davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1940-02-16
Speeding Sufety

Arlington Countys victory In the
State Assembly whereby its local
authorities are granted the power
to fix speed limits within their juris-
diction is decided contribution to
safety. It is especially important,
since the highways Of the county
probably are the most heavily trav-
eled in the State.
When Statewide authority to reg
ulate speed limits was placed in the
hands Of the Highway Commission,
one'of the first results was the stand
ardization OF the requirements In all
jurisdictions. The board cleared up
a confusing medley of rates of speed
and signs of all description announc-
ing them. In place of hundreds of
small notices scattered along the
highways, new billboards were
erected at points where roads en-
tered the State and at other impor-
tant sites. These listed, at the top,
the basic speed limit Of fifty-f1ve
miles an hour, while below, in smaller
letters, were the restrictions of this
rate while passing through settled
communities and for various types of
vehicles.
This method was a definite i'm
provement, but Arlington, the only
metropolitan county in the. State,
presented a problem which has
grown more serious during the two
years the present plan has been in
effect. Closely-placed communities,
a combined urban, rural, residential,
commercial and industrial nature of
development, and an unusual con-
centration Of interstate traffic made
any generalization of speed limits
extremely dangerous. Accident rec
ords have borne out the need for a
revision.
Under the new act these difficult
ties are overcome, and, in the inter-
ests OF avoiding delay and confusion,
an amendment was voted down by
which the State commission would
have veto power over the speed rates
set by the county.
Evening star., 1940-02-16
Nj. Blum SpecuIutes

In song and story 1t has been writ
ten >that nifty million Frenchnen
cant be wrong, but not until yester-
day did q spokesman OF our sister
republic put the reputation of his
countrymen definitely on the block.
Then flying in the face of con-
tinued failures by our most ingenious
Journalistic Spectators, Leon Blum,
top man among French Socialists,
former Premier, editor and publisher.
wrote in his newspaper, lie Populaire,
that President Roosevelt's third term
decision will be grounded in the in
formation brought back from Europe
by Undersecretary of State Sumner
Welles. Mr.. Blum's reasoning, insofar
as 1t has been casually translated
and documented by the American
press, seems to be that II our special
reporter to the war continent brings
back word that Rooseveltian inter-
vention for peace would be successful
1t will be signal for the Chief
Executive to dig in for q third term.
In Mr.. Roosevelts own words there
have been "some grand wisecracks"
during the give-and-take between
him and the press over his third term
intentions but the fine edge of spon-
taneity had worn a little blunt
recently. If foreign journalists are
to enter into the competition, how
ever, the whole game should take on
new flavor. A "smattering Of igno-
rance" to coin a phrase, often has
the effect Of frightening debate.
If Mr.. Blum should be right-then
lots OF expert faces will be red over
here. And Mr.. Welles would do
political circles favor by hurrying
back from his survey, as much will
depend on what he reports-and on
what certain people do as a result.
Evening star., 1940-02-16
The Shifting Pole

The south magnetic pole, reports
Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd, has
changed its position by few miles
This is entirely in accord with what
now is known concerning the mag
netic field of the earth. Neither of
the poles will stay fixed. The field
itself constantly is changing its orien-
tation. This was illustrated strikingly
at the annual exhibit of the Carnegie
Institution of Washington a few
weeks ago, where it was shown that,
had Columbus compass in 1892
pointed to the north" as it existed
in 1899, the discoverer of the New
World would have landed somewhere
on the coast of South America.
Scientists still are puzzled by the
nature of the earth's magnetism and
its causes. The. field, it Is known, is
generally north and south. It is
believed, however, that it has varied
over many degrees within the time
of man and even since the phenome-
non of magnetism received its first
rational explanations. The variation
ct times is spasmodic. This necessi-
tates constant program of observa-
tions all over the earth in order to
keep the table Of corrections up to
date for the service of navigators.
The chief center OF these observa-
tions is in Washington at the ter
restrial magnetism laboratory Of the
Carnegie Institution. This is its fun
damental problem. In efforts to
throw light upon it the STAFF has
pioneered in many directions and
some Of the by-products of the inves-
LEGATIONS are among the great
triumphs of modern science. The
central question, however. remains
unanswered. Our earth behaves like
a great magnet. The sources OF this
magnetism are known to lie within
the globe itself. Not only the orien-
tation but the strength Of the field
Evening star., 1940-02-16
The Cafeteria Row

After two weeks of charges and
counter charges, proposals and
counter-proposals, the Welfare and
Recreational Association tangle is
just about back to the starting point,
with the future of the organization
which is performing a useful func-
ton for Federal employees still very
much in doubt.
Acting Controller General Elliott
contends that the association, non
profit corporation directed by under
officials Of the Government, has been
operating illegally, and says it's con-
tract with the Government should
be Cancelled.
Secretary Of the Interior Ickes,
defending the corporation, holds that
a simple law" to permit the occu-
pancy OF Federal buildings by asso-
citation cafeterias will dispose of any
legal questions that may exist.
Federal Works Administrator Car
mody, under whose jurisdiction the
buildings come, would have his office
take over the association and main
tain cafeteria operations virtually on
the present basis. but turn certain
other association activities, including
some recreational facilities, over 70
the Park Service.
The association rejects the Car
mody proposition in toto; spurns any
suggestion that it "has acted in an
illegal and unauthorized manner"
and plans to seek settlement Of the
difficulties into which 1t was plunged
by the Elliott report through confer
ence with Mr.. Carmody on the space
question, and with Mr.. Ickes on the
park facilities.
Whether the Simple law" will turn
the trick. or whether something more
elaborate may be needed, the conclu-
sion Is inescapable that definite
legislative provision should be made
for the functions the association
directs. Mr.. Ickes says there already
Is statutory authority for the park
activities, and that may be. The
confusion surrounding the status Of
the cafeterias, however, demands
clearing up.
It Is to be hoped, too, that what
ever is done finally will be accom-
plished without further displays Of
feeling such as were evident in the
letter in which Mr.. Ickes took excep-
tion to the report Of Mr.. Elliott. II
the latter believed that conditions
existed that should be remedied, it
was his duty. in the interest of the
Government, to say so. Mr.. Ickes did
not make any constructive contribu-
ton by impugning the motives Of
the acting Controller General.
Evening star., 1940-02-16
THIS AND THAT
By Charles 3. rrace,Deu.

run through III the local layers Of crea-
ton.
Insects moved, and came up.
No sooner had any unwary insect 80
done, than some song sparrow. surfeited
with seed and grain, pounced upon It.
y
Some Of them had gone to the woods,
too, where certain berries were un-
covered at last.
No, there were not as many at the
feeding stations as usual, but we were
not disappointed. We have noticed this
happen each time q snow has melted
Oh comp etely.
Some Of the old standby sparrows are
here, and two pairs Of cardinals, and a
dozen starlings spread over the grass.
This interesting bird much prefers
grass seed to any you can provide for
him, even sunflower seed, or even bread.
Whensthere Is no snow on the ground,
often as many as SO or 60 of them will
fly down. and spread out over the lawn,
much as band Of robins may do later,
II we have the good fortune to have
them arrive in a group.
Robins already have been seen in
nearby Virginia, as reported here re-
Gently, and in Rock Greek Park.
From Arlington, Va, B. E. writes
succinctly:
A couple of events in the bird world
this Sunday morning out here in the
wooded section of Arlington County:
Il. Three or four cardinals whi.tling
their characteristic greeting for the first
time I've heard this year.
"2. My first robin at 1880 am verified
and recorded by four of U.s."
i \ kH
A resident of Chevy Chase, Md, called
UP to say that a few days ago while
out walking in Rock Greek Park, he
had heard what he was sure was robins
call.
He thought he would try an old boy
hood trick on the bird.
So he stepped beneath a tree, and
began to give the robins call, as he
had learned 1t long ago in the South.
1t had been customary in those days
to decoy robins, slay them, and bake
them in pies. This could and did happen
at the great robin "roosts," where 40oO,-
600 robins annually gather in February
In some Of the Southern States before
separating to fly North.
This time there was no thought of
killing for pies.
But sure enoughl the call worked.
Almost Immediately six robins few
into the tree
Today the South takes better care OF
its robins, which in a few weeks be-
come our robins, of course.
Conservation enforcement officers
protect the roosting birds during the
three or four nights they are together
It won't be long now before every
local garden has its robins. Almost
any day you are likely to see them in
the yard, as nonchalant as II they had
never been away.
Evening star., 1940-02-16
Comments on Care Of
Aged and Youthful Poor.
o the Editor Of The Star:

To the Editor Of The Star:
The care Of the underprivileeed young
and the penniless old is very much In the
limelight just now.
Here is how 1t was done in pre-Hitler
Czecho- -Slovakia Gin 1880:
I'm Prague we went over the fine
Masaryk homes for poor children and
old people, built on the edge Of forest
whittier we saw the children trooping out
to play. The old men were sweeping and
moving grass, and in great, shining
kitchens the old ladies were helping to
prepare tempting meal to be eaten in a
cheerful dining room. where flowers
adorned the small tables" This appeared
In the Manchester Guardian and was re-
published in the Baltimore Sun.
Just about that time public-spirited
Marylander. State Senator Kennedy, In
vestigated, on his own. the Free States
county "homes." He, found most to be
"deplorable." His report to Gov. Nice re-
ceived wide publicity In the Warrington
press. At the same time Baltimore city
gave It's institutions the once over. A
lady Of standing had written letter to
newspaper-and the rest came easy.
Plenty Of ofncial excitement. Whether
anything worth while was accomplished.
I have forgotten.
Here, due to Mrs. Roosevelt's person.
atty, something permanent may result.
Anyhow, she woke them up. In this con-
nection credit also goes to the person
who caused her to take hand. As I
note she II . woman Of color In humble.
but self-supporting circumstances Well,
It was great day for Washington's poor
and . bad day for the jobholdsrsl
February l6. FRED VETTER.
Evening star., 1940-02-16
ARLINGTON, VI.

"Dear Sir:
Cherry blossoms In Jsnuaryl
"Yes. this was true. Az the pips were
70 well developed. ! brought in some
branches just before Christmas, and by
January Is several clusters OF ethereal
beauty gave much pleasure.
Then again we, filled vase with
small branches and today they were un-
furling their fragile blossoms much to
our delight.
''Your column gives us pleasure, as
We, too, are bird lovers and have fed
them all through these cruelty cold
weeks.
I'VE have cardinals. blue Jays,
woodpeckers. the titmouse, our little chic
fellow Of black and gray, starlings galore,
and today the nrst blackbird.
''The lone mockingbird makes life
miserable for all Of these as he sweeps
down like an eagle driving the birds
from pillar to post.
I'VE have three feeding stations and
post upon which 'mocky's' apple is
forced through nail and this he eats
leaving the skin cup. which we some
times fill with crumbs.
"All Of the food he cannot eat, but he
drives all the other birds to despera-
ton trying to get q bite.
"As yet we have not seen Master
Robin but we hope he will arrive soon
with his CHEEKY call and fine dress.
Thank you for the pleasure your
column gives.
Yours very truly, M. E. K" :
+A* -
A cherry blossom, dried, of course, was
sent along for evidence.
There 1t lay on the desk, while out
side the air was filled with birds and
sunshine.
The snow had gone. For how long?
There was no telling, in such a winter
as this.
The speaker on the radio a few mo-
ments before from Chicago had said
that it had showed there "all last night
and the afternoon before"
But this day. in Chevy Chase, Md,
in Washington. D. G.. and in nearby vir-
ginia. was fair and clear, with the good
green grass showing at last for the first
time fully since before Christmas.
r =
How the birds loved It'll
There were not as many as usual In
the yard.
This is always to be expected after a
long-lying snow has melted of.
The birds are glad to get q chance at
their more natural foods.
Surely they must be, q bit tired Of
dry seeds and grains by this time!
No one could blame them.
For the bright sun and the higher
temperature no doubt caused a stir to
Evening star., 1940-02-16

man Of the Pennsylvania Job Mobili-
zation Campaign.
Mr.. Gill sees no prospect Of indus
Try being able to absorb the tobless
load, and argues that hope lies only
in . public employment program,
shorn Of relief aspects, and estab-
lished on q permanent basis.
Mr.. Fuller, on the contrary. con-
tends that private enterprise is equal
to the task Of rehabilitation, and
that it Is possible to reverse the "un-
happy circle" Of increasing taxation
for relief needs that grow because
taxes stifle production and create
unemployment, If local communities
properly will assume responsibility
for their individual relief problems.
He cites the Pennsylvania job-find-
ing effort as case In point.
Such localized campaigns may be
Of limited value because Of the re-
stricted sphere In which they oper-
ate, and further, because their results
may be only temporary. At the same
time, Mr.. Fuller's Views on the tax
relief cycle are entirely justified in
the light Of the experience of the past
seven years, and certainly lend no
encouragement to Mr.. Gill's proposal
for permanent" public works pro-
gram that would be a form of tax
supported relief, no matter in what
guise 1t appeared.
The conflicting views demonstrate
forcibly once again how far apart
representative Government officials
and business leaders are on this issue.
Evening star., 1940-02-16
The Job Situution

An interesting contrast in methods
OF approach to solution Of the unem-
ployment problem is afforded by the
current issue Of State Government,
q publication devoted to govern
mental affairs, which presents the
views Of Corrington Gill, assistant
commissioner of the Work Projects
Administration, and Walter d. Fuller,
president Of the Curtis Publishing
Company, who wrote as the chair
Evening star., 1940-02-16
Advice to Executives

Speaking before the st. Louis
Medical Society, DR.. Edward v. Allen
OF the Mayo Clinic described the sad
life OF the business executive in such
moving fashion that there was
scarcely a wet handkerchief in the
audience. This quaint subspecies of
the genus economic royalist, says the
doctor, does not live long enough
a statement violently disputed by the
administration, which insists that 1t
lives too long. DR.. Allen further
accused the ''busy" executive Of over
eating and over drinking, short tenn
per, taking business problems home
to his wife. and getting no fun out
of life. As an antidote, the physician
advised him to work eight hours
day FIVE days a week and to curb his
ambition. As soon as certain laws
against printing profane language
are repealed, it will be possible to
report what the executive advised
the doctor to do.
Just the same. the doctor is at
least on the right track. There are
certain elementary precautions that
should be taken by the executive
desirous of getting through the day
without blowing up. He should be
careful not to expose his ears to
casual conversation, which contain
the germs Of apoplexy. along with
remarks about John L. Lewis, the
Labor Board, income taxes. etc. He
should lead a simple life. being con-
tent with only one yacht at a time,
and take mild exercise once month
clipping coupons.
Evening star., 1940-02-16
Wants Passport
Restrictions Lifted.

Restrictions Lifted.
To the Editor Of The star:
Instead Of shedding a lot Of crocodile
tears over poor little picked-on Fin
land" 1t might be a good idea for our
worthy Congress and even more worthy
State Department to permit American
volunteers to get passports.
We don't ask them to risk their necks
or their pocketbooks. Wen sign any re-
lease of responsibility that they may re-
quire, If that is what's worrying them.
Let them stay here and 60 to Finnish
relief performances and write checks;
we're fighting men and we have other
ideas about the best way to help Fin
land. As 1t is. We have to sneak around
corners and 60 over on rotten freighters
or else jump the border and try our
luck in Canada or Mexico or Cuba. Some
Of us haven't the money for that and
Finland is losing the services Of expert
pilots and passable rifemen. which she
might have today If our sympathetic
friends would get practical and stop the
side-stepping.
The President has stated that in his
opinion Americans can enlist under the
flag of Finland without losing their
citizenship. but any and all persons be-
lieving that this is equivalent to permis-
sion to 60 unmolested are directed to
Room 14s. State Department. The idea
there is: "You can 60. but we won't let
you." Only politician can unravel 1t.
February 6. D. K.
Evening star., 1940-02-16
Asks for Chance for
Those Over Twenty-iiv

To the Editor Of The Star:
There is so much talk these days about
helping young people to get jobs-those
under Is. So many millions spent the
past seven years-for those under as. But
no impassioned appeals, no millions, no
sympathy for those over Is.
Why don't they care about us also-the
Government officials, public-spirited citi-
zens, even the young people themselves?
Why must we be pushed aside and tram
Piled upon to make room for themq Why
don't we count for anything In life just
because we are over IS?
Surely, we need all this help SO much
more than the younger ones. For they
have everything in their favor--hope, am
bition, confidence, and the independence,
health, good looks and general appeal that
goes with youth, while we over Is land
especially over 3o) are losing all these
things, with the added establishment
caused by memories Of times when We
were secure In our jobs and In our out
look for an endless future.
Bestdes. the new laws, which are 70
AscAPAuA W VAA0 yOu4l8 e41O AO3 tu218tc oIUs
ployed, are very hurtful to US older un-
employed. The Social Security Act makes
It unwtse for employers to take the risk
Of hiring us, since it u expensive, and
the wage-hour law makes It necessary for
employers to get the most work day out
Of their employees, and to eliminate em-
ployes wherever possible. And once out,
It is almost impossible for u over 80 to
get work again.
There u also plenty Of sympathy and
money Tor those over o.. Why Ii there
nothing for the ages between (except for
those qualifying under w. r. A.)9 From
. 70 % u long while to live Ia priva-
ton and despair df ws manage to sur.
vive). But then We are not organized to
protest.
Why not rsverse the situation for the
next seven years and appropriate for IN
Evening star., 1940-02-16

vary from time to time. The reasons
constitute one Of the knotttest prob
lenls row faced by scientific invests
gators. Il Is cQ.iundrurn that can
be solved only BY the constant, uni
ned effort Of many experts in many
lines,
Evening star., 1940-02-16

A good many of those who love to
read novels concerning Scotland dis
cover that even after a hundred
years, the more closely they initiate
Sir Walter Scott the better they are.
Evening star., 1940-02-16
; Newcomer Enjoys Local
Lenten Services. !
70 the Editor Of The Star:

Lenten Services.
70 the Editor Of The Star:
Among the worth wtilesp Tvs at
tended since coming recently 10 live In
washington was the initial lenten serv-
ice last Sunday evening at Ascension
Church. Massachusetts avenue and
Twelfth street NV
Although not an Episcopalian, several
years ase, while abroad, I enjoyed at
tending the Church Of England. Christ
Church, Woburn Square, London. This
Is where my fayorite poetess, Christina
Rossetti, used to worship and 1t has q
reredos painting in hef memory.
Ny mind reverted to those pleasant
occasions and this added to the Joy Of
the service at Ascension.
MRS. MABEL ,. BENNETT.
February "a.
Evening star., 1940-02-16

When Hitler referred to "the athe-
istic state Of stalin,p It was rather
close to . pot-and kettle eonversa-
tion.
Evening star., 1940-02-16
Letters to the Editor

Letters to the Editor must
Dear the name and address OF
the toTtter. although the use OF
a pseudonyn, for publication is
permissible. Please be brieV
Evening star., 1940-02-16

VIC o0I1y Siulple JuSClCe-already too long
delayed. Besides, we can also produce
votes as payment for Government help-
and many more than $500, 900.
February IA. BEWILDERED.
Questions Seal Ruling
On "Domicile."
To the Editor Of The Star:
The papers report Mr.. Seal, corpo-
ration counsel, as ruling that Govern
ment workers living in Washington
must pay the new District income tax,
even though they claim legal residence
In State and go home to vote every
year. If Mr.. Seal is correctly quoted his
Interpretation of the word "domicile" as
used In the District income tax law is
contra to the unbroken decisions of the
State and Federal courts since the estab-
lishment Of governments among us. It
Is reasonable and proper assumption
that the Congress used the word "domi-
cile" in the act in the sense and meaning
put upon 1t by the courts, for otherwise
1t would have been useless and mean
ingless. A person may have many resi-
dences, but can have only one domicile.
and the question of his domicile is one of
his intention, supported by facts, indica-
tive OF the intention of the person to
return to his domicile at some future
time. Decisions on the subject, both
State and Federal, are numberless. For
example the Supreme Court Of the
United States has held that citizenship
or domicile, and the intention Of chang
ing same, Is capable of more satisfactory
proof by acts than by declarations, and
that the exercise of the right of suffrage
is conclusive on the subject. Shelton
" Tnin 8 How. 1852: Utah-Nevada Co.,
Y. De Lamar, 1873 Feb. 113. In the latter
case the Supreme Court denied a writ
Of certiorari to the lower court which
had held as above stated, 199 U. s. COS.
It is further reported that Mr.. Seal
has given an opinion that pensions paid
to residents Of the District are also SUBJ
ject to the District Mcome tax. This
conclusion Of Mr.. Seal is In opposition
to the explicit and clearly expressed
exemption in the Federal statues Of
pensions from every form Of taxation and
even from the claims of creditors.
ALEXANDER s. LANIER.
February 10.
Evening star., 1940-02-16

-. The Associated Press is exclusively entitled to
the use for republication of all news dispatches
credited to 1t or not otherwise credited in this
paper and also the local news published herein.
All rights OF publication OF spe:ial dispatches
herein also are reserved
Evening star., 1940-02-16

the millions that have been spent on
youth IN the past seven years? It would
be only simple justice-already too long
delayed. Besides, we can also produce
votes as payment for Government help
and many more than S,5O0,00O.
February IA. BEWIIDERED
Evening star., 1940-02-16
Member Of the Associated Press.

Entered as second-class matter post ONCE,
washington. D. c.