davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1947-07-15
Wants Head Waters Damned

wants I1eau WdtSIS DuIhI'Su
To the Editor Of The Star:
If the money which Congress squanders
Cthrows down the drain) every year were en-
ployed for real flood control, 1t could be used to
dam up the waters of the small streams. This
irnpounding of the head waters with more and
more small dams also would furnish cheap elec-
tricity in regions where it is needed as well as
prevent erosion and impoverishment Of millions
of farms. Another valuable result OF this
method of flood control would be to ration the
water, keeping it flowing the year around and
rendering artificial irrigation unnecessary IN
many places that have to employ it today.
We already have far too many washed up
farms in this country whose valuable top soil
can never be restored We cannot do too much
to prevent their number from increasing.
MINNIE FROST RANDS.
Evening star., 1947-07-15
Utopid Deferred

The iron curtain" is not iron enough
to hide the fact that the Russian people
are down at the heels. Even before the
war-with their productive machine
operating on a s-before-butter basis
their standard of living was far below
ours and most Of Europe's. Today, as
result of the vast physical wreckage and
the loss of manpower caused by the Nazi
invasion, it is lower than ever-so low,
indeed, that the men of the Krenlin must
feel some pressure from the masses for
an improvement.
According to special study by the
United States Labor Department, most
Russians are merely managing to get by.
The departments estimates-which seem
reasonable-show that Soviet food prices
have jumped at least 166 per cent since
the end of the war, while wages have in
creased only Is per cent. AS far as pur-
chasing power is concerned, the average
American enjoys a standard of living
almost ten times higher than that of the
average Russian. With his weekly pay,
the latter can buy just about enough to
keep body and soul together. AS for items
other than the bare necessities-items
that we take for granted-they are 'lux-
uries" he can only dream OF at this time.
It is difficult to believe that situation
Of this kind does not create at least a
measure of worry for the Stain govern
ment Ever since the revolution in 1918,
the Russian people have been doing with
out. The Utopia promised them by their
Communist dictatorship has not material
lied. Instead now that the war has taken
such toll, 1t seems more remote than
ever. The Kremlin's propaganda machine
is busy, of course, belittling capitalism, and
predicting hard times for America, and
giving reassurances that the Soviet sys-
TEN will yet be developed into paradise.
But the average citizen Of the U. s. s. r.
has been hearing that sort of thing for
50 many years that the record must be
wearing little thin.
The average Russian, in other words, is
still doing without, and he must be getting
Just q bit impatient with unfulfilled
promises. He must be Festive for more
consumer goods. He must know, as mil
lions of returning Red Army men know,
that some of the smallest countries OF
Europe have attained higher standard
of life than the Soviet Union. 1t is the
kind OF knowledge that feeds discomfort
The Russians are human. They have
shown that they can put up with a lot,
and the great majority of them probably
remain docile enough to continue putting
up with it, but still-despite censorship
and the secret police-they must be aware
that there are other peoples better off
and they must have their moments when
they feel less than enthusiastic about the
Kremlin and its way of doing things.
In the circumstances, the Stain gov
ernment's refusal to go along with the
Marshall proposal for European recovery
does not seem to make sense. Co-opera-
son would make available to the Soviet
Evening star., 1947-07-15
Swiss CupituI as Aid Factor

The Swiss governments acceptance OF
the invitation to the Paris Conference
for European Recovery draws attention to
Switzerlands potential role in the CONT
nents economic rehabilitation. Small
though 1t is, Switzerland possesses finan-
cial strength and stability far beyond It's
size and natural resources. Enjoying
nearly century and half OF unbroken
peace, buttressed by policy of rigid
neutrality, Switzerland is a veritable oasis
of security and relative prosperity in a
semichaotic economic desert.
This enviable situation has caused
Switzerland to be haven for fugitive
capital, protected by special laws insuring
its inviolability. 1t has likewise made pos
sible the accumulation Of much native
capital, wisely invested abroad as we'll as
at home. The upshot is the existence of
relatively large pool of liquid capital,
seeking investment wherever safety and
profit are reasonably assured
An important factor in Swiss invest
ment policy is that it involves no political
considerations. Furthermore, Swiss self
interest is vitality concerned with Europe s
restoration to peace and stability; only
under such conditions can this small
country, landlocked in Europes heart and
dependent on foreign trade for its very
existence, have any hope for an enduring
future.
Indeed, Switzerland has already done
much to aid its European neighbors. AS
far back as June, 1946, credits aggregating
some so0poo,00o Swiss francs had been
arranged with a number of European ma
tions. And 1t should be understood that
the Swiss franc has not been deprecated,
standing at approximately five to the
American dollar. The chief limitation to
Switzerland's postwar foreign financial
policy has been that most Of the loans
and credits thus far vouchSafed have been
transactions arranged between the Swiss
government and other governments. How
ever, Swiss bankers are now eager to
resume direct lending on orthodox in
vestment lines. Those seasoned bankers,
with generations of experience behind
them, point out that private initiative is
a far better method of assessing the
credit -worthiness of borrowers and the
constructive use of the borrowed capital
than any bureaucratic authority. The sole
prerequisites are a reaff1rmation on the
part of the governments of the individuals s
inviolability of private ownership and the
sanctity of contracts.
Naturally, all this is in the closest accord
with the aims of our own foreign financial
policy, which desires above everything
the restoration Of free economies and the
functioning of private initiative on its
traditional basis. It is therefore hearten-
ing to discover in Switzerland a sturdy
ally in Americas quest for constructive
recovery. And, on the Swiss side, the
assurance Of American efforts to bring
about this desired restoration encourages
plans for the proper use of Swiss capital
IN that end
Evening star., 1947-07-15

Union many Of the things 1t so sorely
needs to raise its low living standards.
The decision not to cooperate is thus
lin has no fear Of mass discomfort, or it
would rather have it than risk following a
course that might require a self-exposing
lifting of the iron curtain" The Russian
people, in any case. apparently will have
to keep on doing without for some time
to come.
Evening star., 1947-07-15

Praises Cartoons, Editorials, etc.
To the Editor Of The Star:
So many things we take for granted, enjoying
them but saying nothing
But that is no way to do at ALL must ex-
press my appreciation of the Bergman car
toons
And John @. Public Is the finest of characters
For why should he look prosperous with plenty
OF hair on his head when taxes have been raised
instead Of Congress paying its proper share?
And who writes those delightful sketches of
farm life, Faith and Fairies" and Sunset?
Along with the herein articles, news items
fashions and Mister Breger," these refreshing
thoughts should never be taken from our family
paper, The Star
DAISY CUSHMAN MUNROE.
Evening star., 1947-07-15
Letters to The Star
Spokesman for Barber Shop Songsters Says Thanks and
Stenographer Speaks Her Mind About Men
Commends DIP Editorial


To the Editor of The Star
want to congratulate you on the fine edito-
rial Of July entitled I'VE Have Room for
Them"
hope you will use every means at your
disposal to further the passage Of the stratton
bill. by which displaced persons would find
homes in this country. The United States is
the most tnhospitable land on the earth, even
though the weslthiest. Let us not miss this
opportunity to admit those who have suffered
SO severely for their freedom and who know
the value Of freedom.
HORACE G. LUKENS,
Minister, the Presbyterian Church, Vienna,
Va,
Evening star., 1947-07-15
Visitors Sorrowfully Impressed

Visitors Sorrowfully Impressed
To the Editor of The Star:
For the first time in my life am ashamed OF
the city Of my birth.
have always been proud to say that Wash
ington was my home town, but the other day
something happened to change my mind.
Friends came down to visit this city from
upstate New York OF course, showed them
our many points Of interest, and guided them
through traffic. Our traffic system fairly
amazed them with its one-way streets, signs
plastered all over intersections, ETC.. etc. Hav-
ing always lived in small town. you can
imagine their trouble in getting around Wash
ington.
About fve minutes after they left me that
evening, they drove through stop sign. Yes,
that is a serious offense. But the officer
carted them down to No. IL precinct, and there
they were fined So 1t seems to me that the
officer that fined them should have considered
that it was their first traffic offense, that they
were from out of town, here only for one day.
He either should have warned them or charged
them fee not quite so high.
Their spirits were dampened, and the next
morning bade them good-by. Whenever they
think of Washington, D. c., am sure they
won't remember the Lincoln Memorial the
White House or the Capitol Building. No. they
will think of Washington as the inhospitable
place that doesn't know how to treat visitors
and of the $40 they parted with
If SO is the set fee for that offense, move
that the fine be lowered for first offenders
M. E. w.
Evening star., 1947-07-15


Q. What is a simple way to treat poison Ivy
poisoning?-C. C.
A. treatment developed by the United
States Public Health Service consists Of one
pound of tannic acid powder dissolved In
quart of good rubbing alcohol. Apply over
affected area When poison ivy has been
touched inadvertently, blistering may be pre-
vented by washing with laundry SOAP
O. What was the southernmost city held by
the Union forces in the Civil War and what was
the most northerly city held by the Confeder-
ates?-S. F.
A. New Orleans was the southernmost local
ity held by the Union forces with the exception
of some territory on the Gulf OF Mexico.
Gettysburg was the northernmost point reached
by the Confederates during the Civil War.
@. What is the name of the English novelist
who was the granddaughter of Trackeray?
X. L. B.
A. Virginia Woof was the daughter of Sir
Leslie Stephen and the granddaughter Of
Thackeray.
@. How did Tarpon Springs in Florida be-
come the center of the sponge industry
j. c. B.
A. During the Spanish American War the
! small sponge fleet that berthed at Key West
put into Tarpon Springs to dispose OF Its
cargo because of fear of capture by Spanish
raiders. The fishermen liked Tarpon Springs
and decided to settle there. Later. their
number was greatly increased by an influx
of sponge fishermen from the Mediterranean.
@. In writing AID and BIC, what Is the
correct position of these authorizations, before
or after the date?-V. NJ E.
A. In dates, AID. precedes the year and BIC.
follows the year, as, AID. 433 and 900 BIC.
@. What will be the total Of veterans Of
World War II?-J. D.
A. The latest estimate Of the Veterans Ad-
ministration gives total Of 100000 This
includes veterans discharged from the armed
forces through June 80, 1947 and those still
in service on the same date. The potential
veteran population will be increased by per-
sons who entered the armed forces until the
war is officially declared ended.
Evening star., 1947-07-15

Letters for publication must bear
the signature and address OF the
1Driter, although it is permissible for
Uriter k11o1Dn to The Star to use
nom de plume. Please be briet.
Evening star., 1947-07-15
Questions About Southern Conference

Questions About Southern Conference
10 the Editor Of The Star:
A passage in a newspaper story of Henry
Wallace's speech at the Watergate arouses my
curiosity concerning the real character of the
Southern Conference for Human Welfare. This
passage stated wallace appeared under the
sponsorship Of the Southern Conference for
Human Welfare Nine thousand tickets had
been sold for from 60 cents to $3.50. The back
OF the tickets said the conference Condemns
discrimination in all FORMS"
just wondered whether or not the conference
includes among the forms of discrimination"
which 1t condemns political discrimination
which Is practiced in Russia and in the lands of
the new" democracies against all nom Com
munist political parties. FL. FREEMAN.
Evening star., 1947-07-15

ana the Dip
lomats Quar-
tet, I wish to
con 6 ratulate
you and The
Star for the
fine coverage
of the Milwau-
k e e interna-
tional cham
pionships in
your last Sun
Evening star., 1947-07-15
Barber Shop Quartet

10 the Editor Of The Star
AS an enthusiastic barber shopper, affiliated
with the Washington Chapter of the Society
Tor the Preservation and Encouragement of
Barber Shop Quartet Singing in American, Inc,
Evening star., 1947-07-15
A Stenographer Speaks

To the Editor of The Star:
Society DEGREES that women in business ap-
pear at the office or shop or store with clean
hands and nails, neat coiffures, dresses pressed
and even straight stocking seams, all following
Evening star., 1947-07-15

a daily shower
and subsequent
bathing" in
cologne.
Why Is 1t
then that men
can get by"
with unscrub-
bed hands, un-
pressed suits,
socks crumpled
around ankles,
Evening star., 1947-07-15
Questions and Answers
By THE HAsKIN SERVICE

reader can obtain the answer to any question
Of fact BY writing The EyeninE Star information
Bureau 316 street NE. Washington 2. p G.
Evening star., 1947-07-15
Ourselves at Fault?

To the Editor Of The Star:
Being an 1nquisitive creature, have been
asking myself questions on the worn and tired
philosophical clches set forth by John F. Dulles
and seconded by your editorial of July 7 en-
titled THE Root Issue"
Certainly the Soviet system allows no indi-
vidual freedom and differs from our American
way as night from day. The Soviet dictator
ship and state police control are under constant
verbal attack from American leaders OF all
walks of life. and thus it should be. With that
I agree.
But to simply state that the root" of all the
trouble comes about because Of political and
theological differences does not make sense. to
me.
Although am only beginner in the study
Of history and politics. should like to ask:
If totalitarian police states are our enemies.
why then do we ignore Spain and arm Argen-
tina?
Why are we enjoying harmonious relations
with Sweden which has different and con-
trolled economic system, in fact state control?
(Though allowing individual freedom)
Has not our free society" also been ruthless
by wasting national resources, by allowing so
many countless citizens to remain without
proper housing, medical care, schooling?
After all, Mr.. Dulles and many other groups
do not seem to cry out against monopolies.
class bigotry, national waste, poor housing. as
loudly as they might. These also are enemies
OF the American way Of life
Let us meet the Soviet threat with practical
measures. Will Mr.. Dulles please suggest to
the Republican Congress to provide for better
foreign information service, for stronger Army
and Navy, for renewed scientific research, for
economic aid to Europe, and for the helpless
Americans suffering under imitation, increasing
rents, and no housing?
Let's stop preaching and get down to prac-
ticaI matters Less morals and more action.
PETER j. KUMPA.
Evening star., 1947-07-15

unshined shoes (Which are very much IN eVi-
dence when they repose on top OF the desk,
and every indication Of a lack of the traditional
morning shower? STENOGRAPHER.
Evening star., 1947-07-15

O. How much will 1t cost to operate the
200-inch telescope on Mount Palomar when it
is completed?-J. H. H.
A. 1t has been estimated that one nights
operation of the huge telescope will cost $500
approximately.
Evening star., 1947-07-15

O. How much did the coronation Of King
J George vi and Queen Elizabeth In 1887 cost?-
Evening star., 1947-07-15
Objects to Foreign Pressure Groups

Objects to Foreign Pressure groups
To the Editor Of The Star:
The leading letter in your issue Of July 10
is captioned thus: Supports DIP Legislation" :"
It is not surprising to find people supporting
that legislation who compose the Polish
American Congress and the Polish Displaced
Persons Committee for the Congress.
These foreign pressure groups are fast be-
coming a political nuisance, and it is high
time that some of these dual named outfits
should be asked to what country they owe
their first consideration. 1t is pretty apparent
that lot of this element determine their
votes upon how particular candidate stands
on some foreign country's interest, and the
way that politicians cater to those foreign
groups in matters that do not concern us. or
If they do, they do not always concern us in
an advantageous way, is becoming quite dis
gasting. GEORGE WILLIAMS.
Evening star., 1947-07-15
Uraes Interest on GI Policies

To the Editor of The Star:
There is something very wrong with CT in
surance rates and benefit payments that ought
to be corrected Immediately.
For example, benefciaries under 30 years OF
age receive 240 payments Of $551 for each
$1,000 of policy's face value. Therefore, for
policy of $4,000 face value, the beneficiary
receives $13224 which appears to include face
value and apparently interest to final pay
ment. That is as it should be.
But those over 30 years of age actually get
cheated out of part Of face value and all in
terest. For example, beneficiary go years OF
age, under the 120-month installment plan Of
payment of $4,000 face value policy, receives
$6810 monthly for 120 months or total OF
only $8,172, which is less than the face value
of the policy with no interest on unpaid bal
ances.
Those over 30 years of age electing to re-
ceive the larger number of monthly payments
do get the face value of policy, but no inter-
est for the unpaid balances. For example, a
beneficiary aged go receives $6340 monthly
for 158 months, or total of $10,01720, but OF
course no interest on the unpaid balances,
which is very unfair. because the aged bene-
ficiary may never reach the age of 10.
Certainly, II the benef1ciaries under 30 years
of age actually receive s13224 on policy with
a face value of $4,000, then it appears they
receive interest on unpaid balances and, If
they do, all others should receive it, too.
Policies were sold to servicemen as repre-
senting so much face value, and that is the
amount that should be paid in full, immedi-
ately upon the decease of the insured, or If
settled in deferred monthly payments, then
unpaid balances should earn fair rate Of
interest. Indeed, beneficiary receiving a
lump sum payment Of the face value of the
policy-and that Is what should be paid
can place their proceeds out at interest for
120 months and it would earn for them several
thousand dollars.
Interest should be paid monthly at a pro-
rated rate on the unpaid balances That is
only fair. ROBERT FOSTER.
Evening star., 1947-07-15

A. Approximately $22700 900. 1t was the cost
liest affair of its kind in the history OF Great
Britain,
Evening star., 1947-12-22
SITUATIONS MEN.

ACCOUNTANT, expert; books started, KEEP,
Da, time tax o
ACCOUNTANT - Complete accounting,
oooskeepRs 5oosi sssi and tax service Al ssster-
seeks part.time connection advertisins
tive brisk copy, makes sound rouEh lay
ninss. some mornings, week ends. holidays.
BARTENDER. white. sxper:. age 81, wants
address or number to call 90
BOY, 16 desires helpers position in ga
rage or service station; is mechanically in
sti'u; and spray sS'i painting. LEE WOLFE. j.,
coMPTRoLLER P11R 1. r. seeks change to position
offering responsibility, interest. advance
ment two accounting degrees member
ssESfs GENERAL IIVSi Or OFFICE Fl aANAGER-6uan-
hcations. Executive. accounttne and sales
ability; background mechanical and con-
Salary open; available on or before Janu-
airy /. MI. 1896 after 4 pm; i
atSrd.H A. S %
ssss p Box 7ss H's:s
%aNAGER. MA 4; { thoroushl, experienced in
cafeterias: full knowiedre Of food cost
ton 40 years of age, married. nondrinker.
daywork preferable; viii consider per-
centage deal. Box 1857. Star. 22'
clerical odd jobs. vi. SOL after 6 pm.
PHOTOGRAPHER, professional, excl.
New York Institute of Photography,
thoroughly experienced. Box 1867. Star.
rs"
PHOTO REToUCHING. masking. exper.
young man, commercial art student, de-
sires afternoon or evening work. 81.
Evening star., 1947-12-22
PROPOSALS..

UNITED STATES MARITIME Commission
hereby invites sealed bids for the purchase
ve esSelS h fe tons
Three of these vessels are located in the
Suisun Bay. Calf Reserve Fleet. one in
the James River Reserve Fleet. and one in
vessels may be submitted on the following
conditions: That the vessels, including all
hulls, engines, machinery and major items
9f sha be
within the continental limits Of the United
States within eighteen months after date
of delivery. Bidding will be limited to cit,
be required to furnish bond in a sum equal
to S5 per deadweight ton of the. vesselts)
purchased. The, terms and conditlonS on
which the vessels. will be sold and other
vitation for Bids No. PD-x-424; dated De-
cember %. 1947, copies OF which may be
obtained by prospective bidders upon ap-
bivsion Unted states Marme SSs
Vas Washnston see e. 5 G G PermiSs.on to INSECT
the vessels be 'FGm
tives: For the vessels in the Suisun Bay,
Calf. Reserve Fleet: Superintendent F.; W
Price. suisun Bay Calf L. Reserve r .svs EJECT
Box 33s. Benicia, Calf. telephone Benicia
475. For the vessel in the James, River
States Maritime cOmnissien, n Lee e., HaII, f5s
vessel in the Brunswick Reserve Fleet:
J.. Hoogerwerf, Brunswick
Commission. Downing Building, 1925 Bay
ST.. Brunswick, Ga. Bids will be received
until 2:15 pm. Eastern Standard Time,
January. "a, l94s; The commission re- an
BIDS. Secretary. United States Maritime
Commission, Washington %, D. C.