davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1952-03-16
FICTION
CUsAN PARKER switched
- on the car radio, and
the hum of the sef warm


ing up, mingled comfortably with the hum
of the tires on the dark road that still
stretched ahead into the blackness
The radio announcer was saying: -. is
believed to be heading south to the border.
Lawson, who escaped from the state peni-
tertiary late this afternoon. after killing
guard, was to have been executed tonight for.
the murder of his partner, Terence Moore.
He is probably armed. Police blocks -"
Susan snapped off the radio, shivering
little. The state penitentiary, she remern-
bered, was east of here, across the plains.
Better stop thinking about that, she said to
herself. You know what you're like once you
let your thoughts go. She Strengthened her
shoulders, stiff from so many hours of driving.
She stopped the car and peered into the dark
ness to read a sign about dozen yards ahead:
Peters Motel"
She glanced at her son, fast asleep next to
her, his head bent forward. his left hand
clutching the little red fire engine She smiled
and nudged him gently.
wake up, Tommy, we're here. F"
The boy sat up. He rubbed his eyes and
squinted outside.
This isn't Daddy's camp. Mommie," }" he
protested. II don't see any soldiers"
Susan laughed. ''Of course not, silly. We're
going to stop here for the night"
Il don't want to" he objected, with all
the stubborness of six-year-old. Il want to
see my daddy"
Your mommie wants to see him, too,
thought Susan. That's why she's driven half
way across the country in three days. To see
your daddy before he's sent overseas.
Aloud, she said, I'VE will, Tommy
tomorrow. After good nights rest here.
Now don't cry" as Tommy started to blub-
Der. ''You want your daddy to be proud of
you, don't you?"
The child murnbled something as Susan
drove up to the main entrance. Peters Motel
Evening star., 1952-03-16

But Susan could no longer relax. Tommy
was watching Olmstead fix his toy. She
returned to her chair. Olmstead, busy with
srewdriver, told Cartwright he would take
look at his car in the morning.
'Hope you can fix it, said the fat man.
But let me tell you, I didn't mind the walk
so much as the thought of meeting that
Lawson guy. From what I've heard he'd
shoot you as easy as spit at you"
1--WE don't even know what he looks like"
said Olmstead.
"Say, that's right! Why, it could even
be one of usw He chuckled grotesquely.
Imagine me "a murderer"
Tommy looked up "You couldn't be no
murderer. mister" he said bluntly. YOU'RE
too fat!'
Cartwright laughed.
Suddenly Susan could stand it no longer
She got to her feet ''Mr. Olmstead - do you
think could have cup of coffee?"
Must be some in the Kitchen said Ohm
stead. Better make it yourself. Mine tastes
like mud"
'Of course" She walked toward the door
he indicated. Would anyone else like some?"
Olmstead and Cartwright would. Harrison
shook his head.
In the kitchen she found the light switch
and flicked it on. The kitchen was a small,
compact affair." She found coffee pot and
a can of coffee and started filling the pot.
Why did she say she wanted coffee? She
didn't, really She stared out at the blackness
of the night through the window directly
over the sink 1t was that imagination of hers
again. Tom used to tease her about it. It'll
get you into trouble some day. hon."
HEN, bright light flashed in the window.
It startled her for an instant But, Of course
"a passing car. Then she saw it "a black
ing out of the glaring light and then the head
and shoulders of a shadowy man limned
against the window pane - vaguely familiar
shadow with two intense eyes staring at her.
She gasped, dropped the coffee pot and
rushed out of the kitchen. Cartwright, in the
act of lighting cigar, numbered to his feet.
Olmstead dropped the toy and started toward
her, concern on his face.
II saw a man," she blurted out,
staring in the window" Put that way, she
thought, it sounded old-maidish.
Cartwright picked up the cue. Probably
peeping Tom" He stared at her frankly.
Cant say as blame him."
She looked around, aware that someone was
missing. Where is Mr. Harrison?"
Evening star., 1952-03-16
by Irwin Lewis
Illustrated by George Hughes

eyes open The boy was reaching for his
little fire engine which Olmstead was holding
Give it to mer' walled the boy.
Embarrassed, Olmstead handed it back to
him. 'tOf course, Tommy. But it's broken
/ thought I'd fix it for you. I'm pretty
good mechanic"
MY daddy sent it to me" said Tommy,
stoutly. Hell fix it!''
Susan smiled. "If Mr. Olmstead can fix
it, Tommy, let him." She didn't add that
Tom was 50 nmechanical-mindede even filing
fountain pen was major operation.
IAN right, then" she heard Tommy say
from great distance, IF you really think you
can fix it."
HARRISON, without looking up from his book.
remarked drily. Il understand Lawson was
spotted heading along this road" His voice
jolted Susan to awareness.
Olmstead coughed nervously. Il certainly
hope he doesn't come here"
Susan shivered Quite suddenly the room
became oppressive, filled with an unnameable
foreboding. Then. as though on cue, someone
knocked on the door. Susan caught her breath.
II didn't hear anyone drive up," she
whispered.
Olmstead stiffened and didn't move. Susan
felt the almost measurable tension in the
room. She hurried over to Tommy and pulled
him toward her.
open the door" said Harrison. 1T isn't
Lawson. He wouldn't knock"
Eyes -. sure, said Olmstead. Susan held
her breath for full thirty seconds as she
heard the front door open. There came the
indistinct humble of voices, footsteps, and
Olmstead returned, looking slightly annoyed.
Behind him was stout. dusty man. wearing
soiled trench coat He was breathing heavily.
This is MIR. Cartwright" said Olmstead.
His car broke down two miles from here"
boy, what hiker" exclaimed Cartwright.
He had thin, high h-pitched voice, in odd con-
trast to his bulk II musta sweated off ten
pounds" He struggled out of his trench coat.
mot that couldn't spare it!' He patted his
stomach. The conversation continued, almost
a monologue on the part of Cartwright ;.
Evening star., 1952-03-16

was long, low structure with single light
showing through front window. OFF to one
side was lone auto. She switched of the
ignition and stepped out of the car, stretching
her oamped legs in luxurious agony.
The door was opened by pleasant-faced
man of about IS. He peered out at her,
frowning. then smiled as he saw the boy.
WELL" he said, come in. heard your
car pull up and frankly, was little worried
at this time of the night" He fumbled for
the right words. What with that radio
report Il suppose you heard it? We can't
be too careful, can we?" he ended, lamely.
What report?" Tommy wanted to know.
Never mind, " said Susan hastily. To fore
stall any further questions she took him by
the arm and led him into the house. Through
doorway she saw the main room. ''Wed like
to stay over night, she said.
Fine" said the pleasant-faced man cheer
fully. 1--we only one other guest" He showed
a registry card toward her. MY name is
Olmstead - Harry Olmstead. I'm the pro-
prietor" Susan returned the introduction.
II should warn you" he went on. THE
service won't be good. My housekeeper and
cook quit this afternoon" He ginned sheep
ishly. 1--WE only had the place three months
Bought out the original owner. Peters"
SUSAN nodded, fatigue beginning to over
take her now that the driving was done.
'sYou can wait here while fix your room"
said Olmstead He led them into the sitting
room. Seated in chair was thin, sullen-
faced man, reading book. He looked up
briefly, then returned to the pages. Susan
rubbed her eyes to stay awake, then had to
check her thoughts abruptly, but not before
one suggestion seeped through the mental
block she'd hastily thrown up. He looks
mean"
Olmstead was making the introductions
The mans name was Harrison. He nodded
curtly. Susan sank into chair with great
sigh of relief. Even as she dozed off, she
thought, There's something about this place.
Poor Tom, hosO you've suffered scith me and my
imagination.
A yelp of protest from Tommy snapped her
Evening star., 1952-02-08
Mr. Republican, Suffers q Reverse
Senator Tofts Effort to Dsoyow Old Isooonst Label
Less Convincino After His Defect on NATO Issue

his shock troops. the senior con-
servatives Of both parties who
share his distrust Of Mr.. Tru-
man, and it was two Of them
who administered the coup de
grace to him.
Senator Millikin. chairman Of
the Republican conference and
q brilliant lawyer, riddled the
languages Of the reservation and
said 1t gave the President an
escape hatch large enough for
all purposes. He added that an
idiot President could lose the
country By not acting at once.
senator. Taft flushed. but
worse was to come. Senator
George, ranking Democrat on
Foreign Relations, said the Wat
kins-Taft proposal was q retreat
from ground gained in the origi-
nal NATD debate. Also o gifted
lawyer. MIR. George went into
the technical history OF the pact
to prove his point.
It was all over then. Sena-
tor Taft abruptly yielded the
floor. Senator Watkins an-.
nounced he would accept Sena-
tor Georges assurances and
withdraw the proposal. Greece
and Turkey were voted In 70-2.
Evening star., 1952-02-08
6 Constantine Brown:
Junkets Come Under Scrutiny
Congress Takes Economy Minded Look at Free Trips
Lolshk Provided BY Pentoaon at Toxpoyers. Expense

The Appropriations Commit
tees Of Congress. which are look
ing with q magnifying glass to
discover where they can cut the
fat from the budget without
hurting essential expenditures,
may order the Defense and State.
Departments to end the many
jlnkets they have provided since
the end Of the war to newspa-
permen. educators and some
businessmen at the taxpayers
expense.
Both departments have or
ganized trips abroad since vi
day. with free transportation.
board and lodging to such
groups. The idea was that men
who exercise q good deal Of In
fiuence with the public should
be given an opportunity to see
personally how our policies
abroad are shaping out. These
oficially escorted junkets Of
fered the guests not only hospi-
tality but also the chance Of be-
ing briefed by American military
and civilian representatives In
foreign countries.
The VIP guests were shown
how the Marshall Plan or this
North Atlantic Pact worked in
half q dozen countries during
officially conducted tours which
seldom lasted more than q fort
night. Since time IS limited. the
junketeers, regardless of their
excellent background Of infor-
nation and their professional
experience. have been able to;
absorb mainly the ofiicial point
Of view. A few days spent In
Paris, Frankfurt or Rome does
not offer the opportunity to
make any far-reaching study Of
Evening star., 1952-02-08

problems. Sometimes even .
bird's-eye view is SUFFICIENT to
create . fairly accurate impress
sion Of how things are going.
But unfayorable personal re-
actions could be offset by the
briefings of men In authority
who have been on the spot for
long time and have at their
disposal sources which visitors
cannot obtain unless they spend
more than q few days In one
place.
These junkets are considered
by and large as subtle propa-
ganda. Congress is. however.
less interested in the motives
which prompt the administra-
tion to organize these tours
than they are in their cost.
Trips across the oceans at tax
papers expense are an innova-
ton which the legislators feel
must end. They argue that
newspapers, for instance, which
are interested either in foreign
affairs or how American billions
are being spent abroad are
still sufficiently prosperous to
spend q couple of thousand dol
lars and send their editors to
make surveys instead Of gain
ing only q quick glance at COM
iitions In Allied countries. The
same thing can be said about
educational groups or business
men who have some connection
with the promotion Of the sale
Of Treasury bonds to the public.
A recent trip Of q number Of
bankers and businessmen con-
nected with the Treasury bond
drives was supposedly paid for by
these, prosperous men ther1-
selves. All the Pentagon of
fered was a plane to take them
TO Europe and back and free
meals whenever they were IN
Evening star., 1952-02-08

vited 10 the different military
and civilian headquarters where
they were briefed. And that
happened almost daily.
Members Of Congress have
enjoyed such free rides them
selves. But they explain that
their case is different. As o
part, Of the United States Cow
ernment they are entitled to
such inspection trips. and their
visits abroad permit them to
pass legislation more knowingly.
Their position as Congressman
permits them to ask searching
questions of officials who brief
them, while the unoflcial guests
Of the Government can III af-
ford to ask embarrassing ques-
tions. Moreover, any official
can evade inquiries by saying
that it is q restricted matter.
Such answers can only rarely be
given to members Of Congress
on official mission. Hence the
congressional junkets generally
produce some realistic informa-
tion. while those Of the non.
official VIPs are intended by the
sponsors of these personally
conducted tours only to influence
the American people about the
wisdom Of the Administrations
policies and the competence Of
the administrators abroad.
Evening star., 1952-02-08

revived by old opponents OF the
North Atlantic Treaty in con-
nection with the inclusion OF
Greece and Turkey as fun part
ners In NATO.
Senator Watkins, Utah Re-
publican, asked the Senate to
approve a reservation stating
! that United States armed forces
should not be employed lin .
manner which would necessarily
involve the United States In war"
unless Congress approves. SEN
aator Taft plunged tn TO help
him, joining in the, resoiut ution
), and speaking for 1t with his
usual IRE. a
It was not very promising ter
rain In the first place. Congress
has been glad to have Greece
and Turkey as NATO partners;
it was so taken for granted that
only six Senators were on the
floor q week ago when the pro-
posed convenant was ratified.
Had not Senator Gillette de-
cided so few Senator's gave q
bad impression throughout the
world, and moved to reconsider,
opportunity for the new debate
would not even have arisen.
The debate swiftly developed
that Mr.. Taft had not consulted
Evening star., 1952-02-08
Thonos [. Stokes:

Something somewhat out Of
order is going on within the
Democratic Party organization
which is the antithesis Of demo-
cratic.
This is the way Chairman
Frank E. Mckinney Of the ma
tional committee is arrogating
to himself authority to speak
and act on behalf Of the party
rank and file, and to exert all
the power of the national or
ganization for purposes which
the rank and file-for which the
committee is presumably the
agents--have not certified. and
which many Of them certainly
would not approve.
He has installed himself as
head Of a junta, instead Of OPP
Grating as the chairman OF q
committee ostensibly represent
ative of the party. He is, In
short, seeking himself to deter
mine the course Of the party's
convention in July, which Is
hardly his function.
How much further he intends
to 60 in welding his arbitrary
power we must wait and see. AL
ready he is using it brazenly to
ouash the candidacy Of one par
ticular Democrat who has Q
right, along with others, to ex-
pect fair shake from the party
that he has served well and
faithfully.
This is, Of course, Senator
Estes Kefauver whom. Chairman
Mckinney is trying to isolate
and quarantine as II he had
smallpox instead Of . quite
normal case-at this season -of
itch for the presidency. In this
boxing-in maneuver. which
hitherto had been confined to
inserting "favorite son" candi-
dates here and there to hold
control in various States for
later purposes. he finally had to
call, In the case of New Hamp-
shire, upon the President, hini-
self, to enter that primary to
squelch the young man from
Tennessee.
II the President really intends
10 run for q third term, then
this Is q valid test and entirely
IN the Democratic tradition
yip. zip, cheerio, and may the
best man win, and 50 forth. The
President has not said. But Il he
does not intend to run again,
which u the growing surnlise
Evening star., 1952-02-08
Fletcher Knebel:
Potomac ever

Former Gov Ellis Arnan Of Georgia is named price-cono
boss This ends Hays search for Of vsiorso
there's no chance Of prices going out Of sight,
President Truman never very Frances
regime in Spain He holds Franco in such low he won't
oop to speak to him about repaying the 500 million
giving Spain this year.
Senator Kerr Of Oklahoma doomed President after
In the Nebraska primary
cratic compromise believes the Fair Deal great idea and
hopes 1t remains 5xr ss@s #.:sss4#s .ss=s
President Truman George Kennan Ambassador to
Russia His chief job military intellgence-ndng where
the huge Russian will watch somebody else fighting
u
Ezabehs throne gets only
20 words In Moscow The Reds believe monachs
lost all touch with the they decided quit bheang
other z.sss4s N.
Evening star., 1952-02-08
Mckinney Now Heads q 'Junto'
Calculated Effort to Quarantine KefoNer Shows How ror
The Committee Has Moved Toward Arbitrary Power
er Shows How Far

else. though other aspirants
were cowed enough already.
which is indicative Of the spirit
Of submission In the ranks Of
q once-virile party. The curse
put on the Tennessee Senator
for his independence and initia-
tive is magnifed the more since
he has been q loyal supporter
Of the Preside dent'S economic and
social program generally, which
is rare among Southern Demo-.
Gratis, as well as Of the Truman
foreign policy. He is getting the
kiss Of death from his own.
Experienced political strate-
giSts feel that Senator Kefauver
faces almost insurmountable OBJ
stacles because Of the opposi-
ton to him from political
bosses In his own South and
in the big city machines which
he offended by his. crime investi-
gation-making a powerful and
ruthless combination that knows
how to operate In national con-
yentions. That's what makes
Chairman McKinney's vendetta
hard to understand.
A better way could hardly be
found to make q martyr Of the
Senator. which, Of course, con-
ceivably could produce in the
primaries one Of those popular
rebellions, for which our people
now seem In the mood, and
eventually catcalls from the
galleries that would penetrate
TO the smoke -filled" rooms
where the bosses get together to
make their bargains.
Evening star., 1952-02-08
Doris FIeeson:

On the eve of tangling with
General Foreign Policy in the
New Hampshire presidential
primary, Mister Republican has
undertaken to lead the Senate
on an important foreign policy
issue and has met with q hui
initiating reverse.
All the momentum Of Gen.
Eisenhower's candidacy springs
from the fact that internation-
alist Republicans distrust Sena-
tor Robert A. Taft in foreign
affairs. In various ways, includ-
ing publication of a book giving
his views, the Senator has at-
tempted to discard the isola-
zionist label and reassure his
critics. 80 ,..-. r.
But the death of Senator VAN
denberg has left a vacuum in
the Senate minority with respect
to foreign affairs and Mr.. Taft
with increasing boldness IS try
ing to fill it.
His first battle Of the present
session, which he has now lost
in the full glare Of Senate de-
bate, centered on the familiar
question of the line between
presidential and congressional
powers in the dispatch Of United
States troops overseas. It was
Evening star., 1952-02-08
Donqer to important Principle
Bill to Outlaw Liquor Advertising on Us Seqrll
A Threat to the Intent Of Prohibition Repeal Il.

power again over the commerce
In liquors.
Even the radio and teIevi-
sion station spokesrnen have
made the mistake Of conceding
that the sale Of hard liquors
over their networks could be
injurious. for they point with
pride to their own code which
by voluntary agreement causes
the stations to refrain from &C.
cepting programs for the sale Of
such products. This is to ad-
init that there is something
wrong with the sale Of such
articles by radio and television
and not through other media Of
expression. including the mails.
IF it's bad for the articles to
be mentioned In one medium
that comes into the home. it Is
bad for all other media too.
The principle, moreover. Is
one that goes to the heart Of
constitutional rights. For II the
sale Of q beverage can be pro-
hibited by Congress because Of
a belief that it can be used to
excess. so also can the sale Of
any other article that could be
harmful to health be tabooed.
Thus there are probably more
deaths and injuries due to
motorcar accidents on the high
ways than to any other single
cause. Does Congress have the
right to prohibit the sale of
automobiles and trucks? Does
Congress have the right to pro-
hihit the sale of aspirin tablets
because some people use them to
excess? Does Congress have the I
right to prohibit, In times Of
peace, the sale of hunting
weapons because those same
weapons can be used to kill or
MAIN human beings instead Of
wild animals? Isn't 1t today the
province Of the States to regu-
late by law the cases Of those
individuals who wrongfully use
any article to excess and be-
Evening star., 1952-02-08

come dangers 70 their fellow
citizens?
The answer Is that there is no
clause In the Constitution which
permits Congress TO legislate
such prohibitions on moral
grounds. Indeed, there has
arisen even q stricter ban on
the right Of Congress to- legislate
on the liquor traffic. It has been
held that. when the people spoke
their views on the 18th Amend
ment and repealed 1t. they said
specifically that Congress had no
right to pass any laws govern
ing the manufacture Of intoxi-
eating beverages. that such pro-
hibitions could be put into effect
only by the several States, and
that the Federal power existed
solely to stop importation into
those States which passed laws
prohibiting importation Of IN
toxicating beverages. There is no
mention of the word sale In
the 21st Amendment, and it is
within the Constitution now for
intoxicating beverages to be
offered for sale by mail or other,
wise even in so-called dry States
but delivery must be taken OUT
side the dry States.
For Congress now to pass any
bill forbidding radio and tele-
vision to broadcast sales mes
sages concerning liquors would
also run afoul Of the First
Amendment to the Constitution,
which says that the right Of ex-
preston shall not be abridged
by any law Of Congress. Z
If it be argued that Congress
has acquired q right Of pro-
hibition through the fact that
radio and television stations are
licensed by the Federal Govern
ment, then the answer Is that
Congress cannot censor the con-
tent Of radio programs except
within those limitations Of fraud
or obscenity which are recog-
nized by the Supreme Court as
qualifying the right Of free
speech and freedom Of the press.