davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1946-02-25
CunuIetto

BY generosity of Mrs Barbara Hut
ton, the National Gallery has added
four pictures by Caneletto to the
two it already possessed. This means
that there will be on exhibition in
Washington henceforward at least
half dozen of the master works of
a master painter of eighteenth
century Venice. Perhaps the num-
ber may be added to by other donors.
In any case, the greatest Italian per-
spectivist of his time is assured of
American remembrance in associa-
ton with his most famous forerun-
ners, Raphael, the Bellinis, Luini,
Titan and all the rest.
Canaletto was born in the city he
glorified on October 18, 1897. His
name in its original form was Clio
vanni Antonio Canale. Educated
under the direction of his father,
scene designer of some distinction,
and afforded the advantage of study
Of the classic ruins of Rome, he is
believed to have been the first to
employ the camera obscura practi-
cally in the interest of the perfect
representation of a given subject.
The science of his compositions is
mathematical in character. No
other Italian cared more about
detail.
But Canaletto likewise was
genius in the comprehension and
use of color. His canvases glow with
natural sunshine. Water as he
sees it is fluid gem of illimitable
dimensions, flashing crystal brilli-
ance back to the sky. He seems to
be determined to compliment the
Maker of the elements, dealing with
them with a grateful reverence. If
there were ugliness and sorrow in
the Venice Of his generation, he is
not their historian. Such was his
choice. He painted beautiful city
in ITS luminous prime.
Much of the best period of his life,
however. wa, spent in England. He
was in or near London between 1746
and 1755 almost continuously. Thus
it happens that British galleries
have many of the products of his
brushes. There are five in the Ma
tional Gallery on Trafalgar Square.
Four of Mrs. Hutton's gifts once
hung on the walls of Castle Howard
in Yorkshire. Their titles are: ''The
Quay of the Piazzetta," "The Square
OF Saint Marks" "The Courtyard of
the Ducal Palace with the Procession
OF the Papal Legate" and "A Fete
Day." To be shown nearby are:
"A View OF the Ducal Palace" from
Evening star., 1946-02-25

harmony with Potsdam recommended
tons, were supported by the British but
hindered by the Russians.
The pressure contradicts overwhelm-
ing tendencies among German workers.
In January, shop steward elections in
lO8 plants in Berlin returned 524 Social
Democrats, 216 Communists, 8 Chris
tlan Democrats, and 81 non-party can
didates, and of the ZIG Communists.
100 were employees in administrative Of
fees whose staff was appointed by the
Russian authorities. In rs plants in
Saxony, 240 Social Democrats and only
Is Communists were elected. The whole
zone shows the Communists to be rela-
lively small minority. But by various
pressures and manipulations aided by
the fact that the Communists are grant
ed four times the newsprint of the So
cialists, the trade union board of 80 has
IA Communists, l3 Social Democrats and
8 Christian Democrats.
Now factory unity groups" are being
organized everywhere with the peppy
sloganizing perfected by totalitarian
parties. ...- .
The Socialist resistance against this
enforced "Gleichschaltung" is in some
cases heroic. In December, the Social
Democratic delegates to a joint Social
ist-C Communist convention rejected Com
munist demands for immediate merger.
Otto Grotewohl, Socialist leader. said:
MY friends of the Communist Party.
it is easy for you to speak up. You
do not have to be afraid But there
is no equality between us-no free
choice"
He was interrupted by Communist
and asked to speak more candidly,
and went on: There have been cases
in Berlin and Saxony where members
of the Social Democratic party have
been taken for ride and shot"
Grotewohls resistance broke down a
fortnight later, as the unity" cam
paigns became stronger and stronger
and pressure came from the provinces
where local Socialist leaders held con-
ferences under supervision of Russian
ofd0rs, bringing in unanimous" fusion
resolutions. And Grotewohl has re-
ported his impression that the western
occupying powers would not press for
a nationwide convention Of the party.
German Communist emigres in the
United States who have steadily pre-
oicted the redemption" of Germany
under the Red flag-which Russia tried
and failed to accomplish from the base
Of the short-ived Bavarian republic
in 1918-lS-are openly rejoicing and
twitting their prodemocratic fellow
refugees for betting on the wrong
horses, the horses being the western
democracies. Publicly they attack
what they choose to call soft peace"
people; privately they say Russia will
give Soviet Germany a chance to be
strong.
released by the Bell Syndicate, Incl
Evening star., 1946-02-25
William A. Van Duzer

The death OF william A. Van Duzer,
director of traffic, will be regretted
not only by his wide circle Of friends
but by host of citizens who ap-
preciated his long and earnest efforts
to make the National Capital a safer
city for motorists and pedestrians
alike. Coming here nearly fifteen
years ago from the Pennsylvania
Highway Department, Mr.. Van
Duzer's temporary" assignment to
the task of endeavoring to straighten
out the traffic tangles and related
problems of rapidly growing city
was carried out with such energy
and foresight that his retention on
permanent status was natural
development.
Mr.. Van Duzer's job was not an
easy one, nor one likely to be devoid
Of criticism. He found himself con-
fronted with problems of congested
streets, inadequate off-street park
ing facilities, circles and avenues
which complicated the timing of
signal lights, diplomatic immunity,
congressional parking privileges and
other vexing factors-some of them
peculiar to the District of Colum-
bia. He tackled each of these prob
lens with an objective, analytical
mind that usually brought a better
ment of conditions, or recommended
tions which he believed would aid in
a solution. Realizing that traffic
improvement was not a. one-man Job,
he sought cooperation of other
agencies, of Congress and of the
citizens at large in a broad program
for reducing accidents and expedit-
ing the flow of cars through con-
stricted arteries. His counsel and
his active leadership in this vital
field of public service will be sorely
missed in Washington.
Evening star., 1946-02-25
On the Record
BY Dorothy Thompson

The Nuremberg trials are so engaging
most OF our correspondents in Germany
That matters OF greater future impor-
tance have been barely touched on.
can only thus account for the neglect of
reports from Berlin from those which
have come to my desk, not from one.
but from several absolutely reliable
sources all Of which tell the same story.
Briefly, it Is this. the Russians in their
zone which. together with the Poles,
covers full half of the Reich, are
successfully pushing toward the estab-
hshment of one-party Communist sys-
TEN.
To this end, they are promising to
guarantee an ultimately united Ger
many against the opposition OF the
French; they are welcoming into the
Communist party converted ex-Nazis: +:
they have set out to break the Chris
tian Democratic party, by controlling
its press, breaking its only effective lead
ers, and isolating 1t from any effective
contact with the party in the other
zones; they have. set out to eliminate
the Socialists (Social Democrats who
are Overwhelmingly in the majority
among the workers, by forcing on them
fusion with the Communists, and also
preventing them from interzonal party
contacts.
The activities lead to only one con-
clusion: That Soviet policy intends to
create Soviet German state in their
zone, from which eventually to capture
the rest of Germany by moving into
the political vacuum created by the lack
of any dynamic policy for Germany
or Europe by the western allies.
Meanwhile. in the Polish zone, east
of the Oder and Neisse Rivers, the
100000 Germans still unevacuated
from there are looking to the "protec-
ton" of the Russians, against the un-
organized brigandage of the Poles who
streamed in originally under Russian
protection.
The assault on the most conservative
OF the anti-Facist parties, the Chris
tian Democrats. began by Russian or
ganization of part of the rank and file
from the provinces to oust Herr Hermes,
party chief with long concentration
camp record, who has been critical of
the manner Of carrying out the land
reform. Direct pressure on Hermes
was exercised by Marshal Zhukov him.
self, and is now being exercised on his
successor, another exconcentration
camp victim, Jacob Kaiser. The Chris
tian Democratic press has been COM
PEELED to publish reports and criticisms
of Hermes and his relations with Kaiser
so mendacious that his successor de-
nounced them and the editor has
threatened to resign.
Both Christian Democratic and Social
ist leaders, applying for permission to
attend interzonal party conferences to
help create a common German policy, in
Evening star., 1946-02-25

or keeping the Polish army in Italy as
threat against Tito and the Jugoslavs.
Most serious of all are the reports of
arti-Semitic activities. Thus, the evils
OF HitleriSm reappear along with the
evils OF those who were opposed to Hit
lerism. Anti-Semitism in Poland is a
relatively recent thing. Never, before the
first World War, were there serious per-
secutions of Jews in Poland. In fact.
most OF the Jews there originally sought
refuge from Germany and Czarist Rus
sla. In the period between the two World
Wars, about 10 per cent of Poland's 35,-
100000 population were Jews.
The reactionary Colonel Beck dis
covered" Jewish problem in Poland
And the propaganda he started was so
effective that even in Polish military
forces on British and Italian soil there
was persecution Of Jews. The remain
ing Jews In Poland who probably num-
Der under 10000 would, If unmolested,
be a valuable asset in rebuilding the
country, for they are probably artisans
and tradesmen. But despite the favor
able attitude OF Soviet Russia toward
Jews and despite their relatively small
number, we hear Of serious new perse-
cutions Of these people.
Here is an issue in which the influence
OF both Russia and the Western Allies
should be exerted. The Poles should be
made to understand that only as they
restore personal and religious liberty
can they expect to be helped in the
long task of reconstruction. In the years
ahead, they will have to live by the side
OF recovering Germany, which may
Tor generations resent the slices of Ger
man territory which have gone to Po-
land. It is not good policy now to lose
the confidence Of those who have been
Poland's deliverers
Evening star., 1946-02-25
Guam Today

Less than five years ago, just be-
fore the attack on Pearl Harbor,
Guam was an American base in
name only. The Navy had been
refused funds to improve and
strengthen its facilities. 1t was a
place somewhere in the Western
Pacific too remote to stir up any
widespread interest in this country,
and so it was neglected and when
war came the Japanese were able
to take it with ease.
Today, having been rewon by our
forces, Guam is base in fact as
well as in name, and its immense
strategic Importance has been so
graphically demonstrated that there
should never again be any difficulty
or question about maintaining it as
a bastion of American security in
the far Pacific. On some distant
day, electronic and atomic develop
ments may perhaps cut down its
present value, but until that time
comes there will be every reason to
keep it in the best possible operating
order.
Since its recapture in July of 1914
this key island has been converted
into a giant naval base and staging
area of more Importance and greater
capacity. in some ways, than Pearl
Harbor. The Navy obviously plans
to have it serve a large peacetime
fleet in the Western Pacific, and
ample funds have been made avail
able to finish construction essential
for that purpose. Congress has
moved, too, to provide for the re-
habilitation of the natives of Guam
and for the rebuilding of their towns
which were razed by our American
forces prior to the invasion. These
people deserve this special consid-
Grafton. for they were completely
loyal to us and even cheered as our
bombs fell.
The Navy's peacetime plans en-
compass other islands not heretofore
. part Of our Pacific security system,
but Guam Is to be Of outstanding
Evening star., 1946-02-25

because they are continually pointing
out the failure Of the democratic sys-
TENS to the French people.
According to information received in
responsible quarters In Washington, the
Communist leader Maurice Thorez is
planning a large-scale revolution in
France next summer after the American
occupation force in Germany is further
reduced. The move may succeed only
partially. but Thorez is said to expect
1t to establish a democratic" govern
ment friendly to the U. g. S. r. as exists
today in Poland, Yugoslavia, Romania
and Bulgaria.
Responsible French and allied sources
rear that the Russian government,
which has an army Of more than 6,OOO.-
600 men between the Baltic Sea and
the Black Sea might answer an appeal
from the French Communists and move
into France to help the democratic
government" of Thorez re-establish law
and order.
On his visit to Washington, M. Blum
may not go as far as to speak openly
about this possibility
But he is said to intend to draw the
attention OF American policy-framers
and legislators to the fact that people
who lack the essentials of life and are
idle on empty stomachs are likely to
follow almost any political trouble
maker and become the willing tools of
any well-organized political machine
which promises them a change from
their desperate condition.
Should the communist plans be put
into effect, the French army could not
cope with the forces which might come
from outside to support a rebellious
Communist government. No French
leader, including Gen. de Gaulle, would
even attempt to resist such an encroach-
ment with force
But M. Blum is said to believe that
Immediate assistance in the shape of
credits would enable France to
strengthen her economic position and
build up resistance against the COM
munists.
The former French premier, has
visited London and Is reported to have
had important talks with members of
the British Labor government. England,
however, is in no condition to give
any material assistance to her neighbor
across the Channel since she herself
is in bad shape so far as food and
manufactured products, are concerned.
M. Blunl's only hope lies in Americas
Willingness to grant immediate aid.
Evening star., 1946-02-25
Korean Problem

The action OF Lieutenant General
John r. Hodge, commanding gen.
eral Of American forces in Korea,
refusing permission for Russian
newspapermen to visit the Ameri-
can-controlled zone until the Rus
sian authorities in the Russian
controlled zone granted similar per-
mission to American press corre-
spondents looks like the first sign of
flrmer American attitude in an
increasingly exasperating situation.
Russian policy in Korea has fol-
lowed the same unco-operative pat
tern that it exhibits in almost every
other sphere where cooperation be-
tween Russia and the western powers
Is not only urgently needed but has
been specifically agreed to-at least
on paper.
The basis of Russo-American CO.
operation in Korea was clearly laid
down at the meeting of the Big
Three Foreign Ministers in Moscow
last December. At that meeting,
wherein America and Britain made
notable concessions to Russia in
many respects, one of the few points
on which Moscow seemingly recipro-
Gated was an agreement whereby
the whole of Korea was to be placed
under a joint trusteeship for five
years, thus implying the ending of
the economically disastrous armis-
tice arrangement which split the
country into Russian and American
zones of military occupation along
the thirty-ninth parallel OF latitude,
thereby sundering the north, with
its industries and coal mines, from
the predominantly agricultural
south. The Russians have converted
that arbitrary line into an uncross-
able barrier, thereby infiicting great
hardship upon the Koreans, espe-
cially in the American zone.
In accordance with the Moscow
agreement, a joint Russo-American
board met at Seoul, the Korean cap
ital, in mid-January, ostensibly to
work out the implementation of the
Moscow directive. The proceedings
have not been made public, but the
Russians are obviously stalling;; be-
cause, after more than a month,
nothing tangible has been accom-
plished and the disastrous zone ar
rangement persists. Meanwhile, the
Russians have set up Communist
native regime in the north which
openly aspires to speed a provi-
sional democratic government for
all Korea" This has conceded with
provocative Communist propaganda
and agitation in the American zone,
the local Communist organization
there having publicly denounced the
American-sponsored Council of Ko-
rean political parties as "undemo-
cratic and Representative. One
of its spokesmen has Just told a
convention of Leftist groups which
had seeded from the council that
the present division of Korea "is a
matter Of a minor nature, since it
will not be permanent" adding sig
nitlcantly: "If we are true revolu-
tionists in any sense, there is no
other party than the Communist
party to shake hands with"
In view of all this, showdown
with Moscow on its actions and in
tentions in Korea would seem to be
as pertinent as 1t Is overdue.
Evening star., 1946-02-25
This Changing World
By Constantine Bromn

Leon Blum, the veteran French So
cialist leader and former Premier, is
expected to arrive In Washington early
this week.
The scholarly Frenchman, who since
the total eclipse of Edouard Herriot has
been regarded as the only remaining
elder statesman in his country, intends
to put Frances case before the Amer
ican Government, Congress and the
public. The situation in France is even
more tragic and threatening than 1t
appears In the sketchy published re-
ports from Paris.
Hunger, lack Of the essentials of life
and complex political situation are
working hand in hand to bring about
situation whereby France might be
plunged into complete anarchy in the
next few months unless there is SUBJ
stantial assistance from outside.
Contrary to general belief, M. Blum
is not coming to Washington to seek q
long-term loan. This is to be matter
for the French Minister of Finance,
Andre Philippe, who is expected soon
after M. Blum's arrival. M. Blum will
seek only an immediate assistance in
the shape of rather small credits from
the Export-Import Bank to tide over
the situation for the next few months
when the political clash between ex-
tremists in the Communist party and
Gen. de Gaulle's remaining followers
is expected to occur.
~
Gen. de Gaulle, who by his agree
ment with the Communists In 1912
helped them substantially increase the
membership of their party, has broken
with them and now relies principally
on the country's conservative and re-
dictionary elements.
The Communist party is making I'M
portant strides. It's actual membership
still is relatively small because it is not
easy In France, as elsewhere, to be-
come full-f1edged member Of that ex-
elusive organization. But at the polls
last fall the party proved its strength
since the number of ballots cast for
its representatives in the Chamber ex-
ceeded 100000. The other parties,
the Socialists of Leon Blum and the
Christian Socialists of Georges Bidault,
are afraid of losing membership, al
though altogether they have a majority
In the Chamber. The whole situation
In France is taken advantage of by the
Communists, who are gaining ground
rapidly as a result Of large expenditure
OF monies received from Moscow and
Evening star., 1946-02-25
Lund Claim

The soft affection OF the earth for small
Bare feet is the beginning, up and
doiDn
The de,Dy paths let run, or In the tall
Wddtng in pools OF leaty red and
brotDr.
Soon In the loneliness OF dritted sno,D
The bond 70 frightened, hearts az
heartily
Burdened NTH beauty as the branch
bent loU
Where seeking shelter Tits the chick
ddee.
The pebbled laughter of the brook uhere
trout
Dart like shadoaoy thought across the
mind
Sttrs philosophy unlerrned utthout
Long intimacies NTH .crdss-roots i'm
terttpined.
There is no escaping from the Jealous
Once it has staked Its claim upon the
heart;
Wander ho,o far, one day the heart pilI
stand
Quite still. Snd soon the feet must
honletDord start.
4 KATHLEEN SUTTON.
Evening star., 1946-02-25
Letters to The Star
Sees Danger To the Spirit
The Real Bomb Peril

10 tne EoltoI Oh Ihe 6tAr.
What matters most about atomic
bombs is not whethere they destroy our
cities, SO much as whether they destroy
our courage and our souls.
That the devastation caused by an
atomic war would be immense must be
taken for granted. Nothing is gained
by soft-pedalling the truth. Neverthe-
less, as surely as mems souls are incom-
parably greater than their bodies, so
surely is the supreme atomic danger
this: That We may allow fear of atomic
bombs to atomize our courage.
Let US prepare for the worst that
atomic bombs can do to our cities by
resolving that our courage shall prove
far greater than atomic flames can
melt Let us build our courage upon
the conviction that 1t is far better that
but tenth of mankind survive, and
survive in the freedom which makes
life worth living, rather than that all
survive in the slavery worse than death
which surely must come to a people
whose courage has been stolen from
them.
The atomic age in no way has altered
the eternal truth that: "The secret of
happiness is freedom. and the secret of
freedom is courage" If we refuse to
allow even our love of peace to blind
us to this truth upon which all genuine
peace must be built, then the immense
dangers OF this day will not destroy
our souls, but will challenge our souls
into immense development, which sure
ly will bring equally immense freedom,
peace and happiness for all.
BOILING SOMERVILLE.
Evening star., 1946-02-25
Slow Recovery
By Raym ond Moley

Poland used to have hymn, Poland
Is Not Yet Lost" Now the Poles should
sing, 1--WE are not yet saved" For all
sorts Of unhappy reports are coming
from that country, half hidden in
cloud of censorship.
The provisions made by the Allies for
a new Poland were very promising.
Roughly one-third of its territory was
given to Russia, but that was not the
best land, and its population was very
largely non-Polish. BY way of compen-
sation, some of Germany's best prov
inces were added to Poland, and a con-
siderable seacoast was provided.
The restored Poles have made little
progress in organizing this new nation.
The part taken from Germany is so dev-
astated and stripped of equipment that
those Poles who have moved into it are
dependent on the older Poland for sup
port. The transportation system is para
lyzed. The burden of an army of oc-
cupation Is hard to bear.
Poland, before the war, exported 80 900
tons OF grains and great deal Of sugar
and potatoes. Now it is crying for i'm
ports. The new government, being re-
formist In nature, made drastic changes
in land tenure. It reduced farms to
small holdings. Now, with little mechan-
ical equipment, these reformed farms
are too small for efficient operation.
Nothing has come to light, apparently.
on the question whether the Poles have
begun the development of their long
sought coastline.
X ~
The strange situation of the Polish
legion in Italy remains. A sizeable army
either will not or cannot 60 home.
Foreign Secretary Ernest Bevin has
claimed that the Polish government has
permitted the murder of numbers Of
political adversaries. The Polish govern
ment replies that Britain = responsible