davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1951-03-20
By james Y. Newton

RGANIzED LABOR'S wrath over
" the administrations defense pro-
gram policies has cooled considerably.
But. there still are many things to be
done before the "kiss-and- makeup"
stage is reached.
Just what plan has been proposed to
President Truman by Eric Johnston for
reorganization of his Wage Stablliza-
ton Board remains in the field OF spec
ulation at the moment Mr.. Johnston
flew down to talk to the President in
Key West yesterday. Meanwhile. how
ever. it is important to keep the back
ground of this mobilization dispute in
mind.
A more precise appraisal OF the pres
ent relationship between the Truman
camp and the Unions may be possible
in the next day or so. The AFL, CLIO
and rail unions have brought in about
TOO regional officials for reports on the
progress of "1abor's fight for fair ana
equitable treatment" in mobilization
program planning.
The well-advertiSed ruckus has quoted
because, at the behest OF President
Truman, his lieutenantS have been
treating assiduously the alleged causes
of labors dissatisfaction. Then, too, 1t
is only natural that a period OF quiet
should follow so violent storm.
Labors general beef was that the well
fare of the working man. in this period
of rearmament, was being ignored be-
cause the union leaders were not al
lowed into the inner councils OF Gov
eminent, where defense program policy
was being fixed. The policy, 1t was
charged, was being set by big business
men strictly in the interests of big
business and to the detriment OF other
economic groups-the little business
man, the worker and the farmer.
This attack was aimed directly at
Charles E. Wilson and his Office OF
Defense Mobilization. 1t is probable
a fight referee would have penaliZed
labor for striking some low blows. Mr..
Wilson is a tremendously capable and
honest industrialist But he is given
to saying what he thinks, and he would
fall short of meeting State Department
standards for tact and diplomacy.
There were sharp personality clashes.
and several meetings generated far
more heat than light.
LaborS complaint about mobilization
policies has several parts to it, all OF
which entered into the withdrawal OF
union representatives from the defense
agencies. Labor felt:
/. That the most rigid controls in
history were being placed on wages and
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1951-03-20
By Charles E. TroceweN

weeks, after which they venture forth
on the back of their mother, clinging
with their tails to i1er tail, an amazing
sight, as they hang with their heads
down.
In Colonial America this was COM
mon spectacle.
Almost all of the natural histories, as
the older animal books were called, con-
tanned drawings of this amazing woods
sight.
The long, naked tail is one of the sure
identifying marks. No other common
animal has anything like it.
1t is prehenSile tail, that Is, adapted
for grasping, something along the line
of monkey tail, but stronger.
All in all, there is no finer animal
than Americas possum. one which re-
lates the watcher to Colonial America.
in a very good way, and at the same
time is beautiful interesting and help
full to have around, since it destroys
vermin and insects. All this should be
kept in mind, for sometimes there is a
temptation for near-city folks to be
afraid of a strange creature. 1t is silly
to be afraid of this one, for it may be
fed by hand, and is incapable of doing
harm. To have an opossum in ones
yard is distinction, an opportunity to
see something not every yard has, and
chance to be a conservationist. in a
world becoming increasingly destructive.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1951-03-20
This and That

An Arlington resident wants to know
if the opossum comes to his neighbor-
hood.
What he took to be possum, as it is
usually called, came to his back porch
one evening just at dusk.
The animal seemed not afraid. but
remained for many minutes, finally
visiting bird feeding station, where it
sampled suet
The resident wishes to know what to
put out for these animals. since he is
hopeful of attracting one or more.
OpossumS are frequently seen both in
nearby Virginia and Maryland, also in
lower Georgetown.
Several residents of Georgetown have
built what they call "possum houses"
for these wanderers.
Recently we saw one lying dead on
Brookeville road, in Chevy Chase, Md.
Only the forepart of its head had been
crushed.
The remainder Of the animal, includ-
ing the long, naked tail seemed unin-
jured.
PoSsumS are omniverouS; that is, they
will eat almost anything.
This means that bread is good to
attract them.
In nature they eat corn on the cob,
insects, eggs. even young chickens.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1951-03-20
On ToIkine About Religion

Your correspondent. Margot Miller.
raised an interesting question IN her
letter to The Star when she asked why
one could not discuss religion without
being called a fanatic. One Of the an
swers is found in the sophisticated age
we are living in, and the determination
of many people to create their own moral
levels without recourse to holy scripture
or theological guidance.
I defy any person to produce any finer
code of moral ethics outside of religion
than that embodied in Christ's Sermon
on the Mount While one may study
volumes in relation to moral principles
found in the writings of great philoso-
pliers and thinkers, yet all of them put
together could not add up to more right
thinking than that one brief. compact
expression.
Mrs. Miller did the right thing in pray
ing silently for her friend, and venture
to believe that many persons who read
her letter did the same for him. For
long years, this writer turned his back
on religion. But since he did an about
about face nearly five years ago, his
whole world has changed to an amazing
degree. The cynical and agnostic atti-
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1951-03-20

Also moles. mice. rabbits
Many fruits are taken.
There are never enough of these odd
animals, our only marsupials, to cause
any trouble. The wonder is how they
manage to keep going, in our motorized
civilization.
They seem to be rather stupid. as
regards traffic: for this they cannot be
blamed, since motor speeds are far out
side their ancestral experience.
A fast dog, or horse, is their closest
approximation to the automobile.
The flashing lights confuse the pos
sums, as they Startle other wild things.
The farther into the country, the more
skunks and opossums killed.
In and near cities the toll among the
wild creatures is reduced to an occa-
sional possum, and some birds.
In the summer there seems to be more
robins run over than any other species.
The possum is nocturnal in habits,
but often walks around in the daytime.
The pouch of this animal is its most
interesting natural feature. 1t is on the
lower side of the body, and actually is a
sort of nursery for the youngsters, usu-
ally from half a dozen to a dozen.
The young are very small, and are
sightless and hairless.
They live in the pouch for about six
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1951-03-20

salaries, controls which were unfair.
unavoidable and unjust"
2. That the price-control program
was a phony; while fixed formulas
were being applied to wages. 1t was said.
business was allowed to write its own
ceiling prices, and imitation was running
wild
3. That Mr.. Wilson seized control Of
manpower policy. ignoring labor's advice
that the program should be run by the
Department of Labor.
4. That Mr.. Wilson refused to APP
point union official to top policy post
in the mobilization Office to counter
balance the alleged influence of big
business.
Mr. Johnston tried to take care Of
complaint No. l, which had caused the
three labor members to resign from the
Wage Sterilization Board, by relaxing
the control formula drafted by the pub
lie and industry members of the board.
But this failed to settle the wage con-
troll issue Labor attached a condition
to participation in reconstructed board;
namely, that such board should handle
all labor management disputes. Indus
try baked at that. 1t also refused to go
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1951-03-20
Mr.. Wilson's Optimism

For man who has more than his share OF
troubles at the moment, Charles E Wilson, direc-
tor OF defense mobilization takes an optimistic
view of the future. In his opinion our period of
"austerity," barring an about war is going to be
good deal less auStere than some people have
imagined.
Mr. Wilson has set forth his views, some of
which he has expressed before in a copyrighted
interview appearing in the magazine, u S. News
d. World Report. His main thesis is that this
country, unless there should be another world
war, will be we'll over the hump in the third year
OF its rearmament program BY that time he
thinks we will have mighty array" of weapons
ready and the facilities to increase military pro-
duction very rapidly if necessary. Meanwhile
through an increase in plant capacity and other
devices the problem of material shortages
will be licked. Mr.. Wilson is hopeful that the
civilian economy can be kept annually at some
thing like $275 billion, and that in the third year.
as the programs for steel and aluminium expan-
sion and other items come through, we should
be able to expand our output of civilian goods
and, at the same time, meet our requirements
OF defense material. In consequence, he thinks
that rationing may not be necessary and he
emphatically denies that he has any plan (im-
puted to him by some union leaders, to conscript
labor.
Inc WllSOnan view OF the longer future is
equally hopeful He does not believe that ours
is a mature economy and that we are faced with
the prospect of unusable production when mill
tary demands slacken. II think we are still in
the pioneering stage in the United States" he
said. II think that 10 years from now, If we
have peace-and God knows hope we have it
you will be talking about more production, not
less, for the civilian economy"
of big" man who does not take kindly to the
pot shots that have been aimed at him by union
leaders and those who Sympathize with them.
Mr.. Wilson gave up $275 O0O-a-year job with
General Electric to take this Government as
signment. His key aides also have given up
better paying jobs in private life to come into
the mobilization program. Although no labor
leader has indicated willingness to do likewise,
their spokesman are constantly shipping at what
they call "big business" control of the mobiliza-
ton project. This inks Mr.. Wilson, but that is
beside the point. The real point is that a ire
mendouS job has to be done, and it can be done
only il someone like Mr. Wilson, with his expert
ence, his vision his drive and his ability to in
duce other able men to come in as his aides, is
given the necessary authority and then held
responsible for results. This certainly was in
the Presidents mind when he made the appoint
ment, and although the detection OF labor may
prove to be the back-breaking straw, there IS
as yet no evidence that Mr.. Truman has lost
faith in the man of his original choice.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1951-03-20
Greece, Turkey and NATO

Logic supports the idea of having Greece and
Turkey become full members of the North Allan
tic Treaty Organization. Both of them-in Korea
as we'll as on their own Soil-have demonstrated
their devotion to freedom and their determine
ton to stand shoulder to shoulder with the west
against the threat of Soviet aggression In short,
in spite of being Russias next-door neighbors,
and in spite of all kinds of menacing pressures
from the Kremlin, they have shown themselves
resolved to defend everything that NATO is meant
to defend In terms of outlook and spirit, there
fore, there can be no doubt that they we'll
qualified to belong to the club.
AS matters stand of course, the two countries
already are associate members of the Atlantic
Pact In that capacity they have consultative
role in the organizations defense planning for
the Mediterranean area, which is of vital mpor-
lance to the security of the West as whole. But
they have indicated-the Turks especiay-that
they are anxious to be more than mere consult
ants What they would like to see is an enlarge
ment of NATO that would make them full part
ners in the alliance. Several American military
and diplomatic officials are reported to feel the
same way, and there is good reason why that
feeling should receive the careful and Sympa-
thetic attention of all governments concerned.
Greece and Turkey after all, are located in
and like Italy-which is full NATO member
largely because of its position in the western
Mediterranean-theya of great significance to
the defense of the whole area, which in turn is Of
great significance to the defense of the entire
Atlantic community. In the circumstances, they
can make out a strong case for the idea that they
should be as much part of the grand alliance as
are the Italians Spain-which apparently is will
ing to help defend Europe if equipped with Amer
lean armS-might come forward with similar
argument, but not with one that could be as ap-
pealing at this stage as the proposition favoring
Greek-Turkish membership.
Before the Atlantic Pact could be enlarged to
allow such membership, the twelve nations now
making up the alliance would have to reach
unanimous agreement, and the agreement itself
would then have to be ratified in keeping with
each members constitutional processes fact
that would require, for example, a special in
dorSement by our own Senate. What this means
is that the admission of Greece and Turkey into
full NATO partnership would be subject to lot
OF preliminary negotiation and debate. The pro-
poSal however, is so sound that it probably would
be acted upon favorably in the end. At any rate,
1t deserves serious consideration not least of all
because these two resolute countries have proved
themselves to be tried and true friends of the
West and freedom in general.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1951-03-20

nostic and prescription clinic is conducted under
its auspices. Parents are counseled. Children
are provided with braces, sent to summer camp,
furnished with other equipment and services
which they need and which their own families
rarely, if ever. can supply-because of the ex-
pense involved.
The Society believes that crippled children
are community responsibility and community
opportunity for the practice of fellow-feeling.
It represents the local branch OF national
movement created to meet demand which Is
met in no other way Research and investiga-
ton into the sources of cerebral palsy are en-
couraged by it. The rehabilitation of child
sufferers from that still mysterious affection,
meanwhile, is not neglected. Practically every
crippled youngster can be assisted to larger,
healthier happier life. The cooperation of all
men and women interested in human welfare
is solicited This year especially it is hoped that
the annual drive will not fail of it's target The
Office Of the Society is at 1867 Massachusetts,
avenue, Northwest.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1951-03-20
In Aid of Crippled Children

The week between Palm Sunday and Easter
each year is marked by a campaign for funds
for the work of the District of Columbia Society
for Crippled Children-an organization which
devotes itself particularly to helping boys and
girls who have suffered cerebral palsy at birth
or prior to birth. worthier philanthropy
would be difficult to imagine. The annual
Easter Seals distributed at dollar a sheet of
100 brings in part of the money needed, but
more is required than can be obtained in that
way. The Societys budget and expansion re-
quirementS for 1851 total $125,000. AS compared
with other OUTLAWS this is a small amount, but
the raising of it is of vital significance.
Crippled children are not easy to aid. Their
disabilities generally are psychological as we'll
as physical. That means that any effective
approach to them must be planned with care
and developed with skill. The Society operates
the only nursery and kindergarten for crippled
boys and girls in the Washington area. 1t pro-
vides physical therapy and imperative speech
training at the earliest possible age. dag
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1951-03-20
District as q Territory

District as d Territory
In the Sunday Star of March 4 your
columniSt, Jesse Suter. gave very cogent
argument in favor Of statehood for Ha-
wall and Alaska. He said, in effect, that
the citizens of these territories are ''po-
litical aliens" because they do not have
the fundamental American right OF
participating in the Government OF their
country" through voting representation
in Congress and the electoral college.
They will obtain that right when Con-
gress sees At to admit these territories
to the Union as States.
OF course. Mr.. Suter was not talking
about these territories, but about the
District of Columbia. Everything he said.
however, is equally applicable to the cit
liens of Hawaii and Alaska. even though
they, unlike the citizens OF the District
of Columbia, have their own legislatures
with broad powers of legislation" and
also have non-voting delegates in Con-
gress Does Mr. Suter consider that pos
session of these latter rights diminlShes
the Importance of voting representation
in the National Government? II so, why
not give them to the District pending
amendment of the Constitution to give
us national representation?
Mr.. Suter said that sit would take an
amendment to the Constitution to give
the District of Columbia territorial
status" In view of the fact that the Dis
trict had a territorial legislature and
delegate in Congress in the 1870S, this is
hardly a correct statement. Although
some question has been raised concern
ing the constitutionality of the provision
of the Kefauver-Taft Home Rule Bill.
which delegates legislative powers to the
elected city council created by the bill, it
should be noted that one of the chief
opponents of the bill, Mr.. E. F. Colladay.
general counsel of the Board of Trade,
upheld the constitutionality of similar
provision in the original Auchincloss bill,
provided the means of congressional dis
approval of such legislation are the same
as those with respect to the territories.
This opinion was contained in memo
randum submitted by Mr.. Colladay at
the hearings on the AuchinclosS Dill IN
February, 1948.
The supporters of the Kefauver-Taft
bill do not oppose national representa-
ton. They see no logic in favoring one
form of suffrage and opposing another.
They only question whether Congress
and the legislatures of SO States would
favor granting voting representation IN
the National Government to people
who are denied the equally fundamental
American right" of participating in their
own local government.
Kenneth P. Armstrong.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1951-03-20
McLemore OF Luncn

From time to time. in your letters
column, have noted complaints against
or praise for Henry McLemore. What
ever Henrys obvious faults or charm,
I think most of your readers have thus
far overlooked the one thing for which
he can be given a sound round of ap-
plause. Hank is a delightful luncheon
companion.
To those of your readers who are
otherwise forced to eat their noon meal
alone, 1 recommend him without res
ervation. There are a number OF rea-
sons why he is a delightful luncheon
companion. but chief among them are:
l. He never costs you more than a
nickle.
2. He is printed so that he can be
folded into a small, compact unit which
occupies little space on the table and
leaves ample elbow room.
3. He never says anything which causes
you to think.
4. You never become so engrossed in
anything he says that you neglect your
food.
The only thing that prevents him
from being the perfect luncheon COM
panion is that he is inclined to be
rather untidy and often ends the meal
smeared with mashed potatoes or
stained with beet juice. However. this
is not too grave a problem, since Hank,
unlike most luncheon guests. is very
easy to get rid of once lunch is over.
L. r. S.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1951-03-20
A Good Plan for Future Action

The District Department of Corrections has
drawn up good long-range plan for expanding
and improving the Districts penal system. 1t is
unfortunate that conditions are adverse to any
effort to carry out the construction program in
the immediate future. With so many important
projects in other fields calling for prior attention,
little room is left in the local budget for anything
but the more urgent capital improvements. Elk
cept for Lorton Reformatory, the District penal
institutions are not filled to capacity And the
Federal Bureau of Prisons may be expected to
continue to cooperate in caring for District
prisoners.
The enlargement plan submitted to the
Commissioners by Donald Clemmer, director of
corrections, would cost between So million and
81 Million spread over several years. This esti-
mate may prove to be far short of the actual COST
when rising prices of construction are considered.
Besides a scarcity of building materials already
is facing the country The major improvements
would be made at Lorton which has 100 more
prisoners than its rated capacity of 1900 The
planned changes would enable Lorton officials to
separate younger criminals from the hardened
variety-a highly desirable policy and one that
Is the objective of the Youth Corrections Act.
This law does not now apply to the District but
a proposed amendment would correct this de-
ficiency. Incidentally, the Department OF Justice
has promised to assist the District in administer
ing the law, if it is so amended. This aid pre-
sumably would include acceptance of Juvenile
prisoners who otherwise might have to be con-
fined alongside recidivists, the penologists call
habitua criminals.
SO there appears to be no danger that the
Districts juvenile offenders would be deprived
Of the benefits of the Youth Corrections Act if
Lorton should lack the facilities for segregating
novices in crime from incorrigibe felons. Mean
while 1t seems inevitable that the Department Of
Corrections, like many other District departments,
will have to do the best it can with what 1t has,
plus only those extras that can be truly classified
as absolutely essential.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1951-03-20
Responsibility

There has been a good deal of unjust
criticism of DR.. Corning. the superin-
tendent of schools. because of disci-
plinary measures invoked against the
principal and assistant principal of the
Cardozo High School. AS a member
of the Board of Education, want to
say that the responsibility for the action
lies with the board, because it directed
the superintendent to act as he did.
The penalty was light indeed for the
INSTRUMENTATION by the officers involved
Dismissal would not have been too
severe.
Discipline must be preserved in any
organization of 5000 employees, and de-
liberate disobedience of orders cannot
be tolerated. Responsibility for the
conduct of the school system lies in
the Board of Education, which will
continue to act for the best interests
of the students and assume RESPONSE
bility for it's decisions.
James A. Cannon, MD,
Chairman, Finance Committee,
Board of Education.