davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1955-03-05
The Sign of a Cross

Comparatively few people know the
story behind the Red Cross. It dates back
perhaps as much as 1900 years. Even IN
the Dark Ages pilgrims went to the holy
places of the Near East, and in many, II
not all, of the detectives of their Journeys
there were hostelries for their shelter. These
hospitia belonged to different nations. The
most famous of the lot was an italian hos
pice of the merchants of Amalf, founded in
1850.
Some writer's have sought to trace to
that celebrated "house" the start of the
Hospitallers of St. John the Baptist, men
toned in document of Pope Paschal II
in 1113 But 1.-The most important of all the
military orders of knighthood" seems to
other scholars to have been Independent
from its beginning. In any case, 1t pros
pered and gradually became a legend
throughout Europe-for its services to the
poor, the sick and other men, women and
children in distress. To guard and protect
its wards armed escorts were formed, and
the escorts developed into armies sharing
in the Crusades but not limiting their &C
tivities to war. The symbol OF the Hos
pitallers was an eight-pointed red cross.
This "sign" their successors took to the
island of Rhodes and later to the island
of Malta, and the world generally recognizes
it today as "the Maltese cross" From 1t
descends the red cross of the international
Red Cross movement commencing at the
Geneva Conference of 1868. In its simpler
aspect of equal bars 1t was worn for the
first time on battlefield of conflict be-
tween Prussia and Denmark in 1854. Ninety
one years later the emblem is a synonym OF
civilization throughout the earth.
March /, 1855, marked the launching OF
another necessary campaign for funds to
sustain the activities of the American Ma
tional Red Cross Society in total amount
of S85 million. The money will be spent
for services to the armed forces and to
veterans and their families, blood bank
program for national defense and civilian
use, disaster relief in the States and Terri
tories, first aid and safety work, volunteer
training, international relations, nursing
instruction and placement and the Junior
Red Cross. Every American stands to bene-
At from the drive and is invited to help to
push 1t to complete success. The goal OF
the Washington area is 81 ,424,000.
Evening star., 1955-03-05
Who Is the Mysterious Doubter?

Representative Broyhill's announce
ment that a high administration ot1c1al
had indicated doubt as to the need for an
auxiliary National Airport in Washington
is surprising, to say the least The an
nouncement also was surprise to the
Federal agency most competent to express
an opinion on this subject namely, the
Civil Aeronautics Administration. CAA off,
cials have stated that they have in no way
changed their view as to the urgency OF a
second airport to relieve dangerous con-
gestion at Gravelly Point
Mr. Broyhill has said he does not feel
free to disclose the identity of the official
who discussed the airport situation with him.
But until this official or some other spokes-
man for the administration openly disputes
the CAA, Congress and the public are justi-
fed in relying on the findings Of the expert
CAA staff. This staff repeatedly has stated
that the present Washington National Air
port IS overloaded to an unsafe degree and
that the only solution is an alternative air
port, such as the one proposed for Burke,
Virginia.
President Eisenhower some time ago ap-
pointed an interdepartmental committee to
study the airport problem here, with special
reference to the future of the Burke site,
part of which already has been acquired by
the Government. It is hard to believe that
this committee, which includes Commerce
Secretary Weeks, in whose department the
CAA functions, would come to the conclu-
sion that another airport is not necessary in
this busy center of civilian and military air
traffic. e&ss
Evening star., 1955-03-05
BY Charles E. TroceweH

What can an honest cream maker
do with her?
She is fit only to be thrown into the
discard of modern cosmetic science.
She belongs with that sad sister no
one will tell.
Templeton Jones has q sort Of fellow
feeling for her, because he has been
an amateur dermatologist since child
hood.
This came about through the discov-
cry Of an old medicine book left behind
in the attic Of house his father
rented on Sixteenth street when he
was about years old.
1t was large row house. but on
the corner. so that it was only semi
row house: the doors and window sills
were OF swamp oak, and we're at least
4 inches thick. as Jones remembers
them.
The attic was wonderful place. as
attics are likely to be, especially in
the eyes Of an imaginative boy.
The windows we're curved at the top.
and came down to sills at least feet
wide.
On these seats a boy could look out
and imagine marvellous happenings
there OF beyond the trees.
It was on one Of these seats that the
young Temp Jones found the big thick
book.
Evening star., 1955-03-05

1t was good book of its kind, with
out the startling illustrations which
sometimes spoil such offerings. The
author had crush on camphor. Cam
phor. according to him, was good for
anything that was the matter with you.
If your toe ached, try spirits of cam
phor on it. If the stomach, put q drop
on lump Of sugar. And so on.
Young Jones did not get as far as
trying camphor. good for all ailments
Of man or beast. according to the book,
but he did try out various cosmetic
preparations, including simple one for
clear skin. consisting Of flowers Of
sulphur mixed with olive oil.
One could 60 a great deal further
and do worse, even today, for simple
eruptions, including acne; except that
recent research shows that oils are not
good for acne.
Young Chemist Jones didn't worry
about that. He kept on mixing. and
smearing, and had a lot of fun, and
worked up an interest that has lasted
him to this day.
Pharmaceutical science Is still won-
derful to Templeton Jones.
That is why he wonders about ths
nth woman.
He hopes she finds something that
will put her In the magic class OF four
ct last.
Evening star., 1955-03-05
What to Do About Russiu

was not too surprised to find
letter reprimanding President Eisen-
hower's gift of wheat to the Soviet
Union,
The opinion was somewhat vaguely
set forth that giving wheat to Russia
would prolong the life of communism,
and thus we might be aiding Russia
to destroy us.
But If we were to let food crisis
IN Russia develop to an extreme. it
was argued the people would not just
lie down and die. Instead, by mass
riots and raids on food centers, they
would force the Russian government
to remedy the situation.
AS for food shortage starting a
revolution in Russia, there is utterly
no chance of such. The riots would
be entirely unorganized, merely an
animal reflex to the need for food. As
to a real revolution in Russia, unless
there is an internal change one would
be most improbable. The necessary
change would be the arising of mid
die class. History shows that no people
outside a middle class have ever
brought about a successful revolution.
CThe Russian revolt of 1917 might be
cited as an exception, but it was not
success. True, the government
changed hands, but not into the hands
OF the revolutionists but rather into
those of the Communists who seized
the revolution at its peak, directed it,
and sustained it, Since the hammer
and sickle is costing us billions in de-
fense and an out-and-out war with
the Communists seems impractical, it
would appear that we would wish to
do everything possible toward a Rus
sian revolution. We have tried to do
this through the Voice of America and
other agencies. But nothing will start
a revolution as long as Russia lacks
a middle class. To develop this class
Russia must have prosperity. and it
will follow as surely as summer follows
spring. So the logical thing to do
would be to aid Russia, not only in
wheat. but in electrification and
(peacefuD industry, and then COM
munism in the Soviet Union would
become an impossibility.
If the Russian people were as pros
porous as their neighbors, all incen-
tive to war would be dissolved.
Lee Lady.
Evening star., 1955-03-05
Conserving Police Monpower

One of the recommendations of the
Police Survey Committee that merits spe-
cial consideration is that study be made
of special police details with view to con-
serving the departments manpower. The
committee was understandably concerned
over the large number Of policemen diverted
from regular duties to handle many So
called public functions in Washington.
Some of these affairs seem to be more in
the nature of private asSemblages than
public functions requiring police assistance.
The committee suggested that the Po-
lice Department "analyze its requests for
special details over period of time, classify
the details as to types and propose policy
decisions TO the Board Of Commissioners as
Evening star., 1955-03-05

citizens an increase of 500 in personal
exemption and at the same time al
lowed investors a reduction in the
amount of dividends returnable as in
come and credit Of per cent of the
dividends in excess of the amount ex-
empted, as credit against the tax. The
$50 exemption means about $40 to the
taxpayers receiving $1O0 dividends. but
to the individual receiving 100000 div
idends it means an exemption of in
come in amount of $50 plus a credit
against the tax of per cent of $99, $50,
or $3,998. AS usual, am all mixed up.
But it seems to me that if denying Gov
ernment clerks and retired employees a
raise will help prevent an increase in
the Federal deficit, why wouldn't the
denial of an increase in congressional
salaries also prevent an increase in the
Federal deficit? It's too deep for me.
B. ]. D.
Evening star., 1955-03-05
A Word for Forgotten Men

Many of The Stars supporters would
appreciate word for the real "for-
gotten men" while all of this pay rails
ing is going on
These are the many civil service an
nuitants who were excluded from the
modest raise to partially meet living
costs which was granted by the 82d
Congress and was continued without
change by the 83d Congress. The po-
litical chiselers limited this raise so
that it could not increase any annuity
to figure beyond $2,160 per year.
Now that the poor Congressman have
to take in washing in order to live
on $4,000 per year, it seems ridiculous
for them to balk on modest raise
for the old folks who are having to
worry along on measly $2,160 or so.
We should not forget that retire.
ment benefits are material factor in
attracting and holding desirable Gov
ernment workers.
"Old Worker"
Evening star., 1955-03-05
On Being Prepared
"Old Worker"

The cartoon in The Star on February
% concerned and troubled me very
much. With picture of George Wash
ington there was quote from an ad-
dress by him on January 8, 1870, say
ing, ITO be prepared for war is the
most effectual means of preserving
peace" Then picture of Uncle Sam
with his fist clenched and under the
picture the line, Still True in the Age
of the H-Bomb."
In 265 years of being prepared for
war, in which period lasting peace has
not come, does The Star now advocate
the use of the H-bomb? Friendship, CO.
operation. discussion and continued ef-
forts toward achieving disarmament
with effective inspection-these are the
ways to work toward ending war, rather
than by deadly destruction with bombs.
Mrs. Harold b. Stabler.
Evening star., 1955-03-05
Voice in the Wilderness

A psychiatrist for the Fairfax County
Child Guidance Clinic, Mrs. Charlotte A.
Kaufman, made speech this week in Chi
cago. Her talk was based upon study
of the cases of 80 people in the Washington
Metropolitan Area who have received psy-
Geological treatment, presumably necessi-
tated by contact, direct or indirect, with the
Federal security program.
The speech received considerable pub
licity. One nationally circulated newspaper
recorded in its headlines that Washington
had been described as "neurosis- ridden"
that a sense of terror and helpleSsneSS" Is
rising from the operation of the security
program, and that the problem threatens to
become one of national proportions" These
seem to be rather expansive conclusions to
be drawn from a study of 80 cases. But
perhaps some people may think there is
justification for them.
What is hard to understand is the treat
ment accorded another speech by an emf
nent scientist on the following day.
This speaker was DR.. Henry de Wolf
Smyth, former member of the Atomic
Energy Commission and author of the cele-
brated Smyth report. DR.. Smyth, the only
Acc member who supported DR.. Open
heimer, took part in Princeton University
symposium on "Anti-Intellectualism in
America" This is a subject which has
received its share of the headlines, especially
when some we'll known person has de-
nounced anti-intellectualism But there
were no prominent headlines for DR.. Smyth.
His was voice in the wilderness.
Most newspapers did not publish any,
thing on his remarks. In their way, how
ever, they were important. For the last two
sentences in four-paragraph story which
did appear recorded him to this effect: DR..
Smyth also said he found no sign of anti
intellectualism in America Society has not
been hostile to scientists, the former Acc
member stated.
If DR.. Smyth had taken the other line
that anti-intellectualism is rampant and
that scientists are being treated like social
outcasts-he, too, would have made the
headlines
Evening star., 1955-03-05
QuurreIs With Kent

Frank R. Kent wrote critically of the
Democrats stand against the Dixon
Yates contract and in favor Of the $40
income tax reduction.
Doesn't Mr.. Kent know that before
iva. only about per cent of the
farms in the Tennessee Valley had elec-
tricity? No private power company was
willing to supply electricity to the other
95 per cent unless the farmers would
pay the entire cost of stringing lines to
their farms and, in addition, pay
large standby charge.
There were very few electric milking
machines, brooders. washing machines.
irons, radios or other electric appli-
ances-not even home lighting-in the
valley then. because there was no elec-
tricity available.
Now about 95 per cent Of the farms
have iva electricity, and electric
Evening star., 1955-03-05
Immortality

The face OF my father. looking at his
grandson.
Is beautiful beyond the face OF youth,
Etched By the years. yet oloDino NTH
Dtsdom
That humbly comprehends the 5ov-
tul truth
That, though a man may uanish from
the earth,
He leaves a portion OF himself be-
hind.
Some little Qutrk or manner of his otDn,
Some sturdtness of body or OF mind
Strangely reneWed in wtde-eved
chucklin0 creature
So lately granted flesh and bone and
And reaching towdrd his grandson close
beside him
He pats the tousled head. and laughs
at death.
Frances N. Miller
Evening star., 1955-03-05

appliance stores in the valley and
manufacturers throughout the entire
country have reaped the monetary ben
efits of supplying those appliances,
while farmers and farmers wives have
enjoyed fuller life and reaped a more
abundant harvest from their fields.
their flocks and their stock.
Innumerable small businesses also
have been started in the valley area,
now that low-price power is available
under IVA.
Yet Mr.. Kent, in his labored effort to
bolster the Dixon-Yates deal and to
discredit iva, refers sarcastically to
iva as "the more or less sacred Ten
nessee Valley Authority"
Mr.. Kent should take the trouble to
learn the facts. c. E. Barber.
Evening star., 1955-03-05

to what types Of details will be furnished
and what types will not be furnished" It
recommended, further, that thought be
given to new plan for supplying certain
details, when not strictly public func-
tion," on reimbursable basis. The COM
nlittee has put its finger on one of the rea-
sons why police coverage in the Nations
Capital poses problems not usually encoun-
tered in other large cities. The special
detail" program probably could be greatly
limited without much diff1culty-and more
efficient use of police personnel would
result.
Evening star., 1955-03-05
Confused

don't understand why the admins
tration considers sending foodstuffs to
Communist Russia and billions of dol
lars for the relief of the entire world
and at the same time delays a raise for
Government employees and retired en-
ployes. I can't understand why Con-
gress votes itself most generous raise
and at the same time fights against al
lowing the vast majority of citizens a
$40 reduction in income tax. I don't
understand why the Congress denied
Evening star., 1955-03-05
NoturoI-G Cos Issue Flares

A highly controversial recommendation
was laid before President Eisenhower-and
indirectly before Congress-when the Ad-
visory Committee on Energy Supplies and
Resources Policy expressed its belief that
"the Federal Government should not control
the production, gathering processing or sale
of natural gas prior to its entry into an
interstate transmission line"
It is an issue that has long and COM
pleX politico-economic background. In 1888,
Congress passed the Natural Gas Act giving
to the Federal Power Commission regulatory
authority over transportation of natural gas
in interstate commerce and over sales of
gas in interstate commerce for resale. The
juriSdictional section of the act specifies,
however, that it does not apply Ito the
production or gathering Of natural gas"
The authority over interstate pipeline rates
and sales has been exercised by the FPC in
the intervening years and has not been
questioned. In turn, rates to consumers
have been regulated by local public utility
bodies But on the question of sales by inde-
pendent producers-thoSe not engaged in
interstate transmission even though they
are selling to interstate carriers-the COM
mission has repeatedly ruled that 1t does not
have regulatory jurisdiction, that such initial
sales are natural part OF the exempted
production or gathering" Legislation to
clarity and support this point of view was
passed in 1850 but was vetoed by President
Truman In June, 1854, the Supreme Court
ruled in So decision that the FPC does
have Jurisdiction over independent pro-
ducers' sales to interstate carriers and the
Power Commission has initiated action to
regulate such prices New legislation to
exempt independent producers from Federal
regulation already has been introduced.
Consumer interest groups have been
the principal advocates of Federal regula-
tion on grounds it would result in lower
retail prices. But the producers argue that
field prices represent only about 10 per
cent of the final retail price and that COM
petition among an estimated 5000 COM
petitorS in the industry will preclude un-
reasonably high prices. They argue, fur
ther, that Federal regulation would result
in a relatively low and rigid price. structure
that would make it uneconomic for the in
dustry to risk the costs Of exploration and
development needed to keep gas production
mand. Consequently, they say, developed
gas supplies actually would decrease and
prices to consumers eventually would 60 up.
There is involved basic question Of
whether competitive private enterprise or
a Federally regulated economy is to prevail.
Natural-gas producers are competing not
only with each other, but their product Is
competing with coal and oil. If Federal
price fixing is to apply to one, it may be
argued seriously that it should be applied
to all. Congress is facing more than
narrow question Of whether Federal regu-
lation, admittedly difficult, should be at
tempted in single industry. If it accepts
the status quo it may mark the first step
toward a much broader and potentially
repressive control Of other parts Of the
national economy.
Evening star., 1955-03-05
letters to The Star.

q store on that day. II this is to be
q holiday for Government employees.
schools. banks. etc., then the stores
should also observe it. In putting
Christ back into Christmas, let there
also be a dignified observance honor
ing the memory Of George Washington
on his birthday anniversary.
Margaret j. Jordan.
Evening star., 1955-03-05
Allerqic to Immunity

l am curious.
Are all the people who drive cars in
Washington with D. c. tags and with
"DPL" on their tags entitled to ignore
red lights. cut in and out of different
lanes of traffic-barely missing me
twice in two days, on Connecticut ave-
nue. NV. near Florida avenue?
Vara M. Gugert,
Evening star., 1955-03-05
Happy or Unhappy Birthday?

Il see by the papers" that certain
worthy souls are outraged by use of
the birthday of our first President by
merchants as a sort of Donnybrook
Fair, and that his honor must surely
turn in his last resting place at least
once year. I see him with a wide
grin at the happiness his birthday
provides for an army of fathers who
suffered on Christ's birthday bestow-
ing and getting things doubtfully ap-
preciated and costing painfully One
dollar gets you two that there are
more happy people on February %
than December Is of any year. One
dollar gets you two in value on the
first date and you buy something you
have probably wanted for yourself a
long time but did not feel justified in
the money outlay. Another thing: The
local merchants bring out white ele-
plants" you'd otherwise never know
they had, and both buyer and seller
draw a happy ring around the date on
the calendar.
Bert Lovett Forse.
Each year I am shocked and dis
guSted at the Washington birthday
sales-"not available any place else in
the world" according to The Star.
can verify this, as I have resided in
several of the largest cities in the
United States; but in only one. that
bearing his name. is such a custom
followed. 1t is sacrilegious to this great
leader of American history. The bar
gain hunters and first-in-line morons
are as guilty as the merchants. Per-
sonally. I wouldn't spend a nickel in
Evening star., 1955-03-05

Pen-ndnles may be used If letters carry
tDTiters' correct names and addresses.
Al letters are subject to condensation.
Evening star., 1955-03-05
Questions and Answers

A reader can get the answer to anv
question Of fact BY writing The evening
star Information Bureau. 1900 Eye st.
3 cents for return nnstara
Evening star., 1955-03-05
By THE HASKIN SERVICE

O. How many nuclear explosions are
credited to the United States? How
many to Soviet Russia UP to the begin
ming of 1955?-E. NICE.
A. In years the United States has
exploded 49 nuclear weapons and
devices: the Soviet Union about 10 in
S years.
Evening star., 1955-03-05

@. Are there any Negro jet flyers in
the United States Air Force?-T. r.
A. Negro pilots are flying Jet type air
craft throughout various units in the
Air Force.
Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1955-06-23

den Club held its annual picnic
this week at the home of Mrs.
Harold Packard in Takoma Park.
The Rev. Charles Matthias of
the Rockville Christian Church
and the Rev. David Watterworth
of the Takoma Park Christian
Church left Sunday for Bethany
Beach, Del. They will teach the
first. of series of young
peoples conference being held at
Bethany all summer.
San Francisco, Calf, is the
next tour of duty for Capt. Frank
Marshall. He is the son of Mrs.
Frank G.. Marshall of South Van
Buren, Street. He has recently
been stationed at the Pentagon,
and his family, Mrs. Marshall
and two children, are going with
him.
On Wednesday, DR.. and Mrs.
Joseph Duke of Rochester, N. Y,
arrived for a visit with Mrs.
Dukes parents, Mr.. and Mrs.
John c. Hickman. Miss Laura
Lee Hickman, who is a nurse at
the Rochester Memorial Hospital,
accompanied them. DR.. and Mrs.
Duke are en- route to Atlanta, Ga,
where they will make their head
quarters for a year.