davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1946-01-25
Delay Would Be Wise

Regardless of what might come
out of the move in Congress to
countermand authorized enlarge
ment OF the White House, the Presi-
dent would be we'll advised If he de-
layed construction on his own initi-
ative in the hope of finding better
solution to his space problem than
the one about to be carried out.
A better solution, for example,
might be to meet any immediate and
pressing need for enlargement of
Office space by the erection of tenn
lporary structure, designed as a top
notch eyesore, to serve only so long
as it may be necessary to obtain
agreement and action on a perma-
nent plan for housing the White
House staff. The permanent plan
should be for an adequate executive
Office outside the White House
grounds.
The President seems to feel that
the present architectural design tor
extension of the west wing has been
misrepresented. But the architec-
tural design is not the important
point at issue. The important con-
sideration is that this extension is
a makeshift method OF providing
needed space, it is to be permanent
in character, and it will set the pat
tern for other makeshifts later on.
That is the danger, insofar as pre-
serving the character of the White
House grounds and the mansion
itself are concerned.
The White House Offices are over
crowded. The staff is inadequate
and should be enlarged. But the
effort should be to enlarge the staff
with the purpose OF diverting, in
stead of facilitating, the fiow of ad
ditional business to the Presidents
desk. The mere proximity to the
President OF an enlarged sta1, per-
manently housed in an extended
west wing containing an auditorium
and other embellishments, will tend
to increase rather than diminish the
volume of tasks now loaded on the
Presidents shoulders. And when
the west wing is completed, the idea
is to extend the east wing, cluttering
up the White House still further by
a museum, which later will need
another addition to take. care Of
additional antiquities. ..' .
A delay for further study OF the
whole problem will be wiser. In the
end, than going ahead now with q
scheme which has created 50 much
skepticism and so much opposition
on all sides.
Evening star., 1946-01-25
Germany and Steel

In arriving at an agreement es-
tablishing the amount of steel pro-
duction to be allowed in Germany,
the four power Allied Control Coun-
ell has reached one OF its most i'm
portant decisions to date, though the
British have raised question re-
garding the length of time it is to
remain in effect.
Originally the four occupying
powers were sharply divided on the
subject Russia's representatives
on the Control Council argued in
favor of limiting Germany's annual
steel output to 100000 tons, while
the British held out for 10000, 900
tons, with French and American
proposals advocating figures in be-
tween the two extremes. The agree
ment which has at last been reached,
after many weeks OF difficult nego-
tiation, is compromise permitting
the production OF $500, 900 tons 4
year and 4 plant capacity of $780,
900 tons.
The British differ with the other
members Of the Control Council in
holding that the figure must be
subject to possible upward revision
in le4s, but this disagreement is
likely to be ironed out in future
discussions. Meanwhile, even If 1t
Is to have only limited duration, the
present understanding ought TO
make it easier for the four powers
to determine exactly how much
industrial capital equipment is to be
removed from Germany as repara-
tions.
Beyond that, as regards Germany's
future economy. the fact that an
annual production OF $4,000 tons
will be permitted makes clear that
the country will not be reduced to
a land of farmers but will be al
lowed-as the PotSdam Declaration
promised-to maintain peacetime
domestic industries making possible
an eventual standard of living equiv
alent to. but not exceeding, the
Evening star., 1946-01-25
Where Lobsters Are Lobsters

From the st. John TeleEraph-Journal.
Portland, Me, has grabbed a place in
the news because fishermen have taken
into that port lobster weighing II
pounds and having an extreme length of
feet. Portland Is to be congratulated
for being permitted to view this cras-
tacean which was designated as being
too tough for eating and of doubtful
age. Probably it was due to the infirmi-
ties OF age that 1t crawled into a fisher
mans net with the idea of ending it all
after being discarded by New Bruns-
wick lobsterman for being undersize and
undesirable. But just to keep the rec
ords straight, 1t must be noted that at
Shediac, New Brunswick, lobster
weighing 81 pounds was caught in
lobster trap 1--WE have to use large traps
In these waters SO as to catch what to us
are normal lobsterD and 1t, like all our
seafood was of high quality and worthy
Of place on any table.
Evening star., 1946-01-25

lition government, technically like
that under De Gaulle though with a
slightly more leftist emphasis. The
colorless Gouin as President is the
first compromise, but Frances criti-
cal situation, especially in the eco
nomic field, needs something more
positive than compromise tactics.
Meanwhile De Gaulle, ostensibly out
OF politics, can watch matters go
from bad to worse with the reason
able expectation that a popular
reaction may bring him back into
the picture with increased prestige
and authority. The other alterna-
tive is showdown between Commu-
nists and conservatives that might
bring on a revolutionary situation.
Evening star., 1946-01-25
This Changing World
BY Constantine Brofon

The situation in France, particularly
the forthcoming political struggle, is
new source. of worry for the western
governments.
The newly elected interim President,
Felix Gouin, is well-meaning but color
less person. Although he has been in
politics for about 30 years, he has never
risen to any position Of prominence in
q country where men of even mediocre
caliber can obtain cabinet position for
at least a few weeks.
1t was only when he served as an at
torney for the defense of Leon Blum at
the Rion trials-which the Petain gov
ernment had staged in order to shift
the blame for Frances sorry prewar
plight-that NJ Gouin's name came into
limited prominence.
In the happy days before the war
when the main job of the President OF
the French Republic was to lay corner
stones and give formal state dinners for
visiting heads of states, M. Gouin would
have made an ideal man for the posi-
ton.
But grave doubts are expressed con-
corning his ability to handle a situation
which Is considered even more delicate
than when the whole French social struc-
ture was changed by the revolution OF
l78S.
The domestic situation in France Is
bad. France lacks the essentials which
have made her happy country in the
past. The man in the street blames her
present plight not only on the govern
ment but also on the western powers,
particularly the United States. The
people do not believe the western powers
show sufficient generosity" toward
France. Stories about the German pris-
oners in our hands being better fed than
the average Frenchman are circulated
and amplified by those who wish to fish
In troubled waters and further irritate
an already angered French people.
This is one Of the many explanations
as to why the advocates of Communism
have made such tremendous strides in
the last few months. They point to the
harsh treatment Of the Germans by
the Soviets and greatly exaggerate the
kindness" displayed toward them by
American authorities.
President Gouin is believed to have
been indorsed by the French Communist
party merely because he is innocuous
and inofIensive
The other candidate for the presi-
dency. former Finance Minister Vincent
Oriol, was rejected by the followers of
Maurice Thorez because he may have
asserted himself more vigorously. Gen.
de Gsuils's principal mistake was his
Evening star., 1946-01-25
President Faces Both Wavs
By Ray,n ond NJ oIey

More than two months ago it was
prospective Federal budget would offer
the Republican party in Congress an
opportunity to make national Solvency
the best issue they have had. in years.
The figures substantiating that asser-
ton have now been offered by President
Truman. In many respects the Presi-
dents statement of the country's finan-
cial prospects are even less optimistic
than the facts warrant. His estimate Of
the amount to be recovered from the
sale of surplus plants and goods is too
low. A vigorous sales campaign would
bring in more than he anticipates. His
estimate Of military expenses is too
high And apparently he is not con-
cerned with genuine effort to eliminate
any part Of the great bureaucracy cre-
longer exist.
q deficit for. 1S47 which, with q few
hearty blows in Congress, might be
knocked into surplus. This Is the op-
portunity Of Republicans and of sound
Senator'S and Representatives Of Mr..
Trumans own party.
Nv
The fact is that Mr.. Truman, despite
the promising figures presented by his
own Budget Bureau, has ahjectly sur
rendered to the political program Of
the CIO and to the deficit-spending fac
tion in his administration.
The President takes two contradictory
positions In his message. He is project
ing financial future which, If rigor-
ously pursued, might give the country
such confidence as to forestall further
imitation. But instead Of suggesting that
confidence be restored by balancing the
budget and by debt reduction he as
sumeS that only by continued price con-
troll can prices be kept down. His state
ment that unless the Price Control Act
is renewed there will be no level to
which our present price levels would not
soar is not only unduly alarming. but
it is not believable. The most extreme
previous statement on that saore is that
Of OPA people who predict a possible
1920 level II price control is removed.
Now the President says there are no
limits
Mr. Trumans hazy and contradictory
economic thinking makes 1t clear that
Evening star., 1946-01-25
Letters to The Star
Discusses News of Occupation
Policy in Germany

To the Editor Of The Star:
I recently have returned from service
with the occupation forces in Germany
where I had the opportunity to learn
something about our occupation policy.
Since my return l find cannot rely
on newspaper columnists to provide ac-
curate and intelligent Interpretation OF
these problems. Indeed, l have become
increasingly convinced and concerned
that many columnists do not take the
trouble to read basic governmental docu-
ments or even the news reports carried
by the same papers for which they
write. Their failure to take advantage
OF ready and convenient sources of in
formation results in a superficial and
often factually inaccurate interpreta-
ton.
One of the worst offenders in this
respect is Dorothy Thompson. Her col
umn printed in The Star on January
16 is an excellent example. She COM
plains that she cannot find adequate
enlightenment in the newspaper re-
ports" concerning the occupation pol
icies. She further states that she can
get more information from British pub
locations than from American, citing
fortpightly magazine published by the
British Control Commission.
For Miss Thompsons information, the
American element of the Allied Control
July a report on conditions in the
American zone, which gives exactly the
kind OF information obtainable from the
British publication. This report of the
military governor has received wide
publicity in American papers on the day
following the release Of the report, and
the complete report is available in the
Civil Affairs Division of the War De-
partment.
Miss Thompson asks II 1t Is true that
the Cartel Division Is in charge
of Col. Bernie Bernstein =" and
questions the political views Of Col.
Bernstein's chief deputy, Russell Nixon.
All American press services, early in
November, carried reports OF Col
Bernstein's resignation. American press
reports, in the middle Of December, car
ried stories of the disestablishment OF
the Cartel Division and, later in De-
cember, carried stories OF the resigna-
ton Of Russell Nixon. assume Miss
Thompson has access to the daily pa
pers.
should be the last to say that Amer
lean policy in the occupation of Ger
many is obtaining adequate coyerage
from responsible and trained reporters
in the American press. American re-
porters In Germany. with two or three
exceptions, are content TO rely too much
on government handouts as q source
for their news and as result are fail
ing to report many vital facts which
should be brought to the attention of
the American public The remedy for
this Is not, as Miss Thompson seems
to recommend, in the direction Of more
Government news handouts, but rather
in the assignment OF more competent
newspaper reporters.
PHILIP H. BLAISDELL.
Evening star., 1946-01-25

Veterans Indignant Protest
To the Editor of The Star:
would like to write a line concern
ing housing for veterans. You see list
ed in the paper houses for veterans
only. Then when you 90 to see about
them they are $4,000. and they want
$4,000 or more down.
Now, what I would like to know is
where they expect a veteran who has
just been discharged is to get $4,000
While some people made a good bit of
money during the war, the servicemen
did not. Not that mind being in the
service, because I did not, for this Is
my country as well as any one else's.
What burns me up is the articles In the
paper telling all that is being done for
the returning servicemen, and then
when you try to get something. you get
nothing.
don't want something for nothing,
want to pay for what get. What !
want Is chance to buy q house large
enough for my wife and family. but
try and get it.
A DISGUSTED VETERAN.
Evening star., 1946-01-25

leaders in Congress like Senators Byrd
and George. together with the majority
of Republicans, must save us from per-
petual deficits, il we are to be saved.
For this is the moment, II ever, when
the decision must be reached. Tax re-
turns are at their maximum. Surpluses
OF plants and goods are now available
to be sold. They will not appear again.
Purchasing power, which will not again
be present, is here for buying new
products. Every element is at hand to
cut back orr budget to something ap-
proximating prewar conditions.
But If the President is to yield to
new demands on the assumption that
the huge receipts and expenditures OF
l947 will continue, we shall find deficit
spending fixed as a perpetual policy.
We must not only be saved from phony
economists, but from the President him
self. And that means saving us from q
financial revolution
released by the Associated Newspapers, Inc)
Evening star., 1946-01-25
Confusion in Frunce

The French Assembly's election Of
Felix Gouin, Socialist, to be Presi-
dent of the provisional government
is tentative compromise rejecting
q fundamentally unstable political
situation. Gouin, a lesser light of
his party, would presumably not
have been its primary choice if it
had had full say. He was selected
because he was apparently accept
able to the two other parties which,
with the Socialists, form an uneasy
triumvirate in the French political
scene.
Frances political instability dur
ing the present iuncture was pre-
determined by the outcome of the
general elections last autumn, when
the Communists, the Socialists and
the relatively conservative new party
known as the Popular Republicans
won the electoral race almost neck
and-neck The Communists and the
Popular Republicans represented the
effective political extremes. In be-
tween were the Socialists, with the
usual handicap of middle -of-the-
road party in critical times--that of
being crushed between the more
dynamic extremists. Outside the
Assembly stood Charles de Gaulle
with the great personal prestige
which made him the inevitable first
choice for the provisional presi-
dency.
1t soon became evident that in
the Assembly, only the Popular Re-
publicans were his natural allies in
both domestic and foreign policy.
The Socialists criticized his domestic
program while the Communists were
even more strongly opposed to his
foreign policy implemented by a
strong army. The upshot was q
series Of clashes between De Gaulle
and the Assembly, with the Popular
Republicans backing De Gaulle and
the Communists trying to win over
the Socialists to a coalition which
would oust De Gaulle by making his
position intolerable. De Gaulle re-
Gently stole a march on his oppo-
nents by resigning the presidency,
thus throwing the responsibility
upon them to produce a workable
alternative to himself.
Fearing to be absorbed by the
Communists, the Socialists refused
an offer to form leftist government
excluding the Popular Republicans
They insisted on a three-party Goa
Evening star., 1946-01-25
Limited Tax Resources

Comment was made in these
columns recently on the fact that
the large budget increases, rejecting
in part the city's population growth
in the war years, were far out of
proportion to the increase in the
Districts limited tax resources. Tax
Assessor Edward A. Dent has COM
piled some interesting statistics
which illustrate the point.
The 1910 census gave Washington
a population of 63,09l. The latest
estimate July l. l944) showed a
growth to 926,260, an increase Of
263, ,l69, or 40 per cent. Out OF this
increase in population Washington
gained only 1881 new local income
taxpayers, an increase OF 9 per cent
Corporations paying the S per cent
tax on net incomes actually de-
creased i'll the same period by 2,l08,
or A per cent, although wartime
prosperity tripled the yield from this
tax The real estate tax levy in
creased IA per cent, while the in
crease in pieces of property taxed
was only slightly over per cent
The average square foot assessment
of property in the District increased
from 50 cents to rs cents, or 81
per cent.
The sharp decrease in the number
of corporations paying the income
tax is attributed in part to the fact
that the owners of a business, who
live outside the District, may escape
paying any local tax on net income
by dissolving the corporation. AS
Illustration of the resulting inequity,
there are cases where two firms in
the same business are located on
adjacent lots on the same street.
One of them pays per cent to the
District on its net income. The other
pays no income tax to the District
because its owners are "domiciled'
in Maryland or Virginia.
Evening star., 1946-01-25
Operation Crossroads

IneFe mas Deen nOtnlng In history
quite like the portentous atom
versus-Navy test to be staged in sep
arate phases beginning next May.
In his testimony before the Special
Senate Committee on Atomic En-
ergy, Vice Admiral Blandy, who will
have overall command OF the un-
dertaking, has made clear that it
will be carried out so thoroughly
that there should be little doubt
afterwards about how sea power
must change and develop in the
years ahead.
To this end, in the relatively shall
low anchorage of Bikini Atoll in the
Marshall Islands, a great guinea
pig" fleet of no fewer than 81 war
vessels will be subjected to two types
of atomic attack, with a third type
to follow some months later in an
other region. In addition to heavy
units from the shattered German
and japanese Navies, this fleet
made up Of battleships, carriers,
cruisers, destroyers, submarines and
transports - will include, sadly
enough, such once-mighty American
ships as the Saratoga, the New York
and the Nevada, whose proud names
will live forever in our history. not
least because their finish. though
terrible, will have its own peculiar
and awesome glory.
The first phase OF the test will
involve detonation OF an atomic
bomb several hundred feet above
the target fleet. The second phase
to be carried out a month or two
later-will call for detonation Just
at the surface of the anchorage
waters. The third phase, which may
be the most difficult and revealing
of all and which will almost GER
tainly result in an upheaval of
kind and degree never before seen
or heard, will be an undersea ex-
plosion. This last, however, will
have to take place in deep area OF
the ocean as far from land as pos
sible, and preparations for it prob
ably will not be completed until
some time next year.
BY coincidence, even as Admiral
Blandy was announcing these first
details Of the great projected ex-
pertinent. the United Nations unan-
imously voted for the creation Of an
international commission for atomic
control. And to cap the coincidence,
it was revealed that the Navy had
given the test the singularly apt
code name Of Operation Cross
roads" Nothing could better de-
scribe it, for certainly, now that the
atom has brought mankind to a
decisive turning point in history,
what is learned at Bikini should 60
far not merely toward determining
the future OF sea power but also to-
ward emphasizing the way which
the world must travel If 1t is to avoid
REORGANIZATION in the new age
before it.
In this sense, even though it is to
be staged by the United States
alone. Operation Crossroads" will
be of immense significance to the
interests Of all other nations as we'll
as our own. This is so obvious that
our Government can hardly fail to
invite observation Of the event on
as wide and as inclusive an inter-
national basis IS possible.
Evening star., 1946-01-25
Doubts Demobilization Plan

AOuDtS DenODiilZauOn flan
To the Editor of The Star:
Your recent editorials have praised
Gen. Eisenhower for his demobiliza-
tion plan. Has his smile fooled you
also? If there is plan, it most GER
tainly has not been reported In the
press, nor have any War Department
memos been received by this unit. True
there has been some statement about
GIs in certain catesories being released
by April or June, but even that state
ment is clouded by the usual Joker,
plus an additional six months, II essen
tial" Is there any plan for the dis
charge Of 3,00o.00 men by next June or
will the men be held until each COM
manding officer states they are surplus?
If demobilization is to depend upon
ones being declared surplus, there will
be more inequalities In discharging men
than in the past. and we shall see "a
point men being released before men
with As to so points and two year men
preceding those with three or three and
a half years Of service.
GORDON A. BELSON,
TIA. United States Army.
Evening star., 1946-01-25

average in Europe, excluding Brit
ain and Russia. At the same time,
the allowable output will be only
about rs per cent of Germany's steel
production in 1888 and about 1000,-
900 tons less than In 1882, before
Hitler came to power Germany's
war-making potential is thus elm
in q tad
Evening star., 1946-01-25
Disagrees With "A Patriot
To the Editor Of The Star !:

To the Editor Of The Star:
In reply to "A Patriot" see by whom
he indorses that he evidently Is not q
Government worker. Every time we
have any progressive legislation to be
passed Senator Byrd is the gentleman
to beat his drum for: Stay as Sweet
as You Are" meaning that what was
good enough for dad is good enough
for us.
Patriot" cries for free enterprise, J"
yet in the same breath he wants to
abolish the CIO. 1t seems to me If
10000 people want to belong to any
union OF their choice, that one Patriot"
should LAY low" like Brer Rabbit. And
before anybody says that ! am a Com
munist, I wish to make 1t clear that
am A VIRGINIA DEMOCRAT.
Evening star., 1946-01-25
Viennese WuItzes

These gypsy rhythms, madly sueet.
That leap. Dhirl, glide,
Compel once more the dancing feet
At Dnnube's side.
on. music on Hungarian hills,
Throughout the years
Hotp often mute Dhen anguish fLs
The heart with tenrsl
Eper the undertone OF pain
With Jog at food
And blossoms covering the stain
OF Ddrrior blood.
Measures OF ecstasy and noe
At D1nube's side
In cltdngetnI suns and SHADOWS fo,eF
Across the tide.
INEz BARCLAY KIRBY.
Evening star., 1946-01-25
Calls for Wagner Act Repeal

To the Editor Of The Star:
President Truman wants "co-opera-
ton and teamwork" on the part Of
management and labor. in industry.
But teamwork requires willing horses.
pulling in the same direction. at the
same pace.
You cannot harness together willing
horse and wild, bucking jackass. and
expect to get anywhere.
The FIRST move is to repeal the lop-
sided Wagner Act.
JAMES EMERY BROOKS.
Glen Ridge, N. j.
Evening star., 1946-01-25

There are two kinds of Americans:
Those who just naturally love cir
cuses and those who unfortunately
never have been exposed to their
colorful attractions.