davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1948-01-31
Suur Coal to France

Agreement by the American and British
governments that entire control of Saar
coal production be turned over to France
is an important development in the Euro
pean economic picture. It represents
noteworthy concession to French wishes
and needs, and may forecast both eco
nomic and political changes in the rela-
tions of the three western powers regard
ing their respective zones of occupation in
Germany.
Situated as it is on the French border
and close to the iron mines of French
Lorraine, the saar coal fields have
natural affinity with French economy which
France desired to realize by annexing the
Saar after World War l. However, the
indubitably German character of the
population led America and Britain to
oppose this, under the Wilsonian doctrine
of "self- determination" of peoples at the
Versailles Conference. The upshot was
compromise whereby the Saar was placed
under control Of the League OF Nations,
though France enjoyed certain economic
advantages. League control was to last
until 1885, when a plebiscite was to be
held, giving the Saarlanders their choice
of joining France, rejoining Germany, or
staying under League control. This plsbi-
scite resulted in an overwhelming vote for
reunion with Germany, which accordingly
took place.
In the four-power occupation of Ger
many which followed World War II, the
Saar was assigned to the French zone.
With the assent of America and Britain,
France has virtually assimilated the Saar
into its economy with the exception Of coal
production, which was allocated on the
same basis as that of the Ruhr, France
receiving only small portion. According
to the new agreement however, France
will dispose of the entire Saar coal output
after April /.
This will constitute an important aid to
French economy, as shewn by the latest
figures compiled by the Coal Committee
of the Economic Commission for Europe.
These figures give monthly. production
of Saar coal exceeding 100000 metric tons
and coke output at 10000 metric tons.
Hitherto, Frances ALLEGATION Of coal and
Evening star., 1948-01-31

right, but our democratic order Is full Of
citizens who have their own ideas. There
are those who find both relaxation and
stimulation in achieving three-no- trump
against stubborn opposition. Life may be-
gin with the fourth decade. but individual
istic-minded people prefer gardening, golf,
woodworking, photography or an adult
class in international relationship to cha
rades The growth of hobby groups and
adult education are two of the encouraging
phenomena of the times. For the great
majority busy making living and busy
cultivating hobby there is no leisure
problem. Their question is: Where is that
elusive leisure that they read about?
Evening star., 1948-01-31
Boekbitinq vs.. Firefighting

The acuuittal of Fire Chief Murphy by
unanimous decision of a special three-man
trial board came as no surprise to those
who have followed Developments in this
case. AS the board pointed out in its
opinion, the burden of proof OF the "de-
moralization" charges rested on those who
accused Chief Murphy of wrecking the
Fire Departments morale. Some Of these
charges were thrown out by the board "at
the outset of the trial. others were dis
missed during the proceedings, and, in the
boards judgment, the remaining charges
were not supported by fair preponder-
ance of the evidence.
The decision does not mean, of course,
that the morale of the Fire Department
is good. The very fact that such charges
were made and that number of Chief
Murphy's subordinates, under promise of
immunity from retaliation, were willing
to testify against their chief makes it
plain that something is wrong with the
Fire Department. The exoneration of
Chief Murphy does not solve the basic
problem which is the restoration of the
departments morale and efficiency.
The board has recognized this problem
In suggesting that Mr.. Murphy and his
accusers sit down together in an effort
''to arrive at what we hope will be COM
plete accord for the benefit not only of
the Fire Department but of every resident
of the District" This hope is shared by
the whole community. The boards sug-
gestion raises question as to what Com
missioner Young will do about his warn
ing, before the trial, that If Captain Joseph
W. Conroy, who first made the "demorali-
cation" charges, failed to make them
stick" he must suffer the consequences"
The board may have had this threat in
mind when it urged that both sides now
make an effort to iron out their differences.
That method, If tried, may prove to be
successful.
But it is obvious that, whatever the
method used, something must be done
promptly to end the disgraceful spectacle
of flremen fighting among themselves in
stead of concentrating on their real busi-
ness of fighting fires
Evening star., 1948-01-31

coke from the saar and Ruhr combined
was only $4,000 metric tons.
While nothing has been said IN the
agreement, it is logical to presume that
this noteworthy concession by America
and Britain to France may well affect the
negotiations going eon between the three
powers for a closer integration of the
French zone with the Anglo-American
combined area. Such integration is
strongly desired by both Washington and
London, but Paris has held back for vari-
GUS reasons, one of which has been its
desire to get larger share of German
coal from the Saar and Ruhr. Having now
gotten the entire. Saar output, the French
attitude on the Ruhr may now be modified.
One helpful factor in the new agreement
should be lessening of French depend
ence on American coal, whose import at
high prices payable in dollars is strain
on French exchange and an uneconomical
earmarking of shipping badly needed for
other purposes.
Evening star., 1948-01-31
Gandhi's Death Paradox
Violent End Is Tragic Fate of One Whose Greed Called
for "Nonviolent Nonco.operation"

which the Hindu minority in South Africa
had suffered
AS might have been expected, his achieve
ments in South Africa had attracted much
attention In his homeland, where the NATIONAL
ist movement against British rule was rapidly
developing. So, when he returned perma-
nently to India In 1915 he at once became
one OF the outstanding nationalist leaders.
Hitherto. Indian nationalism had displayed q
tendency toward violence and terrorism. Gand-
hi opposed this both because 1t seemed to him
inherently wrong and because he deemed it
impracticable to overthrow the entrenched
British RAJ by violent means He therefore
evolved the method known as "Satyagraha," !"
which means nonviolent nonco-operation. The
theory was wholesale boycott Of everything
British, from compliance with laws and pay
ment of taxes to the buying or selling Of
British-made goods. II successful, the British
community in India would become literally
outcasts and the Raj would automatically
collapse.
Era Of Hunger Strikes.
Unfortunately for the success Of the idea,
his followers could not meekly endure the
legal punishments which such disobedience
entailed and tended to resort to violence, which
Gandhi repudiated. Thus began a prolonged
struggle between Gandhi and the Raj, wherein
Gandhi alternately invoked and suspended his
spiritual campaign, including hunger strikes
OF varying severity. All this so impressed
the Indian masses that they came to regard
him as "Mahatma" or great soul-what
we would call saint. So tremendous was
his prestige that no one dared to have him
die for fear of the consequences
When Britain, weakened by World War II,
made virtue Of necessity and agreed to
divest itself Of its sovereignty over India,
Gandhi was faced with a new and even harder
problem In the shape Of the immemorial re-
hgious feud between Hindus and Moslems
which divides India. His last days were deeply
saddened by the bloody strife between the
two communities, which, his best efforts might
allay but did not cure.l His efforts brought
down upon him the hostility Of Hindu ex-
5remists bent on fighting out their quarrel with
the Moslems Only few days before his
assassination q bomb was thrown into his
residence, happily without damage. And now
1t Is seemingly another Hindu fanatic who
has fred the fatal shots.
The one palliative feature of this great
tragedy is that the killer was Hindu. Had
he been Moslenn, the consequences could have
been catastrophe almost beyond the imagina-
ton
Evening star., 1948-01-31
By Lofhrob Sfoddard

Perhaps the most amazing career Of our
times has ended In cruel paradox. For what
can be more paradoxical than death by violence
coming to one whose life was devoted to the
cause Of nonviolence? And what can be more
cruel than the fact that the assassin was one
of his own people to whose emancipation from
foreign rule the victim had signally contributed?
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi has left this
earthly scene. But the imprint OF his per-
sonality and achievements Is craven deep
upon India For nearly half century, Gandhi
has played an increasingly important part
in the evolution Of his homeland, influencing
the course Of events by an extraordinary COM
bination of exalted idealisn, spiritual power,
and practical sagacity. Indeed, death came
to him when he was recovering from the last
successful exercise of that spiritual authority
over countless millions which has no parallel
in our modern age.
Gandhi was born 78 years ago of a we'll
to-do Hindu family, his father being high
official in one of the princely native states.
It is noteworthy that despite his later spirit
ual ascendancy over his coreligionists, Gandhi
was not Brahmin, 1ndia's hereditary priest
hood, but belonged to one of the middle
castles, the Banya, traditionally identified with
money lending and kindred financial pursuits.
idulcI WIS duIl-Dl1tlSll. NcVeT~
theless, in those days the younger generation
sought western learning and tended to adopt
western ways. Gandhi wanted to be lawyer,
so to London he went for the best possible
legal education. Graduating brilliantly, and
qualified to practice in Britain as well as in
India, he returned home and began a highly
successful legal career.
Africa Was Turning Point.
The turning point in his life came about
when he went to South Africa for professional
reasons in 1893 His clients were prominent
members Of the Indian community In Natal,
and he there found his emigrant countrymen
exposed to CALLING racial Determinations and
disabilities. This so reused his Indignation that
he soon became the leader Of the Indian mi
nority, suffering arrest, imprisonment, and
other indignities which merely confirmed him
in his devotion to the cause he had espoused.
It was during these years of struggle that
he evolved his philosophy of nonviolence for
the attainment of idealistic ends by spiritual
rather than material means. Gandhi was pro-
foundly influenced by the writings of Tolstoi
as well as by the teachings Of Christ. AS a
matter of fact, he was instrumental in REM
edying some Of the sharpest disabilities from
Evening star., 1948-01-31
Little Town

Davs uhen the ioind Is cold. little toDn
Buttons up to its ears and hurrtes out
70 sDeep and spruce and trim its hedges
dotDn
And set It's Jun,bled nooks to rtght-about
Davs tohen the sun Is hot, little toton
Curls up all afternoon and goes to sleep
Needless of all the tdttered tunsble-d -doDn,
Leaving the ragged edge to stoHd sheep.
Days phen the clouds spill ratn, a little
to1cn
Seems suddenly to blossom on Main
Street.
The country folks are In, friendly ana
broicr,
Pleased NTH chance to see the County
Seat
A little to,on sits quietly and 1dits-
And sometimes greatness knocks upon sts
gates. HELEN BAKER ADAMS.
Evening star., 1948-01-31
Relaxed Liquor Bon

The action of the District Commissioners
in approving modification Of the ban on
licensing of liquor establishments within
400 feet of schools and churches in non-
residential areas Is bound to cause some
misgivings.
One reason for misgiving lies in the fact
that there is not in this community any
dearth of establishments in which liquor
is sold. If anything there are too many
such places now, and there is natural
curiosity as to the reasons for a change in
the regulations which will permit the
licensing of more. Certainly. the change
cannot be justified on any ground of
public convenience.
1t is only fair to point out, however,
that the effect of the change In the regu-
lations is to permit the ABC board to grant
licenses for establishments within the
hitherto prescribed 400-foot radius when
certain conditions are met. It does not re-
quire the board to issue these licenses, nor
does 1t confer right to a license on any
applicant. Under another provision of the
regulations-section 14-the board may
refuse to issue license when, in its judg-
ment, conditions in particular neighbor-
hood are such as to render undesirable the
opening up of new liquor establishment.
In other words, there is general discre-
ton reserved to the board which can be
used to prevent abuses which might other
wise arise under the modified regulation.
The question is whether the board, having
driven one wedge into the generally de-
sirable barrier against bringing the liquor
business too close to schools and churches,
will be sufficiently vigorous and alert in
the exercise of the discretionary power
which it retains. There can be no imme-
diate answer on this point, but it is some-
thing to be watched closely.
Evening star., 1948-01-31
Transit Employees Criticized


To the Editor Of The Star:
Between 4:50 and 5:35 pm. on January 23,
about 20 persons waited on the loading plat
form at Twenty first street and Pennsylvania
avenue for q Friendship Heights streetcar.
During this time, the operators Of eight cars,
marked Friendship Heights" and only about
half-fllled with passengers, stopped at this
platform, discharged one or more passengers
and refused to open the front doors to admit
any more.
The day was bitter cold. Two or three Of the
waiting persons remarked that the inexplic-
able attitude Of the Capital Transit motormen
was q daily experience in their lives. It was
new to me, since usually drive car. After
IS minutes. left the place, walked to Twen-
tieth and Eye streets and caught Q bus which
landed me 10 blocks farther from my desttna-
ton than would have been realized had re-
ceived more consideration from the arrogant
streetcar motormen.
In any Middle Western town where I have
lived, this don't give damn attitude" on the
part of the drivers Of buses or streetcars would
be tolerated for maximum period OF. about
II hours. At the end of that time there would
be either a marked improvement in conditions
or else certain arrogant employees OF the trac-
ton companies would be treated to icy baths
In the nearest lake or river.
There can be no reasonable excuse Tor this
attitude on the part of Capital Transit en-
ployes toward their fellow citizens.
L A. PALMER.
Evening star., 1948-01-31
Letters to The Star
Security Lies in Our Strength

Security Lies in Our Strength
To the Editor of The STAR:
Events since VI day have shattered the
idealistic hopes generated during the war by
our visionary globe-trotters. In almost every
salient point of the diplomatic front the pol
icies of Russia and the United States stand
out in complete and open conflict. The
Illustration OF the U. N. suggests that world
government, like our own Federal Union, Can
not endure permanently half slave and half
Free" Our greatest national fear Is that
another great war will come: our most fervent
desire is to prevent it.
Since two world wars have convinced us that
to appease a greedy, militaristic power is vain,
we realize that Russian expansionism must not
be allowed to 60 unopposed lest our own Sc
curity be threatened. Thus far our opposition
has consisted largely of what The Star calls
moral pressure" but our temper is growing
short. It is clear that the Russian leaders
are not to be restrained by an alien
morality.
Many people in this country, including the
President and the Secretary Of State, now feel
that the only hope of thwarting the Kremlin
short Of war, is through our fostering the eco
nomic recovery of Europe. I cannot share the
faith in this plan expressed SO consistently
by The Star. Such q project would be ex-
pensive and hazardous without Russian op-
position, and that they are determined to pre-
vent its success cannot be doubted. just as
house is much more easily destroyed than
built, European recovery will be easier to pre-
vent than to accomplish. The determined
Communist minorities of Western Europe, past
masters in fomenting strife and chaos have
already shown they are not to be stopped by
our money alone.
My principal objection to the Marshall Plan,
however lies in the added burden 1t would
levy on our own economy, already threaten
ing to snap beneath the weight OF imitation.
An America in the throes Of depression, pros
trate and demoralized, would remove the last
serious impeachment from the path Of the Rus
sian steamroller, and the greedy eyes behind
the iron curtain would glisten with unfeigned
glee.
believe that our best hope for peace lies
In our own military and economic strength,
which can only be purchased by hard work
and self f-denial Our politicians must realize
that the safety of our Nation is a more i'm
portant goal than the coming election, and
that finding solutions Is more important than
fixing blame. Only by our overwhelming
strength can We hope to arrest the spread OF
communism, or If the conflict is inevitable"
at least to be sure of the outcome.
CHARLES II. FLOYD.
Evening star., 1948-01-31
Government Workers Plight

To the Editor Of The Star:
In The Sunday Star the Capital Transit Go.
has an advertisement saying, Help! You
can't run streetcars and buses with the brakes
on. Yet, that's what we're doing" In the
second paragraph they state wages are up 10
per cent In their company.
believe all will agree that the majority
Of transit riders are Government workers.
Since the increase in wages here is around
81 per cent, how does the Capital Transit
figure we can pay more in fares2 There are
thousands drawing less than $2,500 annually
in Government service. Actually, In q lot Of
cases the take home" pay Is less than $35
week. We who are in this class have
less than when we really were in the lowest
bracket.
II the Capital Transit can't run streetcars
and buses with the brakes on, neither can vel
A GOVERNMENT WORKER.
Evening star., 1948-01-31
More on MIR. Trun1an's Balcony

More on MIR. Trun1an's Balcony
To the Editor Of The Star:
In Missouri, where President Truman and
the writer were born, 1t is customary and
usually essential to have fly screens on porches
used for relaxing on warm summer evenings.
It seems pertinent to ask how Mr.. Truman
expects to protect himself against Washing
ton insects when he sits out on his new balcony
Is he going to tack unsightly screens on the
columns of the south portico?
In the deep South, seem to have read some
where, they employ little colored boys with
palm leaf fans to keep the flies of the mint
iuleps and the people who are drinking them.
In India breeze is produced by waving
punkah, a cloth-covered framework hanging
from the ceiling and activated by retainer
Does the President expect to employ either OF
these lodges, or will he bring out the electric
fans and the fit gun?
Or, if it gets too oppressive, might he perhaps
retire to the inside of the White House, where
It is cool and air-conditioned?
These are questions confronting all serious
minded persons. g. d. H.
Evening star., 1948-01-31

Letters for publication must bear
the signature and address of the
a0riter, although 1t is permissible for
toriter knoaon to The Star to use
nom de plume. Please be brief.
Evening star., 1948-01-31
BY THE HAsKIN SERVICE.

Please incoss 3 cents for return postage.
BY THE HASKN SERVICE.
Q. In what occupational group are the larg-
est percentage Of employed women?-A. A. p.
A. OF 170os,0oo employed women IA years
Of age and over. in July, 1947, 4,204 900 or 247
per cent were engaged in clerical or kindred
work.
@. How long have spoons been used7-
M. c. L.
A. The spoon and the knife are among the
oldest implements Spoons have been found In
Egyptian tonnbs Of 1000 years ago. They were
made of ivory slate or wood. 1t Is thought that
shells were the forerunner Of spoons.
O. What animals were native to New zea-
land?-B p.
A. The game as we'll as the domestic animals
Of New Zealand have all been imported Bats.
birds and one form Of reptile, the tuatara, were
native to the islands.
Q. Can a newborn infant hear at birth'
Smell2-P. r. E.
A. The newborn infant is said to be deaf
at birth and for several days thereafter. The
sense of smell Is probably present from birth.
Observations of this sense in newborn infants
are few and not altogether conclusive.
@. What mixture Is used to make the silver
for silver filling in teeth? F. w. P
A. The American Dental Association says
that the so-called silver filling in teeth Is made
by producing q paste made of mercury and
q powdered alloy, containing silver tin, copper
and ,isilal1v zinc
Evening star., 1948-01-31

A cafe socialite's gift to the boy friend
Is solid gold yo-yo. Thus does real mer-
chandise move in, superseding the last Of
the war quality" trash.
Evening star., 1948-01-31
Questions and Answers

A reader can set the answer to any question
ef fact b. writing The Evening Star Informetion
Bureau. $40 street N T.. Washington q D. c.
Evening star., 1948-01-31

To the Editor Of The Star: @a ~.a
Why is everybody in such other over such
little thing as porch? OF course, too, have
wondered If it could be that the gentle
man living in the White Hotlse said to him
self: II Just jut,,ccsan can't help itsassthe worldmas
cold, hungry and shelterlessg Fam going 70
give this house the new look and just gotta
have myself q sleeping porch come summer"
do not believe Mr.. Truman could have
thought it would add to the classic beauty Of
the structure: 50 he must consider 1t necessary
to his personal comfort.
Nero you know, played his fiddle while Rome
burned, so let the President build balconies
while little children with braced limbs, or sit
ting in wheel chairs. get along as best they can
and "the peace Of the world dies aborning."
Then, too, every man hopes to be remem-
bered by what he has done. President Roose-
welt left us the Mile o. Dimes; Mr.. Truman
leaves us q cute little old sleeping porch-so
be 1t!
Is there any truth to the r,lrnor that bal
cony is to be built around the Warrington
Monument and that Benjamin Franklin's
statue is to have q beautiful red necktie and
homberg hat7 just want to know. j. B. D.
Evening star., 1948-01-31

window sill, or are they going to cut down
one of the windows and make a doorway there?
Even a President, being only temporary
resident and, therefore, as 1t were tenant,
should not presume to defy his landlord Mr..
and Mrs. U. s. A., and make structural changes
in his domicile INTERESTED oNLOoKER.
Evening star., 1948-01-31
To the Editor of The Star:

To the Editor of The Star:
Why should people make such fuss because
of balcony? Why not build, like other
nations, real palace, where the President may
entertain and still have some privacy, instead
of that little out-of-date place he now occupies.
It is anything but beautiful. We should have
the most beautiful Executive Mansion in the
world. MRS. P. II. B.
TO the Editor Of The Star:
As to the Presidents balcony, one important
point have not seen mentioned How Is he
going to get out onto its VIII he step over
The guardian. [volume] (Boston, Mass.) 1901-1960, 1948-10-09

with sparkling costumes in gay
colors.
The youthful Janet Sayre,
body beautiful-one of the shap-
Hest shapes of picturesque
charm-in an exquisite dance
routine amazed and electrified
the audience. Another tempting
look-see was damsel Claudia
Oliver.
Pudgy moon face prodScer
"ziggy' johnson with an eye
brow mustache, steps into the
dance rhythm in the same tempo
tina he directs his lithesome
charges-the tan town terrific
Ebonettes.
Cook and Brown a pair of &c
centric comedy dancers supplied
the laughs and excitement.
Esq Morales and his Rumba,
with Buster Harding and His Hot
Jump Band, keot the dance tenn
po at q terrific pace.