The Ypsilanti daily press. (Ypsilanti, Mich.) 1928-1962, 1942-01-16

the presidential description Of the
Japs; all agree that the White
House tenant classified Benito Mus
solini correctly
There are critics. 10 be sure, who
maintain that F. d. might profit
ably have been more specific. by
calling Bonnie a mere pawn rather
than, in a general way, a chess
man. for kings, queens. bishops and
knights also figure in chess games,
and it's the concensus that the duce
belongs in none of these eategories.
However. the term chessman isn't
regarded as having been inexact,
but a trife too loose, only
a good many commentators
don't believe. though, that Adolf
moves the Japs around the board
entirely at his own discretion. They
think the islanders are playing
their own game in their own fash
ion and that they jumped into it of
their own vohtion. It's recognized
that, Of course, the Fuehrer wanted
them 10 do so, but the theory is
that he provided them with what
they regarded as their opportunity
TO utilize him as their chessman as
much as he may count on them as
his. Furthermore, If he is. in a
sense, their chessman, he's enough
sight a more formidable piece than
Benito is for Adolf's benefit.
No Defense for Japan
Reasoners to this effect are far
from intending to express them
selves in defense of the Japs
They hate EN- worse than they
hate Benito.
In fact. Benito isn't particularly
hated any longer. He's despised.
Hes even, mentioned as rather pitt
able. Yeah he's q chessman, but, as
such. he's hardly an asset to the
Fuehrer who manipulates him. In
deed. he probably is liability.
The Japs are dangerous. or, az
least, they're a serious nuisance.
They're more like knights than
anything else, in chess-playing Ian
guage. Not that there's anything
knightly about them, on the medi-
eval supposition that a knight was
a fine, honorable, trustworthy crit
ter. A chess board knight, though,
hops around, from square to
square, in an eccentric series OF
moves that make him exceedingly
difficult 10 reckon with.
It's interesting TO note that some
few members OF the British house
Of commons are worried lest the
war end up, with a democratic VIC
tory. It's true. but a victory that'll
prove 70 have transformed John
Bull into q chessman for Uncle
Samuel.
London psrliamentarians like
Richard P. Stokes. Edgar L. Gran
willie and Sir Archibald Southby. a
laborite, a liberal and a conserva-
tive, discussing the matter the 9TH
er day in speeches before the lower
branch OF England's legislature, did
net employ the expression chess.
man. but they did suggest the pos
sibility. suspected by them, that
their island viii find itself. at IN,
conflicts end, just an eastern out.
post Of the United States-nomi.
nslly still an Independent SOW.
ereignty. but really run from this
side. Of the Atlantic.
1t Could BE Funny
Various congressman, in Wash
ington, altogether unofiicially re-
remark that IL would be funny If
the United States. after having had
10 fight Revolutionary war for its
own independence from England,
should emerge from toGays strug-
gle with the British clamoring for
independence from US.
Congressional tionalists
who doubt that Japans properly
any sort Of chess piece for Herr
Hitler. 90 add that well have to