davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1942-07-21
Sees Poll Tax Laws
As Protection for People.
To the Editor Of The Star:


1t is significant that the people who
are shouting the loudest for the repeal
Of the poll tax laws in certain States
include those who have fought the Dies
Committee and who have given aid and
comfort to Browder and his gang.
If the poll tax were designed only to
prevent those of low income from vot-
in, little could be said for it. How
ever, it does more than that. BY re-
quiring the payment of the relatively
small tax some months ahead Of election
day the would-be voter is made to think
about his civic obligations. With no
check on the electorate we would find
all sorts of crack pot schemes being put
over, as demagogues swept the people
of their feet with glittering promises.
A weu-known writer, discussing the
so-called ham-and-eggs campaign in
California said: "Yet the campaign may
now be out of their control-too large,
boisterous and needless to be stopped
for in Southern California and all the
counties in which the immigrant dust
bowl pickers have established the right
to vote, the what have got to lose?
sentiment is strong, and the grotesque
cry. ham, and-eggs,' rises out Of the
clamor Of groups arguing endlessly.
reason and the love Of liberty are
so far gone that the opposition doesn't
dare use speakers who. in normal times
and places, would be heard In thought
fll debate"
The question is whether our destinies
are to be guided by those who have
something to lose or by those who have
nothing to lose. r.. NC.
Evening star., 1942-07-21
LocuI Tax Exemptions

Needed Qualification by statute of
the tax status of real property in the
District used for religious, charitable,
educational, scientific, hospital and
other benevolent purposes should
result from the bill introduced by
Representative Hunter of Ohio,
which exempts such properties from
taxation under specified conditions.
The Commissioners have been
making study of the tax exemp-
tions enjoyed by such District insti-
tutions for many years. AS a result,
the Commissioners have ordered
numbers of them returned to the tax
lists. Fundamentally, the ground on
which the orders were based is that
the wording of old District statutes
does not, as matter of strict inter-
probation, permit the tax exemptions
which District authorities have per-
mitted, in some cases for over fifty
years, as a matter of discretionary
policy. The Commissioners position
is undoubtedly sound in so far as
strict Interpretation of the language
Of the law is concerned On the
other hand, 1t is doubtful if the tax
ing of certain of these properties
would be wise in the public interest.
Clearly, the matter calls for new
legislation which would definitely es-
tablish the policy which the local
authorities should follow.
Mr.. Hunters bill perhaps goes even
further in the exemption of institu-
tions maintained for benevolent
purposes" than the policy loosely
followed in former years at the Dis
trict Building. At the same time,
however, the Commissioners are pre-
pairing legislation which would define
specifically the dividing line between
tax liability and tax exemption and
which will not be as liberal as the
Hunter bill. Mr.. Hunter has prom
ised full hearings to examine both
points Of view.
The study made by the Commits
sioners under the direction of Budget
Of1cer Walter Fowler should be
beneficial in the end. Because this
Is the Capital of the United States,
the ratio Of exempt to taxable prop
erty is far higher than in any other
city in the country, and this fact
has been a consideration of major
importance in connection with the
Federal payment toward mainte-
nance and development Of the Cap
ital. It should not be the purpose
to tax local institutions which use
fully serve the community, which
have been established for benevolent
purposes and which are not operated
for private gain. To do so would
merely take money out of one pocket
to put in another. But safeguards
should be established against abuse
Of the exemption privilege, and Mr..
Fowler's study has indicated that
abuse exists in many cases. With his
usual fairness, Mr.. Hunter is prepar-
ing for thorough examination of the
problem as basis for whatever clar-
flying legislation is found necessary
and helpful.
Evening star., 1942-07-21
Defiant Toxi Drivers

The controversy between the local
taxicab drivers and the Public Util-
tiles Commission has reached the
point where some of the drivers are
openly defying lawful order of the
regulatory body. In situation OF
this kind the question Is not whether
the order is a sound one, or whether
1t meets the approval Of tho cab
Evening star., 1942-07-21
Pattern of Naval War

The history OF the battle OF Mid
way Island probably cannot be
written until after the end of the
war, but it is clear that it will rank
among the decisive naval engage
ments of all time. Even the amateur
observer appreciates the fact that
the japanese were proceeding to-
ward the shores of the United States
with intent to inflict a telling blow.
They were stopped, they were
matched in fair fight, they were de-
feated.
It follows with a certain manifest
logic that the Americans who parti-
cipated in the Midway contest have
reason to be proud of their achieve
ment. They have done something
Justly comparable with what the
Greeks accomplished in their tri-
umph over the Persians at Salamis,
October 20, 480 BIC. Perhaps it is
not too much to claim for them that
they have terminated the prelimi-
nary phase of the prevailing strife.
But the struggle is not ended.
Rather, it properly is only begun.
If any bystander requires to be
warned Of the seriousness of the war,
let him read the narrative of the
hostilities between Carthage and
Rome. They traded blows at Mylae
in $50 and at Trepanum in 249 and
1t was not until the consul Lutatius
blasted the Punic fleet in 241 that
the African Empire acknowledged
disaster.
Naval war commonly conforms to
a pattern of give and take. Many
clashes preceded Lepanto and the
destruction Of Turkish maritime
strength, October 7, 1871. So, too,
there were numerous exchanges bea
tween the English and the Spanish
before the Grand Armada sailed to
It's doom in 1888. The British and
the Dutch alternately thrashed each
other during the seventeenth Gen.
tury with Blake and Van Tromp, the
Duke Of York and De Ruyter as the
rival heroes. Both sides tasted salts
faction and disappointment in the
American Revolution until the
French definitely turned the scale in
favor Of the rebel Colonies at York
town in 1891 The same comment
may be offered with regard to the
War of 1912 in which Hull in the
Constitution whipped Dacres in the
Guerriere and Lawrence in the
Chesapeake was mortally wounded in
a duel with Broke in the Shannon.
Trafalgar, 1t may be noticed, was
preceded by Camperdown and the
Nile. More recently, the battle of
Jutland was the elimination of
efforts including Coronel where Won
Spec won over Cradock and the Falk-
land Islands where Sturdee won over
Won Spec.
Naturally, there are exceptions to
the rule. The American victories at
Manila Bay and at Santiago in 1898
may be cited to that effect. Yet the
principle involved seems to survive;
namely, that in most maritime con-
flicts the winner more often than
not is prompted to his successful
endeavor by the discipline Of failure.
The Japanese, in the present case,
will try again and with increased
zeal. They must be met with su-
perior determination.
Evening star., 1942-07-21

rocity his ancestors used in gathering
Indian scalps." Gong! It was the red
skins who gathered the English scalps.
2. He leaves culture along with child
bearing to his women folks" My eye!
always thought that child bearing was
left to the women in almost every coun-
try in the world! Correct me, If am
wrong.
The compiler OF these rules is not by
any chance the fellow who related: 1.-THE
American man goes drinking night
after night, leaving the wife at
home, rocking the babys cradle with one
foot and wiping the tears out of her
eyes with the other?
Could be. It sounds like the same
brand Of boner. However, you will have
to give him credit! He was smart
enough not to set up any rules for
understanding American women.
LAURA K. POLLOCK.
Evening star., 1942-07-21

@. How long did 1t take Thomas
Gray to write his "Elegy Written In .
Country Churchyard"?-C. c. D.
A. The poet worked for eight years on
his great masterpiece before 1t satisfied
him. 1t was begun in 1742 and finished
in June, 1850.
Q. What is the greatest distance that
a golf ball will travel?-F. G. D.
A. Regardless of atmospheric condi-
tions, the greatest distance that a golf
ball will travel Is 245 to $50 yards. If
the ground Is dry and hard it may roll
another IS or 100 yards after hitting
the ground
@. How many of the earth's great
structures would be visible to a man
living on the moon?-W. S. c.
A. 1t has been said that such an
observer could distinguish only one man
made work, the Great Wall Of China.
@. What Is meant by the expression
Horse Marines"?-M. N.
A. The expression Horse Marines"
refers to a mythical corps very COM
monty cited in jokes on the innocent.
The British Royal Marines are confined
to artillery and infantry and do not in
clude cavalry. Being ignorant of sea-
manship, they have always been the butt
OF bluejackets. To belong to the Horse
Marines" means to be an awkward, lub-
berly recruit. The Marine Corps says
that the mounted troops Of the corps
have been referred to as Horse Ma
rines."
@. What method is used by gypsies
to baptize their children?-N. I. d.
A. Six weeks or less after birth the
child is dipped in running water after
which ceremony the father Is allowed.
for the first time, to take the child into
his arms.
@. Can you give the names of some
famous singers who are stamp collec-
tors?-M. A.
A. Lily Pons and Lauritz Melchior
are enthusiastic collectors.
Q. How many electric refrigerators
are there in American homes?-D. E. E.
A. According to an estimate of jan
uary, 1912, there are 10. 900 refriger-
ators in homes in the United States.
@. Where is the largest loose leaf
tobacco market in the United States?-
r. M.
A. For the past four years Lexington.
KY, has been the largest loose-leaf to-
bacco market in the United States. VIII
son, N. c., is q close second.
Q. On what basis is interest COM
puted in business?-G. P.
A. Ordinary interest, or bankers in
terest is computed on the basis of 800
days to . year.
O. Which are the hattest fishes?-
L. M. D.
A. Rays and skates. They are the
flattest of all vertebrates.
@. When did the United States recog-
nize the Soviet Union?-C. P. F..
A. The United States recognized the
Soviet Union on November l6, 1888.
Q. How may corrosion be removed
from silver water pitcher?-L. M.
A. To remove corrosion from a silver
water pitcher, use q good silver polish,
or immerse the pitcher in soda and
warm water in an aluminium utensil or
in wooden bucket alongside any piece
of aluminium.
Evening star., 1942-07-21
Favors Taxi Operators Strike
As Protest Against PUG Chairman.

To the Editor Of The Star:
City Faces Threat Of New Taxicab
Strike That Is one OF the headlines
we read in your paper.
The people of Washington must be
pretty well fed up with the Public Utili-
ties Commission and its handling of the
taxicab situation in this city. Certainly
the czaristic attitude Of Chairman Greg
ory Hankin is in itself enough to dis
gust any one.
I have looked over the map of zones
and the proposed charges. and I must
confess that any taxicab driver could
charge me any rate he wanted to for q
ride and I would not know II 1t were
correct or not. I seriously doubt II the
driver would know either.
CHARLES H. HASKINS.
Evening star., 1942-07-21
Objects to Emergency Proposal
To Build War Workers Dormitories.

To the Editor Of The Star:
1t is planned to spend s13,ooo,0o0 to
shelter Government war workers, mostly
girls. and to spoil more of Washing
tons park areas.
These dormitory buildings are not
needed. About two-thirds of the girls
will not live in them on account OF
certain restrictions and because OF their
being distant from the central sections
Of the city.
At the room rental agency operated by
the Government in tho Information
Building on Pennsylvania avenue they
have numerous rooms listed for rent.
So long as there are lots Of nice rooms
for rent at very reasonable prices, why
waste the taxpayers money putting up
dornitories? A TAXPAYER.
Evening star., 1942-07-21
Says Preventing Imitation
Is Not "Complicated."
To the Editor of The Star.

One Of the astounding exhibitions Of
political shadow-b boxing is that OF Con-
gress and Leon Henderson over methods
of preventing imitation.
It must be evident that Congress has
no plan at all. Obstruction is not plan.
And it Is equally evident that Mr.. Hen
derson is doing all any man can do
without full authority to freeze prices,
wages and salaries, costs OF raw ma
terials, labor and wholesale and retail
prices Of commodities.
These things are interrelated and can
not be separated.
The issue is as simple as addition and
subtraction. To fix prices, costs must be
f1xed-and this includes rents, salaries
and just a fair profit for production and
distribution
There is nothing complicated in the
prevention of imitation. Keep money
out of circulation through taxation
(above normal national income) and
give Mr.. Henderson full authority to
freeze costs and prices.
Randolph, Utah. FRED P. PATTON.
Evening star., 1942-07-21
Pokes Fun at Compiler
OF Guide for British Cadets.
To ths Editor of The atay.

70 the Editor Of The Star:
In The Star Of July 16 there is an
article headed: Curious Yankee Ways
Charted for Raj Cadets Training"
credited to the Associated Press and
wired from New York But I would not
recognize our American men from the
description.
These rules for understanding Ameri-
can men are alleged to have been COM
piled by the British Air Ministry and
released to cadets who are to study In
New York.
Some of the Characterization are q
matter Of opinion but couple of them
are definitely unsound.
/. He stalks the dollar with the fe-
Evening star., 1942-07-21
Letters to the Editor

Letters to the Editor must
bear the name and address OF
the 1Oriter, although the use OF
a pSeud0ngm for publication is
permissible. The Star reserves
the right to edit all letters tDith
a DieiD to condensation.
Evening star., 1942-07-21
Expresses Appreciation
OF Nature Articles.
~ %ha EAftnp ~ ~, q A. -.

I just want to say how much appre-
ciate the articles on Natures Children"
which appear in your paper. I have
enjoyed them for many years. They are
not only interesting, but Instructive
as we'll. MRS. r. ". HOPKINS.
Evening star., 1942-07-21
Calls for Prayer
In Behalf Of Victory.

To the Editor Of The Star:
We Americans are sure We are going
to win the war. Has the possibility of
our losing ever occurred to you?
We could lose, you know. Victory can
be made certain only when we go on
our knees and pray to God. He will
guide us to victory. We cannot attain
It alone.
MRS. CLARENCE PAGE, u.
Evening star., 1942-07-21

Canning and Preserving-A four
page special supplement has been in
cluded in this booklet on how to save
sugar in cam >g and preserving fruit
The problem of getting around the
sugar shortage, particularly from the
standpoint of canning and preserving,
has been studied carefully by Govern
ment experts, and the suggestions
given in this supplement are based
mainly upon their conclusions. To
secure your copy Of this publication
inclose Is cents in coin, wrapped in
this clipping, and mail to The Star
Information Bureau.
Name
Address
Evening star., 1942-07-21

@. Which are the best brain foods7-
w. H.
A. The theory that certain foods are
best for the brain has long been ex-
ploded. Any food that nourishes the
body will benefit the brain.
Evening star., 1942-07-21

@. When did the last marriage take
place in the White House7-N A.
A.. The last marriage in the White
House was that of Eleanor Wilson,
daughter of President Wilson, to William
Gibbs McAdoo. 1t took place in the
blue room in 1914.
Evening star., 1942-07-21
Huskin's Answers
To Questions
BIZ Frederic J. Hdskfn.

A reader cdn get the ansper to any
question OF fact by Writing The Epe-
ming Star Information Bureau, Fred
eric J. Haskin, director, Washington,
d. c. Please inclose stamp for return
postage.
@. How did the ancients use ele-
plants in warfare?-M N.
A, In ancient armies elephants were
employed much as tanks are today.
Hannibal used them to protect his front
and to attack.
Evening star., 1942-07-21

Entered as second-class matter post ofice
Washington, D. c.
Evening star., 1942-02-11
Murphy Urges Unfit
Be-Weeded Out Of
Volunteer Services
Chief Air-Ruid Warden
And StulI Address
Stanton Park Citizens

Civilian defense progress In STAN
ton Park was outlined last night at
a mass meeting sponsored by the
Stanton Park Citizens Association
William Armstrong, chief air-raid
warden In the area, told the
gathering that 242 persons are en-
gagged in civilian defense work there
OF this number, 80 per cent have
taken courses In gases. incendiary
bombs and general administration
Mr.. Armstrong said. Eighty-flve per
cent have taken either the 10 or 20
hour Red Cross first-aid course, he
added.
Battalion Fire Chief Clement
Murphy, chief air-raid warden for
the District, also addressed the
group.
Character. cooperation and action
were the three things stressed by
the Rev. Oscar F. Blackwelder of
the Church OF the Reformation as
necessary to the successful fulfill
ment of the defense plans for this
country. Harry N. Stull. assistant
to Mr.. Murphy and president OF the
Federation of Citizens Associate tions,
also asked cooperation.
William J. Bart.e, chairman of
the Civilian Defense Committee In
the areas, introduced members of his
committee. They include Mrs. Odetta
O'Hara. Lorenzo Powers. Roy Wild
man and Mr.. Stull. Also introduced
were Zone Wardens Robert Middle
ton, James Manuel and Oscar Harris
Mrs. Charles T. Ward, in charge OF
Evening star., 1942-02-11
Lost Services Today
For John w. Bowen

John w. Bowen. II. who died
Sunday, was to be buried in Cedar
Hill Cemetery today after funeral
services at pm at the S. H. Hines
funeral home, 290l Fourteenth
street NV.
Mr.. Bowen, a lifelong resident OF
the District, was foreman for a
painting contractor in charge of re-
decoration work at the White House
He made his home at 600 Quintana
place NV.
He is survived by two sisters. Miss
Ida Bowen and Mrs. Sarah GiSt of
Washington, and five children, Mrs
Mary Travis, Miss Marguerite J
Bowen, Mrs. Ethel N La Sale. Mrs
Violet M. Ingling and Charles w
Bowen.
Evening star., 1942-02-11
Charles H. Cecil Dies;
Was Federal EmpIoye

Charles H. Cecil, Government en-
ploye. who died Sunday at Garfield
Hospital. was buried in Congress
sional Cemetery. following services
today at the S. H. Hines funeral
home, 290l Fourteenth street NV.
Mr.. Cecil. native of Washington
and a Government employe since
1917, was clothing inspector in the
purchasing Office of the Interior De-
partment and lived at 1925 Sixteenth
street NV. He was 32d degree
Mason. a Shriner and member of
Esther Chapter Of the Order OF the
Eastern Star.
He is survived by his widow, Mrs
Ruth r. Cecil.
Evening star., 1942-02-11
Africun Communications
Restored After SABOTAGE
BY the Associated Press,

BY the Associated Press,
JOHANNESBURG. South Africa
Feb. IA fresh outbreak of sabo-
tage which disrupted telephone and
telegraph communication between
the Transvaal and Cape Province
resulted in assignment of escorts for
line repairmen yesterday. Two line
men have been attacked while at
tempting to repair damaged COM
munications.N
Limited communications were re-
stored via a circuitous route.
Evening star., 1942-02-11
StondIey's Appointment
Welcomed in Russia

BY the Associated Press.
KUIBYSHEV, Russia, Feb. H.
Both Russian and diplomatic circles
received warmly yesterday the ap-
pointment OF Admiral william H
STANDBY as United States Ambas-
sador to the Soviet Union.
The admiral. who was named to
the post yesterday by President
Roosevelt. made many friends as .
delegate last autumn to the three
power war supply conference In
Moscow.
The Soviet government already
has given its ofiicial approval to his
selection.
Evening star., 1942-02-11
Brother Of Deon Dies

Msgr. Edward B. Jordan. head
OF the department OF education of
Catholic University and dean of
Catholic Sisters College, has gone
to Wilkes-Barre, Pa, to attend the
funeral OF his brother, the Rev.
Thomas M. Jordan. who died there
Monday. Services will be Friday.
Evening star., 1942-02-11
Mexicons Urge Congress
Of Political Parties
" the Associated Press.

MEXICO CITY, Feb. 1.-THE
Mexican Revolutionary party, the
only legal political body in Mexico,
yesterday proposed a congress OF
American political parties" as part
OF an i-Fascist campaign and the
suggestion will be studied by the
national council of the party today
The proposal is one of a number
formulated by a special committee
of the party, which has never lost
an election.
Evening star., 1942-02-11

of variety and partly to prejudice
or ignorance But the survey shows
that the farm wife is becoming
aware more and more of her re-
sponsibility toward her children.
Evening star., 1942-02-11

feeding, and George G. Hartman, In
charge OF housing.
Two Aims showing London during
the blitz were also shown at the
meeting, which was held at the
Stuart Junior High School.
Evening star., 1942-02-11
American Industry Goes to War;
American Industry Goes to War;
Diet knowledge Increasing
Demand for Viton1in Foods
Study Shows Efforts to,Mend Eating Habits
Thot Developed Men Unfit for Army
BY THOMAS r. HENRY.

putting vtamns minerals into the American diet
in the form of normal food, and not drugstore pills
There Is the conclusion from study being conducted 5y
which $3.50 worth
American people and must abreast of
changing food habits
Already survey been taken of approximately 1000 repre-
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-08-02

in some future age.
But these possibilities hardly accord with
naodern views of stellar evolution. The sun is
now thought to be comparatively unchanging
structure, which has radiated much as now
through the greater part of it's past life and will
continue to do the same until it changes cata-
Clysmcally into a white-dwarf star.
when this happens there will be fall Of
temperature too rapid for life to survive any,
where in the solar system and too great for new
life ever to get a foothold. AS regard suitability
for life, the earth seems permanently to hold an
unique position among the bodies surrounding
the sun.
What Sir James is saying here for the
known planets, means that the new Planet X.
too, will probably be found incapable of support
ing life as we know it on earth. Planet X will
ever move in cold, outer darkness far distant
from the sun and in region so chilled that
most of its atmosphere and everything upon its
surface will be frozen solid.
But even if astronomers find no life on ri, a
X it will not provide final answer to that u
fascinating question: docs life exist on othe
worlds?"
Our earth may be unique in its support of lif
in the region around our sun, but science know
there are millions upon millions of other suns I
his Royal Institution address Sir James Jean
touched upon this very point, saying:
Our sun, however, IS only one of myriads c
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-08-02

unique among all living things in the universe.
So, too, will man speculate about life on Planet X.
The best guess, right now is that the new
member of the family will be a frigid dark and
barren body incapable of supporting any life as
we know it on earth
Is there life on other worlds?
In his recent lecture to the Royal Institution
of Great Britain, the famous astronomer Sir
James Jeans gave his answer when he said:
Our survey Of the solar system forces us
TO the conclusion that it contains place other
than earth which is at all suitable for life at
all resembling that existing on earth Other
planets ruled out largely by unsuitable tenn
peratures.
at used to be thought that Mars might have
had a temperature more suited to life in some past
epoch when the suns radiation was more ener-
getC than it is now, and that similarly Venus can
perhaps look forward TO a more temperate climate