davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1940-08-30

never was satisfactorily solved in the
past. The Petain regime is a Ger
man creation. 1t would collapse
instantly If Hitler withdrew his sup
port. Thus the Bourbons, some
observers are saying, may find in
prevailing conditions the opportunity
for the restoration which they long
have sought. Death having taken
the Duke of Guise. to whom one
royalist faction always referred as
King Jean III, the new pretender is
his son, the Count of Paris, an
energetic young man whose claims,
according to John Elliott, writing in
the New York Herald Tribune, must
be taken seriously at a time when
everything is in a state of flux and
the constitutional future of France
is clouded with such uncertainty"
Evening star., 1940-08-30
ARLINGTON, Va.

Dear Sir:
II live on three and one-half heavily
wooded acres, with a clearing just
enough to accommodate bungalow and
small garden, outside of which the place
is practically a primeval jungle and a
paradise for birds, squirrels with, of
course, those other denizen of paradise,
some snakes.
There are perhaps 100 trees 20 to 40
inches in diameter, which forestry de-
partment man tells me are from $50 to
200 years old, with a few walnuts and
hickories, with which, especially right
now the walnuts, the squirrels are playing
havoc, by cutting the nuts and letting
most of them lie on the ground. I have
picked up about half bushel of walnuts,
which are too green to be usable, and !
dislike very much to lose them.
Il also dislike to mistreat the squir-
rels, as they are as entertaining and as
tame as cage of monkeys, but I have
had to get an air gun and shoot into the
trees near them, not at them, to try and
drive them away from the nuts.
But even this Is not much OF q remedy,
as they hide even while I am shooting,
and return to work as soon as I stop.
THESE squirrels upset all my ideas of
their supposed thrift in storing winter
food, as they eat what nuts they don't
drop, and ignore what they do drop. They
cut of acorns, dogwood berries, hickory
nuts, and often clusters of three or four
oil ~
one.
Must just take it and like it, or do
you know of any remedy?
Yours truly, B. E."
Rabbits are said to dislike the smell of
moth balls.
Maybe they might work with squirrels.
Get several bushels, or maybe a wagon
load of moth balls, and then patiently
climb in all the trees, tying moth balls to
all the limbs.
II this seems too much work, we will
agree with you, at the same time stating
that the procedure probably wouldn't
work, anyway, not because the squirrels
do not like moth balls, but because they
are intelligent and resourceful rodents.
1t is pretty hard to put one over on a
squirrel A gentleman living in nearby
Maryland was telling us the other day
how he had tried for weeks to outwit one.
This particular squirrel came up the
side Of his house to a small feeding sta
ton placed out second-story window for
the birds.
The owner wanted the birds to have
this feeder all by themselves. The squir-
rels had access to station on the ground.
The owner felt that the squirrels might
leave the birds alone here.
But this particular rodent thought
otherwise. He got up the brick wall easily
enough.
Anet was fashioned to run up one side,
Evening star., 1940-08-30
State
Grandmother

Quietly she slipped away, her home Is
mine.
Each old familiar thing she once held
dear
Seems strangely now to bring her pres
ence near.
The apron that she wore for best, with
fine
Hand-crocheted edge, still hanging on
the door,
The breakfast porridge waiting on the
stove,
The loom on which her patient fingers
wove,
The blue striped carpet on the guest
room floor.
The Book beside her chair; upon the
wall
babys picture smiling down at her
Her morning star. Your prayer, dear
Grandmother,
God Bless Our Home" the motto in
the hall
Has brought an answer down the years
for see:
hold his little daughter on my kneei
MONICA WILLIAMS.
Evening star., 1940-08-30
THIS AND THAT
BIZ Charles E. Trnce1DelI

to keep the squirrel out, but the animal
gnawed his way through.
A piece Of sticky "fly paper" was tried
next.
The squirrel got his paws sticky, but
licked them clean and continued his
eating.
Several other dodges were tried, each in
turn proving a failure.
Finally, the owner became somewhat
angry. He got a glass half filled with
ammonia, and doused the rodent.
This was rather more than the bushy
tailed fellow had figured on: he gasped
several times, and slid down the wall TO
safety.
The next morning he was back again at
the old stand.
The householder, admiring persistency
and intelligence, decided to let him alone
thereafter.
There can be little doubt that squirrels
are wasteful creatures.
This is natures way.
There is nothing niggardly about
nature. 1t is said that for every cod
which grows up, 2O,OOO,0OO eggs are eaten
by other fishes.
Seeds of trees are sprinkled in the
forests by the hundreds of thousands
every season.
Yet the number of new trees which
grow to maturity is only about one per
cent of the whole enormous number, or
even less.
Squirrels eating at bird feeding sta
tion normally rake through the assorted
seeds to find the one they like especially,
the well-known sunflower seed.
What happens to the rest is none Of
their concern. Fortunately, the song
birds get it, but it could go to waste as
far as the squirrels are concerned.
1t must be admitted also that squirrels
bury many seeds and nuts which they
never find.
This, too, is natures way.
Those of us who really admire nature
not all persons do-will be willing to be-
leve that her ways, in the long run, are
the best ways.
If she permits the squirrels to act as
they do, then there must be some very
good reason for it.
The reason is that nature is free from
RECOMMENDATION. There is no warden stand
ing around in nature to check up on the
squirrels and fine them for wastefulness.
We who believe in nature should think
twice before we undertake a thankless
job.
She has been permitting the walnuts to
be wasted by the squirrels all these CEN
turies. Many of the trees are $50 to 200
years old, which means that somebody,
probably a squirrel, planted them long
before we came on the scene.
Let us. before all men. put away our
guns, and keep them until a real enemy
arrives
We may need them.
Evening star., 1940-08-30
Monarchy in France

During more than century there
have been those in France who have
believed that "the best republic" is
that which is headed by a constitu-
tional monarch. 1t was this theory
which, probably to a greater extent
than commonly has been realized,
brought Louis XVIII, Charles x and
Louis Philippe to the throne. They
were bourgeois sovereigns, members
of the royal house of Bourbon,
descendants of the most distin-
guished of French Kings, Henry w
and Louis XIV. History shows that
they failed not so much because of
faults or weaknesses of their own,
but especially because of the unstable
character of national institutions
and the quixotic temperament of the
people over whom they were sup
posed to preside.
The Gallo race is not easily man.
aged. Repeatedly it has happened
that the Paris mob has destroyed
a government adventurously, expert
mentally, without regard for conse-
quences. This was true in 1848 and
in 1871 just as it had been true in
1893. Similarly, on equally hectic
occasions leaders were raised up to
seats of power by a populace hyster-
ical for concessions which could not
be granted save at the cost of the
destruction of the existing state.
Louis Blanc might be cited as an
example; Blanqui was another. From
the ease with which they seized
authority Napoleon III learned how
to make himself President of the
second republic, then Emperor of
the second empire. II have forsaken
lawful means" was the declaration
Of the dictator.
But, as Victor Duruy reports, "at
the very moment when he took pos
session of the throne he had prom
ised that liberty one day should
crown the new political edifice." In
1869 a renunciation of his personal
control was announced. France
had resembled an inverted pyramid;
the head supported everything" It
was generally agreed that 1t was
necessary "to make patriots by a
moral and national education of the
whole people. But for this great
movement the time and the men
were lacking" The Prussian War
intervened-followed by the Com
mune and, eventually, Gambetta.
Now again the citizens Of France
are challenged by the problem which
Evening star., 1940-08-30
Criticizes Discrimination Among
Stenographers and Typists.

To the Editor Of The Star.
The civil service announced recently
that it soon will give another examina-
ton to stenographers and typists. In
view of this statement, it is hoped that
some of the Rip Van Wrinkles in that
commission will awake from their deep
lethargy and inform the public why some
people are required to take the same
test again and again, while others are
exempt from taking anything, except
their salaries, which, in many cases, are
several times what they should be.
There have come under my close OBJ
servation people who said they had
passed an examination, but who could
not do their daily work well, yet they
received increases in pay. Is it not odd
that any one can do better work when
taking test than when he is more re-
laxed? Most examinations are simply
endurance tests for many highly capable
people. Even court reporters have been
known to fail. One of the best ways OF
determining an employees efficiency is to
send his work to competent, impartial
taxpayer. The public should say whether
1t prefers some one who can do his best
on an examination which lasts from
three TO four hours or one who can do
excellent work every day in the year.
There comes to my mind a certain
stenographer who has been under the
civil service for years, but who can hardly
type line And this statement is not
a hyperbole. 1t may be to the interest
of the taxpayer to find out just why
employees are not classified for the work
which they can do best. Only recently
the assignment of a stenographer was
changed to clerk, although that en-
ploye had had no clerical experience.
She later was dismissed. TIE.
August 26.
Evening star., 1940-08-30
A Better Bill

The SeleCtlVe service Dill reported
favorably by the House Military
Affairs Committee yesterday has
several advantages over the one
passed by the Senate. In the first
place, the House bill, by providing
wider age limits for the conScriptS,
would broaden the field of selection,
and thereby distribute more equi-
tably the duties of citizenship i'm
plicit in military service. At the
same time, the greater fleXibility
would make for higher standards of
selection. The Senate bill would re-
strict service liability to men between
the ages of tWenty-one and thirty
one, whereas the measure approved
by the House committee would take
In men between twenty-one and
forty-fve. A second point in favor
of the House version is the higher
limit put on the number of men who
could be called into active service
100000 instead of the 100000
maximum voted by the Senate. This
would provide a potentially larger
reservoir of trained man power for
an emergency.
The House bill, as reported, does
not contain the provision of the
Senate bill empowering the Govern
ment to take over and operate any
industry or facility deemed essential
to the national defense, subject to
condemnation proceedings, if a
satisfactory agreement with the
owner of the plant for its use or
operation cannot be reached. The
right of the Government to exercise
dictatorial control of all the Nations
resourceS-wealth as well as human
beings-in time of war is not to be
disputed. Nor can 1t be denied that
the exercise of such power in time
of peace, under certain conditions,
might be both necessary and de-
sirable. But the authority here
granted Is drastic, even though it's
exercise is not made mandatory, and
the Overton-Russell amendment has
not received the consideration which
its implications warrant. Such pow
ers should not be rushed into law as
last-minute riders on emergency
legislation, any more than conscrip-
Eon of man power should be voted
without full deliberation.
Both the Senate and House bills
have a common shortcoming that
was not in the Burke-Wadsworth
measure as originally introduced.
This is the failure to provide for
registration, without active military
service, of men in younger and older
age groups. A census of all men
between the ages of eighteen and
sixty-four would furnish an accurate
gauge of man power available for
national defense. A complete regis
tration of this kind would be neceS-
sary in time of war, and valuable
time would be lost then in conducting
the inventory. The sensible way is to
take stock now so that all the data
will be available for immediate
use if and when war comes to the
Americas.
Evening star., 1940-08-30
Protests News Account
OF Camp Strike.

To the Editor Of The Star.
My attention was drawn to a news
item in The Star of August 27, referring
to charges that there had been sit
down strike in Battery A, 260th c. A,
D. c. National Guard, during the
recent maneuvers. Now after spending
three weeks in camp with this battery
1t is Illuminating to return home and
read in the papers what really happened
there. I certainly did not see the strike
with which we are credited. I do
not say we jumped from our cots with
alacrity in the chilly dawn. But we
pected of us.
1t is to be expected that one or two
malcontents will accompany an outfit
to camp, expecting all the comforts of
home; and, when these fail to material
ize, they set up howl that is of sep
arate nature from the healthy grouSing
that is natural to soldier.
One will grant that discipline is not as
great in the Guard as in the Regular
Army but the change from civilian life
to Army life is too abrupt to attempt
the strictness of the Regulars. We de-
pend on voluntary enlistments, and the
fact that man was made to walk post
with full pack in the hot sun, was placed
in the guardhouse for several days
without pay and reduced rations or
confined to quarters for week, would
get around and deter others from sign
ing up. The officers are reluctant to
enforce these penalties, SO things are
made a bit easier for us ribbon clerks
who would find them too severe.
In the event of mobilization there
will be a radical change in this respect.
The gradual tightening up will start
and at the end of three or four months
q man will expect severe penalties for
transgressions and will learn to take his
punishment without crying to the folks
at home.
It Is hard to understand why false
reports are circulated unless it is to
undermine the citizens faith in what
little armed forces we do have.
Let us have an investigation, not to
find the man that "sassed" the colonel,
but to find these few men that are try
ing to hurt a fine organization.
WILLIAM E. SWAIN,
Corporal, Battery A, 260th G. A.
August -.
Evening star., 1940-08-30
More Defense Funds

After debating compulsory mill
tary training for more than two
weeks, the Senate swung into a
commendable burst of speed yester-
day by passing the latest SIS, 00,000,-
900 defense fund in five hours.
: In view of the short time it took
to approve this important money bill
once it was taken up, it is unfortu-
nate it could not have been consid-
cred before the long battle of words
began over selective service.
= Complaints have emanated from
Capitol Hill recently that the Gov
ernment has been slow in letting
contracts for defense needs under
past appropriations, especially for
planes. Defense officials, including
the President, have taken issue with
these criticisms. The fact is that a
defense supply bill, intended mainly
FOR airplanes, ordnance and other
critical items, had to wait ten days
on the Senate calendar, although, it
now develops, a few hours were suff1-
.cient to pass it.
& The estimates for this latest money
bill were submitted by the President
July 10. The House committee
brought the bill out July 81. After
the House acted the Senate commit
tee held hearings at intervals over a
ten-day period between August S
and IS.
! Yesterdays debate disclosed that
still another large appropriation bill
will be necessary by the time this one
becomes law. 1t will be needed
mainly to provide approximately
$1,000, 100000 for the selective mill
ttary training program, and may in
Iclude larger amount to speed the
building of two-ocean Navy.
In fairness to Congress, it should
be said that both Houses have been
generous in working out the success
Evening star., 1940-08-30
Thinks Mr.. Biggers Did Not
Go Far Enough.
70 the Editor OF The Star.

To the Editor OF The Star:
In the Saturday editorial of The Star
under the heading Placing the Blame"
appeared a summary Of statement by
John D. Biggers of the Defense Com
mission. Here he Is indirectly quoted as
asserting fatty that business is not ION
a strike" against the rearmament pro-
gram.
Doubtless most business is not holding
UP the defense program, since most busi-
ness has as yet little to do with this
program, but how about the businesses
which are now directly affected?
Senator Walsh, chairman of the Naval
Affairs Committee, on the floor of the
Senate last wednesday and Thursday
gave some rather alarming facts about
the non cooperation of business in ac-
cepting and filling the Government arms
contracts. recall one instance he gave
of the failure of recent contract for
anti-aircraft guns to be filled because the
manufacturers concerned said they
could at present make more profits On
Evening star., 1940-08-30
Scores Criticism Of
Bullitt's Warning.

To the Editor OF The Star:
Patriotic Americans certainly realize
that Ambassador Bullitt only did his
duty when he warned his fellow country
men that the United States is at present
in great danger. His critics and those of
conscription are the same type of persons
that caused the fall of France and the
same class of individuals that would be
shot as traitors in the dictator countries.
We are making the greatest mistake
in not helping England now. She is the
only friend we have in the whole world,
and If she is defeated the Latin Ameri-
can countries will all desert us and bow
to the dictators, who are already we'll
established down there. Should England
be defeated, it is very doubtful if we will
be able to resist Hitler with all of
Europe under him Public sentiment is
changing in favor of helping England,
but, unfortunately for our future, not
fast enough. DORE WALTEN,
August %.
Evening star., 1940-08-30
Excess Profits Tuxes

In passing the excess profits tax
bill, the House has taken long step
toward ending the tax uncertainties
that have prevented a speedup in
the national defense program. Rec
ognizing the need for quick action on
this important measure the House
moved with commendable celebrity
after receiving a favorable report
from the Ways and Means Commit
tee. The bill is now before the
Senate
In addition to imposing on corpo-
rationS an excess profits tax ranging
from twenty to fifty per cent, the
proposed bill would permit defense
industries to- deduct from taxable
earnings, and profits, over a five
year period, the costs of emergency
plant expansion, and suspend the
profit limitations imposed by the
Vinson-Trammel Act on Govern
ment orders for warShips and air.
craft. The administration has
strongly recommended legislation
permitting speedier amortization
of the costs of new equipment and
facilities by manufacturers engaged
in the production of defense ma
terials, and the lifting of the present
profit restrictions on ship and air.
craft contracts. With the removal
of these legislative barriers, it is
reasonable to expect an acceleration
OF the preparedness program.
With an increasing proportion of
the national income devoted to
armaments, boom in the production
of war materials is inevitable. This
will mean large profits for many
companies. Government spending
will be the principal source of these
profits. A profits tax, therefore, ap-
plicable to all industries, squares
with sound public finance, and the
unanimity of their action seems to
indicate that members of the Ways
and Means Committee are confident
that the rates of the proposed bill
will not discourage national defense
production by denying industry
fair level of profits. 1t is essential of
course, that private capital be as
Sured reasonable incentive to in
vest in industry.
Under the bill, as passed by the
House, corporations with large earn
ings would pay a higher tax than
those enjoying smaller profits. This
is fair arrangement. The proposed
law provides two methods of COM
putting excess profits. One would
apply the yardstick of average earn
ings" Under this method, profits
would be excess" and taxable, if
above the average of earnings for the
four years from 1886 to 1889, inclu-
sive. The second method for COM
putting taxable earnings is that of
invested capital" Companies elect
ing this yardstick would be allowed
credits ranging from seven to ten
per cent on their invested capital
during the period 1936-1e3e. Profits
above this would be subject to the
excess levies.
Because it is an essential part of
the defense program, the Senate
should promptly enact the excess
profits bill There is no reason for
delaying action. With its enactment,
American industry will know exactly
its future tax obligations to the
Government, and the Treasury will
be given additional revenue, much
needed.
Evening star., 1940-08-30
Asks Needed Funds
For District Pound.
To the Editor Of The Star,

trict dog pound and more money to bring
about these improvements. If the sale
of dog license tags produces 10000, why
is it that only $11 900 goes to the pound
for the benefit of the unfortunate dogs
there? I understand that there is not
enough money for heat in winter, for
sufficient food or for medical supplies.
The poundmaster is anxious to make
the last hours Of the poor animals COM
Portable, if only furnished more money
and more help. J.P. BATES.
August q,