davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1940-09-06
Blames Congress and People
For Failing to Oppose Hitter.

For Failing to Oppose Hitter.
To the Editor Of The Star
A voice comes over the ether from
Berlin. 1t is the voice of a traitor, speak
ing good English and upholding the Ger
man leader. who is doing more to destroy
civilization than Attila or Genghis Khan
ever compassed in their dreams
But this time the voice is speaking
truth. a lamentable truth. 1t tells of the
brave fight put up by the Firms. buoyed
by the belief that their friend, the United
States. would come to their help But
no help came.
The voice goes on to tell of France in
her dire extremity. There was the same
turning to us, the same blasted hope
This will be true of England, the voice
declares, and who among us can doubt
that fact unless the people of America
should rise up with the indignation Of
righteousness and demand that we be
allowed to do something more than we
have been doing to help England and
thus help ourselves?
If law Of 1917 forbids our sending
torpedo boats or anything else to Eng
land, is there any reason under the
high heavens that Congress should not
repeal that law? We have long enough
allowed isolationists to dictate our poll
cies. The world would be a different
place If the great body of American
people had followed their first impulse
and joined the League of Nations
We let the isolationists defeat us then,
and now we allow them to halt the
slightest progress toward a wise and
truly democratic settlement of our great
est difficulties.
We are not prepared for war, and need
not declare war. But if we want to be
other than craven nation we can give
some Of our own planes and change our
laws SO that young men may volunteer
to fly them to England in defense Of the
last great Christian democracy in Europe.
This would be in our own self-interest.
am Democrat, by inheritance, by
tradition and by the tragedy Of Recon-
struction, but I would gladly vote for
Wendell Willkie If knew that he would
do more than President Roosevelt toward
defeating Hitler and the other outlaws
while honor, decency and the Christian
religion might have chance to survive.
But Mr.. Willkie will not do this. He
is reputed to have courage, but he will
minimize the titanic struggle in Europe
and the rest of the world while he en-
phasizes the home front and trims to
catch the farm vote and retain the Old
Guard.
He must either be q local politician
or he must be a man fit to lead in the
bravest effort to save humanity. If he
should prove to be the latter he will lose
the isolationists who care for nothing
but themselves. He will lose the vote
Of young men whom we have trained to
believe that there is nothing on earth
worth fighting for. In the name of all
that is sacred, what have We trained
such men to believe in?
am sick at heart to hear the screams
against Mr.. Roosevelt because, they cry,
he is leading us into war; when 1t is
clear that this country. this Congress
and other Congresses have followed such
. eowardly course that they have given
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1940-09-06
Wants Public Education
To Vote Intelligently.
To the Editor Of The Star.

I am an average man, working out
OF Washington in the railway mail serv-
Ice. talk to quite a few people in the
States. Everywhere I find the average
mans attitude toward politics somewhat
like this: 1t doesn't matter how I vote.
know the men up for office in the local
elections, but they're all crooked, one
way or another. It's merely choice Of
what brand of crooks you prefer. In
State politics you get a good man for
Governor once in awhile, but there's
always some trash or other on the slate.
Sometimes a man may see good man
on the other side, but he's got to vote
the whole slate or nothing. Besides, even
with split ticket the politicians know
how you vote.
There lies great danger to the country.
The party and the machine are greater
than the individual worth Of the coun-
try. The party should be an election
machine Cor selection machine), not to
dominate, or even to guide, the choice
of any one candidate. Party members
should be limited by law to those neces-
sary to run the party, selected for term
of years, and forbidden public office,
meanwhile.
Town meetings and county meetings
should be held to determine whether a
man can be candidate for primary
election. Emphasis should be on what
the man himself stands for, and how
that fits in with what the public desires.
The public can be educated to vote in
diligently, and to think intelligently, on
public questions
WILLIAM p. THOMAS, Jr.
September Z.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1940-09-06
Chonqinq Dictutors

King Carols abdication of his
throne in favor Of his son, Crown
Prince Mihai, and of the ruling
power in favor of General Ion Anto-
nescu represents for Rumania an ex-
change of dictators.
Carols regime, although carried on
In conjunction with q constitution
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1940-09-06
Let The Star
Answer Your Questions

The Star puts at your disposal corps
of trained researchers in Washington
who will answer questions for you. They
have access to the Government depart
ments, the libraries, museums, galleries,
public buildings, and to the numerous
associations which maintain headquar-
tiers in the Nations Capital. They may
not know the answer to your question,
but they will know where to find 1t.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1940-09-06
Shameful Spectacle

BY its action yesterday in voting,
as a committee of the whole, in favor
of sixty-day delay in CONSUMPTION
of man power pending test of the
voluntary system, the House has
shown an incredible disregard of the
danger signals which are flying for
all to see in this war-torn world. 1t
has evidenced what amounts to
reckless willingness to take a
chance" with the Nations security at
an hour when threats confront
America in both oceans and when
every day of preparation to meet
those threats is precious. 1t has
demonstrated a lack of appreciation
of the realities of the moment. 1t
has demonstrated, Shamefully, a
majority of the House was thinking
more of election day next November,
Just beyond which CONSUMPTION would
be deferred, than of the imminent
peril which besets the country.
Few, If any, of those who voted for
the voluntary experiment yesterday
could have believed seriously that the
War Department would be able to
raise 100000 qualified volunteer
soldiers-the number of the first
increment desired by the Army for
training purposes-in two months.
Past experience with the voluntary
system of recruiting points to the
contrary. Advocates of the amend
ment counter with the explanation
that the untitled quota after sixty
days can then be raised by operation
of the draft. But II there must be
CONSUMPTION soon or late, it is far
more equitable and prudent to have
it with the least possible delay and
to dispense with the voluntary ex-
Fermentation altogether Compul-
sorry selective service applies fairly
to all, and eliminates the possibility
Of military class distinctions and
suspicious of favoritism as between
conscripts and volunteers. All would
be on an equal footing in the ranks
under the original terms of the
Burke Wadsworth bill, and this is as
it should be in a democracy. War
Department officials have asserted
that a two-month delay in the draft
schedule would disrupt their care
fully laid plans for putting conscrip-
ton into effect with the precision
and speed required by the times.
The Army, despite strenuous recruit
Ing efforts in recent weeks, has not
succeeded in raising its own ranks to
full strength, and to burden its re-
cruiting offices with the near-inSu-
perable task of rounding up 100000
volunteer recruits in the next two
months is to ask the War Depart
ment to perform miracles.
The House still has an opportunity
to redeem itself in the eyes of the
people, an overwhelming majority of
whom have indicated their approval
of immediate CONSUMPTION. Oppo-
nents of the Fish amendment have
said they will force roll-call vote on
it. This will put every Representa-
tive on record before his constituents
as to his stand on this all-important
defense issue. The Star hopes that
the House will muster up more cour-
age and display more craftsmanship
than it did yesterday in voting to
gamble with a vital phase of the
national defense.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1940-09-06
Wants Full Details
On Federal Publicity.
To the Editor of The Star:

To the Editor Of The Star:
Would it not be appropriate now for
the New Deal to reveal the circulation
figures of all of the periodical publica-
lions published with Federal funds? I
think that these figures, If made known
by the New Deal, would alleviate the
criticism to the effect that it has over
publicized itself with the peoples money.
As long. as these circulation figures re-
main hidden from public view, there
will be whisperings.
oeptambr 3. HENRY eTONER.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1940-09-06
Letters to the Editor

Letters to the Editor must
bear the name and address OF
the ,rriter. although the use OF
a pSeudonym for publication is
permissible. The Star reserves
the right to edit all letters NTH
q U1e1D TO condensation.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1940-09-06
Home Doctor Book

Describes more than so ailments most
common to mankind, tells of their symp-
tons and treatment, and in case Of seri-
Gus illness, what to do until the doctor
comes. Chapters on care of the sick.
diet for the sick, care and diseases of
infants and children. rules on maintain
ing health and preventing sickness. To
secure your copy inclose 10 cents in coin.
wrapped in this clipping.
Name
--------------------
Street
City
State
Smyrna times., 1940-01-11
MIDDLETOWN TO
FIGHT P. @. SITE
Mayor and Council Move To
Preserve Historic Acad-
emy and Playground
CONDEMNATION SUIT

U. S. District Attorney Stewart
Lynch on Saturday, January 9Th,
filed condemnation proceedings in
the U. S. District Court for a tract
of land between a century old
academy and Broad Street in Mid
dletown, to be used for a postoffice
site. But almost simultaneously
with this action, Middletown' 5
mayor, DR.. Louis Levinson and the
town council prepared to fight the
governments move. The issue, DR..
Levinson said, is a postoflce versus
a children's playground. The con
struction of a postoffice in front of
the historic MiddletoWn Academy
would prevent the town officials
from developing the schools cam
pus and the school as a community
center and play area for Middle
town children. 1--WE intend to
fight every step of the way" DR..
Levinson said. I'VE believe a play
ground here and community cen
ter, particularly for children, would
help in solving many social and
juvenile delinquency problems" "
Mr.. Lynch filed his petition for con-
demnation on instructions from the
U. S. Attorney Generals office.
The Administration Of the Federal
Works Agency, Washington, re-
quested condemnation proceedings
under a Congressional act for EN-
ergency construction of public
buildings" the petition states. The
three owners named in the petition
are: Trustees of Middletown Acad-
emy, Mayor and Council Of Middle
town, and John w. Spicer who
owns a building incroaching on the
land. The Mayor and Council are
listed because of an easement the
town holds for a sewer across one
corner of the land Another front
of the Middletown Academy battle
is in the Court of Chancery, where
yesterday a group from Middle
town filed a bill to have the trus-
tees charter revoked. Persons in
Middletown said this was done in
a move to preserve the property
intact and to secure it for the
towns use.
Smyrna times., 1940-01-11
DINNER SHOOT
A BIG SUCCESS
"Blue" Team Defeats Reds
BY Small Majority at
Annual Meet Tuesday
TURKEY DINNER AT MITE

The Smyrna Gun Club held their
annual dinner shoot Tuesday after
noon at the club ground opposite
Welfare Home and was the larg-
est shoot ever held by the club.
The Blue" team, captained by
Ernest v. Blendt, nosed out the
Red team, captained by w. Hen
ry Ennis, by a score Of 431 to 426.
A turkey dinner was served at (
D. M, in the Century Club House
by w. Henry Ennis, which was en-
joyed by all Following the din
ner a business meeting was held at
which time election Of officers took
place. The following officers were
elected: president, Q. j. Farlow;
vice-president, William M. Dough-
ten; secretary and treasurer, Ern-
est S. Mattiford; field captain, viii
liam H. George; assistant field cap
tain, Ernest V. Blendt. Executive
CONTINUED on PAGE Five)
Smyrna times., 1940-01-11
FOR SMYRNA
Offerings Seriously Curtailed
For Next Two Years By
Action of Legislature
PUBLIC SPEAKING SURE

The reduction by fifty per cent in
the state appropriation for adult
education for the biennium 193941
makes necessary a reduction in the
number of activities that commun-
tiles may have. In compliance
with number Of requests the
course in Public Speaking will
probably be continued this year.
However, it may be that there are
enough persons (15) interested in
some other activity. Such individ-
uals should contact the school Of
fee as soon as possible to make
their wishes known. For other ac-
tivities, over and beyond the one
for which funds are provided, par
ticipants must pay a registration
fee of three dollars (S3). The
above program does not include
work in art and handcraft taught
in Odessa by Miss Gardner and
made available through the cooper
alton of the Delaware Citizens As
sociation.
Smyrna times., 1940-01-11
KENTON NATIVE
COMMANDS SUB
Former Smyrna Graduate Is
Only Delawarean to Hold
Such a Post
ON 'SHAKEDOWN' CRUISE

Lieut.. John Graham Johns, ma
tive of Kenton, and graduate of the
Smyrna High School, class of 1921,
is in command of the $1,000, 900
submarine U. S. S. Seadragon, now
on 10000 mile "shakedown
cruise" which was started at New
London, Conn. Lieut. Johns is the
only Delawarean known to be in
command of a submarine, where
the greater part of his sea duty
has been spent. He is a son of
Mrs. Kate Johns, who now resides
in Dover. Lieutenant Johns has
had quite a colorful career. He
was graduated from the U. S. Nav
al Academy in 1925 and has served
two years as an instructor there.
He has also spent several years at
the U. S. submarine base at Shang-
hal and other Far Eastern places.
Lieut.. Johns told a friend recent
Iy, 81 feel safer under water in a
submarine than I do in an automo-
bile on a Highway" The compile
ment of the submarine comprises
five officers and 55 men. It is one
of the most modern submarines in
the service Of the U. S. Navy and
is also known as the 1874" A sis
ter ship, the Sealion, was turned
over to the U. S. Navy recently.
Smyrna times., 1940-01-11
RED CROSS TO
BEGIN CLASSES
Six Courses Are Offered With
First To Begin Today
in Wilmington
NO FEES; COST NOMINAL

The Delaware Red Cross mas an
nounced that the first Of its class
es will begin to-day, giving train
ing in Staff Assistance. This course
thoroughly covers the history of
the Red Cross, disaster relief and
nursing service. There will be IL
classes, meeting on every Monday
at p. m. and Thursdays at 10 a.
m. When the course is COM
pleted each woman may wear the
yellow veil and uniform of the
Staff Assistance. First Aid Class
es will begin on Tuesday, January
% at 10 a. m. and z p. m. Before
a certificate is issued, each student
must complete 20 hours Of work.
This course is also free except for
a so cent text book deposit, which
will be refunded when the books
are returned. Accident Proven
ton Glasses begin on Friday, jan
uary 19 at p. m, covering various
ways and means by which the un-
necessary loss of lives may be pre-
vented. The three above mention
ed courses will all be held in the
Red Cross Building, Oil Delaware
Avenue in Wilmington. Glasses
will be held at the Wilmington Y.
w. G. A., starting Monday, Janu-
ary % on life-saving and water
safety. This course will run 10
consecutive weeks, on each Monday
at 8.45 p. m. Since the rating
Examiner" has been discardd, and
the rating Instructor in Life Saw
ing and Water Safety" has been in
augurated it is imperative that all
old Examiners in Life Saving who
wish to continue the teaching Of
water safety, sign up for this pre-
Iiminary course or make other ar
rangements whereby they will be
eligible for the advanced water
work early this spring, at which
time a Field Representative from
Washington is expected to conduct
the course.
Smyrna times., 1940-01-11
NAMES
GOOD CITIZEN
Matilda Wisk Smyrna's Candi
date for ID. A. r. Pilgrim
age to Washington
FOR DEPENDABILITY

Miss Matilda Wisk, senior at
John Bassett Moore High School,
was chosen yesterday as the stud
ent best exemplifying the qualities
of dependability, service, leadership
and patriotism. These four ideals
Of character the National Society
of Daughters of the American Re
volution insists upon as the qualifi-
cations necessary to candidacy for
the honor of representing Della
ware at Washington during the
Good Citizenship Pilgrimage next
Spring. Miss Wisk was chosen by
the high school faculty from the
following list elected by the Sen
ior class: Ruth Bush, Virginia
Mood, Matilda Wisk. Final choice
of State Pilgrim will be completed
by March 18th.
Smyrna times., 1940-01-11
SMYRNA GRANGE MEETING
Officers for Year Installed by State
Master Jester and Staff

The newly elected officers of the
Smyrna Grange were installed
Thursday evening by State Master
Jester and staff. They are as fol-
lows: Master, Arthur Mofitt; Over
seer, George Blendt; Lecturer,
Viola Ryan; Chaplain, Alice Corrie
Treasurer, Walter I. Massey; Sec
retary, Helen C. Nowland; Gate
Keeper, E. ]. Heinold; Steward,
Charles R. Pryor; Assistant Stew
ard, Harry c. Johnson; Ceres, Mary
Hynson; Pomona, Kathryn Short;
Flora, Ada Lockerman and Mary
Fleming as Lady Assistant Stew
ard. Those elected to the Execu-
tive Committee were: H. c. John
son, ]. R. Fleming and H. c. Dea-
kyne, Sr. Miss Hynson will also
serve as pianist. Since the Third
and Fourth Degrees will be confer
red on a class of candidates to-
night by the F'ruitland Grange De
gree Team, all members are urged
to attend. The Grange is planning
to serve a turkey supper to the
Southern States Cooperative on
Tuesday night, January 10th.
Smyrna times., 1940-01-11
KENT FARM LOAN MEMBERS TO
REVIEW THE YEARS ACTIVITIES

Farmer-members and their wives
will renew acquaintances with
their friends and spend about
three hours together in reviewing
the activities of the Kent County
National Farm Loan Association
at the annual stockholders meet
ing to be held in the Grange Hall
at Camden, Tuesday, January 16,
N. w. Taylor, secretary-treasurer,
announced Monday. The operation
and responsibilities of the associa-
tion will be presented and discuss
ed Directors will be elected to
the board and other business will
be transacted. This is the best
way for the members to keep in
formed concerning the affairs of
the Association" Mr.. Taylor said.
Smyrna times., 1940-01-11
HENRY III. PRATT MARRIED
Weds Miss Sarah Sheath Berle-
kamp, in Wilmington ON Monday

Miss Sarah Sheath Berlekamp,
daughter of Mr.. and Mrs. Frank w.
Berlekamp of Tif1n, Ohio and Mr..
Henry Holt Pratt, son of Mr.. and
Mrs. Frank Pratt of Massey, Mary
land formerly of Smyrna, were
married Monday, January 8, in Old
Swedes Episcopal Church, Viii
mington. The Rev. Robert Bell
officiated. The two We're attended
by Mr.. and Mrs. Howard Schofield
of Pompt on Lakes, New Jersey,
brother-in-law and sister of the
groom. The bride is a graduate of
Heidelberg College and st. Luke's
Hospital Training School of Nurs-
ing, New York City Mr.. Pratt is
a graduate of the University of
Delaware and is associated with his
father in poultry and dairy farm
ing at Massey. Following the GER
emony Miss Emma Edgell gave a
dinner for the bridal party at her
home on West 30th Street, Will
mington.
Smyrna times., 1940-01-11
DEATH RECORD OF WEEK
Mrs. Lille Pratt Taylor, Wife of
Howard ID. Taylor, of Ocean City

Mrs. Lille Pratt Taylor, wife of
Howard D. Taylor, passed away
Sunday morning at her home in
Ocean City, Ned Jersey. Mrs. Tay-
lor was the daughter of Mr.. and
Mrs. Charles Pratt. Mrs. Tay-
lor, who was born and raised in
Smyrna, moved to Camden after
her marriage. They later moved to
Ocean City, where Mr.. Taylor own
ed and operated drug store. Fun
eral services at her home were con-
Quoted on Tuesday night, by the
pastor of the Methodist Church,
where she has always been an ac-
tive member. On Wednesday, ser
vices were conducted from FAIRIES
funeral chapel at o'clock in
charge of Rev. J. w. Colona, with
interment in Odd Fellows Gem
etery. Besides her husband, she is
survived by one sister, Miss Sara
Pratt, of Smyrna.
Smyrna times., 1940-01-11

Invitations have been sent to coun-
ty and home demonstration agents,
vocational agricultural instructors,
representatives of production credit
associations and other agricultural
agencies. Annual meetings af-
ford members an opportunity to
become better acquainted and learn
many interesting facts, Mr.. Keyes,
president declared, saying that "the
association hopes to make this one
of the best meetings ever held" !"
Farm women are especially invited.
Association officials said someone
from the Federal Land Bank will
be invited and may be called upon
to comment on any new legislation
or operating policies affecting the
association.
Smyrna times., 1940-01-11
ROTARY CLUBS
WEEKLY MEET
John G. Leach of Wilmington,
Addresses Members on ''The
Value of Organizations"
STRESSES FREE SPEECH

John G. Leach, vice-president Of
Beacon College, Wilmington, ad-
dressed the Smyrna Rotary Club at
their meeting on the subject Of
The Value of Organizations" Mr.
Leach said in part that in the
State Of Delaware that there Were
5000 separate and distinct organ
izations. Among all those organiza-
tions the rights Of free speech is
exercised Outlines Of the work
done BY the various service organ
izations were given caring for un-
derprivileged children, assisting the
blind in their struggle along the
pathway Of life. Friendship among
members Of all organizations was
a cherished treasure. Public speak
ing and those who were responsible
for culture and education in their
public service to humanity. From
the Apostle st. Paul, down to the
present public orators, men who
carry a message full of inspiration
and learning. Quotations from sew
several national and international
orators We're given. Such Ameri-
can orators as Henry Clay, Patrick
Henry, Henry Ward Beecher, Wood
row Wilson and many others who
have guided the spiritual, cultural
and political destiny Of our nation.
Lincoln's Gettysburg Address was
quoted as one Of the greatest
pieces Of literature ever given by
man. Full Of love. truth, sym
pathy for those who gave their
lives in defense of their country
and advice to those not engaged in
actual warfare he stressed the i'm
portance Of carrying on THAT
these valiant dead shall have not
died in vain" Charles l.. Harmon
son responded to Mr.. Leach's elo-
quent address. Q. w. Hall, presi-
dent, presided
Smyrna times., 1940-01-11
.SUPT. MILLER
OFFERS HELP
Students Are Warned Against
Courses of Training Which
Guarantee High Positions
RATINGS AVAILABLE

All young people who are think
ing of taking up study in prepara-
tion for a job are urged to contact
Superintendent Miller of the local
schools. Mr.. Miller states that
there are organizations that make
promises of positions after train
ing in their courses of study which
they can not fulfill. Anyone inter
ested in finding out the rating of
any institution may do so through
the school. Do not sign for any
course in an organization the rep
utation of which you do not know.
There are many schools of repute
which offer complete training, but
no school of repute can, or will,
guarantee any student success af-
ter graduation. Such lures to en-
rollment are almost surely evidence
that the students money is of chief
Importance to the institution MAX
ing the misleading promises. There
is no short cut to success; no for
mula for riches. The earnest stu
dent must first of all select a school
which maintains high standards
and a recognized position in its
field, The rest is then up to him.
The facilities of Mr.. Miller's office
are open to anyone who wishes in
form q finn ah0IIt fha school of hic
choice.