davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1941-12-15
ROOSEVELT LUCK
STILL HOLDING

Japan's foreseeable but logi-
cal attack on our Far Eastern
possessions demonstrated once
again that Franklin d. Roo>e-
welt is the luckiest politician in
American history. congression-
al corridors and cloakrooms re-
echoed with this comment after
=. u. r. asked for a declaration
Of war against Tokyo.
The president Was involved in
a serious labor controversy when
Japan attacked. But the work
inEmen virtually agreed 10 call
off all strikes for the duration.
Republican members OF house
and senate. including the most
sincere Observation-Disclosures. fell
in line behind the sdmlnistra-
ton. Big business. forgetting
its grievances against the White
House. pledged itself as an all
out hacker Of the president Not
single economic or political
group withheld support from
The snti-Jspsnese policy, no
matter how bitterly they may
have felt toward New Deal poll
eles in the past.
In short. Tokyo unified senti-
ment in the United States. Al
though =. ID. r. did not mention
this in his address TO congress.
Jspsn's hit-and-r7In attack made
u easier n obtain from con-
xress declaration Of war
against Germany.
The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1941-12-15

from its home base. Yet the
distance from Japan to the Ha-
waiian islands is $500 miles.
From San Francisco to Yoko-
hama is $500 miles. And the
Japanese bombed Honolulu and
torpedoed a transport off the
California coast.
The whole strategy of a naval
war in the Pacific for years
has been talked of in terms Of
this theoretical safe 2,500-mile
radius at which fleets might
operate. and of maximum
1,Ooo-mile radius at which
bombing aircraft might operate
from their air bases. Even the
German bombing attacks. while
deadly up to 700 and 500 miles
from their channel ports, have
done little damage at 1000 miles.
So the Pacific chess board OF
war was measured off on $500
mile circles for sea power and
1000 miles for air.
From Manila to Yokohama IS
1000 miles-a difficult if not
impossible distance by air, I'M
less the new naval aircraft can
navigate it and return.
From Canton NOW held ny
the Japs) to Manila is 800 miles,
an easy distance for bombers.
From Vladivostok to Tokyo
and Yokohama, a mere 100
miles.
From Yokohama to Singapore,
the British Gibraltar OF the
Orient. is $500 miles. up to now
thought too far for air or sea
attack.
From Yokohama TO Batavia,
Netherlands East Indies. Is $500
miles. making the Dutch rea-
sonably safe.
From the Alaskan mainland
to Yokohama Is 1900 miles, and
from the tip Of the Aleutian
islands to Yokohama Is less
than 800.
From Formosa, southernmost
main island OF the Japanese
archipelago TO the northernmost
of the Philippine islands is a
mere 10 miles. And Formosa is
fortified as a Gibraltar Of Japan
The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1941-12-15
Mr.. FIXIT
He Fixes THINGS

To receive attention IN this col.
umn lsttsrs must ave name and
address Of writer. only initials
viii Do published when reauessed-
Mr.. Fixit: have an italian
friend who has . place Of busi-
ness here In Tacoma Ne has
been here over 10 years hut only
recently took out his first pa
pers. IL ne considered an alien
and are there any restrictions
against trading with him.
MRS. A. ID.
An alien with first papers still
II an alien ss far as the trad
ing with enemy aliens act goes.
II is presumed that he viii have
to change his status or the
treasury department will have
10 amend its rules before he
meets the trading requirements
Mr.. FIxit: Could you please
tell me what the line and thres
dots under the v for Victory
means. Il. W.
The dash, dot, dot, dot. IL the
Morse code symbol for the letter
V. As part OF the V for Victory
campaign on the occupied Euro
pean continent that signal has
been broadcast over the radio,
tapped on restaurant table tops
and otherwise steadily drummed
into the ears Of the Nazis.
Mr.. Fixit: Is there any home
defense Job for bows about Is
years old: I should like 10 do
my part In national defense. II
"a, how can ! get In touch with
them and learn about require
ments: J. A.
Thus far, there In no home
defense job for boys and girls
Of school age other than that Of
being good. law-abiding citizens.
The initial registration for
civilian defense called for per-
sons Is and up. Full considera-
ton for younger persons will
come later.
Mr.. Fixit: would like 10
know II there IL any place In
Tacoma collecting old news
papers. tin foil and lead foil for
our defense work. We have some
we would like 90 give II there
IL such = place. W. l.. &.
There are some repositories
for tinfoil and lead foil in vsri-
Gus stores around the city. In
the future II 10 likely that ar
rsngements will be made for
collection Of waste paper. but
until some plan for its collection
and use 10 set up. your best
advice Ia TO find q convenient
place to keep 1t yourself.
The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1941-12-15
WE LIKE AMERICA

Editor The Times: We do not
hate the Japanese or Germans
or any other nationalitie/ In
fact we rather like th<m all.
But. We do love America.
We love America not merely
because it is our country but
because we firmly believe in the
democratic principles VIII i h
underly its economic and gov
ernmental structure.
Nationally, we have thrived be-
yond anything the world has
hitherto known, by adhering TO
the philosophy of life and meth
DDS of administration that are
ours. Here. II is not unreason-
able that we should insist upon
continuing on our way.
II the rest of the world does
not like our way that is quite
alright. We will not be Offend
ed. We do not even ask them
10 accept our PHILOSOPHERS. II
they wish 10 shut their eyes to
the fine example we have set
before them in the way Of very
definite results. results which
have made US the richest and
most powerful nation in the
world in the short course or
century and a half, that Is their
privilege and. incidentally,
their loss. That is their affair.
". have even yet some basic
economic corrections TO make
and we will have To make them
before we are through, and We
will do so.
other races may follow their
own desires and plans.
But. we Americans do not pro-
pose 10 have nszism or fascism
or socialism or communism or
imperialism or totslitarianism or
any other ism poked down our
throsts by ramrods or by any
other means. and praise God We
are indeed strong enough and
resolute enough and rich enough
10 see that this shall not be don,
ROBERT s. DOUBLEDAY.
The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1941-12-15


For one thing, japan had the
advantage Of being the aggres-
sor. a. her dawn bombing Of
Pearl Harbor demonstrated. Her
ships, including submarines, de-
stroyers and torpedo carriers,
had been sent into the Pacific
weeks In advance of the actual
attack.
The army and military crowd
at Tokyo set out deliberately to
sabotage the peace talks at
Washington. President Roose-
welt and Secretary Hull must
have known that Messrs. Nomu-
rs and kurusu were taking and
stslling for time. Apparently
Washington failed to COMMUNE
cate this fact to our Hawaiian
forces, and hence to warn them
of the danger Of an attack.
which partly explains the extent
OF fatalities and material dam
age.
In view Of censorship, ii is not
permitted to record what the
president and the secretary of
state said when they learned of
the Jsps' early dawn attack.
But their off-the-record remarks
leave no doubt that, IL possible.
we will wipe Japan off the map.
The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1941-12-15

Upsetung factor IN All these
calculations are the japanese
inundated islands - more than
900 Of transforming the Mar
shall and Caroline and Ladrons
groups, extending over an area
$500 miles from east To west
and 900 miles north and south.
They lie roughly in the $500
mile stretch Of ocean between
Hawaii and the Philippines. I'm
I'll the World war they belonged
TO Germany.
They were assigned 10 Japan
by a League of Nations protec-
torate as a reward for Japan's
participation in the war as an
ally. but today they are the
most dangerous trouble spots in
this Pacific war. At least six
of the islands - Papua, zap,
Truk. Ponspe. Jaluit and Saipan
have been fortified by Japan
and they serve as the advance
bases from which submarines
and aerial patrols can be dis
patched TO harass the operations
of our fleet west of Hawaii. Only
Japanese vessels have been per-
mitted TO cruise in the waters OF
these inundated islands and only
Japan knows what threats they
hold TO the Dutch East Indies.
the Philippines, to Singapore
and even to Australia and other
British possessions in the South
Pacific. which they threaten at
distance Of less than 1000
miles.
In . short naval war, II .
knockout blow could be struck
against Japan proper, then the
Importance of these islands In
not so great. But In a long war,
the necessity of cleaning out the
Japanese naval bases in these
islands is obvious. And II il here
that all the highest strategy Of
the two great navies, almost
evenly matched, must be brought
into use.
Navigation is unknown and
treacherous, refilled channels,
aerial patrol over vast expenses
of tiny island and atoll-dotted
ocean, submarine operations I'M
der the most hazardous condi-
tions, landing expeditions on
unknown territory - these are
but a few of the prospects Of
this new blitz warfare at sea.
The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1941-12-15

bodies, has fumbled the national
defense ball.
Donald Nelson has shown no
more force or driving power than
did William S. Knudsen when
the Great Dane headed the ma
tional defense advisory commits
sion. The Sears Roebuck execu-
tive has been unwilling or un-
able to settle upon a definite
policy and demand compliance
by army, navy and industrial
groups. His priorities plan
caused hardship without produc-
ing beneficial results. The much
ballyhooed ALLEGATION system has
been forced upon only few key
materials. Endless and needless
delays and squabbles have been
caused by his office. Big bust
ness has been choked by red
tape. Little business is on the
road to bankruptcy. Meanwhile
our associates, especially Russia.
complain that deliveries are not
living up TO Roosevelt-Harri-
msn-Hopkins pledges.
II would oe unfair to blame
Mr.. Nelson. an extremely able
official. for OPM's manifest fall
ures. He has done the best ne
could with a headless, divided
and powerless organization. The
responsibility for his difficulties
lies elsewhere.
The basic trouble with OPM
and its ancestral agencies has
been that they lacked leader
ship and authority. For SOME
reason FDR has never made any
one man the absolute boss with
power to do the job. Reviewing
their niue n criticized record,
even those veteran OPM-ers
friendly TO the president place
much blame on his doorstep.
The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1941-12-15
SO THEY SAY

We must meet each problem
as il arises. Given the demo-
cratic way Of doing things. we
can and will meet these prob
lems-Sidney Hillman, eo-ol-
rector, OPM.
Every day that passes is a
dsy never 20 hr rsclsiuaed--N-
n. Harrison. production director
OPM.
The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1941-12-15
PULSE OF
THE PUBLIC
LESSONS OF
WAR LOST

Editor The Times: Lessons of
the last war seem lost in a war
which is essentially similar in
ambitious zeal for conquest and
domination through force with
out charity or reason. However,
some variation is stressed by the
New Order" purposes expressed
by all belligerents. This shows
evolution of nationalism and
really seems an orderly process
in progressive statecraft.
Japan seeks a self-supporting
Asiatic new order; Germany
an European new order; Rus
STA needs little else outside her
own extensive borders except
as shown in her border wars
with Poland and Finland - to
secure herself from invasion and
TO afford her access TO and
freedom of the seas Before
this war England already had
been seeking to solidify the en-
pire with mutual trade and pref
erential economic agreements
similar to our present ones with
South America - in the selfish
interests of the Isles and the
colonies, unmindful, as far as
possible, of the needs or interests
of the rest of the world.
Meanwhile, the u. S. by the
ominous shadows of force. the
lure of gold, timely resort to in
triguing phraseology and the
subtle arts OF salesmanship aims
To create her new order from
the Arctic to the south pole and
to corral all surplus vital re-
sources 10 the exclusion OF all
competitors. I'VE combat this
same capitalistic maneuvering in
the homeland.)
But this is not enough. Now
We are fronting in the world
picture - with England tagging
to hurdle all the new orders"
before they ripen. We two pro-
pose 10 absorb all the states in
VOWED by the several new
orders" and then, later, in a
calm, enlightened era seek mu-
tual cooperation between the
British Empire order" the Eu-
ropean order" the Asiatic
order" the western hemisphere
"order" and the Russian order
Of Soviet Republics. This octo-
pus movement will supposedly
function first 10 homogeneous
maturity before the several
orders" or groups Of states first
operate and mature. A most
ambitious world-over program
Of our rulers too much like ehss-
ing for a far off rainbow.
In line with this proposed alb
sorption within the folds of
kindly democracy We are told
that Finland attacks our de
Tense" when cutting the Arch
angel lifeline in Northern Rus
STA: Japan by blowing up the
Burma road; and the latest
Dec. 5 - Roosevelt had found
the defense of Turkey vital TO
the defense" Of the u. 8 So
We propose war machinery 20 the
Turks.
The question naturally arises
If the nations in world hemi-
spheres cannot successfully
group together can Uncle Sam
herd them as a hen gsthereth
her chickens under her wings >"
Can such a colossal program BY
the nlood-lettinE route promise
success especially coming as .,
does upon the heels Of war ad.
The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1941-12-15
HOROSCOPE
SUNDAY, DECEMBER Il

Benefic aspects conflict with
adverse planetary influences to-
day when persons who possess
foresight will vision the need OF
future religious support in meet
ing world changes. This II q
promising configuration for the
clergy.
HEART AND HOME: Church
attendance should be large under
this direction of the stars which
inclines humanity to seek the
healing power of faith in the
eternal laws that govern the
universe. There is a sign pre-
saying q widening consciousness
of the spiritual plane Of exist
ence.
BUSINESS AFFAIRS: Ship
ping interests will be foremost
now and there il q sign read as
presaging movements of the
United States navy in the Pa
cific ocean. II is emphasized
that the Sino-Japsnese war Is
Mercury war. The influence OF
the planet has been strong since
the beginning OF what the ag-
gressors call an incident"
Persons whose birthdate IL Is
have the sugury of a year Of
satisfactory attainment. FIX
traordinary activities and ex-
periences are forecast.
Children born on this day
probably will be determined to
succeed, well endowed with
brains and physically able to
overcome obstacles of all sorts.
MONDAY. DECEMBER Is
Benefic aspects dominate to-
day. Mars is In place which is
read as pressging severe con-
fliet which should be favorable
TO the Allies.
HEART AND HOME: Women
are subject 10 stimulating plane
tary influence which should
enable them TO prepare for
memorable holiday celebrations.
Whatever pertains TO home hos
pitslities is fortunate today
which is lucky also for shopping.
Romance will flourish in the
holidays with an extraordinary
intensity.
NATIONAL ISSUES: As So
cisl bars are let down and per-
sons OF all walks Of life exist
on a level plane, race prejudices
should vanish. Secret efforts TO
fan old injuries into flames Of
hate will be made by fifth col
umnistx. The sesrs warn that
the actual brotherhood Of United
States citizenship should be
recognized.
BUSINESS AFFAIRS: The
tendency 10 make much OF the
present Will be strong in stimu-
lsting generous spending. As
Christmas draws near all reso-
buttons 10 be careful will be for
gotten. 1t is foretold. Jewellers
and furriers will profit. 50 will
purveyors OF musical instru-
msnts and fine furniture.
Persons whose birthdste il 4.
have the augury of a year OF
fairly good luck. Temptation 70
spend too much money may be
frequent.
Children born on this dsy
probably will be talented and
ambitious. Love guided BY finsn.
cisl considerations may De sx'
pected.
The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1941-12-15

mitted by all sociologists to have
been an utter failure in accom-
plishing good? Is the spirit OF
the American people truly in
this movement which really
eclipses the most hopeful imagi-
nations of Napoleon?
C. W. RANSOM.
Box 2s6, South Tacoma.
The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1941-12-15

I n pfeCh-
ceived ideas OF
dis tsnces at
which naval
vessels could
safely oper-
ate from their
bases have
been greatly
extended. Pre-
VIC u sly, 1t
was thought
that no fleet
could operate
m ore h a n
2hOO miles
The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1941-12-15
WAR TO BE VERY
LARGELY NAVAL

The war we wage against ia
pan will be naval rather than
military. Here is the battle plan
which our army and navy STRAIT
egists have framed:
The laps have built q hit-and-
run navy. consisting of fast but
lightly-srmored vessels. Tokyo
realizes that without possession
OF 4 first-clsss fleet Japan be-
comes only n third-rste power.
Therefore, as the weaker power,
the Japs cannot afford 10 stage
\ battle on the high sess which
might result in destruction Of
their warships.
The japanese. in short. have
built 4 fleet which will operate
most efficiently in narrow coast
al waters. They hope to suck
the Anglo-Americsn- Dutch navy
into the area off Japan. Hong
Kong and Singapore. and blow
up their sdversaries' vessels one
BY one. Tokyos strategy has
become too obvious.
The ABcD powers will not
fall for this plan. Their game
Is TO clamp remote blockade
upon Tokyo. preventing the Nip
ponese from obtaining raw ma
terials from the Dutch East
Indies, the Mslsysian peninsula.
and other countries. Probably
this viii force the orientsls'
main fleet 10 make a sortie into
southern waters then the
ABCD forces will smash them
The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1941-12-15
TrTTT An Inside Picture of Finon-
Ll0A ciol and Political America
By RAY TUCKER
WASHINGTON

WASHINGTON - Army-naVy OFFICIALS nave asked
Washington correspondents to caution the United States
public against the expectation of quick naval air or
military victory against Japan. The administration has
no doubt that We can lick Tokyo in the long But
army-navy headquarters whisper that first great
triumph over the Japs for several months
The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1941-12-15
Co tssi ~ tN,sre restsr> e,s1sssss, fss.
=. n-s q. 20, os.-An rsss r,.ss,ss

CURIOUS CORONATION
To superstitious Egyptians. 1t
might have augured III that the
state sword. once carried by
Mohsmmed Ali, founder of the
present Egyptian dynasty, could
The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1941-12-15
NEW SHAhEuP
FOR THk OPM

The office OF production man
sgement is slated for another
shskeup-the third since Presi-
dent Roosevelt modified this ma
tons industrial brains in May.
1910. the month France fell.
There is developing feeling
that OPM, like ia predecessor
The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1941-12-15
WASHINGTON COLUMN
lat ,.ar Peter ta.su mad.
IN n
Rx PETER EDISON



WESTINGHOUSE comes blitz warfare at sea. And
the question arises what II will be hke-a question
that will be answered By developments Of these first few
DAYS or weeks the between the United States and
The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1941-12-15

not be located for use in Faruk's
coronation ceremonies. However,
just as the young ruler left the
Abdin palace after his invest-
ture as king, a white dove set
tied on the roof of his coach and
The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1941-12-15

First blow struck a. Hawaii
by the japanese navy indicates
that the old limits Of range
The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1941-12-15
ONCE WE'RE GERMAN

far stronger perhaps than the
defenSes % the Philippines.
Evening star., 1941-12-28

Of regular issues, airmails, semi
postals, postage dues, private locals,
fiscals used for postage, newspaper
and newspaper tax revenues, special
delivery stamps. philatelic post
marks, military stamps, italian oc-
cupation issues, offices in Crete and
Turkey. issues of the Danube Steam
ship Co., etc.
Elmer Long, Harrisburg, Pa. has
published a new type Of United
States stamp album. Spaces are
provided for specimens in the Sc
quence Of their historical associa-
tions.
The Treasury Department has
granted Mr.. and Mrs. D. Uyeno per-
mission to reopen their stamp store
at 1905 Pennsylvania avenue NV.
beginning tomorrow.
Local stamp meetings this week
are listed as follows:
Tomorrow evening at 8-Wood-
ridge Stamp Club, stamposium at
the home Of Mr.. and Mrs. Louis
G. Nix. 1925 Randolph street NE.
Tuesday evening at 8-Collectors' 8
Club of Washington, Thomson
School, Twelfth and L streets NV.
Program, exhibition and bourse.
Evening star., 1941-12-28

Queen Victoria crown colony stamps
issued that year. The whole ac-
emulation became his property
when he was 8, and "he has been
collecting ever since"
Collectors are warned against the
danger involved in soaking stamps
printed with wartime inks.
The only United States stamp
bearing reference to a religious
event, says Hamilton A. Hooper in
the Baltimore Sun, is the 1-cent
green Father Marquette COM
memorative of 1898. But postal de-
signs of a sacred significance are
more common than perhaps might
be supposed. The Valley Forge
sesquicentenary issue, 2-cent car
mine rose. 1928, for example. rep
resents George Washington at
prayer.
M. Narajowski, assistant financial
counselor Of the Polish Embassy,
IA Wall street. New York, has re-
leased an official list OF the eight
stamps issued by the Polish gov
ernment in exile for use on mail
carried in the ships Of Free Po-
land" at sea. The series includes:
5g. violet, ruins of American En-
bassy at Warsaw; log. green.
ruins Of Ministry of Finance a.
Warsaw; 25g. gray, destruction Of
Monument in Cracow;
55g. blue, Castle Square at War
saw; 75g, olive green. Polish SOL
diers in machine gun port: 80g,
magenta. Polish tank; IL. indigo
blue. aTplanes; 1.50g, brown, sub
marine Orzel.
The Associated Press Feature
Service reports: "'Be a Hero Is the
translated inscription across the
newest Russian stamp, which is a
red 30-kopec issue. Announcement
Of the issue says the new postage
stamp Is to honor the courage and
heroism of the Soviet people today.