davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1949-12-13
Room for Further Savings

That Defense Secretary JohnSon'S econ
omy drive in the Defense Department Is
really getting results is shown in the
figures on personnel shifts in the Federal
= establishment during the third quarter OF
this year. About 10000 civilian employees
of the Army, Navy and Air Force were
dropped from the Government pay roll
during that period. Yet the overall re-
duction in civil service strength was only
73503. The reason for this anomaly, of
course, was that number OF other depart
ments continued to expand.
It will be hard to convince lot of people
would not have been greater If other
departments were as determined to dis
pense with non essential activities and
personnel as the Defense Department has
been. Nor will they be impressed by the
usual excuse that all deadwood has been
eliminated. The Hoover Commissions in
vestigators found distinctly otherwise In
most departments and agencies.
Mr.. Johnson's goal of cutting total OF
$4,000 civilians from the defense pay roll
by the end of this fiscal year brought dis
most of the cuts will be made, but the
reductions are being made, nevertheless
and, according to Mr.. Johnson, without
,impairing national security. Even pro-
posals for abandoning militarily useless
shore establishments left over from the
Civil War have aroused criticism.
The reductions continued in October,
with the largest decrease in one month
since June, 1947, being recorded. More
than $4,000 employees were dropped In
October, 95 per cent of them leaving the
defense services. But offsetting the reduc-
tions were substantial increases in other
departments and agencies. The Post Office
Department. for example, reached an all
time peak in October of $4,000 employees.
It was the eighth consecutive month In
which the number of postal employees went
up Accretions in that department during
the past year have averaged nearly a
hundred day, according to Senator Byrd,
chairman of the Joint Committee on Re-
duction of Non-essential Federal Expendi-
lures Postal officials say that additional
workers are needed to keep pace with
population growth.
If the present rate of postal expansion
continues, however, the department will
experience more than so per cent growth
next year-and nobody would contend that
the Nations population would advance that
much within year. The Hoover Commls-
sion found the department to be afflicted
with outmoded administrative procedures
and hampered by politics. Congress itself
is partly to blame for these conditions.
It will have an opportunity at the next
session to subject the deficit-ridden Post
Office Department to much-needed over
haul. Meanwhile, the public would like to
be convinced that all departments and
bureaus were making as earnest efforts to
economize as have been evident recently
at the Pentagon.
Evening star., 1949-12-13
Letters to The Star
Would Ban Downtown Parking
To Relieve Congestion of Streets
ro IN. Editor ~ ~. st.r

Would Ban Downtown Parking
To Relieve Congestion of Streets
To the Editor Of the Star:
Having been q resident Of the District
for 80 years and having seen our traffic
getting steadily worse. I wish to say 1t
could be improved considerably by for
bidding parking In the congested downtown
area from to pm.
Reason: The one hour parking limit Is
not enforceable. Therefore 1t does not &C
complish the desired results. work in one
Of the Government departments and can
assure you that people are leaving the
Office all day to move their cars when the
word goes round that the police are ticket
ing cars.
Now. If parking were eliminated from
3 to pm, on all streets within five blocks
Of the congested area, these people would
leave their cars at home, or drive to the
nearest bus terminal as do, and leave the
car there.
The other part Of the solution is to elm
mate parking in the congested area at all
times. I dare say on D. E, F, and G streets
between Sixth and Fifteenth you cannot
park 100 cars and of these 80 belong to
storekeepers.
Remember, all it takes to tie up traffic
Is for truck to stop alongside of parked
car to unload and believe every store in
Washington depends on trucks.
EARL E. BISHOP
Evening star., 1949-12-13
Revives Old Discussion About
Which Day Should Be Kept" Holy

To the Editor of The Star:
Well. well, what is this thing we have in
Maryland, is it We olde dark ages yet or can
it be dictatorship? am referring to their
Blue Law which stopped Mr.. Santa from
putting on his show Sunday also the ones
who have been fined for painting their
houses on Sunday and other various minor
crimes" committed on Sunday.
Nov perhaps have forgotten my history,
but was sure that was taught in school
that the main reason our wonderful country
was founded was so that each individual
could worship God as he saw fit. This year
Maryland held tremendous celebration, in
honor of religious freedom. Yet here they
are fining people for working on Sunday.
I am not member of any church, but
have read the Bible through many times.
Not once have I found any instruction to
keep the first day holy. I have read all
through the Holy Book that the seventh
day is the one God made holy. Why not
fine the folks who work on that day?
My calendar shows plainly that, Sunday
is the first day Of the week. I often
wonder at the poor naive church-going
people who read these things over and over
when they are studying their Bible and still
continue to keep" Sunday. AQUARIUS.
Evening star., 1949-12-13
Suggests Arbitrary Margin
OF Profit on Manufactured Articles

Of Profit on Manufactured Articles
To the Editor Of The Star:
It is interesting to note the various dif-
ferences which arise between certain unions
and employers Many Of these unions have
become too big in their own mind to fit their
boots. I have been a good union man for
many years, but I am thankful to say my
union Il. T. U) has never assumed the role
OF a dictator. We members have votes, and
in what we want our leaders to do, we are
not like flock of sheep.
It is true that many groups Of labor are
underpaid. yet their members have to pay
the same prices for commodities as those
making double their wages. This should
be rectif1ed, but there also is stopping point
even to high wages.
Many times I have seen strikes or griev-
ances settled which cost the employers many
thousands of dollars more a year in wages
but Immediately they raise the prices of their
Products. thus making profit on the DEAL
The employe and the employer both are
satisfied in such circumstances, but what
about the workers who are not getting this
raise? Their already heavy burdens are
made still heavier.
While the NL.RB is busy checking wages,
its efforts also should be directed to the per-
centage of profit made on any manufactured
article or commodity. believe that margin
Of profit should be established, say 20ed-
H. r. D.
Evening star., 1949-12-13
Every Man q Songster

AS the festive Yuletide season ap-
proaches and bulletin boards bloom with
tidings of office parties convivial FOLK
everywhere start clearing their throats
against the gruelling hours of community
singing that lie ahead. The Scriptures
tell us that wine gladdeneth the heart OF
man; but how much more so song, the
great leveller the guaranteed icebreaker.
In the democracy of the barbershop
quartet, the office boy may beat down the
section chief in the debate over whether
1t will be Sweet Adeline" or Moonlight
Bay" The Office mouse is frequently re-
vealed as an aggressive baritone VINO
directs the impromptu choir with the fierce
perfectionism of Toscanini. The prim STE
nographer becomes a petted darling be-
cause she knows all the words. The selec-
ton made, the parts assigned the group
closes ranks, heads together, arms around
each other for closest possible harmony.
And then, with the tenors riding high and
the basses humping strongly below, they
are off, When they have won through to
that last, long, sometimes lost chord, the
songsters look up and smile at each other
with the profound satisfaction OF those
who have built cathedral or written
sonnet. This approval may not extend to
the earnest pair nearby who are locked
in discussion of the advisability of add
ing another comptometer to the accounts
receivable" department.; but even they give
way when "Joy to the World" rings out.
Custom dictates that all songs be of pre-
World War vintage. Anybody suggesting
Don't Cry Joe" is at once banished. Such
groups are also at all times alert for the
slightly off-key Caruso who comes boldly
and often to the fore. He can often be
induced to wear himself out in solo of
Danny Boy" or perhaps even spirited away
by non participant who offers him ride
to his door before the evening is perma-
nently ruined.
So. great are the genuine harmony un-
derstanding and mutual appreciation en-
gendered by these occasions that when
it comes time to rally round the boss and
hoarsely render "For He's jolly Good
Fellow" everybody there means every
word OF it, for the moment at least, and
sings from the heart
Evening star., 1949-12-13
Latin Study Still Regarded
Al Important Part of Education

To the Editor OF The Star:
AS president Of the Washington Classical
Club, should like to express the apprecia-
ton Of the club for your news article de-
cember y and editorial December 81 about
Latin In the District schools.
Since I am not teacher in the District
school system, it is PERFECTLY proper for
me to say that your words of commendation
are well deserved For some years I have
had students from the District schools in
my classes at the George Washington Uni
versity. After the first recitation, it is not
difficult to spot them.
One statement in your news story, however.
1t seems to me is not quite in accord with
the facts. It is unfortunately true, as was
stated in the article. that there has been q
drop In all language study In the last 80
years. because the subject is no longer re-
quired in public schools But there are
many places besides Washington where. on
comparative basis, Latin still is holding its
own very well.
We teachers of Latin, whether in public
school or college, do not have as many stu
dents as we would like. We feel very strongly,
however. that the subject still is playing
vital part In American education and will
continue to do so for many years to come.
Your editorial commendation will be an in
spiration to teachers of Latin in the District
and elsewhere. JOHN F.. LATIMER.
Evening star., 1949-12-13

youth said: If your religion Is too weak to
Withstand common sense, I cannot have
enough respect for 1t to join your church."
So 1t Is with our form of government. High
school students read the newspapers and
know what Is going on in the world. They
will find out about Russia and other nations
despite all the Board Of Education can do
to keep them in ignorance; and they will
have more confidence in government always
ready to defend itself in debate with any
other form than in one that hides the
publications of other nations.
GEORGE FREDERICK MILLER,
Evening star., 1949-12-13
Free World Labor Unites

Formal launching of the international
Confederation of Free Trade Unions ap-
pears to be decisive step in the emanci-
patton of genuine organized labor, on
worldwide scale, from the numbing,
destructive influence exerted by the Com
munist- dominated World Federation Of
Trade Unions That this drastic step was
vital had long been recognized by anti
Communist labor leaders everywhere.
Many unions, especially in the English
speaking countries, had already with
drawn from the WFTU, but such negative
gestures had to be supplemented by posi-
tive action in the shape OF new inter-
national organization based unequivocally
on opposition to totalitarianism and dedi-
Gated to individual human rights and liber-
ties. This objective has now been attained
by the formation of the ICFTU after more
than weeks proceedings of the Free
World Labor Conference called in London
and attended by delegates OF 48,0O0,OO0
organized workers in most countries out
side the Iron Curtain.
The draft charter of the new organlza-
ton is broad enough to cover both Social
lists and advocates of free enterprise, as
witness the inclusion of the British unions,
the CIO and the AFL. The only segment
of non Communist labor whose adhesion
is still uncertain is the federated Christian
unions of Continental Europe, mostly
Roman Catholic. Certain constitutional
difficulties still have to be ironed out in
this respect. But their anti-communism
is as staunch as any Of the others, so the
differences are more formal than sub
stantial.
The mere existence OF the ICFTU should
act as a powerful magnet in disrupting
unions in non-C Communist countries which
are still under Red leadership. It is hard
to see how many working men can fail to
be attracted by the platform of the ICFTU.
For, while not specifically mentioning or
advocating socialism, it declares the work.
er's right to social justice, work, choice of
employment, and the changing of govern
ments and political institutions by demo-
cratic means. This leaves the old WITH
with nothing, ideologically, except Com
Evening star., 1949-12-13
To Meet q Submarine Threat

Admiral Sherman's order for special
survey of the Navy's anti-submarine pro-
gram Is indicative of the concern with
which naval authorities regard reports of
Russia's growing undersea power. The
new Chief of Naval Operations has made
it plain that he believes the Navy must be
prepared better than it has been in previous
wars to counter the threat of enemy sub
marines. He has assigned Vice Admiral
Francis S. Low, anti-submarine expert of
World War II, to study our plans and facili-
ties for meeting the potential menace of
Russias expanding submarine fleet. This
fleet is reliably estimated to consist of from
$50 to 300 modern submersibles, many of
them of the long-range snorkel type.
If Germany had developed the snorkel
equipped U-boat earlier in the Second
World War our victory in the Atlantic
might have been gravely delayed. AS it
was the U-boat challenge to our "bridge
of ships" was most serious one, reaching
a critical stage by the end of 1912 The
snorkel boat is far more formidable foe
than anything Hitler had at that time. It
can remain beneath the surface for weeks
at time, meanwhile proceeding at high
speed on diesel power Thus hidden, with
only small breathing snout protruding
above the sea, it is very elusive quarry.
The Navy plans to combat these fast,
far-ranging boats by organizing what is
called hunter-killer groups of anti-sub-
marine vessels and planes, equipped with
special devices designed to detect and
destroy subsurface marauders Two new
IS
mental type have been built and will be
tested shortly. How successful these ships
will prove to be. can be determined only in
war games, such as have been scheduled
for the Caribbean area next February and
March, Admiral Low will take stock of
the whole anti-submarine warfare pro-
gram tentatively adopted, in the light Of
his own experiences with less dangerous
U-boat fleet In The late war. His findings
and recommendations may result In m
Evening star., 1949-12-13
BY THE HASKIN SERVICE.

@. What is the yearly loss to silver coins
resulting from the wear and tear of daily
use?-R. G.
A. Calculation of the loss that may be
expected from the wearing down of silver
coins was estimated in 1913 From actual
experience it was found that the annual
abrasion for silver coins was as follows: So
cent piece, PA grain year; 25-cent piece,
.137 grain year; 10-cent piece. 077 grain
q year. This adds up to-. less than half a
grain
Q. Are there any fishes in Lake Mead, the
artificial lake created by the building Of
Hoover Dams. w.
A. Lake Mead abounds in black bass, blue
gill perch, crappie and catfish. Fishing Is
the chief attraction for visitors and there
is no closed season.
Q. What amount of money was collected
In the 1949 March Of Dimes?-E. c.. P.
A. The 1949 drive for funds for infantils
paralysis yielded $25, 100000 gross.
Q. Is any part Of the State Of Colorado
at sea level?-H. K. NJ
A. The lowest elevation is $3.50 feet, on
the Arkansas River in Prowers County. 4
@. When do the harvest and hunters
moons occur?-J. H.
A. The harvest moon is the full moon that
occurs nearest the time Of the autumnal
equinox, September %. The hunters moon
is the October full moon.
@. What is the distinction between q
graduate and registered nurse?-M. C. A.
A. A graduate nurse Is one who has salts
factorily completed the basic professional
course Of study in state accredited school
Of nursing. A registered nurse RNJ is q
graduate nurse who has met the legal quail
fications Of practice as registered nurse In
tho state
Evening star., 1949-12-13
Supplies Name Of Christmas Tune
Requested by . Reader
To the Editor Of The star.

To the Editor OF the Star:
The name of the Christmas melody re-
quested by F. H. S. in The Star for December
is nr Kinderlein Kommet. or 20, Come.
Little Children" It was written by j. P. A.
Schultz and appears in Noels by Marx Obern-
dorfer, published by the Fitzsimmons Co.,
Chicago Copies may be purchased at Wash
ington music stores. c. II. CLAIMING.
Editors Note: The Star has received
dozen or more letters Identifying the
Christmas song Mr.. Channing's letter Is
printed 6 representative Of them)
Evening star., 1949-12-13
Questions and Answers

A. reader get the answer to any question
Ct fact By writing The Evening Star Information
Surean 316 Eye st.. ne. Washington Q, D. C..
Evening star., 1949-12-13

The new generation, some are saying,
is conditioned to the idea of welfare
state. Not, however, in Fitchburg (Mass0,
where Santa Claus was snowballed off the
streets
Evening star., 1949-12-13

Letters for publication nsSst bear
the stgnatnrs and address OF the
,orjter, although It Is permissible for
a tOriter kno1pn to The Star to use
a nom de plume. Please be brief.
Evening star., 1949-12-13
Rugs

Rugs
Tpenty cuts them;
Forty cleans them
And solicit
ously preens hem;;
Sirty-odd, aDhen
Years haze trayed them,
Rugged ladies
Hook or braid them!
HAROLD WILLARD GLEASON.
Evening star., 1949-12-13

expansion OF the whole anti-submarine
setup, lest our defense be found vulnerable
in the same old spots that caused so much
trouble In 1918 and 1912.
Evening star., 1949-12-13
Argues Against Suppressing
Publications of Other Nations ;
To tho Editor Of rr1,n


To the Editor of The Star
news item in the Sunday Star of De-
cember II, puts the responsibility for ban
ming the Soviet Information Bulletin from
the District Public Schools, according to the
statement of Superintendent Corning, on
the Board Of Education. Only publications
on the Boards approved list are permitted
in the schools. But that news items gave
no information on how the list was COM
piled and how it is revised No doubt the
Members OF the Board with the advice Of
school administrators are using their best
judgment in deciding what periodicals the
s. ,ool libraries should contain, but restric-
tloIis narrow enough to exclude official
publications Of foreign nation in the UN
are enough to make one who has faith In
education and in our democracy, including
freedom of speech and press, boil.
Public high school education should not
be confused with indoctrination, which may
be left to political parties and religious
bodies. Even churches often defeat their
purposes by not giving vigorous minded
youths enough rope. =
A generation ago young man in reli-
gious family came into possession of copy
Of "The Age Of Reason" Before he had
finished reading it, the book suddenly and
strangely disappeared, His family was so
afraid Of reason that no one was frank
enough to admit burning tho copy. Ths
The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1949-01-06

At the invitation of Walter
Hays, Orlando, president of the
Florida State Chamber of Com
merce, business and civic leaders
representing a group of state
wide organizations gathered re-
Gently to formulate plans for the
observance of National Citrus
Week" January 1929.
The State Chamber citrus com
mittee will concentrate its effort
TO promoting the use of citrus
fruit within the state in an effort
to step up the greater consur.p-
ion by Floridians themselves, by
hotels, restaurants and winter
visitors.
Taking lead in the program to
bring citrus fruit fOrceibly to the
attention of visitors and some
home folks alike, the Orlando
Morning Sentinel with the CO.
operation OF a number of enter
prising Orange County firms
The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1949-01-06

Riddle, secretary of the Florida
State Hotel Association, stated
that while most hotels were anx-
ious to cooperate in some areas
the price per box charged hotels
for fresh citrus was so high that
it could not be given away to
guests and he sighted charge of
as high as 81 per box charged no.
tells in Miami by fruit distribu-
tors.
Bill Monroe, secretary of the
Florida Association of Retail
Grocers, called attention to the
fact that independent grocers
foundlt difficult to purchase cit
rus fruit through regular chan
nels as many distributors did not
handle it and supplies available
from local growers, could not be
depended upon from the stand.
point of uniformity in quality and
quantity
At the close of the meeting
representatives of the various or
CARNATIONS pledged themselves
to support the State Chamber of
Commerce plan and work out
program for their own organiza-
ton that would most effectively
aid the movement.
The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1949-01-06

one used to see around this
beautiful, charming city of the
north, which just aren't here any,
more.
Dollars" You hear that word
in lot of places and usually ac-
companied by "Oh, how wish I
had some" But then they shake
their heads and say, We'll, there
doesn't seem much chance of
that"
The SW&des are not exciting
themselves with war talk. Many
with whom you talk believe that
should third one come, they
will probobly be able, as in the
The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1949-01-06

case of the other TWO, to keep
clear of shooting.
There may not be many Amerl-
cans in Sweden, but there GER
tainly is high population of
American cars. The people here
seem better dressed than many
places in Europe. This goes for
the working class, too, and while
the housing situation still ap-
pears to be bad, it is getting
better.
With her pre-war German
market gone, Sweden is still
looking about for buyers and
markets. and apparently finding
both although perhaps not in the
quantities she would like.