davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1944-02-15
Nuzi Fortificutions

Like the fierce battles on the
beachhead below Rome and in the
streets of Casino, the story of the
Nazi defense system in the Lenin-
grad area is an impressive and
SOLDERING indication of the perils and
magnitude of the task likely to con-
front our Allied forces when new
fronts are opened against Hitler in
Europe.
According to British and Ameri-
can correspondents who have lust
seen Its remnants for the first time,
the German line around Lenin-
grad-before being smashed by the
Russians early this year-must have
been one of the most formidable of
its kind in the world. Studded with
minef1eldS, barbed-wire entangle-
ments, great network of trenches,
and almost impregnable steel-and-
concrete pillboxes and forts, it was
so strong that Red Army officers
calculated that in attacking it Rus
sian forces would have to be pre-
pared to suffer Is per cent casual
ties. To shatter it, 100 guns and 40
tanks were concentrated in every
six-eights of mile along the front
facing it. In one sector alone, in
addition to air bombing and heroic
work by sappers, between 100000
and 100000 artillery shells were re-
quired to knock out a single cluster
of Nazi positions. In short, before
the decisive break through was
achieved and Leningrad definitely
liberated, the Red Army had to
strike on, an all-out basis in one of
the most violent operations of the
war.
It should sober all of us, moreover,
to remember that while this line
was constructed in q months, Hitler
has had some 43 months to build
similar fortiflcations all the way from
Norway to southernmost France.
1t Is not for nothing that our Allied
planes have been striking massive
blows against the French invasion
coast almost daily for the last 81
days. II any one supposes that Our
Evening star., 1944-02-15
Says Turnus Was Nephew
Strange Alchemy
(BeeSWaX Candle \

NoecSWdx CdQOle
Strange 1Uhdt candles mello,D Huht
recalls
Bright, countless. blossoms on the
boughs of spring,
The golden-banded bees by old stone
1DdlIs
Bent on their secret missions. See
them ,Ding
Abope the s1Uaying colun1bine, the slope
OF 1Oarm pink clover? See the buck
whedt fo,DerS?
A thousand plundering bees the
heliotrope,
TAl fotDing nectar fills the SUNNY
hours.
NoD amber honey brought from field
and bloom,
Feeds hungry bees, till some strange
alchemy
Brings forth a substance Which makes
bright the room,
Creates another springs glad sym-
phony.
This slender candle from ancestral mold,
GtDes back all beauty that the heart
nsav hold. IVY LINDsLEY.
Evening star., 1944-02-15

The losses suffered in action can be
replaced from units drawn from the
reserves which had been earmarked for
follow-up operations as soon as the
German lines in front Of Casino
crumbled. It Is logical to assume that
these reserves are now being used to
strengthen troops which are still under
heavy German fire. When the offensive
IN Italy was decided on last summer, it
was assumed that the Germans would
not attempt to put up more than token
resistance in Central Italy, but would
attempt to hold us back at the Po River.
Moreover. some more optimistically-
minded strategists believed the italian
population would harass the German
lines Of communications with guerilla
tactics.
Under those conditions 1t was felt that
the number Of divisions which could be
spared from the operations planned for
the spring and summer of 1914 would
be sufncient to take the Allies as far
as Rome. Allied political men were 50
certain that this was possible that In
Moscow they decided that fate Of the
future italian government.
The German defense preparations
were stronger than we anticipated At
the time the offensive was launched,
it was believed In Allied military quar-
ters that the NaZis would fight with
greater determination in Russia and
they would throw the bulk of their forces
IN the defense Of the Dnieper River
The Nazi general staff, mindful of the
Evening star., 1944-02-15

optimism regarding the ability Of our
forces to hold their own against the Nazi
of1ensive-defensive operations.
The purpose Of the Allies in Italy,
however, is not to hold the regions they
have occupied since last September, but
to push on toward Rome, their main
strategic objective.
In some competent quarters it is
doubted whether the armies under Gen.
Wilson will be in a position to advance
even If all the German attacks are
thrown back unless they receive ample
support and reinforcements.
The fierce battles of the last 10 days
must have caused the Allies some fairly
heavy losses. Besides actual casualties,
many Of the troops are tired and have
to be given temporary rest
Evening star., 1944-02-15
Maj. George Fielding Eliot

to be slaughtered by the Germans in
comfort and at leisure. simply because
the aforesaid stone walls are part of a
sacred building-sacred in the eyes of
church to which many Americans and
many Germans are likewise commune
cants, but for which the leaders of the
present German government have little
enough regard.
The accepted rules OF warfare In this
matter are quite clear The official
American doctrine is thus stated: In
Sleges and bombardments all necessary
steps must be taken to spare, as far as
possible, buildings dedicated to religion,
art, science or charitable purposes, his
toric monuments, hospitals and places
where the sick and wounded are COL
lected. provided that they are not being
used at the time for military purposes.
The besieging forces are not re-
quired to observe - the inviolability
OF buildings that are known to be used
for military purposes, such as quarters
Tor officers and men, observatories or
signaling stations"
There are many instances in military
history which confirm the application of
this rule. Thus at the siege of Sara
gossa by the French, in 1808-9, the de-
tenders derived q great deal of advan-
tage from the massive walls of the
monasteries and converts of the city;
Junot's capture of the convent Of San
Jose was indeed the turning point of
the siege. One of the bloodiest fights
Of Scott's campaign against Mexico City
was the bombardment and storm Of the
fortified convent of San Mateo, at
Churubusco. That men of deep re-
lgious feeling may shrink from attack
ing churches and monasteries is to be
expected; but If they are used as forts
by the enemy, there is no choice, and
the enemy ought not to be permitted to
derive any advantage from his own
cynical attitude in such matters.
In fact, In war in which-as at pres
ent-the very existence Of the Christian
religion and Of the Jewish faith as well
are at stake. when we are fighting an
enemy who seeks to restore the old
pagan worship Of the ancient and merci-
less gods Of blood and fire, who denies
mankind the right to worship according
Evening star., 1944-02-15
Time for q Review

Society has paid a high price to
learn that the Juvenile Court Act of
1888 is defective or that the wording
OF the law lends itself to judicial
Interpretation which, regardless Of
what may have been anticipated
when the law was written, en-
dangers public safety.
The act should be re-examined in
the light of the history OF eighteen
year-old Daniel Reedy, now in Jail
at Birmingham, Alabama, following
a series of infamous crimes with
which he is charged after his escape
from Gallinger Hospitals psyche
pathic ward. For if the act is cor
rect IN its intent, as interpreted,
there has been a failure to imple-
ment it with proper facilities. One
OF the curious facts revealed by the
Reedy case is that there is no place
In the District for the proper con-
f1nement of a juvenile who is crimi-
nally or dangerously insane.
Young Reedy was committed some
time ago from the National Training
School to st. Elizabeth's, and there
he was confined in Howard Hall,
where there are adult criminals in
the wards. On a writ of habeas
corpus, which cited the statutes
prohibition against confinement of
juveniles with adult criminals, the
youth was released from st. Eliza
beth's and remanded to the National
Training School. There seems to
have been a complete failure by
the court to inquire into the boys
mental condition. The law, on its
face, was not being followed, and on
that ground the writ was granted.
From the National Training School,
the youth later was sent to Gal
linger, which has never been ade-
quately equipped for more than
temporary confinement of patients
and which lacks facilities for ade-
hoooS SdA Z Va VIC NlOlCllC, Od1lSclOuS
or criminally insane. He escaped
there, with a companion, after over
powering guard who should never
have been intrusted with the care of
such men.
There il nothing in the Juvenile
Court Az which mentions the de-
tention of insane juveniles. This
case is the first ever to have re-
ceived the Interpretation given it in
District Court. But if the law has
been read that way once, it may be
read that way again. It should be
amended to make proper exceptions
in the case of people like Reedy.
The laws study should also take
note of what the situation might
have been had Reedy commit
ted criminal assault, murder or
some other capital crime before he
reached the age of sixteen. Had he
been found sane, he would have re-
manned ward of the Juvenile Court
until he reached his majority-re-
gardless of the crime he committed
and then released. There are 9TH
er cases which indicate the need for
review, in the light of experience,
OF the Juvenile Court Act.
Evening star., 1944-02-15
Women Workers Problem

10 SOule III Will seem CQaC IL Is TOO
early to think about the part which
women may play in industry after
peace has been achieved. So long as
the war is not won, there will be
need for thousands of women on the
| production line in every city of
the United States. Any speculation
which distracts their attention from
the imperative task in hand properly
could be regarded with regret. But
consideration of the problem cannot
be postponed Indefinitely. A recent
article by Jane Eads, written for the
Associated Press, represents the issue
in the questions: What chances
will women have for jobs after the
war? Are the thousands of new
woman recruits to the Nations labor
forces going to be showed into
corner or forced to return home?
Or will they get the equal considera-
tion with men which they apparently
will demand?"
Certainly, the answers to these
pointed inquiries will depend in large
part upon whether or not the war is
followed by boom. If there is
worldwide prosperity, the demand
for woman workers is bound to con-
tinue. Should depression occur
instead, women presumably might
be released from their employment
in vast numbers and sooner than
men. No one at present can speak
with unqualified assurance about the
future. 1t may be bright, it may be
dark, it may be neither.
Meanwhile, Miss Eads quotes the
Womens Bureau of the Department
OF Labor as estimating that approx
mately sixteen million women are
employed right now" The prospec-
tive rise of the next two or three
years would bring the total figure to
eighteen million. If the conflict in
Europe terminated suddenly in 1914
or l945, as several authorities have
suggested, "a quick drop" to fifteen
million is anticipated.
But the Women's Advisory Com
mittee of the War Manpower Com
mission, Miss Eads explains, is skep-
tical of the "easy assumption" that
any great percentage of woman
workers currently employed will
wish to surrender the advantages
which many of them, if not all,
believe they have acquired from
being ION their own" 1t is part of
the picture that they value their
neW-found economic status and the
additional income; they find them
selves for the first time in interest
ing, better-paying jobs which for
merly were reserved to men; they
are learning new skills, discovering
new capabilities.
Against this consciousness" how
ever, Miss Eads believes that large
numbers of young girls who tenn
porarily have left school will be
drawn back into the educational
system at least for a while, older
women who have sought and kept
employment during the crisis will be
likely to retire, and housewives who
have worked out" while their hus-
bands have been in the armed serv-
Evening star., 1944-02-15
Illinois Primary

The announcement that President
Roosevelt's name will not be entered
in the Illinois presidential prefer
ence primary gives the political
dopesters something new to work
on. This incident may be entirely
without significance so far as the
Presidents undisclosed fourth-term
intentions are concerned But it is
a departure from the pattern estab-
lished in 1910. when Mr.. Roosevelt
was keeping quiet as to his third
term plans, and for that reason the
announcement will be examined
carefully for possible hints as to the
direction of the Presidents thinking.
A group of Illinois Democratic
leaders decided last week to place
the Presidents name on the ad-
visory ballot without his assent,
which is not required by Illinois law.
Now, however, 1t is stated by Demo-
cratic State Chairman Edward p.
Allen that Mr.. Roosevelt's name will
not be entered "out of difference
to the President, who has not an
nounced whether he will run again."
But in 1910, when the Presidents
intentions were equally obscure, the
Democratic organization in the
State did not hesitate to place his
name on the ballot, and in the
primary election Mr.. Roosevelt
trounced his former running mate,
John Nance Garner, by a 6-to-1
margin. The President went on
from there to pick up additional
support In other primaries, and
still without declaring himself
entered the draft" convention at
Chicago with the nominatio safely
In hand.
1t may be that the development in
Illinois raises some small doubt that
this procedure will be repeated. But
there Is no doubt that the President
can have fourth-term nomination
II he wants it, and it will take more
than the decision not to enter him
in the Illinois primary to discourage
those OF his supporters who are
satisfied that the Democrats cannot
possibly win the election without
Mr.. Roosevelt at the head of the
ticket.
Evening star., 1944-02-15

to the dictates Of conscience and con-
stitutes himself an enemy not only of
our political but of our religious institu-
tions, then it seems rather a Short
sighted point OF view to seek to impose
upon the champions of freedom anv
handicaps from which the enemy NAV
derive advantage. The controversy
which has been raging in the British
press on this point seems little unreal.
and one cannot but sympathize most
heartily with the words of the Earl of
Denbigh, as published in the London
Times: I'VE cannot afford to waste anv
lives which will be required, no matter
IN how small way, to contribute to the
preservation of our civilization. We
are lighting this war for the future. not
the past"
tcopyrsht 1914. New York Tribune, Incl
Evening star., 1944-02-15

would be paralyZed. 1t has been proven
time and again that when President
has on his hands an unfriendly and
uncomfortable Congress, our form of
government is at its worst. The strongest
executive is enfeebled; the best Con-
gress becomes futile. Now, it is con-
ceded by those who fear this condition
that one Of the strongest reasons for not
re-electing Mr.. Roosevelt is that ex-
actly that is bound to happen. In fact,
it already has happened. Not in more
than year has Mr.. Roosevelt had con-
troll of the present Congress, In which
his own party has a majority. Not in
longer than that has it pretended to
follow his leadership.
-
Should he be reelected this situation
would be worse, not better. For it is
conceded that the next House will be
Republican and the next Senate may
be. The unbroken series Of Republican
successes of the past two years leaves
no room to doubt this. Mr. Roosevelt
may win the presidency again, but the
control Of Congress definitely will be in
Evening star., 1944-02-15

routine be respected. Revolution against
Fascists will become contempt of court
There is no way out of this dilemma
II We insist upon trials" for the 100 900
or so leading members OF the NaI ap-
paratus Our soldiers, storming into
Germany for the destruction of Fascism,
will find thrust upon them the final,
ironic function of becoming police
squad to protect the Fascist leaders
from harm.
+
We know that moments Of deep, pop
ular excitement, when the political
imaginationS of men are really stirred.
Evening star., 1944-02-15

the hands OF the opposition party. In
brief, his reelection would mean the
worst possible setup for dealing with the
grave postwar problems which loom
ahead.
But, it is argued, the same thing may
happen to Republican President.
Should either Mr. Willkie or Mr.. Dewey
be elected the "Old Guard" politicians
may retain control Of the party organi-
zation and thus neither Mr.. Willkie nor
Mr.. Dewey as President could establish
the necessary leadership in Congress
This, it is held, would cancel out one of
the strong reasons for not re-electing
Mr.. Roosevelt, of which there are
good many. That is the argument.
Conceding its sincerity it nonetheless
seems completely unsound. What it
wholly overlooks is the great basic po-
litical potency Of the Federal patronage
among politicians of all breeds, KINDS
and classes.
1t just happens to be everlastingly
true that any newly elected President
Is always able to establish leadership
in a Congress where his own party
dominates. Every first-term President
has a honeymoon" during which Con-
gress is relatively docile and support
ing. This period lasts while he has
the Federal favors to distribute-and
distributes them judiciously in the
right places and to the right people
During that time it is no trick at all
for President to get what he wants
from Congress. Even Mr.. Hoover, who
was not very apt politically, con-
trolled Congress up to the 1880 cleo
tions, which changed the complexion
Of the House. In brief. he was the
leader up to the time the opposition
got its House majority.
Almost exactly that has happened
to Mr.. Roosevelt. His honeymoon"
lasted much longer than most because
he handsomely increased the number
Evening star., 1944-02-15
Bottle Of Railroads
From the st. Louis Post Dispatch.

From the st. Louis Post Dispatch.
The decisive role which railways as
sumo in modern war is made evident by
Germanys present dilemma. Having
overrelied upon motor transport, and
being now short Of oil with which to
run 1t, the Nazi state is reported fever
ishly attempting to bolster up its rail-
roads. and to be manufacturing engines
and freight cars with all speeds at the
big Skoda Works In Czechoslovakia.
The Nazis, If they could spare the
time from their efforts to avert disaster.
might recall their DR.. Joseph Goebbels'
predictions just after Pearl Harbor that
transportation, particularly railroad,
would turn out to be the Achilles heel
OF American war production, that we
could not surmount our shortage Of rail-
road equipment.
Evening star., 1944-02-15
ices will l"stay home" after the

ices will s"stay home" after the
armistice.
The whole subject admittedly is
confused. A clue to what may be
happening perhaps is available in
the observation of John D. Durand
of the Census Bureau that the en-
ployment Of women has been in
creasing in the United States for
half century and the trend would
have continued during the prevail
ing decade even il there had been
no war"
Evening star., 1944-02-15

rightly - concerned.
lest through inabil-
ity to work with and
supply leadership for
the new Congress,
the next President,
whoever he may be
will be unable to
function effectively
and, thus, the ma
tional in t er e S t S
suffer.
1t is certainly true
that. If that state of
affairs should come
about all strength
OF administration
Evening star., 1944-02-15

will be subject to
the mercies Of these
courts. But they will
also be entitled to
the protection of
these courts.
Oddly en- ou 6 h,
therefore, the first
administrative re-
suit of any system
of trials" for Axis
leaders will be to
save their lives. Our
courts, however con-
stituted, will have to
insist that their dig
nitv and erlv
Evening star., 1944-02-15

formation from Gen.
Sir Henry Maitland
Wilson, commander
If Allied forces in the
Mediterranean, and
Gen. Sir H arol d
Alexander, Allie d
commander in Italy,
dealt principally with
the immediate local
situation at the An
zio-Nettuno beach,
head and with the
Casino front.
Mr.. Churchill and
the Allied generals
S h oW e d warranted
Evening star., 1944-02-15

should properly have
b cen addressed to
the commander of
the German troops
in Italy. If the Ger
mans persist in using
the building as an
observation post and
as a defensive strong
point, the Allied
forces have no choice
but to reduce it. Its
location makes it an
important, in d e e d
almost the dominant
tactical feature OF
the Casino battle
Evening star., 1944-02-15
Negative Rules
Prom the Abilene Reflector,


Why the British lost Burma, and are
not too sure Of India. is shown by a dis
covery Of Leland Stowe, the war cor
respondent. The civil service code had
many huge volumes, two Of which were
instructions on how not to do things.
Nearly every one knows how that
works ct home when sudden trouble
comes.
Evening star., 1944-02-15

If we set up a system of courts to try
Axis war leaders, great and small, these
leaders will, of course, become prisoners
Evening star., 1944-02-15
The Great Game of Politics

Some new and very strange arguments
concerning the approaching presidential
election are beginning to appear. Some
Of these come from men genuinely-and
Evening star., 1944-02-15
This Changing World

For the time being, the Allied balance
sheet in italy Is in the red. Last week
ends encouraging report Of Prime Min
lister Churchill, who received his In
Evening star., 1944-02-15
Tradition VS.. Lives

The request of the Vatican authorities
that the ancient Benedictine monastery
on Mount Casino should be spared the
destructive effects of bomhardment
Evening star., 1944-02-15
Criticizes MIR. Grafton on Taxes

To the Editor Of The Star:
1t is becoming a little tiresome to
read the rawlings Of Samuel Grafton
on subjects Of which he woefully is
uninformed or prejudiced beyond all
reason.
In this instance I would like to refer
to his column in The Star of February
IL very aptly titled I'D Rather Be
Right" I don't blame him.
Mr.. Grafton, without any considera-
ton Of the facts, charges that Presi-
dent Roosevelt is being "whipsawed"
between Wendell WILKES demand for
higher taxes and the refusal of the
Republican party to grant higher taxes.
AS newspaperman of some expert
ence and as a careful reader of The
Star, I have noted in the past Mr..
Grafton's failure to take facts into con-
sideration, but I now think it is time
that he be given course Of instruc-
ton in the operation of Congress.
Couldn't some one gently remind Mr..
Grafton that no legislation, tax bills in
cluded, comes before either the House
or the Senate except by action of the
Democratic majority leadership of the
various committees? Couldn't some one
read him the statements Of Representa-
tive Doughton, chairman OF the House
Ways and Means Committee, which drew
up the tax bill, who is, I believe, a
member OF Mr.. Roosevelts party?
Wouldn't it be possible to get Mr..
Grafton to read the statements of Sena-
TOR George, Democratic chairman Of the
senate Finance Committee, on the sub
Ject OF increased taxation?
When Mr.. Roosevelt and his party
back up his demands for higher taxes
with a courageous program distributing
the increased burden equitably instead
OF politically, I'm sure he'll find support
among Republicans.
HAROLD G. STAGE
Evening star., 1944-02-15

Armies can just walk into Western
Europe, the Russian experience
around Leningrad, as well as our
present experience in Italy, should
serve to make him change his mind.