davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1949-06-16
D. {. and U. 5. Join
Coaster Race Officials
In Plans for Derby

! The cooperation Of the District
and Federal Governments In stag
ing the 1949 Washington Soap Box
Derby has been assured. Frank j
Murphy. jr.. director Of racing,
said today.
Mr.. Murphy said plans for ham
ding the large crowd expected to
watch the eighth running of the
coaster car race were virtually
completed at a recent meeting OF
District and Federal Government
officials and the Derby Committee,
To Inspect Site.
The group will inspect the Derby
site - Pennsylvania avenue be-
tween Branch and Alabama ave-
nues S.E.-Tuesday morning when
| 1t will be decided where to pitch
tents for the band. the first aid
station and the finish line COM
mittee.
Officials working with the Derby
Committee include Edward Kelly.
assistant to the superintendent Of
the National Capital Park Office:
Inspector Arthur e. Miller, OF the
Metropolitan Police Traffic Divi-
sion; j. H. Milton, traffic engineer
with the TRAFFIC Department; j.
H. Dick, of the District Sewer De-
partment; Capt. P. D. Regis. Of
the Military District Of Washing
ton, and ]. N. Robertson. director
of the Department Of Highways.
Coaster Gable Available.
Mr.. Murphy said that many
Derby contestants have called to
say they've had trouble finding
the proper cable for their steering
gear construction. He said the
w T. Weaver Co.. hardware store,
1908 Wisconsin avenue NV. had
an ample supply.
Mr.. Murphy also said the fol-
lowing additional entries have been
received by the Derby Committee
Donald r. Walker, IL. Of 652e
Fifth street NV; Ted Lindahl. Is
of 70S Kennedy street NV: Jo-
seph B. Amlong. IL; Thomas K
Amlong, IS, and Ransom j. Am
long, rs. of r. r. y. 4, Alexandra,
Va; Donald Carlson ssl3. Of 3417
Carpenter street Sc. and Ken
meth Nv. Butler. 13. Of 1882 Nash
place Sc.
(June rs Is deddline for
Derby registrations-get yours
in toddy.J
Evening star., 1949-09-01

to iust how the truce, troop Withdrawals,
and plebiscite terms should be effected.
So, although fighting has stopped, the
opposing forces remain in contact and the
conflict could be resumed at any time.
While such . conflict remains possible,
India and Pakistsn are alike impeded from
giving their full attention to and concert
ing a joint policy toward the waxing
Communist menace to all Asia stemming
from the Red advance through China. In
any effective defensive combination Of
Free Asia" against the Red menace, India
and Pakistan are obviously vital factors.
BY calling their attention to this, Presi-
dent Truman would seem to indicate a
new Eastern policy on our part designed
toward this end. It is significant that his
plea comes shortly before the visit Of Prime
Minister Nehru to Washington, scheduled
for next month. Favorable developments
in the Kashmir issue would greatly clarity
the matters then to be discussed.
Evening star., 1949-09-01
Dr.. Huns Kinder

DR.. Hans kinder naQ earned warm
place in the hearts of his admirers.
He was virtual stranger when he came
to Washington in 1881. During the ensuing
eighteen years he created the National
Symphony Orchestra-now an enduring
memorial to his labors. What trials, what
disappointments, what Illustrations he en-
countered were known to few besides him
self. For DR.. Kinder was not a man to
dwell upon the negative side Of his expert
ence. His energies were devoted to achieve
ment, and the 1,436 concerts produced by
him testify to the magnitude of his accom-
plishment.
DR.. Kinder gave many things to this
community: But perhaps his greatest con-
tribution was his ownu personality. Well
versed in an international viewpoint with
respect to music, he insisted that the public
accept and cultivate the highest stand
ards. No one with comparable ideas and
the ability to put them across had domi-
mated musical circles here to the same
degree for many years.
Teaching people how to work together
to develop great institution, DR.. Kinder
led them step by step to an appreciation
and an understanding of the best in old
and new music. At the beginning, his
programs were planned to conform to the
capabilities of the musicians at hand
Gradually he added more difficult works,
until the repertoire included the greatest
He drew more highly trained musicians to
Washington, and he drew also upon the
sources available to him from his knowl-
edge of the art, history, literature and
manner of living Of several countries.
Probably his most lasting influence was
upon the children and young people of the
community. No one surpassed him in his
approach to children. He knew well how
to meet them at their level and then how
to direct their minds and their talents to
higher planes. Always, however, whether
working with his youthful or his adult
audience, what mattered most to him was
in the words of the National Symphony
board-"the perpetuation of great music,
its understanding and enjoyment by the
people" That was worthy goal, and he
spent the best part Of his life driving
selflessly toward 1t.
To those who enjoyed personal rela-
tionship with DR.. Kinder, his death means
more than the passing Of q towering figure
In the cultural life Of the city. They have
lost good companion and good friend.
Evening star., 1949-09-01
Welcome on Both Counts

The District Highway Department has
1ust done two things which merit word
of commentator.
The saws and the axes and whatever else
Is used to chop down trees and tear up
park land were sharpened and ready last
week to cut street through the little park
east of New York Avenue Presbyterian
Church. The idea was to make H street
available for two-way traffic, which might
of itself have some merit, but no thought
apparently had been given to the effect on
the church or the park. At any rate, the
church officials knew nothing OF the prof.
ect in advance, nor, it seems, did any one
else
When the matter came to light the trus-
tees of the church got busy and worked out
an alternate plan. This has been submitted
to Acting Director of Highways Samuel r.
Harrison, and while Mr.. Harrison does not
commit himself, he has indicated that the
substitute proposal will receive sympa-
thetic consideration. This is all to the
good.
The second thing is even more impor-
tant. Mr. Haruson's department. says that
henceforth the public will be fully in
formed in advance of any street channel
ization projects In other words, those
people who cling to the belief that there
is virtue in green grass and shade trees,
as well as in paving and channeling pro-
grams, will have a chance to speak their
piece before rather than after the deci-
sions have been made. This is good
thing, for while highway modernization is
necessary in growing city, there are those
who believe that this should be done with
the minimum of damage to the natural
beauty of the community, and they are
entitled to the right to be heard.
Evening star., 1949-09-01
General Vuuqhun's Day

General Vaughan has had his DAY IN
court. The President had asked that public
judgment be suspended until his military
aide could tell his own story, and he i'm
piled that much evidence favorable to the
general had been withheld by the Senate
investigating committee.
Now the Vaughan story is on the record,
and he certainly does not appear In any
better light. If anything, he looks pettier
than he did before.
The testimony pro and con does not show
that General Vaughan, except for the
freezer incident, prohted personally from
his activities. But no one had ever accused
him of that. The testimony, however, does
raise some question as to his veracity and
it does reveal him as man with curious
insensibility to the distinction which most
people would make between what is right
and what is wrong.
The question of veracity arises from two
things. former Department of Agricul-
ture official testified that General Vaughan
tried to intimidate him in intervening for
a molasses firm which had violated a
rationing order. The general denied this.
The other concerned his Intervention in
behalf Of passport applicant. Mrs. Ruth
Shipley, who handles passports for the
State Department, noted on the form that
General Vaughan had said the President
was personally interested in the applica-
tion.> The general also denies this, and
one can believe whomever he wishes.
The balance of the case against General
Vaughan bears on the dubious character
of his activities. He sees nothing wrong in
accepting campaign contributions from
people for whom he has done or tried
to do favors in his White Muse capacity.
He has no hesitation IN using his official
station to get favorable action taken on
a questionable application by race track
friends for scarce building materials. One
of his close buddies was that Senate
Office Building character" John Maragon,
who kept his finger in about as many
queer deals as any one man could
manage. On Tuesday, General Vaughan
stands by this friend, and says that he
would recommend him again for mission
to Greece But on Wednesday he changes
his tune and says Maragon will have to
be "fumigated" before he will have any
thing more to do with him.
These are the highlights of the case
against the general. Perhaps the Presi-
dent will find them unobjectionable. If
so, that means that Mr.. Truman, like his
aide, is Indifferent to normal distinctions
between right and wrong In public life.
If he wants to keep General Vaughan
as his personal friend, that is his business.
But If he intends to keep him on in his
present capacity, that is another matter.
Even President has no right to debase
the Executive office and depreciate public
respect for the activities that make up
the function. of that Office.
Evening star., 1949-09-01
DoIIors and Britoin's Colonies

NEGOTIATIONS now in progress between
the British government and the Worlc
Bank on q dollar loan for British colonia
DEVELOPMENT have a threefold significance
In the first place, such loan would further
the program for economic advancement
of Britain's colonial empire now well under
way. secondp, this program, If successful
would notably ease the chronic dollar
shortage of Britain and most OF the
sterling area. Lastly, the valorization Of
Britain's still extensive colonial depend
encies throughout the world would be
major step in realizing President Truman's
Point Four" program to develop back
ward areas.
A year and half ago, Britain launched
its plan for economically rehabilitating
its colonial empire by setting up an organi-
zation called the Colonial Development
Corporation under the Craftsmanship o1
Lord Trefgarne, an outstanding business
executive The corporation has divided
the colonial developmental areas into five
main administrative divisions-one ir
the Americas, three in Africa, and one In
the Far East. Preparatory studies and
planning have been completed, and nearly
a score of specific projects have been
started, especially in Africa, with many
more in the blueprint stage. All projects
must be commercially sound and self
liquidating on long-run basis. revolv-
ing fund of 100000 sterling has been
authorized, of which about 100000 is
already involved.
The reason why the corporation is ap-
preaching the World Bank for a dollar
loan is that, while four -fifths of the equip
ment needed can be obtained from Sterling
sources, certain types vitally necessary
must be purchased in the United States,
and those marginal requirements run to
about $4,000, ,000-the amount asked for
from the bank. It is understood that
further such loans will be asked for as
more projects get under way. However,
the. corporation is ready to pledge all its
sterling equipment as security for the
dollar portion. Furthermore, the spread
and variety Of the projects enhances the
loan security, including as they do such
diversihcation as tung-oil and ground-nuts
(peanuts) projects in Africa, gold-dredg-
ing in British Guiana, sealing in the Falk-
land Islands, and hemp growing in North
Borneo. This is graphic proof of the
extent Of the empire and the diversity Of
its natural resources and developmental
possibilities
Evening star., 1949-09-01


fses C. eE S1saf M
return return p postage f''' 'A''''' W,
BY THE HASKIN SERVICE
O. What became of the men who planned
to rob the Lincoln tomb during the election
of 1876? G. H. K.
A. Detectives of the Secret Service in in
vestigating band of counterfeiters became
aware of plot to kidnap the body OF
Abraham Lincoln The agents had appre-
hended man by the name Of Boyd who
was member of the ring, and other men,
bers, Mullins and Hughes, confessed the
idea of stealing the body Of Lincoln and
holding it as ransom for the release Of Boyd.
Their plan was to take the body Of Lincoln
to Indiana and bury it. in some sand dunes
where the wind blew in such way that all
traces of the interment would be quickly
obliterated. When Boyd was released and
a bounty was paid they would return the
body. However, one of the detectives
learned of the plot and the men were ar
rested The Illinois law provided no penalty
for stealing dead body so the men were
each charged with burglary. They were
given a one-year sentence in the State
prison.
O. What is the membership of the Chris
tian Science Church in the United States?
IN. K.
A. The United States membership of the
Christian Science Church is estimated to
be 375,000. Official figures are not issued
for publication.
@. How many persons saw the body Of
Babe Ruth while it lay in state at the Yam
kee stadium?-G. N.
A. The body Of Babe Ruth lay in state
for more than "a hours after his death on
August is, 1948. During this period more
than 100000 persons viewed it.
@. Are there any fish that have eyelids?
*. OBJ.
A. The nearest approach to an eyelid Is
found in certain sharks which possess
sort Of lower eyelid that can be drawn up
to partly or wholly shut the eye. In most
fish the skin of the head passes over the
eyes. becoming. transparent as It crosses the
orbits.
Evening star., 1949-09-01
Proposes Psychological Tests
For Government Officials
To the Editor of The Star:

May suggest that psychiatric examina-
tion should be given to all public officials
who are elected to OF appointed to govern
ment positions which require a certain
minimum amount of specific psychological
balance?
It occurs to me and to some of my friends
that man may be fitted generally for work
because of experience and background edu-
cationally and otherwise yet be temper
mentally and psychologically unfit for a
particular post requiring tact, understanding
and the ability to bring people together for
clarif1cation of problems affecting conflicting
and opposing sides.
Therefore would like to propose that you
query public officials in Washington, men,
bers Of Congress, ETC., asking them whether
they would submit to such tests under appro-
pirate and qualified auspices and, what they
think of the idea.
DICK ROFFMAN.
Evening star., 1949-09-01
Letters to The Star
Advice on Handling Guns
In the Interest of Fewer Accidents
To the Editor of The Star.


In the Interest of Fewer Accidents
To the Editor Of The Star:
One seldom reads a paper which does not
contain a report of an unexpected death due
to gunshot blast. Most of these reports
contain one or more of the following phrases:
HE didn't know it was loaded" "The gun
accidentally discharged" HE playfully
pulled the trigger" 1T was a tragic ac-
cident."
would like to recommend that the press
adopt different attitude. Instead of report
ing all of these as accidents (there may be
few which really are) why not state each
case truthfully and say that the victim died
as result of gross carelessness on the part
of the person handling the gun?
If person does not know enough about
the gun he picks up to determine whether or
not it is loaded, he had better return it at
once to where it was. The statement that
"the gun accidentally went off, is probably
not statement of fact in one case out of
$4,000. Guns do not have habit of going
of of their own accord. The trigger must
invariably be pulled or pressed
The habit of aiming guns at people you
don't intend or desire to shoot should be
made a criminal offense.
A year ago it was a policeman, rookie
to be sure, but now an FBI man, who didn't
know it was loaded" or forgot it was
loaded"
i am not an expert in the handling Of
guns. that is I am not a crack shot. I did.
however, learn a few fundamentals when I
was about II years old. I will repeat few
of them here in the hope that somebody.
somewhere may learn one or two of them,
and perhaps save his own or his friends
life:
Cd A gun is not plaything.
ca Never point it at any one unless you
intend to shoot him.
90 If picking up a strange gun, always
determine if it is loaded
(4 In handling a loaded gun always keep
the muzzle down.
(O Don't climb or crawl under a fence,
taking loaded gun over or under with you.
Lay it on the ground with the muzzle away
from you, and go through the next section
of fence. CARRIER NO. II.
Evening star., 1949-09-01
Gives Reason Why Babies
May Sleep on Their Stomachs
To the Editor of The Star.

May Sleep on Their StOmachS
To the Editor Of The Star:
In his letter in The Star of August %,
H. B. Bradford lays the blame for infants
suffocating in their cribs to the doctors
advice to put the infants to sleep on their
stomachs. But / think the danger lies in
the soft pillow" Mr.. Bradford mentions
I'm sure any pediatrician will advise a
firm, smooth mattress on which the baby
lies, rather than in which it lies, and
absolutely no pillow under the child's head.
believe the normal infant is capable at
birth of raising and turning its head while
prone. though, of course, in soft pillow
it would be difficult or impossible. A pillow
and soft mattress for a baby or growing
child can lead to poor posture. according
to many doctors.
myself am no authority, but 1t seems
logical to me. My doctor told me to place
my baby on his stomach to aid IN breath
ing. His explanation was that any mucus
that might form In the head and nose
would drain down and out. rather tnan
clog up and possibly choke or suf1ocate nlm.
Also, the baby's face would be less apt 70
get covered with blankets while lying on
his stomach, rather than on his back (my
Evening star., 1949-09-01

Letters for publication must bear
the signature and address OF the
,oriter, although It Is permissible for
a ,Driter kno,Dn to The Star to use
a nom de plume. Please be briet.
Evening star., 1949-09-01
Praise for Gen. Clay's Address
On Cooperation Among Free Nations
To the Editor of The STAR


The writer, Cavalry Reserve officer for
many years, has had the privilege. and
opportunity to know and observe many Won
derful officers and enlisted men in our Regu-
lar Army. He has had, however. no personal
acquaintance with Gen. Lucius D. Clay, so
the thought wished to be expressed here
comes simply from one who heard his very
wise. kind and inspiring address at the
American Legion meeting in Philadelphia.
His expression of appreciation of the best
qualities Of the American people and those
of the United Kingdom, France and, yes
Germany, and his faith and confidence in
their desire and ability to get along together
should be very heartening to people who
understand each other even though they do
not speak the same language. He knows from
experience and observation what it takes
Such confidence should be contagious.
More and more of it is needed at this time.
HENRY P. AMES.
Evening star., 1949-09-01

But whether one knew him best as an
intimate or as an exceptionally gifted
musician, all can join in the common pur-
pose of keeping the National Symphony
organization moving forward m the path
which he blaZed for 1t.
Evening star., 1949-09-01
Wants DIR. Rutland Drafted
To Remain in Health Office
To the Editor of The Star.

To Remain in Health Office
To the Editor of The Star:
During the past year number of notices
have appeared in the papers with reference
to the retirement Of DR.. Rutland, our City
Health officer. It has been mentioned that
committee has been appointed and is
actively engaged to find successor.
Health officers require a background
which is not easily obtained. The fact that
the committee has not found a successor
from among the present personnel, Dr.
Ruhlands associates, nor, after a long
search elsewhere, is suggestive of the many
difficulties encountered. It may take some
time before the proper successor is found
am very much puzzled that apparently
it did not occur to anyone to see if DR..
Ruhland could remain in the Office for two
years until the proper successor could be
trained. Your recent editorial regarding
him, entirely fair and considerate as it was,
sounded so much more like an obituary
than a valedictory. There seems to be al
most indecent haste to expedite DR.. Ruiz
lands retirement.
He has done an outstanding piece of work
in city health. Without casting any ref1ec-
tions on his predecessors, it safely may be
said that he revolutionized our city health
service. During his period of service the
city probably has increased less than double,
but the number of people now employed in
the City Health Service and the work done
is manifold. Our infant mortality and ma
ternal mortality are the lowest of many
cities in the United States and are excellent
indexes of health work efficiency. AS a
houseowner. I may say that the trash and
garbage collections are very efficiently done.
One frequently sees these wagons neatly
covered with large cloths and if even in
spite of this, the smell is penetrating, let
us remember that this smell denotes clean
illness.
Before DR.. Ruhland came to Washington
we had no city mental hygiene work and
virtually very little by any other agency.
Since he came, we have well functioning
mental hygiene clinic here in the city and
the alcoholic clinic already is set up to work.
all due to his untiring efforts. He could
enlarge its usefulness greatly If he were
given larger budget for it.
Let us remember further that the salaries
in Washington compare very unfavorably
with those of other cities Of the same SIZE
We shall have great difficulty in securing
Immediately as competent man for the
same compensation as DR.. Ruhland Is re-
ceiving.
We, therefore. need plenty Of time to look
around and If necessary take two years to
train someone for the work.
I believe it is entirely In the interest OF
public health that DR.. Ruhland should be
asked induced and II necessary drafted to
remain in ofdce for the next two years and
that meanwhile successor be found to
come in as his assistant and be trained to
replace him. MED1CUS.
Evening star., 1949-09-01

Television has been the means of bring
ing the American family together. again,
at least until such time as the industry
tsots out $25 job, or one each for every
BODY in the household,
Evening star., 1949-09-01

own reasoning). Again my own theory is
that, by sleeping on his stomach, baby will
not sleep on the back Of his head. The
skull bones are very SOFT and. the back OF
the head will become fiat if baby Is left
on his back too long.
So. let's give the MDs credit for knowing
their business, and follow their advice. And
let's do away with all infants pillows, fancy
or otherwise, and put junior on his tummy
If the doctor says to. Won't some doctor
settle this. and if I'm misinformed about
anything I've written, please set me right?
MARGARET c. DEVANEY.
Present Fine Arts Commission Approved
For Trying to Save White House
To the Editor OF The Star:
We see in an article in the press today
that the President proposes to appoint new
Fine Arts Commission to replace the one
which served so faithfully for some time, but
which, he AYERS, mostly exercised its veto
powers"
I, for one, most heartily applaud the
commissions veto of the idea of tacking an
unnecessary and inartiStic balcony on those
noble white columns on the south side of
the White House, and also applaud the act
of our legislators in refusing to allow the
proposed addition to that edif1ce.
In reading over the list Of splendid people
who comprise the present Fine Arts Com
mission, I wonder how 1t could be improved
upon.
Are we helpless in trying to keep the
White House and its environs as truly correct
as they should be?
AN INTERESTED CITIZEN.