davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1947-05-22
Strikers Dilemma

It is possible to feel a measure of SYM
pathy for the three union carpenters who
have lost their jobs and been denied pay
for work done because they struck against
the Government.
This action is based on an Interpretation
by Controller General Lindsay C. Warren
of law passed last year forbidding pay
ment of wage or salary to any one
striking against the Government. The
ruling had been sought by Veterans Ad-
ministrator Bradley, whose agency was in
charge of the project in Waco, Texas,
against which the strike was called.
The union carpenters had been ordered
to strike because some nonunion painters
were employed on the job. According to
their own statements, they did not want
to strike but were very willing to work"
They were told by the business agent of
their union, however, that they would be
fined $50 for each day they worked, and
that, in addition, they would be "black-
balled" from future employment as car
penters If they refused to strike.
1t would seem that the experience of
these free" American workers should be
of interest to those labor union leaders
who are vociferously forecasting slavery or
worse for American workmen if Congress
passes remedial labor legislation. But to
workers in the position of these Texas
carpenters, the outcries of the labor leaders
must have a hollow ring For when men
can be forced to strike, against their will,
by threats of heavy fines and permanent
loss of an opportunity to work at their
trade they have already passed into an
exceedingly oppressive form of slavery.
Incidentally, the exchange of corre-
spondence between General Bradley and
the Controller General identified the car
penters but did not reveal either the
identity of the business agent or the
affiliation of his union. Why should they
he shielded?
Evening star., 1947-05-22
Fort Washington Repairs

To the Editor Of The Star:
AS temporary resident in Washington for
the past few months, have been interested
in visiting some of the historical spots in and
about the city. On Saturday last visited
Fort Washington and this letter is to ask
you why the old fort has been allowed to de-
teriorate to the point where 1t is almost q
ruin. Does the United States Government
own this property, and why Is 1t not being
kept in repair?
There Is evidence of occupancy Of some Of
the buildings on the reservation but the old
fort itself and the old barracks are in a very
dilapidated condition. It would seem to the
writer that, while Fort Washington Is not as
important in the history of our country as,
let us say, Fort McHenry in Baltimore, never
theless Fort Washington is one Of the old
established military bulwarks for our Capital
City and should be preserved.
w. H. BLAKEMAN.
Evening star., 1947-05-22
The Solution Is at Hand

Representative Kefauver of Tennessee is
coauthor with DR.. Jack Levin OF book on
modernization of Congress, just printed
1t contains, with many other interesting
views, statement on government in the
District of Columbia that is worthy OF
reproduction here in editorial form:
at is exceedingly unfortunate that Con-
gress did not follow the recommendation
of its joint committee by giving self-rule
to the District of Columbia, and simui-
taneously doing away with the Dlstrlct
Committees. The manner in which Con-
gress attempts to govern the District OF
Columbia is indefensible. The nearly one
million residents of Washington are in the
same category as felons, aliens, incompe-
tents and Federally supported Indians. -
These citizens pay local and Federal
taxes at rates exceeding those of many
States In the fiscal year 1946 they raised
almost $48,000,00 from local taxes to sup
port the city government. But they have
no voice In the spending of this tax money.
Taxation without representation was one
of the things that made Americans fight
the Revolution. These Washingtonians
perform all obligations of citizenship, jury
service, full responsibilities under selective
service, and so on, but they are foreigners
as far as the basic right to control their
own destiny is concerned.
""'' Many issues important to Wash
ington City have to be decided by tele-
phone polls of the Senate District Com
mittee because its members, busy with
more important national problems, just
cannot spare the time to attend commit
tee meetings. The net result ranges from
lackadaisical to mediocre. The great city,
despite its outward beauty, has for years
contained some of the most horrible slums
in the Nation, slums within sight of the
inspiring dome of the Capitol. Public
service now taken for granted in many
municipalities, such as modern jail or
juvenile court system, to name but two,
lag pitifully in the District of Columbia.
The city is neglected as an orphan and
treated like the proverbial stepchild. The
blame rests squarely on Congress. FIRE.
quent exposures of bad management in
District institutions reveal an unfortunate
lack of consideration by Congress for the
inhabitants Of what is now the most i'm
portant capital city in the world
"Tf1e solution is at hand. Appropriate
bills have long been pending. While always
retaining adequate power to legislate on
Federal matters pertaining to the city and
to establish Federal institutions anywhere
within its boundaries, Congress should un-
burden itself of the local housekeeping.
District residents should be given the right
to vote elect their own officials, participate
in national elections, and be represented
In Congress"
Evening star., 1947-05-22
The House Acts Wisely

In voting to approve $350,000, 900 for
foreign relief-thereby reversing an earlier
decision-the House has acted in manner
which is consistent both with the best
interests of this country and with Its
earlier decision to sanction the expenditure
of $4O0 900 900 to assist Greece and Turkey.
The larger outlay is designed to stiffen
the resistance of the Greeks and the Turks
to communism. It will be used partly for
military and partly for economic purposes.
The relief fund is designed exclusively for
purposes of supplying food and medical
care in Austria, Greece, Hungary, Italy,
Poland, Trieste and China. 1t seems obvl-
Gus enough, however, that, with the excep-
ton of China, the expenditures in each
instance are aimed at the same ultimate
objective-to check the spread OF COM
munism in the Balkans and the Eastern
Mediterranean. And it seems equally obvi-
GUS that the House, having approved this
effort in the case Of Greece and Turkey,
could not logically refuse to support the
same effort In surrounding areas. To take
but one example, on what basis could the
House justify its Endorsement Of the ex-
QenQltuTG Oi 9fUU,OoV,ooo W 4SOoA oAA1 SSAAA ,
munism in Greece and Turkey II 1t were
not willing to make an equivalent effort
in the case of Italy? For If Italy should
90 Communist, and that is not remote
possibility, our efforts and our money IN
Greece and Turkey would both be wasted.
This is equivalent to saying that both
programs are part of a larger program.
There is, of course, no assurance that the
effort will be successful one. Secretary
of State Marshall, bowling to what he pre-
sumably regards as the political realities
of the situation, has said that this Con-
gress will not be asked to approve any
additional expenditures for other coun-
tries. But this leaves unanswered the
question of what we propose to do II,
after investing $75o,ooo,ooo in the contain
ment of communism, we should wake up
some day to discover that this Is not
enough.
Evening star., 1947-05-22
Korean TuIks Resume

slightly belated arrival of the Soviet
delegates to the Russo american Joint
Commission on Korea inspires hope that
the previous breakdown in negotiations
will be remedied
1t was full year ago that the commits
sion adjourned in hopeless deadlock. Set
up under the Russo American agreement
arrived at in Moscow shortly after the close
of the war with Japan, the commissions
designated task was the establishment OF
a provisional government for the whole of
Korea, functioning under a joint Russo
American trusteeship intended to fit the
Korean people for independence.
Unfortunately, it soon became evident
that the Russians were bent upon a
formula which would have enabled Korean
Communists to dominate the provisional
government and ensure the country's con-
version into dependency OF the Soviet
Union. Faced with Russian intranSi-
geance, the American authorities had no
choice but to perpetuate the division of
Korea into two zones originally intended
as temporary measure when American
and Russian forces moved into the country
to disarm the Japanese garrisons and liqui-
date Japanese rule.
Perpetuation of this zonal arrangement
has been disastrous to Korea. An arbitrary
demarcation line, drawn athwart Korea
along the thirty eighth parallel of latitude
has been converted by the Russians into
q veritable Chinese Wall, sundering the
agricultural south under American occu-
patton from the industrial north under
Russian control. This shattered the bal
anced economy which the japanese had
developed during their thirty-five-year
annexation. The upshot was that the
north starved while the south was deprived
OF essentials like coal, hydroelectric power,
and industrial products.
At the Foreign Ministers Conference at
Moscow, earlier this spring, Secretary of
State Marshall proposed to Foreign Min
lister Molotov resumption of the joint
committees sessions. And he coupled this
proposal with the blunt statement that,
in default Of agreement, the United States
proposed to act on its own for the eco
nomic rehabilitation of the southern zone
and the establishment of a provisional
government there. This brought an accept
ance from Molotoy, amplified by clarifica-
tion OF terms which Marshall had requested
In order to avoid recurrence of disputed
Evening star., 1947-05-22
interpretations that had brought the previ-

interpretations that had brought the previ-
Gus sessions to naught.
Assuming Soviet good faith, the ground
work would thus seem to be laid for q
genuine meeting of minds. There Is rea-
son to believe that the Russians may be
more amenable than formerly, because
their occupational experiment has not
been going too well, and the prospect OF
rehabilitated American zone might leave
them in an untenable position for the
future That, at least. is the chief ground
for optimism on the American side. One
thing appears to be certain: Our Govern
ment is not disposed to engage in another
round Of futile negotiations. II. therefore,
the Russian delegates prove unco-opera-
tive, the unilateral American program of
rehabilitation for our zone will be put into
effect.
Evening star., 1947-05-22
Newsstand

This Is the place to iohich the lonely come,
Those Uho are absent from the fires OF
home.
Here are the offerings eyes hnger on,
And Nth nostalgia thoughts eualndte.
All that they kne,D OF home scenes IN days
gone
Mingles NTH lines they read. They
contemplate,
And potces call as once they did at ddton,
Voices ,rtose echoes stu reuerbernte.
NotD NTH paper In has hand he strides
No longer lonely, for again he goes
Among those loDed, to tUhom his memory
Through the long nights, and tDhere q
light still olotcs
For one tolo sought, but seeking, could
not find
The land 90 uondrous as that left behind.
EDWARD D. GARNER.
Evening star., 1947-05-22
Urqent Parole Reforms

The unanimous public support given
pending bills to improve the local parole
and probation systems justifies the hope
that Congress will add to the unanimity
by approving this legislation at an early
date The bills referred to would create
a new District Parole Board with full
time member, would extend parole bene-
fits more widely and would integrate the
District probation work with that of the
Federal court probation system.
The parole board has been seriously
handicapped in the past by lack OF full
time representative to handle the daily ac-
cumulation of work requiring routine board
action. With board members serving on
a voluntary basis. 1t has been impossible
to handle expeditiously even the routine
paper work. involved In arranging paroles
Evening star., 1947-05-22
A National Essential

BY its vote of 70 to to set up national
science foundation, the Senate has at last
opened the way to project indispensable
to the well-being and security OF the
United States ALI that is needed now to
get it started is House approval. In view
of the self-evident soundness Of the under
taking, and the need for it, no valid argu-
ments can be raised against 1t.
AS approved by the Senate, the founda-
ton would function primarily to keep the
Nation abreast or ahead Of the rest of the
world in pure scientific research. 70 this
end, beginning with a budget of about
$20,000,000 year, it would help to finance
basic experimental work in universities
and other institutions. In addition, 1t
would set up scholarships and fellowships
to foster potential talent and to enable
promising young scientists to make the
best possible use of their gifts Its opera
tions, including those of the wartime Office
of Scientific Research and Development,
would cover the fields of medicine, mathe-
mates, physics, biology and national de-
fense In short, it would aim at exploiting
the frontiers of knowledge in order to
improve the health, prosperity and safety
of America.
,Administratively, under the Senate bill,
the foundation would be run by part
time board of twenty-four outstanding ex
perts and top director, all named by the
President with Senate approval. Senator
Taft, who Is otherwise in favor of the prof.
ect, has voted against it on the ground that
the director should be chosen by the board
of twenty-four rather than by the Presi-
dent. Holding that a presidential appoint
ment would make the organization
political department" he has urged that
the House Republican leadership reject this
provision, his view being that 1t would be
better to have no foundation whatever
than to have one headed by man named
by the President.
On its face, considering that such vital
agencies as our Atomic Energy Commission
are being directed by presidential ap-
pointees, Senator Taft's objection seems
odd, narrow and strained in the extreme.
Why it should carry much weight in the
House is difficult to see Certainly 1t is
piddling thing compared to the Importance
Of launching the long-debated foundation
without further delay. Experience may
dictate organizational changes in the
future, but a beginning has to be made,
and now is a good time to make it, We are
living in an age when we simply cannot
afford to dawdle in the realm of pure
science.
Evening star., 1947-05-22
Operation Torch

The most spectacular political episode IN the
conquest Of North Africa centered around
Allied relations with Admiral Jean Francois
Darlan.
AS Gen. Eisenhower's deputy commander
for the Torch campaign was the direct
liaison with Admiral Darlan I had to handle
him This meant was faced with the prob
lem Of using not only Darlan, but . highly
independent and often mutually hostile group
Of French officers and officials with one single
object--to reduce French opposition 20 our
landings and later operations to q minimum;
Evening star., 1947-05-22
Operation Torch
Clark Persuudes DorIon to Issue Order
Hultino French Resistance to Allies
Fourth 81 q Series.
By Gen. Marx W0yne Clark

clark-Do YOU understand that diplomanc
relations between France and the United StateS
have been broken Of within the past a hourss
Darlan-Tnere Is no o11cial statement O
confirmation Of this rupture but want 20 sec
hostilities stopped as soon as possible. : nave
been eiyen strict orders to enter into no neso-
tiattons until have received orders 1rom
Petaif Of the Council OF Ministers All my
associates and / feel hostilities are fruitless.
sClark--I am negotiating with you as COM
nander Of the troops on the ground am
not prepared nor do propose TO await any
further word from Vichy.
Darlan-I have asked Vichy to give me an
answer to your terms as soon as possible.
Clark-What you propose is not possible.
will end this conference in 80 minutes.
Darlan-I understand what this means, and
want to tell my government OF what mas
happened
Retained in Protective Custody.
Clark-This is impossible. It will be neces-
sary to retain you in protective custody hope
you understand.
Darlan--I am giving my opinion that It Is
stupid to continue hostilities here. urged
acceptance Of the terms. am confident that
Petain will agrees
Ciark-That is hne, but do you understand
that we cannot sit here while governments
agree and ministers debate? If the admiral
will not issue instructions for the cessation OF
hostilities, will go to Gen. Giraud. He Will
sign the terms and issue the necessary ORDERS
Darlan-I am not certain the troops will
obey. This will only mean the loss OF more
time and there will be more fighting.
Clark-Are you so sure Of the decision from
vichy? Petain has already informed President
Roosevelt that he considers our landings ag-
gression. II you think Petain will agree with
you that hostilities must cease, why can't you
issue that order now?
Darlan-I can't assume the responsibility for
such an order. 1t would result In the imme-
diate occupation OF Southern France by the
Germans
Clark-We ell agree concerning the great
danger Of the occupation Of Southern France,
but it will not be because Of this order. What
you are doing now means the killing OF more
French, British and Americans. 7 presume
you know that Oran is already In our hands?
This all bois down to one question. Are you
going to play with the vichy government or
go with us?
Darlan-I am simply bound by an oath OF
fidelity to the marshal to obey his orders.
can't take the responsibility of giving an order
to cease hostlities.
Darlan Offered Last Chance.
Clark-This is the time when we must lean
on our inclinations and not on our orders.
You are under domination. Here is an oppor-
Evening star., 1947-05-22

edge we nad was
that the Germans
W ere landing in
Tunisia. We ur-
gently W a n t e d
French opposition
to these landings
to bolster up the
limited fight our
own forces could
make.
I agreed to a
meeting on the
morning Of the
10th with Darlan.
Admiral Fenard,
Gen. j uin and
Evening star., 1947-05-22

tunity for all
French h m en- to
rally and win the
war. Here is your
last chancel
DarIan am.
willing to- send an
urgent message to
Marshal Petain,
recommending an
ar,nistice for AL
giers and Morocco.
Clark-You have
already done that.
Darlan-I have
not done SO In
.,,naiAn &ar,sas
Evening star., 1947-05-22

and 70 turn french
guns against the
common enemy
the Germans - as
quickly and efec-
lively as possible.
This we accom-
plished to a very
large extent.
w / n s t o n
Churchill ] q t e r
credited our deal
ings with Darlan
as S saving from
10000 to 10000
Allied lives. To
fare far less than
Evening star., 1947-05-22

Maybe there is some other natural
growth as beautiful as locust tree in full
blossom but If so it would be difficult to
think what it could be.
Evening star., 1947-05-22
Anti-Lynching Law Constitutional? ?

We read with interest, and with certain
amount Of gratitude, your editorial of May
Is entitled, 'Lynching Trial" We join with
you in speculating that the Ggeenville, S. c.,
trial will be prelude to more vigorous prose-
heinous crime.
You also said, among other things, that at
tempts have been made to pass Federal anti
lynching laws but there Is some doubt as to
their constitutionality. wish to assure you
that the Constitution permits such laws.
The failure Of Congress to pass . Federal
anti-lynching law and the failure Of the States
to enforce the provisions Of the Constitution
have resulted In mass deprivations OF the
Negroes constitutional rights in this country.
The Constitution states: Article VI: In all
criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy
the right to speedy and public trial. by an
impartial jury of the State and district wherein
the crime shall have been committed :"
Article XIV further declares: "No State shall
deprive any person OF life, liberty or property
without due process Of law, nor deny any
person within Its jurisdiction the equal pro-
lection Of its laws"
A victim of lynching Is denied these funda-
mental constitutional rights. # the States
enforced these provisions of the Constitution.
an antilynching bill would be unnecessary; but
the seeming failure of States to enforce them
for the past so years is proof enough that
justice, decency and respect for the rights OF
the common man demand the passage of such
legislation. Erwin W. WILKINS.
Evening star., 1947-05-22
Letters to The St,r
Appeals for Popular Electio,
Arlinston School Board u
he rditor IL rhe star.

| Az hne 6ottor o. Iae Stexs
The strains Of Garry Me Back to Old ~.
ginny' thrill me with pride for the old GU sn-
monWealth. my State and that Of my ances,a-' est
But am not 50 proud OF her present nms,,a
school system. For the past "a wears paonc
homeowner, have been keenly interest.ass =
Arlington. Ny children went throueh IN
schools May my three grandchildren US
greatly improved conditions. '''se
Adequate schools Tor Arlington seem =.
probable unless aroused citizens assume sa.u' .l-
voice Id the selection Of school board merher.
The school board spends nearly one-haIt :.
our taxes and appoints the school suns,,s ~
tendent. Moreover. 1t controls the educat,a.
OF our children during the formative vsor.
yet to- keep the present setup, good or has
requires the vote of only two members of tha
school trustee electoral board appointed -.
4 nonelected official. The voters are pcxsrasss
under the present laws. However, in the schoos
board referendum on May a. for the first time
the voters have the opportunity to make the
school system responsive to public will.
Elsewhere in our Nation IS per cent O,
school boards are elected by the people. For
years many citizens and organizations in Ar.
lington with outstanding records of unseldsh
service to the community, have advocated di.
rect election OF QUIZ SCHOOL pudTd members
as step toward improving the schools. The
present appointive school administration domi-
mated by hidden politics, and supported by
recipients Of fayors at its hands and real estate
spectators. opposes any change which might
endanger its entrenched power. Funds. fears
and favors are its weapons.
Parents and voters should not be deceived by
maneuvers to shift the issue to one between
the teachers and advocates of an elected school
board No competent teacher or school official
need fear an elected school board. Emancpa-
tion from present petty controls should result.
Those whose actions reveal that they are
unqualified to direct the education OF the STU
dents should CO. The theme song OF the school
administration spokesmen is that to elect our
school board would put the schools in politics.
Are there many of us now SO naive as to be-
lieve that the present school system Is not
now in politics? have greater confidence in
the electorate than In the vote Of two or three
persons having no greater qualifications to
choose our school board.
So let none of US forget May n. It is op-
portunity day-opportunity to vote for an
elected school board and for better schools in
Arlington. JULIAN d. SIMPSON.