davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1940-08-20

Housing Authority program there is
not on record a single instance Of q
serious labor dispute affected by
these agreements. It may be that
stanch support given by organized
labor to the public housing program
Is a contributing factor Savings
through the elimination Of costly
strikes have been reflected in de-
creased building costs.
No agreement is worth any more
than the good faith that backs it up,
but the successful labor policy of the
much abused U. S. H. A. offers
suggestion to Federal officials
charged with the Government build
ing program in this as we'll as other
cities.
Evening star., 1940-08-20
Shanghai Defenses

That Japan will oppose, in every
possible way, the transfer of the
downtown British sector in the In
ternational Settlement at Shanghai
to United States marines seems
plainly indicated in recent dis
patches from that city At a meet
ing last week, the Shanghai Munich
pal Council adopted resolution
approving the defense commissions
apportionment of part of the British
sector to the American forces. Pre-
viously, by vote Of two to one, this
commission had voted to give the
marines certain districts patrolled
by British troops. who soon will
leave Shanghai. On this question,
Great Britain and the United States
voted against Japan. Italy did not
cast ballot.
According to press reports from
Shanghai, the japanese commander
is demanding that the entire British
defense sector be turned over to
japanese forces. He is also urging,
presumably under instructions from
Toxic, that all American forces be
withdrawn from China. To justify
the demand for taking over the In
ternational Settlement, the japanese
charge that it has been used as
base by Chinese nationalists, and
that thirty-four acts of political
terrorism have occurred in the area
since January, 1899.
In 1858, the British and American
concessions were joined together to
form the present International Set
tlement. The rights enjoyed by
British and American citizens and
other foreigners In this area are
based on treaties negotiated with
China many years ago. Since 1928,
Chinese have been included in the
membership of the Municipal Coun-
Gil, the governing body for the Inter-
national Settlement. AS long as this
area, which contains long stretch
Of the Whangpoo water front, main
tains It's independent status, under
the administration OF all elective
council, the open door at Shanghai
cannot be closed completely by
Japan.
In view Of the apparent determina-
ton Of the Japanese military and
naval chiefs to achieve a greater, II
not entire control over the Interna-
tional Settlement, Admiral Thomas
C.. Hart, commander of the United
States Asiatic Fleet, who is now at
Shanghai, has no easy assignment.
Our naval detachments in the Far
East are small and are no match for
the japanese fleet. In China, Japan
has huge army, with large forces
in or near Shanghai.
With the withdrawal of the British
Army units, more responsibility for
defending the International Set
tlement, and maintaining order
therein, will fall on the United States
marines. In the light of the dis
examinations and restrictions i'm
posed on Americans in those parts
Of China ruled by Japanese military
authorities, there is little reason to
believe that Americans at Shanghai
will not face similar determinations
If Japan takes over the International
Settlement.
Evening star., 1940-08-20
1t Deserves q Test

Today, or tomorrow, Chairman
SABBATH Of the House Rules Committee
has indicated that a final vote will
be sought on the rule permitting the
Summers national representation
amendment to come before the
House.
There is only one decision by the
Rules Committee that can be con-
sidered fair to the people of the Dis
trict of Columbia and to the people
OF the country. That is a vote in the
affirmative, assuring a later vote in
the House.
The Rules Committee is one of the
important policy" committees Of
Congress. 1t passes not so much on
the merits of the legislation for
which special consideration is sought
as on the party policies involved in
permitting such legislation to come
before the House If there are men,
bers of the Rules Committee who are
unfriendly to the proposal for
Constitutional amendment empower
ing Congress to grant a vote to the
people of the District, it would still
be incumbent upon them to permit
the issue to come before the House
and not to block it Indefinitely by
denying 1t the rightful test of debate
and decision by the House member
ship.
Here is proposition on which the
Democratic platform pledged the
support Of the party at Chicago.
Here is a proposition enabling Con-
gress to deal, realistically and in
conformity with American principles,
with the problem of governing the
Federal City. Here is a proposition
which constitutes the first step
toward removing a condition which,
as long as it exists, mocks and slurs
the basic ideal of representative gov
ernment in the United States. Here
is a proposition which should enlist
the support of every American.
Evening star., 1940-08-20
EAST FALLS CHURCH, VA.

OCuI
IT am faithful reader OF your column.
Ever since the comment on the person
who found the birds noisy have be-
come acquainted with the fact that
there exist people who actually detest
the music of birds.
until then had taken it for granted
that all of us felt as I do: that the
birds of the forest, whether migratory
or permanent, were Gods gift to man,
and that their grace, beauty and melo-
dious songs were part Of the great
scheme of our Creator to alleviate the
tension in this world Of unrest
Il had thought of these little creatures
as the embodiment of everything that
completes a perfect haven of rest for
the tired business man or woman at the
end of the day.
"Since the article referred to, however,
have learned that one of my neigh
bors has been annoyed by the all-night
singing of mockingbird, and tried to
dislodge it from tree with broom.
II do not feel half as sorry for these
people as I do for myself, when I con-
slider that I am fortunate in being able
to hear at least some of my feathered
friends when they lift their voices in
song, despite my handicap of SO per
cent deafness.
1.-The screech owl, who awakes me dur
ing the fall and winter by his screaming,
is the only one which offends me, and
have been able to obviate this noise by
sleeping with my good ear to the pillow
Il rue the time when the colorful birds
fly south for the season, but console my
self with the thought that the remain
ing few who winter with me will afford
me much happiness.
The remnants of mince pie to sup
plement the grain and sunf1ower seeds,
recently caused a great deal of excite
ment at the feeder, and brought out not
only all the youngsters, but four jays
and a roguish young chipmunk, who
sampled the mincemeat, took a drink
at the dogs pan on the wellhouse and
dashed back TO the pie, being set upon
during the 15-foot distance by a male
wren, who pecked at him three times
before he darted into his hole in the
old stump nearby.
There have been three families of
wrens in one house and two families in
another, each bird in turn cleaning out
the house after the fledglings had left,
apparently making it more accessible
tor the next occupant The many young
ones Of these and other species give
promise of a bigger bird season than
ever next spring, and the approaching
winter promises to be most interesting to
local bird enthusiasts
Sincerely yours, O. E. c."
= 4
Birds are great deal more fortunate
than they will ever know. Most human
beings pay little attention to them, and
this is where they are fortunate, for If
the majority of persons thought about
them, vast numbers of persons would
find fault with them, and be irritated
by them.
No, the birds are we'll of, in that only
certain small number of persons, at
any one time. pay any particular atten-
ton to them. These, we feel, are the
wise people.
Evening star., 1940-08-20
Urges Keeping Music Out
OF War Emotions.

To the Editor OF The Star:
Good musicians always have some
thing new and interesting to say when
they interpret or write music. I speak
of the National Symphony Orchestra
of this city, which we are indeed
fortunate to have I can think of no
greater pleasure than to listen to good
music at any time, and especially on
a warm summer evening, under clear
sky, where the refreshing breeze from
the river and the superbly played music,
such as presented by the National SYM
phony Orchestra at the Water Gate, is
about as fine a combination as one
could have.
With German music included in most
performances at the Water Gate and
on radio concerts, had no expectation
of finding in DR.. Frank Blacks first
guest conductor of the National Sym
phony Orchestral interview in The Star
Of July 81 the following: "One Of the
big men at the Metropolitan Opera is
terrified lest no Wagner will be sung
year from now. German music on the
air waves has indeed dropped noticeably
in audience demand"
Could Wagner, who has been dead for
more than so years, be responsible for
the present conflict in Europe? Is not
Wagner the favorite composer not only
of Herr Adolf Hitler but also of count
less music lovers in this great country,
including President Franklin Delano
Roosevelt?
The Metropolitan Opera must not
permit itself to cast out MUSIC OF world
wide acceptance. Rather it should con-
tribute to art by performing works OF
living composers as well. Why are Mr..
Deems Taylors operas so little known,
while many a Verdi opera has been
repeated several times during each sea-
son? Surely, we cannot expect the great
masters, who are no longer among the
living, to create new works. and although
great music never tires its hearers, we
do at times have desire to hear some
thing new, and new music can only be
produced in this New World because the
men Of the Old World are busy con-
ducting blitzkriegs. 1t is up to the mus
ical leaders In this country to include
new work in every program in concert
halls as we'll as on radio presentations.
Several weeks ago the Los Angeles Phil
harmonic Orchestra played Mr.. Meredith
wilson's symphony No. in E Minor"
for the first time over the radio. If
this great symphony would be performed
as often as a Sibelius work or a
Beethoven work, am sure that 1t would
be a great contribution to art.
August II. MRS. L. M. MILLER.
Evening star., 1940-08-20

When the question of mobilizing the
whole French nation for national
defense arose, he said, the people Of
France were told that "their individ-
ua1 liberties were sacred and must
not be sacrificed for a moment even
to save the liberties Of the nation;
that 1t was more important for the
individual to work only forty hours
a week than for his country to have
enough airplanes."
With only slight variations, the
same contentious are heard fire.
quently in the United States. Sc
lective service is opposed as an
invasion Of personal liberties. The
President, while occasionally calling
attention to the need for sacrifice,
has laid undue stress on the
thought that the social gains" of
the New Deal can be maintained,
perhaps even extended, without i'm
pairing our rearmament effort. As
Mr.. Bullitt pointed out, 1t was beliefs
such as these that played an impor-
tant part in the downfall Of France.
If his speech does no more than to
check this line of thinking, If 1t only
strengthens the growing conviction
that there can be no safety without
individual sacrifice, he will have
made contribution to the strength
ening of America which merits the
the abuse which has been heaped
upon him by thoughtless or unin-
formed critics.
Evening star., 1940-08-20
Takes Issue With
Biblical Interpretation.

To the Editor Of The Star:
1t is pitiful to see men who profess to
be Bible readers come so far from true
understanding of it, as evidenced by the
writer Of precedent for Blitzkrieg Found
In Bible" printed yesterday.
There is absolutely no parallel between
the case of Meroz and those patriots to-
day who desire to keep America out Of
the wars between other nations. Some
persons handle the word OF God deceit
fully" others study it to get the real
spiritual import. Some persons in their
misguided altruism think America can
look after the world. Others believe
America must not be sacrificed for other
peoples, however much we may sympa-
thize with them.
The World War gave to Europe Stain,
Hitler and Mussolini. What would hap
pen if we had another world war?
August IS. MARY WILSON.
Evening star., 1940-08-20

courageous individual capable Of up
setting it.
The so-called Democratic party today
is literally Roosevelt party, as the late
convention demonstrated with a venge-
ance Does history record any previous
convention controlled root and branch
by one man? The strange "doings" at
said convention reminded one of a cheap
circus with ring master holding the
whip while political puppets were manip-
ulated to do his bidding.
In theorizing about one-man govern
ment being established, If Wendell Willkie
is elected, Mr.. Franklin seems intent
upon stretching a point to absurd limits.
while ignoring the fact that the people
have already been compelled to swallow
a camel and one which seems most diff
flcult for millions to digest.
EDMUND X. GOLDSBOROUGH.
August II.
Evening star., 1940-08-20
Avoidance of Strikes

President William Green Of the
American Federation Of Labor no
doubt was sincere in his expression OF
"hope and belief" in his recent letter
to the Federal Works Agency, that
work on the Social Security and
Railroad Retirement Buildings, re-
sumed after a series of inexcusable
jurisdictional strikes, will be COM
pleted without further interruption
from this cause.
1t was regrettable, however, that
Mr.. Green did not announce a posi-
tive declaration of policy outlawing
strikes on so-called defense construc-
tion. His attitude was a welcome
sign Of his desire for uninterrupted
work on these two particular build
ings, intended for the use of the War
Department, but it cannot be con-
strued as guarantee against further
obstruction on the part Of local
unions.
1t may be that the best hope Of
avoiding future strike delays Is
lodged in the agreement reached
during settlement of the recent diff
culties, pledging peaceful adjustment
of jurisdictional disputes. There is
no valid reason why such an agree
ment should not be extended to cover
all governmental construction work
in Washington, subjected in recent
years to numerous and costly delays.
Precedent exists in the successful
mo strike" agreements that have
governed all construction work of the
Federal slum clearance and low-rent
housing program for nearly three
years. The agreements are in the
form of two resolutions prepared by
the United States Housing Authority
and approved by the Executive Coun-
ell Of the building and construction
trades department of the A. F. of L.
In effect, they specify that labor, in
return for guarantees of local pre-
vailing wage rates during the whole
of the construction period, agrees
there shall be no cessation of work
on a project by reason Of jurisdic-
tional disputes.
Agreements such as these have
been drawn up between local housing
authorities and building trade coun-
ellis representing unions in about $50
cities. The labor policy of the Alley
Dwelling Authority of the District is
typical. 1t submits plans and speci-
f1cations to the local council in
advance so that all possible causes
for jurisdictional differences may be
eliminated before construction starts.
Labor frequently points out possible
savings in construction costs. Each
contract contains a clause by which
the employer agrees to abide by the
wage scale determined by the Labor
Department when bids are opened.
This has served to discourage pos
sible demands for increased wages on
the one hand, or for downward
revision on the other.
In the Nationwide United States
Evening star., 1940-08-20
THIS AND THAT
But the majority Of the population sim
By Charles E. TrdceDell.

But the majority OF the population SIM
ply accepts the birds, and pays very little
real attention to them. These persons
lump off the birds with the annual
cicadas which make such racket in the
trees during August. Only very highly
nervous individual will compain about
the noise Of the "hot bugs" and only one
person, now and then, has anything to
say against the racket Of the birds.
Mostly the complaint is made by the
town person newly moved to the sub
urbs. Then the large number Of birds
make themselves heard in the early
morning chorus. This is something new
in the ears Of the newest resident. In
time, however, even he comes around
to liking or overlooking the chorus.
The greater number Of persons simply
overlook birds. They are not interested
in them. The fact that If it were not
for birds there probably wouldn't be any
agriculture, and hence no breakfast foods,
does not enter into their calculation.
That these same creatures in the trees are
the greatest of musicians also is matter
OF no concern.
From this class Of persons are gradu-
ating, there is no other word for it, the
true bird lovers, who today can count
themselves in the hundreds of thousands.
This column has helped show how many
of them there are.
1t is not the fact that one has a
bad" ear which makes one overlook the
screaming of an owl, but rather the
sense of humor such as our correspon-
dent obviously possesses
II one is able to see the fun in things,
then one can forget what one does not
like, although this may not be easy,
and at times even extremely difficult.
But a sense of humor manages to get
one over many obstacles, not the least
OF which may be an owl or a night
singing mockingbird, or even spring
pepper" What racket the pepper can
make! The first time a new resident of
the country districts hears this fellow,
going it at the top of his lungs, he is
likely 10 wish he had no ears at all.
In time he comes TO listen for this
shrill peeping sound, and to miss it if,
for any reason, the spring pepper is not
going it.
1t is interesting to note that our cor
respondent put out some mince pie for
the birds, and had a great deal of fun
watching their reactions.
No doubt there are many foods which
the birds would eat if their friends
would give them chance at them.
Seeds of both watermelons and canta-
loupes are liked by most of the seed
eating birds.
All sorts of remnants Of meat find some
bird to sample them.
Many leftover foods, If carefully
cleaned of the parts which obviously the
songsters would not eat, could be placed
out to see what the birds would like
This sort of experimentation not only
affords real amusement to bird lovers,
but also helps others when the infor-
nation is passed on, for bird feeding on
a large scale really costs money, and it
might be that all of us are throwing away
good food which the birds would like
and which at the same time would cut
down on the annual cost of feeding
them.
Evening star., 1940-08-20
Warns Against Believing
Hitler and MuSSOlini.

To the Editor of The Star:
am in full accord with r. j. Klyn Of
Alexandria, whose letter urging greater
preparedness efforts you published Au-
gust Z.
would like to add that we should
pay no attention to Hitler and Musso-
lini when they talk Of no American
invasion. That is their mode Of lulling
us to sleep again aSwe were doing until
Mr.. Roosevelt took up the reins. It's
propaganda, pure and simple. say.
with all my heart: Be 50 strong no one
win dare attack u. A SUBSCRIBER.
AnGnot &
Evening star., 1940-08-20
Mr.. BuIIitt's Wurnino

Ambassador Bullitt's frank state
ment of his conviction that America
is In danger Of German attack and
his analysis of the reasons which
brought about the collapse of French
military resistance are, in sense,
a response to Wendell WILKES de-
mand that the administration take
the people into its confidence con-
corning the true extent of the emer-
gency which confronts US.
The remarks of the Ambassador to
France undoubtedly had the ap-
proval Of the State Department and
probably Of the President. The state
ment would have been more impress
sive and would have carried more
weight had it come directly from Mr..
Roosevelt, but even in that event
the President would have had to
depend to a considerable extent on
information obtained from Mr..
Bullitt.
Thus, if Mr. Bullitt in this instance
may be regarded as an official
spokesman for the Government, his
remarks are entitled to serious con-
sideration, and his opinions, espe-
cially as to the reasons for the COL
lapse of France, should not be lightly
disregarded in view of the fact that
he has had most favorable oppor-
tunity to observe that tragedy at
first hand.
Mr.. Bullitt may be mistaken
although the evidence abundantly
supports him-when he predicts
that Hitler, II victorious In Europe,
would seek to attack the United
States. He may be in error in urging
that our own safety requires that we
should follow the advice Of General
Pershing and extend aid to the Brit
ish fleet. He is we'll qualified by
experience to speak on these matters,
but they are, after all, expressions
Of opinion, and those who disagree
are entitled to hold their own views.
But it does not follow that Mr.. Bull
lit is subject to criticism for stating
the case as he sees 1t. AS matter OF
fact, it was his patriotic duty to
speak frankly, and it is disturbing
in the extreme that he should be
accused Of conduct little short Of
treason" for so doing. Yet that
charge was made yesterday by Sem
ator Clark of Idaho and made on the
basis OF distorted Interpretation Of
what Mr.. Bullitt said. His address
did not amount to an appeal to
the American people to 60 into an
unprovoked foreign war;" as the
Idaho Senator said. On the contrary
Mr.. Bullitt stated that ut is as clear
as anything on this earth that the
United States will not 60 to war, but
it is equally clear that war is coming
toward the Americas" If it be treason
for Mr.. Bullitt to urge this Nation
to prepare to meet a danger that
he considers to be real, or to take
reasonable measures to ward of
that danger, the time has come when
it is useless to talk about defending
America.
In his discussion Of the factors
underlying the downfall Of France
Mr.. Bullitt made one observation
which is worthy Of special attention.
Evening star., 1940-08-20
State
Precious linteIs

Something about the loving care be-
slowed
On quaint old houses beckons coax
ingly
Friendly tall trees 4. the purple winey
load
OF an arbor tamaracks grown
feathery.
Many times over are the sweet words
Of faith and patience where white
cleaning shells
Border the much-loved flower beds that
hold
Verbena, phlox or Canterbury bells.
The precious lintels hung with Ivy, rose,
Remember many a welcome and
goodby;
And even he who wanders farthest
knows
Always the taut and pulling home.
ward tie.
He owns heritage forever blest,
Carries candle lit within his breast.
ROSE MYRA PHILLIPS.
Evening star., 1940-08-20
The Stur Answers
Are Free to All

You can ask our Information Bureau
back in personal letter. 1t is great
educational idea introduced into the
lives of the most intelligent people in
the world-American newspaper readers.
1t is part of that best purpose of
ewspaper-service. There is no charge
for answering questions except return
postage What do you want to know7
Evening star., 1940-08-20
Says Price of Milk
Is Too High.

To the Editor of The Star:
Washington is paying too much for
its milk A quart of milk costs 13 cents
regardless of whether it is in paper car
tons or in glass bottles. Why should the
dealers charge as much for paper car
tons as they do for glass bottles?
Another thing Why should there be
great difference in the prices of quart
of milk and pint? A gallon OF milk
bought in quart bottles costs 50 cents-a
gallon of milk bought in pint bottles Is
64 cents. Is there a 12-cent difference
in the glass put into the two types of
container?
ROBERT LORENz HANSEN.
August 18.
Evening star., 1940-08-20
Replies to Franklin on
One-Man Rule.

To the Editor Of The Star:
It would seem that Correspondent Jay
Franklin is guilty of a "jay" statement
when he informs us that the Willkie
candidacy represents a strong trend in
the direction of one-man government.
But assuming, for the sake of argument,
that Mr.. Franklin is right, perhaps 1t Is
necessary to combat the existent one.
man soReIuunent hV nominating strong,