davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1940-02-13
Deadlock in Indiu

The efforts of Mohandas K.
Gandhi and the British viceroy, the
Marques of Linlithgow, to reach
some solution of the Indian inde-
pendence question have reached a
perilous impasse after a futile con-
ference at New Delhi. Gandhi
walked out on the series of parleys
which were expected to continue all
week with the Moslem leader, Mo-
hammed Ali Jinnah, participating.
The decision not to continue the
conversations, at least for the pres
ent, leaves the whole matter up in
the air and full Of the gravest posi-
bilities. Neither side has displayed
any inclination to recede from posi-
tions taken last fall, when the Con-
gress party ministers in eight states
resigned, inaugurating campaign
OF non-co-operation which can easily
develop into civil disobedience.
Neither Gandhi nor Lord Linlith-
gov would view such a development
with satisfaction, but the Indian
Nationalists mean toe sell their CO.
operation in Britain's war at its full
price-application to India of the
same principles of democracy that
Britain avowedly is fighting for in
Europe. Jawaharlal Nehru, presi-
dent Of the Congress party and
Gandhi's chief aide, touched the
heart of the issue in a lucid state
ment to an Associated Press inter-
viewer:
"The real question is one of trans
fer of power to the Indian people
with the subordination of vested
interests to the popular will"
He held out no hope of a compro-
mise as long as Britain stands by
her position.
India is important to Britain, not
so much, perhaps, as a reservoir of
man power for the European war as
Tor the defense of Britain's imperial
interests throughout the East. There
is also Russia athwart the northern
frontier, watching silently but ready
to take advantage of any divisive
tendency that may show itself in
India. From the standpoint of war
policy, it is reasonable to question
whether Britain in wartime can af-
ford civil disobedience campaign in
India, even if it is conducted with no
violence, as Gandhi demands.
The lead is Gandhi's, and consul
tations with his Congress party sub
ordinates will determine the next
step he will take to achieve the sue
cess toward which, he says, the futile
negotiations with Lord Linlithgow
will be stepping stone.
Evening star., 1940-02-13
Lord Tweedsmuir

It Is with profound regret that his
American friends, including many
residents OF Washington, have heard
Of the sudden death Of the Governor
General Of Canada. For more than
forty years he had been appreciated
by a constantly growing circle of
readers in the United States as John
Buchan, an active and variously
talented Scottish man of letters. He
was an historian, an essayist, a nov
elist, a poet, skilled critic and
very successful publisher. Among his
works were encyclopedia chronicles
of the first World War, studies of
British literature, comprehensive BIZ
ographies of Sir Walter Raleigh,
Oliver Cromwell, King George v and
other worthless; history of Brasenose
College, monograph on the taxation
Of foreign income, a long list OF ro-
mantle experiments in fiction. He
wrote with ease and grace, for which
reason he was known as an authors
author; but he also was. possessed
Of a charm in style which won him
the allegiance of larger public COM
monty supposed to be less discrimi-
mating.
Meanwhile, he was earning parallel
distinction in the law, as a barrister
Of the Middle Temple, and in politics,
first as private secretary to Lord Mil
ner, high commissioner for South
Africa; later as director of informa-
tion under David Lloyd George, as
member Of Parliament for the Scot
tish universities and as high commits
sioner for Scotland. Between 1914
and 1917 he served on the l1eadquar-
ters staff of the British Army. It
was said in those days that he knew
the inside" of the allied cause as
few persons did. And his field, nat
urally enough, widened after the
conference at Versailles. Rising step
by step from the bottom OF the ladder,
he was named to Ottawa and coinci-
dentally to the House OF Lords In
acknowledgment for his valued labor
in behalf Of the empire.
His Canadian duties now have been
terminated too soon. At sixty-four
he reasonably might have counted
upon at least another decade of en-
ployment with credit to himself and
to his sovereign. Possibly the visit
Of their majesties to the Dominion
last summer and the burdens of the
strife with Germany which began
soon after their return home ex-
hausted him. His health had been
uncertain In recent months. ana Z
Evening star., 1940-02-13

the balance of power, to put the pressure
groups candidates over on the whole
community. Every party, and every ele-
ment of every party, will have an equally
fair chance to elect the ones it wants,
whether it Is a majority or not.
The Mount Pleasant Citizens Associa-
ton has not seen fit to approve the
plan Of local suffrage; but it does stand
up for fairness in voting if we are to
vote at all. At the last regular meeting
the association adopted a resolution
recommending and urging that any plan
for suffrage in the District of Columbia
ought to include the proportional repre-
sentation method of electing repre-
sentatives, whether nationally or locally.
This action was unanimous. It is to
be hoped that other citizens associations
will take similar position. If we are
to have suffrage at all, let us have it in
. form that will be fair and beneficial.
WILLIAM c. LEE,
President of Mount Pleasant
Citizens Association.
February Z.
Evening star., 1940-02-13

probable explanation Of his passing
Is that he was worn out by his en-
deavors. But he did not complain.
Up to the last he was quietly faithful
to an ideal which he once expressed
anonymously In the words: I'VE want
humility in every soul, and humility
can come only from understanding.
A man will not talk folly II he has a
sense Of the wisdom Of the past, and
he will not push his own claims too
Tar II he realizes that he is part Of
the great commonwealth OF man.
kind. knowledge makes humility,
and without humility there can be
no true humanity"
Evening star., 1940-02-13
THIS AND THAT
By Charles Z. Tyace1Dell.

How to keep the dogs out Of the suet?
Should different locations be used In
heavy SHOWS?
There is, Of course, no hard and fast
answer to any such question. Different
locations make different solutions pos
sible.
Our correspondent shows how to use
an outdoor fireplace to feed the birds.
r This Is an excellent idea. Such fire-
places mostly 60 to waste, as the saying
is, during the very cold weather. They
might as well be used to feed the birds.
~
Generally speaking, 1t Is best not to
change the location of q feeding place,
II 1t can be avoided.
That is why some thought should be
given the matter before any station Is
established at all. There are two sides
to 1t, the feeder, and the fed. That is,
q location should be chosen that makes it
easy tor the human element to keep
the box or shelf well stocked in even
the worst weather.
When the weather is mild, it Is often
overlooked how just a few weeks or
even days may change the entire weather
picture. It Is no fun, crawling over ice
and through snow up to ones knees, In
order to insure the birds their break
fast.
On the other hand, the birds must
be considered, for they are, after all,
the guests, and it Is always well to
consider ones guests.
If locations are wisely chosen, in the
first place, they will suit the songsters,
first Of all, and then be well placed so
far as keeping them stocked is con-
cerned.
In snowy weather, it probably is best
to fill feeding stations the first thing
in the morning, certainly before 7 o'clock.
This will mean that night snow or
rain will not wet the food put out.
If the feeder has cover, or roof, this
consideration may not be of moment.
Why does the nuthatch crane its neck
as it winds its way down q tree trunk?
We think it does this in looking for
insects, and it does 1t all the time,
whether it is making for seed and grains
or not
The birds accept put-out food CRATE
fully, one may feel sure, but it In no
wise prevents them from being on the
lookout all the time for their natural
foods.
AS to how to encourage bluebirds
nesting in neighborhood:
There is no sure way. The best that
can be done is to put up bluebird houses,
with the right sized entrance, and hope
for the best. Bluebirds are shy, and
the presence Of other birds tends to
keep them away. Even If all the other
birds were driven away, it would not
make sure that bluebirds would nest
in given site. AS much as most people
love the bluebirds, no doubt they would
rather have all the other birds, if they
had to choose.
Evening star., 1940-02-13
Low Denomination
Finnish Bonds Urged.
To the Editor of The Star:

40 the EQltor OF Inc 6t2f.
There are those in Congress who OPP
pose a loan by the Government Of the
United States to Finland for free use in
purchasing means for defending herself.
Some say that this is an affair for a
private loan. However, the bankers say
such loan could not succeed. I wonder
If any one has given any thought to the
presentation of bonds Of fairly low de-
nomination, through channels which
would minimize such things as brokers'
fees and commissions paid by the pur-
chasers? 1t would seem that such q
loan might be subscribed to with en-
thusiasm by sympathizers. It is possible
that there are many who would buy q
$40 or a $50 bond, even where the posi-
bility of its maintaining its full value
appear slight. There is no doubt that
all would be repaid If Finland can sur
vive. N. T. B.
February 10.
Evening star., 1940-02-13
TAILS CHURCH, Va.

Dear Sir:
"My experiences in wild bird feeding
during the past month have been 70
many and varied as compared with .
similar period last winter that wonder
II others who cater to the birds have
been confronted with the same difficul-
ties, since these conditions have been
pretty general throughout this area.
TN the first place, the entire system
Of feeding stations In four locations had
to be revamped, and the sites chosen
for feeders during the spring and sum-
mer had to be abandoned during the
present SHOWS and blows to provide shell
ter for my feAthered friends, 30 I have
devised feeding board on the top Of the
chimney Of my outdoor fireplace, which
is stocked with sunhower seeds late each
night and covered with an abandoned
washboard, which can be lifted each
morning, before the cardinals arrive, and
thus protect their breakfast from the
elements.
Another is shelf about 8 feet long on
the leeward side OF the we'll house, on
which Is scattered the mixture for the
titmice, juncos, chickadees and the jays.
This layout is covered on prospective
snowy nights with an old ironing board.
I'm case Of drifting SHOWS, as we had
recently, have found the most protected
spot is the very inside of the fireoox of
the open fireplace underneath the graf
ing.
Il have seen the birds lined up about
the latter inclosure like guests at 4
banquet.
MY most troublesome feeding problem
was the suet for the nuthatch and
chickadee. with which the butcher has
so generously supplied me from time to
time. and despite the fact that I have
tried cords of various sizes, and rama.
1t seems difficult matter to anchor the
suet on the dogwood tree without cutting
1t by the cord.
Should it fall to the ground either
In lump or pieces 1t is obvious the dogs
or field mice would get the benefit of
it. The nuthatch has an odd way of
craning his neck from side to side during
feeding. How do you account for this
habit?
After almost year has elapsed, q
number of bluebirds have been seen
hereabouts. Although have hoped they
would take up their abode in ont. e.of the
bluebird houses nearby. as six Of them
did last winter, should like to know
how can encourage such roosting. Sui
fice it to say that they were the JOY of
my life for about six weeks, but flew of
early in March. not choosing to nest
here. Sincerely. O. EC.~
= ~
The foregoing letter presents some of
the pleasant perplexities of catering to
the birds in such winter as this.
When shall the food be put out, morn
ing or evening?
What to do when the snow is heavy?
How to keep the suet from being crum-
bled and spread all over the yard?
Evening star., 1940-02-13
Minimizes Significance
OF British Food Rations,

10 tne Goltor OF The Star:
Before drawing too decided con-
clusions as to the effect OF the war upon
food supplies or the privations Of the
nations concerned, let us look at the
rations. The British weekly allowance
per person is half pound Of bacon or
ham, quarter Of . pound Of butter,
and three-quarters Of . pound Of sugar
per person. Does that seem scrimping?
Not to me. am = person Of middle
age. Weighing nearly 200 pounds, and
am well fed. eat no ham or bacon per
year and never consume . quarter Of .
pound Of butter or three-quarters Of .
pound Of sugar In week. The ration
Of fresh meat-about pound and .
half . WEEKS not great, but using my
personal standard again, there have been
more weeks in my life when I consumed
less rather than more than that amount
Moreover, this restriction is Offset by
freedom TO consume liver, kidney, tongue
and processed meats at pleasure. Again
these are things that do not eat to
the extent OF 10 pounds year. am
certainly not undernourished and have
no fear that those who are financially
able to get food up to the limits Of the
ration will experience any degree Of
malnutrition. w, L. McATTE.
February q.
Evening star., 1940-02-13
Bright Horizons

Think not because the reed lies broken
That singing is ended;
The marsh foresees the promised token
With bright wing attended.
Life will respond to warm winds wooing;
No clod Is resistant
Enough to quell the dark pursuing .
OF frail things persistent.
Tall reeds will bend to the winds glad
humming;
Even now swift winging
OF song Is coming. coming, coming
For the hearts own singing.
ROSE MYRA PHILLIPa
Evening star., 1940-02-13
EquuI Justice

The case of four colored farm
, hands, sentenced to death in Florida
] for the murder of white merchant,
, follows a familiar pattern. Arrested,
the suspects were questioned for a
week, possibly beaten. Finally they
confessed" and on the strength of
these confessions they were found
guilty.
That the method of handling the
case was not a noteworthy exception
to the rule, that it attracted no
Nationwide attention, is a tragic
commentary on one aspect of the
administration of justice in this
country which the years have not
been able to eradicate. The guilt or
innocence of these particular de-
PENDANTS Is not the real point at
issue. The important fact is that
they were made to confess by the
application of form of torture.
Perhaps they were guilty, but they
might just as well have been inno-
cent.
There can be no doubt that similar
confessions have been obtained under
similar circumstances in the past.
And they probably would occur with
increasing frequency if the Supreme
Court were less alert to insist that
our constitutional forms of justice
must be made available to all, re-
gardless Of race or station in life.
It was fitting, therefore, that Justice
Black, In setting aside the conviction
of these men yesterday, with the
unanimous approval Of the Supreme
Court, should have said: "No higher
duty, no more solemn responsibility,
rests upon this court than that Of
Evening star., 1940-02-13

translating into living law and main
tanning this constitutional shield
deliberately planned and inscribed
for the benefit Of every human being
subject to our Constitution--of what
ever race, creed or persuasion"
Only by vigilant adherence to that
doctrine can meaning be given to
the American concept Of equal
Justice under law"
Evening star., 1940-02-13
Discussion Of Debt
Situation Prompts Questions.
By Thomas r. Henrv.

~ S1A~ AsaAeoa "a Inc 6taf.
The current controversy between the
President and others over the total
amount OF our public and private debts
has raised question in my mind which
have not yet seen answered.
Undoubtedly the President would not
deny that the direct obligations of the
Federal Government have increased
more than 100 per cent, without count
ing the obligations Of the various Cow
ernmental agencies, during his term of
ONCE Information from various sources
indicates that the aggregate debts of
all our State and local governments
have not changed materially, and may
even have increased slightly since 1892.
II, then, the total Of all our public in
debtedness has remained roughly the
same during this period there must
have been an enormous decrease in
private obligations to compensate for
the huge increase in the Federal debt.
How has this decrease In private debts
been brought about? Has 1t come about
through the paying OF of the debts
by the debtors, or have the creditors
born the burden of this decrease through
loss Of their savings? How many bill
lions of dollars Of these private debts
have simply been wiped of the books?
And how many millions Of small in
vestors have lost part or all Of their
hfe's savings through defaults on the
part Of debtors?
do not have statistics on these ques-
tions, but the figures are undoubtedly
large. And this huge loss to our small
investors (another group Of forgotten
men'D must also be counted as part Of
the cost Of our overlong business and
industrial stagnation.
EDW. WoLESENsKY.
Arlington. VI.
February IL.
Evening star., 1940-02-13

Anent the fact that James Roose-
velt is now one OF Hollywood's pro-
ducers, it is remarked that good
one can earn in a year more than
the President of the United States
can in four. There are those who
believe, however, that some members
Of the clan prefer the smaller emolu-
ment.
Evening star., 1940-02-13
Entered as yecond-class matter post once,
washington, D, C,
Member Of the Associafed Press.
UncIeun Hands

The major objection which has
: been raised against the granting by
this country of loan to Finland
that it would be in violation of in
. ternational law and therefore a
= threat to our own safety-has been
shown to be without substantial
foundation.
Proponents of the theory that the
> projected loan is violation of in
= ternational law are met first by the
unequivocal testimony before the
Senate Foreign Relations Committee
by Green H. Hackworth, legal ad-
wiser to the State Department, that
a loan to Finland for the purposes
which have been specified would not
be in violation of either the letter or
the spirit of international law.
In contravention of this view, crit
les of the loan have cited other au-
= thorities to the effect that interna-
tional law forbids the rendering of
any assistance by a neutral to a
nation at war. But to be valid this
d argument must rest on the assump-
ton that Finland and Russia, within
!, the meaning of international law,
. are at war. 1t is obvious, of course,
that the two nations are at war in
the ordinary meaning of that word,
but 1t is by no means clear that they
are at war within the meaning of
international law. Cynical Russia,
despite the ruthless quality of her
assault on Finland, insists that she
Is not at war, and for the very good
reason that declaration of war
might deprive her Of essential mate
rails she is now able to buy in the
United States because she happens
to have an abundance of gold, but
which Finland cannot get because
she does not have the money.
These undeclared wars are a mod
ern invention, and 1t cannot be
shown that they were within the
contemplation Of the compilers of
international law when neutrals were
forbidden to aid belligerents. If Rus
STA chooses to hide her criminality
behind the legal fiction that she is
not at war, If she elects to avail her
self Of this technicality because it
makes easier her hoped-for conquest
of Finland, why should the United
States, to the probable fatal detri-
ment Of the Firms, refuse to accept
Russia's own statement of the case?
Why should we insist that techni-
cally there is a war when the COM
batants say there is not, knowing
that the only result of such forced
Interpretation will be the strength
ening of a ruthless invader and the
weakening of a democratic people
whom we profess to admire, a peo-
pie who ask nothing more than to
be permitted to live in peace, but
who, instead, have been attacked by
a foe fifty times their size?
Russia comes into the court of
world opinion with terribly unclean
hands. She merits not assistance,
but the fortnight condemnation of
all decent people. Certainly the
United States should not help her
now by insisting upon an interpre-
, tation of international law which
even Russia says is not the fact.
Evening star., 1940-02-13
Proportional Representation
Urged for District.

To the Editor Of The Star:
While 1t is not unanimous, there seems
to be majority of the people Of the
District favoring local self-government,
and still larger majority favoring rep
resentation In Congress. The latter has
been demanded for many years, and is
certainly right. The people Of Richmond
are not deprived of voice in the State
government simply because their city is
the capital.
The Inhabitants Of the District Of CO.
lumbia are citizens Of the United States,
SO why should they be shut out of =
voice in the Government of which they
are full citizens? Their city is the Capt.
tai, but what has that to do with It?
Nothing at all.
The District was. set OH to be the Capt.
tai because it seemed necessary to pro-
tect that National Capital from domina-
ton by the government of any particu-
lar State where the President and Con-
gress might meet to do business. That
was the whole purpose. It Nas not done
to deprive the inhabitants Of their rights
as citizens.
But If we are to have the suffrage.
either Federal or local, We ought to
have it in form that will be beneficial.
That means we ought to have propor-
tional representation. The majority
ought not to have the whole say. That
Ais the way they do In Germany. The
majority Of the voters are Justly entitled
to . major part Of the representation,
but not to the whole Of 1t. If in the
minority are more than one-third Of
the voters, they are just Is truly en-
titled to one of the two Representatives
in Congress as the majority are.
When 1t comes to local legislature,
or city council, the same principle holds
good, although the number Of repre-
sentatives will be larger. Suppose there
are 10 members in the city council. Any
group. Republican, Democratic, Social
list or what not that can stack up one
tenth Of the votes is rightfully entitled
to one member. II the majority are
against them, let the majority show that
fact by electing majority Of the other
sort-not by taking away the natural
and lawful right Of the little minority to
be represented the way they wish to be.
. OF course, this means electing them ut
large, and not sinsly in separate dis
tricts. And it follows from this that any
pressure group. grating or fanatical, or
however good. can elect its own share Of
the members, but VIII not b able, BY
Evening star., 1940-02-13

An ancient record discloses that
an early Massachusetts, Puritan was
fined for putting three beans instead
OF one into ballot box. It did not
state whether or not this gentleman
was Increase Mather.
Evening star., 1940-02-13

The bronze Statue of Freedom on
top Of the Capitol dome weighs
14,985 pounds. Along about March
"A Of each year a good many citizens
feel as If this decoration were resting
squarely on their chests.