davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1947-01-09
The Economic Outlook

In his first economic report to
Congress under the Employment Act
of 1946, the President has re-
emphasized his opposition to tax
cuts at this time. In addition, he
has asked for a continuation of rent
curbS, advocated legislation against
racial discrimination and urged an
increase in minimum wages under
the fair labor standards law.
Apart from these and a few other
controversial matters, however, he
has confined himself to drawing a
broad picture of the national econ
omy in objective and rather con-
servative terms.
Taken as a whole, the picture is
a cheering one. We have virtually
full employment. Labor, agriculture
and business are better off than ever
before in our history. Consumer
demand for goods of all kinds re-
mains high. The outlet for our pro-
duction in foreign markets continues
large. AS against hundred billion
dollar economy in preWar years, we
have a two hundred billion dollar
economy now. In the Presidents
words, America has never been so
strong or so prosperous. Nor have
our prospects ever been brighter"
But there are unfavorable factors
demanding serious attention. They
include the marked price increases
of the last half of 1945, the use of
wartime savings by consumers for
current purchases, and the danger
of more industrial strife. These
could cause "a recession in produc-
ton and employment" if allowed to
go unchecked, and the President has
therefore called upon the different
groups involved-labor, business,
agriculture-to take their own cor
rective measures. Thus, he counsels
against strikes and excessive wage
demands, urges producers to cut
prices wherevere possible, and
stresses the Importance of having a
free flow of world trade. AS for the
Governments part, besides such
short-range steps as rent curbs, he
recommends a long-range program
for the fullest utilization of our
great human and productive re-
sources and for the encouragement
of free competitive enterprises
program free from illusory pump
printing projects. @
Under the Employment Act, the
Presidents report will be acted upon
by a permanent joint congressional
committee. Some of the points in
it-especially the one against tax
cuts-are not likely to win Repub-
lican support, but by and large,
because of it's lucidity and it's per-
suasive general thesis, it merits
careful consideration. Certainly,
given co-operation, common sense
and wisdom of the sort advocated
by the President, the Nation can
avoid major depressions and enter
upon period of unprecedented
long-term prosperity.
Evening star., 1947-01-09
Shapiro Case Sequel

The United States Court of Claims
has just ruled that Sidney Shapiro
of Bridgeport, Connecticut, is en-
titled to sue the Government for pay
which he lost after he had been
court -martialed while holding the
rank of second lieutenant and dis
missed from the Army This case,
and the courts decision, should be
of particular interest at this time,
when the War Department is moving
to improve the administration of
justice in the Army and when the
new Congress is considering an in
vestigation of that subject.
In 1943 Shapiro was appointed to
defend soldier accused of rape.
At the trial, in order to test the
accuracy of the identification of the
assailant by the complaining wit
ness, he substituted another soldier
for the accused The complaining
witness then publicly identified the
wrong man as being her attacker,
whereupon Shapiro disclosed the
ruse. In consequence, charges were
brought against Shapiro and he was
forced to stand trial eighty minutes
after the charges had been pre-
ferred. On this basis he was con-
victed and dismissed from the Army,
later being inducted as private.
OF this procedure the Court of
Claims said: "a more flagrant case
of military despotism would be hard
to imagine. 1t was the verdict of a
supposedly impartial judicial tribu-
nal, but it was evidently rendered
in spite against Junior officer who
had dared to demonstrate the falli-
bility of the judgment of his superior
officers on the court-who had, in
deed, made them look ridiculous. 1t
was a case of almost complete denial
of plaintiffs (Shapiro's) conStitu-
uonal rights. 1t brings great dis
Evening star., 1947-01-09
The Political Mill
By Gould Lincoln

The United States has lost great
Secretary of State through the resigna-
tion of Secretary Byrnes. In the ap-
pointment of Gen. George G. Marshall
1t has acquired another-who should
prove himself equally great.
The selection of Gen. Marshall to I'LL
this Office is ample notice to the world,
including Russia, there is to be no devia-
ton from the firm policy in international
relationship -partisan-which has been
developed as an American policy during
the last year. No clearer indication
that this is the case could have been
produced than the prompt conflrma-
ton of the Marshall appointment by the
Republican controlled Senate, under the
leadership of Chairman Vandenberg of
the Foreign Relations Committee, who,
with Mr. Byrnes and President Truman,
was largely responsible for the creation
of this foreign policy.
This column. on March 2 last, COM
menting on speech by Senator Vanden-
berg in which he propounded the ques-
ton What is Russia up to now?" as the
vital issue of international relations,
said:
"If under the present setuo in the
State Department it appears impossible
for the country to make itself understood
by Soviet Russia. Britain and other ma
tionS, President Truman could very well
say to Russia: We have Marshall of
our own-Gen. George G. Marshall, who
is statesman as well as soldier and
knows intimately the situation through
out the world today, who will talk to your
Marshal Stain, and perhaps together
they can make some sense out of the
situation which has resolved itself into
question enunciated by Senator VAN
denberg, What is Russia up to now?'
This would require the substitution OF
Gen. Marshall for Secretary Byrnes as
head of the State Department.
X \ X
In the intervening months, with Secre-
tary Byrnes continuing in office, this
country has been able to deal firmly
with Soviet Russia. Indeed, the situa-
ton so serious year ago because OF
the present determination of the Soviet
Union to impose its will and to continue
the expansion of its sphere Of influence
in Europe and Asia, has been consider
ably ameliorated through the unremit-
ting efforts of Mr. Byrnes. There remains
however, much to be done-and Gen.
Marshall is the man to do it. He is
widely respected for his conduct OF the
war as Chief of Staff both in this coun-
try and abroad. He is, as has been said
Evening star., 1947-01-09
Architect of the Peace
By George Fielding Eliot

Dukes biographers civilian O'Connor
Norris, mot Marlborough himself, has
ever stood so high in the councils Of
Europe. During the three years that
followed he gave signal proof Of
the far-seeing wisdom, the well-balanced
Judgment, the moderation and the pro-
found sagacity which were the distinc-
tive features of his character on the in
tellectual side, but also of his sterling
integrity and strong sense of duty"
It is thus that those who know him
would describe Gen. Marshall, with one
addition-an utter disregard of self.
Thus began the translation Of great
soldier into great statesman-the ex-
change of field marshaIs baton for the
seals of Office of Prime Minister of
Great Britain 1t may be well not to
carry the analogy too far; for Wellington
in 1914 was but As years of age, while
Gen. Marshall is 66.
Perhaps it would be more useful to
point out the fundamental basis for
Wellington's success as a peace e-maker,
which may also be the cornerstone OF
Gen. Marshalrs future progress. It is
this-that the conduct of war at the
highest level is not different. but strik-
1ngly similar in principle to the conduct
of international affairs in time OF peace.
He who understands the causes and
objectives Of war is not likely to lose
q sight of the objectives of national policy
q which he has defended at such cost and
pains. .t. .-,
X y ~
All this is said without any intention
to depreciate in any way the great
work of James F.. ByrneS, the retiring
Secretary of State, who in the compar-
atively short time he has occupied that
post has risen to the first rank OF Ameri-
can statesmen. He has laid down his
office at this time because of the impera-
tive demands of his failing health and
for no other reason; he observes wisely
that the man who commences the difh-
cult negotiations on the German ques-
tion should be able to carry them
through to conclusion But it Is moi
impossible to hope that when rest has
restored Mr.. Byrnes' health, he may
again serve his country-perhaps in the
future conduct of some phase Of the
peace negotiations, to which he would
bring not only useful experience, but a
personal prestige which few otner Amer
ican negotiators could hope to command.
Meanwhile, since Mr.. Byrnes must for
the time being lay aside the care OF
office, the Nation is fortunate indeed to
have available to take up the task OF
peace making such man as Gen. Mar
shall, who will bring to his new and
tremendous duties the same understand
ing of the essential balance between
policy and power which enabled the
Duke of Wellington to succeed in strik-
ingly similar task more than q century
ago.
(Copyright, 1947}
Evening star., 1947-01-09

credit upon the administration OF
military justice"
In fairness to the War Depart
ment and to Secretary Patterson
tthen Undersecretary). who took
personal interest in the case, it
should be said that Shapiro was
pardoned after the facts of his
case had been brought to public
attention by The Star in September,
1915. The fact remains, however,
that his conviction and dismissal
originally had been approved by the
Secretary of War, and while this
sort of thing can happen there is
something wrong with Army justice.
Evening star., 1947-01-09
British Housing
By Leonard B. Wheidon

local authorities had been set up to
supervise the building of homes for low
income groups with the aid of public
subsidies. This program was steadily
expanded during the years between the
two wars. In the peak construction year
of 1927. local authorities were respon-
sible for AZ per cent of all housing &C
tivity in England and Wales.
The emergency program evolved after
World War II went much farther toward
socialization. The national government
took over complete control of construc-
ton materials by making itself the sole
customer OF the private producers.
Building materials are now supplied to
the local authorities and the authorized
builders from the, central government
pool. Building materials are standard
lied on government order in an effort
= to encourage mass production. Pro-
ducers thus enjoy guaranteed market
for all the materials they can produce,
but little leewAy in deciding what to
produce or how much to charge for it..
Private builders do most Of the actual
construction, but 80 per cent of it Is
under closely regulated government con-
tracts which control the type and the
cost
The British Labor program for hous-
ing had produced only 10000 new hous-
ing units as of November last, as
against the goal of 10000, and nearly
two-thirds of the 110, 900 units were tenn
porary affairs. The critics pointed out
that private builders had produced more
permanent housing within their 20 per
cent allotment than had the local au-
tf1orities responsible for 80 per cent Of
the program. The government was un-
moved, however, and took action merely
against black markets. through which
materials were said to be "frittering
away" 1t says the local authorities have
been primarily engaged up to now in
planning and are just beginning to get
I1nder yray.
Evening star., 1947-01-09

With the appointment of George C.
Marshall as Secretary of State, the prln-
cipal architect of the victory becomes
the principal architect of the peace
which the victory was won to establish.
There is distinguished precedent for
this-a precedent occurring in c1rcum-
stances of striking similarity
The longest period of peace which the
world has enjoyed since civilization
emerged from the darkness of medieval
ism was ushered in by the collapse OF
the Napoleonic empire. When Napoleon
surrendered and went to exile on Elba,
the man who above all others was
recognized as the architect of victory was
the Duke of wellington. He was ap-
pointed British Ambassador to Paris las
Gen. Marshall was appointed special
ambassador in China) and served in
that capacity. with great distinction,
warning his government repeatedly OF
the weaknesses and follies of the restored
Bourbo1s.
Meanwhile the Congress of Vienna met
to lay the foundations Of peace that
was to last for just hundred years,
unbroken save by wars OF limited dura-
ton and extent-a hundred years OF the
greatest social, material and scientific
progress that the world has ever seen.
The British role at Vienna was one OF
virtually complete freedom of action be-
cause the British object was durable
peace and not material gain for nation
without territorial ambitions In Europe.
X X X *
Britain was at first represented by
the Foreign Secretary, Lord Castlereagh,
put as the Congress dragged along, the
domestic political situation became such
that Castlereagh was needed at home to
defend the governments policy in the
House of Commons.
Now that the common danger was
over" observes Harold Nicolson in his ad-
mirable book, 1.-The Congress of Vienna"
now that they were no longer united by
fear. the British public had returned
with delighted gusto to their accustomed
pastime of party recrimination. 1t was
CALLING, nay it was 1ntolerable, 1or tne
opposition to admit that it was Tory
government which-through years OF et-
fort, enterprise and inventiveness-had
achieved overwhelming victory; they
sought by every means in their power to
pelittle past achievement, to d1scredit
present policy, and to sow dlstrust OF
future intentions.
In these circumstances, the Duke of
Wellington was appointed to succeed
Lord Castlereagh as first British Pleni-
potentiary at Vienna. 1t is hardly neces-
sary to lay great stress upon the Dukes
influence on the work of the Congress;
for it had scarcely been completed when
the news of Napoleon's return to France
electrified all Europe. The crushing OF
Napoleon's final thrust for power at
Waterloo left wellington the first per-
sonality on the continent.
mo English subject" writes one of the
Evening star., 1947-01-09

justly of Mr.. Byrnes, a great American
The only suggestion of criticism made
against the appointment OF Gen. Marshall
to be Secretary of State Is that he is a
military man, stepped in Army tradition;
that it would have been advisable to ap-
point civilian to this important post
for example, W. AvereH Hartman, for
mer Ambassador to Russia and at present
Secretary of Commerce, or Dean Ache
son, Undersecretary of State. It is absurd
to argue that the man who, under the
President, controlled the policy of the
nation in the great war and brought it
through to victory, should be disquali-
fed for public office, no matter how high.
* X xk
Also there has arisen in some quarters
a demand that, since Gen. Marshall, as
Secretary of State, is the first IN line to
succeed President Truman in the White
House should anything untoward happen
to the Chief Executive, steps should be
taken without delay to repeal the pres
ent law of succession and write another.
Here again, the advisability of having
an Army man in high office-the high
eSt-iS raised.
In June of 1945, President Truman,
then only short time after his entry
into the White House following the
death of President Roosevelt, sent a
message to Congress urging that the law
of succession be revised SO that the
Speaker of the House would become
President, in the event OF the death OF
both President and Vice President. A
bill to carry out this recommendation
passed the House. The Senate, however,
took no action, and indeed, was opposed
/ to the measure on the ground that it
should be the President pro tempore OF
the Senate rather than the Speaker.
The bill died with the last Congress, and
a new measure would have to be intro
duced if any action is to be taken.
When President Truman made his
Recommendation, the Democrats were in
control of both houses of Congress. To-
day, with Republican Speaker Martin in
the House and Republican President pro
tempore Vandenberg in the Senate, II
the law of succession were changed, a
Republican would become President in
the event of President Truman's death
or disability.
The new Secretary of State, Gen. Mar
shall, is Democrat. Unless the House
and Senate are able to compose their
differences over the matter. it does
not appear there is the slightest chance
of amending the law of succession, no
matter what the merits of the proposal.
Evening star., 1947-01-09
This and That
By Charles E. TrdceaDeU

Broom straws offer one of the great
est dangers to house cats.
Even the most up-to-date home usll-
ally has a few brooms around, some
times large, sometimes OF the small
type.
These attract house cats, some speci
mems more than others, of course.
The cat bites them of, which would
not be so bad, but then goes on to swal-
low them.
Usually the owner thinks the cat is
merely playing.
But down goes the straw, whole. which
is where the trouble comes in.
Unless the animals owner realizes
the danger 1t does not end at one
straw.
Usually the creature eats two or
three more.
Just what constitutes the fascination
of the broom straws is anybody's guess.
One is novelty. Another is the longing
OF housed animals for grass. But even
the cat which gets green grass two or
three times week will eat broom
straws whenever he can get them.
Once down the straws may puncture
the intestines.
At the least they cause nature to
take means of getting rid of them.
The favorite method, a real nature
cure. is diarrhea. .
The pet owner tries his best to stop
this manifestation by giving bismuth,
etc.
All these efforts are in vain, in fact.
are the very. worst steps that could
be taken, since nature here knows what
she is doing and the best way to do it..
The straws resemble worms, and many
an owner has mistaken them for such.
Only the trained expert can recognize
them for what they are.
X X
The best thing then for the friend Of
cats is not to keep brooms, or having
them, to keep them at all times out OF
the pets reach.
Some owners stand the brooms on the
handle end, thus elevating the straws.
A better way is to keep all broorns in
closets.
1t does not take a cat, especially a
young one, very long to swallow a
straw.
Once the end is in the mouth the
rest of the operation is automatic.
Nature, their friend, evidently knows
no better way, once the straw starts
down, than to keep it all going in the
same direction.
Then she starts the process of get
ting rid of It, If she had directed the
cat, by instinct, to spit out the straw
in the first place things would be very
much better.
This is just one of the countless evi-
dences OF lack of real intelligence in
nature.
There are many household dangers
for cats. Pieces of cord, string and
wool, even as long as 8 feet, win be
gulped down in the same way.
These stand some chance of being
digested, and usually do not offer the
same danger to the animal, but they are
best kept out of its reach.
Needles, pins and other small, sharp
things may or may not cause trouble.
Cats love to play with small objects
and sometimes swallow them in playing.
Like small children they. are expert
at finding what they should not.
But of all the dangers, that OF broom
straws is perhaps the worst. Still it Is
the easiest guarded against with little
thought In advance.
Evening star., 1947-01-09
Let's Forget Money
From the Hamilton Spectator.

From the Hamilton SPECTATOR.
Your average Canadian earns . lot
more money, but translated into what
he can buy in the way 6f food. clothes.
refrigerators and whatnots, he is not as
well of as he was in 1885, So that real
wages (Which Is the amount Of things
a man can buy with his earnings) bear
no real relation at all to money wages.
So let's forget money for minute, for
not all the banks and theories on earth
have changed that basic elementary
fact that men are traders and that the
only demand they have on anothers
goods or services is what they produce
themselves. Size has not altered the
essential pattern ..
Evening star., 1947-01-09
Those New Cars

Time was when the automotive in
dustry was wont at this season to
glory in its mass production achieve
ments of the year just passed and
to indulge in optimistic forecasts of
greater miracles which were in the
offing. But times have changed,
with the result that there is mini
mum of glorying and optimism in
the year-end reports coming from
Detroit these days. The news offers
little encouragement to the man who
thought it wise to wait until 1947 to
put in his order for new car.
At the outset of last year the in
dustry looked forward hopefully to
the postwar reconyersion period and
predicted 1916 output of at least
100000 passenger cars and trucks.
The year closed, however, with a
grand total of only 2,149,000 cars and
and 936, 900 trucks produced. Strikes
and Federal controls were the major
obstacles to greater production, ac-
cording to industry spokesmen. In
addition to strikes within the indus
try itself there were coal and steel
strikes which brought a crippling
train of shortages in basic materials
and fabricated parts. These short
ages, it was asserted, were aggra-
waited by controls on the use of many
materials needed in the manufac-
ture of automobiles. Rubber produc-
ton, however. was on the upgrade,
with plenty of tires in prospect in
1947.
1t is estimated that coal and steel
strikes alone deprived the industry
of steel that would have gone nor
mally into the production of 1.S00,-
600 additional vehicles last year. The
effects of the second coal strike will
continue into the new year. more
over. And there Is the possibility of
new strikes inside and outside the
industry to worry the new-car plan
ners. The CIO United Automobile
Workers already has announced it's
intention of seeking a fiat wage in
crease of twenty three and half
cents an hour. Representatives of
management say this increase can
not be met without increasing car
prices further. A wage battle def
initely is shaping up, but so far there
has been no threat of strikes.
In view of the generally drab out
look, manufacturers this year are
making no brash promises to hope
full walters for new cars. They say
that If no serious deterrents to out
put develop, some 1900, 900 new pas
senger cars and maybe million
trucks will come off the lines before
the end of the year. That would
relieve the present demand to con-
siderable extent-but waiting lists
would still exist and patience would
still be In order for many categories
of prospective buyers.