vir-
tual certainty. But under the prac-
tice inaugurated this year the
Budget Bureau will not concern it.
self with details of the local budget,
which means that the District Com
missioners, for practical purposes,
will be finally responsible for allocat-
ing the budget total among the sew
eral municipal establishments. That
being the case, it follows that the
department heads, as far as may be
feasible, should do their own trim
ming, submitting to the District
Building budgets representing the
totals they must have rather than
some inflated figure which they
would like to get but which cannot
be granted under existing revenue
limitations.
The 1912 school budget, which was
prepared before the change in budget
procedure here had been announced,
requested total of s18,346,369. OF
this total $5,561,477 was asked for
new schools and land purchases,
compared with the present years
appropriation of $811,000 for that
purpose. The item for new schools
and land purchases, which comprises
the bulk of the increase over this
years total school appropriations,
was said to be needed primarily for
replacement of "antiquated, unsani-
tary buildings" There is no conten-
tion that this is a frivolous request.
The need is real and urgent, and its
satisfaction cannot be put off in
definitely. At the same time, how
ever, it Is this item in the school
budget which is most easily trimmed,
and it is here, in all probability, that
the major cut will be made by the
Commissioners. But if that proves
to be the case, there will be all the
more reason for refraining from any
reduction in the requested $727 $50
for maintenance of buildings and
grounds.
During the past decade, while the
total of school buildings has been
increased by some $20,00000O, the
appropriations for maintenance and
repairs have remained static, and in
some instances have been decreased.
Among the results are the leaking
roof on Western High School and the
continued existence of number OF
serious fire hazards throughout the
school system.
The maintenance and repair figure
in this years budget represents an
increase of some $260,00O over last
year, and it should be kept at that
figure. New school construction
may be beyond the community's
means at this time, but there is no
reason why existing schools should
not be kept in reasonably good con-
dition.
Evening star., 1940-08-13
Prayer in Sorrow =

Let me not question now, oh Lord,
The wisdom of Thy win.
Give me quiet mind. and still.
That may know Thy holy face.
And learn the beauty of Thy grace;
That from Thy mercy rich outpoured
I may have strength to reach toward
Thy never-failing peace above.
Grant me the inward calm that marks
The happy spirit who embarks
On storm-tossed seas with joyous heart,
Gallant and free. And set apart,
From Thy great store. some portion OF
Thy truth to teach me faith and love.
KATHERINE w. FULTON.
Evening star., 1940-08-13
A Code for Nationality

NAPF3oNSa Ny tAAS SSA1AAAAAuVCC Oll
immigration and Naturalization, a
bill to revise and codify the nation
ality laws of the United States into
comprehensive nationality code is
now before the House. Because of
the many conflicts and antiquities
in existing laws, and because of the
danger that through the laxness of
these statutes fifth columnists" will
gain citizenship, and the right to
enter the United States whenever
they please, Congress should prompt
ly approve this measure, thus pro-
tecting the United States, in the
words of the committee report,
against adding to its body of citi-
zens persons who would be poten
tial liability, rather than an asset"
The proposed code carries out the
recommendations of a committee
consisting of the Secretary of State,
the Attorney General and the Secre-
tary OF Labor, in pursuance Of an
executive order issued by the Presi-
dent on April Is, 1888. The House
committee held extended hearings,
and on June reported the measure
to the House, adding a provision
strongly recommended by the War
Department for greater safeguards
against subversive activities by per-
sons born in incorporated territories
of the United States.
One fault in the existing statutes
Is that while aliens may be denied
entry into the United States on any
one of several grounds, person who
enjoys the legal status of citizen
of the United States cannot be barred
from this country, no matter how
long he has resided abroad. There
fore, naturalized citizen, for ex-
ample, may return to his native
land, and establish his residence
there, and still enjoy the right to
enter the United States at will. Be-
cause of fifth column" activities,
this is one of several loopholes that
should be plugged now
In addition to defining who shall
enjoy American nationality, both at
home and abroad, the proposed re-
visions of law contain a provision
under which, with certain specified
exceptions, naturalized citizens will
hereafter lose their citizenship if
they reside continuously for three
years in the foreign countries from
which they came. In the cases of
those who reacquire the nationality
of their states of origin because of
residence therein, the expatriation
period is reduced to two years. These
provisions will do much to bar from
the high privileges of United States
citizenship those who are not Ameri-
cans in character and sympathy.
Apart from the desirability of
tightening Of the nationality laws, 1t
will be a great advantage to have
the statutes governing nationality
brought into a single and logically
arranged code. In recent years Fed
eral courts and Government depart
mentS have faced unusual difficulties
in constituting nationality law.
BY providing uniform rules of
naturalization, and by repeating OBJ
solete and conflicting provisions of
existing statutes, the proposed code
will make possible better and a
more efficient enforcement of the
law. This codification of nationality
laws is a part of the defense pro-
gram that should receive early
attention.
Evening star., 1940-08-13

Electra" the powerful electric eel
at the New York Worlds Fair, re-
Gently sent telegram to Mrs. Roose-
welt. "Electra's" day is not nearly so
crowded as that of the First Lady,
but those who come in contact with
her will testify that it has its high
SpotA,
Evening star., 1940-08-13

will not use force alone. They are sure to
use some clever tricks to get past our
Navy and coast defenses. And there is
work for thousands of men like myself,
trying to anticipate these tricks and
making preparations against them But
most of the people I know. outside the
Army. are too lazy and cowardly to do
anv of this themselves, and too stingy to
help a man who is. But they are per-
fectly willing to accept the resulting pro-
lection as a gift.
August 3. DISGUISED GEORGE.
Evening star., 1940-08-13
Delay Over Passage
OF Draft Bill Censured.
To the Editor of The Star:

For long time have wondered why
all the delay in Congress over the pas
sage of the draft bill. If it is to go
through, which is almost certain, why
keep delaying? AS the old saying goes,
Weight Cor in this case, waltz broke the
bridge. There is heavy pressure on it
now, but no earthly reason why hand
full of opponents should keep down an
important measure like this. Certainly
I don't wish for war, but preparedness
Is our only choice.
August 8. GEORGE w. GUNTER.
Evening star., 1940-08-13
Star Editorial
Draws C0mmendatiOn.
To the Editor of The Star:

My attention has been called to your
excellent editorial of August /, entitled
"Reaping the Whirlwind." May add
word of commendation to the-others that
you have doubtless received
New York City, HARRY B. PRICE.
August 7.
Evening star., 1940-08-13
Letters to the Editor

Letters to the Editor must
bear the name and address OF
the uriter, although the use OF
q pseudonynl for publication is
permissible. The Star reserves
the right to edit all letters lCith
q Uie1D to condensation.
Evening star., 1940-08-13

The Associated Press is exclusively entitled to
the use for republicatio of all news dispatches
credited 10 1t 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., 1940-08-13
Star Questions
Would Fill q Book

The answers to questions Of single
days operation of The Star Information
Bureau would make a book Not all
would have a general appeal. Those in
cluded in this column are but a few
which are representative of what people
want to know. Each day brings fresh
grist and each day brings many questions
never asked before. Ask one yourself.
History of Money
A special booklet which gives factual
survey of money since the earliest civil
nzation. 1t traces the monetary history
of the United States from Colonial days
to the present In clear, understandable
language it gives an account of the great
initiation eras of history. You will ap-
preciate the vast amount of information
contained in this booklet because money
is subject of interest to all. To secure
your copy inclose 10 cents In coin,
wrapped in this clipping.
Name
Street
--------------------- ---------------------.
City
----------------------
State @
Evening star., 1940-08-13

A reader can get the unsUer to any
question OF fact by tOrittng The Eue-
ming Star Information Bureau, Fred
eric J. Haskin. director, Washington,
D. c. Please tnclose stamp for reply.
Evening star., 1940-08-13

@. How far can any one on the ground
see an airplane?-H. H.
A. A person with normal eyesight can
observe an airplane at about 10000 feet.
Evening star., 1940-08-13

O. Please give the amount Of head tax
on a visitor to Canada from the United
States.-P. P.
A. No head tax is imposed on United
States citizen visiting Canada. either as
visitor or for permanent residence.
Evening star., 1940-08-13
Member of the Associated Press.

Entered ss second-class matter post once,
Washington. D. c.
Evening star., 1940-10-13

A cool, sweet smoke is one OF the joys
of life. But it's no fun when you smoke
too much and then suffer with mean
case Of heartburn or one Of those
miserable "acid headaches"
Next time you're bothered that way
lest" chew a JEST" or two! These
remarkable new antacid tablets are
made especially to give relief from the
discomforts caused by temporary ex-
cess stomach acidity.
You'll be amazed to see how fast
"JEsTs" make you feel better. You'll
be delighted to discover how much
Evening star., 1940-10-13

longer the relief lasts. A special
added ingredient in 'JEsTs," in effect.
''sponges up" the excess acid as it
forms in the stomach, thus helping to
avoid a return OF distress.
"JEsTs" are mint favored to sweeten
your mouth and your stomach.
They contain no soda or other free
alkalis. They are not constipating
II not a laxative. And they will not
form q habit! Garry TESTS" with you
always lest" in case. In handy
rolls for pocket and purse. JEsTs, Inc,
BROOKLYN. N. Y.