davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1941-12-20
Coal Act Decision

In decision marked by the vigor-
GUS dissent of three members, the
Supreme Court once more has re-
affirmed the right Of an executive
agency Of the Government to exer-
else a high degree of authority in
Interpreting the law which it ad-
ministers. Passing on phase of the
Bituminous Coal Act, five members
of the court not only agreed with a
challenged administrative ruling,
but, in the decision read by Justice
Reed, went even further to lay down
the broad doctrine that the issue
involved was one left to the discre-
ton of the Bituminous Coal Division
of the Interior Department, and
where as here a determination has
been left to an administrative body,
this delegation will be respected and
the administrative conclusion left
untouched"
The litigation developed from an
arrangement made by the Seaboard
Air Line to procure coal for its own
use by leasing coal lands and having
the mines operated under contract.
This procedure, the railroad con-
tended, gave it the status Of a pro-
ducer-consumer, with consequent
exemption from the regulatory pro-
visions Of the coal act. The Coal
Division director refused to grant
the exemption, and when reversed
by the Fourth Circuit Court Of Ap-
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1941-12-20
THIS AND THAT
By Charles Z. Trdce1peH.

now, In what seems to be an insane
world, than fat rascal Of a squirrel,
seated on his launches, with the white
fur Of his stomach showing, as he holds
nut in his forepaws and proceeds 70
engage in what is to him the matter of
the moment, eating
There is breath of the sane earth
brought to the watcher, as he looks over
this pleasing picture.
He sees humor there, good humor, If
you please.
He would almost be willing TO swear
that this animal with the great bushy
tail is laughing at him, and saying, as
the great sane Emerson said many years
ago, why so hot, little mani"
The squirrels tail comes up and over
Its back, much as an umbrella held III a
somewhat unusual position.
This tail, the squirrels balance wheel
may act as sort of balancer to the con-
templating human mind.
1t has an air, that tail. What would
squirrel be without his tail?
1t seems as If nature must have had
some great idea when it invented tails
Any one who has watched house cat
with sympathy understands why its
scientific name adds up to tail waver e
That waving tail, in respect to the OBJ
server, Is really the most important thing
about the animal. 1t is the very irst
thing that children notice, as they often
show by making grab for it, much TO
tabby's disgust.
The tail of our ordinary gray squirrel
is one of the most marvellous of all tails.
If we look at 1t closely, we see at once
that 1t not only serves all the primary
functions of an animal tail, but that ii
is as important to the animal as its four
legs in its great leaps and bounds in the
trees.
Just as the old-fashioned tight-rope
performer used a large stick, or pole, 81
a balancer, 50 the squirrel uses its tail.
Somehow nature seems to have created
one of its most appealing pictures, ir
the ordinary squirrel hunched up eating
nut, with that fine tail waved up anc
over the back.
Here Is picture which would help u
keep a philosopher sane, and shall i
not help all of us ordinary mortals, II
times such as these?
We can well take time out, every nov
and then, to watch the squirrels, anc
to feed the birds, and to make sure tina
Ue steady DIR oYtra ordinary IIItiaS n,
keeping firm hold Of our ordinary ones
This is no time. surely, to be forget.
ting the sweet and decent things of tn,
earth, the fresh air, the wonderful trees
the birds, the animals, the whole crea'
ton which our God has made and giver
to us, and which We must defend as 6
holy trust. 1t has been given to us fol
our time, our land, and we must keer
it fine and sane for all time.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1941-12-20
EUCLID STREET.

Dear Sir:
please tell me what I can do to get
my mind OF the war. I don't mean to
stop thinking about the war, but to be
thinking about 1t every minute Of the
time is awful. I don't know whether my
mind will bear up under it or not
IT listen to the radio and hour after
hour hear our own stations broadcast
ing Japanese claims, spreading Japanese
propaganda.
IT want to know what to do to get my
mind of Of it. just for little while. I
have tried reading and no go; even my
old friends, the movies, leave me cold.
Perhaps you have some suggestions.
Hoping you can help me, to keep me free
from too much worry, so my mind can
be clear and ready, remain,
Sincerely yours, L. T. B."
My advice is to go out and look at q
squirrel.
If you live in the suburbs, this is easy.
Maybe if you live downtown, or in the
older residential districts, you can still
have the mental hygiene offered by the
contemplation of squirrels.
At any rate, it is possible to walk out
into the Zoo, or into Rock Greek PARK,
or any Of the squares and circles or
parks. Montrose Park, over in George
town, is excellent.
A squirrel we believe, offers more
help in this matter than birds, even.
There is something about squirrel!
He Is fat, saucy, impudent, with that
good nonchalance which Is a lesson to
all OF us, when sudden events seem TO
be getting US down, for the time being.
This Is an animal to study and love
1t any time. but particularly during times
OF stress, when we need some sort Of
balance wheel
Religion Is the great Balancer, 1t Is
true, and its aid must be suggested to all
persons at all times.
There are occasions when religion
seems just a bit too solemn for many
persons. The solaces and consultations
Of religion they would reserve for other
occasions when their need is greater
1t Is now Just a matter OF sudden
changes, and the need, as our CORE
spondent puts 1t, to get ones mind of
the war Just for time, every now and
then.
The squirrel, as We know it in these
parts, is the gray squirrel. an impudent
and fat rascal at its best at this time of
year.
Most Of the suburban squirrels are IN
usually plump this winter This may or
may not show that nature has made
them ready for a severe winter. We DO
not know. Only time will tell
Their fairness, however, makes them
most engaging in appearance.
Surely there Is nothing more sane,
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1941-12-20
Viroinio Power Hookup

Announcement that the Potomac
Electric Power Co. will make an i'm
mediate interconnection with the
Virginia Public Service Co. to meet
power emergency in Northern Vir-
ginia is reassuring to residents Of
the entire Washington area. 1t Is
particularly welcome news to citi-
zens Of the nearby Virginia territory
who have been subjected to several
annoying blackouts due to power
failures in recent months. 1t is OF
Importance also because it means
that every precaution is being taken
to prevent power failures in an area
now including important defense
plants and Government buildings.
1t has been evident for some time
that the rapid growth of Arlington
and Fairfax Counties and the city of
Alexandria has taxed the capacity
of the Virginia Public Service Co.
The company has enlarged its facili-
ties and planned further expansion,
but has been handicapped by the
difficulty in obtaining electrical
equipment AS stopgap arrange
ment, the Federal Power Commits
sion last month effected a 1900
kilowatt capacity interconnection be-
tween Pepco and the V. S. P. at
the Virginia end of Key Bridge.
This utilized to the limit the capac-
ity of the cable near Key Bridge.
Under the commissions new order,
the two systems are to be linked
through a power cable under the
Potomac River from the facilities in
Washington to or near the new War
Department Building. P o. m C
Electric is to supply Virginia with
such current as it can spare, up to
10000 kilovolt amperes. This will in
crease the available capacity OF v.
P. S. approximately one-third. If
necessary, Pepco is to augment
its own supply. Also, the intercon-
nection will be such that Washington
could draw on v. P. S. in an emer-
gency.
For years Pepco has served a
small portion of Arlington County
through a subsidiary, the Braddock
Light g. Power Co. When the new
interconnection is made, a larger
portion of the area will be blocked
off to receive Pepco current. v. p.
s. officials, who assert a direct
interconnection with Pepco is i'm
possible because Of technical prob
LENS, say they will serve the terri
tory outside the blocked OF section.
Those getting Pepco current, how
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1941-12-20

peals, carried the case to the su-
preme Court.
Justice Roberts read the dissent In
which Chief Justice Stone and JUS
tice Byrnes joined. He pointed out
that the aim of the legislation was
to control prices and unfair meth
DDS Of competition in the marketing
Of bituminous coal, and that where
the marketing factor was absent, as
here, the claim for exemption from
the regulatory provisions was on
solid ground. With equal force,
Justice Roberts emphasized that II
law has been misconstrued by an
administrator, the court should say
so.
This court obviously fails in per-
forming its duty and abdicates its
functions as a court Of review If it
accepts, as the opinion seems to do,
the directors definition of producer
and then proceeds to accommodate
the meaning Of related provisions (of
the act) to the predetermined def
nition," he said.
The minority view as to the intent
Of the law Is well founded. The dis
sent serves its principal purpose,
however, in stressing the unwisdom
Of the latitude in administration
which the decision confers. Judi
cial lawmaking" was the target Of
the administration in the historic
court fight, but this tendency has
been no less evident since the bal
ance of power on the bench shifted
to the New Deal. Particularly has
this been true in numerous in
stances in which the court has up
held administrative rulings based
solely on implied legal authority.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1941-12-20
Transition

The song I lDould hare sung but
yesterday
Shall neUer no,D be sung,
So long ago, so far at0ay, seems yes
terddy,
And our Dorld then so young.
And this pure cloudless arch OF sky
That Would then hare caught my
breath,
Is today much less OF unfa,oed sky
Than a blue arena for game OF
death.
And these, the sentinel and silent
pines,
Ranked and Daiting on q mindless
hill,
Seem but betrayal couched IN IN
noued pines,
So secretiue they are, and stiH.
FREDERICK EBRIGHT.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1941-12-20

entrenched, heavily financed, but cor
ruption-ridden political party. That
could only happen in soil where the
roots Of democracy grow deep.
With reference to the allegation con-
corning national defense, instead Of
hampering defense efforts, the insular
government has gone all out" to aid it.
In this connection, it has allotted hun
dreds of acres of land for defense use,
and one private individual alone has
rented $4,000 acres to the United States
Army at 81 a year. In addition, the call
for 10000 draftees brought an immediate
response in the form of $500 volunteers.
Can Mr.. Trumbull, or any fair minded
American, construe such manifestations
of loyalty as 'hampering defense eff
forts?
OF course. there have been conflicts
between civilians and soldiers or sailors,
but haven't we had like conflicts in
various parts of the United States?
Never in all Of their 43 years under
the American flag have Puerto Ricans
been found wanting in a time of ma
tional emergency. In the first World
War $4,000 troops were trained. fully
equipped and prepared for service in
France. Right now on the island, war
fever runs high. Puerto Ricans have
flocked to the colors and the people Of
the island will answer every demand
made for their services by the President.
I feel that Mr.. Trumbull has been
grossly misinformed about Puerto Rico
and therefore will appreciate your
publishing this humble effort to set him
and his readers right.
FRANK BUCKLEY.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1941-12-20

observations of the corona Of the sun
the irregular halo of delicate. pearl-col-
ored light which is visible only during
a total eclipse. When its light is split
up into a spectrum the main charac-
teristic is strong green line which does
not coincide with q line Of any Of the
known elements.
There has been a suggestion" Prof.
James says, that 1t may match one Of
the lines OF the aurora borealis. 1t may
we'll be that there is some connection
between the aurora and the corona, for
both vary with sunspot activity. An
other corona line in the red was first
discovered in the eclipse Of 1914 and it
would appear from later observations
that it changes its intensity to a marked
degree. Most of the corona lines vary
somewhat in strength at various periods
but the change in the red line intensity
would seem to be greater than the rest.
A suggestion has been made that the
origin Of this line is some form Of hy-
drogen.
THE statement that coronium was
possibly an element lighter than hydro
gen cannot be entertained In any cir
cumstances In the light of present atomic
theory. It IS impossible for an element
to exist that Is lighter than the flrst
element In the atomic scale"
The most recent research work, Prof
James says, shows that coronium may
be very diffuse oxygen in a state of
ionization that is with electrons
stripped from its atoms-unfamiliar on
earth. IF such proves to be the case"
he says, "coronium, like nebulium, will
have lost It's status z - element of
mystery and the solution will have gone
q long way to suggest that there is
nothing new under the canopy of heaven
only change. This postulate is . far
reaching one. Discovery Of the future
win probably be directed more and more
70 proof Of this statement"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1941-12-20
ever, will be billed and serviced

ever, will be billed and serviced
by the v. P. s. organization. The
arrangement will give every assur-
ance possible that all existing power
in this area will be available to the
public. Many Virginia users, how
ever, long objecting to the higher
rates charged by v. P. S., will not re-
gard the new arrangement as COM
pletely satisfactory until they OBJ
tain rates they consider more in &C
cord with those charged by the
Pepco in Washington and nearby
Maryland
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1941-12-20

It is probable that the Nazis have
not really seen anything yet as con-
Germs the Russian front. They have
encountered Colonel November and
Brigadier December, but wait until
they come up against that frigid old
couple, Lieutenant General January
and Field Marshal February.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1941-12-20
Disagrees With Author
OF Articles on Puerto Rico.

To the EDITOR OF The Star:
have read. with no little surprise, the
series of articles concerning Puerto
Rico, published in The Star.
Apparently Stephen Trumbulr, author Of
the series, handled the assignment after
the fashion Of many other writer's who
have reported on Puerto Rico in the
past. The procedure involves a dash to
the island via airplane, stay Of two or
three days interviewing usually the
wrong people. and a departure with the
conviction that the absolute "low- down"
on island conditions is locked in brief
case.
To the uninformed-the reader who
never has been to Puerto Rico and Is
entirely unfamiliar with island prob
lens or conditions. the conclusions that
can be most readily drawn from Mr..
Trumbull's articles are that Puerto Rico
has made no appreciate progress during
It's 43 years under the American flag,
that its people regard defense efforts
only as q means for personal enrich
ment, and that the insular or native
government actually Is hampering de-
tense efforts.
If Mr.. Trumbull will take time out to
consult the record he will find the situa-
ton in all Of these instances to be
otherwise.
Since 1898. which was the year Of
American occupation. Puerto Rico has
made noteworthy social and economic
gains. Export trade has multiplied
twelvefold. Marked progress is apparent
in education, health and sanitation and
highway construction. In the last gen.
eral election. the people of the island
rose up and drove from Office strongly
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1941-12-20


A reader can get the dnsDer to any
question Of fact by prtttng The Ere-
ming Star Information Bureau, Fred
eric J. Haskin, director, Washington.
D. c. Please inclose stamp for reply.
@. Did Llosds of London offer insur-
ance on the bombing of Washington
B. c.
A. Last August Lloyds Of London
offered odds of 1000 to that Washing
ton will not be bombed.
@. How far is it by air from Toxic to
Vladivostok?-E. T. J.
A. The airline distance between the
two cities Is 653 miles
@. How many persons in New York
City own dogs?-H. P. @.
A. There are 3l7,743 dog owners in
Manhattan.
@. Who was the last Judge in the
United States to wear a wig?-J. H. H.
A. Justice William Cushing of Massa-
chusetts was the last American judge 20
wear a full English wig. He discarded
IL WHen street GICIlllS III new 1OIk
ridiculed him by hooting.
@. How many civilians in England
have been killed and wounded since the
war began?-E. w. F.
A From the beginning of the war
through October, 1941, there have been
96,796 civilian casualties, including killed
and injured.
@. What cities have the largest num-
Der of FIN sets in use?-H B. T.
A. New York City leads with $4,000.
Chicago has $4,000 and Los Angeles,
10000.
@. How does the urban population IN
the United States compare with that Of
the rural districts?-F. A. H.
A. OF the total 1910 population, 74,423,-
TOP persons were city dwelers 27,oe4 ACT
were rural non-farm jewellers and 30
,076 were rural farm jewellers. The
rural non-farm population includes per-
sons In small villages and towns and
those in the suburbs just outside of large
| cities.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1941-12-20
Letters to the Editor

Letters to the Editor must
bear the name and address OF
the 1Uriter, although the use of
q pSeudonym for publication is
permissible. The Star reserves
the right to edit all letters ,Uith
q UietD to condensation.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1941-12-20
Uncle Sans Almanac, 1942-

Uncle Sans Almanac, 1942-
Compiled by Frederic ]. Haskin, Is
private publication assembled
mainly from governmental sources.
The content is timely-giving facts,
figures, tables and charts of cur
rent interest. The amount Of
worthwhile information between
the covers of this publication is
almost unbelievable. No household
should be without copy. To Sc
cure your almanac inclose 10 cents
in coin, wrapped in this clipping.
and mail to The Star Information
Bureau.
Name
Address
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1941-12-20

are the oldest formal gardens In
America.
@. For whom is Lufkin, Tex, named?
e M S.
A. The city was named for E. P. Luf-
kin, civil engineer, who surveyed the
route of the E. & w. Railroad running
between Houston and Shreveport, and
who also surveyed and laid out the city
of Lufkin in 1882.
O. Is 1t true that eggs were used In
painting some of the famous miniatures2
e. E. r.
A. Holbein is said to have painted his
inimitable miniature portraits with egg
yolk or egg-white or both. Candy and
honey were also used by some Of the
famous painters.
@. Why is the West Coast climate
more temperate than that of the East
Coast of the United States?-G. G. S.
A. The Japan Current and the pre-
valing westerly winds blowing over vast
areas of temperate oceanic waters
modify the climate on the West Coast.
O. For what speech in London was
Admiral Sims reprimanded by the Presi-
dent?-J. j. M.
A. During a visit of the Atlantic Fleet
to England in 1910, Comdr. Sims caused
a sensation at a dinner at the Guildhall.
London, when he said: Speaking for
myself, believe that If the time ever
comes when the British Empire is men,
aced by an external enemy you may
count upon every man, every drop Of
blood. every ship. and every dollar Of
your kindred across the sea-"
@. Why did "Publick Occurrences" the
first newspaper in America, publish only
one edition?-F. D. S.
A. The authorities forbade anything
further in print without license. saying
this paper contained reflections of a
very high nature"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1941-12-20
Readers Disagree
About Miss Rankin's Vote.

Readers Disagree
About Miss Rankin's Vote.
To the Editor of The Star:
AS one who has the deepest respect
for Miss Jeanette Rankin because Of
her courageous anti-war vote, would
like to express my gratitude to your cor
respondent, Mary L. Gibson, for her
tolerant understanding and good will
towards an opinion with which she does
not agree.
There are some among us who are
profoundly convinced that the way of
love and creativeness alone can solve the
problems of mankind, and who heartily
acclaim and endorse the stand against
war that the Rev. DR.. John Haynes
Holmes has taken, which your paper
reported most fairly.
ANNE E. MOFFETT.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1941-12-20

@. What is the per capita consumption
Of ice cream?-J. T. H.
A. 1t is estimated that per capita con-
sumption in 1871 is 1851 quarts.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1941-12-20
ANNE E. MOFFETT
To the Editor Of The Star.

To the Editor Of The Star.
So Mary L. Gibson condones Miss
Jeanette Rankin's vote mo" to war with
Japan. Maybe she had legal right so
to vote but how about her moral respon-
sibility. her patriotic duty to the district
she halls from and to her Government
that pays her handsome salary to stand
by when its safety and best interests Is
involved? TEXAS JONES.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1941-12-20
Warns That Cost of Defeat
Exceeds Cost Of Victory.

To the Editor of The Star:
Owen l.. Scott writes in The Sunday
Star that "the cost of victory will be
high" May we have from Mr.. Scott
next week, or week after, parallel arti-
Gle on THE Cost Of Defeat will be
Disaster" to get away from the idea
many seem to be entertaining that
maybe victory really isn't worth the
pf3ce''f q. W. AENDUM.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1941-12-20

@. What is the oldest formal garden
in the United States?-G. H. F.
A. Middleton Place Gardens, near
Charleston, S. c., dating back to l740,
are the oldest formal gardens In
America.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1941-12-20

@. How many ushers are there at t.
Metropolitan Opera House?-E. K. B.
A. There are 26 ushers employed there.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1941-12-20

@. How far is 1t by air from Toxic to
Vladivostok?-E T. J.
A. The airline distance between the
two cities Is 653 miles.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1941-12-20

@. What is the source of the line:
There is nothing either good or bad,
but thinking makes it so?"-T. B.
A. 1t is from Act II. Scene 2 of Ham
let"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1941-12-20

@. How many persons in New York
City own dogs2-H P. G.
A. There are 3l7,743 dog owners in
Manhattan.