davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1940-05-03
Topside Armor

Europe's war and the American
Navy's sham battles recently in the
Pacific have strengthened the con-
viction of Navy Department officials
that it is imperative to provide
greater topside protection against
air bombs for our fighting ships,
especially cruisers and destroyers.
That warships in the categories be-
low that of heavily armored battle
ships are vulnerable to attack by
bombing planes has been demon
strated clearly in the bitter battle
for supremacy being waged in Scan
dinavian waters between the British
Navy and the German air force.
Although there is no authenticated
record of battleships having been
sunk by bombs, several capital ships
apparently have suffered serious
damage. Cruisers and destroyers un-
doubtedly have taken terrible beat
ing from the sky raiders, however,
with the Nazis boasting Of numerous
sinkings among British ships Of
these classes.
Since the heavy deck armor Of
battleships has been able to resist
the heaviest bombs, naval experts
naturally have been giving serious
attention to the problem of provid-
ing better deck protection for the
lighter ships. Secretary Of the Navy
Charles Edison was impressed with
the need for thicker armor above the
water line during his inspection of
the fleet in maneuvers off the West
Coast recently. Simulated air raids
theoretically wrecked the communi-
cations and fire control apparatus of
several vessels. Damage of this sort
would be disastrous in actual COM
bat. In the past, naval designers
have concentrated on improving
armor protection against shell fire
and against such underwater haz-
ards as torpedoes and mines. Ger
Evening star., 1940-05-03
CHEVY CHASE, Md.

Dear Sir:
"A robin has been pecking at our base
ment windows FOR several days rs though
he wanted to get in.
1T Is so unusual that we wondered If
you might be able to suggest the reason.
1--WE are afraid the cats will get him.
"Any suggestion will be appreciated.
Reflection of grass and trees might have
something to do with it.
yours, P. r."
So begins the annual procession of
robins fighting their own reflections!
The bird is not trying to get in.
1t is attempting to drive away another
male robin, as it thinks.
1t literally sees itself in a mirror.
The fact that 1t may see trees and
shrubbery makes the apparent robin
more real to it.
The way to break up this reflection is
to soap the window, or hang a piece Of
paper in it.
Just what makes robins, more than
other birds, indulge in this little habit
is unknown.
Spring does strange things, and this
evidently is one of them.
Usually the robin selects higher win
dow. Perhaps 1t is all matter of
chance. But mostly this spring phe-
nomenon occurs at kitchen or bedroom
windows, or some other window on the
first floor.
Many instances have been reported for
the past 10 years, but there is no doubt
that it has been going on since there
were robins and window panes.
Some people hang strips of paper out
side the window, to f1utter in the breeze
and act as sort of scarecrow, in this
case, literally, scare-robin.
Some householders have even gone so
lar as to call the police. who respond by
stating that they can do nothing about
the matter.
Most persons would find this antic of
this fine bird merely amusing, if 1t were
not done sometimes so very early, and If
it did not seem to be on the point of
breaking the glass;
There is not much chance of the bird
either harming itself or shattering the
window. At times. however, to the per-
turbed householder a robin can seem al
most on the point of doing the latter.
1t must be remembered, however that
window glass has high tensile strength,
and this is what saves it.
X \
He who has pecking robins should be
glad that they are not woodpeckers!
There he would have something, for
the powerful beak and neck muscles of
the various woodpeckers undoubtedly
would go through glass in one or two
taps.
Evening star., 1940-05-03
Traffic Deaths

While thousands die on the battle
fields of Europe, Americas perpetual
Armageddon continues. A report of
the National Safety Council for the
first quarter of this year reveals
that so far seven thousand two hun
dred persons have lost their lives in
traffic accidents. This is an increase
Of seven per cent over the same
months of 1899. And the period of
heavy vacation traffic is just ap-
preaching. AS the year progresses,
the percentage of deaths is going up.
In March two thousand four hundred
and forty were killed, an increase of
eleven per cent over the same month
of last year. To add to the horror of
these figures, March was the sixth
consecutive month in which the
number of such fatalities was greater
than the month before.
So far, Washington has been max
ing a determined and effective effort
to reduce the fatalities on it's streets.
While the Nation as a whole was
compiling death list seven per cent
larger than a year ago, the Capital
showed reduction Of approximately
twenty per cent. In the first three
months of 1889 twenty-one persons
we're killed. this year the figure for
the same period was sixteen, of
whom thirteen were pedestrians, but
all were adults. In view of the
plans being carried out by officials
and organized citizens, there is every
expectation that a much better
safety showing will be made before
the year is over.
But it must be borne in mind that
the city still has not reached the "top
flight" of safe communities. It is not
mentioned among the leaders in the
Safety Councils report. Buffalo, New
York City and st. Louis lead the
cities of more than five hundred
thousand population, and Providence,
Jersey City and Memphis head the
list of those in the next population
group.
Constant attention to safety and
Evening star., 1940-05-03
Meunest Women

The meanest man, according to
legend, steals pennies from blind
beggars and candy from children.
The meanest woman, who has pre-
vlously escaped publicity, has just
been discovered in Kansas City,
where her shame has been broadcast
to an astounded and Mortified
community.
1t seems that Mrs. x of K. c. is in
one respect just like any other nor.
NAL wife, in that she never mails
letters if it is humanity possible to
delegate this job to her husband.
Why this is so not even the greatest
psychologists understand, when it is
commonly known by all parties con-
cerned that about half the time the
husband will forget to mail them.
The difference, however, between
Mrs. x and ordinary run-of- the mine
wives consists in her use of fiendish
device which should be barred by
any one with even trace of sense
of fairness. In every letter, she in
closes a self-addressed postal card,
and waits for time to march on. #
the card comes back, all Is we'll; If it
does not, the storm signals 60 up, as
it proves that her husband forgot to
mail the letters.
Any competent referee would de-
clare the practice illegal. To begin
with, the cards are heavily stacked
against the husband anyhow, and it
is unfair to make the odds any worse.
The poor devil should be given a bet
ter break, and afforded at least a
feeble chance of putting over his
story that he mailed the letters with
out having the entire resources of the
post Office summoned to smash his
alibi.
Evening star., 1940-05-03
Letters to the Editor
Interest Is in Military
Equation of War.

Equation of War.
70 the Editor Of The Star:
The present war and its various as
poets are frequently being treated by us
inglorious Apollos. Mr.. Elliogen lately
has written Of the "moralities," the right
and the wrong of it. AS for me, I am in
terested in the military situation.
Two powerful nations. the English and
the French, with land and sea equip
ment that goes back to the World War,
certainly ought to knock the but recently
organized Nazis into a cooked hat in no
time at all. But so far we are still wait
ing on them. On the face Of it, nations
that in seven months make so little
headway shouldn't be too quick on the
trigger about helping the little guys.
But then these small nations are neces-
sary parts OF the Anglo-French European
setup-supremacy. 1t is in the cause of
this supremacy that they are fighting.
Not for Danzig. When Czarist Russia
suppressed the Polish rebellions of 1880
and 1853 with ruthless brutality, there
wasn't a squawk out of Britain. No
British interests. Not even the Arch
bishop of Canterbury preached a SER
mon agin them.
Said Bill Nye: when I see a rattle
snake sticking its head out of its hole,
then say to myself That thar hole
belongs to that thar snake. And then
walk around" Let the allies do the
same. That thar hole Central Europe)
belongs to chat thar snake (Adolf Hit
ler). And so let them keep of-or else
hurry up in the war.
Don't tread on me-" so proclaimed
our own "rattlesnake flag" during the
Revolutionary War. FRED VETTER.
April "a.
Evening star., 1940-05-03
Unmerited Restriction

If the efforts OF Representative
Dempsey Of New Mexico to revive the
Hatch Act fail, one of the most unfor-
tunate results, from a local stand
point, will be the loss to nearby Mary
land and Virginia towns of the serv-
ices Of experienced municipal off,
cials. A provision of the bill that was
killed, temporarily at least, by the
House Judiciary Committee, would
restore. to Government employees re-
siding in the nearby area the right to
hold municipal Office. That privilege
was. inadvertently taken from them
when the original Hatch Act,
banning political activity by Federal
workers, was passed last year.
Under interpretations of the act,
Government employees already hold
ing office will be permitted to serve
out their terms, but cannot run for
reelection nor participate in the
selection of their successors. The
effect of this already has been felt in
several towns where experienced Of
ficials, many serving without pay in
the part time but important task of
administering their home communi-
ties, already have resigned or retired
from their posts. In the town elec-
tions to be held this week many new
and inexperienced men will be
chosen, and, if the law is strictly
obeyed, will have to perform the
tasks with which they are unfamiliar
without the advice or counsel of their
predecessors.
When the original Hatch Act was
passed last year President Roosevelt
proposed that at the next session
Congress specifically exempt local
officials from the operation of the
measure. recalling that for many
years there has been an exception to
the civil service regulations to care
for them.
The situation deserves the atten-
tion of Congress. The legislators who
Will take the trouble to study the
makeup of suburban Maryland and
Virginia communities quickly will
learn that they are composed largely
of Government workers. Among the
most desirable residents of the COM
munities are the civic minded citi-
zens who participate in the manage
ment OF municipal affairs, many of
them Government workers. Such
individuals and their neighbors will
benefit If their interest is encouraged.
Both will suffer under the present
statute, which not only discourages
but actually outlaws activities which
would be permitted normally under
our system of representative govern
ment.
Certainly the lawmakers should see
to it that the much desired and
wholly merited exemption provided
under the civil service regulations is
restored.
Evening star., 1940-05-03
Air Merqer Critics

President Roosevelt said that crit
les OF his Reorganization Plan No. Nv,
which would transfer the Civil Aero
nautics Authority to the Commerce
Department and abolish the Air
Safety Board, are actuated by igno-
rance, gullibility or politics.
Who are these ignorant, gullible or
politically motivated critics? Op-
ponents of the change include men,
bers of both political parties in Con-
gress, the Air Transport Association
OF America, representing all of the
air transport lines; the National Air
Line Pilots Association, with more
than ninety per cent of all air trans
port pilots as members; the National
Aeronautic Association, which sane
tlons all official aircraft records and
performance trials, and such nom
aviation organizations as the Amer
lean Federation of Labor and the
Chamber of Commerce of the United
states. Mayor La Guardia of New
York is one of many distinguished
individuals publicly opposed to the
plan.
Not content with mere opposition
through their association, many of
the airlines have voiced individual
protests. The pilots, likewise, have
Joined in the opposition, sixty-five
OF them meeting in Chicago to ad-
dress appeals to members of Con-
gress and the representatives of
eleven airlines coming to Washing
ton in person to protest. Is their
protest the result of ignorance, gull
Ibility or politics?
On the other hand, who are the
supporters of this plan? Only two,
so far as The Star has been in
formed, have expressed any opinion
favorable to the transfer-Senators
Connally, Democrat, of Texas, and
Byrnes, Democrat, of South Caro-
lina-and they offered no reasons in
favor of the transfer. The Star has
made fruitless efforts to find who
sponsored the c. A. A. transfer.
There has been speculation as to
who they might be and Secretary of
Commerce Hopkins, Civil Aeronau-
tics Administrator Clinton M. Hester
and Louis Brownlow, who was en-
trusted with the Federal reorgani-
zatlon studies, have been suggested.
But they have denied having inspired
the plan or of knowing about it
before the order was announced So
far as can be determined, members
of the Civil Aeronautics Authority
were not consulted.
Are the known critics of the reor-
ganization order ignorant? The Star
does not think so: These men and
organizations are thoroughly famil-
lar, many of them through bitter
experience, with the background of
this controversial matter. Are they
gullible? It is hardly likely that men
who have studied the problems of
Federal aviation control as care
fully as have these critics are going
to be hoodwinked or misled at this
stage of the proceedings. They are
pretty careful by now about what
they swallow. Are they actuated by
politics? In view of the non-political,
non-partisan character of the men
and organizations openly criticizing
this plan, it should be perfectly ap-
parent that there is more behind this
than mere politics.
Evening star., 1940-05-03
New Front in Norwoy

British troops have retired from
their positions south of Trondheim,
relinquishing under relentless Ger
man attacks the valuable Andalsnes
coastal base, from which, it was
hoped, with the help of an allied
column pushing south from Namsos,
to invest Trondheim and establish
battle line against the Germans we'll
IN the heart of Norway
Prime Minister Chamberlain's re-
port in the House of Commons yes
terday Of the failure in this sector
closes major phase of the allied
campaign in Norway and reveals the
magnitude of the German victory
which has been developing the past
week At the same time, it is the
starting point of new phase, a new
task and a more difficult one for the
allies.
MIR. Chamberlain made little effort
to mask the proportions of the defeat.
He painted the setback in all its
blackness. German air superiority
prevented the landing of artillery
and tanks necessary to maintain the
columns thrown out from Andalsnes.
The withdrawal was carried out "in
the face of ever-increasing enemy
strength" the war office communique
added. Allied forces are now being
concentrated "elsewhere"-presum-
ably around Namsos-to continue the
campaign, although unconfirmed re-
ports from Stockholm indicate that
the allies may be withdrawing from
this sector, too.
implications of the allied reverses
are clear Germany is free now, ex-
cept for local Norwegian resistance,
to consolidate her hold on all South
ern and Central Norway Any allied
land offensive must come directly
from the north, from Namsos where
reinforcements have been pouring in,
a large number, no doubt, from
evacuated Andalsnes.
The German task is immensely
simplified, by release from the allied
pincers on Trondheim and the neces-
sity now of defending only single,
narrow line across Norway. BY the
same token, the allies task is made
vastly more difficult by the necessity
OF attacking Trondheim along that
narrow front, unless daring assault
by sea is to be attempted. In spite
of this shifting of the balance, one
major allied objective in Norway-to
force Germany to extend herself and
to make major effort THERE'S
being achieved, and the allies will
continue the campaign if for no
other reason than this.
Whatever has happened to the
British on land, their control of the
sea is even stronger than before the
Norwegian invasion, by reason of the
heavy German naval losses. The
Reich's depletion of sea power is so
marked as to permit Britain to divert
some major units to the Eastern
Mediterranean to impress Premier
Mussolini with the foolhardiness of
Joining Hitler in the war
Evening star., 1940-05-03

Letters to the Editor must
bear the name and address OF
the ,Driter although the use OF
q pseudonym for publication Is
permissible. Please be briet!
Evening star., 1940-05-03
Senator Radcliffe Praised
For Political Courage.
To khe Editor nf The Star.

Seven years ago the Constitution Of
the United States was divided into two
parts by certain Of those who had under
taken to preserve, protect, and defend
this stronghold Of the liberties Of the
Evening star., 1940-05-03

perpetual acknowledgment Of per-
sonal responsibility remain the prime
weapons in the campaign against
traffic accidents.
Evening star., 1940-05-03

There should be q special hoosegow
for radio hoaxers.
Evening star., 1940-05-03

a, The Associated Press is exclusively entitled to
tne Use for republication of all news dispatches
credited to 1t or not otherwise credited in this
paper and also the local news published herein.
Al, IIRnts OF publication Of special dispatches
Evening star., 1940-05-03

most elemental rights, picketing is also
an annoyance to and an encroachment
upon the rights of the public, and is
well calculated to, and often does lead
to violence and disturbance of the peace
and good order of the community. In
the hotel strikes in the city of WASH
lngton a short time ago pickets were
SO numerous on the sidewalk and i'm
medlately in front of the entrance to
the Mayfiower Hotel that pedestrians
had to go out of their way to get bv
them, and guests of the hotel had diff
Guilty in entering the hotel. and yet the
police did nothing about it, and similar
conditions prevailed at other hotels in
the city. Picketing is now done by
persons hired for the purpose who have
never been employed in the place
picketed, and has become racket.
At this time when society seems in a
state of flux, when lawlessness is
rampant, and the moral code seems M
longer to restrain; when the forces Of
evil and anarchy are marshaling for the
overthrow OF the social order, and even
Government itself, and when principles
OF Government heretofore regarded and
accepted as automatic are being scof1ed
at, and resented as hindrances to every
crazy scheme for social betterment it
is unfortunate that the Supreme Court
should put its approval upon a labor
policy so destructive of individual liberty,
and attempt to sustain its approval by
such sophistical reasoning as is given
in the Murphy opinion. This decision
will but encourage the enemies OF Gov
ernment and the social order, and aug.
ment the grave ills that now beset u.
April 25. ALEXANDER 3. LANIER.
Evening star., 1940-05-03
Member Of the Associated Press

Entered as second-class matter post once,
WASHINGTON. D. {.
Evening star., 1940-05-03

A reader can get the answer to any
question OF TACT by Urtttng The Epe-
ming Star Information Bureau, Fred.
eric J. Haskin, director. Washington,
D. G. Please inclose stamp for reply.
Evening star., 1940-06-30

RADIOS, 120. all makes, out Of storage
and repossessed. All playing. Original
RECORDS. Sc. es.; slightly used; thou
ana up. Apsx Radio Co.. 700 9th St.
NV. 1t q.
Evening star., 1940-06-30

MACHINE Singer; excellent CON
dltlon; portable; $50 cash. Ii 46S6-W. T.
Evening star., 1940-06-30

LiV. RM., bedrm. and din 'rm suite,
XII table and washing machine, very rea-
sOnabte Pan6oIpb
Evening star., 1940-06-30

SAFES-Reconditioned like new. small
safes Diebold, 743 TRANSFORMATION Bldg
National 5552. Open Sunday
Evening star., 1940-06-30

WVIORCYCLES, with sidecars / 1887
rnnnins rnnian 1a2 perfect
5oe seen at 1917 Euclid st. NV. or phone
Evening star., 1940-06-30

guard velour: couch makes unlisted
pepi tsbIis one double bed and coil spss., / panel
Evening star., 1940-06-30
, ELECTRICAL CENTER.

REFRIGERATOR ELECTRIC DISPLAY
CASES-New and Nsed All sizes at deep
cut prices. No motley down Liberal trade
ms. Atlas, 92l G ST. NV. DI. 3731. Open
Evening star., 1940-06-30

MULTIGRAPH MACHINE, ROYAL fyne-
Wrlter; both splendid condition; most rea-
sonable. DU. 32R2 N
Evening star., 1940-06-30

vAssHaERassspnnsTf saa r. Spinner .ygso A oor sample
Radio Co.. 709 9th st. NV. at @.
Evening star., 1940-06-30

LYING ROOM. 2-pc. suite. GEORGIAN
SOFA in MAHOGANY CHIPPENDALE
frame; THIS is floor sample; will sacri-
Evening star., 1940-06-30

| OIL BURNER, S149,50, completely in
stalled: fully guaranteed; NJ II. controls
payment till fall then S5.36 mo j. s,
! LIE Fevre. Inc. s007 K NV Re nO1 !.
Evening star., 1940-06-30


Star.
DINE and dance whisky; does large busi-
ness has so booths: fixtures new cost S50,-
600; bargain at $4,000. Very easy terms.
Bob Hollander. Tower Bldg. ME- 4313.
IUNCHEONETTE and soda fountain next to
Giant Market; rent. $50; does $3.50 wkly.
closes 9 pm; no Sundays; So 500, terms.
Rm. 9O7 Tower Bldg. ME, ASIA.
COMBINATION LIQUOR and grocery; un-
usual buy for live wire; your inspection
will convince you. No information by
phone NJ. ]. silverman, 1905 st. n.w.s
LUNcHRooM, located 1924 Lee highway,
Arlington, Va; rent, $50 month; fully
equipped owner i'll; sacrifice complete Tor
$3.50 if sold Immediately.
REcoNDITIoNING sEMI-coRNER STORE
possession July 18th: 17x45 inside, new
toilet and hxtures, terrazzo floor, well
window, large fenced-in rear yard; ire
mendous growing community;, must be
seen to appreciate; won't last long 1909
wis: ave, Bethesda. Nd, Good for any
beauty bakery or tailor shop. etc A. j,
MAscHAUER, owner. 1925 Biltmore st.
Evening star., 1940-06-30

LUMBER, new. for sale from firework
STANDS which are being used temporarily
at = locations or will sell complete stands
Evening star., 1940-06-30

A BETTER PRICE PAID for old gold. plat
mum, Jewelry. diamonds. watches and
diamond watch cases: condition unim-
portant as we use same in our mfg. dept.
NEW YORK JEWELRY CO.,
Evening star., 1940-06-30

ELECTRIC FRLGIDAIRE, a. c.; in perfect
WORKING condition: SIS. 1914 N. Cap. ST.
ELECTRIC RANGE, WESTINGHOUSE. covered
units; gray and white porcelain: built-in
clock; $50. 3lS Jefferson st. NV
Evening star., 1940-06-30

| MOTORS, new and used; motor repairs.
| orusheS, belts for refrigerators washers:
al az types and sizes. Harris Armature Co .,