davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1952-04-11
Clean Bill of Health

A Pennsylvania postmaster, convicted of
stealing packages from the mails, has been given
clean bill of health" by Federal Judge James
P. McGranery.
This is interesting because Judge McGranery
is the man who has been picked to succeed
Howard McGrath as Attorney General, and who
will be in charge of whatever remains of Presi-
dent Truman's avowed determination to rid his
administration of grafters and chiselers.
The postmaster, like almost any one else,
was able to produce an array Of character wit
nesses in his behalf. Aside from this, the news
dispatches do not indicate what reason-if any
Judge McGranery had for imposing suspended
sentence and for announcing from the bench
that he was giving the postmaster a clean bill
of health
Most people would think that postmaster
who steals from the mails is guilty of a rather
serious breach of trust II Judge McGranery
does not think so, he is not likely to take very
serious view Of the breaches of trust that have
been revealed in Washington. If and when he
moves in as Attorney General, another clean
bill Of health" may vell be in the ofnng.
Evening star., 1952-04-11
Airport Up in Air

Congress seems bent on leaving Washing
tons auxiliary airport up in the air, with no
place to land. Opponents of the Burke, Vir-
ginia, site are hailing the adverse action of the
Senate Appropriations Committee as virtually
booming the move to place the new airport in
nearby Virginia. If the Senate goes along with
its committee and with the House, Congress will
have created problems more perpexing than the
plight of the displaced residents of Burke. Still
unSolved would be the basic problem of dan
gerous congestion at the present National Air
port problem which Congress itself has agreed
requires construction of another air terminal
close to Washington. The urgency of that need
was recognized nearly two years ago when
legislation authorizing construction of an air.
port at Burke was passed on recommendation
of the President, the Civil Aeronautics Authority
and the National Capital Park and Planning
Commission
Another problem which would result from
stopping further appropriations for the airport
and letting it hang in midair is the disposition
of land already acquired for the Burke field
Acting by direction of Congress, the Government
already has taken title to about 1000 acres of
private property and is preparing to take the
remaining $500 acres either by negotiated pur-
chase or condemnation proceedings. More than
$4,000 of a previous appropriation of 81 million
has been paid out or committed for payment.
II the land already bought Is not to be used
for airport purposes, will the Government hold
on to it las it did in the case of the unused
Nevius tract in Arlington), sell it back to the
former owners (some of whom may not want it
back or what? Another act of Congress pre-
sumably would be required to authorize its
resale.
All Of the arguments made recently in the
House and in the Senate committee against
placing the airport in Virginia and in favor of
using Baltimores Friendship Airport as an
alternate Washington field were heard and re-
jected by Congress in 1850. At that time Con-
gress agreed with the CAA that the only solu-
ton to the National Airport's growing traffic
hazards was a new airport within reasonable
motoring distance of downtown Washington.
Since then air traffic at Gravelly Point has in
creased. 1t has been estimated that the load
will rise 40 per cent by 1955-an intolerably
dangerous condition. Congress will be flying
in the face of all the warnings by aviation
authorities if it cuts off funds for the Burke
project without making some provision for meet
ing the threat of danger existing at the Ma
tional Airport. The Senate certainly should not
leave decision on this important public-safety
matter to its Appropriations Committee. The
questions involved are too serious to be decided
on a dollar-saving basis or in modification Of
sectional interests.
Evening star., 1952-04-11
By Charles E. 7roceweN

Zone morning I found him standing
on the sink seesawing with his forepaW
over the lock to the screen door, know
ing I did something or other up there
before he was let out.
"Cats are right up our alley for fas-
tidiousnesS, too. Maybe we'd do better
loaning our books to the cats. for they
are far more sensitive than many hu-
man beings.
Nov, the deed is done. Thanks for
your columns. Don't ever die"
One good way, I have found, to ham
die the book loaning business is to divide
ones volumes, in ones own mind, into
those which may be loaned and those
which may not.
Then, when a guest desires loan.
simply say, and positively, THAT is
among my books I never loan," and
stick to it. Make no further explana-
ton.
Just simply let all and sundry know
that loans may be had only from Ger
tain volumes. Then be prepared to kiss
the loaned book good-by, for no one
ever brings them back. of course. 1t is
one of the saddest things about books.
that one cannot loan favorite volume
and get 1t back in good condition.
Among my own books the volumes by
and about Henry James are never
loaned. No one who knows me expects
to borrow one of them. I have As OF
these books, all printed within the past
IL years. The latest one, "The Golden
Bowl" just printed for the first time
since 1923, is on order And when get
it, let no one want to borrow it. 1t isn't
that sort Of book.
Evening star., 1952-04-11
This and That

after year. asked for the book
in delicate way. My consideration
was wasted. Editors note-it always
isl
II suffered through all the degree.
finally abandoned the sensitive ap-
proach, still no results.
"She did not remember getting the
book.
'I described it. Oh, yes, that one.
Shed absolutely bring it to me the next
time. Next time she didn't, and many
next times she didn't.
"Then I repeated that did not like
my books lying around. She laughed,
and promised to dust it off thoroughly
before returning.
Finally she brought it, but nobody
would believe my description Of it's con-
dition. It was covered with filth, cob
webs, etc. I wouldn't touch it with a
10-foot pole.
IT used cloths, and threw away the
cloths, but still the book is tabu. don't
fancy handling it, and when am rich
will replace it with a new one.
"The lesson is valuable.
Item 3: A thorn among the roses.
"a rather long time ago. you said cats
were not very intelligent. Surely you
know they are very intelligent. My cat
was retriever. He would go any place
a powder puff landed and worry it out
and bring it back to me.
II threw one away. but q careless
freshman spilled 1t out back. It was
raining. and left 1t. meaning to pick
1t up later, but Blackie found it and
brought it back to ma.
Evening star., 1952-04-11

fense Of a fundamental democratic
principle will be vindicated, there is no
doubt in my mind.
We have heard more about "civil
liberties" i" "the rights of the individual"
and civil rights" during this admins
tration than all the other administra-
tions combined However. when it ap-
peared to serve certain interests within
the administration, this principle was
discarded All of which makes us ask:
How sincere have been those politicians
who have seemed to be fortnight in
sponsoring the Fair Employment Prac-
tices Commission and the advocacy of an
American ambassador at the Vatican?
BY their fruits ye shall know them!
The acrid odor of hypocrisy in the
field of civil rights does not emanate
only from Communist lawyers.
T. AQuin0.
Evening star., 1952-04-11

A letter comes in an envelope printed
Chelsea lane. and on paper imprinted
Meadow lane, so the only thing we cas-
be sure of is that the writer lives in
nearby Maryland.
80 long I've wanted to write" Sne
saws. IT forget the order OF the list OF
my preferences among your articles, ouC
certain priceless items appealed to me:
"Rich and rare was your account OF
the fastidiousness of Templeton Jones.
The only specific detail that comes to
me now was the way he turned cup
around, to drink from the httle-useo
side.
what delighted my soul was the
way you defended it. I would love to
match fastidiousness with T. Jones. We
happen to see eye-to-eye there.
II believe in live and let live. If an
acquaintance likes fried rattlesnakes for
breakfast, I consider that strictly his
business.
mo. 2 item: You believe in handling
books with respect, all books.
$50 do I. I wish I could remember
all you said. They would shame any
one who didn't treat books right.
IT do not like to loan my books Tor
that reason. However, am not as
rabid on the subject as my husband,
who insists on showing the children
how to open a new book, that is, to
divide it evenly in the center first, then
press back pages on either side.
"One experiment in loaning a choice
book of mine was so unfortunate that
now include myself in this class.
"The person to whom I loaned the
book assured me that she was a very
fast reader. Naturally inferred that
she would soon return the book.
Evening star., 1952-04-11
'WhistIe-Stops' Then and Now

Many. but by no means all, of Senator
Taft's friends and admirers are Defend
ing his frantic and undignifed BUSH
whacking for the presidential nomination
by comparing it with President Tru-
mans whlrlWind whistle stop" tour in
1948. but the analogy doesn't hold.
Whatever may be said of Trumans
stunt, which has probably been gener-
ally overvalued, it was the action of
man who had already been nominated
by his party and therefore was under OBJ
legation to put on some kind of show by
way of winning votes. The name "whis-
tle-stop'' was catchy but not truly de-
scriptive. He travelled in luxurious spe-
cial train which covered the country
rapidly, with frequent stops and brief
rear-platform addresses. It was not
Evening star., 1952-04-11
Atomic Energy Program

The April issue of The Star re-
ports that the Atomic Energy Com
mission will ask Congress for some SIS
billion to expand the atomic energy
program in accordance with the ex-
pressed wishes of the Joint Congress
sional Committee on Atomic Energy. In
your editorial. "Revolutionizing War;
fare" in the same issue, you point out
that 'At the moment there is good
reason to believe that we are far ahead
of them Che Russians) in the atomic
race. If we can maintain our lead. their
present gigantic military machine con-
ceivably may be altogether outmoded
before they have had chance to mod
ernize it in line with the extraordinary
and rapid progress being made in the
field of super -armaments."
In view of the foregoing, does it make
sense to cut the physical research pro-
gram of the Atomic Energy Commission
by $50, which is considerably below it's
present level Of operation? The physical
research program of the Acc is at the
heart of the scientific and chronological
struggle between the East and the West.
Dol]arWiSe, the commissions physical
research program represents but small
fraction of the commissions billion-dol-
lar budget. but cut in this program
would hurt the atomic energy program
to far greater extent than the size of
the apparent savings" by cutting off
the source of new ideas and scientific
information upon which the whole effort
so vitality depends. I, for one, feel that
the Acc is doing good job and consider
it highly unwise for Congress, in it's in
finite wisdom. to attempt to second
guess the commission by determining,
in detail. where it shall take it's cuts.
r. F. WeheR
Evening star., 1952-04-11
Bonn and Jewish Reporotions

A unique International conference.-the an
exceedingly tragic and griSly background-has
voted for months recess at The Hague after
having made a faltering start The business OF
the conference is to work out an agreement on
reparations for an atrocity that Is far beyond
indemnifcation in the form of any amount OF
cash or other worldly goods This is the atrocity,
of course, that Hitler and his Nazi underlings
committed in many forms-including the ex-
termination of million helpless Individuals
against the Jews of Germany and of Europe
at large
The Hague meeting has grown out of
declaration delivered last September to the Bonn
Parliament by Chancellor Konrad Adenauer of
the Federal government of West Germany. The
acknowledgement by the Parliament-has
placed that government on record as being con-
scious, along with 'the vast majority" of Ger
mans of two things: CD The "immeasurable
suffering" that the Nazis inflicted on the Jews
in series of "unspeakable crimes" and (2) the
consequent obligation imposed upon the German
people to make moral and material amends"
In response to this declaration-which in
cluded an offer by the Bonn government to meet
Jointly with representatives OF world JeWry and
the state of Israel-the Israeli Parliament, de-
spite considerable agitation against having any
kind of dealings with the Germans, voted last
January to authorize the historic Hague nego-
tiationS. In these negotiations Bonn'S delegates
have engaged in two related but separate sets of
talks-one with the Israelis and the other with
the Conference on Jewish Material Claims
Against Germany"
The latter group, representing 20 organlza-
tions from the United States and seven other
countries outside Israel, has called for $500
million from the Germans. This sum is sought,
among other reasons, % to secure for the sur
vivors of Nazi persecution the restitution of
property wrested from them and (2) to guar
antee that Jewish assets confscated by the Hitler
regime-assets for which there are neither heirs
nor claimants-win be made available for the
relief, rehabilitation and resettlement of hun
dreds of thousands of needy Jews victimized by
the Nazs.
AS for the Israeli government its demand
has been set at SIS billion, $500 million of which
applies to East Germany whose Soviet-controlled
status rules out an agreement on that part OF
the sum at this time According to an official
explanation, the Israelis have calculated this
claim for compensation on the basis Of "eSti-
mated expenditures incurred by the Jewish
population in Palestine prior to the establish
ment of Israel and later by Israel in the absorp-
tion of half a million immigrants from the coun-
tries formerly under the Nazi regime"
The Hsraelis-who are strongly disaatisned
Evening star., 1952-04-11
Hiss Case Bunging

Further shocking evidence of administra-
tive bungling of the Hiss case has been supplied
by former Ambassador william c. Bullitt in
his testimony before the Senate Internal Security
Committee. It has been said in defense of official
apathy regarding Whitaker Chambers original
charges against Alger Hiss that Mr. Chambers
was not considered to be a reliable informant.
But now Mr.. Bullitt reveals that the Chambers
tip to Adolf Berle in September of 1889 was
followed few months later by Mr.. Bullitts dis
closure that former French Prime Minister
Daladier had asserted there were two Soviet
agents named Hiss in the American State De-
partment. Apparently even the second accusa-
tion against Alger Hiss failed to impress the
State Department. On the contrary, Mr.. Hiss
rose steadily in esteem and in positions of trust.
It was not until 10 years after the Chambers
and Daladier allegations were made that justice
finally caught up with Alger Hiss-thanks largely
to the House Un-American Affairs Committee.
It is surprising that Mr.. Bullitt waited so
long to tell his startling story. 1t is surprising
too, that he laughed off the French Prime Min
ister's unqualified charge because, he said he
had never heard of any one in the State De-
partment named Hiss. A proper sense of official
responsibility should have induced him at least
to make report of the matter Immediately
Yet it was only when he chanced to learn from
Stanley Hornbeck several months later that
Alger Hiss was Mr.. Hornbeck's assistant on Far
Eastern affairs that he mentioned Mr. Daladier's
charge.
Mr.. Daladier says he does not recall the
incident. Mr. Hornbeck, however, told reporters
he remembers it, but that Mr. Bullitt said "some
French official" described the Hiss brothers as
fellow Travellers" not as Soviet agents. Even
So that should have been enough, taken with the
Chambers charges, to justify thorough inquiry.
If any inquiry actually was made, it must have
been an exceedingly superficial one, for Mr.
Hiss continued his upward climb in the depart
ment There is a, lot of explaining that should
be done about this latest Hiss case Development
Evening star., 1952-04-11

with : e Of the German proposals-adhere to
the view that crime of such vast and fearful
dimensions" as that of the Nazis against the
Jews cannot be expiated by any measure OF
material reparation." But Bonn's negotiators,
If they act in keeping with the spirit Of
Chancellor Adenauer's September declaration,
can do much to insure that The Hague Confer
ence will yet stand out as eloquent evidence that
Germany today wants to do all that is humanity
possible, or within reason, to make restitution
for the terrible evil done in its name by Hitler
Evening star., 1952-04-11
Mr.. Morris Returns

NeWbold Morris, Short-term corruption
hunter and blithe spirit, is giving a sparkling
performance in his leading role of washington
Revisited" this week.
When his services as special assistant to
the Attorney General were summarily termi-
mated by J. Howard McGrath in a sort of re-
volving-d door episode last week-Mr. McGrath's
services as Attorney General were likewise termi-
mated few hours later-Mr. Morris made some
angry remarks posed for photographers and left
for New York in high dudgeon. Back in the
big city, Mr.. Morris continued to be angry, for
while at least, and told reporters that Mr.
McGrath didn't really want to clean up any
thing in Washington and that the Attorney Gen.
eral-designate Judge James P. McGranery, was
"a real whitewasher."
But like Noel Cowards original "blithe
spirit" Mr.. Morris returned this week to the
scene of his former brief career, namely Wash
ington. And before full house at the National
Press Club on Wednesday he confessed that
a week end at home and the charm of spring
weather in the Capital had so softened him up
that he was no longer mad at anybody" In
fact, he said, he didn't really know Judge
McGranery, had never even heard of him until
his appointment was announced, and that his
"whitewasher" description might be unfair"
I'D like to go and apologize to him for
making prejudicial statement" the kindly Mr..
Morris said.
Appearing yesterday before House inves-
tigating committee, Mr.. Morris was still in
cheerful and chatty mood. Referring to his
famous QUESTIONABLE, the New Yorker relayed
some intriguing hearsay to the effect that he
had been informed that many" cabinet men,
bers were prepared to resign rather than answer
it. He added his personal opinion that it was
atfifu6e 6irnmed ProSident'S
enthusiasm" for his corruption hunting mission.
AS for his firing by Mr.. McGrath, Mr.. Morris
said it probably would have happened sooner
except for the Attorney Generals hope that
Charley Wilson or some other dollar-a-year
man. would refuse to answer the questionnaire
and would tell him to 60 Jump in the river.
The real purpose of the House committee,
of course, in inviting Mr.. Morris to appear was
to ask if he could give it any assistance in it's
investigation of the Justice Department. Un-
fortunately, Mr.. Morris confided, he didn't think
he could help the committee much because his
own inquiry never got off the ground" He
did give the committee one lead, however, arising
out of what he described as "a long, confidential
talk with J. Edgar Hoover"
"He knows more about the Federal Govern
ment than anybody else In the United States"
Mr.. Morris said, looking nysteriously at the
ceiling and dropping the whole subject at that
point.
It was all refreshing even if not informative.
Evening star., 1952-04-11
Nomination for Commissioner

The name of DR.. James A. Cannon has
been sent to the White House by the
Executive Committee of the District of
Columbia Medical Society. with the re-
quest that he be considered for Commis-
sioner. I have known DR.. Cannon for
many years and I desire to state why
I think he should be appointed.
His interest, experience and famili-
arity with such matters as Gallinger
Hospital, the Health Department. pub
lie welfare and penal institutions seem
to recommend him above the other
candidates I have heard mentioned.
Dr. Cannon served as physician to
the poor for three years, and he has OBJ
served the causes and results OF poverty.
He was chief of staff of Gallinger Hos
pital for IA years, while over 10000
patients were treated under his direc-
ton. Most of these patients were in
digent. He supervised the health OF the
inmates of the Jail during this period.
He is serving his twelfth year as
member of the Board of Education. The
board is an autonomous body, except
for the fact that it cannot spend any
money without the advice and consent
of the Commissioners. DR.. Cannon would
bring to the board an understanding OF
school problems, which would be valu-
able.
For IL years DR.. Cannon has been a
member of the District of Columbia
Draft Appeal Board, and he is presently
chairman of Group of that body.
He was a teacher Of medicine and
surgery at the Georgetown Medical
School for q years, where he assisted
in the education of many doctors who
are practicing in Washington today.
He broadcast from VOL each Sun
day for IA months, under the auspices
of the medical society, as public serv-
ice on matters pertaining to health. He
has been a member of the Speakers
Evening star., 1952-04-11
Good Friday

Hold close this truth: That neuer yet
Haze man-made la,Ds in any land
Produced one blade OF grass; neDer
Had potDer to enforce or command
The scarlet rose to liue in June,
Or dimn,ed one ray of April's nloonl
And neuer shall the ruthless might
OF marching men. or tyrant's rod
Erase the olow of Easter morn
or hold entOmbed liUi1,g Cod
For eUe,y scared and rnDtshed land
He blesses noU. tDith wounded hdndi
Marguerite Gilbert
Evening star., 1952-04-11
Pound and the Laboratory

Poundmaster Frank B. Marks again is
faced with the demands of vivisection-
lists to turn over dogs for experimental
ton. 1t is hoped that Mr.. Marks will
continue his 18 years Of opposition to
this practice.
shall not contribute to these lucra-
tive animal experimentation labora-
tories. Congratulations to Senator Tobey
for demanding Senate investigation Of
the medical society.
Evening star., 1952-04-11
Motormun's View of CTC

The evening of April S, this writer
stood for 35 minutes on the loading
platform at Fourteenth and New York
avenue NV. and saw nine cars for
Mount Pleasant and two for Fourteenth
and Decatur pass. Then passed one car
for Fourteenth and Colorado, and those
aboard were compelled to exist without
breathing.
The writer has operated streetcars in
cities where the transit companies did
not and could not own the city govern
ment and consequently the inspectors
stationed at important corners were re-
quired to reroute cars to handle the
crowds efficiently as the situation re-
quired.
The incident of April 5, referred to,
is a most blatant example Of the indif-
ferent attitude the transit company has
toward the public.
Every time the fare is increased the
so-called service becomes more nearly
non-existent. Goose Town Growler.