davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1949-02-05
The Mindszenty Trial

Under totalitarian regimes, prosecutions
for alleged offenses against the state follow
an invariable pattern. This has been true
of Soviet Russia ever since the Bolshevik
Revolution more than 80 years ago. 1t
was likewise consistently true of Nazi Ger
many, the notorious "Reichstag Fire" trial
occurring in the early years of Hitler's
Third Reich" And the Soviet satellite
governments set up since the late war are
running true to form.
The basic feature of all such trials is
that they are political in character rather
than juridical, as we understand the pro-
cesses of justice. They are held before a
special tribunal known as peoples
Court" with it's own rules of procedure.
The prosecution always alleges major
crimes against the state tantamount to
treason, usually coupled with alleged
offenses such as black-marketing which
tend to discredit the character of the ac-
cused. Furthermore, the defendants are
often charged with seditious relations with
the representatives of foreign powers. The
case against the main defendants is usu-
ally strengthened" by confessions" made
by minor defendants who turn states evi-
dence. Indeed, in many cases, the chief of
the accused voluntarily" confesses his
own guilt; either wholly or in part. Finally,
It may be significant that accredited for
eign correspondents have not been permit
ted to attend and report the Mindszenty
trial
It is against this background that the
current trial of Joseph Cardinal Mindszen-
ty, Roman Catholic Primate of Hungary,
should be eva1uated. The cardinal had
long since made himself marked man to
Hungarys totalitarian rulers by his vigor-
Gus opposition to measures depriving the
Roman Church of its historic rights and
privileges in that country. For it is basic
tenet of totautarianism that all opposi-
ton to its limitless authority must be
broken. Such a trial, once started Is
major political test which can nave only
one outcome. An acquittal would danger
ouSly compromise the prestige ana power
OF the totaltarian regime, which, IN the
'dst analysis must always be rignt'
Under these circumstances, every oeVei-
Evening star., 1949-02-05
A New Spirit

A new spirit has developed among friends
of the National Symphony Orchestra in
advance of the annual campaign for its
support. Observers whose duty it is to be
objective have reported an unprecedented
enthusiasm on the part of volunteer work.
ers. The opening luncheon of the drive
Thursday brought out the largest crowd
ever to attend such gathering. But the
meeting was characterized by zeal as we'll
as by numbers Gone was the depressing
talk about desperate efforts to HSave" the
orchestra. The sense of impending dis
aster which clouded last years effort was
replaced by spirit of optimism which
was manifest during the whole program.
One speaker after another testified to the
survival value of the orchestra not simply
in terms of continued existence but def
nitely in terms of greatly accelerated
progress.
This change of attitude, obviously, is
what is wanted The National Symphony
deserves warm-hearted, valiant and con-
sistently constructive reaction from the
people of Metropolitan Washington Ever
since 1881 it has been proving the Capitals
capacity to appreciate its endeavors as
we'll as its own capacity to justify that
appreciation. Players and public nave
been educating each other to a practlcal
mutuality which now at last appears to
have become an authentic force, dynamic
influence. Dr. Hans Kinder, the orches-
tra's founder, has perfected its musician
ship. His successor on the podium, How
ard Mitchell, inherits from him not merely
a fine tradition of artistic achievement
but also an experienced working organiza-
ton. Patrons of the orchestra naturally
are anxious to preserve the partnership
of skilled leadership and intelligent CO.
operation.
To aid the 1949 campaign the help of
new subscribers especially is being solicited
The orchestra does not belong exclusively
to the men, women and children who regu-
larly attend its concerts 1t is an enter
prise which benefits the entire community.
The influence of it reaches thousands OF
homes from which as yet no gesture OF
response has been received. Recent in
quiry brought out the fact that many
members of local business groups never
had been approached in the orchestra's
behalf This neglect should be remedied
But not merely the financial interest of
the whole public is desired. The orchestra
merits the personal concern of every citi-
zen without regard to whether he person.
ally is lover Of good music. 1t has the
same claim upon us all that the schools,
the churches the galleries and museums
have. Like them, it enriches the common
life of the city and it's environs
This growing realization Of essential
value perhaps is the source of the new
spirit noticed at preliminary meetings of
the orchestra's nineteenth drive. The sum
TO be raised is $19O,000-a small amount
when considered in relation to what it
will buy for Washington.
Evening star., 1949-02-05
Letters to The Star
Wants Clear Labor LEGISLATION

To the Editor Of The Star:
Your intelligent editorial discussion Of labor
legislation seems to overlook the basic reasons
why some limitation upon the right to quit
work alone, or in concert with others, for
any reason or no reason whatsoever, Is not
an absolute right.
Such Is right conditioned on the nature
and circumstances of the employment. Per-
sons in the employ Of government, or in po-
sitions where the safety of life or property
of others is involved, may not quit their en-
ployment rightfully where such quitting would
imperil the safety or operation of either gov
ernment or the lives or property of others.
strike" against government is anarchy
treason In time of war. It is likewise true
that in any civilized society what are called
strikes" may not be tolerated where they
involve a public utility concerned with trans
portation, light, heat. water, sewage, power
or communications. Even in the case Of pub
lie utilities which are privately owned and
operated mass interruption of their operation
may not be tolerated, for very sound and inn
portant reasons.
In the first place, all such utilities are re-
stricted as to rates and charges for the services
which they supply. Secondly, all such require
some grant of the governmental power of emf
nent domain. They require the authority to
take and use private property for the purpose
OF laying down their rails, stringing their wires
or burying their conduits Only government
or a public utility may exercise the power to
take private property on the payment of Just
compensation.
This necessary feature of eminent domain"
dinerentiates the employees of public utility
from the employees of other kinds of business
rice IN, 11,y;.,
with goods and services for the basic three Rs
OF human need: Rations, raiment and roofs.
Public utility operation, like government, af-
fects the interests and activities of every citi-
zen. AS some form of effective government is
necessary requirement of civilized men, so
uninterrupted operation of public utilities is
a requirement for a stable and worthwhile
social order.
The constitutional basis for legislation is
the power of Congress Ito regulate commerce
with foreign nations, and among the several
States, and with the Indian tribes"
We thus need labor relations law, which
should be written in less than $500 words
Start with a modern definition of COM
merce" within the framework of the Consti-
tuition.
Follow with exact definitions Of procedures
which are forbidden practices with respect to
such commerce, whether on the part of man
agement, agents or employees.
Next, penalty section and provision for its
enforcement by appropriate methods
Then, most important of all, a section re-
pealing our numerous existing contradictory
and conflicting statutes including several un-
necessary and expensive boards and COM
missions.
We will then have a clear law under which
all may thrive
NATHAN BOONE WILLIAMS.
Evening star., 1949-02-05
Idealism Plus Hard Work

10 the Edltor OF The Star:
I read with great interest that the first point
IN the creed of the Junior Chamber of Com
merce is: I'VE believe that the brotherhood of
man transcends the sovereignty of nations. I"
This statement in the creed of a national in
stltution OF young businessmen is the basis
OF real security and peace in the world.
Businessmen are perhaps the most inf1uen-
tial single group in the Nation, as our whole
economy depends on them. Let US hope that
as these young men many of whom are vet
Grams OF World War III gain more power in
the business world they will be able to give
more and more meaning to their ideals
To solve the complicated problems of our
society, 1t is necessary to be more than ideal
istic. It seems to me the formula must be
tdealism plus hard work.
Without great visions, we perish as indi-
viduals and as nation. However, visions must
lead to concrete steps, or else they lead very
easily to encouragement and cynicism.
NORMAN L. ROBERTS.
White Plains, N. Y.
Evening star., 1949-02-05
Insurance Firms Untaxed


Now that the District finance hearings are
about to begin and the Commissioners are
reported to be frantic for new sources of tax
revenue. 1t may be opportune to call attention
to the fact that many thousands Of dollars in
taxes are being lost through the failure TO
collect the go premium tax from numerous
insurance companies operating by mail (osten-
sibly) within the District.
These companies enjoy the protection and
services Of the municipality but, by failing to
apply for admission to do business in the Dis
trict, they avoid helping to pay the cost Of
these services and to bear their fair share of
the general tax burden.
The exact amount of revenue lost is not
readily ascertainable but 1t should be noted
that at least two of the largest department
stores in the downtown area are covered by
nonadmitted tax-exempD fire insurance COM
panies and 1t is reported that Naylor Gardens,
10 or IL million dollar project, is to be SINH
larly covered.
There are ways to stop this, but the Com
missioners in the past have been indifferent
to them. Will not some congressional friend
Of the taxpayer look into this? TAXPAYER.
= Unorganized Investors Penalized
To the Editor Of The Star;
While our Congressman are considering
repeal or revision Of the Taft-Hartley Act
and substituting new labor legislation, 1t might
be we'll to take into consideration the income
tax law as It discriminates in favor Of labor
unions For instance, the Government taxes
corporations SO per cent, plus lot of extra
taxes on net income, then these same earn
ings are taxed all over again a second time
when the dividends are paid to the individual
stockholders In both instances the income
tax is paid by the stockholder because the
stockholders are the American people-1S. .00o,-
900 of them that own and operate these cor
porations.
AS general rule capitalist or rich man
does not own more than per cent Of the
corporate stock In q commercial corporation,
Evening star., 1949-02-05
SEWING Hospital Bed jackets

The poetry of her s1Oift thread and needls
Sings, to the cloth, OF loue and thought
tulneSS.
Each carefully made seam is smoothed ,otth
prayer
That comfort and release from sharp dis
treSS
Like soft white ,Dings ,DiI spread
Above the sufferers bed.
To one 1oho sees her stitching, stitching,
stitching,
Hour after hour, yet pausing not to count,
Somehow, into his mind come words 80
blessed
Once spoken In Sermon on the Mount
By Him Dhose euery deed
Was for the earth In need.
ROSE MYRA PH1LIPS.
Evening star., 1949-02-05
Support for Executive a Must

To the Editor Of The star:
Most judicially and legally-trained minds
usually learn by experience that compromise"
is the most successful way to succeed in con-
troversies. Such "common-sense" logic and
action are greatly needed during very critical
times. America controls the destiny Of the
world America now must dynamically support
its elected executive and administration. Do
mestic improvements pledged by them must
be speedily "activated"-to strengthen Amer
lea. This is must No. l."
St Louis. Mo. EARL L. BIECHEL.
Evening star., 1949-02-05

Letters for publication must bear
the signature and address of the
1oriter, although 1t is permissible for
1oriter kno,Dn to The Star to use
q nom de plume. Please be brief.
Evening star., 1949-02-05

The promise to restaurant patrons In
49 is larger portions of meat than those
which have lurked until now in the shade
of the parsley
Evening star., 1949-02-05
Questions and Answers

A reader get the answer to any question Of
fact by writing The Evening Star Information
Bureau, 316 street NE. washington Q D. c.
Evening star., 1949-02-05
By THE HASKIN SERVICE.

@. What is the surname of the infant Prince
Charles of Great Britain?-J. NJ
A. The Lord Chamberlain's Office Hondon)
will use no surname and is properly designated
His Royal Highness Prince Charles" Col
loquially he will often be referred to as Primes
Charles of Edinburgh to distinguish him
FROM e. g. Prince Charles of Belgium, but this
is not part of his name or title.
@. Is the Pentagon Building, which houses
the National Military Establishment, in Vir-
ginia or in Washington, D. C.?-B. J. r.
A. The Pentagon Building is in Arlington,
Va, but its mailing address is Washington
Is, D. c.
Q. What is the origin of the symbol re-
sembling an r that appears in medical pre-
scriptions?-M. r.
A. This character is reputed to be originally
the same as the symbol of Jupiter, which was
placed at the top of a formula to pacify the
king of the gods that the compound might be
accepted favorably and have the desired effect.
O. Does lake freeze from the top DOWN.
w. s.
from the top down. Since water at the freez-
ing point is less dense and therefore lighter
than slightly warmer water, it remains at the
surface where it freezes. AS soon as the ice
las formed over the surface 1t acts as
blanket, allowing the heat to escape very
slowly. from the water underneath.
Evening star., 1949-02-05
Licensing Auto Mechanics

To the Editor of The Star:
DO you know of a good automobile me-
chanic2" I have been asked that question
innumerable times, but seldom have I been
able to return anything but negative reply
For fifteen years I have been searching for
good mechanics, but the very few have been
so fortunate as to locate can be counted on
the fingers of one hand. -,s-.a,
The Government requires the@"lfcef1sing OF
all airplane mechanics. To secure this license,
the applicant must prove his ability, for lives
needlessly may be sacrificed if there is faulty
or careless maintenance of plane
Today. with congested highways and auto
mobiles capable of higher speeds, lives also
may be wasted because of faulty or careless
maintenance of a car; and city or State in
spections, however efficient, obviously cannot
reveal weaknesses which do not exist at In
spection time, but which occur and cause
trouble between inspection periods.
A manifold advantage would accrue from
the mandatory licensing of all automobile
mechanics, in that both economy Of time and
money would result from the execution OF high
grade work on the first trip to the garage,
thereby inducing motorists to have their cars
serviced regularly and consequently contri-
buting to the existence of safer vehicles on the
streets and highways Of America.
ROBERT L. BURCH.
Evening star., 1949-02-05

Favors New Executive Mansion
To the Editor Of The Star
for one would much prefer to tear down the
present White House and spend $3.500,000 in
building new one rather than spend or 8
million in repairing the present structure
CHARLES GRAICHEN.
Evening star., 1949-02-05
The Word 'Mediocre' Discussed

The Word Mediocre Discussed
To the Editor of The Star:
Are you mediocre man? Maybe you are
Maybe you are not. Just what is a mediocre
man must therefore be the first consideration.
When we have this definition, then we can
tell just who Is and who is not mediocre
And further we can tell whether or not 1t is
well to be mediocre
Going strictly by dictionary meaning,
mediocre means (F. mediocre, L. mediocris,
fr. medius, middle): "Of middling quality; of
but moderate excelency; ordinary"
So the point here is to determine which yard
stick are you using. There are many. One
group might refer to "the mediocre man" while
asing one yardstick. Another group might
refer to "the mediocre man" while using an
other yardstick. The standards of one group
may be as far apart as the poles from the
standards of the other group.
Some Of the great men in history have
been mediocre men. P. CAREY.
Evening star., 1949-02-05

and the corporations do not pay the income
tax to the Federal Government or State gov
ernments. These taxes all are paid out Of
the earnings of the peoples investments. Thus
the people are doubly taxed. Most Of the
100000 of them are common people, small
income people. whose average investments are
around $4,000. These investments as general
rule, constitute all their lifetime savings They
are the unorganized, the middle class, quiet,
substantial folks, who can't talk back and have
no one to defend them; and as a rule do not
know they are being taxed twice on the earn
ings of their investments.
But the bosses of the labor unions who
collect hundreds of millions of dollars in dues
from the poor laboring men who belong to
the unions. pay no income tax at all on the
net income of the union.
There are more stockholders in America
than there are union members. Why this
discrimination? Because the politicians know
the members of the labor unions are organized
and the stockholders are not 1t is high time
for the 100000 stockholders who are doubly
taxed on their earnings to organize and make
their influence felt upon Congress and the
state Legislatures. c. S. LONGACRE.
Evening star., 1949-02-05
Franklin: His Unsuitable Curiosity

Franklin: His Unsuitable Curiosity
To the Esitor Of The STAR
Ten days after the celebration of Benjamin
Franklins birthday anniversary at the statue
at Tenth and E streets, sponsored by the
Graphic Arts Association, another wreath of
withered composition was observed dangling
from the left extended arm Of the statue.
If this additional contribution was the work
Of one who excelled in the art of lassoing, from
the standpoint Of craftsmanship the stunt was
good. Otherwise, from the observation of those
who cherish and respect the records Of illus
trious Americans, it was poor example to set
before others.
Franklin might not have welcomed any hum
BILE defense of him over such a trile. To the
contrary, his pragmatic mind probably would
have ignored 1t with q civil and indulgent
humor, and considered of greater Importance
the patriotic deed of those members who hon
ored his memory 10 days before.
Franklin, who was Of "lowly and provincial
origin" championed with honesty and sin
cerity" the rights of men and fninorities.
quotation from Carl L. Beckers biography OF
him says HE accepted men and things. in
cluding himself, as they were. with grain of
salt indeed but with Unsuitable curiosity, with
irrepressible zest and good humor."
A FRANKLIN ADMIRER.
Evening star., 1949-02-05
Creation Not Materialistic

To the Editor OF The Star:
Referring to the article entitled physicists
Say Creation Took Place in 3 Hours" by
Thomas r. Henry am impelled to say that
were 1t not SO pitiful, the theory of creation
as being material would, from the spiritual
point of view, ,ebe vidiculous,.
If the thesis offered by the two scientists,
to which Mr.. Henry refers, were true, the Bible
and all that has emanated from its teachings
would have to be discarded as worse than
useless. and humanity would have to be re-
signed to despair!
But thanks to the Creator of the universe.
and OF man. who, as the Scriptures affirm
was made lin the image and likeness of God,"
the thinking of mankind is transcending these
antiquated material theories and finding def
mite assurance, through indisputable proofs,
that the real universe and man are spiritual,
and consequently that what appears as
material universe, is merely the outward mani
festation of false concept
JOSEPHINE &, ADAMS
Evening star., 1949-01-19
55-Bi||ion Outlay Seen
For Plants by 1854
Ry the Assoeioted Press

NEW YORK. Jan. ia total OF
about S55 1000 000,0 900 will be invested
by American industry for new plants
and equipment by the end of 1858
if present plans are carried out,
McGraw-Hill Publishing Co. econ
omists estimated yesterday.
They said a survey showed that
s14, 100 100000 is earmarked for in
vestment during 1949, or only S per
cent less than the record breaking
total actually spent in 1948." Ex-
penditures this year might well ex-
ceed those of 1948, since actual ex-
penditures have been larger than
planned in the years since the war"
The survey also showed most
manufacturing lines, with the major
exceptions of steel and petroleum
refining, have virtually completed
their postwar expansion programs,
the announcement said. But the
expansion programs in railroads,
utilities, oil production and pipe
lines still have two to five years to
run.
Three out of four manufacturing
companies are counting on profits
and depreciation reserves to pay for
their planned new buildings and
equipment. About Is per cent ex-
pect to borrow. and only per cent
to sell stock. But 20 per cent would
like to sell stock. and only per
cent want to borrow
Evening star., 1949-01-19
Chicago Grain

CHICAGO. Jan. 10 P.-Lard finally
managed TO-DAY to put up some snow OF re-
sistance to the current decline which has
fsztSea fs4s prices 10 Inc lowest 's's's SINCE
Short covering and some new specula,
tive buying attracted by the, fact that all
malk brought about a fair-sized recovery
on the Board OF Trade: The September
contract went back up above $l5.
were limited to about a cent. Grains held
steady with corn showing some strength in
view Of snow and cold weather in the
Midwest, which some dealers thought
~ Trading was dull on the recovery Wheat
ae to eng OF the bfsI s hSa. %.y
osFn osf1 wsse wss hfaass hIsser Mas Nay sSe
ssan we're sad .1d wss esn to ashsr Is eents MaFea
hundred pounds higher, January S14:35.
More snow fell overnight in most Of the
Great Plains area and, from private re-
had obtained some snow. 1t was said that
from to inches were obtained in South
western Oklahoma, heretofore a particu-
Commenting on this moisture, the uhl-
mann Grain Co. said, we would say that
the winter wheat crop outlook at this time
" Domesticaiiy our demand was reported
at a standstill and foreign buying also has
fallen off. trade sources said. This has
left the Commodity Credit Corp. as the
only real buyer in the wheat market, and
grain analysts pointed out that the Gov
ernment agency will come into large SUP.
plies on April 80 when wheat loans fall
due. +
Traders said that, despite it's failure to
advance BIDS with an increase In freight
titles of corn The present cold spell in
The Midwest should dry out the grain and
may eventually increase offerings to the