davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1944-08-12
HitIer's Confidence

IL WOulQ De fascinating II we
could look into Hitler's mind today
and see all that is going on there.
For If we could do that, there would
be uncovered for us more than
macabre new psychopathological
data; there would be uncovered, as
well, those processes of reasoning or
unreaSoning that still fill this man
with enough brass to say to the
German people that he will yet lead
them to victory.
Since we cannot have such an
inside look, however, we can only
speculate on what is Whirling around
in Hitler's head. Il am not afraid
to wage battle against outside enc
mics" he says in his latest public
pronouncement. In spite of every
thing we shall be able to cope with
them in the end" and I'VE shall come
out victorious in this war" What
makes him say that? Does he have
ground for believing it true or is he
merely reSorting to the kind of
frenzied bluff that animated Musso-
lini just before the surrender of
Italy?
1t is never wise to underestimate
the vicious resourcefulness OF
trapped animal. The Nazis, though
boxed in by land, sea and air, are
still fighting with the strength of
desperation. They have stiffened
against the Russians in the east and
recently launched their biggest
Though unsuccessfuD counterattack
since D-day in France. Meanwhile,
as their flying bombs continue to
hammer the London area, their
propagandists declare that devas-
tating new secret weapons will soon
be put into action, not merely
against British cities but also
against our Allied forces in the field.
AS Prime Minister Churchill has
warned. such talk is not to be
laughed of. Giant rocket bombs and
revolutionary new planes are by no
means an impossibility. 1t is en-
tirely conceivable that before our
Allied moose strangles them. the
Nazis will introduce sensational sur
prises, and because this is factor
real enough to be reckoned with, be-
cause he may have something up his
sleeve which impresses him very
much, Hitler may actually believe
that he will be able to stop us in our
tracks and achieve victory.
With these reservations made,
however, speculation over the
Fuehrer's seeming confidence leads
to the recollection that he has said
much the same thing before during
other phases of the war-notably in
October, l941, when he hatly declared
Evening star., 1944-08-12
Saint MuIo

The Canadians above all other
people will be interested in the
liberation of Saint Malo. 1t was
from that ancient city at the mouth
of the Rance that Jacques Cartier
set forth on his voyages of discovery
beginning in 1884. He was Malouin
by birth and death, stalwart
mariner to whom the wide Atlantic
was a religion of sort The folk
to whom he belonged always have
been hard workers, brave fighters
and unwavering believers.
A Welsh missionary gave the place
It's name He arrived in stone boat
and preached from the back of a
complacent whale, so tradition says,
and after he died miracles occurred
in such number and OF such charac-
ter that beatification shortly fol-
lowed. The medieval town which
grew up around his legend became
an object of contention between the
Kings of France and of England as
early as the twelfth century. 1t
also was quarreled over by dukes
and bishops until Anne of Brittany
married first Charles VIII in 1491
and then his cousin Louis XII in
1899. She was only girl when she
built her chateau at Saint Malo in
defiance of the world at large. To
citizens who protested she replied:
TT is my pleasure"
More useful were the outer walls
of the city erected against the ocean
as we'll as against human invasion.
They successfully stood siege in 1893
and 1895 and even repulsed the great
Duke of Marlborough in 1853. From
their protection sailed privateers
who captured Rio de Janeiro and
Madras and swept the seas of nearly
five thousand ships that flew the
flags of Britain. The modern ram
parts are the work OF Vauban and
subsequent engineers glad to be
guided by his example. Nature con-
tributes to Saint Malo's security a
tide which rises as much as fifty
feet in stormy weather.
The town itself is small and
crowded. Streets are narrow and
houses diminutive. The church of
Saint Vincent, formerly a cathedral,
dominates the skyline. Four towers
of the old castle were intact as late
as 1889. If they have not been de-
molished in recent fighting, they
Evening star., 1944-08-12

Perhaps the most notable Russian
advance OF the past week is the gradual
extension of the bridgehead across the
upper Vistula in the vicinity of San
domlerz. This Russian gain is now be-
ginning to threaten the important GEN.
tral Polish communications center,
klelce, and is stretching out slowly in
the direction of Cracow, farther to the
westward.
If the Germans are correct in their
insistence that the Russians also have
a bridgehead across the Vistula at
Warka, just south of Warsaw-which
the Russians have never claimed-then
the two bridgeheads may soon be ap-
preaching junction. But regardless of
the Warka situation, the Germans can
not much longer endure the pressure
from the south of Warsaw, and if Kielce
falls they must begin considering a re-
adjustment of their whole front north
ward to the East Prussian frontier.
In the Warsaw area itself the Ger
mans are fighting with grim despera-
ton which seems to have brought them
some measure of success More and
more, as suggested in my recent column.
1t seems that the sudden uprising of
the Polish underground in the capital
may have been premature The ad-
vance elements of Marshal Rokossov-
skys army group which reached the
suburbs of Warsaw east of the Vistula
do not appear to have been able to
maintain themselves in that vicinity.
Rokossovsky's troops are now fighting
northwest of Siedlce, advancing slowly
toward the Narew against strong oppo-
sition. There is no hint in any Russian
communique OF fighting In the actual
vicinity of the Polish capital.
The Germans appear to be deter
mined to defend East Prussia at any
cost. Their extraordinary mobilization
orders to the population of that pro-
vince contain more than q hint of
desperation. One item of considerable
interest, in this connection, is the Mos
cow report that 16 additional German
divisions from Central Germany and
occupied territories" have arrived in the
East Prussian area. There are no field
troops in Germany itself as the expe-
rience of the last few months bears
witness-thus reinforcements have been
identified in Italy as coming from Den
mark. Belgium, the Balkans and South
ern France, and in Normandy as COM
ing from various other parts of France,
Poland, Denmark, Belgium, Holland and
Norway-but none In either case from
Germany.
It is possible that one or two divi.
Evening star., 1944-08-12
Differs on Strikes

To the Editor Of The Star:
would like to take issue with certain
statements of Gould Lincoln in his Au-
gust article. He states there that the
left wingers in the CIO have made
themselves unpopular with the farmers
and with the soldiers because they In
stigated the strikes which have delayed
war production.
In that statement only one thing is
true and that is that they are unpop-
ular. AS Mr.. Lincoln knows, everybody
who is in the least "leftist" is support
Ing the war II only to help Russia.
Therefore, they would not instigate any
strikes and it is matter of record that
there have been no authorized strikes in
any OF the great CIO unions, the steel
workers or the auto workers.
So If the farmers and the soldiers feel
angry at the left-wing CIO, it is only
that they have been misinformed.
WALTER RAINE.
Evening star., 1944-08-12

battle. Another similar engagement at
this time might break their remaining
defensive power.
The Japanese navy, which Is still In
position to give us headaches, prob
ably will not come out and fight a
suicidal battle until such time as Tokyo
realizes Japan's position has become
untenable and the fleet might Just as
well 60 down with flags flying. This
time is not yet near. The Imperial
Navy can still be used as a strong arm
to interfere with our operations when
we actually enter the inner arc of
Nippon's defenses.
In the meantime some OF the troops
which have been placed to defend the
outer circles have fought all right and
only small proportion have surren-
dered. But they have not fought with
the bitterness and enthusiasm Tokyo
had expected. There have been many
instances where the morale was SO low
that the commanders and many Of
their men committed hara-kari before
all means of defense had been ex-
hausted.
While the loss Of Saipan and Guam
has been severe blow to japanese
prestige and also has increased the
ability OF the American air forces to
hit Japan itself more frequently. the
Japanese high command feels that the
Philippines and particularly Davao
must be better defended than the other
strong points We have conquered 50
far. The big American Navy in the
Pacific is handicapped at present by
the lack Of parking space" for our
ships.
The islands retaken from the Japa-
nese so for offer anchorage and repair
places for small ships only. We need
places for our cruisers and battleships,
which will be important in the forth
coming campaign. Tokyo seems to think
that since Manila is strongly fortified
the American forces may go to Min
danao. The japanese no longer under
rate the American soldiers as was the
case early in the war They realize that
unless Well-trained fanatical soldiers
are placed in the key positions their
inner arc Of defense might be easily
pierced
The dispatch OF well-trained and
fanatical divisions OF the Kwantuna
army Is expected to bolster the falter-
ing spirit Of the Japanese forces in is
lands such as Mindanao. Luzon. For
mosa and others which form the main
armor OF Japan proper
Evening star., 1944-08-12
Swinging Door in France

Almost from the start OF our
Normandy invasion, more than two
months ago, military commentators
have likened the strategic situation
to a swinging door. The Germans
based their plan Of campaign on
resolutely holding the eastern end
Of the battle line at their bolt po-
sition' Of Caen. And, despite the
loss Of the town itself, they have
thus far held their eastern anchor,
despite tremendous British and
Canadian efforts to dislodge them
and open path to the valley of
the Seine from LIE Havre to Paris.
However, the concentration of
men and armor needed to counter
British pressure has forced the Ger
man high command to make series
of costly sacrifices to the westward.
The first of these was the loss of
the Cotentin Peninsula with the
port of Cherbourg. A still greater
sacrifice was the breaking of the
German line in Western Normandy
which enabled the American Army
to burst out of it's narrow confines
into the wide spaces OF Western
France, isolating the German gar
rlsons in Brittany, cutting south
ward TO the river Loire, and wheel
Ing eastward in a series of lightning
thrusts by tanks and motorized in
fantry which threaten the German
Army in Eastern Normandy with
entrapment. In short, the door is
swinging so wide open that it may
soon slam shut on the lower course
of the Seine, sweeping all the Ger
mans in its path to death or capit-
ulation.
That appears to be the Allies
maximum objective. And of course
1t is obvious to the enemy. Yet.
thus far, he does not seem to be
trying to escape from the potential
trap by a general retirement from
Normandy to the line of the Seine.
His resistance south as we'll as east
OF Caen is as stubborn as ever,
while he has not yet evacuated even
the salient he drove into our lines
south of Wire when he recently tried
valnly to cut our communications
line between Normandy and Brit
tany by tank break through to the
coast at the key point of Avranches.
This means that the German high
command is taking heavy risks.
Logic suggests that they would not
do this unless they felt they had
lighting chance of countering our
encircling moves to the southwark.
1t should be realized that those
moves are as yet motorized spear
heads with long and fragile COM
munications. AS the tips stab on
ward, the spearshafts are exposed
to possible flank attacks from the
Germans in Normandy and south of
the Loire, to say nothing of frontal
opposition from German reserves in
the Paris area.
In other words, except in Nor
mandy, the campaign has become
amazingly fluid, with no consoli-
dated fronts anywhere and with
both sides taking big chances for
big results. But the tempo of the
campaign has become of such whirl-
wind rapidity that a decision can
not seemingly be long delayed.
Evening star., 1944-08-12
Inconsistent
From the Great Bend Tribune.

From the Great Bend Tribune.
Take the man who is making more
salary today than any time in his life
and he is out with blood in his eye to
devise ways for compelling the merchant
to reduce his prices and for lower
ceiling on rents. What he wants is some
legerdemain by which he can keep his
salary spiraling while some magician
performs the impossible in price reduc-
ton. In other matters he may be rea-
sonably consistent But the law of
average doesn't operate that way and
never has.
Evening star., 1944-08-12
This Changing World
By Constantine Bro,rn

According to reliable reports from the
East, the Japanese are Fastening their
defensive preparations against new
American assaults in the Central and
Southern Pacific.
The operations against the forces of
Generalissimo Chang Kai-shek are not
being slowed down, but, according to
these reports, some of the first.line
troops which had been sent to the
Chinese front are now being transferred
to the defense areas where American
naval, air and ground onslaughts against
the inner circle of Japan's Pacific de-
lenses are expected soon.
Last spring, after the conclusion of
the economic agreement between Japan
and the USSR, the Tokyo government
was satisfied that it did not have to
fear any Russian military Intervention
In the Far Pacific war. Tokyo is now
In the same position as Moscow was in
194l and 1912 when, in order to meet
the Nazi threat, it had to draw heavily
on the Siberian armies. Russia did so
without fear Of q Japanese stab in the
back. because she had received sufficient
assurances that Japan's expansionist
aims were not directed toward the north.
After the signing last spring of the
agreement which settled the fisheries
question and the matter of the Sakhalin
OIL, the Japanese also were satisfied that
the Russian forces in Siberia would not
cross the border in Manchuria. This
enabled the Japanese high command to
Withdraw about five divisions OF the
professional Kwantung army-Japan's
best-to be sent against Chiang's forces.
1t appears that another three divisions
OF the Kwantung army have been with
drawn recently. Some Of these men are
believed to have been dispatched to the
philippines: others to other important
South Pacific bases, and only a handful
probably not more than two divisions
are still fighting in China proper.
Ever since Admiral Chester W. Nimitz's
forces have stepped up the offensive in
the Central Pacific while those under
Gen Douglas Macarthur have been
cleaning up the peripheric positions
leading to the Philippines and possibly
farther west the Japanese have realized
that they would have to fight a purely
defensive war from now on.
On several occasions they have re-
fused to risk their navy in an all-out
battle against the United States fleet
mainly because they are aware that thev
no longer can afford serious losses. The
Japanese offensive power was broken
after the disastrous Midway Island
Evening star., 1944-08-12
The Russian Advance
By Maj. George FieIdine Eliot

sions might have been scraped together
from the personnel of training estab-
hshments-like the Lehr Armored Divi-
sion used IN Normandy-but the bulk
OF the Is new divisions reported in East
Prussia, if this Moscow report is true,
must nave come from occupied terri
tories. Possibly a few divisions NAV
have come from Gen. Lindemanns
army group of the north, the bulk of
which is cut off in Estonia and Latvia.
But f1ve or six divisions would be the
maximum from this source. Where did
the rest come from? Not from Italv
nor from Northern France. Possibly
one Or two divisions may have come
from Norway. Possibly an evacuation
OF Greece, long rumored, is under way.
Southern France may be in course of
evacuation too-as witness reports from
the Spanish frontier of the departure
OF German troops from the area Bay
e-Blarritz-Henda if so, these
forces are more likely to turn up in
Northern France to help the sorely beset
Seventh German Army.
What is most probable is that rein
1orcements reaching East Prussia, like
those reaching France and Italy, have
been taken piecemeal from all the occu-
pied territories, and that in the various
parts of the vast perimeter of Fortress
Europe" not directly under attack, the
German strength is growing weaker and
weaker. Naturally this will invite a new
Allied attack Observation-Disclosures op-
portunity seems brightest, probably in
Southern France for choice. And also
quite naturally it will invite a trial of
strength by the various underground
and local movements in the long-suffer-
ing but increasingly restive occupied
lands
copyright. 1914, the Tribune Coz
Evening star., 1944-08-12

probably still contain relics Of the
past which should be worthy Of the
attention Of any American soldier
with leisure to look at them. Frag-
ments of Carriers craft should be
there in association with souvenirs of
Chateaubriand the author, Mauper-
tuis the mathematician and other
worthy MalouinS.
Evening star., 1944-08-12
Letters to The Star
Gas Suggested as a Solution
of Rocket Bomb Problem

of Rocket Bomb Problem
To the Editor Of The Star:
wonder II very simple solution
to the rocket bomb problem has not
been overlooked.
Why not lombard the well-known
launching ramps and storage depots
for 48 hours or so with leaflets, warn
ing all people in the vicinity, soldiers
and civilians alike, to leave immedi-
ately or run the danger Of extermina-
ton? After that period, drop mustard
gas bombs over these areas Mustard
gas can make these positions completely
untenable and worthless It's density
being greater than air, it would ex-
pose all inhabitants of underground
ramps and revetments to its ravages
More Importantly, the well-known
Sticking power of this chemical would
keep personnel out Of the area for
many days. OF course as soon as de-
contamination squads attempted an
appearance and personnel were seen
IN the regions this process need simply
to be repeated. Included in the warn
ings, Of course, would be the threat
Tor promise) to make the areas per-
manently "hors de combat"
Radio broadcast warnings, coupled
with the leaflet barrage, should relieve
any squeamishness on our side against
the use OF this weapon. 1t also would
remove any possibility of the use of this
incident for German propaganda pur-
poses or as pretext for Inauguration
OF open gas warfare.
To those who, despite all precau-
tions to be taken, still will feel this to
be violation of international law, let
1t be explained that indiscriminate,
blind bombing of nonmilitary targets
is an act Of barbarism, to be wiped out
ruthlessly without compunction.
In addition to the stern effectiveness
OF the measures 1 suggest, an obvious
advantage is the release Of the bombers
now necessarily 'and incf1ectively)
pounding the launching and storage
areas, as we'll as large quantities of
gasoline and explosive expended there.
r. j. w.
Evening star., 1944-08-12
This and That
BIZ Charles E. TraceneH

Mary Louise is charming little girl,
as charming as-what shall we say?-
WELL as years old, let us say.
She Is one of the children who In an
era OF juvenile delinquency, has been
taught correctly.
She is quiet, dignified. pleasant, yet
1ull OF vim and vigor. There is just
touch OF timidity about her, too, which
acts as spice to her character.
She says things in q natural way
which nevertheless are very dignifed
and Older, at least to some ears.
Wherever she goes she leaves behind
her a sense of gentleness and gentle
womanliness, all a great tribute to her
mother
One day recently the baby of the FAM
lly, who is just year old, swallowed
piece of evergreen.
Baby is just as the age when she puts
everything into her mouth.
Watch baby, now, Mary Louise. and
do not let her put anything in her
mouth warned her mother.
Mary promised that she would watch
baby, all right, and she did, but baby
was so full of play that hot day that
it was almost impossible to keep up with
her
1t seemed that the hotter the dav
the more full Of vigor baby became. She
roamed here and there around the
yard, while Mary Louise tried to watch,
There was bit of play on her own
account which the older child wanted
to do.
While she was doing it, she looked
toward the fast-fying baby, in accord
ance with instructions, Just in time to
see her pick of the end of an evergreen.
Don't baby-don't! she called, run.
ming forward.
She was too late
Baby had jammed the prickly bit of
evergreen tip into her mouth.
Down it went Babies are always
doing it.
Mary Louise ran up.
Did you swallow it. baby?" she asked,
anxiously. Five years old, of course,
does not understand the danger.
x.% X
The baby began to gasp and cough.
Mary Louise ran to her mother
Baby swallowed something" she said
quietly.
Mother did not stand on ceremony.
She ran out and to the young child,
who was gasping by this time.
All the methods of dislodging some
thing in the throat were tried quickly,
with no results except a coughing UP
OF some blood
Alarmed mother called to Mary, Run
over to Mrs. Jones, and ask her to come
here quickly"
When Mrs. Jones came to the door,
Mary Louise asked, May I come in?"
why, certainly Mary Louise" smiled
Mrs. Jones.
Mary walked in and sat down, while
Mrs. Jones went back to her tasks of
the morning.
After awhile, Mrs Jones smiled. and
said: Did you want something, Mary?"
Mary Louise smiled, too, Yes" she
replied. Mother wants to know if YOU
will come over"
why. certainly" said Mrs. Jones, al
ways the good neighbor.
Mary Louise folded her hands care
fully and waited while Mrs. Jones
Strengthened her hair, etc.
Don't you want to go with me?"
asked Mrs. Jones. Mary Louise said,
mo, thank you, will just wait here"
Probably 5 minutes had elapsed dur
ing this exchange of courtesies.
When Mrs. Jones came into the yard,
there was baby held upside down, with
pats on the back going on.
And as she came up, the bit of ever.
green did, too.
Evening star., 1944-08-12
Going Forward
From the London Times,

From the London Times.
The ancient records of the Old Testa-
ment describe how Samuel, in a pause
OF warfare, with victories gained but
enemies still to meet. set by the wayside
memorial stone, saying. Hitherto hath
the Lord helped us" Sucn Landmark.
so inscribed, should be placed in the
Nations thought at the point it has
reached today, when in gratitude il
recalls the mercies Of The past and in
humble confidence goes forward
Evening star., 1944-08-12
Criticizes Pooches' Proprietor.

NIItIC1ZeS OOCneS TTOpT1etOfS
To the Editor of The Star:
Why in the name Of human decency
do some owners of dogs toilet their
animals on other peoples lawns and
grass plots?
1 resent this abuse of my personal
property which try to keep clean and
In order. A. 8, r.
Evening star., 1944-08-12
Men, Too, Overweight

Nlen, 90, Overweight
To the Editor of The Star:
IT you will pardon the intrusion OF
an AEF veteran, may inquire, why
pick on the poor girls, when the streets
are full of potbellied majors, lieutenant
colopels and colonies? No. no generals.
Yes,.there also are few captains who
show the loss of waistline; that is,
If ever they had any.
Not that the daily dozen will harm
the ladies. In fact, agree it will make
them more beautiful, but why worry
about the ounces on the girls and not
see the pounds on the men? They are
the guys the girls are to replace and
they should be getting in fit condition
to 60 stop Adolf and TOTO.
How about it?
EX.SKIPPER AEF