davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1949-07-26
To End On Absurdity

The absurdity of the situation in Wnlcn
the Government finds itself as result Oh
an unforeseen shortcoming OF the civil
service retirement law calls for prompt
remedial action. The Civil Service Com
mission, because of the legal quirk, faces
nayment of score of retirement claims OF
manifestly unjustifed proportions. One
former employe, for example, stands TO
collect more than s15o,00o, although his
total contribution to the retirement FUND
was Just STAB.
Joseph Young points out in The Stars
Federal Spotlight column that this extraor-
binary claim resulted from failure OF the
retirement law to fix q reasonable ceiling
on benefits in all cases. The employe IN
question served as Federal referee In
bankruptcy. Since referees are paid per
cent of the assets distributed, it developed
that during a month period he earned
1920. 900, in addition to previous high earn
ings before retirement After enactment
Of the retirement law, he obtained re-
employment for one month in the office OF
q member of Congress, thereby becoming
eligible for an annuity based on average
earnings over q period Of years. For his
S7.43 investment he qualities under exist
ing law, for an annuity of SIT 500. Under
life expectancy tables he would receive
s1500o0 If he lives to average age.
Congress last year placed a $4,000 CELL
ing on salaries which may be used to
compute retirement benefits, but. through
an oversight, the ceiling failed to apply to
earnings received in the period covered in
the twenty-odd cases now perplexing The
Civil Service Commission. This loophole
In the law should be plugged, and quickly.
The House Civil Service Committee has
approved a bill prepared by CSC officials
for that purpose The commission should
hold up payment of these disproportionate
claims pending passage of the corrective
legislation.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1949-07-26

yielded to this force. Mr.. Ching. whose Job
is mediation is reported to have advised the
President not to yield on any change in his
original proposal, as proposed by the steel
companies.
While it is true that the President said
that the companies would not have to ac-
ers. 1t likewise is true that the same force
that compelled the steel companies to yield
in the first instance almost certainly will
compel them to accept the fact finders
recommendations: or else!
This is not arbitration. 1t is "diktat,"
word used in Nazi Germany
Arbitration requires that the arbitrators
be chosen by the parties to the dispute, but
the steel companies had no chance to name
even one Of the chosen fact finders. They
were chosen by the President. whose most
valued and pampered political asset Is labor.
This in a dispute between labor and man.
agement.
How wonderfully everything plays into the
hands of the mine workers. With the steel
companies operating for the next so days
much OF the coal pile above ground will be-
used up. and with winter coming and no
stock pile of coal on hand, John L. Lewis
will have trump cards, which he otherwise
would not possess.
This may be the America of the Fair
Deal. but it is not the America Of freedom
OF enterprise nor the America Of an impair
tial administration. Labor may some day
rue It, when the precedent, here resorted to.
may be turned against labor by another ad-
mlnlstratlon. JOHN P. STORY, Jr.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1949-07-26
They Should Decide 1t

President Truman's consistent advocacy
Of the franchise for Washingtonians is to
his credit. One of the few Presidents in
our history to take a fortnight stand in
the matter, his influence has supplied one
OF the important elements-in the drive
for suffrage-that has been lacking in the
past.
He is applying his pressure on the House
ut the right time. The home-rule bill has
been before the House District Committee
since the end of May and the time Is ap-
preaching when the subcommittee con-
Quoting the hearings must present the
issue to the full committee or face valid
criticism for obstructionism. The Star
cannot agree that the. hearings so far
have been mere delaying tactics; in fact,
there are numerous points in the munich
pal reorganizational features OF the bill
that have received scant attention in the
more provocative debate over principle.
But 1t is unlikely that the bill as now
written will be changed in any material
degree and the House should be given an
opportunity to vote on it before adjourn
ment. A favorable vote would send 1t to
T
give the people who live here their oppor-
tunity to say whether or not they want it.
That is the time when the issues at
stake will be more sharply drawn. For
while 1t is doubtless true that the major
ity Of the people of Washington want the
right to vote, 1t is not yet established
that they are convinced this particular
form of voting will produce better local
government, more economical or more
efficient local government, or that the
overall interests of the local community
would be benefited.
There is no denying their right to decide
such a matter for themselves. however,
and that, it seems to The Star, Is the
Immediate issue posed by the bill In its
current form.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1949-07-26
Transit Employees Courteous,
But Radio Program Provoking


Having just read the letter of the Presi-
dent OF the Capital Transit Co., E. D.
Merrill, In your paper Of July %. in which he
defends the character of service rendered
by his company and likewise the courtesy of
his employees. wish heartily to add my COM
mendation on both scores
I am constant rider on both buses and
cars and find them designed for comfort and
convenience, far ahead Of transportation
facilities in any other city have visited I
consider the motormen and drivers prac-
tically 1907 courteous. gentlemanly and
kindly.
However, there is one great big complaint
that must register with Mr. Merrill and his
company that is in no sense the fault of his
men. Why. why In the name Of common
sense. has the company fostered on its sup
porting and sustaining public that trying
tiresome radio program?
ONE OF THE CROWD.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1949-07-26
Our Atomic Secrets

1t Is unfortunate that the atomic en-
ergy discussions that have been going on
among officials representing our own Gov
eminent, Britain and Canada necessarily
are of the hush-hush variety. For this
has led to a great deal of speculation,
much of 1t rather obviously misinformed,
as to what the talks are all about.
One line of speculation which crops up
persistently is that the British and
Canadians are after some of our atomic
secrets" and while this in a sense may be
true, it also seems to be point of con-
siderable misunderstanding.
It has been almost eight years since
President Roosevelt suggested to Prime
Minister Churchill that any effort to de-
velop an atomic bomb should be a Joint
Anglo-American enterprise. And in that
interval certain facts have been forgotten
by some people. Among the facts which
should not be forgotten, however, are
these: In 1910 and 1941 British scientists
were well ahead of us in atomic research.
After Mr.. Churchill agreed to the Presi-
dents suggestions, team of British scien-
lists headed by Sir James Chadwick came
portantly and intimately connected with
the design and production of the atomic
bomb. Certainly, there are no secrets"
so far as these British scientists are con-
cerned with respect to the atomic bomb
models used against Japan and at Bikini
1t has been announced that we have de-
veloped newer models and the British may
not be so familiar with these, but it is
not at all likely that any secrets" stand
In the way of the manufacture under their
direction of bombs on the older model.
1t is possible that the British, consider
ing their limited resources, would not
want to manufacture their own bombs,
and 1t may be, therefore, that there is
some truth to the speculative reports that
they have asked US to store some of our
bombs In the British Isles. II this is the
case, and 1t should b emphasized that
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1949-07-26
Reports Narrow Escape
OF Boy Running Loose
o the Editor OF The Star:

TO tne Editor OF The Star:
On July % the writer was aboard Four
tenth and Decatur streetcar.
While crossing Kenyon street, all Of q
sudden a small boy ran in front Of the car,
and IT the operator had not stopped that
child would have been run over. I would
Judge he was about years old.
commend the operator OF streetcar
I did not ask his name, but his number is
319
1t is shame and a disgrace the way some
parents let their children run loose.
FELIX A. URY.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1949-07-26
Sees Religious Authority
Derived From God Himself

To the Editor Of The Star:
In The Star of July 81, Carlyle B. Haynes
holds real religious freedom to be exemp-
ton from the exercise Of any authority
by either church or state in matters Of
either religion or faith
Regarding church authority what does
Mr.. Haynes conceive to be the purpose
of church other than to teach religious
truth and to regulate religious conduct?
To go little further would he, in his
zeal for religious freedom exempt individuals
from the authority of God Himself? Actu-
ally. the church to which I belong acts
on the conviction that it has been author
lied by God to teach religious doctrines
and require its members to observe a certain
code of morals and religious practices I
presume that other religious bodies under
stand their purpose to be the same. So
really it is not the church just as q group
Of fellowmen acting simply on human
authority and from human guidance, put
God Himself acting through human beings.
Naturally If Mr.. Haynes does not be-
lieve that God has authorized any church.
he is free to do whatever he thinks is his
duty about his religious beliefs and conduct.
Also. any one who belongs to a church and
who doubts its authority to teach and give
orders in Gods name is free to leave that
church. On the other hand shouldn't our
church be equally free to remove from
its roster Of membership those who reject
it's teachings and regulations?
DUNCAN BURGOYNE.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1949-07-26

mile Of temporary r1acadan construction
connecting 1t with Route l..
Virginia may we'll take pride IN this
most modern length of highway in Amer
ica' and 1t is hoped she will find the money
to finish it without a work stoppage.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1949-07-26
INoUIsrTIvE.

Raises Question About Accommodations
For Parochial Pupils in Public Schools
To the Editor Of The Star:
With the opening of the public schools,
I wonder what would happen If nearly
5000. 900 extra pupils appeared. With per-
mission Of the churches. this could happen
for as long or short time as they thought
necessary to convince the Bardenites that
the parochial schools are just rs important
as other schools.
Think this angle over.
One paroclial school in Washington could
have its 1900 pupils walk right into the
nearest public school.
THOMAS J. dUnFoY.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1949-07-26
III Letters to The Star

Letters for publication must bear
the signature and address OF the
1oriter, although 1t Is permissible for
a ,priter knopn to The Star to use
non, de plume. Please be brief.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1949-07-26
Wants to Know Why Fascists
Were Not Excomfnunicated

Were Not Exc0mmunlcated
To the Editor of The Star:
In all sincerity / would like to ask why
the Pope suddenly has accommodated
Roman Catholics who are Communists.
when he failed to excommunicate the
Roman Catholics who were Nazis and
Fascists, including Hitler. Goebbels. Won
Papen, and most of the highest officials
in the Third Reich, also Mussolini and his
henchmen. These men were arch traitors
to the whole race.
How could the present Pope maintain the
Concordat with Hitler which he himself
NEGOTIATED, and which still is in effect. while
thousands of people were being put to
death in lethal chambers and the atrocities
in the various concentration camps were
being committed?
The Vatican boasts that it is the one
source from which true information about
europe can be obtained. Surely the Pope
Knew what was taking place
What a different world we would nave
TODAY if the Catholic Nazis and Fascists
had been threatened with communication!
The chances are that there would have been
no Second World War. Think Of the lives
that would have been saved. the heart
rending atrocities that would have heen
avoided, the little children, crippled in mind
and body, who today would be sound In
mentality and physique, and the billions
of dollars in property that would have
been saved. -
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1949-07-26
Questions and Answers

reader get the to any question
Of fact by writing The Evening Star Information
Bureau, 316 Street NE, Washington 2. D. c.
Please inclose cents for return postags.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1949-07-26
Chief Justice fancy
The First Catholic in That Position

To the Editor of The Star:
In the July 20 edition of The Star ap-
pears an article on the death of Justice
Frank Murphy by David Lawrence. Mr.
Lawrence states that Chief Justice White
appointed by President Taft. was the first
Roman Catholic chief justice in our history
The fact is. of course. that Roger Brooke
fancy. Chief Justice from 1885 to 1864. was
a devout Catholic. Mr.. fancy will be best
remembered for his famous decision regard
ing the legality of slavery in United States
territories, in the case Of bred Scott vs.
Woodward, in 1857.
Mr.. fancy was appointed to the Supreme
Court by President Andrew Jackson and
served with distinction during the very try
ing decades prior to the War Between the
States. ROBERT E. CARSON.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1949-07-26
BY THE HAsKR SERVICE

Off young man starts shaving early
will he have thicker beard?-E. H. w.
Abr. Herman Goodman In Your Hair"
says that the question of whether to shave
or not always comes up at adolescence. 1t is
generally believed if shaving is begun early.
the beard will grow in thick. There is no
evidence for this. If the appearance of the
boy will be improved, shaving may be rec
commended.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1949-07-26

Il Just love this automatic washer" said
the confused shopper, but haven't you
something with a larger TV Window"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1949-07-26
Suggests Violation of FEPC Principle
In Appointing Successor to Justice Murpf
Denies Arrangement in Steel Industry
Is Truly the Fruit of Arbitration

is Truly the Fruit Of Arbitration
To the Editor of The Star:
There seems to be most important as
pect of the Presidents plan for settlement OF
the dispute between the steel workers and the
steel companies which has not been recoe-
nized nor have seen any editorial comment
on it. AS I read the story. this settlement
was engineered by Cyrus Ching. head OF the
Mediation and Consolidation Service OF the
Government. 1t is straining the truth to call
his arrangement mediation. 1t Is, instead.
a prostitution of mediation; It is coercion in
the raw.
And it was accomplished by force, the
force inherent In the Office Of the presi-
dency AThe steel companies most reluctantly
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1949-07-26

Q.-What territory is included in the term
"Barbary"?-V Ma.
A.-Barbary is the part Of northern Africa
bounded on the east by Egypt, on the west
by the Atlantic Ocean, on the south by the
Sahara. and on the north by the Mediter-
ranean 1t comprises Morocco, Algeria, Tlni-
STA and Tripol The name Is derived from
the Berbers. the chief inhabitants of the
region.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1949-07-26

@. What kind Of plant is the obedient
plant?-M. D.
A. This is a North American herb of the
mint family, Physostegia virginiana The
flower has the peculiar characteristic of
remaining for time at whatever angle it
may be placed in reference, to the stem.
Q.-How many ounces of flour are there
in 16-ounce loaf Of white bread?-W. NH.
A.-According to baking authority there
are approximately IL ounces of flour In q
16-ounce loaf of bread.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1949-07-26
freedom Of Choice" Regarded
As an American Right
To the Editor OF The Star:

To the Editor OF Inc star:
We have with us today racial agitators
who flagrantly charge that racial tensions
and riots are peculiar to the United States
alone. and that therefore we have much
to apologize for to the world at large. How
ever. history countermands this allegation
For instance. not too long ago much publicity
was given to racial massacres in South Africa
involving East Indians and the African black
natives.
So long as races of alien physical and
cultural characteristics are thrown together
in great numbers. their unbridgeable differ
ences, which inherently prevail, will create
frictions and from time to time erupt into
violence. The only logical solution is for
each racial group to mingle amongst its
own.
OF course, in this country we have freedom
of choice and some accordingly choose to
associate with alien racial groups. But
freedom of restricted racial assembly also
is one of our basic rights, so that when
compulsory biracialism is attempted the only
result is violence. The present ruse to impose
forced biracial RECOMMENDATION in our social
and recreational spheres will continue to be
opposed vigorously by those who believe in
and uphold the American principle OF free
dom of choice NORTHERNER
Suggests Violation of FEPC Principle
In Appointing Successor to Justice Murph:
To the Editor of The Star
Press reports indicate that the Admins
tration considers that one requirement OF
the successor to Justice Murphy is that ne
must be Catholic.
Seems to me l have heard President
Truman recently urging prompt enactment
of an FEPC law. one section of which
would prohibit consideration Of race, creed
or color in giving employment.
n MASON
Evening star., 1949-02-08

q. sweet foreet-me-nots and yel-
low rosebuds to hold in her hand
or pin at her waist, $3.50
b. giant pink eornotion button
Mere, ST
c. pink and blue Of disormlne
cluster Of rosebuds and forget
me-nots, ST
d. for someone who reIishes big,
bold accessories, a bunch Of yell
low double daisies, $3.50
w&L-Artiflcial Flowers, Aisle Is.
First Floor
@. Swiss Cotton hondkerohiefs,
welI-sueored with cotton Volen-
tine lace, So
Other lacy hondkerehiefs, $3.50
TO S5.e5
Sentimental cord. to tuck your
honkie gift in, loe
sw&L-Handkerchief Aisle Is,
First Floor
{. quaint pin clusters. gilt metal
lace shapes, heoped with colored
stone and .peorIy flowers. Each
with tax, $40
w&L-Costume Jewelry, Aisle 5,
First Floor
q. paper heart, full of luscious
oIooed. fruits. pound, S1.3s,
z pounds, $z.35
Evening star., 1949-02-08

h. big red heart with q daisy to
say she does . Norris nuts and
fruits in cordial, all richly choc-
oIote covered, SITS to S.
W&L-candies, Aisle a. First Floor
]. erond Iody glove Of sholinnor
fine double woven cotton with q
color surprise inside the ruffle.
Black or navy with pink, brown
with beige, all black, all white, s.
w&L-Gloves, Aisle 1s, First Floor
k. Valentine red suede Bag
a dainty box. Comes too, in eroy,
green, boIencioeo, navy suede
and black plastic patent finish,
1854
I. top handle bog Of coIorfuI
suede Tor black plastic patent
finish) to hold much love, $3.50
prices include tax
W&L-Leather Goods, Aisle 8,
First Floor
m. sheer nyIon stockings by Jone
WondI, IS denier, 81 eouee, in
soft spring shodes. Pair, $1.e5
Tuck them in q tiny Valentine
heart, q box to hold one or three
poirs, zoe
W&L-Hosiery. Aisle 10, First Floor
, 1949-09-12

lJacobs): MIR. Chairman. M something
lis wrong the st. Thomas members
should state it in the cable. I see no
reason why we should wait.
The Chairman (Harrigan): Il am
sure by this time they have secured
!passagenf the bill so let JUS give them
AN opportunity to come and give rea-
son If sanythereibe.
End Member for ChristianstedC ounr
try District lWu1ff): Mr.. Chairman.
Let us advance the bill eon the order
of the day and pass it before they
come.
The Chairman lHarrigan): We can
not very well do that.
list Member for Frederiksted Coun-
try District 0Skeoch): MFR. chairman.
Iftthe bill, as amended and lis now be-
fore LUIS, is the joint faction of both
Councils L would suggest that they
lbe1askedlto given easonwhy weShould
hold up passage until they come.
1stMemher for hriStiansted GounE
try (Chase):.Mr Chairman. What,hour
do you think they will arrive here?
The Chairman lHarrigan): After
two Onlack.
list Member furC hristiansted Coun-
try District iChase): Mr.. chairman.
They ARE going Ito have "a conference
with the Governor before they leave
st. Thomas, no IN knows whether
that conference will Ehe over before
they.are ready.tol leave sotthat I agree
with list Member flor FrederiksteH
Country District (Skeoch) that they
give reason why they are asking us
ito hold up passage nf THE bill until
they come.
list Member for Frederiksted Inun-
try District l(Skeoch): MI. Chairman.
lis the cable SO worded that it re-
oquires a lreply? Please read 1t.
The Chairman complied with the
request.
1st Member for FrederiksteH Uoun-
try District .(Skeoch): Mr. chairman.
1 Withdrawlmy suggestion. Let us op-
erate as we ssee fit.
The Chairman J(Harrigan): We will
now proceed with the reading af the
communications.
Radio Telephone Message from Act
ing Governor Morris #. de Castro of
March A, .l949, relative to information
received from the Division Lnf Terri
, 1949-09-12

1919 is approved.
The journal of the proceedings of
Council of january 18, 1919 was read
and approved.
The following communications ne
ceived since the last meeting were
read:
Cable from Honorable Roy p. Cor
don, Chairman of THE Municipal
Council pf st. Thomas and ST. John
of March 8, 1919, advising that the
Municipal Committee of st. Thomas
would like tosit inthe meetingCuf st.
tCroix Council when Tax Exemption
Bill is being considered.
The Chairman .Harrigan): Before
reading the remainder of the com
smunlcatiors I wish to state that your
Chairman along with the Assistanttto
the Council went to ST. Thomas on
Friday 18th instant and we sat in CON
ference with the District Attorney in
the afternoon on the Tax Exemption
Bill and late in the evening with the
Council over there aon the same bill
and other Legislative matters. 1ddomot
know that it is necessary for LUIS to
sit with them again. What is the wish
tof Council?
1st Member for Fr~ederiksted Coun-
try District (SkeocD: Have they pass
ced the bill over there?
The Chairman (Harrigan): Yes.
LIST Member for IF ederiksted Goun-
try District .(Skeoch): What odo you
imagine has taken place?
The Chairman (Harrigan): Yes.
know.
LIST Member for Frederiksted Coun-
try District (Skeoch): If it is fat ;ac-
ccompli5ineSt Thomas Il hardly see the
need for further conference with
them. If the Governor has vetoed the
bill that would ~giveIreason, but lin its
present form Il do mot think it lis ne
,cessary to have further conference.
The chairman t(Harrigan): Il hardly
think the GOVERNOR will veto the bill.
LIST Member for Freder1ksted Goun-
try District 0Skeoeh): Did you give
them the assurance that we would
pass it intthei form they have amend
ed it?
The Chairman Harrigan):: Yes.
= - NM - ~ 49, .
try District t(Skeoch): That is proper
If you did Itwould1b be: myssuggestion
Ito send a reply ito their ucabIe easkino