davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1942-04-03
Timely Veto

The Presidents veto OF the So
called longevity" pay bill for postal
employees is in keeping with the
necessities of the times.
Under normal conditions there
might have been much to recommend
the legislation. Covering field en-
ployes of the postal service, chiefly
clerks in the first and second class
post Offices and carriers in the city
delivery service, it would have pro-
vided pay increases beginning July l
for those employees who had COM
pleted ten years of service. In the
first year the legislation would have
cost about $14,O00,000, rising ulti-
mately to about $39,000,000 year.
AS the President stated. however,
the pay increases were on perma-
nent basis and not tied to the tenn
porary rise in living costs. Further,
he said, they would result in certain
determinations in compensation.
But the President did not conf1ne the
EXPLANATION of his veto to these con-
siderations, pointing out in addition
that this is not an opportune time
for legislation of this type and that
the protection of the public interest"
made his veto necessary.
Presumably Mr.. Roosevelt had in
mind the adverse effect that his as
sent to a permanent Government
pay increase might have had on the
efforts by other members of his adj
ministration-notably Leon Hender-
son-to prevent general pay advances
throughout the country. If the
Government, as a part of its effort
to forestall imitation, proposes to take
a stand against general pay increases
in private industry, it cannot sane
ton them in it's own establishment.
This, apparently, was the Presidents
position with respect to the pay bill,
and he acted properly in taking 1t.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1942-04-03
Good Friduy

The people of the Capital of the
United States always have observed
with reverence the solemn anniver-
Sary Of the Crucifixion, but this year,
perhaps as never before, Good Friday
has particular significance to all
Americans, the residents of Wash
ington included. A new and a more
compelling meaning distinguishes the
occasion. Evidence of that Is dis
cernible in the cooperation between
business and labor organizations
which will make it possible for addi-
tional thousands of worshipers to
attend church services beginning at
noon. 1t likewise may be discovered
in the altered attitude of multitude
of persons who ordinarily do not ap-
pear to be concerned about religion.
A change gradually is taking place
in the thought of the whole national
communicated a spiritual renais-
sance is the result.
The stern ordeal through which
humanity now is passing will not be
vain. The disasters of nearly three
decades have stimulated in the hearts
of millions a fellowship with the
founder of Christianity and with all
others who have suffered for right
eousness and peace. Material values
no longer dominate the mind Of the
race as they did before the present
crisis. People are dying, bravely and
without complaint, for a purpose
larger than any secular cause. Free
dom again is precious in the world.
The crusade in which all who love
liberty are engaged is not merely
struggle for victory. 1t aims, in effect,
at the establishment Of the Kingdom
of God, and to the extent and degree
that mankind realizes that sacred
goal the sacrifice of Good Friday and
the immolation of all who since then
have paid "the last full measure of
devotion" will be justified.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1942-04-03
To the Editor Of The Star:

To the Editor Of The Star:
In more than one commendable edi-
torial recently The Star has questioned
the wisdom of what really is electioneer-
ing against critics of the administration
by calling them "disloyal" and tools Of
the Nazis."
1t might be suggested that such play
ing of partisan politics withSthe serious
issues of effective administration in time
Of war is not only bad because 1t is a
cry of wolf" where there is no wolf,
but it also is a most effective aid to
enemy propaganda In immunizing the
administration Of our affairs against
sound criticism.
All Herr Goebbels has to do to prevent
the substitution of effective for ineffec-
tive methods is to repeat in his propa-
ganda whatever the ablest American
critics may be saying. What more effec-
tive weapon could he ask than a bad
American administration which calls its
critics traitors? To fasten that stigma
on them he has only to endorse their re-
marks and thereby enable the admins
tration to enforce a rubber stamp policy
upon Congress as to procedure that Is
inimical to our success.
ALDEN A. POTTER.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1942-04-03
War Housing Bill

Although 1t Is to be regretted that
some of the commendable features
of the Senate bill were lost in con-
ference, it is highly gratifying that an
agreement finally has been reached
on the war housing bill for the
District of Columbia. The urgent
need for this legislation was
pointed out by Federal housing off,
cials shortly after washington went
on a total war basis last December,
but remedial steps were not taken in
Congress until the end OF January,
when Representative Lanham intro
duced bill calling for 5000 1000
worth Of emergency housing in the
Washington area. Passed by the
House about two weeks later, the bill
was the subject of prolonged con-
sideration on the Senate side, as re-
suit of which it was revised to pro-
vide a s7O,O00,000 fund, to be divided
between housing and related public
works. Specific provision was made,
also, for the Goodwillie housing pro-
gram in Southwest Washington.
The Senate bill possessed certain
definite advantages over the House
bill, not only because it foresight
eddy paved the way for a more
comprehensive program Of housing
relief but because it earmarked
part of the appropriations for
such necessary collateral projects as
utilities, streets, schools and hos
pitfalls. Fortunately, the apportion-
ment aspect Of the Senate bill has
been retained In the compromise
measure. Experience has shown that
without a mandate from Congress,
administrative authorities are apt to
draw overly fine distinctions not in
tended by the legislators, with ad-
verse results for Washington. The
conferees have made it plain that
they want 100000 of the $50,000,-
900 spent for water and sewer ex-
tensions and improvements, expan-
sion of the school system, construc-
ton of additional hospital facilities
and similar community services
which have been overburdened by
the city's sudden growth.
As for the Goodwillie plan, the &C
ton of the conferees in eliminating
1t from the bill does not necessarily
mean the permanent death of this
interesting project. Having received
the approval of the Senate and of
numerous housing experts, there is
good reason to believe that the pro-
gram has sufficient merit to stand on
its own feet, perhaps in separate
bill. Certainly this proposal to
achieve by one stroke the construc-
ton of housing for war workers and
the improvement of housing condi-
lions in a neglected section Of the
city deserves more thorough con-
sideration than the House has given
1t to date.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1942-04-03
THIS AND THAT
BIZ Charles Z. Trdce1peH.

turtle shall be heard In the land" or was
1t Shakespeare? We find, along with
many other persons, that we mix up
Biblical and Shakespearean quotations,
and often tend to attribute to the latter
what is in Holy Writ.
No doubt many persons have wondered
about the turtle having voice.
Our correspondent explains this very
nicely.
In the home yard the little tortoises
which occasionally crawl around have
no voice whatever.
The dove has a fine voice, but many
persons regard it as melancholy.
We have never been able to hear any
thing sad about the coo-coo Of the Car
DINA dove Ianother name FOR IT'D.
This member Of the pigeon family has
a deep voice, 1t is true, a real contralto.
Unquestionably there is a poignancy
about this type of voice which any
other lacks.
It seems to us that the doves gentle
COO is at once attractive and soothing.
Few birds attract more attention at a
home feeding station than this.
1t Is always red-letter day in any
yard when a pair Of doves flies down.
When from 20 to 40 Of them appear, as
sometimes occurs in nearby Virginia, the
fortunate observer has something to
write home about
Whether one or two, or many, the turtle
dove is a splendid creature.
A few of them remain in a neighbor-
hood in the winter. That is, usually
there will not be as many in the cold
months as in the warm, but most Of
them remain.
Nothing lends better tone to neigh
borhood than pair of doves.
They won't stay where there Is much
turmoil and disturbance.
Few sounds are better, on hot sum-
mer afternoon, than the soft coo-oo of
these creatures.
Though pigeons, their song is far more
pleasing than that of their larger cousins.
It is as If somewhere, in their long line,
they took singing lessons.
pigeon Cdlk, 10 our HllllO, ID ldtile4
disgusting. 1t has most unpleasing
quality.
Certainly this cannot be said Of the
dove.
It's voice is smooth, well balanced, with
good intonation and register.
The dove is rather "pin-headed," at
first sight, but closer acquaintance with
it reveals that this feature, too, is in
keeping 1t may be that this small head
also has something to do with the nam
ing, as we'll as the markings on its pretty
| feathers.
Maxine Sullivan, whose beautiful voice
Is one of recorded music's features, has a
recording of an old song about the dove
Whether in the yard or on records, the
dove Is a mighty worthwhile bird.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1942-04-03
Strategic Minerals

The disclosure by Charles B. Hen
derson, president of the Metals Re-
serve Company, that the domestic
output of strategic and critical min
erals in 1912 will be far larger than
last years production seems to indi-
cate that the Government is achiev-
ing substantial progress in its efforts
to lessen our dependence on foreign
countries for supplies of many metals
essential in the prosecution of the
war. The Metals Reserve Company,
a subsidiary of the Reconstruction
Finance Corporation, has made ar
rangements with producers in the
United States to expand their out
put of bauxite, chrome, tungsten,
manganese and vanadium. The pro-
gram now under way calls for 200
per cent increase over 1941 produc-
ton Of bauxite, an expansion be-
lieved sufficient to keep pace with
the rapidly growing demands for
aluminium and for larger output of
other strategical minerals needed in
the war effort.
AS part Of its plans to secure a
greater domestic production of de-
tense materials, the Metals Reserve
Company has taken steps to increase
the output of zinc, copper and lead.
Zinc smelling capacity has been en-
larged, contracts made with the
larger companies to increase their
output of copper, and production of
all three metals by small companies
stimulated through the payment of
premiums over the ceiling prices for
"over-quota" production.
The agreement to pay these pre-
miums was made at the request of
the War Production Board, with the
approval of the President, and seems
justified as an emergency measure
to enable small operators to increase
their output.
The deficiency of the United States
In certain minerals, unless corrected,
may hinder the war effort. Already,
supplies from large part Of the Far
East have been cut of, and else
where the sea lanes are exposed to
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1942-04-03
HYACINTHE RINGROSE.
Explains Soldiers Need
For Spending Money.

To the Editor Of The Star:
High Commissioner Sayre of the Philip
pines in q recent interview informed
reporters that the soldiers and sailors IN
the Philippines were going through hell
for U.S." It is too bad that he did not
add: working "a hours day for S2l
month"
1t appears that we OF the home front.
and that includes the President, our
legislators, editers and others, are too
busy trying to solve the problems OF
labor, production, prices and military
strategy to show our appreciation and
gratitude by giving little consideration
to those who are giving all, our men IN
the armed services.
Twenty-one dollars month! On many
trips to Fort Meade I have made 1t a
point to ascertain just how this pittance
is spent by the soldiers there. Here is the
result: Insurance. $1.95; toilet articles,
stamps, etc., $3.50; laundry and pressing,
So; tobacco, $3.50; candy, beer. etc., $3.50;
movies at camp, $3.50: total, $19.05. The
balance, $195, must take care OF lost
eouipment, carfare, meals, board when
away from camp and other tncidsntals.
It should be noted that the soldiers pay
for movies at the rate of 20 cents show
and that the Federal tax of 6 cents a
pack attaches to each tobacco purchase.
The various benefits are appreciated,
but what the average soldier wants is a
little spending money while in training
when he has an opportunity to enjoy it.
We must remember that when they are
sent to foreign posts, sacrificing and not
pleasure is the order of the day.
If few of our editors, radio COM
mentators and reporters will help those
legislators who are attempting to correct
this great injustice I feel sure they will
receive the heartfelt gratitude Of all
service men. VETERAN.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1942-04-03
Physical Education

Superintendent of Schools Ballou
has presented to the Board of Educa-
ton a persuasive argument for i'm
mediate adoption of well-rounded
physical education program in the
District public schools. Pointing out
that Secretary of War Stimson
recently called on the American peo-
pie to Improve the individuals phys
ical standards and self-discipline" by
community sponsored physical train
ing and hardening" activities, DR..
Ballou strongly urged that appropria-
tons be sought to effectuate the
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1942-04-03

oficial sponsorship by institutions and
associations of high scholarship which
are generally recognized throughout the
Nation.
Planning in this manner for the selec-
ton Of "pattern-forming documents"
would provide needed authoritativeness
on democratic plane; out of this au-
thoritativeness progressively would ma
ture the stabilizing influences of scien-
tif1c fact, logic and common sense; and
these in turn backed up by the organized
techniques of propaganda. would become
woven into the complex fabrics of demo-
cratic life. thought and religion.
THOMAS w. HUNTINGTON.
Silver Spring, Md.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1942-04-03

health and physical education pro-
gram which he submitted to the
board in 1888, and which the board
at that time approved.
AS emphasized in the series OF
articles in The Star under the head
ing, For Stronger America" the
schools are in better position to
carry out an effective program of
physical conditioning of youth than
any other agency-and If ever there
was time when physical fitness de-
served special consideration by the
schools, it is now. DR.. Ballou has
evidenced a proper appreciation Of
the Importance of such a program
by placing it ahead of mathematics
and English on the list of subjects to
be considered in connection with cur
riculum revisionS.
The 1888 program, which called for
an expanded course in physical
education, never was fully realized
because of that familiar bug-a-
boo, insufficient funds. With money
left from general appropriations.
however, an expanded physical
education course was instituted in
two high schools, with noteworthy
results. But physical education, in
this era of man-power development,
should not have to depend on left
over funds. 1t merits the priority
status which school authorities seek
to give it in the curriculum. 1t should
be specifically authorized by Con-
greSs and assured of requisite appro-
priations under the pending school
budget. The cost would be relatively
low, considering the benefits which
will accrue in terms of improved
health and general well-being of
youth.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1942-04-03
Huskin's Answers
To Questions
BIZ Frederic J. Hdsktn.

A reader can get the nnst0er to any
question of fact By iDriting The Eue-
nina Star Information Bureau, Fred
eric J. Hnskir, director, Washington,
d. Please tnclose stamp for reply.
@. What is the exact meaning of the
word "antipodes"?-B. M. K.
A. Antipodes, Latin word adopted
from the Greek literally means having
the feet opposite" 1t Is applied TO any
two persons or places so situated that
a line drawn from one TO the other
passes through the center OF the earth
For instance, Australia and New Zealand
are the antipodes of England.
O. Why do the soles Of the feet Of
elephants have to be trimmed?-N. S.
A. An elephant at large In the jungle
or working wears the soles Of his feet
to a thickness of an inch but in the
ZOO the soles get thicker and thicker
until they crack and pick up all manner
of foreign substances. From the soles
of an elephant in Central Park, New
York, were removed set OF dice, the
bowl of an iron teaspoon, the handle
of q penknife and an iron nail.
@. Where is the worlds largest city
south of the equator?-M. D. L.
A. Buenos Aires, the capital Of Argen-
tina. Its population is almost 2,50o,o
@. How is the famous cloud known
as the 'Tablecloth" produced?-T. L. D.
A. The "Tablecloth," which often
covers the fiat top of Table Mountain
in South Africa, Is formed when warm
moisture bearing winds are forced up
the steep slope Of the mountain, espe-
cially in summer. This is. probably, the
worlds most famous cloud.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1942-04-03
"wARRENTON, Va.

Dear Sir:
II have noticed several times how you
strain your imagination to find family
likeness between the turtle dove and the
turtle, which is only little less apparent
than the famous one between the parrot
and the carrot.
Rather, you aim to show that the dove
has been nicknamed because Of this
resemblance.
But think you could easily find that
turtle as the name of bird is much
older in English than as the name Of a
tortoise. In fact, the only true turtles
are sea turtles, found in tropical waters
and imported for the rich mans SOUP
but certainly not familiar sight in rural
England, where the turtle dove has been
a favorite of poets and lovers since the
time of Chaucer.
1.-THE first meaning of turtle given In
the dictionary is dove, and it connects
with the Anglo-Saxon 'Tur tur,' and
French 'Toutourell.' Pronounce those
words and they explain themselves, too
too little cooer,' it is as plain as pewee
or whippoorwill.
And though we have changed the
pronunciation, the word is still initiative
in a sense. The doves note Is pre-
eminently soft and sweet, and the alpha
bet does not afford a softer, more liquid
name than turtle dove.
LAS for turtle q sea tortoise, Webster
sC,,A %aA ko hly hu ttnrg
for the Spanish name, Tortuga.'
80 it is the shell-backed creature that
is nicknamed, given an English name by
English sailors because they found it
easier to pronounce than the Spanish
name.
Sincerely, M. G."
We still think turtle dove looks very
much like a turtle, so there!
But 1t makes no difference.
The bird Is the thing, and certainly
there Is no finer creature on two legs
In the average suburban and country
garden.
Yet. at times, observers tend to look
down upon this beautiful and humble
creature. In some parts Of the country
this is SO much the case that the dove
is shot at certain seasons without a
thought.
1t is impossible for person who looks
at the dove as beauty to understand
how any one could kill 1t.
Perhaps they just look at 1t as mark,
an easy mark" indeed.
Maybe the solution Of the groaning
worlds many problems will come in the
distant future, when the best viewpoints
will prevail, when beauty will take the
| place of craftsmanship and love the
| place Of hate.
Shakespeare said the voice Of the
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1942-04-03
Preview in the Ukruine

Fighting on the southern sectors
Of the Russo-German battle front Is
rapidly rising to furious intensity,
with both sides moving masses of
reserves and mechanical equipment
into this zone.
This stepping up of military &C
tivity had been expected for both
climatic and strategic reasons. In
that relatively mild region, the thaw
line moves in from the Black Sea
about March 1 and passes Kharkov
on its northvard progress at the
equinox. It has now reached almost
to Moscow AS in our Mississippi
Valley, the change from winter to
summer on the Russian plains is
swift. In the south, especially, a
period of a month or six weeks OF
deep mud intervenes between win
ter's frosts and dried roads over
which tanks and heavy artillery can
pass. Although this years record
winter may delay the spring some
what, the southern front should be
ready for large-scale campaigning
by the end of April. Current opera
tions may thus be regarded as the
opening engagements of a death
grapple titanic in intensity and scope.
There can be little doubt that the
German high command plans an all
out drive through Southern Russia,
aimed at the Caucasus and the Mid
die East. Last autumn the Germans
captured the springboards for such
an offensive when they took the
Crimea and Rostov, the vital port
city at the head of the Sea of Azov.
Rostov' was soon lost in the Russian
counteroffensive, and so was the
Kerch Peninsula, the Crimea's east
ern tip. But the Germans presently
rallied and have maintained them
selves during the winter a short dis
lance from both points. Their re-
capture will be the first detectives Of
the German spring offensive which
presumably is in preparation. Yet
the Russians have been making
ready and can be counted on to offer
resistance much more effective than
that of last year.
The Russians have one great ad
vantage in their continued control
of the Black Sea. Despite tremen-
dous efforts, the Germans have been
unable to take Sevastopol, the big
Russian fortified naval base on the
Crimea's southern tip. So long as the
Russians hold Sevastopol and can
use it as a naval base, their Black
Sea fleet absolutely dominates that
vast body of water and prevents Ger
man shipments of troops and supplies
by the short water route from the
mouth of the Danube and Bulgarian
ports. Unless the Axis compels Turkey
to grant permission for Italian and
German warships to pass through the
Dardanelles, Russian sea-power Is
unassailable.
Whether the campaign in the
Ukraine will form part of general
German offensive from the Black Sea
to the Arctic in a supreme effort to
knock out Russia is not yet certain.
But the Axis oil requirements and
the lure of junction with the Japa-
nese partner somewhere in the Mid
die East seem to be incentives strong
enough to insure a major German
drive for the Caucasus, the Caspian,
and the southern Volga River line.
A month hence, this campaign should
be in full swing.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1942-04-03
Says India Is Unready
For Democracy and Unity.

To the Editor of The Star:
There can be no serious question Of the
good faith of the British government
and the brilliant efforts of Sir Stafford
Grips, but there never has been a fair
prospect of the Indian politicians under
standing the situation in an unselfish
and humanitarian fashion. India never
will have a unified and modern govern
ment until its people and their native
exploiters fit themselves for it.
Good government is only the length
ened shadow of good citizens and as long
as the citizens of India deem it necessary
to consider themselves polluted because
citizens of different caste throw shadow
in their path they will not deserve pop
ular government.
HYACINTHE RINGROSE.