davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1952-12-23
Underground Pentoeon'

In reading about the "Underground
Pentagon" in Maryland, can only feel
that we have aided the enemy to the
utmost of our ability
If we desired to make certain that
they were informed of our secret plan
ming, can't think of better way in
which we could have accomplished it
than by publishing this information in
the manner in which it was done.
am sure that any experienced re-
porter must have recognized the fact
that this information should have been
of top secret nature.
Marian L. wilkins.
I was horribly shocked and surprised
to read your article giving a detailed
account and description of the under
ground tunnel which is in the process of
being completed at Fort Ritchie. 1 am
sure. it has been read with satisfaction
by our enemies who have already pin
pointed this area as one of the most
desirable places to destroy.
Why is it always necessary to publicize
the many projects and methods of de-
struction that we are preparing just in
case of an emergency or do we think by
doing so, we are letting the world know
of our physical strength and power?
Mrs. Sidney A. Wiseman.
Editors Note: Basis for The Stars
story on the Underground Pentagon"
was the Washington District Engineers
Report. an official Army publication.
This project. however. has been one of
the worst kept military secrets, there
having been many previous unofficial
progress reports on the undertaking.)
Evening star., 1952-12-23
ARLINGTON.

DARLINGTON.
Dear Sir:
1T was one of my favorite pastimes
in former years to visit the parks and
feed our feathered and four legged
friends.
I'm my declining years find it even
more enjoyable, but am less able to
get about.
Gould you by any chance tell me of
some nice parks In Washington area
that usually have pigeons in them
all the time?
"The closer to K street, the better,
for I dread walking in the bustling
city.
What would you say is the best time
to feed pigeons and squirrels?
what has become Of the pigeons in
the Washington area? have not seen
any to speak of when I go shopping.
Very truly yours, E. M"
One of the best local parks for Squir-
rel and pigeon feeding is the one at
Fifteenth and streets, running back to
K street.
This Is Mcpherson square.
It is small, but contains a wealth Of
animal life. including some black, or
melanistic squirrels. as well as the regu-
lation grays. The blacks are color phases
Of the grays.
Other easily accessible places IRE La
kSayetts park. across from the White
Evening star., 1952-12-23
Eqypt's Political Trials

Egypt's Prime Minister Naguib has reached
far back into Islamic laws and practices In set
ting the penalties which may be applied to those
who are found guilty of political corruption.
Decreeing that special courts should be set
up for expeditions trial of offenSes dating as far
back as 1899, the military chief of government
has specified that conviction can bring loss Of
Egyptian citizenship, loss of right to hold public
Office or to engage in political activity, and con-
fiscation of sums illegally obtained through abuse
of power while in office.
The course of political developments in Egypt
in recent months virtually forced this harsh
alternative upon the Naguib regime. Earlier
orders for the purging of political parties have
been circumvented, particularly by the powerful
Wafd Party, by devious reshuffling of their
open leadership. Behind the scenes the
same influential figures have controlled the
maneuvering held fast to their ill-gotten gains
of the prerevolution years and waited until such
time as their intriguing might force another
violent change in government. Naguib's first
step to meet these tactics was taken early this
month when he abrogated the constitution and
announced a new one would be drafted-pre
sumably in such form as to prevent the same
political combinations from regaining power.
His next was to decree the trials, under crcum-
stances that indicate they will take place soon.
Although strong arm justice often miscar
ries, it is worthy of note that Egypts revolution
thus far has been unmarked by bloodshed, exc
cutions or even long prison sentences. The pat
tern now ordered would seem to be similarly
free of these forms of punishment, embracing
instead the objectives announced from the very
beginning namely, the permanent removal from
political life of those who betrayed their country
and the public trust
Evening star., 1952-12-23
Prince Georges School Dilemma

School Superintendent William S. Schmidt
OF Prince Georges County has presented citizens
OF that fast-growing Maryland area with a dark
picture of the public school situation there. It
Is picture of an overcrowded school system
destined to suffer even greater congestion as the
countys population continues its phenomenal
upward trend. Gloomy, too, is the immediate
outlook for adequate relief since funds for
construction program to overcome the existing
classroom shortage and to provide for future
needs are not available.
The dilemma which Prince Georges faces
arises from causes similar to those which have
caused classroom shortages in other parts of
the Washington Metropolitan Area, particularly
in the Maryland and Virginia suburbs The rapid
expansion of Federal Government activities in
the Washington area has reached into the sur
rounding counties, stimulating the development
of new residential communities composed not
only of Federal employees and their families but
of employees of private commercial centers Serv-
ing the new residents The impact of this
Federal and private business expansion has been
hard on Prince Georges County, which has
become the fastest-growing community in
Maryland. The countyS population has more
than doubled during the past decade-far out
stripping efforts of school authorities to keep
pace with educational demands. And today's
school enrolment of 37,1OO is expected to rise
to nearly $4,000 by 1856. No letup in the trend
IS in sight.
Assistant Superintendent Thomas Gwynn
has cited an outstanding example of the sort of
problems which the upsurge of population has
produced for school authorities. Only few
years ago there was no Langley Park subdivi-
sion, only acres of open fields. Today the
thriving residential community has 700 chill
dren in new 20-room school. Moreover, there
are about 1000 children of preschool age
there. Where will they be put when, within a
few years, they are ready to 60 to school?
Against this challenging background, Super
intendent Schmidt has urged the county to adopt
fve-year school construction program to cost
$275 million. This would supplement the present
1854 million construction program, now nearing
completion. The present program was financed
by bonds issued by .he county and by State and
Federal grants. But the financing of the new
program is another and more difficult problem.
The county's indebtedness already is up to the
limit recommended as sound by fiscal experts,
and the assessabe base on which the indebted
ness rests cannot be raised for three years. under
existing law. New legislation would be required
to enable Prince Georges to raise the funds
which are required to meet the classroom short
age. The countys problem is so acute as to
merit special consideration by the Legislature
when it convenes at Annapolis next month.
Evening star., 1952-12-23
The Spirit Of Christmas

She ,Dore an apron of her otrn today-
And stood upon stool big brother
built.
And dough rolled thin and suoared
ChristnlGs-gGy.
Tomorrow tDe shall fashion on q shelf
With clay. star and sprays Of hem
lock green
A miniature of that first Christmas
scene
And she shall make the nlanger bed
herselfi
The Wreath of iDelcome- -oreenery on
the door
May tDear q toGrped, uncertain rib
bon botD:
The tinsel balls she made mag hang
so lotD
Upon the Christmas tree. they touch
the floor;
But she shall k1oU, to make Christ
mas merry
Takes more than candlelicht on holly
: Helen Boxer Adomsf
Evening star., 1952-12-23
Rational Labor View

George Meany. new president of the Ameri-
can Federation of Labor is nothing if not realis-
tic in saying that his organization is ready to
settle for less than repeal of the Taft-Hartley
Act For the last hope of repeal at this time
if the union heads actually entertained such
hope-went out the window when General Elsen-
hover, having taken stand against repeal, won
his overwhelming victory on November 4.
The truth of the matter is that the Taft
Hartley Act at least in its essentials is desirable
legislation, and the people, many union members
included, know it. Nothing could have been
emptier than the incessant propaganda to the
effect that the statute was "slave labor" law
a view that was rejected even by Governor
Stevenson who advocated repeal. The futlllty
of this line of attack was amply demonstrated
in the 1850 senatorial campaign in Ohio, when
the union leaders went all-out in their remark
ably unsuccessful attempt to defeat senator
Taft. Despite this dismal failure, however, the
slavery" theme was kept alive until Mr.. Meany
quietly laid it away.
The important thing now is the form that
labor's drive for amendment of the act will take.
That there will be some amendment is quite
nrobable since both Senator Taft and General
Eisenhower are on record as favorlng changes.
There may be quite gulf, however, between
their view of what would constitute desirable
amendment and Mr.. Meanys prediction that
labor can "get the kind of a law we want through
amendment of the act
Since Mr.. Meany did not amplify this state
ment, there is no way of knowing precisely what
kind of law labor wants. It will be more than
mildly surprising, however, if it should develop
that labor wants the kind of law that would be
consistent with the general public interest IN
labor legislation. If the public interest is to be
safeguarded, any amended law must restrain
union activity that cuts the public interest
And since unions do not like restraints especially
restraints on the right to strike, it is hardly to
be expected that Mr.. Meany and the new Con-
gress will see eye to eye on this point
At the moment the CIO is engaged in court
attack on the anti-strike injunctions authorized
in national emergencies by the Taft-Hartley Act
The attack is based on what, to the layman
seem to be highly legalistic grounds, and counsel
for the Department of Justice has characterized
the CIO argument against Government inter-
vention as doctrine of futility and impotence"
But the CIO says it will carry the case to the
Supreme Court if necessary, in quest Of a favor
able ruling.
In this particular instance, the strike was
adversely affecting the atomic energy program,
and the Government says it endangered the
national safety. In an even less extreme situa-
ton. "pwever, the Government ougED to have
Evening star., 1952-12-23
Realistic Bridge PIunnino'

Referring to your December is edito-
rial Realistic Bridge Planning" would
like to suggest bridge location which
would preserve our park assets, increase
now Of traffic and overcome part of our
downtown parking difficulties
I have been in my downtown Office
only a short time, but I have already
learned that something has to be done
now to improve traffic and parking Dur
Evening star., 1952-12-23
Those Slick Democrats

The Democratic slogan, "You never
had it so good" backfired.
It is a proven fact that all the So
called Democratic prosperity from 1888
to date is founded on debt, war, the
pent-up demands for goods during war.
and preparation for another war.
We had eight years of Wilson and
war prosperity. Then began a world
wide depression, the inevitable after
math of war, which reached it's peak
under Hoover and gave the Democrats
a target for 20 years. But Hoover had
nothing to do with that depression. 1t
was precipitated by England when she
went off the gold standard.
When the going got tough the Demo-
Gratis slid from under. Now, in SO. they
will do it again and leave the tough
going to the Republicans. Pretty slick,
eh? Cynicus.
Evening star., 1952-12-23
Wants Donohue to Stuy

know that Commissioner Donohue
has in the best traditions offered his
resignation, but the new President is
not compelled to accept it. Mr.. Dono-
hue has served us well and has taken
steps necessary to giving us a cleaner
government.
1t is with this thought in mind that
have gladly signed a petition that
is being circulated by interested citi-
zens, which asks that the new President
invite Mr.. Donohue to remain in Office
at least until the end of his term.
Mrs. Leon A. Ransom.
Evening star., 1952-12-23
Letters to The Star

dence Of inequality, it remains to be seen
what weight the plea of the Board of
Education that "the two parts of the
dual school system are conceded to be
equal" will have upon the decision to
be rendered by the Supreme Court in
the near future.
Friend of the Schools.
Evening star., 1952-12-23
MorshoII Overlooked?

II Eisenhower is really sincere in his
desire to get the best advice on the
grave problem of Korea. why has he not
long since sought the counsel of that
greatest soldier of them all-George
Catlett Marshall?
In all the long months since his re-
Evening star., 1952-12-23

power to invoke judicial aid in protection Of the
public interest against strike. And any change
in Taft-Hartley should preserve this right
whether 1t results in the kind of law labor wants
or not
Evening star., 1952-12-23
Adumunt on ireland

John j. Mcclure seemed surprised that
I found Northern Ireland so clean and
industrious. So was I. lived in Scran-
ton, Pa, as a boy and there was an ele-
ment there that was always depreciating
Northern Ireland-telling how the pigs
rambled in and out of the homes at
will; beggar at every crossing. store or
church door; the people ignorant and
lazy. What found were about the
cleanest cities. towns, villages and
countryside have ever encountered in
my journeys. was panhandled by not
one beggar all the time I was in North
ern Ireland Il cannot say that of Eire) {.
I saw not one rambling pig, and folks
were hustling Cat least in the cities) with
nobody seemingly lazy.
Mr.. Mcclure should bring himself up
to date on the financial situation in
Northern Ireland and he will be sur
prised. In fact. he will be greatly sur
prised if and when he goes to Northern
Ireland. So will Americans who visit
Northern Ireland, for it has beautiful
countryside. The glens of Antrim are
out of this world, the Giants Causeway
is wonder Of the world. And one gets
a world of good out of trout fishing, golf,
tennis and other sports, and just
mingling with and talking to the fine
folks there. Oscar E. Lancaster.
Evening star., 1952-12-23
Christmas Spirit

AS trickle of Christmas cards starts
coming in the mail each day now. my
heart has been warmed by the many
little personal messages my friends have
added to their cards. In some cases even
short letters included, have told me.
without them saying it in so many
words, that am part of their Christmas.
Such kindly expressions, it seems to
me, are the essence of the Christmas
Spirit, for it was love and sacrifice that
prompted that first gift that made
Christmas, and that filled the heart of
Mary as
She wrapped him D1rm
in stDaddling clothes.
Gods Christmas GIFT to all mankind,
A helpless babe. Dllich DER the hills,
And deserts, ,Dise men came to find.
Yes. that is all it takes to make card
convey lot of Christmas to our friends,
an additional sentence or a short note
if possible. u. c
Evening star., 1952-12-23
School CounseIors

The frantic last-minute effort by Dis
trict public schools to equalize educa-
tional opportunities between the two
parts Of our dual school system has
proved to be a boomerang. The recent
action that involved the shifting of SEN
ior high school counSelorS to classroom
teaching and which was designed to pro-
vide more teachers for the understaffed
junior high schools Of Division has
resulted in additional evidence of the
inequality that has existed and con-
tinues to exist.
The Sunday Star of December car
ried an article indicating that only one
senior high counselor had been assigned
to teaching duties in Division l, while
four counselors in Division 2 had been
shifted to provide relief for the junior
high schools. The plan as originally
proposed by the Superintendent of
Schools and approved by the Board Of
Education provided that "one of the
two counselors at each senior high will
become teachers" This plan, If carried
out to the letter, would have freed at
least six counselors from Division /
and four counselors from Division for
teaching duties. If, as the article stated,
other readjustment Of teaching assign
.ments in the senior high schools of
Division has made it unnecessary to
disturb the counselors except at Ana
costa High. then 1t would seem that
there are 1ive more salaries that could
have been made available to Division 2.
Since neither the Superintendent of
Schools nor the Board of Education has
deigned to rescind the order. how can
the shifting Of only one counselor in
Division be accepted as an equitable
compliance with this order?
The overworked counselors of Divi-
sion 2 had accepted in good faith ex-
plantations made of the reasons for the
change. However, the implementation
of the superintendent's plan leaves much
room for doubt that fair consideration
has been given to the guidance program
Of Division 2. In october of this school
year the ratio between students and
counselor in the senior high schools in
Division 2 was 684 to /. In Division l
it was 485 to /. Since the shift the
ratio is nearer 1,400 to for Division 2.
All ratios fall far short of meeting the
standard recommended by Strayer Of
300 students to one counselor and the
generally accepted standard of $50 stu
dents per counselor. Especially is this
true for Division 2. What kind Of guild
ance program is possible under such
conditions? BY what stretch of the
imagination can reduced guidance serv-
ices for senior high students be justified
at this or any other time of the school
year? The growing crime rate and
increased use and peddling of narcotics
by our youth would indicate a need for
more rather than fewer counselors.
The temporary nature of this shift of
counselors in no way mitigates the seri-
business of the problem. In the midst of
Supreme Court deliberations affecting
separate educational facilities all over
the country. the facts speak for them
selves. In the face Of such glaring evi-
Evening star., 1952-12-23
By THE HASKIN SERVICE.

@. Who wrote the Pledge Of Allegi-
ance to the Flag Of the United States7
MS.
A. The authorship is in dispute. but
research seems to affirm that James
Upham wrote it in its tentative form.
and the final wording was evolved by
members of the editorial staff of the
Youths Companion.
Evening star., 1952-12-23
Questions and Answers

The Stars readers can ses the answer 70
any question Of fact BY either writins The
NV, washington 8, D. c., and inclosing 3 cents
return postage or b. telephoninG st 1868.
Evening star., 1952-12-23
Compoiener
L. p. d. Warren.

May I suggest another worthwhile
campaign for The Star? The loveliest
edif1ce in Washington, the Treasury
Building, needs cleaning badly. In its
present condition it is disgrace. What
could be more fitting symbol for the
incoming administration than bright,
shining Treasury? Washingtonian.
Evening star., 1952-12-23

Pen-ndn1es may be used II letters carry
tcriters' correct names and addresses.
ALI letters are subject to condensation.
Evening star., 1952-12-23

Q. What was Herbert Hoover's pro-
fession before World War I?-K.M.F.
A. From 1895 to 1913. he was an
engineer engaged in professional work
in mines, railroads and metallurgy in
the United States, Canada, Mexico,
Australia, Italy, Great Britain, South
Africa. India, and China.
Evening star., 1952-12-23
Lost tleuve

All the vacation Federal employees take
between Christmas and New Years, in
fact any after January 20, is charged
against their vacation time in 1853. And
this at time when many employees are
being forced to forfeit annual leave, or
vacation time, earned this year. because
they can't get OF their jobs to take it.
This seems to be the acme of bureau
cratic adherence to form. For many
could get away between Christmas and
New Years, which is a slack period in
many Federal Offices How the people
who thought up this crazy decision could
put 1t forth with q straight face is more
than can figure. A curse upon them.
Vox Pop No. 2783.
Evening star., 1952-12-23
Ever the DipIomut

I have just seen Donald Rauh's edi-
torial page feature, "They Are Going
to Miss Him Around q. N.." clipped from
The Washington Star Of December IL.
I am under great obligation to him for
that column. have never seen one that
touched on 50 many unique points in q
brief sketch such as this. like it very
much. Thank you.
With fond regards to the distinguished
and friendly personnel Of The Star, and
the hope that shall see them again,
am, Sincerely Yours,
Warren r. Austin,
United States Representative to the
United Nations.
Evening star., 1952-12-23
Dim View of Future

01u view VI ] UtUtS
well remember those WPA days
when the majority" watched the
minority" and everybody got Q pay
check for doing nothing.
am also very conscious Of today's
tax burden. BY this method. we are
still trying to pay for what we got
through the New Deal-Fair Deal cheap
currency. spend and spend. elect and
elect program.
But it did win votes for r. D. r., the
greatest politician Of modern times, who
knew the answers the voter wanted to
hear.
No, the incoming administration has
no magic wand" for reducing taxes or
ending the Korean war. Only a fool
could have a ready ear for such propa-
ganda. Tax reductions Of o sizeable
nature may we'll require q generation;
1t Is not very optimistic outlook.
Korean peace may hinge on how well
we have prepared Russia for war.
Delmer G. Wright.
, 1952-05-02

healthy child, as GraceAbbott
one Of the great chiefs Of the
Children's Bureau, used to
say.
Let each Of us, on this May
Day that is dedicated to the
greater health Of handicapped
children, choose one child for
whom we will achieve some
new measure Of well-being in
the coming year.