davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1942-08-11
IL STREET.

IL S1REEl.
Dear Sir:
Having read very interesting story
in your column in The Star, I decided to
tell you one about the same bird. was
An witness to this.
TN one OF the paragraphs you said
thing of a rowdy.' Well, this was one
Of those times.
MY sister, an adult, had pet cat-a
very beautiful white cat with the odd
eye. One afternoon her pet was in the
yard just leisurely walking. walking
around, when a sparrow landed right in
front of him.
He quickly caught it.
Suddenly there was wild shout and
about dozen sparrows landed and sur
rounded him, Tapping their wings on his
head.
He put his head down to protect his
eyes. My sister rushed out to get her
pet and when she took him up, the SPAR
rows all rushed at her, and surrounded
her, shrieking and Tapping their wings,
"One came very close, poked out his
tongue with a wicked look in his eye, as
much as to say, Wen git you too
She rushed for the kitchen with her
pet and slammed the door
Very sincerely, M F.. P.
An English sparrow is likely to stick
out its tongue at anybody.
Many persons who like birds do not
know that they have tongues.
1t is a sharp pointed instrument in the
lower bill
Ordinarily it is not stuck out any more
than our own tongue is.
If doctor tells us to stick out our
tongue, we do it: and If Nature COM
mands bird to do So it sticks it out.
The bird tongue seems to have no
fastening, but is joined almost invisibly
at the back.
The English sparrow is spunky to the
last degree.
Not only will it protect its nest and
young, but it likes to join with other
birds in chasing away various maui
rauders.
Often It follows the shrieks of the
blue jay, that gay leader of the bird
tribes
There are so many English sparrows,
really European house sparrows, that
some of them are forever getting into
trouble
This column has told of many of their
adventures, from getting trapped in
ivy and hanging head down. to drown
ing in a too deep bowl of water.
4 4 \ 4
They are very aggressive birds, and
great hands at finding food
In recent years they have tended to
Evening star., 1942-08-11
Letters to the Editor
Defends Virginia
Against Criticism.

DeIenOS virginia
Against Criticism.
To the Editor of The Star.
In his letter to The Star, E. B. Hen
derson attributes the rise of Hitler to
a -vigilant suffrage. He then pro-
ceeds to advocate that the privilege of
voting in Virginia and other poll tax
States be extended to those who think
so little Of their citizenship that they
are unwilling to pay $50 for that
privilege.
The crocodile tears which fill Mr..
Henderson's eyes when he thinks of the
poor Southerners who are disfran-
chised have apparently prevented his
seeing these same Southerners driving
motor cars, for which privilege they pay
$40 to $40 year.
Also let it be noted that it was our
own imitatio Hitler-Huey Long-who
abolished the poll tax in Louisiana-for
the purpose and with the result of
fastening his corrupt sway upon the
State.
The example of Virginia-whose poll
tdA oyspCll Mi I1ciiuCiSoil icsdIoo do
most pernicious-might we'll encourage
the adoption of her system by the other
States Of the Union. For how many of
the non-poll tax States can boast a
balanced budget, government free of
any taint of corruption, Governor of
the highest type and congressional
delegation of outstanding character?
VIRGINIA WALKER.
Evening star., 1942-08-11
New Sabotage Laws

The disclosure by Attorney Gen
eral Biddle that the United States
Government lacks adequate laws to
deal effectively with sabotage In all
its ramif1cations no doubt will come
to the public as an unpleasant sur
prise that Is tempered only by the
prompt steps Mr. Biddle is taking to
remedy this defect.
One weak spot in the present legal
structure is the fact that while war
time sabotage can be punished under
civil law by thirty years in prison and
fine Of $4,000, conspiracy to COM
nit sabotage is punishable only
under the general conspiracy statute
which carries q penalty of but two
years Imprisonment and $40, 900 fine
certainly far less than this crime
justif1es.
Nor is there special statute to
deal with those who harbor or con-
ceal persons who have committed
sabotage, or who have guilty knowl-
edge of such acts but fail to inform
law enforcement officers. Such Of
fenses must be tried as miSpriSon Of
felony. for which the maximum
penalty is three years in prison and
$500 fine.
An example Of the difficulty in
dealing with enemies of the Govern
ie i,, 1n ~
fourteen persons accused of aiding
the eight Nazis whose trial was just
concluded with the execution of six
and Imprisonment of the other two.
At present, they are charged only as
accessories after the fact of the COM
mission Of a crime-whose nature,
by the way, is unspecifled. 1t is pos
sible that some may be charged with
treason, as was Max Stephan, the
condemned Detroit restaurant pro-
prietor. To make a case of this sort,
however, the Government would
have to produce at least two wit
nesses willing to testify to overt acts.
It follows that there is no certainty
as to the course the Government will
pursue with regard to any of the
group.
This situation, which was only
clearly developed by the trial of the
eight saboteurs, cannot be permitted
to continue Government law off,
GERS fully expect further efforts by
Axis disciples to interfere with the
American war effort despite the
stern justice meted out to those who
have been caught, and it is to prepare
for this eventuality that Attorney
General Biddle will press for leg
islation.
Evening star., 1942-08-11
Joins in Complaint
Against Profanity.
To the Editor Of The Star

To the Editor Of The Star:
1t seems to me that the Pentecostal
case which arose recently in the WEB
and which has been commented on by
different persons deserves the attention
of all Christians, especially the clergy.
1t is hoped that every minister in Wash
ington, as we'll as all clergymen from
the States, will be unanimous in de-
manding that Mrs Hawthorn be at once
reinstated, without the loss of pay and,
further, that she be permitted, If she
so desires, to bedeck herself from head
to foot with signs reading: Christ Came
to Save Sinners" If memory serves me,
there is something to that effect, If not
those exact words, somewhere in the
Bible.
1t is my belief that employees will find
a sign such as the one which has pro-
voked so much discussion less discon-
certing, less demoralizing and far less
degrading than having to sit in a room
filled with tobacco smoke and profanity.
incidentally, it might be we'll for every
member of the WEBS Public Relations
Board to be brought before jury.
J. E. L.
Evening star., 1942-08-11
Rebuilding London

The British government is keeping
secret the plans developed by archi-
tects and town designers for the
rebuilding of London and other
almost equally important cities.
Something of what is contemplated,
however, is known and already has
been commented upon with enthu-
siasm.
It is proposed to "disperse" the
English metropolis rather than to
permit 1t to remain concentrated as
it was in the years before the Second
World War started. The scheme, it
is said, lacks nothing "in boldness,
breadth of conception and imagina-
tive grasp" 1t calls for a series of
parallel arteries Of travel connecting
industrial and residential sections
arranged in harmony with modern
ideas OF convenience. Small streets,
previously characteristic of London,
are to be eliminated. Parks will be
introduced in strategic areas. Cul-
tural institutions are to be placed in
close proximity to dwelling centers to
the end that they may be easy of
access.
Suggestions having in view the
same objectives were offered by
"dreamers" in Queen Victoria's time.
John Ruskin and William Morris
were but two OF number Of reform
ers who anticipated the present
program Neither of them ever
heard Of Hitler, yet it Is to his per-
verse genius that they owe the
chance which now is offered to
their successors.
OF course, other communities
Rotterdam, Coventry, Southampton,
Odessa, Cologne, Essen and Lubbock
included-also must be reconstructed
when peace again returns. The
opportunities for improvement are
Infinite. Let it be added that Amer
lean cities cannot afford to be sur
passed IN their facilities. Town
planners in the United States will be
well advised to keep their eyes open
for innovations abroad. Even now
the shape of interesting things to
come IS beginning to appear.
Evening star., 1942-08-11

two was an involuntary investor. Fifty
two had purchased one or more bonds.
Thirty-seven had purchased stamps to
varying extents. And nine had pur-
chased neither stamps nor bonds. Only
one of the hundred was employed by an
organization requiring the purchase of
bonds
The aforementioned hundred were
either my friends or acquaintances, and
all well able to invest 10 per cent.
My method of eliciting the information
was simple and I believe it to be fairly
accurate. Although various statements
and questions were used, here is an ex-
ample: I would say to friend, Il un-
derstand that the Government is going
to compel us to put 10 per cent Of our
earnings into War bonds. Damned if I
can afford it." Invariably the person
addressed would express his opinion pro
or con on the subject, and in doing so
divulge his own degree of participation.
To the foregoing statement I would re-
ceive such replies as these: I'll be lucky
If I can pay my income tax this year,
let alone give the Government another
10 per cent Of what I make. I buy
bond occasionally but I couldn't live If
they took 10 per cent" Or Il haven't
bought a stamp yet, and I'm not going
to unless they make me- Let them dig up
all that gold buried out in Kentucky and
use it." Or Il think it good idea It's
the only way I would ever save anything.
If have it, I spend it," I even heard
comment from a supposedly intelligent
man that Government bonds were issued
for the sole purpose of providing safe,
taX-free investments for the wealthy;
that the Government could print all the
money it needed, thereby saving the tax
payers billions of dollars in interest.
The one man in a hundred who be-
lieved it his privilege and duty and was
voluntarily investing his 10 per cent,
gave me such lecture that if had not
already been investing at least 10 per
cent, would have done so forthwith.
My conclusion is, that the only way to
avert the creation of fiat money, in any
of It's vicious forms, Is by compulsory
War bond purchase plan now.
KNARF WOBNEB,
Evening star., 1942-08-11
Reports Personal Survey"
OF War Bond Sales Problem.
To the Editor OF The Star:

I am neither banker nor economist
and I am cognizant of only three ways
that the Government can secure the
means to function, viz: Taxation, bor-
rowing and Great ton. And the desirable
ity of the ways is in this respective order.
In extraordinary or abnormal times
taxation is not sufficient. However, in
any times, taxation plus borrowing should
suffice To resort to creation, even linn
ited in any of its multitudinous forms
may prove calamitous. Rather than en-
ploy this least desirable way, compulsory
investments in Government securities
should be effected. And now, In my opin-
ion, is the time to replace voluntary in
vestments with compulsory investments,
II creation is to be averted
The result Of personal investigation
OF 100 people, made without their knowl-
edge Of my intent, showed only two Of
the hundred were investing 10 per cent OF
their earnings In War bonds. One Of these
Evening star., 1942-08-11
SoIomons

The Solomon Islands to which
American attention currently is
directed may be described as a chain
OF submerged mountain tops
stretching across the Pacific between
the 154th and the 162d degrees of
longitude. Approximately 1000 miles
northeast of the coast Of Australia,
the archipelago includes land areas
which bear the names OF Bougain-
Vile, Choiseul, Ysabal, Malaita, New
Georgia, Guadalcanal and San Cris-
toval. The whole group adds up to
total of 1880 square miles, but
only relatively small part OF the
surface is habitable.
High peaks, at least two active
VOLCANOES, numerous supposedly ex-
tinct craters, deep valleys through
which move streams originating in
hot springs hidden in impenetrable
forests-these are the principal char
acteristics of the Solomons. The
surrounding waters are dangerous
because of coral reefs. Natural
wealth undoubtedly abounds in the
"up country" jungles. The Spanish
navigator Alvaro Mendana, who dis
covered them in 1867, desired his find
to be kept secret lest it be exploited
by rival nations. His purpose was so
we'll fulfilled that the existence OF
the isles was not generally known
until after Philip Carteret and Louis
de Bougainville had visited them
between 1767 and 1859.
The earliest efforts at settlement
by Europeans met with Illustration.
Practicing canabalism and polygamy,
the MelaneSian population was pro-
fessionally savage. Skilled in boat
building, wood-carving and other arts
as they unquestionably were, the ma
tlves nevertheless rejected every en-
deavor to civilize them. The leader OF
a French MariSt mission was mur-
dered in 1845, other strangers" were
kidnapped and slaughtered as late as
1927. Some Of the islands were taken
under British protection In 1898;
others were occupied in theory II not
in fact by Germany until 1914. A
League OF Nations mandate assigned
the latter holdings to Australia In
1920, since which date the trade in
coconuts, bananas, taro, sweet pota-
toes and, notably, gold has been
stimulated.
Japanese forces have been In the
Solomons for months. Apparently,
they have made Tulagi their base;
and It Is in the neighborhood Of that
Evening star., 1942-08-11

Republican party. II Mr.. Fish should
be renominated the opposition would
not have the right-as Mr.. Willkie
suggests-to use Fshs record as a
symbol of Republican philosophy.
The philosophy of the Republican
party cannot be judged by what
happens to Mr.. Fish any more than
the philosophy Of the administra-
ton is to be measured by the pri-
mary fate of some one of the Demo-
cratic Congressman who were isola-
tionistS before Pearl Harbor.
The issue has been and will con-
tinue to be Mr.. Fish, and that is the
ground on which his bid for renomi-
nation should be decided
Evening star., 1942-08-11
The Wrong Issue

The essential question confronting
the Republican voters in New York's
twenty-sixth congressional district
today Is whether Representative
Hamilton Fish, on the basis of the
record he has made, is the proper
person to represent them in Congress
during the critical period that lies
ahead.
Clearly, the issue is Mr.. Fish him
self. His record has been made.
Prior to Pearl Harbor, standing as
n-interventionist, he made
statements and did things which re-
yealed a remarkable failure to COM
prehend the gravity of the threat to
the United States that was implicit
in Axis aggression. Since Pearl
Harbor he has supported the war
program In Congress, and he seeks
reelection on the ground that his
present attitude cancels out the
blunders that he made before the
war
The question for his constituents
to decide Is whether this really Is the
case; whether Mr.. Fish, in the light
OF his record, is the best qualified
candidate to serve the district in
Congress during the next two years,
or whether that responsibility should
be placed in the hands OF some other
person.
Despite the suggestion to the con-
trary by Wendell Willkie, the real
question is not whether the renomi-
nation OF Mr.. Fish would injure the
Evening star., 1942-08-11
THIS AND THAT
BIZ Charles Z. Trdce,UeH.

desert the cities and go to the suburbs.
on the wave of bird-feeding interest.
Some householders have resented
their presence. on the theory that they
tend, to drive away the native Amer
ican birds. especially the smaller ones,
such as the chickadees and titmice.
Yet others know that they have all
of these birds together, Smaller species,
from time to time, fly TO nearby woods
of their own volition. 1t is impossible
to say that the sparrows cause them
to leave IN every case.
Too much bread and seed, in sum-
mer, will cause some of the sparrow
young to grow too fat and malformed.
This bird is best left to it's own re-
sources, in spring and summer, and fed
grain and seed only in fall and winter.
Most of the time it feeds amicably
with all the other birds which winter
here
Many householders have in time come
to work up great deal of admiration
for it. In the afternoons it gathers with
it's mates and friends in shrubbery and
indulges in sort of singfest.
This choral singing is very pretty.
Persons who speak of the English spar
rows harsh CRATE" have not listened
with sympathetic ears, or at the right
time.
Sympathy is a quality which Is fast
dying out of the world. Let us hold
on to it, at least for some of the birds.
These sparrows zone of the 10 different
kinds of sparrows which come to the
District of Columbia and vicinity are
full of life, as impudent as they come,
and full of get UP and go"
They seem to please some natures
more than others, Of course, but 1t is
possible for any observer to admire them
at times.
We have found them quite as we'll
behaved at feeding stations as most
other species.
The fighting for which they are IA
nous is usually springtime activity,
brought about by the season of mating
These fights are usually accompanied
by the screaming of the whole tribe,
which joins in as one sparrow, surround
ing the combatan and chattering away
in great excitement
bird species, as lace Of men, must
be Judged only from its best specimens.
Many English sparrows are really very
pretty birds. The female of the species
is particularly fetching She is fully the
equal of any female bird In essential
bird prettiness.
She minds her own business much
better than her mate, which is forever
sticking out his tongue" at least fgura-
lively, at the whole world.
Evening star., 1942-08-11
Country Scene

Nom as the summer droDses to close
The little country schools across
the land
Are standing open tghile the pacunt
OF desks are busted. CobDebbed
door10dys stand
Ajar to let the August breezes tn
And grassy Fairgrounds feel tho
Sickle's blade.
The broom and hammer make Joy-
Jul din,
While scents OF paint and yellop
soap perpdde
The atmosphere In clednly aursoles.
There IS cloud upon the summer
sky
And cycling boys, Nth shouldered
fishing poles
And dogs at heel, are gloomy past
ing by.
GERALD RAFTERY.
Evening star., 1942-08-11
KNARF WOBNEB.
Tells Of Gen. PerShing's Attitude
Toward Mistakes In First World Wa

Tells Of Gen. Pershings Attitude
Toward Mistakes In First World War.
To the Editor Of The Star:
The report of the Office OF War IN
formation published August merits
attentive study by all patriotic citizens.
The situation is serious. We may lose
the war.
Mistakes have been made; more will
be made. But in the end we must win,
If more people will become more soberly
earnest, good deal less carelessly talk
ative and cautiously critical.
In all our wars errors have been fire.
quent. In spite of that we have been
successful at the last.
The writer had an important command
in 1918. He met General Pershing on
an untidy street of nodescript head
quarters town in France In october. The
general called out, How are things
going?' The reply was, I'm spending
lot Of time correcting my mistakes" His
answer was, Damned If I'm not doing
the same"
1t was likewise with other and smaller
formations down to the very last hour
of operations. But on the whole we did
not fail in helping to win the war.
wESTMORELAND.
Evening star., 1942-08-11
Calls for Better Music
In Place Of Trash"
To the Editor of TIL Gtar.

To the Editor Of The Star:
May I add my humble petition to that
OF our fellow musician, Jack Levinson,
who has made a commendable appeal In
behalf OF the musical profession?
Being also a musician, having studied
both vocal and instrumental at great
sacrifice and nearly at the cost of my
life, and incidentally having also con-
tributed freely to public institutions
while in dire need myself, I would like
to inquire If there are any worthwhile
musicians in our legislative body who
would help to champion our cause?
Some OF the so-called musicians are
themselves to blame for their plight, for
playing the trash they have educated
the public to want. In consonance with
the universal law Of compensation, they
now are reaping the chaff.
What we need at present as never
before are stirring tunes that we all
know and love.
Now is the time to re-educate the
public to the better class Of music.
OSCAR MANN.
Evening star., 1942-08-11
Municipal Center Space

The Commissioners would not
place themselves in the position of
refusing, or attempting to refuse,
office. space in the new Municipal
Center for essential war activities of
the National Government. But they
properly resent any assumption of
jurisdiction over the space by the
Federal Public Buildings Admins
tration, which has asked the Com
missioners to submit their office
space needs in order that the COM
mission may determine whether they
supersede in Importance those of the
National Government.
The issue arises in the case of the
new East Administration Building
Of the Municipal Center, which has
been occupied by War Department
personnel since it's completion. The
space will become vacant with the
transfer of the War Department to
the Pentagon Building in Arlington
about October /, and the Federal
Public Buildings Administrator
seems to take the position that it
will determine who moves in when
the War Department moves out.
AS an isolated case the matter is
not particularly important and
common-sense appraisal of relative
priorities of need, local and national,
should determine the next occupant.
But there is an obvious disposition
on the part Of the Federal authori-
ties to take what they want without
any consideration Of the local au-
thorities, or Of the equities involved,
and unless the Commissioners are
alert they will find themselves hold
ing the short end of the stick every
time.
The Commissioners, for instance,
now find themselves actually COM
mitted to pay interest on money ad-
vanced to them by the Treasury, out
OF local revenues later to be collected,
to meet the emergency expense of
guarding the National Capitals
water supply system, which is under
Jurisdiction Of the War Department.
The history of the Municipal Gen.
ter lends an ironic touch to the
present controversy over jurisdic-
tion. During the twenties Congress,
by the simple expedient Of refusing
to appropriate the money, forced the
District to accumulate large surplus
Of unexpended revenues. When the
local authorities sought a modest
building program to meet expanding
municipal needs, Congress decided
that a magnificent group of build
ings, to be known as the Municipal
Center, should be constructed on a
scale Of grandeur that would con-
form to the monumental style of
architecture of the Capital. Most Of
the Districts surplus revenues went
into purchase of land for this under
taking, which was beyond the re-
sources OF a local community the
size OF Washington. A tacit agree
ment that the National Government
would purchase the old Municipal
Building from the District was never
carried out. Original plans were
scaled down during the depression
and have been only partially COM
pleted, without the Federal aid which
was implied in the beginning.
The Commissioners are right in
insisting that the municipal govern
ment has some say now in ALLEGATION
of this space, bought, but not yet
used, by local taxpayers.
Evening star., 1942-08-11

town-the administrative center of
the islands-that present fighting is
in progress. II the battle ends In a
victory for the United States and
Australia the peril to communica-
ton lines and to great cities like
Sydney and Melbourne should be
eliminated From this time onward
the whole story Of the war in the
Pacific may be that of the slow con-
quest of one Nipponese outpost after
another until at last the islands of
Japan themselves are brought under
attack
Evening star., 1942-08-11

The word "axis" is supposed to
have two meanings; a line around
which an object revolves, and
coalition OF powers But now that
the whole civilized world has turned
on the Axis, there is little difference
in the meaning.
Evening star., 1942-08-11

A Scottish bagpiper, long resident
in China, told a reporter that he
barely escaped with his life during a
recent Japanese advance. He failed
to explain, however, why the Chinese
let him live % long,