davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1947-08-30
Tuning the Atomic Bomb

The Atomic Energy Commissions dis
closure of the tanning" of the atomic
bomb is encouraging to those who look
forward to a day when nuclear furnaces
will supply virtually endless power for
| industrial and domestic uses. But an al
most simultaneous report to the British
Association for the Advancement of Sci
ence indicates that it will probably be
some years before the public can actually
count on atoms as fuel in lieu of coal
| or oil.
| That strides are being made toward
peacetime utilization of atomic energy is
evident from the commissions statement
on the new controlled-explosion develop
ment at Los Alamos, New Mexico. As ex-
planned by The Stars science writer,
Thomas r. Henry, the scientists at the
| Governments secret laboratories have
| succeeded, in effect, in Harvesting the
A-bomb so as to cause it to release its
enormous energy slowly instead of in one
instantaneous explosion. This means that,
for the first time, our nuclear physicists
have found a way to put checkrein on
the fast neutrons" of plutonium, chief
ingredient of the bomb, and hence to slow
down and control the chain reaction
| which sets off the blast.
Heretofore the experiments in this
| country, Canada and Great Britain have
been with uranium as the "fuel" for
atomic furnaces, otherwise technically
known as piles or reactors. The uranium
| neutrons which are the bullets" which
start the tom-splitting chain reaction,
are of the so-called slowmoving variety.
| The new plutonium reactor will enable
science to maintain the atomic reaction
at constant rate and to study the char
acteristics of fast neutrons as never was
possible before. These studies, it is said,
should help to hasten the advent of
atomic power for ship propulsion, factories
and home use.
But, as DR.. J. D. Cockcroft, noted
British pioneer in atomic research, told
his fellow scientists at their annual meet
ing in Scotland, much remains to be done
before nuclear fission can be depended
on to replace conventional sources of heat,
light and power. He reiterated what too
few persons yet understand-that no way
is known to utilize the initially released
energy of the atom for commercial pur-
poses The power which science hopes
within few years to develop from an
atomic furnace will be the conventional
power of steam engines or gas tur-
bines-making use of the heat generated
by the atomic reaction. That would in
volve tremendous waste of energy still
embarrassed. The progress being made at
Los Alamos and other atomic research lab
oratories here and abroad gives promise of
eventual solution of the problem of COM
pletely mastering the terrific power of the
atom for the maximum good of mankind,
rather than for its destruction.
Evening star., 1947-08-30
ence to the charter principles adopted
WAS 1Inenuiyocal

ence to the charter principles adopted
was unequivocal. ss-e...
OF course, it should be understood that
the document adopted is merely a draft,
to be further discussed and implemented
at plenary session of the member ma
tions at Havana, this coming November
It should likewise be noted that Soviet
Russia and most of its satellites were
absent from Geneva and show no likeli-
hood of being present at Havana. Yet the
membership of the l. T.. o. embraces
almost the entire balance of the worlds
nations, including all the great trading
countries. If the Soviet bloc chooses to
exclude itself from the new economic or
dering of the planet, that, of itself, will not
nullify a process of evolution which cor
responds to the worlds obvious necessities.
Evening star., 1947-08-30
New Deal for Chest and Council

Anything that will encourage the greater
participation of citizens in active control
of their Community Chest and Council OF
support.
That is primary aim of the reorganiza-
ton plan just announced by joint COM
mittee representing Chest and Council. IT
approved by the boards of the two organ
izations, each will merge its functions in
a new Chest Council. 1t will be governed
by officers and trustees elected and selected
on the basis of group representation.
The joint committee which drew up the
reorganization plan believes it Will achieve
the greatest possible efficiency ana
economy as well as greater understanding
and cooperation on the part OF all ele-
ments of the community" AS far as un-
derstanding and cooperation are con-
cerned. such results should flow from the
increased participation in the councils OF
the Chest by community organizations
which hitherto have lacked any represen-
tation.
A few, but not so many, Washingtonlans
will remember the creation OF the Council
of Social Agencies more than twenty-five
years ago, which brought together, for the
first time, representatives of the various
welfare organizations established by pri-
vate citizens for the relief of suffering.
The Council became potent force in.
establishing in 1929, the first Community
Chest. Those who took most prominent
part in working for the Chests establish
ment we're the citizens most closely identi-
fed with one or more of the private welfare
organizations represented in the Council
As Washington grew the Chest and the
Council grew. Most of the original leaders
In the Chest movement gradually were re-
placed by others. The war and its added
burdens brought about the War Fund, tenn
porarily submerging the Chest and Council
Another development, formation OF the
Community Chest Federation-represent-
ing all the chests of the Metropolitan
Area-produced other changes in the role
previously filled by the Washington Chest
and Council of Social Agencies.
The new organization now proposed Is
the natural result of this evolutionary
process of the past decade, during which
an impression has grown that Chest and
Council were getting further away from
their original purposes.
The reorganization would provide new
controls over policies and activities of
Chest and Council It's success will depend,
eventually on the willingness of more citi-
zens to take active part in these controls.
The new reorganization plan represents
the burial of many individual differences
of opinion. The search has been for
common meeting ground for all those who
are sincerely interested in advancement
of social welfare in Washington and with it
the advancement of Washington as COM
munity of good citizens.
Evening star., 1947-08-30
WorId-Trude Draft Charter

Opinions on the outcome of the interna-
tional conference on trade at Geneva,
Switzerland, are varied in character. This
Is understandable, because the agenda was
both comprehensive and complex. The
major aim was the framing of a draft
charter for an International Trade Or
ganization which should function as an
ancillary of the United Nations. But, in
addition, the conference busted itself with
working out more than 100 tariff agree
ments, all aimed at getting multilateral
accord for the reduction of tariffs
Perhaps the best way of gauging the re-
suits attained is to use the familiar sinile
of the doughnut and the hole. Critics of
the conference fall into two categories
of what may be termed "hole-gazers." One
category belittles the draft charter, in par
ticular, as being so idealistic that it has
scant practical relevancy in world so
bedeviled by economic difficulties that the
standards of international economic CO.
operation laid down in the charter can
not be lived up to. The other category
of criticism asserts that the exceptions
permitted to the working of those stand
ards are so numerous and far-reaching
that they effectively nullify the principles
themselves.
Now regardless of the validity of either
of these categories, they cannot both be
true, because they are mutually self-ex-
cluding. This observation was made by
no less person than the American dele
gate to the conference, Clair Wilcox, who
holds that the drafting of a charter by
the representatives of some forty nations
is q constructive achievement OF great
long-range significance; because, for the
first time, the world will have set OF
rules establishing criteria of right and
wrong in international economic relations.
That this much has been achieved is all
the more remarkable in that, during the
four months consumed by the conference S
deliberations, the international economic
picture darkened SO rapidly. This was
especially true of Britain, which felt i'm
PEELED to make important temporary reser-
vations to its charter adhesion in order
to meet pressing economic difficulties. But
the British delegation made it clear that
Il considered these reservations transient
concessions to stern necessity. It's adher-
Evening star., 1947-08-30
Mr.. West Not to Blame

To the Editor of The Star:
1t seems to me that quite storm of unjusti-
fled and extremely unwise criticism and con-
demnation of the corporation counsel, Vernon
E. West, is appearing in the press by reason
of the fact that he, as was his duty, interpreted
the A. B. G. Law in the matter of minors con-
Stunning alcoholic beverage in public drinking
places. The corporation counsel. when properly
requested by proper authority, is required by
law to render legal opinions. He neither makes
nor is he in position to change the law, even
in the slightest degree. However, he is not the
final authority, as the courts from time to time
may render opinions nullifying and reversing
his opinions. The Congress of the United States,
not the corporation counsel makes the law.
If the law requires change, and I certainly
think it does, why not take the proper steps
to have Congress change the law? B. A. B.
Evening star., 1947-08-30
Opposes Is Per Cent Rent Increase
To the Editor of The Star:

To the Editor Of The Star:
Demands by Washington landlords for
across -the-board increases of Is per cent are
unjustihed, when the facts about the rent situ-
alton here are considered: Rents in the District
are among the highest in the country. National
studies show that landlords are making large
profits over net operating costs. Therefore, it
is reasonable to conclude that District landlords
are managing very well, indeed.
It also is true that rent adjustments upward
on landlords petitions have been especially
literally granted in Washington. Whenever
the landlord has been able to demonstrate that
an increase was warranted, it always was
granted.
The impression that the Building Owners
and Managers Association is trying to create
that the new Federal rent act permits general,
unqualified increase is entirely false. The new
act allows individual bona-flde and voluntary
leases to be signed permitting up to Is per
cent increase provided that normal services are
continued ard that the lease extends to the
end of 1948. This is not general increase, and
1t is not permissive Of such general increase.
It is significant that the residents of such
large cities as New York, Philadelphia, Los
Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago and Denver
have found 1t urgent to demand and succeed
in getting legislation passed to plug up the
many loopholes in the Federal law by local
ordinance.
With the majority of D. c. residents on fixed
salaries, rising costs present dire situation
fer consumers further made desperate by
threatened rent increases with which they will
be unable to cope without seriously impairing
health and the ability to secure the bare neces-
stiles of living, such as, food,' clothing and
medical care.
We reafirm that the landlords appeal is un-
justified, illegal and dangerous to the economy
of our city.
MILDRED D. NETREBA
Executive Secretary, Washington League OF
Women Shoppers.
Evening star., 1947-08-30
Mr.. Snyder Says No and Yes

There have been some reports that the
recent conversations between American
and British officials resulted in an informal
arrangement which would permit the Brit
ish to circumvent Section 8 of the agree
ment covering the $3.50, 100000 loan to
Britain. Under this section Britain could
not arbitrarily shift her buying from the
United States to some other country. It
has been stated, however, that under the
informal arrangement the British would
be permitted to buy where they could use
pounds instead of dollars, and thereby
conserve their rapidly dwindling dollar
supply.
Asked about these reports the other day,
Secretary of the Treasury Snyder pounded
his desk and said 1--WE didn't make any
kind of agreement-informal, implied,
gentlemens or otherwise-that would vio-
late the loan agreement"
To the layman, who finds these matters
hard to understand at best, this would
seem to mean that the British are going
agreement.
A little later, however, Mr.. Snyder added
that of course all the provisions of the
agreement were sufficiently flexible" to
permit the proper functioning of the ar
rangement.
To the layman this is bit more under
standable, apparently meaning that we are
not going to be too tough on the British
after all
Still later, Mr.. Snyder remarked that it
was this Governments intention ito see
that the original purpose of the loan is
carried out-and that is to get Britain back
on her feet economically"
That makes sense, even to layman.
Certainly this Government is not going to
stand on the letter of Section of the
loan agreement and say that the British
must buy in this country, come what may.
If they can ease their situation bit by
using pounds instead of dollars to buy some
goods in other countries which they were
supposed to buy from us, why not let them
do it? Mr.. Snyder's original statement,
although possibly intended for domestic
consumption, might be taken to mean that
we intend to hold the British to the letter
Of the agreement, even though that may
ruin them. Happily, his last statement
cancels out that impression, and it may be
hoped that it is this statement which sets
forth our real intention.
mir hot
Evening star., 1947-08-30
Praises Commentators

TO the Editor Of The Star:
don't suppose you give whoop for letters
like this, but I have got to praise both David
Lawrence's and Frank r. Kent's articles IN
The Star of August 20 with all the praise
can muster. I only wish that more people
could see the light as they see 1t.
c. PALMER
Evening star., 1947-08-30
Critical View of Greenbelts
To the Editor of The Star:

To the Editor of The Star:
The article by Malcolm Lamborne, jr, ap-
pearing in The Star of August n, concerning
Greenbelt's Co-operatives reveals that Green
belt Consumers Services, Inc is doing better
for Its shareholders than the managers of the
several Greenbelt communities are doing for
their shareholders-the people of the United
States of America, who as taxpayers or bond
buyers made these experiments in socialism and
public ownership possible.
For a proper perspective, consider these
facts: The Government made an original in
vestment in the three Greenbelt communities
of $36,20o, ,91032, of which So 1924 was for
the acquisition of land for the sites, and
$50, ,7o5, ,373.O8 for buildings and community
facilities.
In all 2.267 housing units were constructed
at an average housing unit cost of s15,968.
This was at time, please remember, when
building costs were comparatively low
Fortunately, fourth projected planned
Greenbelt community" which was to have
been located in Franklin Township, Somerset
County, New jersey was abandoned when the
United States Court of Appeals for the District
of Columbia in a decision rendered May 18.
1886, held the Emergency Relief Act of 1885
unconstitutional, in that it represented an
unlawful delegation Of legislative powers to the
Executive (See Township of Franklin VS.. Tug
well, ct al, 85th Fed. 2nd 208). But despite
this setback by the courts, work progressed on
the Greenbelts near Washington, Cincinnati
and Milwaukee and more than $36,0 900 was
spent so that 2267 families might live forever
afterward in housing the rentals of which
would be determined by their economic status.
A study of the operating costs and income to
the Government from the Greenbelt towns (see
Budget for 1s4s Page 11sD reveals the total
operating income for the fiscal year 1916 from
rentals was but 81 ,352,056. Expenses including
administrative overhead were as follows:
Direct operating expenses -S956,160
nonoperating expenses 117,435
Administrative than of total)- 101 900 S1174,5a5
Apparent operating surplus I77.461
BY projecting the total rental income against
the total Government investment we find tina.
the gross return on the invested capital is
but 3.73 per cent for 1916. BY projecting the
invested capital against the operating surplus
(ss shown) We ind the net return on the capital
Evening star., 1947-08-30
Attention: National Park Servic

ment heating
plant is a veri-
table garden Of
giant ragweed.
Unfortunately,
many Of us
have to drive
to our Offices
a ng thi S
route.
S C ientific
Evening star., 1947-08-30
Another Disguised American

To the Editor OF The Star:
have read several letters from so-called
disguised Americans" who have condemned
the terrorists' activities in Palestine. !, too,
am a disguised American-disgusted with
Americans who condemn patriots for fighting
for their lives and liberty. LEON REISKIN.
Evening star., 1947-08-30

Letters for publication must bear
the signature and address OF the
1oriter, although it is permissible for
1Driter k1,oDn to The Star to use a
nom de plume. Please be brief.
Evening star., 1947-08-30
BY THE HAsKINs SERVICE.

@. What is the correct width for mourning
band On mans sleeye?-W. H. S.
A. Mourning bands should be 81 inches In
width and should be sewn on half way be-
tween the elbow and the shoulder.
Evening star., 1947-08-30
Questions and Answers

A reader can obtain the answer to any question
OF fact by writing The Evening Star Information
Bureau 316 street NE, washington 2. p C.
Evening star., 1947-08-30

works and get
us into more
trouble?
I remember
when a dollar
W o u d b u y
some food. To-
day it will only
buy a few SAM
Piles. There was
a time when
80 cents would
Evening star., 1947-08-30
Utopia for One Only

TO the Editor Of The Star:
have some complaints to make. stand on
my constitutional rights. How can we live if
we have to pay rent, pay SO kinds of taxes, buy
food, and pay Congressman to gum up the
Evening star., 1947-08-30
Letters to The Star
Greenbe Higher Rents and the Perennial Ragweed Bring
Comments From Readers

How to Keep House Prices Down
To the Editor Of The Star:
A practical way to keep prices of old houses
to a minimum is to have the real estate assessor
for the District of Columbia agree with the
owner and hopeful seller that his 5000 house
is now worth $4,000 and assess same accord
ingly.
Let each prospective seller appraise his own
property and let him be bound to that fancy
figure for all purposes. For example. the tax
on a $1,000 house is $120 year. If the owner
thinks this house is worth $4,000, then he
would have to pay tax of $500 year. assum-
ing he does not find sucker who win pay the
asking price.
This method would either produce a greater
tax yield for the District or else the ridiculous
prices on old houses would come down.
Simple, eh? SAMUEL G. SILVERMAN.
Attention: National Park Service
To the Editor Of The Star:
There is matter of Importance to many
people who suffer from hay fever would like
to call to their attention, hoping they may join
forces to do something about it.
The east slope of Rock Creek beginning at
point opposite to the street entrance to the
driveway in Rock Creek Park and running
south to point across from the new Govern
Evening star., 1947-08-30

@. What is the proposed standard height for
automobile bumpers?-C. T. E.
A. The new standards approved by the Auto
mobile Manufacturers Association provide that
bumpers should not rise above or extend below
1925 inches on normal stop.
Evening star., 1947-08-30
@. How many aircraft carri

Q. How many aircraft carriers are there in
the Navy?-D. E. B.
A. The United States is maintaining more
than 100 carriers in its active and Reserve
fleets This is more than double the number
of all carriers in the world.
Evening star., 1947-08-30

The midsummer political pot was hot
enough without Pepper.
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1947-05-08
Personals

Mr: and Mrs. Eugene Robert, of
NoirlstoWn, Pa, are spending
sometime here with Mrs. Roberts
arents, Mr.. and Mrs. B. F. Cook.
W Mrs. Helen Blevins had as her
guests Sunday, Mr.. and Mrs. w.
.; Watson, of Beng; Mrs. Carr
Church and children, of Summit:
Mr.. and Mrs. Bryce Blackburn
and daughter, of Jefferson: Mr.,
Ophus Fulcher, Mr.. and Mrs R,
X. Hardin; Mr.. and Mrs. G1v
Lyon; Mrs. M. M. Hardin and
daughter; Mrs. w. F. Perkins of
Treetop; Mr.. and Mrs Tom Mil
Ter and children; Mrs. Vada Hart
soc and children; Lillard Junior
and Dean Eldreth.
Friedrich Zane Blevins, F &c,
y. S. N, is now in port at New
port, R. I. after spending six
weeks in Cuba.
Mr.. and Mrs. George Perkins
and Mr.. John Woodruff, of
Nathan's Greek, visited relatives
in Maryland, Pennsylvania and
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1947-05-08

Brooklyn, N. Y, last week.
Mr.. Ovid Woodruff, of Brook
Ign, N. Y, is visiting his parents,
Mr.. and Mrs. R. K. Woodruff, OF
Nathan's Creek.
Guests of Mr.. and Mrs. J. w
Neaves, of Grassy Creek, Sun
day were Mrs. Mary Caudill and
Mr.. and Mrs. Richard C. Kinzie
of Roanoke, Va, Mr.. and Mrs
F. J. Paisley, of Troutdale, Va.
Mrs. Robert L. Kirby, Jr,, of In
dependence, Va, and Mr.. and
Mrs Paul Bryant and sons, John
ny and Bobby, of Fox, Va.
Mrs. R. K. Woodruff has re-
turned home after spending a few
days visiting relatives in Mary
land and Pennsylvania.
Messrs. Breeze Pennington ano
w. B. Austin, Jr., students al
UNC, spent the week end at theil
homes.
Miss Winona Roland, of Char
lotte, spent the week end with
her parents, Mr.. and Mrs. J. E
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1947-05-08

Roland, of Warrensville.
Mr.. and Mrs. C. N. Oliver and
Mr.. and Mrs. Sam Davis and
children spent Sunday with Mr..
and Mrs. Bill Graham.
Mr.. Harold Long, student at
UNC, spent the week end with his
parents, DR.. and Mrs. L. L. Long,
here.
Mr.. Donald c. Hardin spent
several days here visiting his
parents, Mr.. and Mrs. w. B. Har-
din. Mr.. Hardin is en- route to
Brazil where he will be employ
ed in construction work.
Miss Margaret Witt and Mas
ter Danny Critz, of Lynchburg,
are spending sometime here Wis
iting Mr.. and Mrs. Glenn B..
GRAPHICAL.
Mr.. and Mrs. w. M. Transou,
Jr., and children, Of Greensboro,
spent the week end at Jefferson.
Mrs. w. H. Worth, of Jeffer-
son, was called to Dayton, Tenn,
Sunday because of the death Of
her sister-in-law. She was ac-
companied there by Will Worth.
Mrs. Lille B. Hardin and Mr..
and Mrs. DeLima, of Boone,
visited in Jefferson, Sunday.
Mr.. and Mrs. w. M. Transou,
Sr., Of Greensboro, spent a week
at their home in jefferson.
Mr.. and Mrs. Ira T. Johnston
are visiting relatives in Charles
ton, S. c.
Mr.. and Mrs. Carl Miller and
family, Of Kannapolis, Mr.. and
Mrs Dwight Young and family,
of Rockwell, Mr.. and Mrs. Tom
mic Barnhardt, of KannapOlis.
Mrs. Rosa and Ivory Jones, Mr..
ard Mrs. Tee S. Ballard and
daughter, of Smethport. were
dinner guests of Mr.. and Mrs.
Walter EIler. Of Trectop, Sunday.
Miss Patricia Miller, of Kan
napolis, has returned home aftcr
Spending the past week with Mrs.
Walter FIlcr. of Trectop.
Mr.. and Mrs. Carl Miller. and
family, Of KannapoIis. and Mr.,
and Mrs. Walter Eller, Of Tree
top, were recent guests Of Mrs.
Rosa Jones, of SmethpOrt.
Mr.. Parks Coward, student at
Maxton Junior college, spent the
week end at his home in JEFF
fersOn.
Mr.. J. H. Green. of Denver, Wis
tied friends here in the county,
Tuesday.
Mr.. and Mrs. Kenneth Clay. of
N. Wilkesboro, visited Mrs. Clay's
parents, Mr.. and Mrs. J. V. eau
dill, here, this week.
The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1947-05-08
PAGE FIVE

of Mr.. and Mrs. j. B. Tolliver, CT
Ennice, was held April 26 at ttnee
Pleasant Home church.
The child succumbed al the
Stern Berger hospital in Green's
boro, April "a, following a six
weeks illness, it was learned
here. She is survived by her
parents and her grandparents,
Mr.. and Mrs. J. c. TOlliver-.
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