davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1954-04-28
Two Senator'S Refuse
To Help Widow Of
Executed Deserter

A request for the introduction
OF a special bill to pay Mrs. An
toinette Sloyik, the widow of a
soldier executed in World War II,
his $4,000 Government life in
surance has been turned down by
both Michigan Senators.
Senator Ferguson, Republican.
said he would not introduce a
special bill to order payment of
the insurance. Senator Potter,
Republican, of Michigan, has de-
cided not to sponsor special legis-
lation either, according to his Of
flee.
Senator Potter lost both legs
IN action with the 28th Division,
the outfit the soldier was shot for
deSerting.
Notified of Misconduct
In 1945 Mrs. Slovik was noti-
fed that her husband Eddie
had died in the European war
theater because of "willful mis-
conduct"
Eight years later, from a
writer, she heard the truth. Eddie
was executed by firing squad
for deSertion of the battle line.
He was the only American put
to death for this offenSe since
the Civil War.
Yesterday, Mrs. Slovik (she has
since married Eddie'S brother,
Ray) came to Washington to
appeal to Congress for Eddie's
$4,000 national service life in
surance.
Accompanied by Author.
William Bradford HUE, au-
thor of The Execution of
Private Slovik," came with her.
While she met reporters, he
went to Capitol Hill to see the
Michigan delegation. Mrs. Slo-
vik is from Dearborn.
A wan, graying woman of 80,
Mrs. Slovik met reporters in
Woodner Hotel room.
She said she makes $75 take
home pay in an average week,
but loses many hours work from
sickness-epilepsy.
Sympathetic Letters.
She has received many letters
frOm strangers, all of them SYM
pathetic, she said.
Eddie, by Mr.. Huie's and Mrs.
Slovik's account, was a scared
kid who never had much of a
home life. and little love. In
and out of reform schools, he
began to change only after
meeting his wife. They had IS
months together before Eddie,
who had been At, was drafted.
She described the last time
she saw him. He was getting
on a train for Camp Kilmer,
N. j., after a tWo-week furlough.
preparatory to being sent
overseas.
II know I'll never see you
again" he said. She doesn't
know if he was crying; he
walked quickly away, not look
ing back.
The symbol of their happi-
ness together, as Mr.. Huie tells
1t, was their modern blond wood
furniture. What happened to it?
Il eventually sold it," she said
slowly.
Evening star., 1954-04-28

satisfaction as the winning of
the anpual safety award. It is
an. honor that transit companies
throughout the United States
covet and since the competition
is keen, the winning of the top
safety award for so many sue
ceSSive years is high tribute to
the professional skill and train
ing of our men,"
Evening star., 1954-04-28
French Study English

PAR1S.-English is by far the
most important foreign language
Tor French students. A knowl-
e1ge OF English has become in
dlSpensable to any young French
person who engages in commerce.
Evening star., 1954-04-28
Investments Asked

Somaia. preparing for its in
dependent status after 1860, has
adopted a program of encourage
ing investment of foreign cap
ital. Adds Ababa learns.
Evening star., 1954-04-28
Back Toxes Collected

RICHMOND, April % (P).-The
Internal Revenue Service collect
ed $2,5O1 ,058 in delinquent taxes
from Virginians the first three
months this year. acting district
director Stuart L. Crenshaw said
yesterday.
Evening star., 1954-04-28

yesterday. defeating Republican
Milton L. Pope, 1898 to Lib.
The Democrats also won two
council seats.
A referendum on issuance of
100000 worth Of bonds to
finance sewage disposal plan
was approved by a 848-387 vote.
Evening star., 1954-04-28
Cancer in Children

BOSTON. - Although half of
Its victims are over 65 years of
age. cancer kills more children
between the ages of 3 and Is
than any other disease.
Evening star., 1954-04-28
Hastings Reflected
Mayor Of Salisbury
BY the Assoeio.ed Press

SALISBURY, Md. April 28.-
Mayor Rollie w. Hastings was
successful in his bid for a second
term in Salisbury's city elections
Evening star., 1954-11-25
This and That ).

So much has been made Of the tur-
key in recent years that it may come
as surprise to some to learn that this
popular bird did not always hold the
premier place at the Thanksgiving
feast.
Templeton Jones can recall the days
when leg O. lamb, beef and goose were
quite as popular, and much easier to
obtain.
In the old times, most well-to-do
families had Sunday afternoon dinner
quite on par with anything they
cooked up for Thanksgiving.
The only difference was that usually
there were guests at Thanksgiving, and
that one Of these usually had to say
grace.
Grace. as an American Institution,
recent years, but In the times we speak
OF it was standard practice, with some
emphasis put on 1t during feast days.
Mr.. O'Connor was to give grace at
the great goose Thanksgiving which
Templeton Jones recalls hest
Goose Is SO heavy" said mother, In
protest.
But father wanted q goose. and
father usually got what he wanted
Thatvwas part Of being father, in the
old days.
You have never carved q goose, ("
said mother. with nisgiving.
No different from anything else. !.
opfned father.
s'They say they are much tougher"
/ ut won't bother me-" said fatAer.
Evening star., 1954-11-25
Appropriate Leadership

Fairfax County appropriately has de-
cided to take the lead in mobilizing public
support for Northern Virginia INTERRUPTS
dictional detention home for juvenile de-
linquents. It was that county's lack of
such facilities that led to the 36-day deten-
tion of 16-year-old girl in the Groveton
lookup, pending transfer to a State institu-
ton. Public reaction to that incident led
to revival of proposals for joint financing
and construction of detention home to
serve the whole region.
Experience has shown that public de-
rnands for improvement of welfare institu-
tions usually subside after the first outbursts
Of indignation over exposed conditions. It
is always difficult to find money for such
improvements when county budgets are
crowded with school, water, sewer and other
public-service items. If Fairfax County can
succeed in arouSing and maintaining re-
gional sentiment for construction of the
badly needed juvenile detention home, 1t
will have rendered an important public
service. BY pooling efforts and resources,
the citizens of nearby Virginia can bring
such an institution into being with mini
mum Of financial strain on any community,
thereby precluding another discreditable
incident of the Groveton lookup type.
Evening star., 1954-11-25
Over the Pole by Air

The development of aviation in half
century has been marked by so many dra-
matte achievements that what seems the
virtually impossible today becomes the COM
monplace tomorrow. So 1t is that the open
ing by Scandinavian Airlines of trans
polar commercial air service between Los
Angeles and Copenhagen may be accepted
as merely another bit of evidence that mans
conquest of fight has not yet recognized
any closed frontiers,
Any such casual comment would be
less than fair, however, If 1t failed to take
notice Of the many component accomplish
ments that have made possible this cli-
mactic step in trans-polar flying. The ends
of the earth are no less stark, deSolate and
forbidding today than they have been al
ways. Their conquest by air has become
easy, relatively, because the men Of aviation
have engineered the long-range planes, the
navigational devices, the meteorological
services, the terminal facilities and the
varied equipment for unusual requirements.
AS commercial enterprise. the new
service brings Europe and our West Coast
about 500 miles "closer" together. In
travel time, allowing for plane changes by
other routes, It is expected to save six to
ten hours It will take some time, perhaps.
to tell whether the service is assured OF
economic success. Meanwhile, those inter
ested In aviation military as well as COM
mercial-will watch the performance charts.
Evening star., 1954-11-25
Thanksgiving Reverie

A mist OF gold lies on the harvest field
Where frightening shadows OF the
cornshocks foiD;
Nighttau comes sarly as bright oxtunsn
yields
Its hour reluctantly to frost and
snotu.
Nop. In the deepening Twilight Of the
year,
The heart reliues the 5oy It's days
taDe brought
And offers gratitude for many dear.
Long-cheristed gifts that we're
bestotred upsonght:-
For me0dou foicers By May Ctnd
tossed.
For brd-end-bee song saterpouen
there
In melodies the ear has neuer lost.
And hears again ts Hsoments Of
despair,
For life. for lore. for our great lana.
dear Lord,
For peace that strengthens IN the
iDorId today,
We gtue Thee Thanks. and for thar
shining hoQYd
OF memories that light ss on oar
Day.
Insz BareIay kirbyS
Evening star., 1954-11-25
Thanksgiving, 1854

This annual day of popular thanksgiv-
Ing Is an occasion peculiar to the United
States Other nations acknowledge their
debt to the Creator in different ways. We
Americans from 1921 onward have placed
particular emphasis upon public recognition
of the benign part which the Deity plays in
human affairs. What President Eisenhower
has called that. hallowed custom" has
significance far beyond mere formal express
sion Of gratitude Without deserting the
principle of separation of the powers of the
state and the church, we increasingly are
prompted and led to "boW in reverent thanks
for the blessings bestowed upon us" in our
private lives and in our community of in
terest as fellow citizens enjoying the ira
ditions of Judaeo- Christian democracy.
OF course, there are some non conform
lists who do not share in recognition of God
as the source of our freedom and prosperity.
Such is their privilege, and they are not
challenged in their exercise of it. large
majority of our people, however, instinc-
lively agree in the religious aspects Of the
great charters of our liberties. Millions of
us are satisfied in our minds and in our
hearts that the benefactions by which our
common existence bountifully is enriched
have their origin in the Power which rules
the universe. Thanksgiving this year, per-
haps to degree and extent never approx
mated before, will be time for solemn SAL
utation of the Cause beyond all other causes,
the Force behind all other forces Whether
separately or in organized groups we will
follow the President to "rededicate ourselves
to unselfsh striving for the common better
ment of mankind" -7 %7@3 14
For this high privilege we should offer
special thanks. It Is right distinctively
ours in experience and in inspiration. This
land of ours will remain free and prosperous
only as we devotedly identify ourselves, as
our forefathers did, with the Creators
purpose.
Evening star., 1954-11-25
Countering Soviet Propaganda

There has recently been considerable
discussion Of the Russian proposal for
general European conference. This
has been described by various writer's
as designed for propaganda purposes
only, since it would be manifestly i'm
possible to prepare for such a confer
ence by the date specified. It may well
be that there Is little If any sincerity
behind the proposal; but it unquestion-
ably has had considerable propaganda
value in Europe, especially in Germany.
Why does not the United States at
tempt to- counteract this and other
Russian propaganda by making a bold
proposal that would have decided prop
aganda value In all Communist
areas, especially in the countries of
Asia and the smaller countries in gen.
eral? Such an effective counteracting
proposal would be an official statement
from our State Department calling for
an amendment to the United Nations
Charter so as to eliminate the "Big
Five" veto power. If this veto power
could be eliminated, the effect would
undoubtedly be to weaken Communist
influence in the United Nations. since
the veto has been used almost exclu-
sively by the Russians to prevent de-
sirable actions favored by the United
States and most Of the nom -Commu-
mist nations. If, on the other hand, an
American proposal to eliminate the
veto were to be killed by the exercise
of Russian veto, the effect would
be to enhance the prestige Of the
United States in the eyes of the smaller
nations. and reduce the effect Of the
propaganda by which Russia is con-
stantly trying to turn these nations
away from American influence.
Walter H. McClenon.
Evening star., 1954-11-25
Overdue Zoning Reform

Work has begun at last on long
overdue task that Is essential to the orderly
development of Washington. This under
taking, approved In contract form by the
Commissioners, involves a comprehensive
overhaul and modernization Of the Districts
34-year-old zoning laws. Through the years
these laws have been amended so many
times and in so many ways that they re-
sernble patchwork quilt. New problems
have arisen for which new measures and
policies are required. Only complete, ex-
pert study of the laws and regulations as
they exist today and of needed revisions can
provide the District with the up-to-date
coming system demanded by city the size
of the Capital.
When Washington's first zoning law
went into effect back in 1920, there were
few similar statutes to serve as patterns.
New York City's law, the first of its kind
in an American city, had been on the books
less than three years. Those who drafted
the Districts first law did remarkably
good job, under the circumstances But
some Of the problems which puzzled those
pioneer zoners continue to plague zoning
officials today. One of these problems is that
OF so-called non-conforming uses. The resi-
Dental zones set up In 1920 excepted certain
business establishments from compliance
with the residential coming, but precluded
them from improving their properties for
business purposes. There are still several
thousand Of these on-conforming eStab-
lishmentS in otherwise restricted zones.
Many Of them are in need OF rebuilding or
repair If they are to remain in business. The
expectation of the original zoners was that,
In time, these -comformiSts would go out
Of business-and many have But those
that remain are exerting continuing pres
sure on District authorities and on members
of Congress for special exceptions. The new
study will seek a solution of this problem
that will reconcile property rights of the
business owners with those Of residential
property owners. Some cities, incidentally,
have set headlines for elimination of non
conforming uses III zoned areas.
There are many other problems calling
for examination by such experts as the Dis
trict has employed to revise the local laws.
Restrictions as to use, area and height OF
buildings must be kept geared to- urban
growth and changing conditions. Assisting
In the difficult task will be a supervisory
group, the Commi isfioners' Zoning Advisory
Committee, headed by Banker Thomas ].
Groom. The committee plans to hold in
formal public hearings on proposed changes
in the laws. That Is the right approach, for
the public Is entitled to voice IN this i'm
Evening star., 1954-11-25
By Charles E. Trocewen

"Why?" asked Temp Jones, aged 10
years.
Because" said father, 81 am the
best carver in the world"
The goose was done to turn when
Mr.. O'Connor arrived.
He was by all odds the children's
favorite guest, not only because they
liked him, but because he always
brought presents
This was q ritual he never failed In,
but aside from that, he was marvel
Gus man, tall. large, pink and white.
His hair and whiskers were snow.
white, but there was no hint Of the
Santa Claus about him. He was lean,
and tall, and sardonic, with an eye for
children and good Jokes.
Everybody loved Mr.. O'Connor.
Now, children" mother had said,
':you must be on your best behavior,
and maybe Mr.. O'Connor viii give
you silver dollar.
"And you Temp" she admonished,
mo wiSecracks out Of YOU"
Only mother didn't use the word
! "wisecrack" because 1t hadnt, been in
vented yet
What she did was to adjlhe young
Jones not to be smart alec. Children in
those days were really supposed to be
seen but not heard. But Temp Jones
didn't always follow instructions. Mod
ern childhood was just beginning to rear
its head. and Templeton Jones was ct
the head Of the procession.
The great day and hour came.
There was Mr.. C'CoNnor On TIE
Evening star., 1954-11-25
Jewish Councils Position

In his letter to The Star of Novem-
Der 16, H. q. has misunderstood the
import of the resolution unanimously
adopted by the Jewish Community
Council of Greater Washington at its
meeting on Sunday, October 81.
The councils resolution did not and
does not assert-as your correspondent
States-that "the Israeli government is
always right" The resolution requests
our Government: (D To use its pres
tige to bring about peace in the Middle
East: t2) To use it's good Offices to
persuade the Arab states to end their
boycott of Israel; (3) Not to send
arms to the Arab states until they de-
clare unequivocally their readiness to
defend the Western dernocracies. and
! "a To utilize fully IsraeIs potential
in the defense of the Middle East.
H. G. has right to dissent from the
councils position, but his view does
Evening star., 1954-11-25

doorstep, with his hearty laugh, and
his pink face, and his hand already
beginning to jingle dollars.
He gave each child one, to every
ones infinite delight.
Then they all sat down to eat.
Father speared the goose, and took
the carving knife in his right hand.
His browS were knit.
He. punched, he pulled, he cut here,
he stabbed there
Until suddenly the goose slid Of the
plate and went whizzing across to one
side, hitting Templeton Jones squarely
in the chest.
It was at this juncture that young
Jones uttered q word that no properly
trained young man should ever use at
table.
"Hell!" said Templeton Jones.
There was moment Of awful
silence, broken at last by mother say
ing, quietly, "Templeton. you 60 to your
room"
AS that crestfallen young man left
Mr.. O'Connor stified his roar Of laugh
ter. and arose.
i want TO wipe some gravy on him.
3 he shouted. and disappeared around
the door.
He caught Temp at the first step,
, and held, him back.
Congratulations, me boy" he
agrinned Somebody had to say it. And
here Is another cartwheel for ye." and
he pressed into Templeton Jones'
happy hand the biggest. brightest
THANKSGIVING tdoalar any boy ever sct.
Evening star., 1954-11-25
On Being Grateful

Never complain or grumble about
conditions at home. Do what is asked
of you cheerfully. Go down on your
knees each day and thank God for the
great privilege of being born an Ameri-'
can. and that you live in such a
wonderful country.
pray for all who have gone before
you in battle and for all those now in
the service of their countries. Re-
member. too, the unfortunate people
who are enslaved.
"Ask God to touch the hearts Of all
mankind, for then and only then will
he realize that he Is his brothers
keeper. When this is done blessed
peace will descend upon ALL"
On Thanksgiving Day, memories
come flooding back bitterSweet mem
ories of the selfless young American
soldier who wrote those words He was
grateful to God for his heritage. He
loved his country and revered his flag
He once said, "She is another mother" !"
He sleeps now beneath the now plane
less Korean skies in which he gave his
life that the skies over his beloved
America might remain free for you
and for me.
Young as he was, he knew why he
was in Korea. Wise beyond his years,
he foresaw the gigantic battle which
would be waged between the forces of
good and the forces of evil for the
minds and souls Of free men.
He foresaw, too, the infinite patience,
understanding and endurance the
seemingly endless war would demand.
He knew the cruelty of the human
foe, and the monstrous slyness Of the
''invisible" foe, for he wrote: I'VE
fight two enemies one visible, the other
invisible. The human foe Is goddess
and ruthless, but we can cope with
those we see. The invisible is a deadly
viciousness creeping slowly into the
hearts of men who seek to dominate
the peoples of the world and hold them
in bondage forever. This menace to
the free nations must be stopped here
and now in Korea, there must be no
compromise this time"
Whether We approve or disapprove
of the Korean truce is not important
now. We cannot live in the past, nor
stay in the present; we must keep
looking forward to the future.
On this Thanksgiving Day, and on
every day, let us try to emulate the
selfessness of the many. many thou
sands who have died that we might
live. Let us be grateful to God for
His abundant blessings Let us pray
for our President, our statesmen, our
legislators, and our fellow countrymenA
Let us end the darkness and the
hating which exists in our country,
and our friendly countries across the
ocean by trying to understand the
problems peculiar to each nation. "a
Let us practice Thanksgiving Day
every day in our hearts.
Let us always remember that we
are our brothers keepers. M. J. r.
Evening star., 1954-11-25

his opponent, which has nothing to do
with the issues involved in the report.
The members of the Senate sitting
in on the censure debate permit Its
agent, In this case Senator watkins,
to be vilif1ed, and its own mandate
called by such names as "imbecilic"
and "lynching bee." If ever man was
given fair trial it was Senator Nc
Carthy, who, in most of the hearings
by his committee. denied those who
appeared before it the same fairness.
The Watkins Committee based it's rec
concentrations on the evidence pre-
sented and because they had the cour-
age to recommend censure, on two
counts. and in justice to Senator Nc
Cafthy turned down the other three
counts, with intellectual and factual
honesty. are now subjected to personal
attacks.
1t is not Senator Watkins who is q
coward; but should the Senate. for the