davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1950-06-08
This and That

tin pan alley" is not theft, in the usual
sense.
1t is compulsory!
One writer set himself up as "tune
detective" several years ago, and did
some fascinating research in the deriva-
ton Of many of our popular melodies.
Today many a listener to Music.
Music, Music" finds himself humming an
old ragtime tune Of the gay '90s.
And so it goes. It is good thing, all
in all, to have good old melodies thrown
back at US in disguise.
Often tunes are strikingly similar to
old ones, not through any deliberate
plagiarism. but simply because the latest
melody maker has stored the tune up In
his mind and heart.
When 1t comes forth. at last. he thinks
it his own composition.
* Every one knows the melodies Of
Tschaikowsky today because they have
so often been turned into popular songs.
Countless Americans hum symphony
themes. blissfully unaware Of their deri-
vation. Perhaps it is just as we'll
The vast repository of music now in
the public domain means that even the
Evening star., 1950-06-08

Australia on the west. When 1t was torn or
thrown away into the sky, series OF correlative
alterations commenced including the elevation
of the Hawaiian Islands. Fire raised every one
of them coral increased their size, erosion is
breaking them down. But Mauna Loa continues
to rise. If it did not destroy its own cinder
cones, it would be higher than its quiet twin,
Mauna Kea, the White Hill. Famous Kilauea
is merely hole on the side Of the turbulent
Long Mountain.
Each of the VOLCANOES of Hawaii is a laboratory
in the sense that each affords scientists oppor-
tunity to study "the inner workings" of our
speck of infinity. Eventually some yet unborn
genius may discover how to put their dynamics
in harness along with the split atom for the
emancipation of mankind from poverty and toll.
Things no less remarkable have happened.
Evening star., 1950-06-08
Tax Reduction Is Fading

Everybody would like to get rid of the war
time excise taxes on telephone and telegraph
messages railroad tickets, furs, jewelry, purses,
toilet preparations and the oils used by doting
mothers to anoint the anatomy of their infants.
But in trying to find the added revenue to
make up for reductions in such taxes the House
Ways and Means Committee has been none too
successful 1t has voted on reductions in taxes
that would amount to about $1.1 billion. But it
has recommended new or higher taxes estimated
to yield, at the most, less than half that much.
With the Federal deficit this year expected to
run about IS billion, and more next year-on top
of national debt of $3.50 billion-it is unreason-
able to cut taxes now Most thinking people no
doubt would support the President in his threat
to veto tax reduction bill that failed to produce
as much new revenue as it cut Off
Majority Leader Lucas says that if the Senate
takes up tax reduction it will be in session until
October. The prospect, therefore, becomes dim
1t may be just as WELL The best justification for
tax reduction is to eliminate deficit financing. If
the people get mad enough over having to con-
tinue to pay wartime taxes, they may put the
heat on demands to balance the budget by cutting
Government COSTS That would be the time to
reduce excise and other taxes, but not before.
Evening star., 1950-06-08

Listening to music as one falls asleep,
and hearing it as one awakeS-
This is an exceptional experience for a
music lover, interesting for anyone.
To fall into slumher while hearing
Tschaikowskys Sleeping Beauty" ballet
seems particularly felicitous.
It is long work, especially good for
the new LIP, or long playing, records.
It went on and on. and the listener
fell asleep; at the time, there was a
peculiarly ingratiating melody, Of the
type Tschaikowsky is famous for.
When the dreamer awoke, half an hour
later, the ballet had returned to that
same tune.
AS 1t played. the listener was forced to
put words to it, and here they are:
Love me tonight. though theren
be no tomorrow.
Just we two, just we two:
Love me tonight, we1l forget there
is sorrow,
Just we two. just we two.
Themes of this famous musician seem
to call. literally, for such words.
Their happy theft in recent years by
Evening star., 1950-06-08

people OF other countries over the great
er part Of Asia. In 1945, Japan was
finally defeated by the Allies, and the
FormoSans with great hopes for the fu-
ture, felt that peace and democracy
would now reward their past efforts But.
as yet. such state Of life has been i'm
possible of fulfilment.
One has only to review the events that
took place in the Pacific during the last
ten years to realize Formosas strategic
location with respect to implementing
any program concerned with the coun-
tries that surround her. My people will
never forget how the japanese built
Formosa into catapult from which they
were able to launch an almost successful
conquest Of the whole Pacific. Right up
to the dropping of the "a" bomb on Hiro-
shima, the japanese, with their air arm
based on Formosa, continued to stand of
the combined military power of the Al
lies. In the light of the factors we are
forced to consider today, it seems rea-
sonable to conclude that were Formosa
invaded and conquered by the Commu-
mist imperialists, this island could again
become the base from which the aggres-
sors OF the present would shower de-
stnction throughout the Pacific area.
1t would be done on scale and with
speed that the Japanese never dreamed
OF. It could well mean not only the
breaking OF Americas line of defense in
the Pacific, but also that Japan, Korea
the Philippines and all Southeast Asia
would stand indefensible in the path of
the aggressors. Should that dark situa-
ton be allowed to come to pass, the war
which all Of us want to avoid would be
inevitable. This need not happen If the
freedom of FormoSa is maintained.
Evening star., 1950-06-08
Mouno Loo

Mauna Loa, the Long Mountain Of the island
of Hawaii probably is the most important vol
cano in the world. 1t is the largest hill on the
face of the earth, and it discharges more lava
than any other peak The present eruption is
only one of series dating from time when the
globe was new. Scientists say that the same
processes which produced the whole Hawaiian
archipelago responsible for the prevailing
streams of molten rock. The source of the dis
turbance is the burning core of our planet.
White hot iron, uncooled after perhaps two
billion years, is the motive power of Mauna
Loas flaming performances.
But exactly what sequence of circumstances
promotes such an eruption as.that now going on
is not settled beyond question. Some geologists
believe that the surface of the earth gradually
is shrinking and that earthquakes are caused
by the folding of the "outer skin" Others hold
that tremors occur as the result of changes in
the weight of the surface occasioned by the
gradual melting of the ice and snow of the polar
zones Both theories may be wrong both may be
right in part. Mauna Loa, in any case seems to
be safety valve" of a sort for seismic forces
far, far below the level of the ocean.
The actual bed of the Pacific differs from
that of other seas by being basaltic in character
not granite. Perhaps the moon once occupied
the greater portion of the area between North
and South America on the east and Asia and
Evening star., 1950-06-08
$1,000 Housing
Worried.

AS comparative newcomer to Wash
ington. have some observations and
questions on the Metropolitan Washing
ton Area ,real estate situation that I
would hke't pass along to your readers.
In the interest of getting my family
established here without delay. I have
rented two-bedroom apartment in one
Of the new developments in nearby Vir-
ginia. Having lived in house previous
to coming to Washington, and being
somewhat disturbed at the high rental
am paying, am most anxious to buy a
home here. In my wanderings about,
however, have been astonished at what
I consider the exorhitant cost of the
Evening star., 1950-06-08
'Two-Fisted American

AS reader Of The Star for 40 years,
I regret that I cannot compliment you
on your editorial "An American Speaks
Out" If you had taken the trouble to
look up the records of the Senators
who signed the Declaration of Con-
science. you would find out that they
have voted for Truman's socialistic pro-
gram so to 50 per cent.
The Reds are still in our Government
bureaus. Mccarthy is doing the United
States good turn in his effort to force
them out. The Republican Senator'S who
oppose him, in my opinion. are me too"
G. o. P. politicians. The Star seems to
take the same ground that the Washing
ton Post editorials take; in other words.
go along with the Reds. For my part.
would lynch every Red caught working
against the United States of America.
dare you to publish this letter. !
am an old-fashioned. two-f listed Ameri-
can.
c. ID. Lyle.
Evening star., 1950-06-08
Dealing With Jopon's Reds

Bostered by their impressive new election
victory, which reflects widespread favorable
reaction to our occupation policies under Gen.
eral Macarthur, Prime Minister Shigeru Yoshida
and his pro-American Liberal Party have strongly
intimated that they may act in the near future
to outlaw the japanese Communists
AS indicated by the election returns, the
Communists have only negligible following in
Japan at this time. But they represent poten-
tial threat that cannot be ignored with safety.
Within recent days, in response to Cominform
attack on their docility, they have resorted to
actions-notably their Memorial Day violence
against members of our occupation force
making clear that they are swapping out of
their lethargy in keeping with the Kremlin's
wishes, and embarking on program of trouble
making that may require stern countermeaSures.
Indeed, as if to confirm this point, they have
been at pains to warn deflantly that they will
offer physical resistance if the suggested ban
against them is enacted by the Yoshida govern
ment
The idea of legislating such ban has been
gaining ground in Japan ever since General Mac
Arthur, in statement early last month, again
gave his blessing to it, He has based his position
on the sound premise that the Communists are
agents of IAN international predatory force" and
that they are capable, even though they cannot
acnleVe poWef oy CONSTITUTIONAL means, or COM
mitting acts of intimidation, violence and SUBJ
version that could eventually endanger the coun-
try. With that possibility in mind the Yoshida
government now has left little room for doubt
that it is planning to act on his suggestion which
he has just ,underscored with orders barring
forty-one top Japanese Reds-including eight
members of Parliament-from taking part in
political activity. The signs thus indicate that
showdown is near and that steps may soon be
taken for the complete outlawry of the party.
AS practical matter, of course, the wisdom
OF outlawing Japan's Communists may be debat-
able, especially if the action would serve merely
to drive them underground and thus make them
more difficult to watch Yet their new militancy
suggests the need for some kind of special pre-
cautions against them. They must not be al
lowed to undermine the effort to rebuild Japan
as part Of the free world.
Evening star., 1950-06-08
Letters to The Star

average small house being constructed
in great numbers both in Maryland
and Virginia. .aa..s,..t. ..--- ---.-.--..-
1T moved here from the development
known as LeWttown, located on Long
Island in New York. Approximately
10000 houses have been erected there
and are selling for 1890. True, they
have neither basement nor garage, and
have either asbestos or wood Shingle
siding, but the rooms are of good size,
they have expansion attics,t the kitchens
are fully equipped, including automatic
washing machine, and the plots of land
are generous. It is also true that they
are about Is miles from midtown New
York City, but it is now necessary to 60
that far out for true suburban life.
assume that the costs for land, ma
terials and labor in the Washington and
New York areas are approximately tire
same, so why don't we see more of that
type of home for sale here? It is agreed
that in Levittown the size of the project
makes for certain economies in con-
struction costs, but smaller contractors
in the same area have met the price and
seem to be proSpering. What do you
suppose accounts for the disparity in
the two areas?
John s. Ward,
Arlington, Va.
Evening star., 1950-06-08
Naval Academy Retrenehment

Dormitory congestion at the Naval Academy
Is cited as the principal reason for reducing the
number of appointments to the Annapolis school
for prospective naval officers. But if the Navy
were expanding it is more than likely that
crowded conditions would not prevent the Navy
from handling the required number of nidship-
men. The conclusion is inescapable that the
reduction in the middies' brigade is related to
the passing of the battleship and the curtaiment
generally in the size of the fleet.
The Navy long had been planning to enlarge
its academy on the Severn River, to relieve
classroom congestion and particularly the over
crowded situation at Bancroft Hall, the big
dormitory. The hall was built to accommodate
2,750 midshipmen, but 3,400 now are quartered
there and by fall the number will have reached
3,7O0-nearly thousand above rated capacity.
The chances of obtaining congressional approval
of building program at Annapolis have dwindled
rapidly under the impact of the current economy
drive. So the acceptable alternative" as the
Navy puts it, is to cut down on the size of the
student body.
Significantly, Vice Admiral Roper, Chief of
Naval Personnel told Congress that the cutback
was decided on latter due consideration of all
factors involved including an analysis of long
range officer requirements for the Navy and the
Naval Academy ALLEGATION to the Air Force" The
academy, like West Point, now is giving Is per
cent of it's graduates to the Air Force because the
latter has no school of its own. Long-range re-
quirementS of the Navy are, of course hard to
estimate. The Navy has been undergoing revo
lutionary changes since World War II and the
metamorphosis is not yet completed There is
no battleship fleet, with its large complement of
officers and men, to absorb large proportion
of the newly commissioned ensigns from Annap-
oils and the carrier force also has been reduced
since the end of hostilities. At present the sub
marine and anti-submarine forces are being
; strengthened, but far smaller compliments of
men are involved than in the heyday of the big
/ ships.
So it is not surprising that retrenchment has
hit the Naval Academy The effects of the
reduction will not be felt by the Navy at large
until four or five years from now. Much could
happen in the meantime-for better or for
worse-to cause further change in policy one
way or the other. But the Navy's reluctant
decision to reduce the number of midshpmen
next year is logical one, in view of present
trends of national policy and military strategy.
Evening star., 1950-06-08
By ko Toi-shon

7 ONG before my first visit to the
IL United States. had come to un-
derstand why the majority Of the West
ern nations looked upon America as the
champion of democracy. Since my ar
rival here, about three months ago,
have discovered that the American peo-
pie and their Government are not fully
aware of the equally high degree of re-
spect with which they are held in the
minds of my people, the FormoSans.
Many years of war have undoubtedly
frustrated our desires for mutual under
standing. This seems evident from the
questions being asked of me by numer-
Gus Americans today. Because of their
interest, shall endeavor to outline
briefly my peoples attitude toward the
critical position in which we find our
selves at this moment.
Centuries ago. Formosa became q
haven for those who were being perse-
cuted by the tyrants who controlled the
mainland of China during the rule of
various dynaSties. Perhaps Kuo Hsingya
was the greatest of those who sought
refuge on the island. Koxinga, as he
later came to be called, was forced to
flee to Formosa during his attempts to
and restore the rightful rule of the
Mings During the next % years he
not only continued to oppose the Chings.
but he also laid the foundations of basic
democracy. His spirit and determina-
tion set an example which had marked
effect upon the people of the mainland,
for 1t restored the Chinese spirit and
desire for national freedom. A quarter
of century later, however, with greater
relnforcementS from the mainland and
because Of the complete lack of aid from
any other nation in support of the
Formosans, the Manchu imperialists con-
quered Formosa.
AS the years went by, the japanese i'm
perialists grew in military power until
they finally defeated the Chings. This
brought about the surrender of Formosa
to Japan in 1895. From that time on
wards, until 1945. the Formosans were
subjected to the whims of their con-
querors. Both the people and the natural
and industrial resources of the island
were exploited in producing and main
tanning Japan's war machine.
The record shows that, in spite of this
enslavement. the Formosans put up un-
faltering resistance, even when the odds
were SO great as to make most people feel
the possibilities of success unthinkable.
Once again, by their personal sacrifice,
they underscored their record as ex-
ponents of democracy to the freedom
loving Chinese on the mainland and the
Evening star., 1950-06-08

Costly mistakes were made in evaluat-
ing the extent Of the task of defeating
the Communists in North China and at
Shanghai. These errors can be summed
up as too little and too late" 1t is not
too late to consider how much more
tragic it can be If we fail to estimate
the Formosa situation correctly. At the
very least, the defense of Formosa con-
tinues to reinforce the spirit and de-
termination Of those who continue to
To those people 1t seems conceivable
that, given the failure Of the Commu-
nists to win decision quickly or to an
nihilate the joint Chinese -Formosan re-
sistance. it then becomes possible to de-
velop further the strategy of democratic
resistance in other areas of the Far East.
This is a real possibility.
To safeguard the peace in the Pacific,
and all that this could and will mean
to the democracies in the West, 1t is
imperative that the same consideration
given to Britain and the Allies in their
dark hour at Dunkirk now be given to
the Chinese and Formosans. This is
their hour of blood, sweat and tears,
as they defend what might well be the
last stronghold of democracy for all peo-
Piles in the Far East. The defense of
Formosa is important for the same rea-
son that the defense of Britain was i'm
portant. And Normandy counterof-
fensive in the Atlantic is not impossible
of successful realization in the Pacific.
You may rest assured that those who
now defend Formosa are fully conscious
that they carry the responsibility Of de-
Tending Asia. Given your support. they
will not fail.
Evening star., 1950-06-08
Secretary Johnson's Speech

How dull can commencement speech
get? Just check Secretary of Defense
Louis Johnson's speech June at the
Naval Academy.
It was crammed to the breaking point
with ancient cliches; it harped on the
most obvious phases of unification
Blessedly, it was fairly short.
johnson ruined rare opportunity
an important audience was listening for
really significant news and policy and in
spiration. Isn't johnson one of the few
top leaders in our country? Shouldn't
he have pertinent comments on the last
few weeks encouraging news of an al
lance for peace?
Where he should have been plugging
a combination of forceful democratic
ideas and diplomacy and military
strength, johnson talked only of mill
tary strength as the winning solution of
the cold war. He revealed himself clearly
as a politician, not the statesman a man
in his position should be-
Worried.
Evening star., 1950-06-08
The Other 50 Weeks

The daily heart-rending camp appeal
for ur1derprivileged children in our city
Is indeed tragic commentary on the
social structure that permits such con-
ditions to exist. OF course these young
sters are entitled to camp. But they
are also entitled to decent living the
other so weeks of the year! @
Too bad that the generous impulse
that prompts giving where the indi-
vidual case is so graphically dramatized
cannot be utilized toward making such
misery unnecessary.
Janet N. Neuman.
Evening star., 1950-06-08
Fornnoson's View Of the Impending Battle

The author OF this article, q For
naosan OF Christian p1rentaee. Das
imprisoned By the japanese for TO-
mentino revolts against their rule of
his natipe island He speaks little
English, and has been assisted in pre-
senting his Uie,Ds By Harold j. Thomp-
SON OF Washington, q close student of
Far Eastern affairs.
Evening star., 1950-06-08
Skid Row on Skid Rood?

You and other newspapers are more
and more prone to use the term Skid
Row" in referring to hangouts for buns
in our. several cities. In the interest of
historical accuracy, may ask you to
use the proper term: "Skid Road?
The term originates in the woods
country Of the Pacific Northwest. A Skid
Road Is a road on which logs go down
to water. Euphemistically, it is a road
mot "row"-on which human beings
go down to oblivion.
Please pass this on to the AP. UP,
and other news services, so that "Skid
Road" will get its proper credit for
broken souls.
Harold r. Chrisman.
Editors Note: Col Chrisman ap-
/ pears to be correct as to the origin
of the term. The Dictionary of
American Slang" however, lists "Skid
Row" as the proper usage-while ac-
cording to the American Thesaurus
of Slang" both "Skid Road" and "Skid
Row" are correct)
Evening star., 1950-06-08

the case. They that take the sword shall
perish by the sword.
And all that contribute in any way to
the diabolical wickedness Of war
whether through cupidity or stupidity,
or. that condone Or accept or tolerate its
hideous denominations are pdrttcepS
A., crinstnis. a - ft.f-t
S~AA~sS ~'-< Theresa III. Russell.
Evening star., 1950-06-08
Questions and Answers

The stars readers can get the answer 70
any question of fact by either writing The
Evening star Information Bureau, 1900 street
NV. Washington 5. D. c., and inclosing 3 cents
return postage, or by telephoninG ST. 5000.
Evening star., 1950-06-08
Pocifist

f0CIflSf
was glad to read the letter to The
Star quoting Gen. Sherman's famous
speech debunking the alleged "glories"
Of war.
Jack London wrote. Young man, the
lowest aim Of your life is to be good
soldier. A good soldier never tries to
distinguish right from wrong. He never
reasons. He never thinks. He only
obeys."
And it was Benjamin Franklin, as I
recall, who stated, There never was a
good war or q bad peace"
am sick and tired of the moronic
blah-blah about "if war should come"
War does not just come" It is as delib-
erately prepared for and promoted in
advance as football match or a prize
fight, whenever certain groups of pow
erful commercial and financial interests
working through their political hench-
men, feel that the time is propitious
Meaning that the gate receipts will be
favorable for their side.
All history refutes the specious argu-
ment that the way to avoid war Is to
prepare for war. just the contrary is