davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1943-04-30
Organized Loot

Germany's plundering of con-
quered, not to mention associated
countries, has been obvious ard
much discussed. Yet the systematic
efficiency with which those unfortu-
nate lands have been plundered is
now revealed to the general public
IN special report Just issued by
the Board Of Economic Warfare. It
is striking disclosure, rendered
more significant by the fact that it
deals only with the more obvious
forms OF spoliation, leaving the more
subtle financial and business methods
Tor subsequent treatment. Further
more, this report runs the record
down only through 1941. Thus, in a
double sense, it is, as the BEW ex-
presses the matter, "a partial listing
OF Nazi spoils."
nevertheless, during the first two
years OF the war, the Nazis amassed
a quantity Of plunder justifying the
BEW's judgment that "for magni-
tude and ruthlessness, the German
looting of occupied Europe surpasses
all previous conquests in history"
In that relatively brief period, the
Reich extracted from its victims
wealth to the value of at least 90
billion marks or 36 billion dollars.
And since then, the board says that
the rate OF looting has accelerated
into tens of billions of dollars per
year.
1t should be clearly understood
that this colossal spoliation has been
planned and conducted with typical
German thoroughness. Almost none
OF it was due to wanton plunderine by
the troops, who have been kept under
rigid discipline. The looting was
done scientifically, with a maximum
OF yield and a minimum of waste.
for the benefit of the German State
and its war machine. Nothing was
too big or too small for the spoilers,
Everything of value, from great fac
tories and extensive laboratories
down to park benches, door hinges
and garden tools was loaded onto
captured trains or trucks and trans
ported to the Reich, the rolling stock
itself thus forming part of the booty.
The cumulative extent OF the process
is summarized by the reports state
ment that mot only has wealth.
accumulated over centuries. been
carried to Germany, but the indus
tries, natural resources and labor
power of the occupied countries are
under absolute German domination.
The report describes certain refine
ments In the Nazis' spoliation tech
nique, which are especially revealing.
One pattern Of Nazi operations was
to send military booty from Austria
and Czechoslovakia to the smaller
countries of Eastern Europe in ex-
change for foodstuffs and raw ma
terials, and then get the equipment
back when Germany invaded those
countries or forced them to Join the
Axis.
Besides this physical plundering,
Germany has exploited the con-
quered countries by levying occupa-
tion charges far in excess Of the
actual maintenance cost Of its
troops, and then using the balances
to buy into local industries. That
touches the fringe Of the much larger
held OF German penetration into
European industry through cartel
expansion, interlocking directorates,
and banking and inaurance oontrol.
Evening star., 1943-04-30
Where Leadership Counts

Success Of the Community Chest
In Washington has been due to the
high caliber Of the citizens who have
directed its activities. There is regret
over the retirement Of Coleman Jen-
nings as president, after i've fruitful
years. But there Is satisfaction over
the choice Of Frank r. Jelleff as his
successor. Both men have been active
In the Chest since its organization.
Evening star., 1943-04-30

Presidents and Their Wives-Con-
tains interesting and important facts
about our Presidents. Ten of them
were elected twice and two refused
third terms. Seven served eight years.
Four were never elected President, but
merely served out unexpired terms.
Six Presidents were under so when
they were inaugurated. Do you know
these men who have led this Nation7
This 48-page publication tells the
story Of our Presidents, their wives
and families and their achievements.
To secure your copy inclose Is cents
in coin wrapped in this clipping and
mail to The Star Information Bureau.
Name
Address
Evening star., 1943-04-30

@. Do trees grow more In daytime
than during the night?-E. L. H.
A. 1t Is estimated that almost two
thirds Of trees growth is made at night.
@. What Is the total amount paid in
salaries to Government employes?-
M. N.
A. The National Industrial Confer
ence Board estimates the total for the
year 1912 at $13,500 900 900 exclusive of
subsistence to members of the armed
forces. Salaries and wages paid to all
Government employees, including Fed
eral. State and local units and the armed
services, slightly exceeded In the aggre-
gate the combined salaries and wages
paid in all manufacturing In 1899.
@. How large hole in the earth Is
made by block buster?-O. ].
A. This 1000 pound demolition bomb
blasts a crater some 40 feet across and
as deep as four story building Is high.
O. How are the two halves Of . clam
shell joined?-A. A.
A. The two halves Of the clam shell
are joined by a muscular hinge.
Q. What was the real cost Of the JET
ferson Memorabilia. l..
A. The cost of the memorial was b.
tween 100000 and $l0000,ooo, con-
siderably In excess OF the 100000
originally planned.
Q. How long does 1t take IN ostrich
egg to hatch?-. P.
A. 1t takes ~ days. Both the male and
female sit on the eggs which weigh from
three to four pounds each, and are
equivalent to about 80 hens eggs.
@. Who records the places Of burial Of
soldiers who lose their lives overseas7-
w. D.
A. The War Department says that
Graves Registration units have been
organized In the various war theaters to
insure temporary burial and record the
localities.
@. Is the Canadian stamp which
honors Cartier executed from portrait?
Il. L.
A. In st. Malo, Brittany, where Car
tier was born in 1491, a portrait Of the
explorer hangs in the city hall. The
l-cent blue-green stamp of the tercen-
tenary issue was executed from this
picture.
@. Are there any books on how to
play with toy soldiers?-A. M.
A. Two well-known books on this
subject are by H. G. Wells, himself q
collector.
@. Is it possible for a soldier overseas
to send money home?-D. G.
A. The War Department says q SOL
dier overseas may send money home by
purchasing a postal money order, re-
questing a Treasury check from his A.
nance officer and mailing it, or deposit
ing the money with his personnel oficer
In accordance with the Personal Trans
fer Act system. If he uses the last means
suggested, the Finance Department of
the Army will make arrangements for
payment by check to the payee in the
United States.
@. What States require two tail lights
on passenger automobiles?-P. r.
A. The National Highway Users Con-
ference says Washington appears to be
the only. State that requires two tail
lights on passenger cars. Law Of that
State passed In 1887 provides that new
motor vehicles sold after January /, 1899.
must be equipped with two rear lights,
one located on each side.
@. What is meant by the well Of the
House in speaking Of the House Of Rep
resentatives?-M. L. T..
A. The space between the Speakers
rostrum and the first row Of seats.
Evening star., 1943-04-30

thrilled over the achievement of the
Army engineers, and some day, mosqui-
toes or no mosquitoes, we want to go
over it when it is open to civilian travel,
with enough gas stations to see us there
and back. c. A. RENTFRO.
Evening star., 1943-04-30

Letters to the Editor must
bear the name and address OF
the ,Driter, although the use of
a pseudonyna for publication is
permissible. The Star reserves
the right to edit all letters 1uith
a Die1D to condensation.
Evening star., 1943-04-30
Older Men Urged
For Police Force

To the Editor Of The Star:
You published recently a letter advo-
eating the Unemployment of policemen
who draw salaries from the Govern
ment, and who, since retirement, have
taken jobs in private industry, drawing
salaries from both. The above-men-
toned letter might have gone further
and told you that too many young men
are employed on the force" who desire
to go into training for the Army, and
should be there. Experienced men are
needed as policemen now.
H. S. THOMAS.
Evening star., 1943-04-30
Gratitude for Improvements
In Bus Service Expressed.

Gratitude for Improvements
In Bus Service Expressed.
To the Editor Of The Star:
Last November the bus situation was
so bad that wrote public complaint
which you published. A few weeks later
I received letter from the Capital
{ Transit Co. telling of their plans for
improving the service as much as pos
sible within the limitations Of the ONCE
of Defense Transportation.
am very grateful for the improve
ments made and have heard quite few
people express their appreciation for the
changes, which include:
O Express service to Twentieth and
Bunker Hill road in the afternoon rush
hours;
(O Addition Of many larger and speed
Ter buses that carry shout one-and-A-
half times as many people a. the old
Buses
60 Running extra buses on Monday
morning when the schedule Is slowed
up by the buying Of weekly passes.
Bus riders from this vicinity have
hoped for an express service during rush
hours that would be nonstop from n.y.
attsville to downtown Washington routed
Queens Chapel road and Michigan ave-
nue.. II and when this becomes q reality
another Is minutes could be Topped
on the running time. According to the
old adage that q straight line Is the
shortest distance between two points,
1t win be good thing for all concerned
to have the route Strengthened out as
soon Is possible. In the meantime We
are grateful for what has already been
done by the Capital Transit Co. to Inn
prove the service.
p. FREDERICK DRYR
Evening star., 1943-04-30
Hiring Of japanese
Draws Protest.

11H IH8 UI JdpNHcSc
Draws Protest.
To the Editor Of The Star:
am. as SO many people say, "just
mother" Of one Of our boys In service,
but would like to suggest that If we
put Japs, foreign or American born, in
certain camps in our country and feel
it's best-lets keep them there. What
right have one or two Americans to re-
move them and employ them for their
private use? JUST A MOTHER.
Evening star., 1943-04-30
Telephone National 5000,
Member Of the Associated Press.

Entered at the Post ONCE, Washington, D. c.,
As second-class mail matter.
Evening star., 1943-04-30

The Evening Star Newspaper Company.
Main once: 11th st. and Pennsylvania Ave.
New York once: 1lO East 42d st.
Chicago Once: 435 North Michigan Ave.
Evening star., 1943-05-19
The Great Game of Politics
Full Retreat From Hold the Line
Wage Order Charged to Roosevelt

by the recent directive" of Eco
nomic Stabilizer Byrnes to the War
Labor Board and lends ITSELF to
either one or both of these explana-
tions. And it is additional evidence
that the administration has no anti
imitation policy at all.
Though Mr.. Byrnes is the Presi-
dents chief aide, to whom he has
delegated large powers, it is unlikely
he would issue such an order with
out the approval of the President,
because 1t so clearly and completely
nullif1es the Presidents public in
structions Of few weeks ago to
hold the line" The line, Of course,
was the line against imitation and
Mr.. Byrnes, following the presiden-
tial mandate, at once forbade any
further wage increases.
Adjustments" Authorized.
A good deal Of surface f1rmness
was exhibited by the administration
at the time, and the expectation was
that the President would at least
stand by the freezing order. But q
month has elapsed and the wage
freezing order has now been modi-
fled. The reins on the War Labor
Board which had been drawn tight
have been loosened and again it is
permitted to make wage adjust
ments," which is merely another
name for increases, as adjustments
are uniformly upward.
1t Is a full retreat. Actually, so
much discretion is allowed the WLB
by the new directive that the former
restricutions now become meaning
leess. Primarily, this retreat Is
concession to John L. Lewis, but the
administration might have stood
firm against that defiant figure had
1t not been for the pressure of the
C1O and AFL leaders who, though
under the White House wing,
threatened to wreck the board
unless its former authority to raise
wages were restored to it.
Proclaiming their patriotism and
denouncing Mr.. Lewis, they none
the less play Mr.. Lewis game and
force Roosevelt retreat. Altogether,
it Is dispiriting performance which,
If the future is to be judged by the
past, is certain to be followed by
further pressure and further con-
ceSsions.
Talk about holding the line"
The line is wavering so violently
now that 1t is difficult to locate it.
Evening star., 1943-05-19

in the probation office. He was
arrested as he appeared before the
Federal probation officer.
Alexanderson's bond was fixed at
$4,000 and his hearing set for May
%. He told United States Commits
sioner David Head: Il have been
in love with Betty for seven years.
If I could just see her once, per-
sonally, I would not write her any
more. I thought she would show
up here today"
Evidence at the first hearing
showed AleXanderson demanded
Miss Cradle pay him s25,O0o in dia-
monds and $4,000 in cash.
Evening star., 1943-05-19
Additional Funds Urged
For War HOUSING Plan

BY the Associated Press.
NEW YORK, May 1e.-The Ma
tional Public Housing Conference
announced yesterday it's support of
President Roosevelt's request for
additional funds to provide war
housing for 100000 migrant work.
ers, but urged that the appropria-
ton be increased from $4O0, 600 600
proposed by the President to $780,
600 900.
The recommendation was issued
by the conference after it's Board
of Directors discussed Mr.. Roose-
velt's program at a semi-annual
meeting.
The statement also urged elm
ination of the Lanham Act pro-
vision from prohibiting "the later
use OF war housing for low-rent
purposes" declaring that the pro-
vision "aids no one except a handful
of owners of slum properties"
Evening star., 1943-05-19

his performance in the fields Of
diplomacy and military strategy
are at least balanced by his in
stability and inconsistencies in the
less remote, but equally vital area.
Elation over the success of our
forces abroad cannot help but be
diminished by the mortifying ad-
ministration retreats on the home
front.
The contrast is great and gen.
orally recognized. Some of the
Presidents closest friends and ad-
visers discuss it with extraordinary
candor. The plausible explanations
are new. One is that Mr.. Roose-
velt's interest in military and
foreign policy Is so overwhelming
that he is bored by the domestic
problems and either unable or
unwilling to concentrate on them.
Another is that he just has not got
the time to deal with them ade-
quately. Another is that in the
foreign field he is untroubled by
the political considerations or per-
sonal prejudices which constantly
protrude at home.
Taxes on Illustration.
These considerations cannot be
disregarded-or, at least, he cannot
disregard them-and they are
responsible for much of the WASH
ington muddle where so many in
adequate men wrestle with jobs far
beyond their power.
Perhaps the best example Of ad-
ministration ineptitude in domestic
affairs is in its attitude on taxes.
Though a comprehensive and dras-
tic taxation program is basic in any
anti-inflation policy, the President,
neither personally nor through the
Treasury. at any time since the war
began has had anything approach
ing an adequate program.
The only Treasury policy has
been negative policy. 1t has sup
piled no financial leadership and
the presidential influence has been
effectively used merely to block,
first, a general sales tax, which is
the only feasible way by which
additional revenue can be raised;
and, second, the Ruml plan, which
is the sanest, simplest and fairest
method proposed to collect taxes.
Political Approach Seen.
In his letter Monday threatening
to veto the bill passed by the
Senate and which probably kills it,
there is much to justify the charge
that he approaches the issue from
the political angle, little to sustain
the view that he has a clear under
standing OF it.
Another administration retreat In
domestic affairs, explainable only on
the ground of weakness is furnished
Evening star., 1943-05-19

no cooling off periods" OF politi-
cal and social vacuum.
We have helped call IN to be-
ing the European revolution, as
a supplement- to our arms. That
European revolution is taking on
form. We have sufficient reports
from the underground move
ments to know their social COM
position. In not a single coun-
try have the captains OF In
dustry been on our side. No
where have the bulk OF the high
officers of armies been active on
our side. And nowhere are the
bureaucratic officials on our side
except out Of opportunism and a
passion to retain their offices and
pensions.
Workers With Allies.
In all countries leaders OF the
workers are on our side. So can
be, tomorrow, the masses Of the
soldiers. Everywhere in Europe
the peasants are at least pas
sively anti-Nazi, but rarely the
big landowners. Everywhere in
Occupied Europe, the universities,
the students and all classes of
intellectuals and free professions
are with us. And everywhere
most Of the religious bodies, and
especially the simple priests and
pastors, are with the European
revolution for humanity.
If, therefore, we base our oc-
cupation and government OF
Europe on military chieftains,
propertied interests, and ruling
bureaucracies, we shall eventu-
ally find ourselves in conflict
with the people.
The European revolution has
characteristics which differen-
tiate it greatly from the Russian
revolution.
1t has been forged under for
eign occupation. without dog
matte theology. It is not, for
instance, atheist. q The church,
Catholic and Protestant, has con-
tributed some OF the noblest mar
tyrs to its cause. It is not a
"proletarian" movement, with a
class-conf1ict theology. 1t in
cludes the great humanistic
figures OF Europe-scientists, pro-
fessors and every group of intel
lectuals who have entered, not as
intenigensia" espousing the
cause OF the. workers, but as men
OF learning and breeding, espous-
Ing the cause OF justice and rea-
son. There are aristocrats in the
movement, fighting for the honor
OF noble tradition.
Not 'Proletarian."
1t Is in the truest sense, a move
ment Of the people and their
natural leaders, not OF the pro
Evening star., 1943-05-19

If it is true that the repre-
sentatives Of the nations will dis
cuss only the question Of feeding
the starved or haH-starved coun-
tries, there can be no reason
whatever for not permitting the
reporters to have free access to
the meetings and telling the peo-
pie Of the United States why the
present effort and rationing
should be continued, If neces-
sary, for some time after the war
is over.
If, on the other hand, the food
problems are only a blind and a
screen to cover discussions Of
other political matters. then we
have entered an era Of secret
diplomacy even worse than dur
ing the Congress Of Vienna in
1915, when the representatives Of
emperors and kings who consid-
cred themselves rulers only "by
the grace Of God" remapped Eu-
rope according to the orders and
the best interests of their lords
and masters.
Talks Believed Limited.
1t Is hardly probable, however,
that the delegates gathered at
Hot Springs are empowered to
discuss postwar political prob
lens. The men who have been
sent from abroad or the ambas-
sadors and ministers who have
been ordered by their respective
governments to leave Washing
ton to attend the Virginia con-
ference are not of the policy
framing caliber.
They are trusted servants of
their respective governments
who have been given a limited
job and limited authority to
negotiate certain questions
which we are told deal with food.
This being the case, nobody,
not even the usually ultra-dis-
Greet officials Of the State De-
partment, can see any reason
why there should be a hush-hush
conference. OF course, there
might be disputes and disagree
ments regarding the urgency Of
succoring the starving Patagon-
ians or Hottentots,
Evening star., 1943-05-19
This Changing World
Plausible Explanation for Food Talks Secrecy
Is Thut 1t Is TrioI BoIIoon for Later Policy

There might be strong dis
agreements regarding the typo
OF materials to be including in
what Is being described as food.
It may be that some delegates
would want to see sewing ma
chimes or nylon stockings added.
Disputes and disagreements are
bound to occur whenever several
gather at a conference and each
Is trying to get the maximum for
It's own flock. Controversies have
existed ever since international
conferences were invented and
eventually come out either at the
time Of the talks or, later, when
the delegates return home.
Must Establish Precedent,
Since those who ordered the
newspapermen quarantined prob
ably did not act because of a de-
sire to minimize the writer's i'm
portance In a world at war, there
is only one plausible explanation
for the move.
That is that as we approach a
denouement in Europe, prece-
dent must be established to keep
newspapermen away from the
future vital international con-
ference which will deal with
dynamite-laden politics.
More pressure has been brought
to bear on the administration to
relax the fiat of mo newspaper
men present" than in other much
more important instances. It
has been of no avail.
None of the high officials In the
Government liked the decision
and intimated as much on more
than one occasion. Not even at
the momentous peace conference
at Versailles or at the various
conferences dealing with sizes OF
armies and navies have reporters
been restricted to the same ex-
tent.
Main Interest in War.
The war is in full swing now.
The principal interest of the peo-
pie In this and other countries Is
centered on how the war is pro-
crossing and whether battles are
being won or lost. This interest
In whether whole nations will
continue to exist as independent
nations Is bound to overshadow
any deal which might be agreed
on at Hot Springs.
In fact, had it not been for
the ban on reporters, little at
tention would have been paid to
what was going on at the con-
ference at time when we are
more concerned with what is
going on in the Mediterranean
in Germany, Russia and in the
Pacific.
Most observers in Washington
regard the incident as a trial
balloon. If the ban is successful,
the same methods will be at
tempted at later, more momen-
tous conferences where the fate
Of nations will be discussed and
decided