davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1943-01-05
The Coroner Upheld

Perhaps the best way to get rid
of the antiquated coroner system
would be to appoint a coroner who
so thoroughly botched his Job that
the main inducement for change
would be to get rid OF him. Senator
Burton's adverse report on the Com
missioners' bill to substitute a
medical examiner system in WASH
ington for the present coroner sys-
tenn was based chiefly on the COM
potency with which DR.. A. Magruder
Macdonald. the present coroner, has
filled the position. There was no
debate about that in the beginning.
The Commissioners, like others be-
fore them who have tried to make
the change, were thinking about
systems, not personalities. And while
Senator Burton's report is deservedly
complimentary to DR.. Macdonald, 1t
adds little of value to the discussion
of advantages in changing the sys-
tenn
Senator Burton makes the sug-
geStiOn, however, that while it would
be wise to retain in Office a man who
has demonstrated his efficiency, the
District Bar Association might study
the proposed legislation with a view
to amending it and doing away with
the coroner's jury while retaining
the coroner. The coroner's jury long
since has outlived the original rea-
sons for its establishment, is a sort
OF fifth wheel and apparently in
terferes with, rather than aids, in
the prosecution of criminal cases."
1t is to be hoped that the Bar
Association will follow this sugges-
ton. The idea of abandoning the
coroner system was to improve the
administration of justice by better
system, which in other localities has
demonstrated its superiority. Per-
haps the change can be accom-
plished gradually, with the employ
ment of a full-time medical exam
iner, working closely with the police,
postponed until some unpleasant
experience with DR.. MacDonald's
successor haStens a complete break
away from the old system.
Evening star., 1943-01-05
Paths in the Snow

Ne,o-tallen wonder qlstens euerv-
nhere.
No ornamented sptre, howeuer
bright,
Can boasttully proclaim itself most
fair
When every humble roofs a lovely
sight.
No1O as the shovel cuts the frozen
foam
On either side from steps out to
the gate,
/ hear grosbedk in his cedar home,
Whisthng heart-iDarmtno music
to his mate.
Beyond the gate and down the
sno1oy street,
The path goes on betueen tho
marble toDers,
Until our pathway and our neigh.
bors' meet
And Join their door utth friendu-
ness to ours
ROSE MYRA PHILLIPS.
Evening star., 1943-01-05
Price Control Report

On the basis Of statistics which he
submits in his review Of the price
control program, Leon Henderson
may Justly feel that he has rendered
an important service to the American
people.
The outgoing price control admin
istrator estimates, probably with sub
stantial accuracy, that his program
has saved the consumers about So
OO0,O0O,0OO and that another $25,OOO,-
100000 has been saved in Govern
ment spending through the restraints
imposed on a general price advance.
At the same time, the weekly earn
ings Of factory workers and farmers,
and perhaps of some others, have
increased far beyond the rise in the
cost of living. In other words, for
these classes at least, the Govern
ment's intervention in the economic
field has been highly profitable one
There is side to this picture which
is not touched upon in Mr.. Hender-
sons review. To a large extent this
favorable balance between income
and cost of living was achieved by
the imposition of price ceilings which,
In many instances, were too low Mr.
Henderson's successor will have to
meet this situation either by permit
ting higher prices or payment of sub
sides, and the probabilities are that
the former course will be followed.
Thus, in sense, part of the saving
to consumers and Government which
Mr. Henderson mentions was achieved
at the expense of other classes, and
Evening star., 1943-01-05
THIS AND THAT
By Charles E. Trace1UeH.

They are quite human" about it,
Persons who feed the birds regularly
usually fall into rut. That is, they
put out the same old seeds and grains
day after day, month after month.
Who can say the birds DO not grow a
bit tired of it, even when they eat it?
They are lured away by new tastes,
as who wouldn't be, just for the fun
of it?
In the old days the annual appear
ance of the air rifle in the hands of small
boys tended to drive the birds away
during the holidays.
Today there are no air rifles to be
purchased and no BIB shot to be found
anywhere. So we do not believe that
this reason has been as operative this
holiday as in the past. Still it may
exist to some extent. Any unusual noise
or combination of noises or commotion
in neighborhood will drive the feeders
away for few days.
Hawks are always to be suspected,
when normally happy numbers of birds
suddenly disappear from a feeding sta
ton.
Just why they should appear during
the Christmas week we do not know
One of the best hawk exhibitions We
have ever seen was at Christmas five
years ago, when fine specimen sud-
denly appeared in tree in the yard
Not small bird was to be seen within
few minutes, and not one showed up
in the yard for three days despite the
usual stores of foods, amplified by SAM
pies of unusual things
One Of these unusual foods was bits
feeding station.
After this performance, we decided
that the manufacturer didn't know what
he should have known, and so we re-
moved the hook, meat and all
Since then we have fed meat only
then only in the ground form This is
one of the best foods to serve the parent
| birds 1t takes the places of small worms
and insects Cardinals, catbirds, song
sparroWs and many others find it real
| nelp in time of need.
Just how much meat can be scraped
up for this purpose from now on will
| be question, but those fortunate few
who like the birds enough to deprive
themselves of bit of meat NAV feel
assured that they are doing one of the
best things of all for the birds that nest
In their yards.
We do not believe that any one who
loves the birds should worry too much
because they suddenly leave a neighbor
| hood. They will come back in due time
and the observer will enjoy them all the
more for their absence.
absence makes the heart grow fond
err said the old song While we have
! always questioned that sentiment, from
practical standpoint, there is little
doubt that it is true when applied tt
the birds which may happen to absen
themselves from a particular yard a.
Christmas. Rest assured that if food i!
put out every day the birds will be back
They have right to be capricious, being
beauties in every sense.
Evening star., 1943-01-05
Mr.. Putmun's Proposal

The announcement by Representa-
tive Patman of Texas that he intends
to introduce legislation requiring the
Federal Reserve Banks to take over
delinquent debt obligations of States,
counties and cities seems peculiarly
i'll timed.
Mr.. Patman takes the position that
State and local revenues are falling
off as a result of the war and that
therefore, the Federal Government
should assume their obligations. 1t
has been but a few days, however,
since the Census Bureau announced
that the volume of outstanding State
and local Indebtedness had been re-
duced by $54O,OOO,OOO during the
fiscal year ending June 80. When
this is added to the S42 ,OO0,00 reduc-
ton effected during the preceding
year, the total just about cancels out
the increase in State and local debt
between 1882 and 1910. In view of
these facts, there is little to justify
the Patman proposal.
Mr.. Patman contends that the
States and other political Subdivi-
sions, heretofore heavily dependent
on sales taxes, gasoline taxes and
receipts from the licensing of busi-
nesses and motor vehicles, have been
hit hard by the war-induced decline
in revenue from these sources. Un-
doubtedly it is declining, but it also
is true that this loss is being made
up by increases from other sources
affected by heavy Federal war spend
ing. Furthermore, many States are
saving money and applying 1t to
Evening star., 1943-01-05
Investigation Dropped

Some three months ago it was
announced that the Department of
Justice, through its Antitrust Divi-
sion, proposed to investigate the
Nations transportation industry
railroads, motor carriers, the water
ways and the airlines. 1t was to be
a sweeping affair, carried on through
nine grand juries, and going back as
far as 1920. Unofficially, it was
stated that the inquiry was prompted
by reports of transportation conges-
ton and delay involving the war
effort.
Almost Immediately, however, 1t
became evident that any such inquiry
would play havoc with the country's
transportation facilities at a time
when their uninterrupted operation
was essential to the war effort. Con-
sequently, Attorney General Biddle
announced in November that it was
not proposed to investigate all Of the
activities of the carriers for the past
twenty-five years, but that the. in
quiry would be restricted to "a few
fragrant abuses Of the joint method
of rate initiation"
Now, at the urgent request of the
Office of Defense Transportation and
the War and Navy Departments, the
whole business is to be dropped
without the return Of any indict-
ments-to avoid serious interference
with the conduct of the war.
Naturally, it is gratifying to learn
that the Justice Department has
yielded to the appeals of the war
agencies in this matter. But the
question which arises is why, in a
case of this kind an investigation
should be launched with such a fan
fare of publicity without first ascer-
tanning what effect it might have on
the war program. If the department
heretofore has made no provision for
prior consultation in such matters
with agencies responsible for the
conduct Of the war, it is to be hoped
that this deficiency will be corrected
In the future. .-,r
Evening star., 1943-01-05
BETHESDA, Md.

Dear Sir:
Perhaps you can explain to me why
I never have any birds during the holi-
many years, but have always noticed a
deficiency of them at Christmastime.
Just why is this? There seems to be
no real reason to account for it, as far
as can see. feed them the same way
the year around and with more or less
the same foods I put out more food,
even, at Christmas, naturally.
Il enjoy the birds at all times. On
Christmas Day would like to see them
and to feel that I am giving them their
share of the Christmas cheer, or as
much of it as is possible In these trou-
bled times
This Christmas I thought, We'll, this
time, at least, am going to have birds.
Il got up early and waited for the
first arrivals-and there were no first
arrivals Nor second or third arrivals
Il spent much of my time watching
for birds, but during the whole day 1
did not see as many as usually I see in
few hours
Il have inquired Of several of my
friends who run feeding stations, and
they all report the same thing, that for
some obscure reason the birds refuse to
come around on the one day of the
year we all want them.
why is this?
Hoping you can solve this back yard
mystery, l remain,
Sincerely yours, L. T."
This, we believe, is no mystery, but
simply what some persons at times in
sist on calling "happenstance
In our own yard it occurs during
Christmas Week, but usually not on
Christmas Day. itself.
The explanation, as far as there is any,
is divided into several parts The ex-
planatior is not simple or one, but many,
sided. There are several reasons why
birds may not show up during the holi-
days, whereas before that they may have
appeared in numbers every day.
Vic 10 tIidg lllolC pcopIc lllillh W 1ttu
the birds at Christmas If they do it
at no other time of the year, they do so
when the holiday season makes them
think of others.
They put out bread crumbs, usually
Now, bread crumbs are not the best bird
food in the world, but today they are
much better than they used to be. owing
to the 'enriching" process which puts
back into the bread the vitamns and
minerals taken out in the milling
The great trouble with bread is that
it attracts starlings. But perhaps even
persons who do not care for starlings
are willing to put up with them or
Christmas Day
The songSters that winter here fine
plethora Of food, then, on every hand
No rationing for them.
They are tempted by new foods, and
find them in gardens and yards where
no food has ever been put out for them
1t is only natural, then, that they tenc
to desert the old stands" for a few days
Evening star., 1943-01-05

could not be continued much longer.
When this is said, however, the fact
remains that Mr.. Henderson was
able to accomplish a great deal for
the people and the country. His
methods were painful, but it has not
yet been shown that there is any
universally pleasant method of set
ting up effective price control and
rationing programs. If the new price
administrator should endeavor to be
a painless practitioner everybody is
apt to get hurt.
Evening star., 1943-01-05
U. S. Hiring Practices

In fortnight editorial in the
current issue of the Federal Employe
magazine, the National Federation of
Federal Employees asserts bluntly that
there are too many Federal en-
ployes," and calls on the Government
to put it's administrative house in
order"
Condemning the unrestricted hir-
ing policy that has been the vogue
for months, the federation declares
the Civil Service Commission has
been forced to recruit personnel
which "by no stretch of the imagi-
nation can be held competent" This
is the fault, it continues "of those
who have the power but not the
experience, nor necessarily the ca
pacity, for planning and administer
ing governmental enterprises. They
adopt the easy and invariable way
of the unframed and untitled, by
ordering large numbers of employees,
excessive amounts of floor space and
equipment This makes for an i'm
posing shoW-and for multiplied
confusion"
Criticism of this nature from such
a source is unusual-even remark
able when it is considered that a
union prospers only in proportion to
the volume of it's membership, and
might be expected, for that reason,
to contemplate an enlarged Federal
force with satisfaction. On the con-
trary, however, the federation ad-
mits a certain amount of 'enlight-
ened self-interest" In seeking to halt
the spread of an uncontrolled bu-
reaucracy, seeing it as dangerous
trend calculated in the final analysis
to work evil to the employees them
selves, as rising public resentment
results In measures threatening their
hard-Won gains.
The whole basic structure of the
Federal civil service system" the
federation says, which in itself is
sound and has been remarkably
broadened and improved during the
last ten years, largely through the
interest of President Roosevelt, very
definitely is being jeopardized by
the antics of administration incom-
petents whose demand for more and
more employees is Unsuitable"
These views coincide with those
expressed frequently by this news
paper. Aside from the monetary
cost and waste of manpower result
ing from careless hiring, it has re-
quired no special gift of prophecy to
say that in the long run the Gov
ernment workers themselves would
be the victims of this state of affairs.
Inevitably there will be a reaction
no matter how long delayed And
as the federation aptly says, expert
ence has demonstrated that reform
movement never stops at scienti-
fcally demarked limits"
It is with good reason, therefore,
that the federation demands
change now while it is POSSIBLE to
make calm, careful appraisal Of
conditions, and take the steps neces-
sary to bring order out of chaos.
The House Civil Service Committee
shortly is undertaking an inquiry
aimed at this particular goal. 1t is
an encouraging development that
the federation, representing thou
sands Of men and women in the
Government service, is pledging its
support.
Evening star., 1943-01-05

With no desire to intrude them
selves into military matters, many
civilians wonder why Army shoulder
insignia are not moved a little for
ward and downward. It is hard for
five feet six to see whether six feet
three is a first lieutenant or a lieu
tenant colonel, unless the former
stands on tiptoe.
Evening star., 1943-01-05
Letters to the Editor

AIIegedly "OdiOus" Criticism
OF Civilian Defense Volunteers Protested.
To the Editor of The Star:
AS zone AFRAID warden since before
December 7, 1941, wish to take eXcep-
ton to an article appearing in your COL
umns under date of December 81 in
which AFRAID Wardens who had not
complied with all the technical require
ments of the civilian defense authorities
were referred to as Pearl Harbor pa
triots." The appellation is odious and
totally uncalled for and unjustified by
the occasion.
In my area some of these Pearl Har
Dor patriots patroled the streets all
through the night of December T. l941,
because some of those in charge lost
their heads and ordered them out to no
good purpose. These same Pearl Har-
Dor patriots" consistently have worked
to perform their duties at all hours and
in all kinds of weather and have COM
pleted all of their courses except first
aid, which those in authority still insist
is essential despite the experience in
England and the further fact that they
insist on 10 hours training, while the
Red Gross contends for 20 hours.
Wardens in this area, like other areas,
hold responsible positions and are put
ting in longer and more tiring hours than
ever before, and have responded to all
reasonable demands upon their time.
Eventually, most of them will complete
their courses
I do not question the right of the
officers of civilian defense to drop any
one who does not comply with their
requirements to the letter, but do ques-
ton the good taste of a paper of the
standing of The Star referring to these
faithful men as Pearl Harbor patriots"
I might add that 1 have taken all of
the prescribed courses.
JAMES o. TOLBERT.
To the Editor OF The Star
1 would like to submit the following
in connection with an article about
cut in warden service which appeared
in The Star Thursday, December 81:
am one of the many who volunteered
to serve and who have not taken the
prescribed training to "fit" me to serve in
the capacity of house mother. Like many
others, l was asked to serve; I did not go
out and volunteer, though was glad of
a chance to help. At the time I was
asked to serve no mention was made of
training of any sort. Weeks after 1 had
been sworn in and paid for my arm
band. I was notified that it would be
absolutely necessary for me to take cer-
tain training courses. AS I have three
children and a home to look after,
did not feel that I had the time to spare
to attend the classes.
I very much resent being called a
Pearl Harbor patriot" whose temporary
enthusiasm caused me to rush" out and
volunteer my services. My husband at
present is on foreign duty with the Army;
am taking care of our home and three
children and feel just about as patriotic
as plenty of those who are taking courses
outlined for wardens. would have been
glad of the opportunity to serve, but it
is not possible for every one to attend
the classes.
There are many others I know who.
like myself, find it impossible to give the
time to take the prescribed courses. I
wish to say, and I think I may speak
Evening star., 1943-01-05

From the Jacksonville (Fla.) ma
val air station comes a sorroWful tale
about how sailor and marine basket
ball teams had to get along for three
weeks without iron rings from which
to suspend baskets. Dr. Naismith,
who invented the game, could at once
have solved this little difficulty.
Peach baskets with the bottoms cut
out were used in the earliest games.
Evening star., 1943-01-05
CATHERINE S. SHEELOR.

Editors Note:
The expression Pearl Harbor
patriots was used by Leslie Ruck-
er, executive assistant to the chief
AFRAID warden, in describing the
men and women who had entered
the service after Pearl Harbor, but
had taken no training to fit them
selves for the service since that
time. Mr.. Rucker said today that
any of those who were dropped
but who are willing to take the
training would be welcomed back.
Evening star., 1943-01-05

Letters to the Editor must
bear the name and address of
the 1Oriter, although the use Of
a pSeudOnynl for publication is
permissible. The Star reSerreS
the right to edit all letters 1rith
q Die,U to condensation.
Evening star., 1943-01-05


A reader can get the dns,Der to any
question OF fact by ,Driting The Eue-
ming Star Information Bureau, Fred
eric J. H1sktn. director, Washington,
d. c. Please incloSe stamp for return
postage.
Q. What is the length Of the new
railway line from Iraq to India? ?-L. l..
A. The recently opened line is 100
miles long. 1t was laid at the amazing
rate Of a mile a day across desert land.
@. Was George Washington the only
President to be elected unanimously
S. M
A. Yes. In 1920. James Monroe was
elected by vote of 231 to J. the only
dissenting vote being cast by New Hamp-
shire because it was felt that Washing
ton should be the only American to
have the honor of unanimous election.
Q. Was there time in England when
no damages could be claimed for a dog
bite?-B. N.
A. In the 18th and 10Th centuries
victim had recourse to damages only
after he had been bitten twice Dogs,
therefore, were allowed one free bite. ~
Evening star., 1943-01-05

Q. How long has the 10-Year-Old
Club Of South Royalton, Vt, been in
eXiStence?-E. V. b
A. The organization was formed in
1881.
O. What painter did Ernest Heming-
way rescue from Spanish firing squad?
T. H O.
A. Luis Quintalla was captured by
Frances soldiers and sentenced to be
shot. Hemingway and Lester Ziffron,
an American newspaperman, intervened
in his behalf.
Q. Is there really a monument to
Lincolns Gettysburg Address?-T N.
A. The Lincoln Speech Monument at
Gettysburg, Pa, stands near the spot
where the historic words were spoken.
1t is the worlds only monument to
speech.
O. What is the name Of the pattern
of the silver used in the White House?-
L. L.
A The pattern of silver used at the
White House is the Minuet.
@ At how many degrees is the earth
tilted on its aXis?-C r. J.
A. The axis of the earth is tilted
at an angle of 23ia degrees.
O. When was the Soviet Republic
established?-O. D. l..
A. The first Soviet Republic was es-
tablished on November 7, 1917. TIE
Union of Soviet Socialist Republics was
established on July 6, 1923.
O. How did ThackeraV describe the
soup known as bouillabaiSse?-E. G.
A. In his ballad on this famous soup
of Marseiles. the poet described it as
follows: This bouillabaisse noble dish
is, a sort of soup or broth or stew:
hotch-potch of all sorts of fishes, that
Greenwich never could outdo."
@. How much of the plastic auto
mobile exhibited In 1941 was made Of
metal?-P. O'C.
A. In the worlds first plastic auto
mobile completed on August. 13, 1941. at
Dearborn, Mich, only the wheels, frame,
and motor were of metal. The vehicle
weighed about 1000 pounds.
@. What is the origin Of the black
kerchief worn by sailors?-R. A. j.
A. The neckerchief worn by sailors
of the United States Navy was supposed
to be sort OF tie or decorative orna-
ment until needed for sling for an
injured arm. or to be used as tourni-
quet bandage. 1t was in various colors
until the death of Admiral Nelson. the
hero of Trafalgar, in 1905, when it was
changed to black as mourning and has
remained black since.
q. What was the first news agency in
the United States?-K D. E
A. The first news agency to dissemi-
nate news was established about 1911
in Boston. Its news items for local
weekly papers often came from the cof-
fee houses. the best known of which was
Samuel Topliffs Merchants Reading
Room, where current events were dis
cussed.
@. Is dry Ice the only substance that
changes directly from solid to
vapor?-H r.
A. The National Bureau of Standards
says dry Ice is not the only substance
which goes directly from a solid to
vapor, but it is the only common SUBJ
stance that can be used as a refrigerant.
Evening star., 1943-01-05

for many others, that we are not shirking
training; we volunteered in good faith,
after being approached, and we're more
than willing to do our share. but we
were not told of the necessity of taking
courses at that time.
And I repeat we are not shirking our
duty; l still feel we are Just as patriotic
as those who have completed all the
necessary courses.