davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1945-06-13
OWL Termed Vital at Present
By Maj. George Fieiding Esof

1t is to be hoped that the Senate will
restore the appropriation for the Euro
pean and domestic activities Of the
Once OF War Information, eliminated
by the House.
This is not a plea for the perpetua-
ton of owl. 1t is war agency, and
as the war draws to close, arrange
ments should be made for transferring
such OF its activities as may be needed
in the postwar period to other depart
ments of the Government But the
sudden chopping off of the appropri-
ations before such arrangements for
transfer of needed work have been made
simply means that the work will stop,
and it should not stop.
AS to the necessity Of most Of what
the owl now is doing, especially ir
Europe, there Is very little room TO-.
doubt. The late President Roosevelt
emphasized on many occasions that this
is a war where ideas are weapons, ano
where the stakes are the minds of men.
America has q message for the world.
The owl is the agency by which that
message is transmitted-by which the
American story is told. We can, If we
desire, silence the voice of America in
Europe. But we shall do so at the risk
of losing all influence with peoples who
in millions, look to us for guidance ano
hope; and of losing all influence in the
vital task Of reshaping the German
mind.
To be specific, here Is a telegram SEM
to owl Chief Elmer Davis by Brig. Gen.
Robert A. Mcclure, chief Of the Psy-
Geological Warfare Division Of Supreme
Allied Headquarters Preferred to In the
message as PWD SHAEF) and now
designated to serve in the American
zone Of occupation In Germany:
I'm view Of the recent publications of
some rather conflicting articles concern
ing the relationship between the civilian
agencies and the PWD SHAEF, tried
to clarity these relationships at recent
press conference.
II stressed the fact that on the United
States side the State Department de-
veloped the basic political policies and
that the owl developed the proganda
policies, which stem from these political
policies. Also that the policy guidance
which owl sent to PWD, SHAEF
comes through military channels. At
the time when the United States group
Evening star., 1945-06-13
This Changing World
By Constantine Brown

large group Of Senators and all re-
sponsible Army and Navy officers con-
tinue to be concerned over the question
of trusteeship Of the islands in the Pa
cific which are considered essential to
the security Of this country.
So far it is still obscure as to what the
San Francisco Conference will bring
forth on that matter.
As things now stand, all territories
held by the defeated countries under the
League OF Nations mandate will be
placed under the surveillance of a
trusteeship commission. e,
This would mean that the islands in
the Pacific which were placed under
Japan's sovereignty by the League will
be allotted again to another power
presumably the United States-but the
commission will always be in a position
to change its decisions If its members
judged such change was in the"interest
OF world security. In other words, the
commission would have the right to vote
us out OF these strategic bases
X
The islands which are highly impor-
tant to Americas national defense are
those which were held by Germany
before the World War. They include the
Bonin Archipelago with Two Jima, the
Marianas with Saipan and the Caroline
group with Truk.
We have spilled much American blood
TO take these inundated territories from
the Japs. They had been transformed
into strongly fortified bases-as we dis
covered to our sorrow-in spite OF the
mandate provisions against fortification.
The western powers, which had NOM
inai control over Japan's activities in
these Pacific groups, never wished to
risk o conflict with Japan in order to
enforce the rules and regulations Of the
mandates. On several occasions the
mandates commission Of the Geneva
organization questioned the japanese
delegate concerning the reports that his
country was not living up to its agree
ments. The Tokyo delegate smiled,
assured his colleagues that the reports
emanated from anti-Japanese propa-
gandists, but no League representative
was permitted to approach the islands
On one or two occasions when 1t was
suggested that the mandates commits
sion might wish to change the status OF
those territories, the Japanese intimated
that western members of the League
would have to fight for them and the
matter was dropped Immediately.
No such attitude Is conceivable in
the case OF the United States. n we
Evening star., 1945-06-13
1t Deserves Such HeIp

The Senate has approved as
committee amendment to the Dis
trict bill, an item of $25,000, for
support of the National Symphony
Orchestra Associations programs for
public school children. If it can be
retained, in conference with the
House, it will be a good thing, not
only for the symphony but for
Washington.
Testimony on the amendment
revealed that of seventeen symphony
orchestras in the United States, the
National Symphony Orchestra in
the National Capital is the only one
which lacks the support Of city or
State contribution, or other sources
of revenue outside private subscrip-
tions to the sustaining fund.
The Indianapolis orchestra re-
ceives a public grant Of $4,000 for
civic and school concerts, Pittsburgh
is given a comparable grant of
$25,0OO, st. Louis pays for five
students concerts, San Francisco
gives $4,000 for school and stu
dents concerts and Baltimore ap-
propriates $4,000 for civic and
school concerts. Other large orches-
tras have permanent income from
endowments and other investments.
The National Symphony's Orches-
tra's concerts for public school
children, indorsed by the school
officials as valuable contribution
in cultural education, were given
last year at net cost of $24,37O to
the orchestra association which has
an annual struggle to meet its
budget.
For fourteen years the orchestra
has been increasing it's community
service, depending entirely on pri-
vate contributions. The first year
there were only ninety contributors.
The list has grown now to some
10000. There should be some par
ticipation, by public funds, in con-
tinued development and public use
OF the orchestra as an educational
medium in Washington and such
financing Of the school programs
would be wholly proper and of
definite value.
Evening star., 1945-06-13
Sifhouettes

A roptng artist, wielding ninble shears
Snipped out these profile portraits on
my tDGll-
Thss man toith collar reaching to hh
ears,
This lady dressed in bonnet, brooch
and shdDl.
Grandparents these, four generations
back,
a peu-respected pair OF honest nan1s.
Like them shall, among the bric-a.
brac,
Be one day but q portrait in a frame.
My children's features, so unlike n,v
otDn,
Deny my imprint on posterity;
YET, tctth my grGue century grass.
groirn,
A grdndchild's face perhaps r,av
mirror me,
Just as great-grandnla Is reflected in
my o,o's young daughters resolute small
lnchin.
ELo1sE WADE KACKETT.
Evening star., 1945-06-13
An Appropriate Finish
BY David Laurence
From the New York Herald tribune

@tohi Inc new YORK Herald Tribune
There is another aspect OF the 9Th
ana 9Th Armies which makes one mar
sicularly happy in this, their dramatic
success. Although they have been re-
peatedly craWn upon for other frcnts.
although some at least OF their most
famous units, like Montgomery's Desert
Rats" or Patton's armor, are now EN-
ployed elsewhere. they retain to the
end the character with which they be-
gan as great international and
polygot army. embodying in their en-
traordinary diversity the one grand
alliance OF the United Nations. Amer.
leans, Japanese-Americans, British
Poles, South Africans, Jewish
brigade, Indians, Brazilians and ItaI-
lans now compose their ranks: many
other nationalities have served WITH With
tnem, and out Of the common defeat of
all the first great mass surrender has
neen achieved. II heirs was ever a
forgettably. Uii-
Evening star., 1945-06-13
An Encouraging Change

a lortnlgnt ago relations between
the Soviet Union and the, western
Allies seemed to be steadily deteri-
Grating. Machinery had yet to be
set up for the joint occupation OF
Germany. Tito's Yugoslavs still con-
stituted a problem in Trieste and
Venezia Giulia. The Russian delega-
tion at San Francisco, despite the
position of virtually all other dele
cations, was insisting that the veto
power of the projected world secu-
rity council extend even to the dis
cussion of international differences.
The Polish question appeared to be
as insoluble as ever. and the situa-
tion in general was one that could
hardly be called encouraging.
Today, however, the picture has
changed perceptibly. Definite action
has been taken to set up an Allied
Control Council to work out a CO.
ordinated German program. An
agreement has been reached in the
dispute with Tito. The Russians
have changed their views on the veto
issue. The suspension of negoti-
ations on Poland has been ended.
And President Truman, who prob
ably would not do so unless all three
felt that concrete results could be
achieved thereby, is going to meet
with Prime Minister Churchill and
Premier-Marshal Stain in the rela-
lively near future. Everything con-
sidered, the process of deterioration
thus seems to have been stopped,
and there is clearly a better and
more hopeful spirit in the air.
1t is true that there are other
present and prospective matters of
a troublesome nature. There is the,
continuing blackout Of information
from the Balkans, for instance. There
is pickering between Russia and the
western Allies over treatment ac-
corded their liberated nationals.
There is the question of Austria.
There are any number OF problems
already existing or just beginning to
take shape. But to the extent that
Anglo-American-Soviet progress has
been made in respect to such things
as the occupation of Germany, the
worldly security organization and
Evening star., 1945-06-13

the value of underground fortifica-
tions and his yards-long tunnels
have several emergency exits and
entrances. To young meh on farms
and to dogs that are anxious to
do their full duty, chuck is a nat
ural enemy. But the whiskery, gray
haired fellow does very we'll for
himself. 1t would not be summer
unless wejack were part of the
scene.
Evening star., 1945-06-13
District Property Tax
To the Editor of The Star:


We have paid personal property
tax" in the District of Columbia ever
since it was required. Last year we tried
to claim some depreciation on our 18-
year-old furniture and were refused
I'm sure If we tried to sell our things
we wouldn't get more than $1,000
rings, silver, ETC., included. Yet we pay
over $50 a year.
1 have inquired OF over 100 persons
about their payments and some never
have heard of the tax, others declare
just under the required amount. few
pay anything.
But when went to the tax Office to
fnd out why such condition existed,
they merely told me to give them the
names Of my friends and they would
see to it that they paid I asked them
how long these folks would be nv
friends!
Is tax fair in which all don't have
to share? We wouldn't mind paying If
every one had to pay. but when the forms
aren't sent to every individual like the
income tax forms, I feel that we are
being disseminated against. Some of
our service" friends 0or we too are
service" people, lived here five years
and have moved-never paying a thing,
I would be pleased to hear some COM
ment on the subject.
MARGARET G. MILLER.
Evening star., 1945-06-13
King Wins in Conodo

plete, enough is known about the
outcome Of the Canadian elections
to indicate victory for the present
Liberal government headed by
Prime Minister Mackenzie King. To
be sure, the Liberals have not won
the overwhelming triumph of 1910.
They will presumably have work
ing majority in the new House OF
Commons, but with fairly slender
margin, Their traditional opponents,
the Progressive Conservatives, will
be much stronger than in the out
going Parliament, thereby constitut-
ing a genuine opposition. Since the
new political aspirant known as the
CCF or Co operative Common
wealth Federation suffered a set
back, 1t will play minor role, and
Canada therefore returns to the
historic two-party pattern.
Some political observers had fore
cast much more pronounced swing
toward the Conservatives on the
basis OF their victory the week be-
fore in the Ontario provincial elec-
tions. But cannier students of Cana
dian politics inclined to the belief
that this local Conservative success
did not reflect the basic trend over
the Dominion as whole. Ontario is
the Conservative stronghold, just as
Quebec Is that of the Liberals. Those
two neighboripg provinces, the larg-
est and most populous in the Domin-
ion, differ so sharply from each 9TH
er in language, religion and general
outlook that they instinctively op-
pose each other politically, and are
dependably regular" in their vot-
ing, much as the Democratic Solid
South" and the Republican North
did In this country down to a gen.
Grafton ago. Since Quebec has IS
seats and Ontario 50 seats out of a
total of 245 in the Dominion Parlia-
ment, those provinces are the major
constants in the Canadian political
equation. The variable in the politi-
cal picture is the block of Western
provinces, with their combined SO
parliamentary seats. With its from
tier background and it's mixed popu-
lation. the Canadian West tends to
be politically fluid and has engen-
dered several radical movements,
basically agrarian, like our Populists
and Greenbackers of the last CEN
tury. Out of the West swept the
CCF five years ago, with high
hopes which have now failed to
materialize.
The verdict of the elections would
seem to be that the Canadian elec-
torate prefers the middle of the
road policy practiced by Mackenzie
King to either the conservatism of
the Ontario Tories or the socialistic
program of the CCF. The chief
threat to his continuance in office
was the alienation of Quebec over
conscription. But that became vir-
tua1ly dead issue with the end of
the war in Europe, since it was gen.
orally agreed that Canada should
participate in the Far Eastern war
on a voluntary service basis. With
Quebec swinging back to Liberal
regularity" the return of Macken-
zie King and his government was
practically assured. Thus Canada's
postwar reconstruction program will
continue in the same hands that
conducted the war itself.
Evening star., 1945-06-13
AVote for Chaos


of the Senate's adoption of the
Wherry amendment to the price con-
troll law is that most of the legisla-
tors apparently did not know what
1t meant when they voted on it.
This vote came at the end of a
long day. The Senators had listened
to hours of debate on amendments
by Senators Taft of Ohio and Thom-
as of Observation-Disclosures de-
signed to assure profits to process
sors, manufacturers and mining
companies-and had voted them
down. Then. when the days shoot
ing at OPA seemed to be over, Sena-
tor Wherry of Nebraska offered his
amendment forbidding the estab-
lishment of any maximum price on
farm products which does not equal
all costs and expenses Cncluding all
overhead expenses and return on
capital, and an allowance for the
labor of the farmer and his family
plus a reasonable profit. Without
any discussion of the effect of this
provision. it was put to a. vote and
passed. Then, in parliamentary
move to mail down" the amendment,
Senator Wherry asked the vote to
be reconsidered. Senator Thomas
stepped in and moved to table the
motion to reconsider. This motion,
not being debatable. was promptly
passed. and that ended the voting.
Then Senator Hatch, who had
sought previously without success to
obtain the floor, arose to ask what
the Wherry amendment meant.
Senator Taft said it meant that the
Senate had set up a cost-of -produc-
ton standard for the farmer which
was contradictory to the parity
standard. and that it would mix
things up" Senator Lucas of Illi-
nois, an OPA supporter, took the
floor at that point to say that. with
Mr.. Taft's explanation. he had
learned for the first time what the
Senate was voting on: that if the
Ohio Senator's explanation was cor
rect the Wherry amendment would
be productive of confusion and
chaos" and that he hoped it would
be killed in conference with the
House.
These comments on the floor of
the Senate are indicative of the
chaotic conditions which will pre-
vail within the OPA If it eventually
has to operate under the Wherry
amendment. 1t might not have any
great effect on the cost of living.
since farmers, on all goods produced,
are now receiving 116 per cent of
parity. In other words. agriculture
on the whole is profitable and a
price for farm products covering
costs and reasonable profit prob
ably would not necessitate any great
advance in prevailing retail prices.
But from the administrative stand
point the prospect for OPA is moth
Ing short of nightmarish. As a prac-
tical matter it could not possibly as
certain in the case of each individual
farmer his production costs. the
value of his labor and that of his
family, and a price for each product
adequate to cover these items plus
a profit. Moreover, any attempt to
do so would entail the setting up of
a bureaucracy to shame all bureauc-
racies. Yet this is what the Senate.
with almost solid Republican sup
port, has voted for, and every think
ing person will join with Senator
Lucas in his hope that the House or
the conferees will undo this sorry
days work in the Senate!
Evening star., 1945-06-13

control council becomes operative, this
same relation'hip will continue.
1T Is obvious that as long as infor-
nation contrds operate in Germany it
will be necessary to have United States
Government rolicy guidance. Also PWD
SHAEF fort remainder of the SHAEF
period and information control services
Of the United States group control
council will depend on owl for civilian
specialists, technicians and special sup
plies and Equipment for the operations
OF informaion control. owl will be ex-
pected to continue to furnish the tol-
lowing:
Il. Special newsreel compilations and
documentary Aims
q. Magazines and booklets, specially
prepared, Tor distribution in Germany as
.pproved by United States or requested
y United States. The atrocities PAM
.3lllet Kzis an example.
g. Rado programs from the Voice of
America ind from such large continental
ransmiters outside of Germany which
come uncer United States control =
T. To hake available world news for
he newspapers which are published in
Germanyby us. Some time later, when
German lapers are licensed, course of
world news will be needed until Ger
nan news agency is organized ="
IS. Photographic exhibits and such
'ther serices as may be needed. The
:nformatbn control section, United
States gDup control council and PWD
sHAEF ae depending on owl for these
United States services and hopes that
Owl will be able to continue to supply
them -"
This message has not heretofore been
made ptblic, though there is obviously
no reasoA why 1t should not. In fact,
it must y admitted that Director Davis
seems tolhave leaned over backward to
avoid mixing his own case and that Of
his agenE in the court of public opinion.
This Is, think, mistake.
At all vents. Gen. McClures message
speaks i'd itself It states the job which
owl Is Expected to do. A job which
must be done. The State Department
feels the same way about it.
Until Other agencies are ready to take
up this burden, it is the Owls job to
carry ons The voice Of America must
not be stenced.
eisacopyrisht isAS.,
Evening star., 1945-06-13

Tito's activities, the international
outlook has frightened, and Ger
tainly, if the forthcoming new Polish
negotiations are successful, we may
safely assume that lesser difficulties
can be Strengthened out in due time.
Evening star., 1945-06-13
No Laughter

From the Montreal star.
Yes. at first glance the werewolf or
ganization may sound silly, particularly
because OF the name But if we laugh
now we may regret 1t later. Don't cell
the werewolves short.
Evening star., 1945-06-13

One OF the horrors of the world
to come after the Japs are licked is
the prospect of literally everybody
trying to drive automobiles over
streets and roads intended for less
than half that many people.
Evening star., 1945-06-13

If any old duffer wants to learn
how truly antique he is, let him con-
slider the fact that the Dionne quin-
tuplets, being eleven, now wear their
first "formals."
Evening star., 1945-06-13

Protest Against Discrimination
To the Editor OF The Star:
1 was interested to read in The Star
OF June 4 that hearings have begun on
peacetime military conscription. The
article, however, neglected to state that
officials Of the War Department and
ofdcers and men Of the Army and the
Navy who are opposed to peacetime
military conscription are refused per-
mission to testify at these hearings.
while officers and men of the War De-
partment, the Army and the Navy who
are IN favor of this proposed legislation
have been granted permission to testify
at these hearings
/ protest this discrimination. Either
permission should be granted without
regard for point of view or no permis-
sion should be granted at all
I hope you expose this shameful fact.
CHARLES PIERSOL.
Evening star., 1945-06-13
Asks About Delay

10 tne Editor OF The star:
On May 81, The Star published q
paragraph by Senator Bilbo. The Sen
ator was quoted as saying, TITS risky
business to let Washingtonians start
voting on anything-they might want
to 90 farther"
But why is it risky business to let
Washingtonians start voting? What risk
do the legislators take in giving us
liberty? Washingtonians are as civilized
as the rest Of the United States.
When their home State needs some
thing the Congressman try to give them
all they can, but when Washingtonians
ask for democracy, some members of
Congress think we are presumptuous.
{ Eventually the Capital will get vote:
Why doesn't Congress act now?
DAVID r. MIDDLETON.
Evening star., 1945-06-13
Disasrees With Army Policy
To the Editor Of The Star:

Disasrees With Army Policy
To the Editor OF The star:
The Army has discontinued the in
duction Of all men over 20. Why, then,
is 1t necessary to retain soldiers who
are over IS and who already have served
several years in the Army? And II
there really Is a manpower shortage,
why discontinue the drafting OF men
over 2s9 Why not draft men up to the
age Of 3S and use the older men to re-
place those older men in service several
years9 Only small percentage OF men
in the Army are over IS and their grad
ual replacement would not disorganize
the service.
1t appears to the writer that the
Army's policy in this matter is not only
unfair and discriminatory, but that it
is an unconstitutional application OF
the selective Service Act, and would
be held so If submitted to judicial de-
termination. HAROLD r. CORE.
Evening star., 1945-06-13
Jerusalem as World Capital

Jerusalem as World Capital
To the Editor of The Star:
/ would make a suggestion that NAV
seem to be a far call, but who knows
in these days of many voices in the
wilderness whose may be heard?
Why should not the United Nations
have as their established headquarters
the city Of Jerusalem? 1t is rumored
that Switzerland is not anxious to con-
tinue its character as host. Air trans
portation has eliminated distance so
that any spot which is in the center
OF the world" is quite as accessible as
another. Jerusalem. on its level pla-
teaus, has ample room for an airport.
1t is on the top Of an alligator back
mountain range. In Jerusalem the
East meets the West. No sort of dress
or means Of transportation from dimin-
utive donkey to the most modern auto
mobile Is curiosity. China and Rus
STA would meet and greet Arab and Jew
In Jerusalem Somehow, the worlds
heart would 90 out to this spot, the
acknowledged Holy City" of three
faiths. as tie appropriate one for the
headquarters Of those who stand for
world peace.
Such decision, put into action, would
solve problems which will give future
irritation If not solved by some such
internationalizing of Palestine.
JOHN o. KNOTT.