davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1941-12-12
THIS AND THAT
BIZ Charles Z. Trdce1Uell.

II the listener is sensitive to musical
patterns, he will grasp at once this idea
Of the Carolina wren's song being in
the form OF wheel going around and
around
This bird is regarded as a permanent
resident hereabouts, but any gardener
will welcome 1t as real guest, since
most OF the time it remains near water.
In February, 1913, this species was
nearly exterminated during severe
storm. Since then, however, it has re-
covered, and often comes to gardens in
suburban sections, especially in the fall.
No doubt some of them migrate. That
is why it is impossible to know whether
a Carolina wren does not care for ones
food, or simply is not seen again because
it has left town
1t might be good thing to put few
meal worms in the tray.
These can be secured at the pet
stores, or may even be grown at home,
with the aid of old meal covered with
a wet cloth. Time and moisture will do
the trick, but it is good idea to keep
the box covered with a fine wire, in
order to keep the meal worms. at their
various stages, confined to the box
1t is much easier to purchase them
They are sold by the thousand, and
are relished not only by most insect
eating birds. but also by aquarium fishes.
We can sympathize with our CORE
spondent when it comes to feeding Eng
lish sparrows and starlings, and when
to these are added 18 pigeons the feed
bills 60 up sharply.
Certainly bird feeding would be nicer,
on many counts, If only the rarer birds
were to come. Just how this is to be
accomplished without cruelty, however.
is another matter.
Starlings and sparroWs are quite as
hungry as the choicer birds. They can
not be blamed for wanting TO eat, and
for eating when food is placed where
they can see it.
The female English sparrow can be
forgiven her scrawny look in the fall.
She has just got done laying between
20 and IS eggs, which is many more than
any other species.
During the winter she will regain her
fat, and by February be one Of the fin
est-looking little birds in the garden.
She will have a round and innocent
air which her rather villainous- looking
mate never will have.
Starlings, it must be admitted, are
rather on the dumpy side, with their
short tails and large bodies.
When the sun CLEANS on them just
right. in the spring they take on electric
sheens which are seldom seen at any
other periods.
At that time they whistle and sing
so sweetly that few persons credit them
with the sounds. Government ornitholo-
gists who have made close studies Of
these birds will tell you that they are
fully entitled to the designation of song
bird.
Ada Clapham Govan. in Wings at My
Window" says that "one of the sweet
est souls who ever came into this yard
was an English sparrow named Little
Chap"
Evening star., 1941-12-12
ARLINGTON, Va.

Dear Sir:
AS q comparative stranger to this
region, and hence to its bird life, flnd
your column not only enjoyable but
also most helpful
AT present I have a problem with
which l am sure you can help me. am
currently the proud host Of Carolina
wren, which is a rare treat, indeed, to
one who has hitherto lived in too north
erly q climate for this fascinating crea-
ture. However, the term 'would-oe host
suits the situation better, I'm afraid. I
first caught sight of this bird trying un-
successfully to get suet from suet stick.
Subsequently have heard it singing and
seen it fitting about in the small trees
and bushes. Today it came to a window
feeding station, but after a close scrutiny
of the bill of fare, departed unsatisfled.
At that time, on the tray were sunflower
seeds, mixed bird seed and chopped suet.
1 hastily added a piece of apple and
some raiSinS, which happened TO have
been all gone at the time of the wren's
visit. So far, the bird has not returned.
Is there something else that he especial
ly likes, or is 1t a question of waiting
until he feels more at home at the
feeder? At the time he was there, some
cardinals and titmice were lowering
about, and the yard was full OF SPAR
rows and various other birds, so per-
haps he was distracted I should cer-
tainly appreciate any advice you could
give me on how to keep this merry
songster on my domain.
st cannot close without adding my
voice to the general discussion OF star
lings and sparrows which goes on from
time to time in your column. The reason
the main one-why both are so un-
popular with me personally is this: I
can only afford to put out a certain
amount of food day. and not a very
large amount; therefore 1t is exceedingly
discouraging to have 1t all eaten by the
hordes Of both these birds, leaving none
for the other less numerous birds who
wait hopefully for their turn, but in my
yard I fear are often disappointed. An
other reason is one of artistic preference
To me neither English sparrow nor
startling despite its attractive name is
beautiful. The startling has an unpleas-
ant, rapacious look; body to my mind
not well proportioned, and an ungainly
appearance whether perching or on the
ground. The sparrow, particularly the
female of the species, seems awkward
and uncouth. They have a way Of
stretching their necks which makes
them look scrawny, and their faces just
do not appeal to me. Furthermore, the
raucous noises Of the starlings affect
me the same way a back-fence cat sere-
made does, and the sparrow chorus is
simply irritating. I should be perfectly
content to have my entire quota Of these
birds 60 to some other cafeteria
Very sincerely yours, P. A. N. NJ"
The Carolina wren is larger than the
house wren, and much redder on the
back and wings
1t has loud, cheerful voice. which
may be said to resemble a musical wheel
Of some sort.
Evening star., 1941-12-12
Human Resources

Now that we are engaged in an
all-out war that will tax all of the
Nations resources to unprecedented
limits, it is essential that the Gov
ernment should take full stock of
one of the more important of those
resourceS-man power. A partial in
ventory of Americas man power was
taken last year when more than
100000 men between the ages of
twenty-one and thirty-five were reg
istered under the Selective Service
Act. About 100000 of these selectees
are in Americas new Army of
100000 men. Thousands of the
remaining selectees have received
valuable training, and all of those
registered have been classified ac-
cording to their physical and pro-
fessional qualifications, family status
and other attributes or defects.
Since it is the consensus of most
authorities that we must prepare
ourselves for long, hard conflict,
the time has come to make more
complete survey of the country's
human resources. 1t is with that end
in view that Brigadier General Louis
B. Hershey, director of selective serv-
Ice, favors legislation to provide for
Nationwide registration of all able
bodied men and women for possible
military or civilian war service.
Somewhat similar proposals were
made when the original Selective
Service Act was under considera-
tion in Congress but were dropped
in favor of the more restricted reg
iStration plan.
Then we were nominally at peace,
and our peril was relatively far
removed Today, however, our islands
have been attacked, our men killed,
our ships sunk and our very main
land threatened by hostile planes.
Our danger is real and imminent.
1t behooves every citizen to make
every needed sacrifice, to give every
ounce of his energy in defense of
his country and his home. Millions
are ready and eager to do their part,
II given the opportunity. This vast
reservoir Of potential man power and
woman power should be surveyed as
the initial step toward organizing
and directing our human resources
into useful channels. These great
reserves of men and women may
Evening star., 1941-12-12
Letters to the Editor

habitual resort to armed force as a
method of settling international diff
fculties. 1t Is evident that Japan is
lawless member of the international
community. There is no pro-Japanese
propaganda, however efficient and skill
full, that is competent to whitewash her
black behavior in the family of nations.
The evident discrepancy between the
words and the actions Of the Japanese
government has discredited no one but
the japanese people. No one doubts that
Japan is afflicted with, suffering from the
insanity of aggression. Having unrea-
sonably demanded a free hand" in Asia
and not obtaining it, she suddenly has
started terrific offensive The world is
not blind to that type of behavior The
future student of geography will be un-
able to find Japan on the map
WING WONG
Evening star., 1941-12-12
Huskin's Answers
To Questions
BIZ Frederic J. HdSktn.


A reader can get the anSUer to any
question OF fact by Driting The Eus-
ming Star Information Bureau, Fred
eric J. HdSkin, director, Washington.
D. C. Please incloSe stamp for reply
@. What is the per capita amount of
life insurance in the United States?-
T. j. H
A. The l941 estimate Of the Instituts
Of Life Insurance. is 1925 per capita,
which is an all-time peak.
@. How many airplane passengers land
at La Guardia Field in New York City?-
M. S. H.
A. In the first nine months Of ls4l,
1886 fights took off and landed, carry
ing 953,925 passengers.
@. What movie star receives the most
fan mail?-E. j. H
A. Gene Autry's mail is said to exceed
that of any other star
@. Who painted the portrait Of Theo-
dore Roosevelt which hangs in the red
room of the White House, L. H
A. 1t was painted in 1923 by John
Singer Sargent.
@. How much money is collected in
Government taxes?-W. w. z.
A During the fiscal year 1s41 a total
of s166O0, 100000 was collected by all
units of Government in the United
States.
Evening star., 1941-12-12
Affirms Principle Of Unity
Is Means" of Order and Cooperation.


Is Means of Order and Cooperation.
To the Editor Of The Star:
Perhaps a change in direction for the
labor movement is inevitable. The time
may be ripe for the crusaders who are
furthering it to realize that developments
have reached the end for the time being.
They should be satisfied with the forward
stride that has been made in order to
hold the gains in a constructive state.
Looking over the gains, although the
labor movement presents a problem. we
find it expressed in terms of organiza-
ton. The principle of organization is a
real contribution to unity for the benefit
of the human race.
Since unity is what we struggle for
now in world of chaos, organization
is the element in the whole process that
should be preserved in the event the
labor unions are placed under jurisdic-
ton of the Government.
Keep the people organized as means
of establishing order. The way to do
this is simple. Recognize those who hold
Office or are active in any vital respect
in the unions as key men. Let them
continue to hold Office or their respec-
tive places that they may work in
unison with the Government for the pur-
pose of solving the labor problem. This
would be beneficial in two ways 1t
would eliminate fear of losing their en-
ployment which may be the objection to
coming under jurisdiction of the Govern
ment and at the same time would serve
the Government both in work to defend
our Nation and in laying q foundation
for cooperation when peace is restored
in the world.
This plan would hold the great masses
organized and that is the essential ele-
ment in once more stabilizing America.
LILLIAN v. ODOUGHERTY.
Evening star., 1941-12-12

Foretells Disappearance Of Japan
From the Map Of the World.
To the Editor Of The Star:
Who says the Japanese are not clever
people? Perhaps they are q little too
clever.
Who says the Japanese government is
not astute in its foreign policy? Maybe
Japanese diplomacy is little too astute.
Japan's sudden attack on the United
States while peace negotiations were in
progress has intensified worldwide alarm
and indignation. The tide of popular
sentiment in foreign countries is swiftly
turning against Japan because Of her
Evening star., 1941-12-12

When the Japanese attacked Rus
sia in 1904, the principal advisers of
the Sun of Heaven were not certain
of victory. 1t would be interesting
to know the mental operations of
their successors at the moment
when they take on" the coalition of
all the, nations with legitimate in
terests in the Pacific.
Evening star., 1941-12-12

never be called for active duty But
by registering and classifying them
now, valuable time can be saved
in mobilizing them when their serv-
ices are required. Legislation to
effect this vital registration should
be enacted promptly.
Evening star., 1941-12-12
Calls For Uniformity
In Air Raid Signals.

In Air Raid Signals.
TO the Editor OF The Star:
How about a little national unity in
air raid alarm" and "sll clear" signals?
On Page B-1 Of The Star for Decem-
Der 10 it was reported that: Cd WASH
ington's alarm" will be a long more
than a minute) blast, followed by an
other one; Alexandria's alarm" will be
the v signal {. y: 90 Washington s
AL clear" will be a series Of short blasts
(easily confused with the alarm" OF
Alexandria,; Alexandrias "all clear"
will be q continuous blast compare
Wsshington's alarm.
So remember if you hear, say, long
blast. make sure whether you are in
Washington or Alexandria - otherwise,
you may get trampled in the opposing
rush.
Seriously, suggest that determine ton
of signals should rest with the Govern
ment, and such signals should be identi-
cal throughout the country.
RICHARD S. HAWKEY.
Editors note: The Star agrees
with Mr.. Hawkey. See editorial:
Eliminate the Confusion"
Wants Pre-Medical Courses
Shortened in Emergency.
To the Editor of The Star:
Now that this grave emergency is upon
us and with nationally recognized
shortage of physicians and trained medi-
cal personnel in general, would it not
be good idea for the universities and
medical colleges throughout the country
to shorten their pre-medical courses to
one year, or two at the most, and thus
enable the students to get right down
to medical studies within the shortest
possible time consistent, Of course, with
= the proper foundation for the work?
There undoubtedly are many students
in the pre-medical departments of our
various colleges throughout the country
who, because of outstanding scholastic
ability, could be satisfactorily transferred
to medical studies after one or two years.
This should prove wise course to fol-
low in view of the fact that it has been
admitted Dy liloSe Ill d poSltlon u KNOW
that we are going to have a long, hard,
grueling war on our hands. A trained
medical man is, therefore, more impor-
tant now, or at the earliest possible
moment, than one graduating with a
few extra frills several years hence.
The United States Naval Academy has
shortened the period of training for its
officers because of this emergency; surely,
trained medical men are no less neces-
sary to the fighting services of the coun-
try.
JAMES T. MCCARTHY.
Evening star., 1941-12-12

1t is reported that the citizens OF
suburban Forest Hills voted to let
Superintendent Kelly decide what
to do with his 100 extra policemen,
when he gets them. 1t would be fine
if members of our august Congress
would show that much forbearance.
Evening star., 1941-12-12

Uncle Sans Almanac. 1872
Now ready for mailing. The al
manac is the best vehicle ever
devised for concentrating a large
amount of information in a small
space. The 1912 edition of Uncle
Sans Almanac contains many
new and timely features, and is
packed full of facts and figures
that are right. 1t contains no
advertising, no propaganda, but
wealth OF everyday information
useful to the whole family. Send
for your copy now. Inclose 10
cents in coin, wrapped in this
clipping, and mail TO The Star
Information Bureau.
---------
Name
---------------
Address
Evening star., 1941-12-12
RetortS to Threat
OF japanese Press.

To the Editor OF The Star:
read in The Sunday Star of the
hostility of the japanese press which
said that in the event of America ag-
gression a billion people in East Asia
would become bombs" Since then news
has come to us that the Japanese have
attacked and killed some of our citizens
and destroyed our property.
I hasten to say that 1 believe that
most of us are ready to help explode
that billion of East Asian bombs.
MRS. M. E. HOLLEY
Evening star., 1941-12-12

Q. Is Mrs. Roosevelt Phi Beta Kap-
pax. N.
A. She is an honorary member of the
Radcliffe College Chapter Of Phi Beta
Kappa.
@ Please describe the statue on the
Mormon Temple al Salt Lake City-F. C.
A. The figure which surmounts the
central spire Of the temple at Salt Lake
City is IL feet in height and is Of ham
mered copper, covered with gold leaf.
1t represents the Angel Moroni. the son
OF Mormon, the compiler and writer Of
the Book of Mormon.
Q. What kind of pistol killed James
Fisk. jr., the King of Wall Street"?-
N. A.
A. He was killed in January, 1872, by
pistol described as being of new pat
tern" known as Colts house pistol, a re-
volver Of four chambers and a single
barrel Of the well-known Derringer bore
and pattern.
@. How many miles Of railroad are
there in the United States?-G. Pc.
A. On December 81. 1s4o there we're
233,670 miles of railway line in the con-
tinental United States
G. How deep below water do sponge
fishermen work?-C. B.
A. Especially designed equipment per-
mits sponge fishermen to work at depths
of $50 feet.
@. What is the name of the headdress
worn by women in Holland?-J. S
A. 1t is generally called "kap." For
the women of the province Of iceland,
"Zeeuwsche kap" and for the women Of
Volendam a "Voldendamsche kap"
@. Where is the home for dogs called
orphans Of the Storm"?-M. P. H.
A. orphans of the Storm" is the home
at Deerfleld, Ill, directed by Irene Cas-
tie Mclaughlin. 1t is a non-proflt or
ganization dedicated TO providing refuge
for stray and homeless animals. Thou
sands Of dogs. cats and other animals
have been placed in good homes through
its efforts.
@. What is the origin of penny post
age?-H. P. E
A. Sir Rowland Hill Q795-lS79) in
1887 published a pamphlet, Post Office
Reform in which he advocated an ad-
hesive postage stamp and low and uni
form rate between all places in the
British Isles In 1889 Hill was attached
to the Treasury Department for the pur-
pose of putting his projected reforms
into execution. and in the year 184o
uniform penny rate came into force
Q. Who designed the Lincoln Tomb in
Oak Ridge Cemetery at Springfield, Ill?
M S.
A. 1t was designed by Larkin G. Mead,
jr., of Brattleboro, VT
@. What hotel in the United States had
the first passenger elevator?-M H X
A. The Fifth Avenue Hotel. in New
York City, opened in 1859, was the first
hotel to introduce a passenger elevator.
Evening star., 1941-12-12

Among heroines just now would be
any operate lady who would aspire
to sing the title role of "Madama But
terfly"
Evening star., 1941-12-12

Next time it might be just as we'll
not to part with so much of our scrap
metal.
Evening star., 1941-12-12

@. How many miles Of railroad are
there in the United States?-G. Pc
A. On December 81. 1910, there we're
233,670 miles of railway line in the con-
tinental United States
Evening star., 1941-12-12

O. How deep below water do sponge
fishermen work?-C. B.
A Especially designed equipment per-
mits sponge fishermen to work at depths
of $50 feet.
Evening star., 1941-12-12

AZ ouAtCu tliC OUltcO oldleS D6SI.
So with Germany President Roosevelt
pursued open diplomacy. Again and
again he made public his peace pleas to
Hitler until the Fuehrer committed the
objectionable act of rudeness of refusing
to reply except by an address to the
Reichstag in which he held the President
of the United States up to scorn and
ridicule. Thereafter President Roosevelt
told the American people at almost every
opportunity just how and why Germany
was menace to the peace and security
of the United States.
Well, we seem to have gained nothing
by making concessions to japanese sensi-
bilities in our negotiations with the
japanese government. We know to-
day that we might just as well have
come out into the open and handled
Japan as we handled Germany. We
shouldn't have weakened the chances of
peace, because they couldn't have been
weaker, and at least we should have
better prepared American public opinion
for the impact of war
When Woodrow Wilson extolled the
virtues Of open diplomacy he was living
in a world in which peoples exercised at
least some control over their govern
ments through Parliaments, Reichstags
or Diets. And the peoples had at least
some means Of knowing the truth. But
today Hitler, Mussolini or Japanese
war party are completely uncontrolled
at home. They have clamped down upon
every possible source of information by
which their people can inform them
selves. In that kind of world appease-
ment in method has proved as futile as
appeasement in policy.
tcopyrisht. le41. Editorial Research Reporss)
Evening star., 1941-12-12

Q. Is Mrs. Roosevelt Phi Beta Kap-
pax. N.
A. She is an honorary member of the
Radcliffe College Chapter Of Phi Beta
Kappa.
The Nome nugget., 1941-12-22
RAF Smash At Jap Air Bases In Thailand

ABINGDON, Dec. 22 lAo) - The RAF attacked a Japanese air base in Eastern Thailand, de- stroying grounded planes and gasoline reserves yesterday, in the first aerial smash at the en- emy forces there.
 oave S200 by paY,ng in ad vance for your subscription.
The Nome nugget., 1941-12-22
Enemy Submarines Reported off acific Coast 200 Mi. From Frisco
 Two Oil Tankers Are Attacked

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 20 lP) . The Navy said tonight that it received unconfrmed reports that two oil tankers were at tackled off the California coast by One sent cut an sos
 One report said the 6,912-ton tanker Emidio was fired on, off Blunts Reef, near Eureka and sent out distress signals after smoke enveloped her.
 The other was the 6,677-ton tanker AgwiWor'd, attacked off Cypress Point, 100 miles south of San Francisco, and reportedly es capped and reached safety along the coast. The Navy does not deny. but cannot confirm the re- ports, Admiral J. w. Greenslade, commandant of the 18th district said.
The Nome nugget., 1941-12-22
U. Navy
 Bags At Least IA Axis Subs

WASHINGTON, Dec. 2l (Hl - A report on the success of the United States Navy in bagging Axis submarines, at least IA pro bably sunk or damaged in the Atlantic, and several effectively dealt with in the Pacific, was giv en to the nation tonight by Sec retary of the Navy Knox. Amid reports of hostile submarines ac- tive off both the East and West coasts, Knox admonished the pub lie that news of the attacks on American shipping, if unaccom- panied by immediate word of counter measures, is not to be construed to mean that the Navy is doing nothing.
The Nome nugget., 1941-12-22
U. 5. Subs Sink Enemy Warcraft In the Pacific

WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 (P)- The Navy reported that a U. s. sub sank an additional enemy transport" There were no de- tails on this latest reported ac- ton by American undersea craft. Earlier this week, it was an nounced that a sub sank one also probably a destroyer. The Navy communique also reported, Ca v.tc naval base in the Philippin- es, sustained a heavy bombing raid at noon Friday which caused some damage to property but only light casualties" to Ameri- can forces and civilian personnel.
The Nome nugget., 1941-12-22
Enemy Submarines Attack Pacific Coast Shipping
80 to l0o,OOO Japs Who Attempted Storm Philippines Met By us.
 Forces More Than Held Their Own

UNDATED, Dec. P lA') - Six to eight Jap divisions of 80 to 100000 men who strove for a real foothold on the island of LuZon, l50 miles from Manila, were met by a valiant defense in which American and Filipino troops more than held their own An estimate by the War Department at Washington doub led the previous estimates of the Jap invasion strength, carried to Philippine beaches by 80 troops ships under strong naval and air escort. Memberships put a host of 150-man-barges into the water
 They were sWamped ashore thru the shallow surf under hail of defense fire and maelstrom of hand-to-hand and tank combat on the beaches. Some of them succeeded in getting ashore said War Department communique.
 The communique added "The attempted invasion is being met with fierce resistance by Ameri-