davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1944-02-22
Letters to The Star
Says His Personal Reasons
Prompted Washin&ton
To the Editor Of The Star:

To the Editor Of The Star:
I am interested in E. r. Decker's re-
action to my letter of February Z.
Though always have enjoyed ancient
history, I realize that our ancestors
have been dead long time and I be-
lieve we have so much to do that I feel
today's problems should have pref
erential attention.
Certainly, l wish I could share Mr..
Decker's optimism when he says, I'VE
are in this war to free the small coun-
tries from the hand of the dictators";
but it has been my candid, II embar-
RAISING, conviction that we are in 1t to
save our own skins. OF course, we are
glad to feel that the small countries
will benefit by our anticipated victory;
but had not our own safety been i'm
periled, fear these same small coun-
tries would have had to earn their own
freedom the hard way
If Mr.. Decker will refresh his mem
ory by rereading Washingtons Fare
well Address" think he will admit his
mistake in believing that he was "op-
posed to serving more than two terms"
In reading it again myself was i'm
pressed by the fact that no reference to
length Of office was made anywhere
Faced by a unanimous and urgent ap-
peal by Congress, backed by the people,
to continue in Office through what we
call third term, President Washing
tons reasons for refusing were solely
personal: weight of years." the long
ing to escape further effort and care
and the wish to enjoy his own fireside.
He would not consider his own inclina-
tions, he said, had not the country
emerged from the difficulties that had
beset the last administration and, he
felt, could do without him. Had there
been any opposition to length of office
in his own mind or in that of any
member of the Congress, surely it was
the psychological moment to voice it,
but there was no indication OF such
thought. Washington went into detail
regarding governmental affairs, warn
ing and advising regarding various
situations that might arise, etc In
recognize the appropriateness of his af-
fectionate title of Father of his Country.
AS for my personal opinion regard
ing a third term, think two terms suf-
ficient under normal conditions, but
realize there are occasions when it Is
wise to submit to circumstances. How
ever, under no circumstances would I
advocate a political campaign in war
time 1t Is not an inspiring spectacle
at any time, with its shouting. wire
pulling, spending, ETC., and is particu-
larly obnoxious now when money is so
vitality needed for our Army and Navy.
E. L. S.
Evening star., 1944-02-22
Shoke-up in japan

Our Shatterlng surprise blow at
Truk, Japan's key bastion in the
Pacific corresponding to our Pearl
Harbor, has had immediate political
repercussions of highly significant
character. The chiefs of the Japa-
nese Army and Navy general staffs
have both been relieved of their
posts. This drastic action came on
the heels of a cabinet reorganization
in which three members were
dropped, the changes being an
nounced as having been made in
order ito cope with the important
phases of both politics and war"
The shake-up in the japanese
high command is an extraordinary
event. To be sure, the staff chiefs
were not denoted but we're kicked
upstairs" by being named special
advisers" Premier TOTO himself
took over the vacated army post,
in addition to his other political
duties. Nevertheless, the meaning
of the shake-up is plain. and the
logical inference is that it was done
in order to placate public alarm
over the rapid succession of Japa-
nese defeats in the Pacific, cul-
minating in the American raid on
Truk. No attempt was made to
gloss over the seriousness of the
defeat. In sharp contrast to pre-
vious evasions or prevarications the
heavy ship losses were reported by
Toxic almost identically with our
own Navy Department communique,
though the plane losses reported by
Toxic were substantially less than
our claims. Also, no mention was
made of our landing on Eniwetok
Atoll. Perhaps the Toxic authori-
ties deemed that too strong medi-
cine for one days dose. However,
the danger which would arise from
loss of Pacific strongholds was not
minimized. The official Domei News
Agency in its broadcasts announced
that "the decisive battle of the
Pacific has entered its actual phase
at last" and warned that "the cur
rent strong raid on Truk is the
enemy challenge. The objective
being, needless to say, to try to divest
Japan OF her mastery of the sea-"
In a later broadcast, Domei warned
of the ease WITH which Toxic could
be bombed from Truk and other
Pacific bases, and urged that, in
face Of this vital threat to the Japa-
Evening star., 1944-02-22
Constantine BrOzVn

and the British people, impressed BY
the sacrifices which the conquest Of
the South Pacific would require, might
agree TO talk peace on such basis as
the independence Of the Philippines and
the naturalization of Malaga and the
Netherlands Indies under native gov.
ernments
The dismissal of the Japanese army
and navy chiefs is concrete proof OF
the sensation created in Toxic by the
appearance of the American Navy near
the heart of the japanese defenses.
The Japs lost more ships and men at
Midway and Guadalcanal and did not
dismiss their top-ranking officers. The
two high-ranking officers were made
scapegoats because Toxic realizes that
its plans for an indefinite defense have
failed.
But while it is obvious that the war
in the Pacific Is going better than had
been anticipated by most military OBJ
servers, it must be realized that it can
not be won with naval power or naval
based aviation.
Until the forces under Gen. Douglas
Macarthur are strong enough to start
major offensive against the main
ooPdHcoc PooiIloIlS III tHe SOuLn racine
we will obtain spectacular successes, but
no real victories.
Our newest triumphs have been an
eye-opener to the enemy Our officers
In the Pacific responsible for the sue
cessful conduct of operations are con-
vinced that the battle ahead will be
long and costly. They are not under
rating the Japanese defensive power
and fear that our recent victories can
not be set UP as a pattern for the con-
quest OF other Japanese positions which
doubtless are more strongly fortified
and for which the enemy will fight
more bitterly.
Evening star., 1944-02-22
History of q Job

In the summer of 1941, when the
post became available, Senator Nc
Carran said he would accept chair
manship OF the Senate District
Committee provided the Senate
authorized appointment of a man
whose familiarity with local affairs
would enable him to act as COM
mittee counsel.
The Senator's terms were accepted
and r. F. Camalier, native of the
District, a lawyer, former munich
pal government employe and &C
tive in local affairs for years, was
appointed. His service was excel
lent, fully justifying Senator Nc
Carran's argument as to the i'm
portance Of the position.
When Mr.. Camalier resigned in
January of 1943 he was succeeded by
Julien G. Sourwine, a native of
Nevada, but with a background of
fifteen years newspaper and legal
work in the District. He resigned
when Senator McCarran was sue
ceeded by Senator Bilbo of Missis-
sippi. And Senator Bilbo has filed
the job by appointment of the
United States attorney for the
northern district of Mississippi
James O. Day, who reached Wash
ington yesterday and prepared i'm
mediately to resign his Federal post,
Mr.. Day does not know Wash
ington, is naturally unfamiliar with
local problems and personalities
and is totally lacking in the sort
OF experience required by the origi-
nal conception of the post he is to
NIL. This is unfortunate, for to be
OF value to the people of the Dis
trict, as we'll as to the Senate Dis
trict Committee, the committee
counsel should be something of an
expert on local matters. Mr.. Day
may be fine man, but the Job he
has been called on to fill now OBJ
viously, Is not the job which origi-
nally was created.
Evening star., 1944-02-22
Group Representation

Nothing has served quite so point
edly to discredit the theory OF labor
management-public representation
groups, exercising judicial or quasi
judicial functions, as the method
chosen by labor members of the
Presidents Cost-of-Living Commit
tee to attack the Bureau OF Labor
Statistics price index. For this
attack-entirely aside from the
merits of labor's case-tends to
reduce to an absurdity the idea of
unprejudiced decisions by group
representatives, arrived at on the
basis of review of the evidence in
the interest of the general welfare
The fundamental flaw in the
theory itself is that when men are
chosen as representatives of group,
they must remain true to the groups
interests or place themselves in the
position Of traitors to their con-
stituents. The decision in a case
which should stand or fall on
unbiased review of the facts thus
becomes the decision of the pub
lie" member or members, making
the paraphernalia of group repre-
Sentation just SO much window
dressing.
We apparently have discarded the
idea that it is possible to obtain
men to serve in a judicial capacity
on matters affecting the public
interest by a selective process based
on individual reputation for integ-
rity and sound judgment. Instead,
a citizens service to the Nation
is made secondary to his service to
a group. If ones particular group
Is unrepresented, one naturally
loses confidence in the decision, and
the interests Of the groups rather
than the interests Of the people as
a whole are the predominating
factors.
The resulting evil is a lessened
respect for referee agencies set up
by the Government and an unfortu-
nate emphasis on the selfish inter-
ests Of groups and classes rather
than the interests of the people as
a whole. Unless this trend away
from service to the Nation is cor
rected, there will have been estab-
lshed a conception of public
responsibility wholly alien to Amer
lean ideals.
Evening star., 1944-02-22
MAJ. George Fielding Eliot

great boldness and crowned with we'll
deserved success. But the one salient
fact about this operation which seems to
have been missed amid the general
jubilation, is this
Ihere were no heavy warships OF the
japanese main fleet in Truk. We found
there only merchant ships, and a few
light cruisers and destroyers.
That was to be expected. because
Truk is a center Of supply for the whole
Japanese island system. Naturally.
supply ships and their escorts would
be found In Truk lagoon; probably
more than customary were there, be-
cause the actual sailing of supply con-
voys has been much interfered with
OF late. The destruction wrought at
Truk has very likely paralyzed the jap
anese supply services for weeks to come.
But where is the Japanese battle
fleet? Where are the battleships, the
aircraft carriers, the heavy cruisers?
We must ask ourselves this question
with no small degree of interest. We
must try to put ourselves In the place
OF the Japanese admiral in chief II his
planes had returned from Pearl Harbor
on December T. 1941, and reported that
only a few light American warships
were to be found in the Pearl Harbor
area.
It's the same question in reverse. Is
the Japanese fleet on its way to carry
out major counterattack? II so, we
shall know 1t very soon If not, then
in all probability 1t has been Withdrawn
to its home bases.
The last appears the more likely, be-
cause the Japanese radio is beginning to
make excuses to the Japanese people,
saying they must have faith in the
navy, which will not seek unnecessary
battles. Since the return of the major
units of the fleet to japanese home
waters can no more be concealed from
the people of Japan than the arrival
Of the United States fleet in Puget
Sound could be concealed from the
American people, these excuses in ad-
vance look very much as If the Japa-
nese navy had gone home and left the
island garrisons to their fate.
But then another qtlestion-why3
Evening star., 1944-02-22
Mr.. Byrnes Acts

In announcing yesterday that he
has made his appointments to the
two key demobilization posts recon-
mended in the Baruch- Hancock re-
port, War Mobilizer James F. Byrnes
Is pursuing a course which, on the
surface, appears to disregard the
will of Congress in this matter.
There Is good reason to believe.
however, that this is not the case.
After the Baruch report on de-
mobilization procedures had been
made public last week, Senator
George, chairman of Senate
Committee on Postwar Planning and
Policies, took sharp exception to it.
His committee had recommended
the creation by law of an office of
rehabilitation, with it's director to
be appointed by the President and
confirmed by the Senate. This
agency would operate within
framework Of policy laid down by
Congress. This was opposed by the
Baruch report for administrative
reasons, and Senator George con-
cluded that this opposition reflected
an intent to carry out the demo-
bilization program by executive order
rather than legislation.
Two days after the Senator had
expressed this view, Mr.. Byrnes
announced the appointment of
Assistant Secretary of Commerce
William L. Clayton as surplus prop
erty administrator, and Brigadier
General Frank T. Hines, present
head of the Veterans Administra-
ton, as director of retraining and
re-employment Neither of these
appointments is subject to Senate
confirmation, and the executive
order under which Mr.. Clayton takes
office does not call for the enact
ment Of any legislation.
From this it might be inferred
that there Is an intent to ignore the
asserted right of Congress to par
ticipate in the process of demobili-
cation. There are two principal
reasons, however. for discounting
any such assumption Although the
executive order governing the dis
position of surplus property con-
tains no specific reference to new
legislation, the Baruch report ex-
pressly recommended that legisla-
tion be enacted as soon as enough
experience is obtained to enable
Congress to act intelligently in the
matter. And Mr.. Byrnes, in an
nouncing the appointments, ex-
planned that he felt compelled to
act at once by the pressure of work
that needs immediate attention.
But, he added, II believe that Con-
gress should act, and I urge them
to act"
This would seem to eliminate any
Justification for clash between
Congress and the executive branch
in this highly important matter.
Actually, there is remarkably
broad field of agreement between
the Baruch report and the report
Of the Senate committee so far as
objectives are concerned. There is
an important difference a. to
method. but it Is not an irrecon.
Evening star., 1944-02-22
This Changing World

the problem seems to be how. to find
homes" for our ships. The newly con-
quered islands are being quickly de-
veloped by the Seabees into adequate
bases from which further stabs will
be made against the japanese defenses.
1t appears that the Japanese intelli-
gence has discounted Americas re-
cuperative, powers. According to some
reports, the Toxic general staff main
tanned that while technically it might
be possible for the United States to
build a large number of ships, the
United States Navy would have great
dtmculties in manning them, since their
handling requires a large personnel
which cannot be trained In as short
time as that Of our ground forces.
In this the japanese were also mis-
taken.
Ever since the Japs did not persist
IN the attempt to conquer New Guinea
and also establish a base In Western
Australia. 1t was evident to tho Ameri-
can naval and military strategists that
the enemy had decided to seek no fur
ther expansion and concentrate on de-
Tense
Toxic appears to have been convinced
that the light defense it had thrown
In the outer protective arc, extending
from the Solomons to Attu, with Truk
as the center, would hold long enough
to permit the consolidation of the inner
arc, which contains the Philippines and
the rest of the Southern Pacific pos
sessions. A frequently expounded
theory is that the japanese believed
that after the end of the war in Europe.
American and the British forces would
be so exhausted that they would listen
to Hirohito's honorable peace pro-
posals.
There were speculative" reports from
TOXIC that Japan believed the American
Evening star., 1944-02-22

ever. President Roosevelt is without
opponents-up to date-for the presi-
dental nomination of the Democratic
party, despite the fact he has not an
nounced his candidacy. Gov. Dewey
who has said he is not a candidate and
will not become one, is fully cognizant
Of the fact that a considerable field OF
contenders for the Republican nom
ination is now in full cry.
In one respect, on the other hand
their future courses Of action are SIM
liar. Both are expected to run If NOM
mated. 1t would be difficult to con-
vince any great number of the Ameri-
can people that Mr.. Roosevelt will not
IN the end submit to denomination. In
deed, he is regarded today as an active
candidate by nearly every one. So
whether he announces himself can
didate before the Democratic National
Convention in July or not. the people
Evening star., 1944-02-22
Wushinqton

to the ordinary devices of measure
ment applied to the generality Of
persons. The passing years increase
his stature. He grows in the gran
deur OF his character Every attempt
to "whittle him down" must fail.
The testimony of the only American
with whom he can be compared was
that his is "the mightiest name on
earth = in moral reformation. :"
If Abraham Lincoln was unwilling
to attempt his eulogy, all lesser men
should be content merely to strive
to understand what he was and
what he did
The problem cannot be solved
without effort. Washington was re-
served. He did not give his mind
and his heart to every casual conner.
Gilbert Stuart, the portrait painter
who knew him as we'll as any other
contemporary, said of him: There
are features in his face totally diff
ferent from what I ever observed
in that of any other human being;
the sockets Of the eyes, for instance,
are larger, and the upper part of
the nose broader. All his features
are indicative of the strongest pas
sions; yet his judgment and great
self-command make him appear a
man of different cast in the eyes
of the world"
Such an appraisal is searching. It
goes far to explain why it's author
was so successful an artist. He real
lied the power Of Washington-not
simply the dynamics of his thoughts
and his emotions but also the I'M
perious strength of soul with which
he governed them. That is the secret
OF his impact upon his country in
his own and subsequent times. He
controlled procedure because of the
genius of mastery which he de-
veloped in himself. 1t is useless to
call him victorious soldier, a tri-
umphant statesman, wise mentor
and guide. for the Republic which
he founded. He is not amenable to
any minor classification. Only when
he is judged by the vast compulsion
OF eventS-the history he summoned
into being-can he be Appropriated.
Had he never breathed, the expert
ence OF the human race inevitably
must have been different. His lnflu-
ence-the example which he sets
still is constructive force in this
tortured planet.
And certainly that beneficent aid
is needed now as at no other moment
since Washington laid down the
heavy burdens of the presidency in
1887. The Nation he fathered Is
involved in a struggle with two
ruthless enemies. It must win over
both, if it is to survive. Then, after
victory, tremendous social and cul-
tural issues assuredly will press for
attention. People are weary OF strife
and poverty and sorrow. They seek
a civilization truly civilized. OF
course, the achievement OF it will
be hard.
So was national independence and
national unity. Both were attained
by labor and sacrifice. AS in Wash
ington's day, America again under
takes to: Raise standard to which
the wise and honest can repair; the
rest is in the hands of God" There
is no nobler homage that the heirs
of his spirit could pay him.
Evening star., 1944-02-22

rese homeland. every son OF Nippon
must assist in "wiping the United
States from the face of the earth"
The war is obviously being brought
nearer to Japan, not merely physi-
cally but also in the consciousness
OF even the japanese masses,
hitherto hoodwinked by misleading
propaganda and fed a delusive diet
of mythical victories. The bitter
truth is at last coming out. Not
even the traditional "thought-con-
troll" of Japan's ruling class can
longer conceal it.
Evening star., 1944-02-22

obviously, a more attractive issue. When
you start by talking about votes, and end
by talking about girls, that, friends, is
obscurantism.
Or, obscurantism is the overuse of
the "anti-bureaucracy" argument to
fight every Government wartime activ-
ity. Thus, one does not object to gaso-
line rationing. heavens forbid. but one
objects bitterly to the hiring of bureau
Gratis" to administer it. One does not
object to price control, but one throws
irrelevant convulsions because bureau
Gratis must write the price control
Evening star., 1944-02-22

Although the launching Of new Amer
ican naval units were not kept secret
in this country, 1t is assumed here
that the Japanese discounted the an
nounced figures as political bragga-
docio" intended to boost the morale OF
the American people.
With secondary job in the Atlantic,
the Navy has been able to mass tre-
mendous power in the Pacific. The
work of the naval and private yards
has been so quick and effective that
1t has exceeded the most sanguine
hopes of the optimistic admirals. In
less than two years not only have we
replaced all the losses suffered in the
Pacific, but we also have increased
our naval strength to such point that
the Pacif1c-to use the picturesque Ian
guage of Admiral William Halsey-be-
came lousy with warships." Our naval
power In the Pacific is so great that
Evening star., 1944-02-22
Bataan and the Golden Rule
o the Editor Of The Star

To the Editor OF The Star:
Is it ours to seek vengeance for the
Bataan atrocities or had we better con-
slider that vengeance has been executed
upon us? Is 1t ours to cry out against
these wrongs to our sons or hang our
heads in shame that we ignored this
evil in its beginning when it was i'm
posed upon our helpl, neighbors, the
Chinese and even fost. d it's growth
by the sale of munitions and scrap iron
until it became monster enough to eat
at our own vital parts? Were our sins of
vanity and greed so great that our boys
had to be sacrifice to atone? Are
we not paying the price Of indifference
and selfishness?.
The Chinese were as babes with a
government that could not help them
and neighbors; all around them that
would not help them. Does 1t really
make so much difference who is re-
ceiving the inhuman treatment? 1t
seems that to us it does very much, but
to God 1t doesn't. Must it always come
upon our own before we can do anything
about it? Then it is too late! -.
Let us learn from this terrible lesson
that the woes and burdens Of our
neighbors will soon be our woes and
burdens too, unless we help them to
overcome the evils and thus protect and
insure ourselves against them. Weeds
in our neighbors' gardens so soon can
be weeds in our own garden. And
there are other weeds growing even
now. VIII we uproot them in time
or must our very dear ones again pay
for our blindness?
1t brings us again to Gods law Of
Love thy neighbor as thyself." And
we certainly can see that regardless of
how our hearts may feel about this
matter, it is best for our hides to keep
this commandment. The world must
learn TO do unto others as they would
be done by" and live in brotherhood If
1t Is to survive happily
FRANCES RAY.
RalStOn Wash
Evening star., 1944-02-22
Three Guardians

Three guardians match my Dindow case:
A fir, an elm, a siluery birch.
The birch is like shining KNIGHT,
With star-tipped lance at rest;
The elm is sturdy, like the hills
That rise toWard the 1Dest;:
But the fir is friendly, all the year,
And like the fir the best.
Three guardians tpdtch my ,uindoto case:
A IT., an elm, q silpery birch.
CORNELIA B.. FURBISH.
Evening star., 1944-02-22
Boots and Clothes

from the San Francisco Chronicle.
Two humdrum items of lease-lend to
Russia in the Presidents report seem as
significant as the thousands of planes
and tanks. These are 5,500,000 pairs of
army boots and 16,600,00O yards Of
woolen cloth for the Red Army. The
boots and cloth-enough to shoe and
clothe at least half of Stalins army
may well have made last years winter
offensive possible. Unless the men could
be kept from freezing, the tanks and
planes would not be OF much use TO
them.