davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1952-03-22
By chorIes E. Troceweu

It is not a real necessity, but rather
motor urge Of mankind, all this frantic
display in the springtime.
This is not to say that some cleaning
up is not necessary. But to trim and
manicure a yard to the point that it
fairly sparkles is rather mans idea, than
natures idea.
In nature, things are not done that
way, and they are done much better.
They are part of the wind blown vines,
the corner packed with leaves. the real
mulch where the small spring flowers
come up.
It is good enough. to rake. but not to
be finicky about it. Emulate the wise
people of the soil, who never get all the
leaves, or disturb all the vines. or dig up
all the plants. They always leave some.
and in so doing are providing for the
wild things that scurry and scatter in
the dark. They know that too much
outdoor cleanliness Is unlike nature. and
that anything that is too unlike nature
must be that much nearer man. and they
are beginning to suspect that man, from
some viewpoints, Is not as good as ma
ture, Of which he is only Rpart. People
who want curbs and cutters in the sub
urbs ought to go back to the city, where
there are plenty Of curbs and cutters
and not much else. Persons who want
a yard as clean as billiard table ought
to move into apartment houses. Nice
apartments have many good features,
and everything is, or at least ought to be,
as clean as dish. Birds like best the
yard with plenty of berry bushes in the
corners and along the back fence. They
prefer old shrubs and even leftover
stalks Of ANIMALS. because they can find
bugs" on them. Clean up the yard, of
course, but do not do it insanely. To do
30 would beto do 1t un-r0binly.
Evening star., 1952-03-22
This and That

birds now will cause them to lose their
ability to find food for themselves. This
idea is Ito laugh" as the popular say
ing has it. Eating is basic urge, both
with birds and humans. It would take
more than handouts" no matter how
long continued, to make any living thing
give up eating. or searching for food
the moment he grows hungry. So many
humans never give themselves chance
to grow hungry that they utterly forget
how keen real hunger can be. The birds.
one may feel sure. do not forget it. The
mole in the ground. that cannot go
more than q few hours without food.
never forgets. The need for food in out
door creatures is paramount. Other
urges may be for few seconds only,
but that for food is perpetual.
There is no chance whatever Of
spring and summer feeding making the
birds lazy They have many millions Of
years Of finding food for themselves
behind them. Can q few months of
Handouts" make any real difference to
them? It may seem to, as one watches
the rascals lined up IN q rose vine, wait
ing for the mornings sunf1ower seed and
raisins. But it only seems so. When they
ind out the food is not forthcoming,
they fiy away. that is all. They must eat
That is the nat Of it. They must eat.
Nature calls on them to search and
ind: II they md what you put out, that
is all to the good for them: If they do
not. they must find it somewhere, and
are thoroughly equipped to do so.
So let nobody tell you that bird feed
ing. in the formal or informal manner.
must be given up with the coming of
spring. Feed If you want to, or not. as
you choose.
Surely the annual spring orgy Of rak-
ing and burning Is . bit overdone. in
most cases.
Evening star., 1952-03-22

and safety-are being squandered because Of
official and public apathy 1t is tragic thing
The Senate subcommittee has done a careful
job OF examining the preparedness problems and
attempting to recommend steps which would
increase the effectiveness Of the program. From
an initial emphasis on problems of manpower
and materials 1t has shifted its more searching
attention in recent months to those Of waste
and faulty operation. On the home front it is
seeking to learn whether the tax dollar sis
buying munitions or bottlenecks" AS far away
as North Africa it is attempting to determine.
whether we are successfully and economically
building giant air bases or simply boondoggling
on costly scale.
The committee Is correct in its philosophy
that modern mobilization requires an integra-
tion Of the economic considerations with the
military ones. It is performing national service
in emphasizing this requirement and the sense
of urgency needed in its application.
Evening star., 1952-03-22
ALEXANDRIA. va.
"Dear Sir:

Dear Sir:
I'VE are having quite an argument in
our family about the yard. Now that
spring seems definitely on the way, some
want to clean up the leaves, including
the clutter at the corners, and to chop
down all vines and even small shrubs;
while others, In which group ! include
myself, want to leave things mostly as
they are.
II have an idea that the latter is best
for the birds: II we leave things as they
are, we viii have more birds and better
ones.
Nov would like to have your opin-
ion on this. how to clean up a yard, and
how much. It is just the how much
that causes all the trouble around here.
Our family has almost come to blows
over the matter, even so early as this, so
in the interest Of peace in the Old Do
niniou. or at least in our part Of it. come
right out with what you think. and at
least half Of our family win bless you.
Sincerely. J. N"
Fools rush in where angels fear to
tread"
So here goes: # wild life In the home
grounds Is desired. let things alone,
at least do not clean. up too thoroughly.
If no one IN the family worries about
the songsters or their presence. then do
thorough job Of cleaning up. Get rid Of
old stalks and the like. for they some
times harbor eggs Of inimical insects.
It is quite possible to have plenty of
birds in manicured garden. provided
one puts out food for them; Of course.
Some persons have the idea that all
Handouts il the form Of seed, etc,
should cease in spring.
One even hears the hoary old argu-
ment that to continue feeding tn Wild
Evening star., 1952-03-22
Authors and the Press

It is not unusual for public officials, Presi-
dents included to do little feudng with the
Nations press. Mr.. Truman is no exception to
this rule, although in his just-published diaries
and private papers he quotes from one of his
own speeches to the effect that the American
press sis the best press in the world and it is
doing fine job. It is an integral part OF our
democracy"
AS often is the case in instances Of strained
relations between officialdom and the press the
columnists provide a particular target In
memorandum done in red pencil after reading
some accounts of how his health was or was not
standing up around Christmas time of 1947 the
President wrote facetiouSly that he was planning
to add to his Kitchen Cabinet Secretary for
ColumniSts. The duties, he explained, would be
to listen to all radio commentators and read all
columnistS, then to coordinate their views so
he could run the United States and the world
"as it should be-" Anticipating that the new
secretary would soon need the services of
psychiatriSt, Mr.. Truman wrote that he had
several able substitutes in reserve.
There is reassuring note, of course in
another passage wherein the President promises,
II am going to spend the rest of my life in an
endeavor to cause return to truthful writing
and reporting" Mr.. Truman presumably is
aware that what seems like truth to one man
may seem like fancy to another. And confusion
does arise when President (Ar. Truman) writes
that he had read certain memorandum to-
former Secretary Of State (Mr Byrnes) where
upon the former Secretary of State declares the
statement is absolutely untrue" It is difficult
then for an innocent reader to know what to
believe.
Also, authors, Just like those peculiar ami
malS"-editors who throw mud and bricks-are
occasionally, accused Of deliberate character
assassination" Sometimes the accusation is
made by former Vice President Mr. Wallace)
who doesn't like what Mr. Truman wrote about
q pacifiSt and pro-Russian "Mr x"
But now that Mr.. Truman is writing for
publication he'll find out how these little feuds
develop, and probably will learn to take them
in his stride.
Evening star., 1952-03-22
AMotter of Good Faith

However well-intentioned, the economy
efforts Of the House Appropriations Committee
were misdirected when the group eliminated
from the Park and Planning Commissions
budget $4,000 item for the George Wash
ington Memorial Parkway A matter of good
faith is involved. The Federal Government
should not run out on its promise to proceed
at once with purchase of land for the parkway
in Fairfax County, provided the county and the
State of Virginia appropriated their shares of
the cost. Virginia, acting on that promise, has
carried out its part of the bargain. It is up
to the United States to fulfill its commitment
But for this commitment the General Assem-
bly, never would have voted funds for the project
at the session recently ended. Nor would Fairfax
County have allocated from its meager treasury
$37,500 toward the parkway extension plan. The
Legislatures contribution of $1500O0 was de-
signed to meet the States share of the under
taking for the ensuing two years. Under the
three-way agreement on the parkway the Fed
eral Government has pledged itself to put up
half of the total cost of the land, with the
State and Fairfax County splitting the remainder.
During the fiscal year beginning July the cost
of land buying to the Federal Government has
been estimated at $4,000, which sum was to be
matched by State-county ALLEGATION.
The Park and Planning Commission, which
has the responsibility of acquiring the right Of
way for the parkway, has been urging Virginia
authorities to meet their obligations this year.
The commission has found that delay in buying
land means higher costs, for realty values are
steadily rising in the area through which the
highway will pass. The cost of building the
parkway to its present terminus in Arlington
County, at Lorcom lane, was greatly increased
by past delays. To postpone scheduled extension
of the road indefinitely would be not only
breach of the original agreement but an act Of
false economy as well.
Evening star., 1952-03-22
Huwuii and Senator Connolly

Undoubtedly every State admitted to
the Union since the formation of these
United States has had to bear with
fortitude all manner Of slurs, SANDER
and falsehoods with respect to the abil-
ity of the inhabitants to be good
citizens" as State, rather than as a
Territory. So it goes with Alaska and
Hawaii.
I know, from having lived there sew
eral years. that in addition to every
thing else, people in Hawaii pay stag
gering sum in Federal taxes. They are
citizens Of the United States. yet are not
allowed to vote in Federal elections, etc.
I could go on for hours mentioning in
equalitieS I observed in Hawaii COM
pared to rights of States.
If Senator Connally. Democrat, ergo
Evening star., 1952-03-22
An Act Of Fuirness'

With reference to your recent edi-
torial. .An Act of Fairness" which had
to do with the contributions of $4,000
each TO Arlington and Alexandria Hos
pitals by the Fairfax County Board of
Supervisors out of taxpayers funds.
there are several Inconsistencies about
these donations:
According to the Fairfax Department
Of Welfare, the county owes neither
hospital for any INDECENT cases. The
rate Of $3.50 per day for such cases.
as Alexandria Hospital is asking, was
not acceptable to Fairfax County when
it could get similar cases treated at a
Washington hospital for $13 per day
When the Arlington County hospital
representative was asked what their
hospital cost the people Of Arlington.
he said. Nothing, it was built and paid
for by the Federal Government and
given to Arlington County"
Asked II Arlington Hospital could not
borrow the 5000 they were asking as a
gift from Fairfax County, he answered,
Yes, but 1t would cost us interest" It
did not seem to occur to him that 1t
would not only cost Fairfax County tax
payers interest. but the $25 900 principal
as well.
Both these hospitals asked for Fair
fax taxpayers funds at the budget hear
ing last April darlington wanted 5000
and Alexandria 100000. After con-
siderable discussion and protesting by
the taxpayers, the two items were
thrown out.
It has been announced by the City
Council of Alexandria that they did not
intend to increase the local tax rate
this year.
In addition the city of Alexandria re-
Gently acquired 71a square miles of Fair
fax County territory by annexation
thus depriving Fairfax County Of quite
few million dollars of valuable as
sessed land and some hundreds of thou
sands of dollars of taxes.
!. Is it any wonder that Fairfax County
taxpayers take dim view Of this whole
procedure. particularly when they have
seen their own tax bills increased from
two to five times what they were prior
to January /, 1851?
Edward Gibbons,
Chairman, Taxpayers Advisory Asso-
citation Of Fairfax County, Inc.
Evening star., 1952-03-22
n-..ss-..-a-u...-~
$5O.l0

The average grant in this category
IS much below this amount. This surely
is q modest. nay. bare existence, when
measured against the cost of living in
1852.
All assistance plans are made by
standardized minimum requirements
which present q like bright picture be-
hind the airon curtain" AS far as
chiselers are concerned, it is unfair to
Judge the people Of any one class by q
few bad examples. Fortunately, most
people are attempting to lead an hon.
est life.
we owe our fellow man more than
ms lie: we owe him the right to q
decent life which respects his human
dignity.
Evening star., 1952-03-22
interruption

don't recall euer heard her sag
She Dished to die in harness. as a man
Remarks, and means II, but she slipped
GtCGy
Trfunpltdntly as an old iDonlan cGn--
MoiDing the ldiDl a bit, her S0th summer.
Stopeling the sidewGlk NTH such
eUident
Vigor it GltDays startled each neDcomer
Along the street. The afternoon she
tDent. "
She only thought to pause and rest a bit
Within her easy chair. and then COM
plete
Her little task the icay she icanted It:
And so they found her In percole, her
feet
In DorkGday shoes, her blue apron tied
Like some light harness round her,
iDhen she died.
EIoine v. Emons 4
Evening star., 1952-03-22
Tuxes and WeIfure Funds
Historian.

This is in reply to your recent edi-
torials on opening relief rolls to public
inspection, and the manner in which
taxpayers money is spent. AS long
time resident Of Virginia and a lay
person, would like to present some
thoughts on the side OF the question
which believe The Star has overlooked.
In Virginia there has always been
means to check on chiseling. rAs to the
secrecy Of the relief rolls. responsible
persons with valid reasons Tor seeing
relief lists have generally been permitted
to do so. Officials Of Government, well
fare boards, legislative committees off,
cially constituted to make studies. State
auditors, ETC.. have had access to rolls.
AS to the right to know how our tax
money is being spent, many others be-
sides the Welfare Department maintain
confidential records. For example: (a)
Department Of Defense. We accept the
Judgment of specialists In this field for
the safety Of our country. (b) Public
Health and Mental Hygiene. This de-
partment respects the individuals right
to privacy. (c) Social Security records.
Cd The lists Of those receiving State
unemployment compensation benefits
In Virginia are not open to public in
Spection.
Percentage-wise the welfare budget in
Virginia for the next bienniun. which
was adopted by the General Assembly,
is in round numbers $31 million of a
whole State budget Of approximately
$681 million-which is about 4po. Even
this small budget is not entirely what
is generally considered as relief, since
1t includes capital outlay and funds for
correctional institutions. Further, in
the portion for public assistance grants,
the Federal Government and localities
share has been included in the above
total, making the State share about one
per cent. Since this is at such wide
variance to the "one-fourth to one third
of the tax dollar spent for public as
sistance" quoted in The Star. February
Is, either the District is far more liberal
than Virginia. or the source Of your
figures should be investigated.
On February ~ you state that the
Evening star., 1952-03-22
Senator Toft Retreats

Senator Tafts strongly worded attack on
Governor DriScoll in connection with his with
drawal from the New Jersey primary hardly
DISCUSSES the fact that this retreat is a sign
of weakness and not of strength.
The Ohioan may have hoped that the New
Jersey Governor would remain neutral in the
primary, and his disappointment when the
latter announced that he would support General
Eisenhower is quite understandable. But this
does not justify the Taft charge that Governor
Driscoll actually seeks to destroy the theory,
purpose and practice of the preferential primary
in his State
1t has been known for some time that the
Governor favored General Eisenhower, and he
has stated repeatedly that he would announce
his personal preference before the April Is pri-
mary. 1t has been equally well known that the
key men in the New Jersey Republican organi-
zation were Eisenhower hackers.
There was no secret about any of this when
Senator Taft entered the New Jersey primary.
He knew what he was up against just as he
knew that the Republican New Hampshire or
ganization was backing the general when he
decided to enter that primary. Governor Dris-
coils announcement might swing some votes
although it is by no means certain that an
officials statement Of personal preference has
any significant effect on the voters. It was not
an announcement however, that could or did
affect the basic facts of the situation as they
existed when Senator Taft entered the primary.
This being SO, one has to look further-but
not too far-for the real explanation Of the
Taft retreat. The defeat in New Hampshire and
General Eisenhower's sensational showing in
Minnesota dealt heavy blows to the Taft cam
didacy Another defeat in New Jersey, espe-
cially lopsided defeat, could have been fatal.
So the inference is that Senator Taft pulled out,
not so much because of Governor Driscoll's an
nouncement, but rather because he feared the
probable result of what was to have been the
only remaining clear-cut test Of popularity be-
tween himself and General Eisenhower.
Evening star., 1952-03-22

States RICHTER" would spend some time
in Hawaii. and I don't mean two or
three weeks or month, observing and
effectively evaluating. honestly believe
he would realize that Hawaii. anyway,
is ready for statehood and should be
given it, the coalition Of Southern DEM
ocratic Senators Notwithstanding.
Taxation without representation was
one Of the major causes Of the Revolu-
tionary War. yet the District of Colum-
bia and all Territories still have no vote.
I am a native Georgian. but some
times am ashamed to admit being a
Southerner-so narrow minded. short
sighted and uniformed are some South
ern members Of Congress.
Edith Mae Smith.
Ventura, Calf.
Evening star., 1952-03-22
An Assist for Kefouver

The entrance Of Senator Russell into
the presidential race Is being inter-
preted. incorrectly think, as q blow TO
the aspirations OF both President Tru-
man and Senator Kefauver. No doubt
the Democrats win have to throw Mr..
Truman overheard and make some plat
form concessions to keep the party in-
tact, but it doesn't follow that. Mr.. Ke-
fauver win suffer in the process.
Now that Mr.. Russell has declared
himself. it must be clear to Northern
Democrats that they can not nominate
Truman or an Adlai Stevenson whose
uncompromising position on civil rights
would cause another, and this time
really damaging, Southern revolt. Yet,
Evening star., 1952-03-22
Letters to The Star

Virginia Legislature by overwhelming
votes In both houses ordered removal
of the iron curtain Of secrecy behind
which the Statewide public relief as
sistance has been flnctioning. Now,
let us look at what is behind the 'iron
curtain. Things are not so rosy for
recipients living on bare subsistence
grants. The State maximum monthly
allowance from Federal and State funds
for the relief Of destitute aged woman
over IS. taken from the State Manual
Of Policies and Procedures. is itemized
below:
Evening star., 1952-03-22
New England Mills

A letter you recently received from
representative of the Textile Workers
Union says that most Of the closed
woolen and worsted plants Of New Eng
land were shut down prior to formation
of the Textile Workers Union. Since
1949 (Which is some years after the tex
tile union began operations) there have
been approximately 40 WOODEN and wor.
sted plants closed in New England.
Charles Coulter.
Evening star., 1952-03-22
Old White House Custom

AS the old farmer said on his yearly
trip to town, There's heap of people
this spring."
Otherwise, it would be nice if Mr.. Tru-
man could hold open house when he
moves back into the White House.
In the early 180Os, people were 80
scarce that Thomas Jefferson was able
to hold receptions for all and sundry.
with cake, wine and cheese placed at
strategic locations about the house and
grounds.
David H. Weisgarber.
Evening star., 1952-03-22
By THE HASKIN SERVICE.

NV, washington b. D. c., and mclostng certa
return postage or By telephoning ST 7363.
By THE HASKIN SERVICE.
@. How long has John Masefield held
the Office Of poet laureate of England?
IL. B. j. q
A. Masefield succeeded Robert Bridges
who died in 1880. He had attracted the
attention Of King George v by a mar
rative poem, "Reynard the Fox
@. How many times have the Olympic
Games been held in the United States2
IF. K.
A. Two Of the IL modern Olympics
since the revival of 1895 have been held
in this country-in st. Louis In 1904
and in Los Angeles in 1882.
@. What Is the maximum salary on
which Social Security taxes can be paid?
s. F.
A. The maximum is $500 year.
@. How much money is in the Rail-
road Retirement Fund? H. K. M.
A. AS of October 1851, the total
amounted to $2,604.718,257.
Evening star., 1952-03-22
Questions and Answers

The Stars readers can get the answer 70
snsn, any question o. fast by either yrtting The
NV. washington s. D. c.. and inclosing certs
return postage or BY telephoning ST 7363.
Evening star., 1952-03-22

Pen-f11n1es may be used # letters carry
iDriters' correct names and addresses.
All letters are subject to condensation.
Evening star., 1952-07-20
Tobacco Markets

UPPER MARLBORO. Md. July 10 LPl
this week for Southern Maryland tobacco
offered on the auction markets. Prices
were steady to higher. for nearly all
grades. according to the Federal-State
Market News Service. Volume OF sales was
heavy. Quality of the marketnies was
For the five-day period ending July 1s
the net auction turnover amounted to
2, S25. $40 pounds and averaged S4327
Iper hundred. This average was $40
higher than for the week before. Season
met auction sales reached 30,4S9,2S5
pounds for an average of S43.2S.
As compared with the previous week
average prices for heavy-crop grades and
seconds showed gains ranging mostly from
81 to 81 per hundred. Tips and seconds
advanced from 81 to So. The high price
for company purchases of top grades
baskets selling at that level was greater.
however. than previously.
good to choice tobacco this week. Most
baskets were graded low to good quality
heavy. and thin crop and low and fair
seconds and tips.
Net receipts of the Baltimore hogshead
market for the season were reported as
around 2.436, 900 pounds. This: combined
81 ,sa5 900 pounds. It is estimated over
three -fourths of the 1851 crop has now
Auction bid averages per hundred pounds
on a limited number of representative
H., f~I