davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1952-05-07
At Stake: Americas Safety

Congress will be playing fast and loose with
the Nations security If it fails to heed the warn
ing that has just been voiced by the Joint Chiefs
of staff. AS delivered in testimony before Sen
ate Appropriations subcommittee the warning Is
simply this: That the United States will be firt-
ing with military disaster unless action is taken
to do away with the ceiling that the House has
voted to impose on defense spending in the fiscal
year beginning July l.
Together with General Bradley the chairman
of the group. every member of the Joint Chiefs
has solemnly asserted that that ceiling is alto
gether out of line with the dangers confronting
our country in today's world of grave interna-
tional tensions. For it is ceiling that would
oblige the Army, Navy and Air Force to make
sharp cutbacks in their build-up OF power at a
moment when proper regard for the Nations
safety demands that the build-up be carried for
ward as fast as possible to meet the towering
menace of an aggressive Russia now armihg it
self to the teeth
In emphasizing this point, the Joint Chiefs
have fully confirmed earlier testimony along the
same lines by Defense Secretary Lovett and the
civilian heads of the three armed services. The
effect Of the ceiling-which covers funds already
appropriated for preparedness projects approved
by Congress in past fiscal years-would be to
make it mandatory for our military establish
ment not to spend more than $40 billion in the
12-month period starting in July. But the Army.
Navy and Air Force, on the basis of the previously
passed appropriations, have geared their build
up effort to the expectation that they would have
$50 billion available to meet their obligations
during that period.
Thus, if upheld by the Senate, the ceiling
which is wholly apart from the sharp cuts voted
by the House in the proposed 1858 budgets of the
armed services-would leave those services about
$6 billion short of the cash they need to buy
what they have contracted and planned for.
Accordingly as the Joint Chiefs and their civilian
superiors have testified failure to eliminate this
limitation would have far-reaching and poten-
TALLY very dangerous consequences. Among other
things, combined with the House approved cuts,
It would necessitate the rehabilitation of a sub
stantial part of our men under arms; it would
force the closing down of several important re-
armament plants; it would cause two-year de-
Law in the Navy's readiness; it would hit hard at
the Army's tank program, and 1t would deprive
the Air Force Of 5000 modern planes between
now and 1854.
On the last point. General vandenberg has
Evening star., 1952-05-07
Western Union BdIks

The Western Union Telegraph Co. was
getting itself into a thoroughly indefensible
position in its dispute with the striking AFL
Commercial Telegraphers Union.
The company agreed last Friday to resume
cials Of the Federal Mediation and Cancellation
Service. On Saturday the company refused to go
through with the meeting because, 1t said union
leaders had misrepresented the purpose of the
session. And now the company after having
rejected a second request from Cyrus Ching,
head of the mediation service, to send repre-
sentatives to the meeting, has grudgingly agreed
to attend.
There seems to be some basis for the COM
pany's complaint that the union incorrectly told
employees that both parties had agreed to abide
by the findings of the conciliators. At any rate,
union spokesmen say there was "misunder-
standing" but that it was cleared up within two
hours. Whatever the fact as to this, however, it
cannot justify the company's attitude.
Western Union officials say they fear that
granting the union demands, with other things,
would make it impossible for the company to
operate as private enterprise. Certainly, the
company is justified in resisting anything that
might force it into public ownership, and on this
score it has appealed for, and probably enjoys,
a considerable measure of public support It will
not retain that support long, however, if it per-
sistS in its present reluctance to negotiate be-
cause of an alleged Misrepresentation by the
union. For that Misrepresentation, if 1t was
made, is not in any sense binding on the COM
pany, and Western Union officials must know it.
Evening star., 1952-05-07
Letters to The Star

this to the courts for adjudication is
symbolic and symptomatic of a very
healthy state Of affairs in our national
conscience.
We have chosen, and will continue to
defend the way of separation between
church and state, with every man free
under God to move according to the
dictates of his own conscience to serve
God, or not to serve God, without favor
or penalty from church or state.
It was no less patriot than Samuel
Adams who warned, Remember, democ-
racy never lasts long. It soon wastes, ex-
hausts, and murders itself! There never
was a democracy that did not commit
suicide"
Donald F. HAYNES.
Evening star., 1952-05-07
FEPC Unfair?
Jay Scott.

It is indeed gratifying that one man
in America has the courage to state
boldly his disapproval of the Fair En-
ployment Practices Commission. Why
should be required to hire certain
cook-a certain golf caddy-a certain
clerk or executive, regardless Of quail
f1cations, or by the same token, fire" a
certain capable and efficient employe
and retain an unsatisfactory, inefficient
employe? If seizing personal property. as
the steel companies, is forbidden under
the Constitution, isn't "seizing" personal
liberties forbidden, also?
Z n
Evening star., 1952-05-07

so-called singers on the radio, TV and
recordings today. All this is cry-baby
stuff What sort of folks are we If
these songs and horrible strident trum-
pet wailings reflect our national char
acter?
These songs and noisy dance nuisances
are not America. America could not
have grown to its present greatness if
fed the whining drivel of such low
caliber music. Let us hope we are a far
better race than these childish, whim-
pering songs depict.
James KemptOn.
Evening star., 1952-05-07
Spades Not q Spude

At first glance 1t might appear difficult
to detect any element which such widely
disparate matters as the refusal of Air
Force officers to do their duty, the scam
dals in public administration, and the
riots in the penitentiaries have in COM
mon. Actually they are all subject to
what might be called modern fastidious-
ness in nomenclature.
AS matter Of fact. this is the only
element. relating to any of these things
which actually has changed to any con-
siderable extent down through the ages.
Evening star., 1952-05-07
Unimpressed by Art

It Is not my Intention to take sides
in the controversy between the adher-
ents of modern art" on the one hand,
and the adulators of the "old masters"
on the other. write to question the
use of the word "art" in connection
with painting. Art is freely associated
with all types of questionable skills,
such as 1.-THE art Of cooking" "The
art of ditch-digging." The art of
painting" and so forth. Painting in
itself is not an art. 1t is possible to
list it under the art of flattery. Who
has seen portrait which did not flat
ter the sitter? It is quite possible that
Evening star., 1952-05-07
Its Modern but: Is 1t Music?

1 1t is becoming increasingly difficult
to hear good music on the radio. So
stated are the stations with disk-happy
bebop addicts that the radio lanes are
monopolized by this modern noise that
is becoming most distressing to sensi-
tive musical ears. ....-
It is about time that the American
people recognize the sad drift away from
fine AmericaniSm in our songs and
music. am sure we have all deplored
the insipid whining and whimpering of
Evening star., 1952-05-07
Released Time

You don't have to like the decision of
the Supreme Court on public school re-
leased time for religious education to
appreciate to the full the fact that this
Government still cares about the pres
ervation of American freedom, and es-
pecially the continued separation OF
church and state.
The very fact that we are still quite
willing as nation to submit issues like
Evening star., 1952-05-07

Pen-1s0naes may be used If letters carry
1DriterS' correct names and addresses.
All letters are subject to condensation.
Evening star., 1952-11-30
BY A. E. HOTCHNER
Photographs BY Lehman

story of an immigrant boy who worked his
way to the top and who had unique chance
to show his deep devotion to America.
That chance came shortly after the start of
World War II when one of our biggest medical
needs was the development of a mobile X-ray
unit that could be set up close to the front
lines. The Army knew that thousands of lives
could be saved by this device. Working at its
own expense, in competition with other
big manufacturers, the Picker X-Ray
Corporation, one of the country largest,
designed the only X-ray unit that met
the Army . requirements. For the duration
of the war Picker X-Ray produced all Of the
thousands of units the armed forces needed.
Then, early in 1912, the Treasurer of the
United States received a letter that must have
truly startled him. For it contained check
for 81 yOO0O 900 along with the following expla-
nation: I'm 1892" James Picker wrote, ''our
normal output of equipment will probably be
more than tripled by Army business, without
proportionate increase in overhead, and we
believe that the resulting margin of profit is
going to be greater than we care to retain. 1t
Evening star., 1952-11-30

NEosr of us take living in America pretty
lv1 much for granted. About the only time
we think about the government is when we're
gripping about breaucrats or high taxes or the
high cost of living.
That's why it may be difficult for you to
believe that man named James Picker has
voluntarily given the government 100000
over the past 10 years. Not taxes or penalties,
but contribution. Why did he do it?
I asked Mr.. Picker that question, and he :
said, when a country has given you as much
as the United States has given me, you are
grateful if an opportunity presents itself for
repaying some of your debt"
An 1mznigxamt Boy
NAIVE patriotism? Perhaps. But if you
heard James Picker say it as did, you would
hardly scoff. He is sincere. intense man who
has always SHE'D away from publicity. 1t was
with the utmost difficulty that was able to
persuade him to let me tell this story for the
first time.
AS you sit in his Office, listening to him, you
cannot help being moved by his story. the
Evening star., 1952-11-30

is our intention to close the year with approx
imately the same margin of profit as that
realized in 1910 when our business with the
government was very small compared to its
present volume"
Picker added: Our reasons for this action
are obvious. First, we consider it patriotic
duty to make these funds Immediately avail
able to the government to accelerate the war
program.
Second, we desire to forestall any possible
criticism of either Army procuring officers or
ourselves that we may be enjoying any special
opportunity for profit because of the fact that
we are the sole suppliers of Army field units. !"
0nIy Hope Was shs Us.
MIR. PICKER said his reasons were obvious.
But there were several more he did not men,
ton to the Treasurer He had come from
Russia to the United States So years ago as
an immigrant boy He didn't have penny;
he knew no one.
But with the resoucefulness, enterprise and
hard work displayed by the Boks and Car
negies before him, he built the huge corpora
ton that bears his name.
''As boy in Russia" Mr.. Picker recalls.
'the only hope had ever known was the
United States. Russia, then, as now. was
country of regulation and oppression. could
not 20 to high school or college. Most pro-
fessions were not open to me. couldn't even
Join the army. Here in this country expert
enced for the first time an unbelievable adven-
tre - the adventure of equality. l could 60
in any direction wanted. Is it any wonder
I have never taken the freedom found in
America for granted? During my life here ]
discovered that no matter how much / gave
Evening star., 1952-11-30

of myself, got back much more in return
When World War II broke out, Mr.. Picker's
son, Harvey, served in the Atlantic aboard
combat transport. And between the lines of
the rather stiff and formal business letter
quoted above was Picker's feeling that if his
company profted from war contracts it would
be like taking money from his own son.
A year later, the X-ray company sent an
additional check for $1,237.716 to the Treas
urer, and all prices were reduced to eliminate
any war-contract profits. Picker explained,
~"Of course, contract renegotiation and taxes
would have accounted for part of this money,
but wanted my government to have every
penny and wanted to give it. consider
myself lucky to be able to take this action"
Picker feels there is q sharp difference
between patriotic and philanthropic Civ
ing. Several years ago he set up an independ-
entity administered foundation that now has
over 81 100000 in it, for furthering research
and study in radiology fields of study which
he specified must be unrelated to his business).
II derive great satisfaction, he says, from
the grants and fellowships that the Picker
Foundation has given, and the worthwhile
work it is doing. but the feeling is unlike the
deep thrill get from doing something that
know will help my country and which they
have not asked me to dc"
A New Macaine
AFTER the war. James Picker turned the
management of his company over to his son.
When the fighting began in Korea, the Army
again needed new X-ray machine that would
be smaller, more mobile and produce pictures
in few minutes. Picker X-Ray did not
accept the usual government offer to pay for
development work. and produced unit that
is the marvel of military medical science.
One of its outstanding features is that it
has incorporated the Polaroid camera device,
enabling X-ray film to be developed within
one minute of exposure.
Again faced with large scale production of
these machines, Harvey Picker has continued
the policy established by his father. To his
refund check for 81 637 600. which he has just
sent the government, Harvey attached brief
note which sums up his family's philosophy:
I'VE feel that the defense of this country is
not commercial venture on which one is to try
to make the most dollars possible" The End
Evening star., 1952-11-30

Here's the amazing story of us.
businessman who handed over a fortune
to the Treasury. Why did he do it?
The frontiersman., 1952-12-18
JACK NEWCOMB APPOINTED TO NEW PIMA COMMITTEE

Jack Newcomb of Palmer has been appointed to the three-man Production and Marketing Ad- ministration Committee created to administer the Agricultural Conservation Program in Alaska it was announced this week by Charles F. Brennan, Secretary of Agriculture.
 The farmer-committee system is a new method of PIMA program in Alaska and will continue to be developed and operated in cooper ation with Extension and other Territorial and Federal agencies, including the Soil Conservation Service and the Forest Service.
 Three, so-called counties" have been set up with Ralph Stiple of Fairbanks, Ed Leibenthal of Hom- CT and Newcomb of Palmer rep resenting the areas. As in the states, each county committee in Alaska will be elected by local farmers who are participating in ACP. The elections in the Palmer area for three farmer members and three farmer alternate mem bers, will be tallied December 30. Those farmers qualified to vote are persons who have been or are presently active in the ACP pro- gram, 1950-1953.
 Through the new program farmers will make their needs known to NeWcomb who will in turn present their problems to the administration.
The frontiersman., 1952-12-18
chUgiok Gun Club Gets MIRA Charter

Colonel Charles G. Kirk, FL mendorf, AFB, Alaska, has been elected president of the Chugach Rod & Gun Club, the National Rifle Association announced re- gently.
 Instructor for the newly char tered club is Captain Aubrey J. Shelton, Fort Richardson, Alas ka.
 The new shooting club joins thousands of other clubs, similar 1y chartered by the National Rifle Association, in the promotion ot competitive shooting and the teaching of safe firearms handl- ing for all in the community Members will compete for firing honors in a series of registered tournaments on the clubs range.
The frontiersman., 1952-12-18
DRlVERS' LICENSES EXPIRE DECEM MBER 3

All motor vehicle operators li- censes will expire on December 31, 1852. The licenses for the two year period 1953-1954 available at the office of Deputy Tax Collec- tor, Dorothy B. Saxton. The fee for the two year license is $2.00.
 To facilitate the issuance of license plates, Mrs. Saxton re- minded vehicle owners to take with them the present registra- ton certificate Qicense plate receipt. If the certificate has been lost the certificate of title or certificate of title receipt must be presented for examination.
 M. P. Mullaney, Territoial Tax Commissioner reminded vehicle owners of several provisions of the Motor Vehicle Act as follows: CD Registration card (certificate) shall at all times be carried in the vehicle to which it refers. @ Whenever a vehicle is sold both the certificate of title and certifi- cate of registration must be transferred to the new owner. (3) License plates remain on the vehicle when sold. (4) If registra- tion certificate or title is lost, a duplicate must be obtained, the fee for which is $2.00. (5) Owner dismantling or wrecking any reg istered vehicle shall immediately forward the certificate of title and registration card last issued for such vehicle to the Motor Vehicle Division of the Depart ment of Taxation, Juneau, Alas ka.
The frontiersman., 1952-12-18
NIGHTTIME CHINOOK MELTS SNOW; MANY ACCIDENTS OCCUR

Overturned trucks, traffic snarls and many, many disgrunt- fed drivers were the results of Chinook experienced December 16 and r in the Valley and sur rounding areas.
 Extreme icy condition of the highway was blamed for all the many accidents reported during the day. A five car pile up just be- yond the Matanuska Bridge was reported to have been caused when one vehicle slid across the curve, blocking the road. As one car after another piled up, a coal truck owned by High way Fuel Trans sport was reported to have slid into them, causing some damage to the vehicles. Drivers of the ve- hicles were: Roy E. Linden, Tom Murton, Sam Thornhill, Dwight Pullen ,Minard Berg and David Rabold, the latter was driver of the coal truck. There were no personal injuries reported.
 The Red Maid, MVFCA milk delivery truck slid off the road December 16 when enroute to the commissary at Elmendorf Air Force Base. Very little damage was done and driver Paul Schoe- nig escaped with no injuries. Plagued by misfortune, the Silver Maid truck siid off on December i7 followed by a second MVFCA truck later on. Very little dam age occurred and all trucks are back on regular schedules.
 While attempting to turn his car around to return to Palmer, Stanley Zaborac was literally blown off the highway down the river enbankment.
 Wayne Hunter received dis located shoulder when he slipped on the ice and grabbed his car handle for support. He was treat ed at Valley Hospital.
 The new Koslosky Department Store billboard sign located near Knik bridge was blown down with no estimate of damage re- ported.
 Highway Patrol officers and local wrecker services were kept busy from early morning until late night checking accidents and towing cars out of the ditches. Highways remain in icy condi- tions and motorists are. urged to drive with caution, using chains whenever necessary.
The frontiersman., 1952-12-18
NEW CREAMERY MANAGER ARRIVES

Keith Walker, new department manager at the Coop Creamery arrived in Palmer December 15 and has taken over his new duties.
 A graduate of Washington State College where he majored in dairy manufacturing, Walker had been employed the past two and one half years as foreman in cheese processing and quality control chief with Consolidated Dairy Products at Seattle.
 Formerly of a small commun- ity in eastern Montana, Walker said he was pleasantly surprised with the city of Palmer. T shall strive to maintain the high qual- ity of Coop products with vii sions of improvements when necessary" he said.
 Mrs. Walker and their three young sons will arrive in the Val ley shortly after the first of the new year.
The frontiersman., 1952-12-18
Civil Defense 10
 Plan own Meeting

On Monday evening, December 29, the Civil Defense committee of Palmer will meet at the head quarters in Carpenters Hall at 8 pm. to make plans for a town meeting to be held in January.
 At the January meeting, mem bers of the community will be offered the opportunity to discuss Civil Defense in the greater Pal mer area and view the film "A Tale of Two Cities" a graphic picture of the bombing of Hiro- shima and Nagsaki being shown b CD committees throughout the Territory and States.
The frontiersman., 1952-12-18
Local EIks Form
 Walking Blood Bank

Through the Territorial Elks Association, all Elks lodges in Alaska will be vertual walking blood banks" Each member will be typed and a system for filing information set up, it was an- nounced. In this manner, blood donors will be available for fast service.
 The blood donating service will be available to all other mem bers and in emergency, to others who are not members of the or ganization. Started by the Anch- orage Elks Lodge, the idea was fast to catch on and was recently taken over by the Territorial Elks Association.
 In addition to the local service, there will be a Seattle blood bank service available to all Elks or members of his family, who might need the service while Out side, either for planned hospital care or in emergencies.
The frontiersman., 1952-12-18
First Aid Course Planned for MEA And Ski Club

A 30-hour Ame<can Red Cross First Aid course will be conduct ed by Sergeant Stanley Laird of the Alaska Highway Patrol from January 5 through Januray 16, it was announced this week.
 The course will be offered to Matanuska Electric Association employees and members of the Matanuska Ski Club. Anyone else interested in taking the course is asked to contact Sergeant Laird. To receive a certificate, all classes must be attended by those taking the course.
 Classes will be held from 8 pm. to 1 p.m., with the meeting place to be announced as soon as ar- ranged.
The frontiersman., 1952-12-18
Santa Claus House Near Ready for
 Annual Xmas Party

Erection of the popular Santa Claus House in the Valley Thea tre was started today and plans call for completion by Friday eve ming. It is down the chimney of this house that Santa Caus will go next Tuesday afternoon at the annual Merchants Christmas party when he will greet and dis tribute sacks of candy to all Val ley children.
 Time for the party has been
 set up 10 l:30 10 allow time for
 the school children to return to
 school before bus departure
 time.
 Financed by Valley merchants and organizations the annual party is planned for children up to and including grade six. Loren Smith has donated two Christmas trees, as he has done the past live years. One tree will be erect ed inside the theatre while the other will be set up at the corner of the theatre block as com munity tree, by theatre owner, Al Hagen. Women of the Moose plan to sack the goodies which incude candy, assorted nuts and fruit the evening of December P. Parents are again asked to remain away from the party to provide more seating room for the children. A bigger than ever attendance is looked for this year and men from the Palmer Moose Lodge and teachers of the Palmer School will be in attendance to supervise the seating and care of children attending the party.