davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1949-06-29
No Couse to investigate the FBI

1t is reassuring, though not surprising.
to learn that President Truman has no
intention of ordering an investigation OF
the Federal Bureau of Investigation and its
methods of operation. He has acted wisely
in announcing this fact publicly through
White House spokesman. The announce
ment should put an end to the clamor by
some critics of the FBI-most Of 1t intem-
perate and i'll reasoned-for an impartial
study Of the bureaus investigative, report
ing and filing policies.
The demands for an investigation of the
investigators came in the wake Of the dis
closure of confidential FBI files at the
Coplon trial. The disclosure was made
against the advice and and over the pro-
test of Director Hoover. But the release of
which have been made on Mr.. Hoover and
his agency by those who were shocked at
the publication of "unevaluated informa-
tion.' From all reports, Mr.. Hoover. too.
was shocked that they were published. The
files in question are no different, in the
nature Of their content, from those in
other intelligence organizations. The FBI
uses the same questioning techniques, rec
ords its findings and holds its reports for
future reference in the same way that
other investigative agencies in this country
and abroad do. There is nothing in its
long record under Mr.. Hoover to warrant
fears of witch hunt tactics or other abuses
of its authority. And until there Is some
evidence of such tactics or abuses, there
is no reason to conduct the proposed
investigation.
Evening star., 1949-06-29
Judgeship Restrictions

The Senate-approved restrictions on new
District Court judgeships have the desir-
able objective of insuring representation
on that tribunal of judges who have bene-
flied from the actual practice of law. The
restrictions also would prevent selection OF
the three new judges from present or
recent employees of the executive establish
ment But there is little wisdom in writing
into law such limitations on presidential
appointive powers.
Under the McCarran amendment, all
three nominees for the proposed new Dis
trict Court vacancies must have been
"actively engaged in the private practice
of law" and must have been free of any
Federal employment for three years pre-
ceding their appointment. Two OF them
must have been engaged in the private
practice of law in the District for at least
five consecutive years prior to appointment.
The restrictions would apply permanently
to three District Court judgeships.
Chairman McCarran of the Judiciary
Committee told the Senate the provisions
are intended to give the District Bar ade-
quate representation on the court and to
most District Court judgeships to Govern
ment attorneys, some of whom have had
little or no experience before the bench.
But, as Senator McGrath of the District
Committee pointed out on the floor no
such standards for other Federal judge
ships have been set up by law. There are
residence requirements for Federal judge
ships outside of the District, but nothing
else. Senator McGrath expressed his belief
that the President would veto the whole
tudgeShip measure If such limitation
were imposed on him. 1t would automat-
Eally exclude from presidential consider
alton men who might be exceptionally well
fitted to serve on the District bench, but
who lacked few months of practice to
qualify or who had accepted call to Gov
ernment service within the three-year
period.
The President should not be handicapped
by an inflexible legal provision in seeking
the best possible men for the three addi-
tional District Court judgeships provided
in the pending legislation. No such re-
strictions would apply in the case of the
three new appellate court judgeships. The
Senator's action may have salutary
effect, however, in bringing to the atten-
tion of the President and the Attorney
General the desirability of choosing for
these posts lawyers who, in addition to
other qualifications, have had the advan-
tages of court experience. And If it will
induce the Attorney General, who makes
recommendations to the White House, to
give more consideration to candidates Sug-
gested by the District Bar Association, so
much the better But The Star believes
that the prospect of a presidential veto on
the vital judgeship legislation as whole
and the questions as to the propriety, If
not the constitutionality of restricting the
presidential appointive powers, warrant
elimination in conference of the McCarran
amendment
Evening star., 1949-06-29
Warns Of Dancer Of Intrudtng
On Avenue Safety Zone
-s n. Ea..a. G. res ss.r

iSe Ed4%as es Esar
Is II necessary that some one b. killed O.
seriously injured al the intersection @.
Thirteenth street and Pennsylvania avenue
NV, before anything car Or vsll be cons
20 eliminate the DANGEROUS practice OF The
part O: motorists who are making left-hAnd
turns from the Avenue into Thirteenth. O.
cutting short through the pedestrian safety
Zone N the center Of the Avenue south q
the streetcar tracks Every csy many pr
sons find IL necessary 10 cross the Avenue Rt
this point, and very. very often some Of these
persons also find II necessary 20 leap for iaeir
lives 20 get out o. the way OF such !ncon-
slderate and reckless drivers.
The walk light stops pedestrian tra.nc
in the center Of the Avenue and the safety
zone outlined with white stripes IS provided
presumably, for the protection Of TIE pc
destrians, But II appears that AZ least three
fourths OF the drivers making the left-hand
turn at this point cut short olagonally across
and through the safety zone The following
proof o. the prevalence OF this practice Is
offered Since extensive repairs TO the sur
face OF the pavement al this intersection
were made last winter. II has been necessary
10 paint the white lines outlining the safety
zone twice tthe last time was IN April, and
II will very soon be necessary TO paint these
lines again. as they rapidly are being ooiiter-
ated, not by the shoes Of pedestrians, but hv
the tires of automobiles which should never
cross these lines al all.
Seldom is there a trafic oficer on duty
at this corner. but when one Is, he is much
too busy blowing his whistle at pedestrians
TO even notice the motorists short cutting"
through the safety zone. much less TO speak
to a motorist or give out q ticket for this
offense. Or can 1t be that there is no law
or traffic regulation prohibiting the danger
Gus practice referred to?
A solution 10 the problem might be 10
make the safety zone raised platform or
island this should prevent most If not all.
OF the short-cutting.
Evening star., 1949-06-29
The BeIqiun Elections

The outcome of the Belgian parlia-
mentary elections has several interesting
aspects. The outstanding one is the failure
of the Social Christian Party to obtain an
outright majority in the next Chamber OF
Deputies which would have enabled it
to do away with the present coalition ar
rangement and form a cabinet exclusively
its own.
The Social Christians represent the con-
servative and clerical elements in the
population. The party likewise reflects the
linguistic and cultural division of Belgium
between Flemings and WalloonS. The
Flemish-speaking part of Belgium is more
strongly Roman Catholic, more conserva-
tive in outlook, and more rural than the
Walloons, who speak French and include
the chief urban and industrial areas. Al
though the two racial elements are ap-
proximately equal numerically the Flem-
ings tend to vote more as unit, whereas
the Walloons tend to divide between the
Socialist, Communist and Liberal parties.
The result is that the Social Christians
have long been the largest single party in
parliament, though they have not in recent
years been able to transform their plurality
into majority.
This was their aim in the current elec-
ton. They were encouraged by the fact
that, for the first time, women exercised
the franchise, and women slightly out
number men in Belgium. Since women are
traditionally supposed to be more cleri-
cally inclined than men, the Social Chris
tians hoped to benefit notably. Their lead
ing plank was the return of King Leopold
to the throne in place of his younger
brother, Prince Charles, who has been
ruling as Regent ever since the end of the
war. The Kings return is complex and
highly controversial issue, involving his
wartime attitude toward the Germans and
his morganatic marriage to lady who
comes from a distinguished Flemish and
clerical family. In order to effect their
proposal for a plebiscite on the Kings
return, the Social Christians would have
had to get majority in parliament, all
Evening star., 1949-06-29
Reappointment Of Chairman
OF PUG Protested by ProEressiyes

To the Editor OF The Star:
The article In The Star OF June 23.
announcing the nomination of James H.
Flanagan for a third term with the PUG. was
read with amazement by those Of us who are
familiar with his record. The article stated
that Mr. Flanagan continues to preside over
the PUG with his usual, quiet. unrufled
dignity"
During the hearings held last summer.
resulting in the latest increase in Capital
Transit fares, Mr.. Flanagan favored the
company by constant arbitrary rulings and
by closing the case without permitting the
Washington Committee for Consumer Pro-
lection a single days continuance after
cross-examination to prepare testimony or
secure technical witnesses The Peoples
Counsel criticized the evidence accepted by
the PUG.
Mr.. Flanagan's record is one OF fragrant
favoritism toward the public utilities and
open hostility toward the representatives of
the people who have opposed the continuous
increases In utility rates granted by the PUG.
Between 1912 and l945 Mr.. Flanagan took
the lead in delaying rate reduction proceed
ings against Capital Transit for four years.
even though the company was earning
81 500 900 over and above a 6 per cent return
and the CIO had asked for a prompt hearing
in 1914.
BY contrast, when the PUG. In May. l947.
approved an increase in Capital Transit
rates. it allowed the higher rates to become
effective only So hours later. even though
the law provided 30-day period for recon-
sideration. On June 5. l947. Mr.. Flanagan.
at the hearings held before the Senate Dis
trict Committee, admitted that he and PUG
had decided in advance when they entered
this order to deny any petition for recon-
sideration which might be filed. Senators
Capper. Holland and Sparkman sharply
criticized this action.
The Progressive Party Of the District OF
Columbia feels that Mr.. Flanagans record
of constant favoritism toward the public
utilities and open hostility to representatives
of the people show that he Is not qualified
to serve as chairman of the Public Utilities
Commission. We condemn the nomination
of Mr. Flanagan and call on the people Of
the District of Columbia to protest against
his reappointment and urge that person
truly representative of the interests OF the
District be appointed.
1t should be pointed out that this situation
obtains in the District where we are vote
less, and should further stimulate the people
to see to it that Home Rule for the District
is a must Of the 81st Congressional is. in
the House of Representatives, q bill for
Home Rule and Reorganization Of the Dis
trict Government having passed the Senate.
GERTRUDE EVANS.
Executive Secretary. Progressive Party.
Evening star., 1949-06-29
The Best Way Out

The apparent reluctance of the Presi-
dent to be put in position where he would
have to cut from to 10 per cent out OF
the funds appropriated for the executive
establishment in the next fiscal year is
understandable. But it is beginning to look
as though this is the best, If not the only,
way to avoid deficit Of we'll over billion
dollars.
It is, of course, the responsibility of Con-
gress to appropriate funds, and there Is
more than suggestion Of politics in the
Republican, dominated move to pass the
buck to the President. There is one curious
aspect of this situation. In former years
there has been agita ton, Endorsed by the
White House, to give the President the
power of item veto over appropriation bills.
In other words, the President would have
the power to veto selected items, and the
present proposal Is very similar to that A
decade ago, however, Congress was strongly
opposed to such plan. Now, 1t seems, the
opposition comes from the other end of
Pennsylvania avenue.
Be that as it may, the fact remains that
sixty-one Senators have signed petition
directing the President to make the econ
omy cuts, and enough others have signihed
their support to indicate that a veto of
the proposal would be overrdden in the
Senate.
What Majority Leader Lucas will do in
this situation is uncertain. His position
has wavered, but he seems to be against
the plan, presumably in line with the Pres
ident's wishes. Five weeks ago, however,
Senator Lucas said he was opposed to Re-
publican efforts to trim each appropriation
bill per cent, and that Republican econ
omy effort collapsed. But at the same time
the Majority Leader said he would support
move by Democrats on the Appropria-
tions Committee to work out some formula
for economy.
1t looks as though Mr.. Lucas now has
that formula. He does not seem too happy
about it, perhaps because of the prepon-
derance of Republican signatures on the
petition, but he must know that the choice
is between this plan and deficit. And he
must also know that the administration
cannot escape the obligation to do its best
to avoid a deficit simply because the Con-
gress lodged its responsibility.
Evening star., 1949-06-29
Secrecy Can Hurt

There Is nothing particularly new IN
what DR.. Karl T. Compton has just said
about secrecy and security. But it is the
sort of thing that needs to be restated
and re-emphasized in these days when all
too many people seem to have the idea
that rigid ond wholesale controls on scien-
tific information will automatically pro-
mote the safety of the Nation.
Nothing could be less true. Speaking as
chairman of the Research and Develop
ment Board, our top agency for scientific
planning, DR.. Compton has reminded
everybody that secrecy and security are
far from being synonymous. OF course, in
such fields as atomic energy and guided
missiles, common sense demands that re-
strictions be placed on various types of
information But common sense also de-
mandS, as DR.. Compton has warned, that
those restrictions should not be carried to
excess, for If they are, then they are likely
to hurt us much more than they will help.
Actually, excessive secrecy can be dan
gerous. An iron-curtain atmosphere is not
conducive to the development of new ideas
In DR.. Compton's words, science flourishes
best under conditions that permit free
inquiry. Restraints hold it back, put a
brake on its progress, handicap it wher-
ever it needs to move without binders.
If in the field of A-weapons, for example,
we should allow only twenty-five experts
to know about a project that could be
handled better if fifty knew about it, some
other country conceivably could catch up
with us or outstrip us in the atomic race.
Unfortunately, given the kind of world
we have, large measure OF, secrecy is
necessary. As DR.. Compton has said, how
ever. such secrecy is "the negative or de-
fensive aspect of security" and we must
be on guard against the danger of carry
ing 1t so far that we impede the "con-
tinual chronological progress" on which
we must primarily rely to keep the Nation
secure. The point should be mulled over
by anybody who supposes that the way to
be safe is to place everything in impene-
trable darkness.
Evening star., 1949-06-29
Urges Abolition Of Segregation
In Schools rs an Economy Move

Urges Abolition Of Segregation
In Schools rs an Economy Move
To Editor OF The Star:
In its lead editorial June "a The Star
quite properly was concerned over several
Confessional activities-generous provision
for sick leave bills for teachers. increased
pension for widows and orphans OF police
men and firemen--all OF which in the end
will cost the taxpayers more money. In
asmuch as no one approves careless spend
ing of public funds. The Star is to be COM
mended for It's study Of such alleged reck-
less spending.
After gagging on such relatively small n
nance. however, the editorial policy had an
about face and strongly supported the sI.-
600. 900 school building program. Only
question was the method OF financing both
methods of course depending on the tax
payers.
Although a third Star editorial no doubt
clearly could make these declarations show
consistency, the purpose OF this letter Is not
to question editorial logic, not TO question
whether The Star should oppose what 1t
doesn't like and support what 1t does In
whatever form il sees At. The purpose OF
this letter is to urge study OF this $4l .ooo,-
900 to see whether the taxpayers money Is
going down the drain as an effort to main
tain an expensive dual school system.
For example in spite Of 5000 vacant pupil
stations in white high schools ESTIMATED TO
rise to 5000 in the year l960l. the school
building program recommends not one or
two but three new high schools for Negro
children. who. of course. certainly need
more adequate housing both in building
quality and sufhcient number OF pupil
stations A new Cardozo VIII cost $3.50 900:
yet Central and Roosevelt. two white schools.
together have enough vacancies to house
the overflow at Cardozo. and the vacancies
at Eastern and Mckinley. two more white
high schools. easily could take care OF the
basic capacity Of Cardozo. Negro high
school children come from all OF these areas
to Cardozo. And to circumvent q predictable
several million dollar request for new ad-
ministration building. The Star might look
into saving that much by the use Of CaTdozo
for the administration headquarters.
The Consolidated Parent Group. led By
Gardner c. Bishop. certainly Is right in call
ing for the end OF the dual school system
on grounds of unequal educational facilities
in a segregated system. He can add TO that
sound justification the following: End the
I school system because 1t costs the ~
Evening star., 1949-06-29
Lines TO An Oyererovn Hobby

Her sa6 egn, ray hobby hoFss.
TO sec 1oa otsfgFoas
To xaeh sxfewt fhos p0s assgsss
ThH arrogance Of soae
Whsle I, arho oaee Gasropefs6 Eoa
rnHaftesd on shs sheaf.
Hare snorke6 20 hard 10 r#Gkf gcs fhFixs
RE mecy eoEs@ngsa nasesT
Ecsr haynsxsa BY ypA kpse sagk.
who thnas6 he garTn ztth pride.
Fos es4 sos shs GrfGea ons
Ard if IL pag tsho rsss. ----
HElEs ROWLAND PkoAMEI~
Evening star., 1949-06-29

PAYERS easily 3 au&sts- mare than a. Znte.
grated sys;eT
The Star a. q lsac1rg eSs1sgEs 2rlSsT ard
national Newspaper . urged te ss14y atsss
dual school ssx;er .qf tae cast II i1s TAI
payer IN pros sad4nS duplicate tsea4s2r>~-z -
building giant high schoc4s wf83e u.hes ea@.
ca:lonal giants are e:sck ghosts
MARY KELSEY COOKE
Evening star., 1949-06-29
Says Mr.. Stsars Failed
Ts Answer Accusations
70 The Ealssr ss Tas star

tn* EasNnF
had q good deal Of sympathy with
MeSsrs Strgas and Boks os the Interior
Department In their controversy sstn Con-
gsess until ! read ths statement Of Mr. Bos.
former counsel Of the House Committee,
and of Mr.. Straus IN The Star Of June 70
Mr.. Bow cited certain definite andangs Of
the committee with respect 10 MeSssx- ssraus
and Bcke.
Mr. Sfraas In his rpsy did not anKsFr
o single one Of these accusations Al ne GIG
vas 70 call names and attempt 10 dssessdis
the committee. bM-A-
Evening star., 1949-06-29
Letters to The Star

Letters fc- r=A.As:so- ~.aH eear
the agscs&rs e-1 sS3rsss es :Af
E-t.s-. e!:acEsh Is pcr~anAs -
q sevrte- s=oa~~ .o -As Sts+ e. &ss
q nc-s de rfa-t Please - hrss'
Evening star., 1949-06-29
Questions and Answers

A reader can 81. the snswer te sBsstins ~
;Att hs sfiflns Ths NKahinstbH k~sntBs Ntst is'
f6smAtlpn bureau Ata Fys stfssi v. MsshEAss
ton 3, y e Plsaas tneiess thfss "a eshts f@
return pestsss
Evening star., 1949-06-29
n, THE uasKrS SERVICE

@ Who originated the musical slogan of
the three great Bk9 o r
A, II was Baron Hans Won Balow sie3o-
"a noted yioliniSt and conductor and son-
in-iaw OF Iikzt who coined the slogan of
the three great Bs. Bach. Beethoven and
Brahms
Evening star., 1949-06-29

O. How much edible meat can be obtained
from q whale? q r r.
A. There are approximately az tons 81
prime cuts in n whale In Japan and Nor
way. whale meat has long becn an article
OF food.
Evening star., 1949-06-29
Yes. Some University Teachers
Are Not Csnspicueusiy Anti He'd
Il shs AsstsE e. IL ssar

A number Of our universities are refusing
TO circulate antl-Communixt oaths This Ia
not surprising II seems that 10 be o pro-
fessor nowadays you must have pink CON-
psexion ANDY LARMAs
Evening star., 1949-06-29

@ What does the name ''Thailand" meant
How many times has this country changed
its name s. o r
A. Thaliand means Land of the Frrs"
and In the present name Of tie country.
having been restored May l. is4a By The
Premier Formerly known Siam, The
country became Tha.land durinS World War
II. but changed back Ia Siam afterwards
for PURPOSES Of foreign feIat4oftk
Evening star., 1949-06-29

c. What tn ths Negro ssrsnsth Of the
Army ID. Mem
A. Current Negro strength Of ttss Army s
i.i73 officers and i.iss enlisted men as
compared wIsh officers ard approximately
800 enlisted narn In 1879.
Evening star., 1949-06-29

c What In The orixin of Ahay'. iass ira
eI,lonaI hal On sl1ippo6rc7 X. AeB
A. Ahoy was onne tsss battle eFy a thl
VIKINGS
Evening star., 1949-06-29

Q What are the three kind o. Stores
used in a baseball same 7 A l.
A. Three kinds Of gloves used Ia e sass
ball same ate. The first basesnant m1t TIE
catchsr's mltf and the nTIdsrs giosea
Evening star., 1949-06-29

@ To what extent does smoke Fsdues
the sunshine In ssw YORK City, L. A., n
A. Smoke reduces the sunshine at an
average bright day by ~ pr cent la TIE
early morning and IL per cen, ~ noon.
Evening star., 1949-06-29

@ Does ilas s&s pFoTice greater penalty
than usual for striking D person wlso 10
wearing glasses, l. l. y.
A. A Ttaie the law does not specifically
MAKE such q prov asso1 bss In Rii probability
q ladse In pAsasEg sentence wusaad take aaso
consideration TIRE fart that sersor wearing
sps<sAeles weuad Dc more !ikesy 20 ew IL
iured By hluw Ia tsss face than cz4a H0s
wearing tS9Frn