davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1943-12-12
Farms Divided

MEXICO CITY LP).-The preliminary
aims of the Mexican land distribution
program have been accomplished with
about half the countrys rural popula-
ton settled on communal farms, the
government has announced in outlining
its plan for future farm development.
The Mexican revolution Git is always
spelled with a capital r here) was
fought primarily to better the conditions
Of the working classes. The industrial
workers have come out of it very well,
with an extremely liberal labor law
written into the constitution. This
constitution drafted during the 10 years
when various groups struggled for power
in an almost continuous civil war also
provided for land distribution to peas
ants, but that has been slow process.
total of $4,000 heads of farm
families have been established on 15,6O0
communal farms (ejidos). This gives a
total communal farm population of T.
361 900 persons, counting the farmers
families. Not the hired man, for the
ejido laws forbid communal farmer to
have anybody working for him. The
avreage ejido has 1896 acres and the
average farmer can expect to obtain the
income from so acres.
These figures indicate that about half
the farmers in Mexico have received
land in the communal farms. The 1890
census reported 100000 farmers in the
country and rural population of H.
mn nf no
the country. The 1910 census, although
It's tabulatlons are not completed, gives
the country nearly 10000, 900 inhabitants.
In addition, some peasants have been
able to buy private property as result
of government measures aimed at re-
ducing the size of large estates. There
are no available, recent figures on how
many of these small landholders there
are, as contrasted with the communal
farmers.
Up to now, the government has given
92,0OO,OO0 acres to communal farms. OF
this, however, probably only about one
fourth is what would be considered first
class farm land in the United States.
Under Mexican law almost any village
and most Mexican farmers live in
villages rather than on independent
farms-can ask the government for land
The government then negotiates with
landholders in the vicinity. If these own
more than 500 acres of first class land,
and refuse to sell, the government can
take the extra land by court order. The
court fixes the price and the owners are
paid in special government bonds
The land is then divided among the
villagers as an outright gift, but must
be worked in common.
Evening star., 1943-12-12

makes it possible for Puerto Rico to Cd
become independent, CD become
state, 90 wind up in a dominionlike
status.
Senator Millard Tidings, pioneer in
the Philippine independence movement,
would offer Puerto Rico independence.
He has support here which is more
formidable than vociferous Senator
William LANCER of North Dakota would
offer statehood. He has support which
is both formidable and vociferous. AS
yet there is no outspoken support for
dominion
The people know full we'll that the
United States will not vacate vast mill
tary establishments which make this
island the bristling outpost of Panama
Canal defenseS. They would not have
1t otherwise, for they recognize their
strategic Importance and relations with
the armed forces have been excep-
tionally good.
But they want to be allowed to govern
the remainder of their island in their
own way while they work out a perma-
rent political status which will be salts
factory to clear-cut majority of the
people.
They believe the reform bill is the
first step toward both.
Rum Would Pay Bill.
If Puerto Rico is chafked off the Fed
eral relief roll and has to pay its own
way, rum may foot the bill. Sugar will
still be king, but molasses will find it's
way into rum instead of such uninter-
esting products as cattle feed.
The islands vision of new prosperity
from the beverage depends upon several
variables: The amount of molasses left
after satisfying industrial alcohol de-
mands; the availability of shipping and
(See PUERTO RICO, Page C-3)
Evening star., 1943-12-12

The British and Canadian Parlia-
mentS have similar procedure but Ke-
fauver, declaring that fear we might
be aping the English is really what has
defeated this proposal in the past" saws
his plan is an exclusive creation for
Congress under our form of constitu-
tional Government"
In fact, the Constitutions authors
figured on frank talks with executive
leaders in congressional halls. George
Washington and his aides participated
in legislative discussion-at least until
the Nations first President became irked
at some of the questioning
Criticizes Washington.
THE reason President Washington
and members of his cabinet did not con-
tinue the practice" said Kefauver, was
that with all due reverence to the
father of our country, he was the type
Of man who just had his way and he
didn't want to engage in any arguments
or answer any questions.
"They didn't set up very good ma
chinery for its operation so the practice
was discontinued"
Kefauver, in the last exposition of his
plan to the House, read a letter from
Controller General Lindsey Warren, a
veteran House member himself before
taking the job. OF watchdog of the
Treasury"
ut would certainly have leavening
effect" Warren said, "if the man who
is responsible for the expenditure of ap-
propriated funds would now that the
branch of the Government that gave
him those funds could publicly question
him about his administration
"At the same time the proposal could
prove of inestimable value to a careful
administrator who has been misunder.
stood by possibly many members"
Evening star., 1943-12-12

Russell BrtneS, 1Dho spent 10 years
in the Pacific lDdr area and recently
returned from japanese internment,
tells in the tollo,Uing story Dhdt, he
has learned OF japanese military
plans for meeting the coming Allied
assault)
NEW YORK.-American forces are
hammering now at the outer Of three
circular defense lines which japanese
military authorities are building around
their empire and Japan proper.
This is the picture presented in the
Orient through the sometimes revealing
remarks of censored newspapers and
statements by japanese officials
Informed Japanese expect their troops
to fight viciously on the New Guinea
New Britain line, the vital southwesterly
arc of the outer defense circle. This
circular line swings through the outer
most edges of the empire
Behind 1t are the approaches to
valuable raw material areas in the
Netherlands East Indies and Malaga, on
the west, and to Mindanao, one of
Japans key points in the southern
defense zone.
If the New Guinea-New Britain line
falls, however, the japanese do not
expect direct Allied thrust against the
East Indies, although bombing raids are
anticipated. A direct assault would
precipitate heavy loss of life, not only
among the opposing armies, but among
natives in the thickly populated islands.
The Japanese believe the United Nations
are anxious to avoid the inevitable
native reaction such campaign would
cause, preferring to limit assault warfare
to more thinly populated areas.
Big Battle Line Deep.
So they believe the big battle line"
lies far deeper within the co-prosperity
sphere. On the south and west this
central line runs approximately from
Davao, Mindanao, to Haiphong and
Hanoi, French Indo-China; Yunnan,
Lashio, thence tagging downward to
Mandalay and Rangoon.
To the east this central circle is an
chored by such key points as the
heavily fortified Truk Island, in the
Japanese mandates, guarding the ap-
proaches to the Philippines. In the
north it rests on Siberia.
The inner, or final defense circle
surrounds the japanese Islands.
The japanese expect, and are prepar-
ing for, Allied attacks from all direc-
tions. They believe eventually these will
come from the Aleutians, from the mid
Pacific, through the inundated islands;
from the Southern Pacific and from
China
Evening star., 1943-12-12
By Norman Walker,
Associated Press Writer.

Congress, tired of playing blindman's
buff, wants more teamwork between the
executives and legislative branches OF
Government.
It's newly acquired consultative
mood on Capitol Hill, sudden DISPOSE
ton to get information straight from
the feed box on vital issues.
The unique invitation to Secretary
of State Hull for his personal report on
what happened at Moscow is a case in
point. Earlier, prompted by the same
desire for flrst-hand data, the Senate
packed off its globe-trotting quintet for
a report on world battle fronts. The high
command, apparently recognizing this
new querulous humor and differing
somewhat with the returning senatorial
travellers, broke its long standing 81
lence and treated Congress to a de-
tailed, off -the-record explanation of
war plans.
Now permanent information,
please" procedure is proposed by a
House member, Representative Estes
Kefauver, Democrat, of Tennessee. Un-
der his plan cabinet members and
heads of important agencies would
troop regularly before Congress for
question periods.
Kefauver, tall, 40-year- triple
termer from the Tennessee hill country,
presented his idea in pending House
resolution which, he points out, could
easily be adopted by the Senate as WELL
Wants Half-Hour Questioning.
1t would call for a .two-hour quiz at
least once every two weeks. Half the
time the visiting Government official
requested to appear would answer
written questions submitted to him In
advance.
Evening star., 1943-12-12

They fear the fifth possibility-attack
from Siberia-more than any of the
others. For that reason they are main
tanning a sizable and well-equipped
army in Manchuria, to move into Siberia
if the granting of American bases there
appears imminent. Japanese diplomats
Evening star., 1943-12-12

also are outdoing themselves in an
effort to perpetuate present friendly
relations with the Soviet government.
Must Guard Communications.
From the Japanese viewpoint, the
line is protection of communications
throughout the outfung empire In
its western reaches, the line fringes
shipping routes radiating from the
Philippines and Formosa; doubles back
to China over the Yunnan railway; then
jumps to the Burmese rail line leading
to Lashio, former terminus of the Burma
road
Within the central circle Japan main-
tains widespread land and sea COM
munications, mainly east-west, from in
dustrisl centers to battle zones She
must protect its outer edges from Allied
naval or land attacks of sufficient size
to cripple these supply lines.
Japan apparently expects an Allied
Philippines, aiming toward the key point
of Davao. To prevent that, the navy is
charged with protection of sea lanes
leading northward from Amboina, one
of its large bases. Japanese authorities,
however, have allowed their impression
to seep out that Luzon itself is so we'll
fortified and manned that the Allies
hesitate to attack because of the
tremendous cost involved.
Press Prepares People.
This outline of the japanese defenses
is available to the intelligent Japanese
through press that apparently is be-
coming more outspoken in its attempt
to prepare the populace for bitter
defense conflicts in the future.
Vernacular papers, bolder than Eng
lish-language journals in Asia, say now
that even if we are driven out of the
Solomons, We will simply withdraw to
stronger areas in Timor and Amboina" :"
The influential Asahi reached the
ultimate few weeks ago by telling its
readers that I'VE cannot forget the de-
feats of Attu. Buna and Nomonhen."
Use of the word defeat" in the censored
press is revolutionary in this modern
military controlled era
tNomonhan, an i'm portant conflict
between japanese ese-Manchurian and Rus
sian-Mongol troops, was fought in July
and August, 1885, on the borders of
Manchuria and outer Mongolia. The
Japanese were badly defeated, losing at
least a division, but until now the
Japanese populace was never advised
that the outcome was anything but a
draw
Evening star., 1943-12-12
By Russell Brines.
Associated Press Writer.

Russell Brines. Who spent 10 years
in the Pacific lDdr area and recently
returned from japanese internment,
tells in the tolloUing story 1Dhdt, he
has learned OF japanese military
plans for meeting the coming Allied
assdult)
Evening star., 1943-12-12

(See GERMANS, Page C-3J
Evening star., 1943-12-12

See TASK. Page CD
Evening star., 1943-12-12

(see PUERTO RICO, Page C-3J
The Wilmington morning star. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1909-1990, 1943-10-12
On The Right Track

Since before Pearl Harhor this country's in
dustrial trend has been toward war produc-
ton. Now, we learn with gratitude, the peak
has been reached and industry may, in a
limited way, soon start reconversion pro-
gram to meet civilian requirements. Not
much change can be effected at once, but it
is something to know that war production
has been so well integrated that material
we'll established lines and as a consequence
promiscuous and haphazard restrictions upon
quite variety OF consumer goods halted.
Two surveys are in prospect to determine
just what may be done, and when, about re-
plenishing civilian supplies without interfering
with the conduct of the war. General Marshall
and Adn1irals King and Leahy are to direct
committee commissioned to dovetail pro-
duction into the war strategy. Work Mobiliza-
ton Chief James F. Byrnes is to make another
with the object of initiating Industrial demo-
Utilization and reconversion.
If these two studies achieve the results ex-
pected Of them, American industry will be
well on the road to peace-tine production be-
fore the war is ended. Thus the inevitable
period Of slack output and unemployment when
the guns are stilled will be materially short
ened, and even before that blessed event
have been broken.
The Wilmington morning star. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1909-1990, 1943-10-12

again to do their part. The good they can
do is limited only by the number purchased.
Wilmington and New Hanover county are
especially concerned with the seal sales this
wear as result Of the closing of the Red
Cross sanitorium and the necessity Of placing
patients in state hospitals, already greatly
crowded. Taxing their accommodations far
beyond normal capacity, it is notable that no
patient from the local sanitorium has been
denied admittance In all fairness the people
OF this county ought to buy many more seals
than in the past, to meet the additional costs
of their care.
It appears reasonable to assure ctor
Miller Of New Hanover county's full cooper
alton in the forthcoming drive.
The Wilmington morning star. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1909-1990, 1943-10-12

made, the equivalent of the Treasury's de-
mand for an additional $40, 500. 00O 600 would be
attained without increasing the income tax
rate or by other taxation.
And it would do more than that, as Mr..
Robertson shows 1t would reduce these pay
roll hpldouts which are proving SO burden
some to salaried people and put brake on
individual spending.
What the Treasury is most concerned about
is the raising of sufficient revenue to carry
on the war program. The American people
share this concern. They do not wish to
evade any essential responsibility for its
success. But what can the Treasury hope to
gain by making heavier assessments which
threaten innumerable bankruptcies, when an
alternative plan might be adopted without in
volving this grave risk and still produce the
same net increase in the federal income?
The Wilmington morning star. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1909-1990, 1943-10-12
Federal Sales Tax

Representative Robertson's endorsement of
federal sales tax is encouraging because
II is the first to come from member of
the House Ways and Means Committee. 1t
may be no more than small voice in the
wilderness to be smothered by administration
thunder, but at least 1t shows that thought
is being given in the right place to the re-
distribution OF the tax burden which might
bring some relief to the public, now struggling
under back-breaking load.
Mr.. Robertson notes that sales tax would
permit an increase in income tax exemptions
and afford the taxpayer some economy op-
ton not afforded by an income tax" He has
several other arguments, but these seem to
enlist chief public interest. II 1t is true as
he declares, that such tax would yield a
revenue Of $4,000. 900 900, and II. at the same
Time curtailments Of federal expenditures
amounting to $4.ooo. 600 and more were
The Wilmington morning star. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1909-1990, 1943-10-12
Miller The Right Man

Not only because he is an hcnored leader
in Tar Heel journalism, but in the states
civic life as well and a humanitarian to the
core, we are happy to commend the selection
of DR.. Julian S. Miller, editor of the Charlotte
Observer, as state chairman Of the Christmas
Seal campaign scheduled to open on Novem-
Der g. If North Carolina sales fall below
the quota Of $15o,ooO it will be because the
people voluntarily reject their opportunity to
contribute as they should to the fight on tu-
berculosis, not through any failure in plan.
ming or conducting the drive at the top.
But the campaign will not fail. The need
for successful war on tuberculosis is so much
greater now than in any past year because
of the shifting of population to industrial cen.
tiers and inadequate housing, with excess
crowding and under-par sanitation that North
Carolinians will back the drive for humani-
tvs sake and for self preservation.
Only with public backing can health forces
and sanitorium stats win against this foe.
The Christmas Seals, which have given splen-
did aid for a quarter century, are relied on
The Wilmington morning star. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1909-1990, 1943-10-12
Those Siberian Bases

In answer to the many demands for Ameri-
can use OF Russian bases in Siberia for bomb.
ing Japan at short range, it is pointed out
mat II Stain gave consent to the proposal
he would have to transfer thirty or more d.
visions from the Eastern front to resist attack
by japanese forces in Manchuria. and that
such move would enable the Germans in
Russia to move an equivalent number of
troops to western or southern Europe to face
Allied invasion it and when expeditions are
launched in either or both of those directions
Japan is reported to have from quarter to
half million troops near the Siberian from
tier. The first hostile act by Russia would
be signal for them to attack. Russia. which
is successfully driving the Germans toward
nome and defeat on one front. would have
to fight another war on second front for
which she is no more prepared than the
Allies have been to open a second front in
Europe. Thus, the advantage would lodge
with the Axis
Even if it were possible to occupy Russian
bases, there is no conceivable way for Amer
lean air forces to hold them against the Ian.
anese. We have no safe and sure commune
cation and transportation lines are not in DO
slt1on to protect an air force with sufficient
land troops, despite the recapture of Attu and
klska and the opening OF the Alaskan high
way. For that matter, we could no more
match the Japanese in Manchuria without
placing handicap upon our armed forces
in other war zones than is Russia.
Once Germany is defeated it might be that
Russia would join her allies in the war on
Japan, in which case Siberian bases would
aid materially in driving the japanese into
unconditional surrender. But until Germany's
military might is overthrow it would be little
snort OF catastrophe for the Allies to invite
the Japanese to launch a Siberian campaign
meanwhile the war in the Orient is going well
and Will go better if Mountbatten's campaign
in Burma is successful.
The Wilmington morning star. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1909-1990, 1943-10-12

not proprietor. of the local livery
stable to boot. Bracket is, there
fore, the force of reaction in eek
cuse My Dust" and Tom and Bel
1amy the youth movement. The
older Partridges hardly enter the
book at all.
The book itself is an almost per-
feet picture of the changes brought
to Phelps land. America) by the
motor car. The road battle was
one thing; the Inn. which had to
double its meal prices in order to
attract motorists, was another; the
disappearing racks for hitching
horses. the speed traps, the dis
migrating livery stable, the sud-
den Lewiston of the citizenry's con-
ception of distance were others,
ALI the time the motor car was
being improved. Makers were
forced to include tops and wind
screens in the equipment lists, to
discard chain drives, to improve
tires and rims-and so forth down
the list. One of Mr.. Partridge's
best touches is young Tom, who
worked out nearly every improve
ment ahead of the makers, but
never could stick by one Ions
enough to patent it and cash in.
Inere is even a neat and pretty
romance in the book.
The Wilmington morning star. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1909-1990, 1943-10-12
U. S. 5. EDWARDS
GOES DOWN WAYS
Wilmingtonians Attend
Launching Honoring
Navy Hero

BOSTON, Oct. 1.-THE de-
stroyer, U. S. S. Edwards, named
in honor of Lieut.. Commander
Haywood Lane Edwards who died
in the North Atlantic when his de-
stroyer, the U. S. S. Reuben James
was torpedoed and sunk the night
of October 20, 1891, was launched
at the Charleston Navy yard here
Wednesday, Naval officials an
nounced today.
Because Comdr. Edwards
widow, Mrs. Almeda S. Edwards
of Norfolk, Va, native of Will
mington. N. c., is now overseas as
a Representative of the American
Red Cross, his mother, Mrs. Louise
S. Edwards of Austin. Texas, was
designated by the Secretary of the
Navy to sponsor the ship.
Mrs. Edwards matron of honor
was Mrs. R. B. Ellis, of New York,
sister of Commander Edwards
widow.
Guests at the launching included
Mrs. Val Harvard, of New York,
Mrs. Lorilard Spencer and Miss
Katherine Spencer, of Newport, R.
l., and DR.. and Mrs. R. Bryant
Hare, of Wilmington. Mrs. Hare
is also a sister of Mrs. Almeda S.
Edwards.
; Almost simultaneously with the
launching, the Boston metropolitan
Red Cross chapter announced that
commander Edwards widow had
arrived at an advanced Red Cross
post in the South Pacific as a
staff assistant in the Red Cross
program Of recreation for service
men. She is carrying on for her
husband in the war.
Lieut.. Comdr. Edwards was born
at San Saba, Texas, November 9,
1905. Appointed midshipman
from Texas June %, 1922. he was
commissioned an ensign June 3,
1926, and had been a lieutenant
commander since August /, 1910.
An all-around athlete, he served on
the Naval Academy's wrestling,
boxing, and football teams.
Comdr. Edwards served on the
Florida, Reno, and Kennedy in the
early part of his naval career, and
was on duty at the submarine base,
The Wilmington morning star. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1909-1990, 1943-10-12
Raymond CIapper Says:
British And Reds Hold
Kew To Collaboration

! titudes are having an unfavorable
effect on American opinion.
Every indication has been that
the American people and the Sen
ate itself have come overWheltn-
ingly to the opinion that America
must collaborate with other nations
to prevent future aggression. 1t
was after one of our leading Re-
publican figures. Gov. Thomas E.
Dewey, urged an alliance between
the United States, Britain and other
allies that Prime Minister Church
i'll, hearing a report of Dewey's
remarks on the radio, suddenly
suggested an Anglo-American ALI
ance in his Harvard speech.
Yet believing as I do completely
ir the necessity of collabora ton
among us, l am at a loss to find
any suggestion from London or
Moscow that advances the cause
of collaboratio There is not the
faintest sign of any concession.
Both of our principal allies nave
contributed heavily to victory. But
Americans wish that the victory
may be converted into long-term
permanent asset.
In the interest of allied collabo-
ration for the long pull that still
lies between us and victory, and
IL the interest of converting that
victory into long term security.
some of us here in Washington
look hopefully to London and Mos
COW to give us some signs that
our readiness is reciprocated.