davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1941-12-25
THIS AND THAT
Bu Charles E. Trdce1Deu,

the humus, or peatmoss Is q real one,
and 1t might be that much the same
problem arises in the home culture of
meal worms. Our advice to any one who
desires to try these worms to lure blue
birds is to get them from pet store
where they manage such matters out
of commercial necessity.
Carolina wrens, too, may be attracted
by these worms. This is friendly, large
bird, with very loud and clear voice.
Sometimes a few Of them will remain
in a neighborhood all winter.
We have seen more birds Of more
species bathing this winter than ever
before.
1t Is no unusual sight In the yard to
see half a dozen male cardinals perched
on and around the bird bath in the
corner.
This is more cardinals bathing than
we have ever seen before. Readers may
recall that several months ago this COL
umn carried many letters discussing
the bathing habits Of the redbirds. The
majority opinion was that few of them
bathed.
1t may just be that they are, ordi-
narily what might be called shy bathers;
that is, they do not make fuss about
it, as sparrows and starlings do, but
seek out some secluded spot.
There is nothing conservative, how
ever, about their bathing this winter.
They are at it all the time, often
Joined by their more modestly colored
mates, which perch in the nearby shrubs
while their f1ashy lords and masters take
their baths.
1t probably is that the long drought of
the summer and fall made all the birds
appreciate water more.
Now any morning there may be seen
red blue and gray and brown birds,
trying to get into three baths which our
yard affords them.
In recent days these had been frozen
over. In such cases, a bucket of water
poured into the bath will give the
songsters water at once; at the same
time 1t will melt the ice below.
1t Is not necessary to use hot water,
or even warm water; certainly hot wa
ter would be a cruel joke on the birds.
Ordinary cold water from the faucet
will do very well 1t is far warmer than
freezing, and If poured over the ice to
to depth Of an inch will soon melt the
ice.
Often 1t is not necessary to do more
than crack a small hole in the ice The
birds will do the rest They simply push
and peck away until the warmth Of
their 101 degree heated bodies melts a
hole sufficiently large enough to allow
them to drink and bathe.
Bluebirds have always meant happi-
| ness.
Let us feel confident that their pres
ence In large numbers in and around
Washington this winter is an augury
of good luck in our national effort. The
red. white and blue of the cardinals, jays
and bluebirds put Nature, and Natures
God, on our side. If you want to know
how we know, we can only say that a
little bird told us so.
Evening star., 1941-12-25

have overcome through tireless
efforts the handicaps of war, mount
ing taxes and an influx Of new resi-
dents whose interests are still CEN
tered primarily In the communities
from which they came. 1t should be
recognized, however, that no matter
how great the efforts Of those direct
ing the campaign, the drive could
not have succeeded in such gratify-
ing fashion had it not been for the
generous cooperation Of the people
of the city-the host of donors who
made a record-breaking total of
246,840 gifts to the Chest.
That so many people, despite the
numerous diStracting influences Of
the time, remembered their obliga-
ton to their less fortunate fellow
men gives impressive assurance that
this traditionally American concept
will not be blacked out by war or
adversity. In the year that lies i'm
mediately ahead, the $2OO1 ,440 Chest
fund which has been raised will
guarantee the meeting of the mini
mum needs of those who otherwise
would have been in dire want. But,
beyond that, the success of this years
drive is evidence that the residents
of the National Capital have a sense
of community responsibilities will
ingness to carry on" in the face
of prospective hardships-which will
stand them in good stead during the
difficult days that lie ahead.
Evening star., 1941-12-25

Tending forces, until, as the Navy
Departments terse announcement
put it, the little garrison by De-
cember 81 was in serious trouble" ;"
On that day II heavy japanese
bombers attacked the island and
finally were driven off, but not until
the 3-inch batteries had been hit,
leaving only four of these guns in
action, and not until the power
plant had been damaged and the
Diesel oil building and its equipment
had been destroyed.
On the following day-this past
Tuesday-a landing attempt was
made in great force" That was the
last communication from the be-
sieged Marines. Presumably, the
Japanese, after losing light cruiser,
probably three destroyers, and an
unknown number of planes and men,
have taken the island. There is no
word as to the fate of the garrison.
How many of the gallant men under
the command of Major James P. S.
Devereux, who lived in Chevy Chase
and who was we'll known in WASH
ington, have survived their ordeal
is a question that time alone can
answer.
But of one thing we may be GER
tain Tn everv American honoe this
Christmas Day will take on an added
meaning. For it is a Christmas on
which every American will pause to
pay tribute to the Marines of Wake
Island, who may have lost a hope
less battle, but who, in losing it,
have set an example of high courage
and devotion to duty of a type that
wins wars.
Evening star., 1941-12-25
"DITTMAR ROAD.

Dear Sir:
For several years, the undersigned
has regularly read and consulted your
helpful column for suggestions in con-
nection with wild-bird feeding. Help on
specific problem is now requested.
"On several occasions this fall, pair
of bluebirds has appeared in our garden
lin Virginia about mile from Chain
Bridge about am. each time and re-
manned for a few enthusiastically
perched on the edge of the bird bath.
One morning recently we were thrilled
to see six bluebirds in the garden at the
same time-again about am.
What feed can we put out to at
tract these rare and lovable birds, or
otherwise induce them to visit our gar
den regularly? Any helpful suggestions
will be gratefully received.
Sincerely, A. H. NJ"
Bluebirds are difficult to attract.
There seem to be more Of them around
this winter than usual. and the problem
is how to keep them.
Sometimes these beautiful birds will
live in orthodox bluebird houses during
the cold.
1t is a good preliminary idea, then, to
put up such houses at this time, and not
wait until the last of February, as in
normal times.
These, of course, are not normal times.
Maybe even the birds are beginning to
realize this.
The bluebird house has an entrance
hole of about one inch and quarter in
diameter This permits the entrance
of English sparrows, fact which cannot
be helped without going to war on them.
and heaven knows there is too much
war now. Let no one war on the birds.
If bluebird houses are received as
Christmas gifts-and they make mighty
nice gifts to suburban friends-the
houses should be put up at once. If
there are any bluebirds wintering in the
vicinity, the houses may attract them.
Not many species will live in houses out
of the nesting season. The bluebirds are
among the few that will, at times.
As to food, bread crumbs, ground up
suet, apple and meal worms may be
tried.
The latter are to be secured at pet
stores by the thousands. A few of these
wigglers might be put into the feeding
tray with the special idea Of trying to
please the birds.
Meal worms may be grown at home
in old flour or bran. This is not very
engaging sport, unless one happens to
be a person who somehow delights in
it. This, let us hastily say is not meant
as a reflection on such a person. There
are always people who do not mind
handling worms, and the like. They
find nothing repulsive in them. In the
home aquarium hobby, there is always
a demand for small white worms. COM
monty called enchytrae, which are used
as a food for exotic specimens Of fishes.
These are grown in moist humus, with
the box covered with damp cloth. The
difficulty Of separating the worms from
Evening star., 1941-12-25
The Road to Bethlehem

The road is long to Bethlehem.
We plod across loic, rolling hills
Where shepherds tend their gentle
focks
And pasture them by QSte3 rS3aa
Kind Joseph leads our patient beast
Along the crotoded, dusty ,ody.
Some PAY no heed, ,Dhile others stare
Lord, bless these tired folk, I pray.
The weary beast sets tiny feet
So carefully upon the road
As though to spare me any pain.
Hou willingly he bears his load!
Shall 1ue find room in Bethlehem?
But surely, Lord, trust In Thee
Who brought this ,0ondrous thing
to pass
Yes, Joseph, all Is Deu tDith me.
ELIZABETH HOWARD FTNNESSY.
Evening star., 1941-12-25
Community Chest

The Nations Capital may well be
proud Of all those who have played
any part in the successful conclu-
sion Of this years Community Chest
drive-a drive which has "gone over
the top" for the first time in a dec
ade despite obstacles of an unusually
difficult character
From General Chairman j. Clifford
Folger on down, all those who have
taken an active part in the direction
Of the campaign may take satisfac-
ton from the knowledge that they
have done an excellent Job. They
Evening star., 1941-12-25
Reader Deplores
"Inadequate Ambulance Services"

"Inadeauate Ambulance Services"
To the Editor of The Star:
For the past three years have been
a resident of Washington, prior to
which time, covering a period of over
40 years, resided in other cities of this
country.
In no city in which I have lived,
however, has there existed such a con-
dition as that which exists here with
respect to inadequate ambulance service
1t is an effortless matter for us to
donate millions of dollars-aye, hun
dreds of millions-for the relief Of
foreign peoples.
But how about little charity begin
ming right here in Washington?
w. G. WILLIAMS.
Evening star., 1941-12-25
Huskin's Answers
To Questions
BIZ Frederic J. Hdskin.

by fTCUeTIC j. AuShH.
A reader can get the dr,sDer to any
question OF fact by tDrtting The Epe-
ming Star Information Bureau, Fred
eric J. Hdskin, director, Washington,
D. c. Please inclose stamp for reply.
@. How many war planes have this
Army and Navy?-H. P.
A. The Army has between $500 and
$500 combat planes on hand at the
present time. AS of October, 1941, the
Navy, including the Marine Corps, had
1900 planes of all types on hand.
@. Was Alice Roosevelt Longworth
guest at the wedding of President and
Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt2-E. L. T.
A. She was one Of the bridesmaids.
@. Is there an estimate OF the num-
ber OF families In the United States
without sufficient food?-L K. G.
A. A recent poll shows that four out
of every 10 families in the Nation, or
total Of approximately 12,oo0o0o fam
lilies, are suffering from inadequate diets.
O. How many copies Of The Keys OF
the Kingdom" have been sold?-E. H. P.
A. Sales have reached 1900 copies.
@. Who won the Poe Cup at Princeton
this year?-E. j. H.
A. The John Prentiss Poe Cup was
presented to Robert L. Peters. IT,, OF
This auqrI tg maria
annually to a varsity football player on
the basis Of sportsmanship, play and
influence.
Evening star., 1941-12-25
Finds Fault With Congressmen
Who Tried to Block" Preparednei
To the Editor Of The Star:


To the Editor Of The Star:
May /, an American who has spent
many years In the Orient, give voice to
my opinions in your columns?
The attack on our bases at Honolulu
was a shock to me, but not a surprise.
The surprise to me comes from the atti-
tude of many members Of Congress.
With all due respect to the members
of both houses of Congress who have
supported the foreign policy of our Gov
ernment through the critical years lead
ing up to the present crisis, may I state
that in my humble opinion the present
situation can be blamed on the men
who did all in their power to block our
preparedness? I, for one, will not forget
the names of these men who told our
President that they had their own
sources Of information from abroad and
who refused to cooperate while there
was time tn terrifying our insular posses
sions. J. "A. MCGEE.
Evening star., 1941-12-25
Applauds Presidents Letter
In Behalf of HerO's Son.
To the Editor of The Star

To the Editor Of The STAR
venture the prediction that the letter
written by President Roosevelt to his
successor in 1856, suggesting that Colin
P. Kelly. III, whose father was killed
during the first days of fighting in the
Pacific, be considered for an appoint
ment to the Military Academy at West
Point, will go down in history with a
communication written by Abraham Lin
coin to Mrs. Bixby Of Boston, who had
lost five sons in the War Between the
States.
JAMES DODeON.
Evening star., 1941-12-25
The Bio Job Now

No precaution should be over
looked in preparation for an emer-
gency in Washington. This thought
undoubtedly led to the decision to
keep the school buildings, around
which some of the community de-
fense activities center. open and
under guard for twenty-four hours
day.
But without questioning the will
ingness of the teachers to volunteer
their services for this or any other
emergency. there is no reason why
teachers should be asked. or even
permitted, to guard school buildings.
Public Superintendent Kelly has a
large organization of volunteer po-
Lcemen. This force should be used,
or the regular policemen and fire.
men should be used. Certainly there
are other more appropriate duties
for teachers and women volunteers
than guarding school buildings at
night, and it is matter of regret
that so little forethought was given
to the matter when the teachers were
assigned the task.
Every day it becomes more evident
that there should be a reorganization
Of the civilian defense administra-
ton from the top down. Mayor La
Guardia should either resign as head
of the Office of Civilian Defense or
as Mayor Of New York. He can no
longer be expected to function eff
ciently or wisely with these two great
burdens on his shoulders. In WASH
ington, Colonel Lemuel Bolles, direc-
tor of civilian defense, must be given
adequate help. Nobody can do what
he is supposed to do, and do it eff
GENTLY, without being relieved of
the amount of detail with which he
Is now charged. 1t is absurd to con-
tend any longer that q lack of funds
is holding anything up. The money
Is or will be available. The civilian
defense organization is potentially
the most important municipal agency
in Washington at this time. 1t should
be recognized as such and organized
Immediately on a workable basis,
even If other things are neglected.
The original conception Of the
civilian defense organization was
that there are certain tasks which
must be performed by civilian VOL
unteers, properly trained in their
duties, so that in time of emergency
civilians will take care of themselves
and leave the military forces un-
hampered by civilian disorder.
The theory is perfectly sound. It
has demonstrated its effectiveness, to
the everlasting glory of England's
volunteers, many times over. And in
Washington, as elsewhere, the civil
ian volunteers have enrolled cheer
fully by the tens Of thousands to do
what is expected of them.
But to function properly, the civil
Ian organization must be capably
directed. There must be an end to
the backing and filling in issuance
Of orders; there must be some indi-
cation that those in authority know
what they want and how to get it;
there should be fewer admonitions
to the civilians about keeping cool"
and more demonstration by RESPONSE
BILE authorities that they themselves
are keeping cool. 1t is unnecessary
to apologize for mistakes of the past.
But mistakes now could have the
gravest consequences and a consum-
mate degree of intelligent leadership
is required to avoid them in this
crucial hour.
Evening star., 1941-12-25

New Testament-Peace on Earth,
Good Will Toward Men-These glad
Christmas tidings seem far removed
in this chaotic world-a world which
is involved in war. The need for
religion-right thinking and right
doing-seems to be the only hope
of mankind. The New Testament
with the words of the Saviour
printed in red Is the beacon light
for all who are oppressed. What
is more in keeping with the spirit
of Christmas than the Christian
doctrines set down by the Prince
of Peace? To secure your copy Of
the Testament inclose 20 cents In
coin. wrapped in this clipping, and
mail to The Star Information
Bureau.
Name
Address
Evening star., 1941-12-25

Hitler's Russian timetable, while
as difficult to figure out as most other
timetables, does seem to be cluttered
up now with a lot of scheduled
one-way retreat specials.
Evening star., 1941-12-25
Expresses Approval
OF Mr.. Scott's Article.

EUIVUI UI
The article in Sundays Star by Owen
L. Scott, Victory Needs Action, Not
Useless Talk" should be printed in caps
on the first page of every newspaper in
the country, shouted into the ears OF
every politician and radio commentator.
U. GRANT SMITH.
Evening star., 1941-12-25

VI. Is LllcLc any pldCC III l1lC OAlAECO
States where Christmas is celebrated
twice a year?-T. H M.
A. The natives of Rodanthe. N. c.,
observe the usual date and celebrate Old
Christmas on January 5. Old Christmas
is celebrated at Wilmington, N. c., on
January g. in addition to the regular
Yuletide festivities in December.
O. Where is the Athens of the South?-
C. E. H
A. Nashville, Tenn, is so called be-
cause 1t is leading educational center.
@. How many women have run for
President of the United States?-J. Fl.
A. Three women have run for Presi-
dent: Victoria Woodruff. Belva Ann
Bennett Lockwood and Mrs. Anna Mil
burn.
@. In what musical comedy was They
Didn't Believe Me" sung?-R. E. B.
A. Julia Sanderson sang They Didn't
Believe Me" in The Girl From Utah."
by Jerome Kern.
O. Why is the word Christmas" abb
breviated with an X?-E. S. A.
A. In the abbreviation Xmas, x is the
letter chi, which is the initial letter Of
Christos, the Greek name for Christ.
O. What is the longest river in tbs
world?-M S.
A. 1t is the Mississippi-Misso which
has length of 4221 miles.
@. How much electricity an hour will
60-watt bulb consume?-F. E. P.
A. A 60-watt bulb will use O06 kilowatt
of electricity in one hour.
@. What are the words most frequently
mispronounced9-E P. G.
A. The IL words most often nispro-
nounced are on, again. toward, interest,"
ing, accept, address, preferable, drowned.
perform, automobile, attacked and FORE
head.
@. How many radio stations are there
in Brazil?-P j. H.
A. There are 66 broadcasting stations.
O. Who was President Wilson's Secre-
tary of State during the World War;
c. r. H.
A. Robert Lansing was Secretary Of
State from June %. 1915, to February
13, 1920.
@. What is the density Of population
in the United States?-C. r. H.
A. 1t is 44.2 persons per square mile.
@. Were American soldiers In the Rev.
olutionary War paid bonuses or bounties?
H H. w.
A. Enlistment bounties Of as much as
$3.50 cash and 100 acres of land were
paid some Revolutionary War soldiers.
@. How large are the grounds of the
French Lick Springs Hotel in Indiana?-
K. l.. M.
A. The estate consists of $500 acres.
Evening star., 1941-12-25

A., The Associated Press is exclusively entitled to
the use for republication of all news dispatches
credited to it or not otherwise credited in this
paper and also the local news published herein
AL rights of publication of special dispatches
herein also reserved.
Evening star., 1941-12-25
Commends Editorial
On War Poster.

The Stars Wrong Slant editorial
December lO is timely, appropriate
and unanswerable. 1t should impress
our War Departments press bureau
psychology section) in respect of war
bulletins output RIENZI B. LEMUS.
Evening star., 1941-12-25
Proposes Local Walking Club
In Interest Of Health and Efficiency.

To the Editor Of The Star:
Will The Star lend its support to an
effort which, II 1t became suflciently
popular, would better the health Of thou
sands of people, relieve streetcar and
bus congestion, and make 1t possible
for greater sums Of money to be in
vested in Defense bonds?
I propose to organize the Pedestrian
Club Of Washington-no dues, no tnitia-
ton fee, no eXpenses-only dividends IN
better health, more energy for work,
more money to help win the war.
For years have observed car stop
areas jam packed with impatient people
waiting for streetcars and buses-yet
within easy, healthful walking distance
from places of employment! In truth,
good transportation facilities plus innu-
merable automobiles are making Ameri-
can people physically f1abby and men,
tally sluggish.
AS an experienced and persistent pc
destrian I can certify to the undisputed
benefits Of a morning walk to work,
and evening walk back, and other hikes
at all possible opportunities.
And to the girls, may I suggest, there
is more real beauty to be had from
regular brisk walks In the open air than
from all the bottles of cosmetics, all
the rouge and mascara in America? Try
it for three months and see! You will
find what appears to be long walk
soon becomes short one. You will find
many an evening when the longest way
home is the pleasantest. You will dis
cover a new zest for life and greater
enjoyment in work And the extra time
consumed will prove to be some of the
best-spent time of all.
ROSSEL EDWARD MITCHELL.
Discusses Procedure to Determine
Fair" Public Utilities Profits.
To the Editor of The Star:
The recent appointment Of James H.
Flanagan to membership in the Public
Utilities Commission has been questioned
on the ground that he has not been
shown to be qualified to perform the
duties of the position.
do not know Mr.. Flanagan, and
my only knowledge regarding his qualifl-
cations is derived from the fact that
he has been an analyst for the Securi-
ties and Exchange Commission. That,
to my mind, raises strong presumption
that he possesses the very qualifications
that the P. U. c. needs for Its functions.
It is only necessary to recall that the
commission must deal with the rates
ana financing Of public utilities to prove
Evening star., 1941-12-25
Letters to the Editor

Letters to the Editor must
bear the name and address of
the 1Driter, although the use OF
q pseudonyn, for publication is
permissible. The Star reserves
the right to edit all letters trith
q UieU to condensation.
Evening star., 1941-12-25
Member of the Associated Press.

En- tered as second-class matter post ONCE,
Washington, D. c.
Evening star., 1941-12-25
Rate by MaiI-Payable in Advance.

Daily and sunday----l ". $1,000: mo-. 81. .oo
Daily only y.--------1 IT., $780, mo-, 75c
Sunday only --------l ". SIS 90; mo. SOC
Evening star., 1941-12-25

The Evening Star Newspaper Company.
Main once: 11th st. and Pennsylvania Ave.
New York once 110 East 42nd St
Chicago ONCE: 435 North Michigan Ave.
Evening star., 1941-12-25

JAMES OOO6ON.
Evening star., 1941-07-25
Three Time Victor Over Giants
In 3 Days, Cards White Once
Longed for First Base Job

under the guiding hand OF the
Cards veteran catcher. gus Mancuso.
A strong left arm always has been
Whites chief asset, but his batting
ability was better advertised around
his native Pacolet Mills, S. c., when
he was trying to crash organized
baseball as a first baseman.
1t was at Pacolet Mills one holiday
afternoon while the tow-headed
youngster was working out at first
base that the home town Semi-pros
regular moundsman became i'll.
Ernie and his whip-laSh left arm
were rushed into the breach and the
opposition was sent home reeling
from a one-hit shutout.
SiZzled in Minors.
From there it was just hop. skip
and jump to the majors for Ernie
He won Is and lost s for Houston
in the Texas League in 1889 and
burned up the American Association
with a 1874 record and 2.35 earned
run average for Columbus.
Early this season he compiled a
string of 28 scoreless innings during
which both Dodgers and Giants were
victims of two-hit whitewashings
Only recently White suffered three
losses in a row, but Manager Billy
Southworth blamed the lapse on
something his southpaw had eaten
And the Cardinal skipper wasn't
kidding, because Ernie is as hot as
the July sun right now.