davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1953-02-11
Closed Courtroom

New York Judge Francis l.. Valente's order
barring the public and the press from the vice
trial Of Minot Frazier Jeke Sd seeks support
in lofty moral Justification. The Judge says
that to conduct the trial in public would be
catering to a vulgar senSationaliSm, if not
actual depravity,' and that the "indiscriminate"
release of obscene and sordid details note only
can serve no constructive purpose but might
well be positive disservice to our youth"
If this were the whole story it would be
persuasive argument. For the courts, within
appropriate limits, should exercise discretion to
guard against vulgar sensationalism."
There is goodreason to doubt however, that
the closing of this trial is an appropriate exer-
else of the courts discretion.
In the first place. the closing of the trial
has been vigorously opposed by the defendant,
his contention being that the effect will be
prejudicial to him. In view Of this 1t is diff
cult to see how the judges order can be
reconcied with the Constitutions command
that "in all criminal cases the accused shall
enjoy the right to speedy and public trial"
Nor did the prosecution ask that the trial
be closed. The request came from an attorney
for Pat Ward, a prosecution witness, who said
the girl would not testify in public. Miss Ward
Is only 10 years old. However, her admitted
to the highest bidder, hardly suggest that she
should be shielded from adverse publicity.
This leaves the theory that an open trial,
publicly reported, would have corrupting
influence on public morals. Perhaps there is
some basis for this contention But it is possible
that this judicial attempt to suppress the testi-
mony-an attempt which cannot be better than
partly SucceSSful-will stimulate more interest
in the case than it would otherwise arouse.
A larger question, however, is whether
Judge has any right to set himself up as
censor-to determine on moral grounds what
the public should and should not be permitted
to know. Judge Valente is in peculiarly weak
position on this score. He is a Tammany
product, and it has been stated that Miss
Wards testimony would divulge the names Of
vice-ring patrons who are prominent in New
York'S political and business circles. If this is
the case, there is at least some basis for the
suspicion that the judges real concern is to
protect these individuals
Even if there were no basis for this Sus-
picion, however, valid objections to the secrecy
order would remain. If judge has the power
to close his courtroom in a criminal case for
moral reasons that appear to be good, he also
has the power to close it for reasons that may
not be good. And in the long run the public
interest stands to lose than it will gain from
this sort of inappropriate judicial censorship.
Evening star., 1953-02-11
POAU Denies Fude-Out

It was amazing TO see that J0nn i.
L. Harper, in his letter published In
The Star Of January 26, uses the same
crude. tactic which has been used un-
successfully for five years by Roman
Catholic Spokesmen seeking to diScredit
and belittle the organization, Protest.
ants and Other Americans United for
Separation Of Church and State
(POAU). In January, 1948, John e.
Swift, Supreme Knight Of the Knights
of Columbus, predicted that POAU
would "fall Of its own weight" Now.
five years later, POAU remains unfallen,
and Mr.. Harper. on the basis Of a
faulty analysis of questionable attend
ance figures, seeks to demonstrate that
aPOAU is still fading from the Ameri-
can scene" A long fade-out, this!
Mr.. Harper is just as mistaken as
was Judge Swift five years ago. His
statistics are so ineptly handled as to
approach absurdity at some points. Mr..
Harper says that "a total Of 118 persons
were present for the dinner meeting on
January H.. :" Actually. this is very
good figure Of attendance (aSsuming
its correctness); the affair was a ban
quet for which people had to make
reservations, and the hall was well
fllled. Mr.. Harper's assertion that
100000 persons" attended the Consti-
tuition Hall meeting on January Is is
grossly in error Notwithstanding his
citation Of two anonymous custodial
employees as authorities); actually in
the judgment Of disinterested observers
consulted by POAU, there were at least
25()0 persons present
Mr. Harper's references to the day.
time workshop" sessions reveal that
he completely misunderstands their
function, which was to bring distin-
guished students Of church-state re-
relations together for discussion and
analysis. Obviously, such workshops"
could not and should not have been
mass meetings. Nevertheless. the dis
cussion and attendance at these meet
ings compared favorably with the dis
cussion and attendance at similar
sessions Of national conferences held
Evening star., 1953-02-11

young musicians, chosen competitively,
and has just authorized four scholar
ships for the current season. These
efforts have helped to stimulate inter-
est in good music. to the benefit not
only Of the county but also Of Wash
ington. AS evidence point out that
few communities In the country have
q better music program in the schools.
Few could claim better participation
in such groups as the Junior National
Symphony and the Statewide high
school bands and orchestras organized
each year In Virginia.
What Is difficult to understand is
that a symphony association can offer
this much without the fact being
known by every one, despite strong ef-
forts to publicize the activities. ques-
ton whether the press, in its preoc-
cupation with national and interna-
tional affairs, is doing the kind Of job
that it should in the local area.
Wilbert G. Fritz,
Acting President, Arlington Civic
Symphony Association.
Since writing my letter that appeared
in The Star, February 5. in which I
lamented that Arlington had no SYM
phony orchestra, have been informed
that we do indeed have a 75-piece
symphony orchestra. I make haste to
apologize for my ignorance in the mat
ter. certainly appreciate this cultural
advancement in our community.
w. b. Gilmore.
Evening star., 1953-02-11
High Cost Of Porkine

In Miami, Fla, the city officials have
recognized that sufficient parking space
for those wishing to transact business
in downtown Miami Is a matter Of pri-
mary Importance. Expensive land close
to the heart Of the business district has
been taken over for public parking, at
very reasonable rates.
The parking meters in Miami streets
are arranged to receive either pennies
or nickels. A nickel pays for one hour.
one cent pays for twelve minutes. two
cents for twenty-four minutes, etc
Thus the person who wants to slip into
store for small purchase can do
so at a parking cost of one cent Ada
cent some movie houses two nickels pays
for three hours parking.
The District Commissioners and Con-
Evening star., 1953-02-11
A ReoI StoryteIIer

Ben AmeS Williams, with about 500 titles
to his credit, gave instruction and entertain
ment to millions of readers. Perhaps he was
not an author in the sense of being literary
artist, laboring incessantly for perfection of
expression. His own description of himself was
that he was storyteller. He sought his dra
matte effects in the simplest ways. Most Of
his tales we're primarily romantic yarns Dur
Ing most of his career he was concerned with
events rather than character, narrative develop
ment rather than prose portraiture.
But Mr. Williams grew with his work. His
"House Divided" proved him master of his
torical material Twenty years of reading and
travel went into the making of that book. Mean
while, he was the annalist Of Fraternity, an
Evening star., 1953-02-11
BETHESDA.


Dear Sir:
"I have been an interested reader of
your column for great number Of
years, and wonder If you could advise
me about an animal problem. We have
a small house with an air space for an
attic, and the other morning heard
the patter of little feet but hoped
was having a nightmare.
'The air space is ventilated with
small stats something like venetian:
blinds and as I looked up at the Stats
saw a squirrels tail waving in the air;
I looked away horror stricken and
finally when had enough courage to
look again there was a small face look
ing through the slats-all this from
the inside looking out If you follow me
my husband has q pet squirrel
which he feeds out Of his hand and
thinks that these must be some Of his
pets relations and consequently thinks
they should be in the air space until
warm weather.
How can convince him that pets
ancestors all lived in the great out
doors? Also. how In the world can !
Cd either live with them, or CD get
them out?
"very truly yours. NJ. H. s."
The best way to get squirrels out OF
an attic. and the most humane, is TO
wait until they leave Of their own free
win.
Then, quickly. rush up the side Of the
Evening star., 1953-02-11
ArIinqton's Civic Orchestra

w. B. Gillmore's letter of February
defending Arlington as community
needs some correction. His assertion
that Arlington has no symphony or
chestra Is an error which, incidentally,
illustrates a different type of short
coming Of the area. Actually, Arling-
ton has a 75-piece orchestra, now in
its eighth season, under the capable
dictatorship Of Bernard Rosenthal.
Last year the orchestra featured
young pianist who this year is playing
with the New York Philharmonic.
All concerts are offered free as a
result of generous financial support
by business concerns and the general
public. The Symphony Association pre-
sents music scholarships to promising
Evening star., 1953-02-11
Mountain Night
BY THE HASKIN SERVICE.
@. What Is the life span Of q canaryi

1t Is too quiet here
Where mountains rim the sky.
The moon too close to earth.
The mountain DGlls too high.
And thoughts soar of IN space
With no sure guiding hand.
Too close to heGDen no1D,
Too far from IeveI land.
When sunlight breaks across
The granite peaks. the dap
Might help diSpel this mood.
Hold loneliness at bay.
But each close bending star,
And this bright siIDer night,
ReDeGIs intnsensity
IN epery depth and height.
cotheFine {. Berry
Evening star., 1953-02-11
Coolidge Also Joined Church

In your perfectly reported article OF
Monday, February 2, headed "Eisen-
howers Join Presbyterian Church." DR..
Elson is quoted as saying that "as far
as he knew this was the first time a
President of the United States has
joined a church while he was in the
White House."
Another good and great President,
Calvin Coolidge, while holding the high
Office, Joined the First Congregational
Church, stating, in substance, that he
had become convinced that 1t was his
duty to set the example, since he had
been thus honored.
Norman Sandridge.
Evening star., 1953-02-11

gress could render no greater service to
the people Of Washington than to for
mulate plans to construct extensive
parking facilities, under the park areas
or elsewhere. These could be made self
liuuidating as to cost. Unless something
is done to relieve high parking costs in
downtown Washington, business is go
ing to go increasingly to suburban areas
which pay none of the taxes necessary
to keep the city government going.
Frank G. Campbell.
Evening star., 1953-02-11

a cold fact that when there are literally
thousands more animals than there are
people who wish to own and care for
them, there Is no other solution.
Surely, o. w. T. H., letting an OBJ
viously i'll, lost or exhausted dog dis
appear into the street is no solution.
Would you really prefer that this dog
remain in such condition, and be left
to shift for himself in the downtown
traffic? If it were my pet, I would far
rather you had signed that slip. let the
league take it to shelter, good meal,
and a much better chance Of return
to its owner.
For the very few who disapprove Of
it's methods, there are thousands Of
people who have cause to be grateful
to the Rescue League. Instead Of con-
demning this institution, We should be
thankful that it exists and does such q
magnificent job of caring for the stray
and sick animals Of our city. praise
them for this, for placing so many
animals in new homes, and for their
interest In humane education for chill
dren.
Evening star., 1953-02-11
The Balkan Sideshow

One of the interesting and potentially
significant sideshows playing on the European
stage these days is that centering around
the long negotiations for new Balkan entente
among Yugoslavia, Greece and Turkey. While
the exact extent and form of eventual agree
ment seemingly has not yet been worked out,
the open exchanges of official visits and the
publicly avowed desires to reach solid UNDER
standing indicate considerable progress.
There are many complications-som Of
historic nature and others Of more current
MISUNDERSTANDING upon the military and
political aspects Of an alliance among these
three nations. The fact that Greece and Turkey
are members of the NATO makes 1t difficult,
II not impossible, for them to sign durable
and all-out military pact with non-member
The fact that Yugoslavia is Communist
country-although at complete odds with Sta
inist communism-poSes an obvious problem
vis-a-vis Communist Greece and Turkey
Beyond these factors however, is the common
denomination of being geographically and ira
ditionally in the path of aggressive Russian
aspirations. Turkey, Greece and Yugoslavia are,
in effect, the front line of defense against
Soviet push into Southern Europe or the Medi-
terranean basin.
Aside from the defensive potential however,
a concord between these three states could have
an even more disturbing effect upon Moscow's
control over such helpless satellites as Bulgaria,
Romania, Hungary and Albania. It would, per-
haps, be overoptimistic to feel that the Soviet
grip on these countries is an uncertain one. BY
their usual tactics of suppression and decima-
ton, the Soviet Communists have taken over
the governments and reshaped the political and
economic lives of these satellites. There are
no such processes. however, by which they can
feel permanently sure that they have obliter-
ated historic opposition to Russian imperialism
or deeply rooted traditions of nationalism.
That the three anti-Soyiet Balkan nations
are aware of the role which they might play
quietly in spreading discomfort among the bor-
dering Iron Curtain countries has been indi-
Gated in the propaganda which has been ema-
mating intermittently, particularly from Bel
grade, toward these nearby captive peoples. It
Is the feeling In the West, and there are good
reasons to accept it within limitation, that
there are "soft spots" behind the Iron Curtain
where a persistent and carefully devised STRAIT
egy Of psychological warfare might create seri-
Gus trouble for the Kremlin conspirators The
satellites within or bordering upon the Balkans
may be included in these vulnerable lands. and
an anti-Soviet Balkan entente may some day
constitute an effective offensive staging area.
Machines to control the weather are Dre-
dicted, but what's wrong with the motorcar,
which brings rain when washed and melts the
snow when you pay buck to have the chains
put on?
Evening star., 1953-02-11

imaginary Maine seacoast town which actually
was Searsmont. There he found q whole COM
munitv Of interesting people about whom he
could imagine adventures Of exactly the type
wanted by the largest Of publics- fiction at its
popular best.
Conceivably, the most durable of Mr. Will
liams' books will be "The Strange Woman" and
Leave Her to Heaven" In these enterprises
he struck out at new tangents and showed new
powers Of spirited narration. What might have
followed had he lived longer is an academic
question. Dying at So, his own story was an
achievement Of outstanding value and worth.
Evening star., 1953-02-11
Problem Of unclaimed Pets

feel compelled to write in defense
Of the Washington Animal Rescue
League.
It Is indeed sad that one Of your
recent correspondents found his cat
had been put to sleep before it was
claimed. In all fairness. however. one
must think Of the thousands Of cats,
dogs and other animals that are never
claimed. The Rescue League does not
enjoy dispoSing Of them, but it remains
Evening star., 1953-02-11
Price Controls

My hat is OF to President Eisenhower
for his views on price controls. My
opinion is we just don't need them at
all. Business will take care Of the eco
nomic situation. Competition is the
life Of trade.
For nearly twenty years the Govern
nent was controlling practically every
thing and imitation took a very promi-
nent part in our economic system. We
don't want that now, and now Is the
time to correct it.
Some Of the New Dealers are bowling
about the reduction Of meat prices. It
Evening star., 1953-02-11
Tired Of Segregation News

Tired OF Segregation News
Just word in regard to segregation.
It is getting very tiresome not to be
able to pick up newspaper without
having this subject jammed down ones
throat. Words leap out-segregation
equality, civil rights. Actually. civil
rights and equality have nothing what
ever to do with segregation. Rights
can be upheld even on basis of equal
ity without compulsion for inter-
mingling.
Doesn't the manner in which the So
called problem is being attacked def
nitely show discrimination against the
white race? Surely nobody Is going to
stop any one who wishes to live on a
social plane with members Of the col
ored race-but why make compulsory
association a legal matter? One most
important angle is how it can possibly
be accomplished, legally or otherwise,
to compel privately owned and pri-
vately operated and privately financed
businesses to either serve or hire any
person they do not want to. Or to
make one person associate with
another. Are we really going "all out"
to merit the name Of Little Russia?
It would mean practically that. Or are
we, as people, interested in retaining
our earned rights as free country in
every sense?
There are good colored restaurants
and theaters here, run by colored peo-
pie for colored people, on a par with
white ones. They have always had the
run of stores and places Of business.
AS for education, saren't they satisfied
that one after another of our schools
have been turned over to them, making
a shortage and overcrowding Of white
schools? I believe that the really in
telligent persons of the race are not
behind this move.
WaShingtonian.
Evening star., 1953-02-11
Transit Rudio Commercials

Reputable Washington merchants
seem to have learned that to force the
transit company's passengers to listen
to their radio advertisements was to
lose instead Of gain customers.
It Is to be hoped that the remaining
so-called music. and the obnoxious oc-
casional beer advertisements will very
soon "fade away"
Resident.
Evening star., 1953-02-11

is a blessing to have q reduction Of
meat prices, which have been too high
for three or more years. Imitation has
been dominating the economic picture
for many years. so why not have that
corrected ny reduction Of prices in gen.
eral?
Daniel B. Felker.
Evening star., 1953-02-11

Star. information nures9; 1900 street NV.
turn postSGe. Or by telephonins sterlins 8-7se3.
By THE HASKIN SERVICE.
@. What is the life span Of canaryi
ID. w. T.
A. Canaries have been known to live
many years when cared for properly.
According to authentic records, two
birds Matched in the same brood and
kept entirely separated after they left
the nest, lived for is years. dying within
q few weeks Of each other. Other rec
ords show canaries living to 81 years OF
age.
@. Is despot the same as q tyrant3
w. D. T.
A. No. Despot, q Greek word mean
ing master" as opposed to slave, was
applied to some absolute rulers In the
Greek city states. The term Is not to
be confused with "tyrant." Despots are
not necessarily harsh or cruel and may
be kind and considerate. As Q rule.
however, q despot keeps his absolute
power only by the use Of force.
@. Can one obtain Social Security re-
tirement benefits before reaching the
age Of 65?-L. L.
A. No. An insured person cannot
draw his Social Security until he
reaches the age Of 65 years. Three
months prior to reaching IS he should
60 to the nearest Social Security ONCE
and file q claim and it win be adjudi-
Gated.
Evening star., 1953-02-11

Machines to control the weather are Dre-
dicted, but what's wrong with the motorcar,
which brings rain when washed and melts the
snow when you pay buck to have the chains
put on?
Evening star., 1953-02-11
Questions and Answers

The stars readers can get the answer 70 any
question q fat By either y5iGsninf Ths & vsrwaRs
turn postSee' or by teiephoninS Sterlins S-7363.
Evening star., 1953-02-11

Pen-nGn1es may be used If letters carry
tDr1terS' correct names and addresses.
All letters are subject to condensation.
The Farmville herald and farmer-leader. (Farmville, Va.) 1934-1957, 1953-08-07
Dramatic Era

IT goes without saving that man must
thoroughly understand the cause of
wars before he can eliminate them. In this
connection, it is interesting to note that
many of the revelations about the thoughts
and actions Of enemy leaders daring and
before World War II are only now being re-
leased in book form.
1t must always be remembered that the
permanent reflections and appraisals of
history are never made at the time of the
worlds great events. The lessons of APP
peasement in the 1905 are best learned by
reading accounts Of the Thrties from both
sides
Without mentioning the names of Spe-
cific authors or books, it is suggested that
The Farmville herald and farmer-leader. (Farmville, Va.) 1934-1957, 1953-08-07

with remarkable growth, yielding a good
hay crop, and corn can improve with good
seasons.
The dry weather throughout this section
has been spotty. In some sections much
more rain has fallen than in others, so that
an estimate is difficult, but it can be said
with some assurances that we are not as
bad off as the calamity howlers appear to
presume, that is provided good seasons
come from now on through August and
September.
Much too much has been said and writ
ten about the drought We do not minimize
the seriousness Of present growing condi-
tons and crops, but it does appear that
the story has been over played. The daily
newspapers have carried it as front page
news now for the past ten days with fea-
ture stories, and pictures. Such publicity
exaggerates the effect of the drought and
if one does not pause to think, great buga-
boo can be fashioned in ones mind. When
this happens, we begin to feel sorry for
ourselves, and lose our perspective.
Sure it is hot Sure it is dry. Sure crops
have suffered. But all is not lost We can
still hope and pray for seasonabe August
and September We can help make our
prayers come true by fall seeding of small
grain, grasses and covers for late grazing
and spring hay. We can 20 along normally
and not get panicky over the heat and the
weather.
Hot? Yes stree, But not any hotter or
drier than it has been many a time before
in good old Southside Virginia.
The Farmville herald and farmer-leader. (Farmville, Va.) 1934-1957, 1953-08-07

those who are interested in the tragedy of
World War II might profit by studying the
life of Hitler. the diaries Of several Ger
mans and Italians in positions of power i'll
the late Thirties and 1940's and that the
papers of several military leaders, on the
other side, also be read
We cannot agree with those who believe
such reading dull. On the contrary the
events of the late l930s and during World
War II are the most dramatic, and signifi-
cant that have crossed the stage of history
in recent decades. The struggle between
the forces of democracy and those of
tyranny in this era is the greatest adventure
story of our age
The Farmville herald and farmer-leader. (Farmville, Va.) 1934-1957, 1953-08-07

engaged in the trade between Canada and
the United States. The cost Of operation of
many of the European ships is e"en lower
than the Canadian average and, therefore,
threatens to take even more of the total
percentage of trade from L. s. flag vessels
1t is to be noted, in this connection. that
Great Lakes carriers have never received
the subsidies provided by this Government
to ships engaged in overseas operations
Yet, in case Of a war, shortage of ships on
the Great Lakes would be almost as serious
as a shortage of ships engaged in oceanic
trade.
Perhaps there is little the subcommittee
can do in such a situation but we would
regret to see the day arrive when L. S. ship
lines were almost completely frozen out of
the cargo-hauling business on the lakes
because Of cheaper foreign transportation