davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1948-02-15
Soviet Zone Economic Setup

II imitation be the sincereSt form of
fattery, Washington and London should
consider MoscowS latest move in the
Soviet zone OF Germany as tribute by Mos
cow to the soundness of their own recent
actions in Western Germany. This is be-
cause the new economic administration
just proclaimed by the Soviet commander,
Marshal SokolovSki, follows closely the
Bi-Zonal Economic Administration set UP
by the English-speaking powers less than
a fortnight ago. Furthermore, both ar
rangements are the logical examinations
of previous parallel moves along the same
line.
In each case, the motivation has been
an attempt to pull together and place on
a more efficient basis the loose economic
agencies in German hands established by
the military authorities in their zones of
occupation after the close of World War II.
At first, these agencies were supposed to be
provisional, to be merged in the unified
economic structure envisaged by the Pots
dam Agreement of 1945, which pledged the
treatment of Germany as an economic
unit. But when it became evident that the
.
chiefly owing to Russian intransigeance,
those zonal economic agencies took on a
more permanent character.
There were, however, two main differ
ences. In the first place, America and
Britain merged their zones economically,
while Russia-and, Professionally, France,
went their own respective ways. Secondly,
the English-speaking powers sought to
foster democratic initiative and devolve-
genuine responsibility to their German
manned agencies, whereas such agencies
in the Russian zone functioned under
strict Soviet direction and control. =.
Nevertheless, the aim OF Increased
efficiency in operation was common to
both and proceeded at about the same
pace. The first rudimentary bi-zonal ad-
ministration was proclaimed last May,
while in June similar economic commls-
sion was decreed in the Soviet zone.' AND
now the fuller implementations of those
co-ordinated agencies have followed with
in a fortnight of each other.
This Is especially interesting because
Moscow has consistently denounced each
move by the western powers as having
violated the Potsdam agreement-and has
then followed suit. 1t Is likewise note
worthy that Moscow has refrained, like
the western powers, from giving political
character to it's new creation. Both sides
thus avoid formally splitting Germany
along political lines.
Nevertheless the net result must be
further sundering Of the Soviet zone from
Western Germany. Under the new arrange
ment,- the Soviet zone will be tied in still
closer with the economy of the Soviet
Union and its satellites. Thus, practical
divergence comedies with parallelism OF
function and form. Moscow tacitly admits
the efficacy of the western formula for
economic evolution. But Moscow and the
west are as far apart as ever on the
matter of united action.
Evening star., 1948-02-15

believed to result from an explosion Of the
boiler of the dynamo Immediately following
the accident all the disposable elements OF
the capital hastened to the spot to extend
every aid possible. These included the force
of the marine fire brigade and all the generals
in Havana, among them my chief OF stan.
There have been deaths and wounded. have
sent an aide-de-camp to offer every assistance
to the North American consul that he may
wish for"
Senior Du Bose, The Star affirmed, "hastened
to the State Department soon after receiving
the Blanco cablegram for the purpose OF ex-
pressing his deep coincidence to the authorities
and of communicating the captain generals
dispatch to Secretary Sherman and Mr.. Day.
the Assistant Secretary"
In London, the Globe gave its opinion as
ut is impossible to refrain from the suspicion
that the explosion may have been caused by
foul means" and hnted at "an internal ma
chine" hidden in the coal.
The Stars editorial comment began: THE
loss of the battleship Maine Is national
calamity. Tine Maine was in Havana
Harbor for the protection of the lives of
American citizens there resident. The
situation in Havana was known to be threat
snng when the Maine was sent and 1t is notable
that affairs have been more tranquil since her
arrival But the spirit OF resentment among
the Spaniards aroused by the dispatching of
this vessel has never been wholly abated. ."
The suspicion that the Maine was DESTROYED
by some Spaniard " is perhaps natural in
view of all the circumstances II there
is cause in the situation for any other national
sentiment than that Of grief. the people viii
respond as one man."
Evening star., 1948-02-15

all his addresses Its phraSeology and inSghts
are like the crimson cord which is woven into
every piece of rope in the Royal British Navy.
Declared his close friend, Bishop Simpson:
"He believed in Christ as the Saviour I doubt
if any President has shown such trust In God
or in public documents referred so frequently
to Divine aid"
At the funeral service in the east room of
the White House, DR.. Gurley, pastor Of the
church he supported and attended, said to the
stunned mourners: 81 speak what know and
testify what have often heard him say when
I affirm that Gods guidance and mercy were
the props on which Abraham Lincoln humbly
and habitually leaned. = BY his faith he
speaks to his successor in Office and charges
him 70 have faith in God. BY this he speaks
to the members of the cabinet and charges
them to have faith in God. BY this he speaks
to all who occupy positions of influence and
authority, in these sad and troublous times
and he charges them all to have faith in God"
**
In a volume entitled THE Soul of Abraham
Lincoln" there were selected short sentences or
clauses from the written expressions of Lin
coins religious faith. With no changes what
ever in the phraseology it was found that they
could be fitted together and prefaced by the
words II believe" Thus, we have a credo in
Lincoln's own words: II believe in God the
Father Almighty, ruler of nations. our great
and good and mercful Maker, our Father in
Heaven, who notes the fall OF a sparrow and
numbers the hairs of our heads. I recognize
the sublime truth announced in the Holy
Scriptures and p"o,ed by all history, that those
nations only are -sed whose God Is the Lord.
Il believe the will OF God prevails Without
him all human reliance is vain. Without the
assistance of that Divine Being, cannot sue
ceed: with that assistance, cannot fail. I
have solemn oath registered in Heaven to
finish the work am in. In full view of my
responsibility to my God with frmness
in the right as God gives me to see the right,
commencing those who love me to His care, as
hope in their prayers they will commend me,
look through the help of God to a joyous
meeting with many loved ones gone before"
Here flames the faith of one who thought
and wrought, to use his own great phrase,
under God"
Evening star., 1948-02-15
Fronco-ItoIion Customs Union?

The Idea or FTancO-1IaIldH Cuo'o1iio
union is progressing favorably on both
sides of the Alps. SAlready approved IN
principle by the French cabinet, 1t has re-
ceived fresh impetus by instructions issued
to Italian Foreign. Minister Count Sforza
to enter into full-fedged negotiations.
Should such union be consummated, 1t
would be powerful argument in favor OF
a general customs union for Western
Europe; because the economic difhcultles
as between France and Italy are typical OF
those to be. overcome on the larger scale.
To begin with, France and Italy are
both high-tariff countries which have de-
veloped both their industry and their
agriculture through protection. This has
naturally created powerful vested inter-
ests, some of which could suffer by
Franco-Italian customs union since they
are distinctly competitive. That is notably
true of the silk industry, of many heavy
industry specialties, including automobiles,
and of chemicals.
BY and large it would seem that these
French interests would be the more
affected, since Italian management and
'know-how" appear to be at least the
equals of the French while Italian LABOR IS
more hard-working and has somewhat
lower wage scales
On the other hand, both countries would
gain from larger interchange of those
items in which their economies are compile
mentary This applies to certain minerals
and to exchanges of fruits and other food
stuffs. 1t could likewise lead to larger
influx of Italys superabundant labor to
supplement- Frances labor shortage.
Considering their geographical proxin-
ity, it is surprising how relatively small has
been the trade between France and Italy.
In 1885, for example, Italy took only about
per cent of Frances foreign trade, while
France accounted for less than per cent
of Italy's exports. Here, obviously, is
situation due in great part to tariff bar
riers which customs union would notably
transform. The political gains would prob
ably transcend the economic, for customs
union would promote friendly relations and
wider understandings.
It should, of course, be realized that what
Is now being undertaken is only begin
ming, involving prolonged and complex
Evening star., 1948-02-15
Doctor Purrun Steps Down

President Truman'S decision not TO re-
appoint Doctor Thomas Parran as Surgeon
General of the Public Health Service when
his term expires on April could not nave
been an easy one to make. Doctor Parran
has served so long and SO well in that post
that his replacement could be justified
only on the most compelling grounds. 1t
was the very length of his service, as a
matter of fact, that was cited at the White
House as the reason for change.
Doctor Parran has occupied the impor-
tant Federal health post fop twelve years,
or for three full terms. 1t would be mani
festly unfair to his colleagues in the serv-
ice to give him indefinite tenure as Surgeon
General. It is sound policy to rotate the
lob among top-ranking officers OF this
essentially career" service. Doctor Par
ran attracted the attention OF the late
President Roosevelt while the latter was
Governor and, the physician was on loan"
to New York State as health commissioner.
AS head of the Public Health Service
Doctor Parran expanded to national pro-
portions the campaign he had waged in
New York to remove venereal diseases and
cancer from behind the veil of tabooed
subjects for general public discussion. He
felt that the more the public knew about
these killers, the better prepared it would
be to fight them. His campaign has paid
dividends in lives saved and suffering
eased His leadership in many other pub
lic-health endeavors has been outstanding.
It Is fortunate that his successor, Doctor
Leonard A. Scheele, is one so closely identi-
fed with Doctor Parran's work and SO
highly regarded not only by the retiring
Surgeon General but by the medical pro-
fession generally. Doctor Scheele, as AS
sistant Surgeon General in charge of the
National Cancer Institute, has specialized
in a field which, unlike that of venereal
diseases, still puzzles the best minds
of medical research. If, during Doctor
Scheele's term as Surgeon General, as
much progress is made toward ending the
scourge of cancer as was made under
Doctor Parran in the fight against syphilis,
the Public Health Service will have even
greater cause to be proud of its leaders and
Its record undet their inspiration.
Evening star., 1948-02-15

Under this heading The Star OF February 10,
1898, announced a disaster which was to take
the United States into war with
The Maine Spain and to open new chap
BIown lin ter in the history of the whole
world. THE Secretary of the
Navy" it was explained, received the follow
ing telegram from Capt c. D. Sigsbee early
this morning: Maine blown up in Havana
Harbor, 9:4O and destroyed. Many wounded,
and doubtless more killed and drowned.
Wounded and others on board Spanish man
of-war and Ward line steamer. Send lighthouse
tenders from Key West for crew and few pieces
of equipment still above water. No one has
other clothes than those upon him. Public
opinion should be suspended Until further
report. All officers believed to be saved. jenkins
and Merritt not yet accounted for. Many
Spanish officers, including representatives Of
Gen. Blanco, now with me, and express
sympathy"
Subsequent advice placed the number OF
killed and missing at 253, and 1t Friend W..
jenkins and Assistant Engineer Darwin r..
Merritt were listed as casualties Meanwhile,
details of the explosion were received: "All
but the surgeon were talking in the wardroom.
Then came the stupendous shock. All
the officers below rushed on deck, but could
get no 1dTbIcT lOtWdTu tlldIl tllc .oupC1-
structure Only a very pitiable few of
the $50 bluejackets ever got from below. The
water rushed over them and many were stunned
and drowned, but not mangled. 1t is not
likely that more than 40 sailors were saved.
The officers on deck narrowly escaped. In
the junior officers mess all had to Chamber out
through water and wreckage. :" One ladder
from the after torpedo compartment was
10 Str1lopn0 for life All
agree that double explosion occurred from
the natural result of an underwater explosion
of the magazine I" -.
Brass pipe, angle iron, etc, fell in shower
on the decks of the City of Washington, so in
jurng two boats that when lowered they were
useless. Out of the dense smoke came an
guished cries for help. simultaneously with
the cessation of falling fragments, searchlights
were thrown on the wreck and Its load OF
agony, Spanish boats from the shore joined
those of the Washington alongside at once,
but the regular ferry boats. passing soon after
the explosion, did not stop to offer AID
From Key West it was reported that: Moth
ing is known here concerning the cause OF the
explosion Naval officials think the forward
magazine ignited and that possibly one or more
torpedoes exploded. " The norther in the
Gulf is increasing in violence and there prom
ises to be a heavy sea. There is deartn OF
ships which are not war vessels. The
Cuban population here is as much in doubt
as to the cause of the disaster as all the rest
of the people of this locality. Some people
believe the Spanish caused the explosion and
every one here seems to think the disaster Will
in some way result in ending the Cuban
question"
A spokesman for the Spanish Legation gave
out message from Gen. Blanco reading:
with profound regret>I have to inform you
that the American ship Maine in this harbor
blew UP by an undoubtedly chanced accident,
Evening star., 1948-02-15
Used Car Sale

LONDON.-Foreign diplomats are going to
try toget the British government to cancel the
edict which forbids them to sell to Britons the
automobiles they bring here. Brazilian Am
bassador Jose Moniz de Aragao says the dip
lomats can't buy new cars, since they are un-
able to sell their old ones. Most diplomats here
own American cars, which before the ban were
being sold for as much as $4,000. The rule is
that foreign diplomat can sell his car only
after two years use in this country and then
only to the Ministry of Supply at the original
price less depreciation.
Evening star., 1948-02-15

negotiation. That was certainly true of
the current Benelux union, which was
relatively easier to accomplish because the
opposition of vested interests was not so
great as those which Franco-Italian Gus
toms coordination will have to take into
account.
Still, the trend throughout Western
Europe appears to be toward economic
integration. The vital needs of all the
nations concerned are so self-evident that
attendant difficulties can probably be
overcome.
Evening star., 1948-02-15

his heart tore into
millions of hearts, I
sat during a solemn
ceremony beside one,
now in her middle
90s, who vividly re-
members riding in
the sam e carriage
with the Emancipa-
tor. The r &c e d n 6
years but make more
majestic t IN e faith
which sustained the
greatest captain OF
his time" in whose
career the ancient
Evening star., 1948-02-15
around the " 0rld

DECENTRALIZATION shipyards have been
turning down orders for several months because
of a steel shortage. The industry could use
1000 tons month, but is allotted only l,3oo.
1t is months behind on its backlog Of orders,
but is still ahead of the United States on the
basis of keels laid.
TORONTO.-Sir Hubert Wilkins, Arctic ex-
plorer, says he intends to try to visit the North
Pole in submarine an old project Of his, when
he finishes his present work as civilian consult
ant to the United States Naval Research once.
MEXICO CITY-Presdent Miguel Aeman
says the country cannot afford now to bui.c the
proposed canal across the Tehuantepec Isthmus.
when the government decides to carry out this
project" he says, however, "it will be done by
Mexicans and with Mexican capital"
LONDON-The Foreign Office says an Anglo
French commission will study the Scandinavian
countries progress toward economic recovery.
Similar surveys will be made in all countries
participating in the Marshall Plan.
4 viati0n
A Government official says the Douglas DC-o,
grounded for investigation and modihcation
since November H. may be back in service IN
10 days to two weeks. The cost of changes IN
the nearly 100 planes is estimated at $3,Ooo,o'o
to s4000,000.
The Civil Aeronautics Administration may
certificate the new Consolidated Vultee "240'
Evening star., 1948-02-15
Diplomatic Note

Lord Inverchapel, Britains departing envoy,
has been known to the press corps as "the silent
Ambassador" Unlike other diplomats, he has
never told reporters anything about his numer-
Gus calls to the State Department Once he ex-
planned his failure to comment this way: Il
make it policy never to discuss my business in
another mans house"
Evening star., 1948-02-15
Spires of the Spirit
Lincoln's Greed ~
Sees Martyred Presidents Public Papers
Proof of His Faith in God

This Is being written on Lincoln's Birthday.
How few living links with him now walk this
earth! Last Sunday, within a few feet of the
theater balcony where the bullet which stilled
Evening star., 1948-02-15

: When Chicago bandits raided a busy
beauty parlor, the customer with the new
lacquer Job on the fingernails had her
hands up anyway.
Evening star., 1948-02-15
T Ookin0 A head Some Shadovs of Coming Evenfs
AOON1AlSo A1A>o~A Are Noted Here and Abroad
(By the World Staff of the Associated Press)

Convairliner for airline use within week or
two-but without permission to use the hot-air
de-icing system for wings and tail.
Evening star., 1948-02-15
Red R0vers

highly placed right-wing labor leader says
many Communists are leaving this country
for Canada or South America and others are
retiring from the limelight. The Taft-Hartley
Act, which spotlighted some of them, is only
part of the reason, in his opinion. Mainly, he
believes it is the country's angry mood against
them. They can't accomplish much here now,
so their strategy is to "lay low or join the
camp of embattled Red labor leaders in other
countries.
Evening star., 1948-02-15

Agriculture Department economists say not
to be too sure you've seen the last of rising
prices The weatherman will have the final
say. Freezes, droughts and floods might
change the crop picture. Plant diseases and
insect scourges, like locust plaques, are not to
be ruled out. Any such setbacks to farmers,
either here or in Europe might change the
outlook for food and other raw materials. Crop
failures here or there, say the Agriculture econ
onists could cause prices to rise beyond the
recent record levels Food is the backbone of
the cost of living. they point out, and if food
goes up, everything else is likely to soar again.
Labor would demand raises to meet higher liv-
ing costs: production costs would mount, and
the imitation spiral would begin once more.
Evening star., 1948-02-15
BHHon.DoHar Briefs

Shortly Senator will startle his colleagues
with the statement that the 1850 budget will
run over $50,0000 100000 the Presidents budget
request for 194S was for $39, zoe, 900 900 and
the ceiling agreed on by Congress was $372
00C OOO. The increase of more than $1O,O00,-
900 over this years estimates will be wholly
for military expenses, the Senator says.
Congress Aviation Policy Board will recon-
mend fewer warplanes than the PRESIDENTS
Air Policy Commission did The Congressman
in the report they will make soon will say
we don't need as many as 8,l0O planes IN
storage Costing about $7,00OOO0,0O0), Whlch
the commission recommended. Ihey want 10
replace planes at a faster rate, giving us a
more up to- -the-minute f1rst-lne force ana
keeping the airplane manufacturers geared to
current military needs.
United Nations
LAKE SUCCESSFUL news this week from
the United Nations is likely to De tne
Security Council discussions of an interna-
tional police force to make Palestine partl1lon
work. Syria, the only Arab country on the
Council will be supported in the debate by
Egypt and Lebanon, who have been granted
guest speaking rights. No one here has any
firm opinion as to the probable outcome OF
the talks.
TareS
Don't look for any relief from Federal excise
taxes this, year. Republican leadership IN
Congress wants to use all the budget surplus
available for income tax cutting Also there
would be great furor over which OF the
6O-odd excise taxes should be cut or eliminated.
Congressmen don't want legislative tangle IN
an election year.,
Evening star., 1948-02-15
Fifty Years Ago

Under this heading The Star of February 16,
1898, announced disaster which was to take
the United States into war with
The Maine Spain and to open new chap
Blown Up ter in the history OF the whoe
Evening star., 1948-05-11

able up there. Who will be making
the music and the date set for the
opening still are secrets from us, to
date.
What of the Washington Hotel
Roof, too? That remains the ia
yorite relaxing spot of many a
Washingtonian. Even right out
there in plain sight, it somehow
retains some of the qualities of q
nideaway, and both the view and
the comfort it provies are impec-
cable. But news Of the Washington
is locked behind what must be the
busiest telephone switchboard in
town. A man can spend an after
noon dialling a telephone number,
but after a certain number Of busy
signals he just gives up. Believe
US, We want you to know about the
Washington Roof and if we ever
do hear anything about it, we'll
pass the word along.
X + \
The Showbill:
Mario and Floria, who rank among
the more entertaining OF the ball
room dance teams, arrived last
night at the Shoreham Blue Room.
Gene Archer, who probably is this
towns best-known baritone, is back
there again on the bill with them.
Also arriving last night was Earl
Wrightson, he at the Mayflower
Lounge. Mr.. Wrightson has made
concert tours, sung in opera and
in musical comedy; you probably
will remember him as the singing