davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1949-12-14
To MoIIify Census Critics

The Census Bureau has shown good
Judgment in deciding to revise its original
plan for collecting income information
during the 1850 census. In response to a
growing barrage of criticism, the bureau
has announced that answers to salary
questions may be mailed direct to census
headquarters. While this arrangement will
not still the debate over the right OF
census takers to ask such questions, 1t
will satisfy many citizens who had OBJ
jected to giving income data to neighbors
employed to make the survey.
The bureau adopted the mail system for
the 1910 census, after bucking wave Of
criticism from congressional and other
sources Millions of special forms were
printed for the accommodation of those
to headquarters instead of to community
representatives of the bureau. Because
only small percentage of the forms were
used, however, census authorities had
planned to dispense with the alternate
arrangement for the forthcoming survey.
But there is plenty of evidence that
there are still lot of people who do not
like the idea of having residents of their
own communities ask how much money
they make. The fact that under the
sampling plan, four out of five citizens will
be spared this possibly embarrassing ex-
perience is an added irritant to those
chosen for the sampling- especially If
there is reason to suspect that the choice
was motivated by personal curiosity on
the part of the census taker. Those who
can say that their income is "above
$4,000" will have less cause to be annoyed
than those who, because they do not make
$4,000, must reveal the exact amount.
Even though the number who take ad-
vantage OF the mailing privilege should
turn out to be relatively small, their atti-
tude is understandable and is deserving of
consideration. Census officials are wise
in catering to the sensibilities of this group.
Evening star., 1949-12-14
Another Airport Crash

With the pilot and co-pilot dead, the
task of finding the exact cause OF the
Capital Airlines crash at the National
Airport will be difficult one. Only the
men in charge of the ill-fated aircraft
could give definite answer to the mystery
of why the DC-3 swerved from its approach
beam and landed in the Potomac River,
although the sole surviving crew member
has indicated that an engine may have
failed.
The fact that two systems of electronlc
safeguards failed to prevent the accident
does not mean that the value OF such
devices is to be questioned. undoubtedly
there would have been more air disasters
in this area of congested airways but for
these radar and radio aids. Unfortunately,
these instruments are subject to technical
failures as we'll as human errors in using
them. The foolproof, 100 per cent auto
matte landing system is yet to be invented.
The accident again emphasizes the need
for second civil airport for washington.
Although traffic congestion above the
National Airport may not have contributed
to this tragedy, the stacking OF incoming
airliners during periods of poor visibility
surely presents serious hazards. 1t is a
tribute to the skill and endurance of the
tower personnel that all other planes were
brought to the ground in safety Monday
night. If this traffic could be divided be-
tween two airports, the dangerous stacking
delays would be correspondingly reduced.
But when accidents happen, 1t is good
that there is available nearby a rescue
and first-aid outfit as efficient and well
equipped as the one which Boiling Air
Force Base sent to the scene. This trained,
courageous unit undoubtedly prevented
greater loss of life by its quick response and
effective action. All members of this unit,
Is we'll as those responsible for its creation,
deserve special commendation for their
dne work.
Evening star., 1949-12-14
Mount Etnu Again

A curious fact about Mount Etna Is that
it is shrinking rather rapidly. In 1861 1t
was 10S70 feet high; in 1900 it was only
10,758. If the same decline were to con-
tinue unchecked, the entire burning noun
tain might disappear in a relatively short
period of time-a mere matter OF nine CEN
turies. But there is little likelihood that
the great Sicilian volcano actually will die.
Science has been watching its changes ever
since science first deserved the name. 1t
long ago was realized that the famous rival
of Vesuvius has its roots deep in the mol
ten bowels of the planet. In technical
language, it gets its power from crystalline
and vitreous lavas and tufts, essentially
basaltic in composition, largely porphyritic
and wholly non-leucitic.
Etna's stability has been traced to in
Vulnerable dykes which penetrate the flows
of hot glass and steaming gases and the
tuff beds in all directions "and thus bind
the whole mass together" This means that
the dynamic forces working in the noun
tain's heart generate their own survival
powers. The explosions which wreck the
cone coincidentally build up barriers
against its final destruction. Etna will 60
on changing, age after age, but 1t Is as dur
able phenomenon as Mont Blanc or Pixies
Peak or Mount Everest. It has been the
highest volcano in Europe since before
there were human eyes to gaze upon it,
and it seems destined to remain pretty high
far beyond the range of present prophecy.
Eruptions are recorded from the eighth
century B. c. onward. Etna belongs to the
Mediterranean zone of volcanic hills and
is related to Popocatepetl, Pelee, Kasbek,
Elburz and Ararat. The identic circle OF
fire which produced these cones millions OF
years ago continues to burn. If 1t expired
suddenly, its extinction probably would sig
Nifty a much more inclusive disaster than
the destruction of Pompeii, Herculaneum,
Saint-Pierre, San Francisco and Tokyo all
added together It almost surely would
connote cataclysnic cooling Of the earth
which would result in the return OF the
polar glaciers and the lowering OF the tenn
perature of the prevailing temperate zones
to a degree hostile to human life.
Evening star., 1949-12-14
Eorth's Message

Earth has message jor those aDho listen,
Earth has boon for all ,o1ao yearn-
Look on the stars as they CLINT and glisten,
Look on the seasons as they turn.
Here is balm, for the hearts long g-iering,
Songs for the saddene6 lips to sing
Look on the fabric Twilight IS aoeautag,
See the bird lift on honaing ,cing.
Go to earth's bosom, and plow grief under,
Then 1uiH the heart, clsnstened and
meek,
Look on neU beauty silenced by 1Donder,
Hear the tall Uords the earth shall
speak!
Z, INEz CLARK THORSON.
Evening star., 1949-12-14
By THE HASKIN SERVICE.

O. story has been told that Japanese
in World War II walked around for a con-
siderable length of time after his head had
been cut off by sword. Could this be true.
and if so, how far could the man have
walked?-S. E. A.
A. The Smithsonian Institution says that
there is no exact information on how long
or how far a man can walk after having
been decapitated. Walking is highly CO.
ordinated procedure, dependent to large
extent on Fighting reflexes" controlled by
the eyes and the semicircular canals Of the
inner ear. Since these organs of balance
are located in the head. it is unlikely that
the body could, without assistance. MAIN
tain the upright posture essential to walk.
ing for more than few seconds after de-
capitation.
Q. How many dressmaking patterns are
sold in year?-M. c. Y.
A. 1t is estimated by manufacturers that
100 million dressmaking patterns were sold
last year.
@. How is the money collected in Social
Security taxes used by the Government
Az.
A. The money collected from employees
for Social Security annuities Is placed in q
trust fund. The money is invested In Gov
ernment bonds.
@. In what Southwestern city were wooden
nickels recently used as means OF ex-
change?-I. B.
A. McAlester, Okla. celebrated its gol-
den anniversary from october to 5, 1949.
Some wooden nickels" were issued and
were used as medium Of exchange during
the period.
Evening star., 1949-12-14
Says PalaeOmagnetism
Is Not q New Science
To the Editor OF The Star:


In The Star for December Thomas r.
Henry reports about certain facts pointing
to sudden and enormous shifts in the earth's
crust revealed by the discovery Of the re-
versal of the magnetization in certain rocks
in Maryland.
I always read and highly appreciate Mr..
Henry's column, but in today's column, am
afraid he seems to have taken new theory
on old and wellknown facts for new dis
covery.
The study of the terrestrial magnetism In
the geological past, based on the magnetlza-
ton of particles in objects or formations
which became heated and were magnetized
by the eartl's magnetic field during the
cooling period is specialized branch OF
science known as palaeomagnetism. 1t
started in the 90s when an Italian geologist
Giuseppe Folgeraither first collected facts
on this subject. Prof. Mercantonio Of Ge
neva, Switzerland, and Profs. johnson and
McNish in this country made great con-
tributions. The two last-named scientists
made an extensive study Of the varved
clays found near New Haven and West
Hartford, Conn.,, which can be exactly dated.
This takes us back only around $4,000 years.
but on account Of the dating the results
were most important. A New Zealander.
DR.. Robertson, discovered a reversal OF the
magnetic field Of the earth in rocks in
Northern England and Southern Scotland
In muo earlier geological times. In 1888
Evening star., 1949-12-14
Into Every Home

Former President Hoover was unques-
tionably right when he said that the
problem of securing efficiency and compe-
tence in government reaches into every
cottage in the land. But it is hard to
make people recognize the impact of this
problem on their own pocketbooks and
their own futures.
As time moves on, however, the truth
will become palmer. In this fiscal year
the Federal Government will spend some
thing more than $43,OO0,0OO,OO0. That is
about IS 100000 more than it has to
spend, and so, in year of abundant pros
perity, we will incur deficit greater than
the total budgets of a decade or so ago.
New spending demands are shaping up,
and there is an excellent, though somber,
prospect that the deficit In the next fscal
year will be even greater.
For the citizen, including the Indifferent
citizen, this is trend which leads to hard
choices. If nothing is done, there will come
a swelling imitation which will strip the
people of their savings and, in the long
run, of their liberty. Yet there are not
many things that can be done. 1t would
be possible to levy higher taxes. But If
Mr.. Hoover is right, we have come to the
point now where more than 80 per cent
OF the total national income is going or
is, about to go into taxes. Both political
and economic considerations argue against
any attempt to take more at this time.
The remaining possibility is to reduce
Government expenditures. This can be
DONE Mr.. Hoover lists eight steps-a
partial program of governmental reorgani-
zation-which he believes would result in
a saving of $4,000, 100000 year. For the
benefit of those who decry economy ap-
peals, especially when they come from
Republicans, Defense Secretary Johnson,
an administration lieutenant, has had an
interesting experience. BY cutting out
duplication of functions and dropping un-
needed employees Mr.. Johnson's depart
ment is saving money at the rate of about
a billion dollars year, and he expects to
double that. Even more interesting, he
found that in one section, where the
civilian force was cut 80 per cent, more
work and better work" is being turned out.
If this is true in the defense establish
ment, it must be equally true in many
another branch of that far-hung thing
which we call the Government.
Unhappy experience has shown that it
will not be easy to weed out all, or even
most, of the waste in Government. But If
the people will take an active interest in
groups like the Citizens Committee for the
Hoover Report, If they will put the heat
on those who "hold to the theory OF re-
duced Government expenditures but not
to its practice" and If they will remember
that the people-"the little people"-who
demand economy at the same time that
they clamor for one or another kind OF
Government handout belong in this cate
cory, much may be accomplished. If the
opportunity which now lies before us Is
frittered away, If all OF the fine words
come to nothing and the real decision Is
to go on living far beyond our means,
we may be sure that there will be day
of reckoning and price to pay that will
cast a shadow across every home in the
land,
Evening star., 1949-12-14
Children Taught
Rather Than Latin

10 tne Eoltor OF Inc StaI.
Commencing you highly for your editorial
on Revival of Dead Language" should
like to point out that there are two heads
of the Foreign Language Department of
Of the public schools of the District. Let
us say that this strange actuality is due
to "superduity Of democracy" in our city.
Miss White and Mr.. McDuf1le, as heads,
work together in harmonious and fruit
full cooperation that is exemplary. Their
spirit accounts In no small way for the
improving status Of Latin.
Added to this is the belief Of many
parents that much fundamental good can be
derived from studying the language. Prom
inent citizens-such as your editorialist-
attest to the same. Above all. we teachers
make obtainable both the values of peren-
nial quality and those of more contemporary
coin. In short, we do not teach Latin: we
teach boys and girls. as members Of living
humanity, by means of Latin.
]. w. HAYWOOD. Jr.
Evening star., 1949-12-14
Restaurant Beverage Spokesman Explains
Resolution Concerning New Years Eve

Restaurant Beverage Spokesman Explains
Resolution Concerning New Years Eve
To the Editor Of The Star:
Any assumption that the recent resolution
adopted by the Restaurant Beverage Associa-
ton sought an extension of selling hours Tor
New Years Eve is incorrect
The resolution pointed at two conditions
which we believe the local authorities had
it within their power to correct.
Under existing law, restaurants and hotels
are required to cease sales at midnight
Regulations require all consumption and the
removal OF bottles, glasses trays, etc.. also.
Thus the legal establishments are faced with
the problem of selling up to midnight and
at the very instant the bells begin tolling
the advent of a New Year, employees must
take away the glasses Of our patrons. The
resolution seeks liberation of the intent
of the law to permit reasonable length OF
time for consumption.
The other part of the resolution is aimed
at condition which should receive the
attention of all law enforcement agencies
the "after- hour" club
The "after-hour" club is one Of the by
products of the evils Of prohibition which
the passing years have not erased. These
illegal clubs pay no license fees, contribute
nothing to the welfare OF our Government
by taxes, defy all existing laws, and through
tire alcoholic beverage industry.
The "after-hour" clubs are not to be con-
fused with such legitimate organizations
as the American Legion, Elks. Moose, Eagles,
ETC. These bona-f1de organizations are as
much opposed to the illegal club as the
restaurant or hotel most seriously affected.
While local restaurants and hotels are
forced to consider stopping sales OF beverages
as early as 1l.30 pm. to comply with the
law, the "after- hour" clubs will be going
full blast. Actually. the present midnight
curfew rewards the evildoer while it Furnishes
the law abiding. Already we have received
information of several larger clubs making
arrangements to rent extra tables and chairs
for New Years Eve.
So the resolution asks for a reasonable
Interpretation on consumption and an active
city-wide policing Of the clubs. Surely. there
is nothing unreasonable or unfair in these
requests.
When Congress convenes in January, the
association will ask legislation which will
correct inequalities in the law. It Is hoped
that every civic organization interested in
better Government through better laws will
assist us In the drafting and presentation
Of corrective bills that will benefit the law
abiding.
In the meantime. It looks like little cheer
for the New Year" for our established legiti-
mate licensees.
RESTAURANT BEVERAGE ASSOC1A-
TON or WASHINGTON, D. c.. INC.
Elmer ,. Ritchie. EXEC. Secretary.
Evening star., 1949-12-14

crucial situation which, If left to itself,
is likely to 60 from bad to worse, but to-
ward which no deflnitive policy on our
part has as yet been formulated.
Evening star., 1949-12-14
CriticiZeS PHA Practices
Involving Races

To the Editor of The Star:
The PHA is a sister agency. of the FILA
and one of its constituent parts is the United
States Housing Authority Act of 1887 with
amendments. This act is popularity known
as the Slum Clearance Act, and authorizes
Government loans to duly organized local
authorities to help build local slum clearance
projects. These loan contracts generally
stipulated that the local authorities pay the
prevailing wage rate and employ Negroes in
proportion to the number Of whites in the
community.
The administrative practices that stem
from the above contract provisions are as
follows:
(A) The prevailing wage rate for the
maintenance personnel is determined by
representative from the Department Of La
Dor and channeled through the PIIA to the
local authorities, and they are instructed to
pay these wages despite any budget provi-
sions to the contrary. White collar en-
ployes are ignored
CD The PFIA has forced the local au-
thorities insofar as it was possible to house
Negroes and whites on the same project.
One Negro housing manager stated to the
writer that he would not manage a project
that drew the color line. A VETERAN.
Evening star., 1949-12-14
Questions and Answers

A reader get the answer to any question
Of fact by writing The Evening Star Information
Bureau. 316 Eye ST. ne, Washington 2, D. G.
Evening star., 1949-12-14
Complains About Poor Service
On il Bus Line

TO the Editor OF The Star:
What has happened to the il bus line?
Ever since they have cut down on this
line the service has been terrible. The
buses don't run on schedule. It seems
almost as if the buses don't run at all on
this line The morning rush is bad enough
but the service in the evening is even worse.
DISGUSTED RIDER.
Evening star., 1949-12-14

COmmendS Mr.. Lewis
As Careful and Honest Commentator
To the Editor of The Star:
I believe Fulton Lewis, jr.. to be one of
the most honest commentators on the air,
and I am sure he carefully verif1es his
material before presenting it. We need more
such men who dare to speak out as he does.
j. M. CLAYTON.
Evening star., 1949-12-14
Letters to The Star

Letters for publication must bear
the signature and address OF the
1Driter, although 1t Is permissible for
Writer kno1Dn to The Star to use
nom de plume. Please be brief.
Evening star., 1949-12-14

1t was reported that the Pilandsberg dykes
in South Africa, between Pretoria, johann
nesburg and Mafeking are reversely magne-
tized. The dykes in England are roughly 80
million years old. the South African dykes
about 300 to 500 million years. Since then
it has been discovered that numerous basalr
flows of the Miocene age 10-30 million
years ODD in Alsace, the Rhine valley Sax
ony, Greenland, Spitzbergen, Jan Mayen
Island and Queensland, Australia, show
reversed magnetiZation.
The old theory was that the magnetic
field of the earth changes and that the field
of the earth was reversed about $50 to 500
million years ago, again at 200 million years
ago and again about 1890 million years
ago. After this period it may have remained
stable. However, so little work was done
that it is quite possible that some of these
reversals were overlooked.
Possibly some new theory has cropped up
recently. However, such theory will have
to explain enormous shifts of the crusts
In three different periods roughly $50 mil
lion years apart Moreover it is very likely
that the earths magnetic field was reversed
In historical times and research in Pompeii
and at other places with datable lava flow
and investigation of ancient pottery which
is also family magnetized is now in progress.
GEORGE E. POPPER.
Objects to Mingling of Colored and
White Children in Municipal Institutions
To the Editor of The Star:
Several weeks ago while reading in the
newspaper about the Industrial School for
Children, was surprised to learn that it is
operated on non-segregrated basis. In
city where practically all Of the municipal
welfare services are segregated, 1t is ironic
that the only execution to this rule should
be made in the case Of our homeless and
abandoned infants and older children.
These helpless children are actually the
wards of the taxpaying residents of the
District Of Columbia and as such should not
be subjected to envronmental and other
influences which are at variance with the
customs and traditions of the city.
It is only right that those who want to
encourage social integration of white and
colored children should proceed on VOL
untary basis and with the full accord of
the parents. Any other course Of action is
not proper. A STAR READER.
(EDITOR'S NOTE: There is an Indus
trial Home School for white children and
there is an Industrial Home School for
colored children; also an Industrial Home
School Annex for the temporary accom-
mediation of destitute and abandoned chill
dren OF both groups. Non segregation like
wise has long been the rule in the Receiving
Home and the Training School for the
Feeble Minded)
Evening star., 1949-12-14
Questions the Objectives
OF Independent Business Federation

OF Independent Business Federation
To the Editor of The Star:
I suppose that the objective Of the Ma
tional Federation OF Independent Business.
Inc is to protect the interests OF independ-
ent businessmen who are its members, and
I suppose that the best way to protect those
interests is to insure that the profits OF
businessmen are maintained at the highest
possible levels.
The best way to insure high profits.
further suppose, is to maintain the highest
price levels on the goods businessmen have
to sell. Would an organization such as the
NFIB fight with tooth and nail a company
such as A. & P. that refused to play ball but
tried to bring price levels down? Naturally!
Why do merchants, producers and manu-
facturers band together into large combines?
Is it not to maintain price levels to protect
their profits? How else would it be possible
for the same commodity, produced and dis
tributed by number of different companies,
to be Wholesaled and retailed at the same
price to the penny?
Are not the antitrust laws designed to
prevent this practice?
Where does the money come from to pay
salaries of the officials Of organizations such
as the NFIB? It comes, of course, from the
pockets of consumers who must pay high
food prices or starve. A CONSUMER.
Commends Police and Fire Departments
At Tilden Street Crash
To the Editor of The Star:
Since I reported the accident at Tilden
street to the police and observed what hap
pened afterwards, T venture to make these
comments: Instead of being criticized re-
specting that crossing, our traffic authorities
should be praised for the manner in which
they PERFORMED their duties.
A little thought would disclose that moth
ing can be done to make that crossing abso-
lutely safe for motorists going much over Is
miles an hour. The only possible remedy
might be means Of cutting down speed such
as stop" signs.
AS for the police, they were very much on
the job within about three minutes after I
made the call. This Is remarkable when the
time is considered-4:15 am. Moreover, ]
admired their amazing efficiency and that
of the Fire Department. The high degree
of skill with which they met difficult and
unusual situation is deserving of grateful
commendation. OBSERVER.