davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1941-05-20
Potomac Basin Cleanup

Major steps in the establishment
of the long planned Interstate Com
mission on the Potomac River Basin
were taken here last week. A few
days ago at an organization meeting
Governor OConor of Maryland
was chosen chairman of the group
and Hugh Pomeroy, director of the
Virginia State Planning Board, vice
chairman. Bylaws are being drawn
up by subcommittee, and an eXecu-
tive committee is in the process OF
formation.
Congressional authority for the
creation of the Interstate Commits
sion, subject to approval Of ma
jority of the States affected, was
granted in 1887. Since then Mary
land, Virginia, the District of Co.
lumbia and West Virginia have
ratified the pact Pennsylvania, the
last State involved, is studying SINH.
lar legislation. Principal aim of the
commission is to abate pollution in
the Potomac and its tributaries
through voluntary cooperation OF
the Jurisdictions involved
It's first step in carrying out its
objective will be to collect and ana
lyze data on pollution and related
water and land use problems which
have been obtained in surveys by
the Department of Agriculture, Ma
tional Resources Planning Board,
Army engineers and State health
departments.
The group will not lack specific
problems. Officials in this area
would like to see it help to solve the
difficulties presented by the pollution
from Alexandria, Va. Officials of
that city say a lack of funds pre-
vents them from building sewage
treatment plant. Alexandria empties
raw sewage into Four Mile Run al
most opposite the treated sewage
discharged from Arlington County's
plant. This renders Arlington's
treatment practically useless.
The high caliber of the Potomac
Basin groups personnel and the fact
that it is approaching the Potomac
pollution problem from an all-in-
elusive, interstate view, make it rea-
sonable to hope that tangible and
permanent results may be expected
soon. Because of defense activities
in the Potomac area, which are
likely to make conditions worse, the
Interstate Commission deserves the
utmost cooperation from States,
cities and industries in its effort to
halt stream pollution and industrial
waste
Evening star., 1941-05-20
Art of Propaganda

The Voelkischer Beobachter, lead
ing organ of the Nazi party, today
presents its readers with a bit of
propaganda which must establish
new record of some sort for distor-
ton of fact and crudeness of result.
AS a text, the German paper seizes
upon an American news report that
1000 prisoners in the Atlanta Peni-
tentiary have doubled their produc-
ton of defense articles during the
past thirty days. This acceleration
of output, consisting of such items
as T. N. T. bags, shell covers and
flying packs for the Air Corps, came
after Warden Joseph w. Sanford had
told the prisoners of the urgent de-
fense needs, and had called upon
them to "Show the world that men
in prison are not only loyal and
decent, but will stand ready for
whatever is asked of them in the
present ravaged world"
In the German press report, how
SSSl, Glllo lllClOCliG 10 SlNCll q SOl dllsC
and sinister aspect. The German
public is informed that President
Roosevelt is mobilizing penitentiary
prisoners against Hitler and that
"murderers and thieves are now
arm in arm with the American Pres
ident. In its editorial comment, the
Voelkischer Beobachter says: 'This
report confirms once again that Ger
many is fighting battle against the
organized underworld which, under
the disguise of freedom and democ-
racy, is revolving against National
Socialist decency and order"
1t is possible, of course, that the
people of Germany, or some of them,
because of their long immersion in
flood of falsehood and propaganda,
will believe this fantastic report. But
it does not argue well for the strength
of National Socialism that its direc-
tors feel obliged to seek support in
such a gross deception.
Undoubtedly 1t is true that there
are hardened criminals among the
Atlanta inmates who have volun7
Evening star., 1941-05-20

tarily doubled their effort to bring
about the downfall of Adolf Hitler.
And the question that naturally
arises, Of course, is why these men
should be "revolting" against the
"decency and order" of National
Socialism. 1t is just possible that
the truth which is so evident to
Americans will be perceived by some
in Germany-that even in the eyes
OF penitentiary prisoners, democracy
with all its faults Is infinitely more
desirable than the blighting new
order" which Hitler has visited upon
his own people.
1t was no accident that the Allan
tian, the prisoners own publication,
boasted of the boost in production
and suggested that the accomplish
ment Of the men behind the bars
should shame some Of those outside
whose defeatism has dissolved their
backbones into what might be called
appeasement sauce"
These men, having temporarily lost
their freedom, value 1t the more.
Evening star., 1941-05-20

compared with $4,000 tons in 1889,
according to Department Of Com
merce estimates. Because of the de-
mands of defense industries, con-
sumption this year Is expected to
show a further substantial gain.
Though rubber reserves have been
greatly increased in recent months,
as part of the program for building
up stock piles of strategic materials,
only a six-month supply now is on
hand. Since there is no assurance
Of an uninterrupted flow of crude
rubber from the Far East, larger
reserve is plainly needed.
The output of synthetic rubber in
the United States last year is esti-
mated at approximately 5000 tons.
In 1889 Germany produced 10000
tons, and Soviet Russia $4,000 tons.
The manufacture of artificial rubber
in Germany, Russia and several other
foreign countries has been fostered
by subsidies and other governmental
help. In the United States, the Gov
ernment heretofore has done little to
encourage production of artificial
rubber.
Since a shortage of rubber would
retard rearmament and handicap
industrial production, the new syn
thetic rubber plants will meet real
defense need. BY lessening our pres
ent dependence on imports of crude
rubber from East Asia, they will
strengthen one of the weak spots in
our economic armor, and their out
put will provide valuable addition
to our rubber reserves.
Evening star., 1941-05-20
Synthetic Rubber Plants

The announcement that the Re-
construction Finance Corporation
has approved lease agreements with
private companies for the construc-
ton and operation of four synthetic
rubber plants will be welcomed as
an important step toward freeing
the United States from dependence
on the Far East for its supplies of
rubber-a strategic material of vital
Importance, both to American indus
try and national defense. Three of
the plants will be built at Akron,
Ohio, and one at Naugatuck, Con-
necticut. Each will have an initial
production of $500 tons year, which
can be expanded quickly to 10000
tons annually. The potential output
of the four factories will thus be
10000 tons per annum.
In 1910 the United States con-
sumed 648,5C0 tons of rubber, as
Evening star., 1941-05-20
CHEVY CHASE, Md.

Dear Sir:
Not long ago you were kind enough
to give us the benefit of your experience
and advice in connection with a new
covered bird feeder. We are happy to
say that you were entirely Correct In
your prediction that our customers
would all return as soon as they be-
came accustomed to the change. Also
we might add-the cover is quite an
improvement
please permit me to disagree Cat
least from our observations with the
statement which you made in your COL
umn of May 6. You stated that robins
will never eat them Gaisins), however,
when they can get worms AS a matter
of fact, my wife and I have seen the
female come to our station with worm
in her mouth, pick up two or three
raisins and fly away with all intact. We
speculated as to who the recipient of
these juicy morsels might be- My wife
thinks 1t is the young, while I feel that
the mother is feeding the old man, who
Is day dreaming on the eggs. In any
hoarder like the blue jay; but there
seems to be direct evidence of the mix
ture Of natural and processed foods when
both are plentiful. Although we have
had quite drought, our lawn is kept
we'll watered and there are plenty of
earthWorms available for our lovely
friends
I'VE have also found that the smart,
trim and altogether lovable catbird
shows a definite preference for raisins.
as well as the mocker and, of course, the
starling-the latter, in my opinion, be-
ing a sturdy, smart and resourceful
fellow whom you can't help but admire,
though frankly would rather not have
him around. On several occasions we
have noticed the sparrow take an ex-
perimental peck at a raisin-perhaps it
tasted good but was too large to handle.
The cardinal, we note, still favors SUM-
noWer seeds above all the others. like
wise the chickadee, titmouse and iay.
We have often thought it odd that the
tiny chickadee should select sunfower
(the largest seed of the lott as his
choice Of the fare.
One day recently We were unable to
get the usual dark variety of raisins,
and purchased fancy bleached kind
only to have the boarders turn up their
noses at them. Later we added the
usual dark variety. BY that time, how
ever, the birds must have learned of
the price differential, for they went for
the bleached blond fruit in preference to
the others. We couldn't 20 along with
them in their fancy taste, though.
We agree with you Fundamentally
that If sunflower seed is kept in one
place and raisins in another, the two
biggest needs Of the spring and summer
birds are met
Thanks for the chopped beef idea and
many others.
Sincerely yours, C. D. R."
A friend OF ours had somewhat
similar experience with raisins, except
than his birds never got used to the
white variety
Evening star., 1941-05-20
The 'Ostrocity' of 1t

The Bronx Zoo has an inmate,
Adolf the Ostrich, who entertains
peculiar views. He has a place in
the sun, very much like some OF
Mussolini's i's-not the kind for every
ones money, 1t is true, but one COM
monty supposed to be relished by
his kind-an artificial desert, popu-
lated with inferior races such as
lesser fowl, antelopes and other timid
creatures.
Here Adolf reigns supreme. Let
gazelle pause to nibble grass, and up
comes Adolf in rage. He is greatly
outnumbered by members of the ap-
peasing deer family, but somehow
they never gang up on him and he
picks them off one at time. For
years he has toughened himself on
preparatory diet of bricks, rocks and
other forms of military confetti, and
he is too strong to be licked in a
hurry.
On the grounds there is small
island inhabited by lions, but Adolf
has never tried to get to it-not
seriously. Vaguely he realizes that
lions are not pushovers and he is
careful not to stick his neck out too
far. The whole situation is deplor-
able, and appeals are being made to
the ZOO authorities to check him. So
far they have met with Bronx cheers.
Can it be that they want to find out
what happens when nature takes its
course?
Evening star., 1941-05-20
THIS AND THAT
BIZ Charles +. TrdceDell.

There seems to be little difference In
bird taste between the seeded and seed
less raisins.
We recall vividly our first experience
with raisins. There was a mockingbird
in the next yard-it was summer-and
we thought we would give him treat.
At the far side of the yard was small
feeding station on an arch. We had
never seen a mocker at this station.
Carefully we placed a handful Of
raisins in the station.
Then we went back to the big lawn
chair with the ugly canvas. Why can't
they put pretty colors on these things?
But what piece Of dye work it is! In
the sunshine all summer long,. 1t has
never faded a particle.
-
Well, no sooner were we seated than we
heard a whizz behind the chair.
There was a flash Of white, as the
mockingbird went by.
He went directly to the feeder, seized
q raisin, and few back across the yard.
It is not often that one gets such in
stantaneous reaction when putting out
food Usually the observer must wait
many minutes, sometimes hours, before
he gets results, especially if he has
lust established an entirely new feeder
~ *
The other day We decided TO take
down the small feeding station on the
iron stake in the rhododendrons by the
dining room window.
A small band of sparrows, cardinals,
blue Jays, chickadees, titmlce and others
were still using it.. In fact, its patronage
had picked up, since the sparrow popu-
lation had increased to two dozen, a1ter
dropping off to half a dozen.
Since two other feeders were stlA
running, we figured that the smaller
one might just as we'll go. 1t would give
a needed opportunity to clean up be-
meath the rhodes.
The next morning, down flew the
birds, as usual, intent on landing on the
rim of the feeder.
II was at once comical and a bit dis
concerting, to watch them plane oo"n'
then pause, then fly up again.
They did not know quite what TO make
of the situation.
From time to time other birds came
all showing plain bird astonishment.
The iays were the most disconnected.
But it was the sparrows which de-
termined us to put the feeder back.
They really looked disappointed.
And, anyway, this feeder gave us the
closest view we have of bird life.
At four feet. in the sunshine, jay is
beauty, indeed. Even the grackie Is
picture.
So back went the feeder. 1t was filled
with a choice mixture Of wild bird seed
and added sunfiower
Which would be the first species TO
visit it. and how long would it take?
The female cardinal was first.
And it was only 10 minutes before she
arrived.
The sparrows. however, required half
an hour before getting up their nerve to
return.
After that, they were dashing out seed
at lively rate. For every seed spar
row eats, it must dash out least q
spoonful with its bill.
1t Is Just an old sparrow habit.
Evening star., 1941-05-20
Croatia

Inc CLOCK or history INDICATED 638
AID. when the Croats appeared in
the land which now bears their
name. A Slavonic people, they for
merly had dWelt in the Western
Carpathians. Still earlier they had
been residents of some unknown
part of Middle Asia. Their final
movement brought them into terri
tories which had been Roman before
the barbarian migrations. Displacing
or absorbing the Latins, they also
were possessed Of energy enough to
defy their Serbian neighbors. Com
mon traits drew them toward the
Slav center of action wherever at
any moment 1t might be, but they
even more definitely were Influenced
by the Italians and most particularly
by the ByzantineS.
A national Croatian state, how
ever, came into existence only in 910,
when Tomislav was acknowledged
paramount chief" The first ruler
properly called king was Drzislav,
who fourished between 978 and
1000. His successor, Kresimir II,
earned the sobriquet "the Great" by
marrying the Bulgarians and raiding
the cities of Dalmatia. His subjects,
it may be mentioned, owned a fleet
which they employed in piracy with
rocy11tS otrnniNnc ", thu ny,ipiNv, 81
more notably civilized communities
on the farther side of the Adriatic.
An amazing skill in achieving practi-
cal adjustments to prevailing condi-
tions may be discovered in the fact
that they enlisted in the marine
establishments of Austria and OF
Venice when their efforts as cor
sairs at last were terminated by
armed Intervention.
LadiSlaus I Of Hungary Subdued
most of Croatia in 1901 and his sys-
tenn of law was enforced by Coleman,
who inherited his crown four years
later. Domestic affairs under that
theory were left to the folk. Control
Of foreign relations and military ac-
tivities was entrusted to a governor
known as a "ban"-an official who
on occasion was Hungarian prince
but more often a Croatian noble.
The latter represented what chroni-
clerS regard as "a turbulent and
fanatical class, ever ready for civil
war, rebellion or a campaign against
the Bosnian heretics."
1t was the feuds of the aristocracy
that prepared the way for an Otto
man invasion in 1926 Thereafter
until 1913 the struggle with the
Turks was the repetitious concern Of
the Croats. For while the Crescent
would advance, then under the pres
sure Of resistance 1t would retreat,
only to return when conditions were
propitious. Meanwhile, the Austrians
were nominal masters from 1718 to
1867, the Hungarians subsequently.
But peace was conspicuous for it's
absence under both regimes. The
population by nature was difficult to
manage-even for altruistic pur-,
poses. National feeling was unde-
niably militant. 1t likewise was
anarchistic. When Croatia was in
corporated in Yugoslavia in 1918, a
new chapter of troubles opened. The
latest page, written at Rome on
Sunday, is inscribed with the insignia
of puppet monarch, the erstwhile
Duke of Spoleto, cousin of Victor
Emmanuel. He certainly is not to
be envied the position to which he
has been assigned. Mounting a
shaky throne in the shadow of Adolf
Hitler, he deserves the sympathy of
the bitterest critics of the forces
which have put him on the spot.
Evening star., 1941-05-20
Rouds

These 90 anbling through the fields
OF corn,
And beckon as they pass the busy
mill,
They diUe beneath the rtver and go
on,
Defiant of the blue. torbtdding
hill;
Made deaf by their far hope un-
satisfied,
They pause not at the whispering
of the trees;
In them is peace OF casual rest
denied,
And lost In barter for uncertain
ties.
Erultingly they climb the mountain
top,
But on the highest crdg their rov-
tngs cease,
For beauty brings them to sudden
stop
In breathless Uonder at the brood
ing peace.
Against hill a gracious farmhouse
stands,
From whose great chimney soft,
blue smoke curls up,
Yet rests aboue the roof Nth out
spread hands
To bless the board 1ohere lope and
and labor sup;
And in the Twilight pause the old
house smiles
The truant roads are quite undone.
No more
They clamor on, for all their aimless
miles
Come home to rest before an open
door.
EVELYN KING GILMORE.
Evening star., 1941-05-20
Discusses Americas Attitude
Toward France as Collaboration"

lOWATO FRANCO AS SOudDOTAtOT.
To the Editor Of The Star:
How often have we heard the express
sion of astonishment, How could I
know that they were going to do any
such thing? In dull times of prosaic
life where courts function, where every
man is supposed to realize that he may
be held responsible for the natural and
probable consequences of his own acts"
the ejaculation of surprise may be toll
Grated. In world filled with war,
where the ally Of one day may be the
enemy of the following, defense duty
demands We shall be on the alert con-
stantly.
1t would be difficult to measure the
extent of the affection felt by the
American people for France. The most
conspicuous park in Washington, named
in honor of q Frenchman, Lafayette
Square, fronting the White House, car
ries on its corners nearest to the Presi-
stantly reminding us of the contributions
of Frenchmen to the national life of
America.
Millions Of Americans have admired
these monuments; other millions have
read their history, all expressing sense
of gratitude to the land dedicated to
liberty, equality and fraternity. When
France was threatened in 1914 but little
effort was required to arouse American
sympathy in her behalf
At the opening of the present war,
however, America was Indifferent to-
ward France But little surprise was
manifested at her surrender A general
suspicion existed that the unity of France
had been lost. Communism was ramp
ant, monarchism was influential, while
pro-Hitlerism joined with all factions in
destroying democracy. Nazi military in
vasion was huge success. More than a
million French soldiers were imme-
mediately held hostages as German po-
lice searched for evidence of revolution.
Meanwhile, Marshal Petain, a vener-
able soldier was made chief of the new
French government. There was no
danger to German influence while he
was nominal head of the subjugated
state. Then came the shock Vichy
announced plan of collaboration" with
Hitler. Petain told the people of France
they must not discuss affairs, measure
risks nor weigh actions, they must
abandon all individual thought and
render absolute obedience to their
leader" The usual meaning Of COL
laboration Is to work in conjunction with
another, both parties aiming to secure
the same end. The sort of collaboration
Petain promises bodies i'll for England
and America.
Whether we like it or not, we are now
bound up with the destiny of Britain.
Our interests in the Atlantic will not
allow us to tolerate German success in
Ireland or the Azores. 1t is our move.
We must not be deceived by Vichy's
promise that ut has not the slightest
intention of attacking England and less
Of attacking the United States"
Let us notify Hitler that any attempt
on his part to invade Ireland will be re-
garded as an act of aggression toward
the United States.
We should at once explore Martinique,
placing guard over that island precise
Evening star., 1941-05-20
Criticizes Presidents Intentions"
And Says Picture" Is Changing"

To the Editor Of The Star
I wish to protest the administrations
policy. Since the bellicose speech of the
honorable Secretary of War, all doubt
as to President Roosevelts intentions
have evaporated. He means to take us
into war.
People here in the COW country are
beginning to see that insuring British
victory means more than material aid
1t means our full participation as bel
ligerent. This discovery is changing the
whole picture. I believe that the ad-
ministration senses this and purpose
fully is accelerating the tempo so as to
head 1t of. But the people of the Mid
west are not as thick-headed as some
might suppose.
GEORGE SUDERMANN.
Hillsboro, Kans.
Evening star., 1941-05-20
Hillsboro, Kans.
Wants SabOteurs Shot
For Crimes Against Nation.

To the Editor Of The Star:
Let's fight fire with fire! With war
tension growing within our borders and
with an ever-increasing number of cases
of sabotage reported daily in our papers
explosions. fires and plane crashes
let's bear down on these dangerous enc
mics.
This is no time to compromise a
situation dangerous to both the lives
and property of our citizens. If our
present laws, which provide only prison
and fine for such crimes. are not ade-
quate, then why don't our lawmakers
give us law which will apply the firing
squad? e. r. HAAS.
Evening star., 1941-05-20

O. Is it correct to pronounce Belvoir
as il is spelled?-L. M
A. Usage of the present day makes
this correct. In George Washingtons
time Belvoir was pronounced as II
spelled Beaver.
@. What was the first American ship
in the China traoe?-I. F.
A. The Clipper ship Ann McKin,
sailing in the China trade from 1888
to 1847, was the first of the American
ships in this trade.
@. approximately how many camels
are used for transportation purposes?
A. Y.
A. Three million camels should be
counted as a means of transportation.
@. What is the connection between
Federal Hill in Baltimore, Md, and the
signing of the Constitution?-R. A.
A. To celebrate the ratification of the
Constitution by Maryland, 5000 marchers
with a 15-foot model of a full-rigged
ship, named the FederaliSt, paraded up
this hill. Later the Federalist was pre-
sented to George Washington.
@. How did the term jackanapes
originate?-T. S.
A. The term jackanapes was first
applied to pet apes in the 18th century.
Monkeys were first brought into Eng
land from Naples and we're humorously
called Jack O. Naples"-hence jacka-
napes.
@. What constituted mission in the
frontier days?-R. I. A.
A. A mission in the frontier days In
cluded besides a chapel. a granary, a
kitchen, administrative Offices, cells for
the friars and quarters for the Indian
neophites.
@. What is the method of the blitz-
krieg attack?-T. R. o.
A. The blitzkrieg attack is made by
thin columns penetrating the weak
points in the enenys defense. The
attack is concentrated on selected de-
finite points and is speeded up by the
tank and airplane.
Evening star., 1941-05-20
Letters to the Editor

Letters to the Editor must
bear the name and address OF
the ,1riter, although the use OF
a pseudonyn1 for publication is
permissible. The Star reserves
the right to edit all letters uith
q D1e1O to condensation.