Evening Star Newspaper, February 11, 1929, Page 8

8 e e ——— . THE EVENING STAR. WASHINGTON, D. ¢, MONDAY; FEBRUARY" 11, 1929. {[HE EVENING STAR |was discussed, and it was then agreed on just what grounds objection is raised With Sunday Morning Edition. Y WASHINGTON, D. C. ZBIONDAY.....February 11, 1920 < S.MHEODORF W. NOYES....Editor _ The Evening Star Newspaper Company Busin 21th St. and Pennsylvania Ave. New York Office: 110 East 42nd St. Chicago Office: Tower Buildine. European Ofice. 14 Regent St., London, Englan Rate by Carrier Within the City. The Evenine Star.. !;CM per month a (when indays) .60c per month The Evening and Sunday Star (when 5 Sundays) .85¢ per month The Sunday Star .5¢ per copy Collection made at'tl of each month. Orders may oe sent in by mail or telephone Main 5600 Rate by Mail—Payable in Advance. Maryland and Virginia. yr., $10.00; 1 mo., 85¢ yr., $6.00; 1 mo., 50¢ i 1 mo., 40c Canada. 1 mo, $1.00 8.00: 1 mo., 7S¢ $500; 1 mo., 50c and $12.00; Taily only . Sunday only Member of the Associated Press. The Associated Press is exclusively entitled 1o the use for repunlication I rews dis- atches credited to it or not ofherwise cred- P (fis paper and also the local news published herein. All rights of publicatioz of speclal dispatches herein are also reserved. America and Reparations. Today at Paris the international ex- perts’ committee comes to grips with the tangled problem of reparations. A distinguished American, Owen D. Young, has been unanimously elected chair- man. The circumstance that Mr. Young's reluctance to accept that re- sponsible post was not overcome until President Coolidge's assent was obtained 1s prima facie evidence of the United States’ interest in the questions about to be discussed in France. The presemce among the reparation experts of Mr. Young, J. P. Morgan, : Thomas W. Lamont and Thomas N. * Perkins is of itself physical evidence of the importance this country attaches to the issues at stake. The fiction may be maintained that our participation in their solution is unofficial, but they are no less momentous, on that account, from the American standpoint. With a clarity characteristic of French economic thought, the Quai d'Orsay puts the reparaticn situetion in a nut- « shell at the very outset of the experts’ deliberations, France wants roundly " $10,000,000,000 from Germany. She needs $5,990,000,000 for reconstruction of Northern France and for pensions . and $2,000,000,000 each for payments of war debts to the United States and Great Britain. This, the French ex- plain, entalls sacrifice of the original amount demanded by them, but they are prepared to make the sacrifice, pro- vided a corresponding reduction is made on her debit side by America and Brit- Germany, on her part, is no Jess out- « spoken as to what she expects from the Paris meecting. She craves a prompt decision Th order that evacuation of the left bank of the Rhine may be ex- pedited. The Germans seek-the “mobi- lization” of $2,750,000,000 (in gold marks) of railroad bonds and $1,250,- 000,000 of industrial debentures. This vast project contemplates the flotation of forty-five per cent of the total issue of $4,000,000,000 in the United States. In - other words, the Germans propose that American investors shall absorb the gigantic sum of $1,800,000,000 to bg . turned over in cash to the Berlin gov- ernment, which then would account for . the equivalent to Germany’s reparation _ ereditors, principally France and Great .. Britain. In other words, it is now erystal- clear that both the French and the Germans expect Uncle Sam to un- to defer a decision until after several leaders considered of greater impor- tance had been disposed of. The in- timation was given that the Dale bill would be considered again immediately after the holidays. ‘The other “more pressing” legislation has been passed. The Dale bill is still awaiting an opportunity. Before the legislative program for next week is de- termined there is to be another meeting of the steering committee, probably on Thursday or Friday. Republican lead- ers have promised that the Dale bill will then be considered for a place on the program of preferred legislation in the House. ‘That is practically the last chance for the Dale bill at this session. The proper action for the steering commit- tee is to allow the House members to have a chance to vote, a special rule having been ordered in the previous session which has never been called up. An overwhelming majority of the House members have publicly pledged that they will vote for this bill, and have at public hearings urged its pas- sage at the earliest possible @ate. ‘While The Star agrees with this ma- jority opinion that the bill is intrinsical- ly meritorious, and should be passed for the relief of veteran employes who have given the best years of their life to the Government, it also believes that, irrespective of whether the membership of the House will vote “yes” or vote “no,” they should be granted the right of voting one way or another on this measure of such vital, bread-and-butter interest to such a large number of their constituents, especially since this legislation, according to the expert judgment of officials, really means economy and efficiency in the Federal service. It is considered certain that the vote will be favorable—and no one knows this better than the members of the steer- ing committee—but however the vote may go, let the vote be taken. That is the way legislators should decide, by a majority vote, rather than by suppression and pigeonholing of the measure by a few leaders. —_— e Backing the Kellogg Treaty. ‘The Kellogg multilateral treaty re- nouncing war has been' described in certain quarters—particularly those not responsible for its negotiation—as a mere gesture; indeed;, an empty gesture. Senator Capper of Kansas, who has been a strong supporter of the treaty, now comes forward with a proposal which, if adopted, may put a very dif- ferent aspect upon the situation. What e Kansas Senator proposes is that the United States and other nations signatory to the Kellogg treaty shall pledge themselves not to sell arms, mu- nitions and other materials needed for carrying on war to any nation which violates the Kellogg treaty. Few nations that go to war are able to furnish all the arms, munitions and other materials essential to carrying on war. They must rely on neutrals for these munitions. For example, had the belligerents, soon after the war broke in 1914 in Europe, been unable to ob- tain from the United States vast quan- tities of war supplies, the effect would have been serious for some of the na- tions involved, if not all of them. A resolution introduced in the Senate today by Senator Capper authorizes the President of the United States, by proc- lamation, to declare whenever any na- tion has violated the Kellogg treaty. After the President shall have issued his proclamation, it shall be unlawful, unless otherwise provided by act of Congress, to export to the nation vio- sheathe the sword with which the Gor- *+ dian knot of World War indemnities is . to be cut. They are manifestly pro- * ceedinz on the theory that the coun-! . try which possesses half the world's en- tire store of gold is called upon, in the . very nature of the case, to disgorge handsomely thereof. No soothsaying skill is needed to predict that much water will flow beneath the bridges of the Potomac, the Seine and the Spree before reparations are composed on * such a basis. Until the United States is confront- ed with a concrete proposition, its at- titude will not have to be disclosed. ‘What it is likely to be can be conjec- tured only from the Government's past utterances. These have been unam- biguous. As to curtailment of war debts, the United States considers that the funding settlements already made re- duce the debts substantially and gen- , erously. As to the flotation of a huge . German bond issue in America, Wash- ington holds that its net effect would be to transfer reparation burdens from the shoulders where they belong to the al- * ready heavily laden shoulders of the American investing public. Apart from the intrinsic incongruity of such a transaction, there is the practical ques- tion of our capital market's capacity to add so prodigiously .to the colossal aggregate of foreign obligations it is al- ready carrying. . Meantime the United States’ interests - at Paris are in safe hands—there could be none better. Messrs. Young an Morgan are men who walk warily. They may be relied upon not only to watch their step in the Champs Elysees, but to remember that the Congress of the United States is the court of last re- sort in respect of the war billions Eu- Tope owes us. ‘The experts of Paris may propose. But Capitol Hill, Washington, may op- pose, and then dispose of, decisions which do not amply safeguard Amer- ica’s stake in German reparations. e ———— Peace negotiations insist on the hope that the conference may be made to take the place of the firing squad. - Give Dale Bill a Chance. Hundreds of thousands of citizens are awaitirig a decision which the Repub- lican steering committee will be called upon to make the latter part of this week. Practicelly the entire member- ship of the House are eager to know whether or not they are going to have a chance at this session to keep their pledge to their constituents to vote for the Dale bill, which has already passed the Senate, liberalizing, humanizing and equalizing the civil service retirement law. At a conference of the steering com- mittee, which drafts the program of lating the treaty any arms, munitios etc. Further, the resolution declares that nationals of the United States who to the acceptance by the corporation ~ |other legislative matters which the |and overseers of Harvard of these munificences. The humor of the Lam- poon’s observations is lost upon those who are not acquainted with the tradi- tions of the institution and with the facts in these cases. But it is evident that’ the undergraduate organ is en- deavoring to indict the corporation and the overseers for departure from high educational standards and from the plane of educational independence. It is not possible in these times for wealth to influence educational process- es. The charge of bribery through rich endowment has been made in the past and in a few instances it has appeared that certain valuable gifts in endow- ment have for a time exerted an influ- ence upon the educational processes. But it has been demonstrated to be im- possible to affect the minds of the un- dergraduates through benefactions, and while liberal givers from time to time make generous donations to endowment funds it is not in the hope or expecta- tion of setting up different standards and creating new and rigid courses of edu tion. In the circumstances the satire of the Harvard Lampoon respecting these gifts appears to be grossly improper and unseemly. 'The conductors of the periodical are all undergraduates. They are not charged with the responsibility of undversity administration. In them is not vested any guardianship over traditions or standards. They are not the custodians of the intellectual inde- pendence of the institution. The in- sult, as it amounts to, of this publica- tion to the generous friends of the uni- versity is a regrettable departure from the culture which Harvard is supposed to develop and nourish. ot When President-elect Hoover decides on a quiet inauguration he may not be able to take into account the natural enthusiasm of popular sentiment, “All the world loves a lover” and all the world insists on honoring a man who 1s pledged to a regard for the people. e > ‘When Mayor Jimmy Walker performs the marriage ceremony for the third time for a popular soubtette, he shows that faith in human nature which is the foundation of a capacity for popu- lar leadership. —— e It is intimated that, as a distinguished lone fisherman, President Coolidge will be content to forsake Potomac shad and g0 back to Massachusetts codfish, e In an unsettled state of affairs the world over it would require an expert in social relativity to define the precise boundaries of the “underworld.” = S The English public is showing an enthusiasm concerning the King's re- covery calculated to remind him anew that life is well worth while. oot A sovereign has grave responsibilities. But all that the English public asks of their King just at present is that he will take care of his health. —— When Senator Borah gets through with a political flurry he settles down with seriousness to simple statesman- ship. ——————— Protection for migratory birds is in- sisted on by legislation. " The “lame ducks” are not especially considered. —————— A lame duck finds occasional oppor- tunity to demonstrate that he is still in the political swim. —e—s Trotsky is never silenced. Wherever he goes, he carries his trusty typewrit- ing machine. In New York affairs the sewers have their collisions as well as the subways, e undertake to send such supplies to that nation, or nations, shall not have the protection of the United States. In order. to convince other nations of the advisability of enacting similar laws relating to the export of arms and munitions to a nation violating the Kellogg treaty, the Capper resolution provides that the strictures against the export of arms and munitions from the United States shall apply only in case of a breach of the treaty by war “against a government which has de- clared its adherence to a similar policy.” ‘The Capper resolution and the course it proposes is a logical sequence of the ratification of the Kellogg treaty. How ridiculous it would be for the United States — or any other nation — having solemnly declared its adherence to a treaty renouncing war as a means of settling international disputes, to assist a nation which violates this pledge to carry on a war through the sale to it of much-needed munitions! ‘The proposed embargo on the export of arms and munitions would lie against Ttaly is proving as versatile in politics as she has been in art and music, SHOOTING STARS. BY PHILANDER JOHNSON. Talking About the Weather. Here’s where we all get together / ‘To challenge the ground hog so grim. ‘When we are predicting the weather, We're all disagreeing with him. The ground hog his threats was com- piling, Yet we hold to a faith all serene. ‘We are looking for sunshine and smiling When the Fourth of March dawns on the scene. 4 Unbelief. “You can't believe all you hear!” “True!” answered Senator Sorghum. “I know of nothing more misleading than the conversation of a persistent ‘Yes Man.’” Jud Tunkins says he never found fault with evolution. He only hopes the nation waging an aggressive war. It would become the duty of the Presi- dent of the United States to determine, in the event of hostilities, which nation was the aggressor, before he issued a proclamation laying such an embargo. He might determine that both nations were equally guilty of violating the Kel- logg treaty. From a reading of the res- olution it appears that Congress would have the power, however, to override the President’s decision in this matter by enacting a law or laws contrary to the President’s determination of the guilt of the party or parties involved. Despite the difficulties which may lie in the path of the Capper resolution and the adoption of a similar program in other countries, certainly it appears that the Kansas Senator has laid a finger on a very practical method of alding the fulfillment of the pledge con- tained in the Kellogg treaty. e Elimination of speculation may cause a new valuation of the now almost priceless seat in the New York Stock Exchange. The value is there. The market fluctuations may affect the superficial indications. R A Breach of Culture. Recently Harvard University received two gifts totaling more than $16,000,000, for the organization of the “inner col- lege” plan and for the establishment of a school of business. Such benefac- tions are usually recelved by the stu- dent body, as well as by the faculty and the friends of the fortunate insti- tutions, with rejoicing. In this case, however, protest has been voiced in the measures that are to be allowed to come ' for action in the House, held before Christmas holidays, the Dale bill magazine. form of satirical comments by the the improvement will go right ahead. Degrees of Culpability. ‘We know that gambling is a sin ‘Which conscience must accuse. It's wrong to gamble if you win, And much worse if you lose. Smooth Stepping. “A bootlegger is supposed to be a rough customer!” “Not now,” answered Uncle Bill Bot- tletop. “One of the points by which you now recognize a bootlegger is his fancy patent-leather footgear.” Moralizing. ‘We talk about the “good old days” And we grow sad. Some of those Greek and Roman ways Seem pretty bad! “He who complains much” Hi Ho, the sage of Chinatown, “only calls attention to the fact that he has no powerful influence.” Natural Enthusiasm. ‘We'll keep Inauguration right And free from frivolous #un. ‘The public great asserts #® might, And says, “It can’t be done!”. “A loafin’ job,” said Uncle Eben, “seems to take & heap o' terrible hard work on de outside to make it last.” —— e No, Sir! Not for Five Cents. From the Roanoke World-News. Census takers will get four cents for each name they write, which is enough for “Smith,” but think of writing “Snicklefreitzheimer” for four cents! ——— Why Choke It? From the Savennah Morning News. Lampoon, the long-established student It s difficult to understand ‘The largest tooth in the world has been found in Alaska. Now for setting it in the prohibition law, said | & THIS AND THAT BY CHARLES E. TRACEWELL. ‘The problems of other people are al- ways interesting, if for no other reason than that contained in the famous lines of Lucretius, written 2,000 years ago, concerning the mariner at sea. “It is always pleasant to watch a mariner toiling at the ‘oars,” said he, “not because he is beset by the waves, but because one on the shore is free from them.” ‘Thus the problems of other folks are at once interesting but withdrawn. Of tremendous moment to those involved, such pressing problems become only in- teresting speculations to others. We heard two window washers the other day discussing the ins-and-outs of their work. Evidently there are more “outs” than “ins” in that line. Ordinarily business men accept the ministrations of the washers without a thovght. If they must ply their work on 1. cold day, and this task involves the opening of windows and the let- ting in of cold outside air, it is some- thing which must be endured for the sake of cleanliness. * ok ko A new washer, evidently, was pro- gressing on a big window, when an old hand at the work entered. ‘The two fell to discussing the job. “You will have to work faster than that,” said the second, as the first brought his implement down across the pane, soothing the drops of water away. “You'll lose your job if you don’t turn out more windows in a day,” he cheer- fully informed the first, ‘The man on the job looked both woe- ful and doubtful at the same time, in the self-same look, as it were. He doubted, yet he was impressed. You could see the finishing rag take on speed, as the man accepted the im- plications of the other's speech. He must finish more windows, or he would be a failure! And the man who had watched and listened for a minute thought to him- self, “Yes, all walks of life have thelr problems; each is as serious to those concerned as every other man’s is to himself.” * ok kK Motor bus drivers often discuss their work when meeting at a half-way point and exchanging places. Usually the man who brings the bus to the point gets out and resigns the seat to another who has been waiting for him. During the interchange the two men will talk about the route, the inspectors, and_especially the time schedules, It would often seem as if schedules are made up chiefly to worry drivers. Too little time, alas, is allowed one to get from a certain place to another certain place! The matter of exact time becomes tremendously important. One man will look at his watch, com- pare it with the other’s, and then jam it _back into his pocket. Passengers often resent actions on the part of drivers whicn the latter are by no means to be blamed for. Recently we witnessed and heard the following: ‘The driver stopped the bus at a cor- ner to open the door for a woman who was standing there. Instead of getting in, she asked: “Did you find my pocketbook?” “A passenger found it and gave it to me, and it is in my box here,” replied the driver, pointing to his black affair on the floor by his seat. “Will you give it to me?” asked the woman. WASHINGTON OBSERVATIONS || “I am sorry, mam,” returned the man at the wheel, “but I am under orders of the company to turn all found arti- cles in at the office.” “But it's mine!"” “I feel sure it is, mam,” the driver went on, “but I have to obey orders. It is to protect both of us.” The woman couldn't see it that way. “I think that is dumb,” she sald, em- phatically. “I am sorry, lady.” The driver was polite but obdurate. “I will turn it in, and then you can claim it.” “When Wllb you turn it in?” The driver’” smiled. he sald, “but I won’t be able to do that until after 6 o'clock.” It was then 2 p.m. “But I have my automobile license in that pocketbook, and I have to have it!” The driver looked sympathetic, but shook his head. “I tell you what to do” he said, finally, being, as he was called by all the patrons of the line, “the nicest of them all.” “Well, what?” “You call up the company and ask them if I can give you the pocket- book, and meet me here in about 25 minutes, and if you say they say you can, I'll give it to you.” After he had closed the door, and started the vehicle, he turned around enger. “I know what they’ll he said. Kk Kk K Everywhere two men meet together— or two women, for that matter—they talk about their work and the problems which the actual doing of it brings up. Electricians talk of electricity, brick- layers talk of bricks, carpenters talk of houses, shop girls talk shop. We heard two of the latter in a seat behind us the other morning. One was “bawling out” a certain head of a department or something: “She sends me upstairs to take stock just when the customers come in. I never get a chance. How can I sell anything when T ain’t there?” There seemed some justice in her plea. No doubt if one's superior officer “gets it in for one” the worker is going to have a pretty hard time of it. The girl got sidetracked, however, through the mention of monkey fur. “I saw a coat with monkey fur on it,” she sand, enthusiastically. “Gee, it is a beaut! I don't like monkey fur, ordinarily; it's such stringy stuff, hanging down, think it is ugly, but this was pretty monkey fur, it was so nice and soft, and it just went with the cloth. Gee, I'd give anything to have that coat.” ok ok K Employers, it occurred to us, might | put in force a system of espionage which might be called sympathetic spying. Men in their off moments talk frankly and freely. Usually there is some justice in their complaints. It will not do to call them “kicks” merely. Often the“ most strenuous complaining is highly | constructive, based solidly on the work- | er’s loyalty. If some system could be | devised of ascertaining what these prob- | lems which workers discuss among | themselves are, and then of treating them sympathetically, instead of indig- nantly, much good would come to in-| dustry, for men everywhere have one | out Delay of Park Fund Measure Is Deplored To the Editor of The Star: Because of your widely known stand on the question of public welfare, I wish, on behalf of the American Na- ture Association, to call the attention of your readers to the delay in the United States Senate on the National park provisions of the Interior supply bill and the possibility that by its ac- tion the Government and the people may be held up for unreasonable and high prices by private owners of timber lands in our National parks. The delay is occasioned by the re- fusal of the Senate to pass a clause in the «National park provisions allowing condemnation processes for the ac- quisition of private lands, and the firm stand of the House under the leadership of L. C. Cramton, Representative from Michigan, that this item without which owners, aware of proposed Government purchase, may ask what they please for their lands, shall not be eliminated. That action is imperative has been pointed out to the American Nature Association both by Mr. Cramton and Horace M. Albright, new director of the National Park Service. If the National park provision is not passed in this end-of-the-session legislative rush, the entire plans of the National Park Serv- ice for.private land acquisition must be built up from the ground again. ‘While the bill is gathering dust “in conference,” $1,000,000 recently offered by patriotic private citizens for land acquisition is waiting and the 11,000 privately owned acres of Yosemite tim- ber, strategically placed in scenic spots in the park, come no nearer to public ownership, though labeled for cutting, Various reasons for the stand of cer- tain Senators opposed to the condem- nation clause have been given, and inti- mations have been made that the pri- vate, rather than the public, side of the question is being unduly stressed. The delayed measure is designed to settle for all time the troublesome pri- vate holdings question by Government purchase and_especially to provide a remedy for tHe involved situation in ‘Yosemite, where large tracts of sugar and yellow pine seem designed for the ax, due to recent purchases. ‘The necessity for haste in passing the measure is pointed out by the fact that land prices in Yosemite and elsewhere have more than doubled in the last five years and are increasing. Even if no cutting takes place this year, if prepa- rations are made for 1980 by running railroad lines and equipment into the park, the public will have to bear the cost unless it purchases at onee. Mr. 1| Albright points out in this connection: “The Government will have to pay for any improvements if it waits until they are made. The cost may even be as great as $10 per 1,000 feet, and will add a large percentage to the total ex- pense of the people, unless funds are made available by the Interior appro- priation bill.” Price inflations have not been con- fined to Yosemite, however, and with- the condemnation clause fair value for the people’s money cannot b2 insured. Exorbitant demands may have to be met in other parks. The attitude of the House of Representatives on that matter is well expressed by Mr. Cram- ton, who points out that the program proposed by the appropriations com- mittee for land acquisition is endan- gered by the insistence of the Senate on removing this clause. He says: great urge, and that is to “get ahead,” ration of every firm. In this great fundamental, employers and employes are one, “‘We cannot accept the Walsh amend- | to succeed, which is, after all, the aspi- ' ment barring condemnation proceedings because private funds will probably not be forthcoming under those conditions and the Government itself would be powerless against extortionate prices that are certain to be asked in some | cases. “It would be very unfortunate if this program should fail entirely because the itwo houses cannot agree, especially as BY FREDERIC WILLIAM WILE As long as two weeks ago Washington got wind that the present “reaction” in the New York stock market was immi- nent and that it was to be followed, at or about the time of Herbert Hoover's inauguration, by a rousing advance.” The New York newspaper which fore- shadowed events in its financial page said, under the headline of ‘“Political Reasons”: “The friends of Mr. Hoover want to celebrate his inauguration with a rousing advance and fear that if there is not a good-sized reaction in the meanwhile, it might be something of a fizzle, They are said to figure that, with the market backing away for a few points during early February, it could carry through early March with a rush. The theory is interesting; it is | one of the theories commonly classed | as important—if true.” The “reaction” has duly ensued. ‘The “rousing ad- vance” remains to be seen. * ok k% Mark Sullivan is back in Washington from his fortnight's visit with President- elect Hoover in Florida. Among the trophies of his trip, the future journal- istic power-behind-the-throne brought home with him a sailfish, measuring 6 feet 10 inches, which he decposes and says he personally hooked. When Sul- livan told a colleague that he’s going to have the souvenir of his piscatorial prowess stuffed, mounted and hung in his home on Wyoming avenue, the col- league sprang a story long a classic in the famous Sports’ Club of London. Above the grand staircase of that estab- lishment in St. James’ Square hangs a massive fish in a glass case. Once upon a time a tipsy clubman, while making heavy weather in an attempt to climb the stairs, looked up at the glass case, and gurgled, “The fellow who caught that fish is a d—d liar!” In Sullivan’s case, there’s a perfect alibi, two of 'em, In fact: a President-elect and a Supreme Court justice. * K K K President Coolidge is losing no op- portunity during these fading days of his at the White House to take cracks at things in Washington which enjoy his displeasure. The Senate’s inter- vention in the sale of the United States Shipping Board’s_vessels gave the Ver- monter his latest occasion to speak out in meeting. It was Mr, Coolidge’s expressed view that one of the reasons why the Federal Government is more than likely to make a mess of things whenever it tries to go into business is that congressional investigations are an ever-present peril and affliction. The President_didn’t say exactly that, but it'’s what he meant. Coolidge never lets off steam explosively, but the very simplicity and brevity of his animadver- sions leave nothing to the imagination. ! * kK Kk It is well within the range of pos- sibilities that three United States Sen- ators—all Democrats—who ywill leave office on March 4 will come back two years hence. They are Messrs. Peter Goelet Gerry of Rhode Island, Thomas F. Bayard of Delaware and Edward I Edwards of New Jersey. All three of them, too, will probably enter the lists against present Republican incumbents —respectively, Senators Jesse H. Met- calf, Daniel O. Hastings and Walter E. -who come up for re-election in 1930. The Democrats in question seem persuaded that the next time they ask their respective States for a vote of confidence it is less probable that it will be denied them in a non-presi- dential year. In other words, Gerry, Bayard and Edwards think they were engulfed in <he Hoover landslide. In New Jersey an effort has long been in progress to place as many State elec- tions as possible in presidential years. The theory seems to be that the Re- publicans would be the principal bene- ficlaries of such a system. * ok K K His colleagues and admirers in the House genuinely regret the impending retirement of Representative Meyer Jacobstein, Democrat, of Rochester, N. Y., who declined renomination last year. Dr. Jacobstein is enterting private business. He is already the proprietor of a big commercial college in Rochester and is about to become the president of the newly organized National Bank & | position to know why. Trust Co. of that thriving city. Though e hailed from an industrial community, Jacobstein ranked throughout his con- gressional career as one of the House's real authorities on agriculture. For several ycars he was professor of eco- $1,000,000 of private money is waiting to be met by Government funds to clear up the situation in Yosemite, and the nomics in the University of North Da- | public is now fully aroused to the need kota at Grand Forks, and learned about farm problems on the spot. * % ok ok Ofie of the biggest laughs audible in the District of Columbia nowadays breaks out when a Washington hotel manager gets a reservation for rooms and baths over the inauguration week end. For three months no accommoda- | tions in any first-class hostelry have been available at any price. Today even second-rate quarters are at a premium. This is the quadrennial season when Washington residents discover the ex- istence of relatives and friends long lost to sight and memory. * ok kK There are reports—as yet uncon- firmed—that the Senate’s principal champion of the rights of America as against the pretensions of Rome is preparing a reservation to tha treaty which the Pope and Mussolini have just signed. Also that he believes the canon law provision of the concordat, haying something to do with guns, should be submitted to the next dis- armament conference. * oK K K Czechoslovakia secems to have sup- planted Germany as the European man- ufacturing country of which American industry stands in greatest awe. Cur- rent tariff hearings before the ways and means committee produce more ref- erences to the sturdy new nation carved out of the former Austrian empire than to any other. When hearings on the Fordney-McCumber tariff were in prog- ress, seven years ago, Germany was the bogey man. Now, it's apparently Czechoslovakia. The Czechs sell us mainly glassware, linen piece goods, cotton and woolen manufactures, hats and hat shapes, porcelain wares, wood pulp and shoes. (Copyright, 1929.) ———- Esthetic Standard ; Of Span Discussed To the Editor of The Star: In the hearing on independent offices appropriation bills the chairman of the Fine Arts Commission calls attention to the steel girder bridge being built across Rock Creek at M street, and gives it as his view that Congress intended a park bridge there of the arched type. On the floor of the House, Robert G. Simmons takes this gentleman to task and asserts that the District Commis- sloners are building precisely the type of bridge that Congress wants. Nevertheless, the chairman of the Fine Arts Commission is doubtless mor- ally right. If Congress failed legally to express its general policy of having public structures. approved by an es- thetic commission, in this specific in- stance Mr, Simmons is_in the best It seems un- likely that Congress, if the matter were placed before it, would deviate from its general policy in the case of an impor- tant bridge across a major parkway. Mr. Simmons quotes some expressions about its being merely a utility bridge, designed to carry heavy pipes. That there is nothing inconsistent with utility in the arched type of bridge would seem to be demonstrated by Cabin John Bridge, which has carried the city water supply for 75 years, and for many years was the longest single arched bridge in the world. The corporation of Georgetown, in ts infant days, in 1798, was having a bridge built over a run from the mar- ket house across what is now M street, and it made inquiry of the contractor about how much additional would be required to make the bridge an arched one, and readily appropriated an addi- 1 Ff dl:slearing all the parks of private lands.” ‘The million dollars offered by patriotic groups and other pro of gifts will seem to have been rejected if Congress fails to act, and might even, be with- drawn. As half of the $6,000,000 which is going.to be needed for the land- purchase program must be raised from public sources, no steps should be taken which will tend to weaken public confi- dence. The public at large will be deeply in- terested in seeing that the Senate does not block by delay or adverse action one of the most important steps ever taken for the benefit of the National parks, especially when the Yosemite National Park situation continues to b2 acute, $1,000,000 from the public is available and the delayed bill contains all the necessary equipment for remov- ing troublesome private holdings from all the parks once and for all. * Very sincerely yours, ARTHUR NEWTON PACK, President, American Nature Association. Representation Fight Held Patriotic Duty \ To the Edjtor of The Star: ‘Things have come to a sorry pass when the “patriotism” of Washing- tonians is ridiculed because they dare to take an interest in a local affair. The immediate cause was the passing through the House of the District school bill with the clause limiting the number of appointments from the Washington Normal School. Already Washington is preparing for the finest inauguration of history. Citi- zens of the District shall generally give time, thought and money toward this end, although denied any active part in the election of the President other than to help defray the expenses through contributions to our respective parties. Furthermore, our homes will be crowded with friends and relatives from far and wide desiring to see this great event. Beyond that we shall be encouraged— nay, urged—to open our homes to shelter the many strangers within our gates. When has the District ever refused a public-spirited appeal? And yet we have lesssrights in the government of our beloved country, both locally and nationally, than the immigrants entering Ellis Island! They, at least, can take out naturalization papers. It is quite true that the percentage of native-born citizens of the District is small. This is both an advantage and a disadvantage. Our citizens come from every section of the United States and we have within our midst a worthy rep- resentative of every foreign land. Con- sequently sectional and racial prejudice has been reduced to the minimum. Who could more honestly and fairly wield the powerful scepter of franchise than the citizens of the District? The chief reason for the small per cent of native-born citizens residing in the District is the fact that there are so few opportunities offered our young folks for a successful career, profes- sionally, politically, or even in the Gov- ernment departments. Our young men, and in many instances young women, have'been forced to seek their fortunes elsewhere, while their parents continue to contribute toward the suoport of the District. Our share of political favors .is small, perhaps on account of the size of the District, but more properly be- cause we have no representative’ in Congress to safeguard our interest. The District citizens fully appreciate the wisdom and justice of many generous- hearted members of both houses of Congress in regard to. District affairs. But if we had had a representative the tional $150 to the $300 already appro- priated for the purpose. Have the esthetic standards of the District government deteriorated? 3 MARY E. LAZENBY. -t Volunteers Wanted. From the Butte Dally Post. Who'll start a relief expedition to rescue Mercury from the subcaller? recent legislation of the House could not have been maneuvered through that body without opposition from the unsuspecting public. The aerial demonstration in the in- terest of District franchise given elec- tion day was both picturesque and en- tertaining, but apparently has had no effective results. the various organizations of the Dis- trict, among them the Voters' League, citizen associations of the different sec- tions and the Parent-Teacher Associ ations, combine their efforts toward this Failure Big Success. From the Terre Haute Star. ‘The greatest success in s failure of that (glking g was the o il end. We are truly “unpatriotic” if we do not desire a part in our Government and are not willing to seriqusly labor for that cause. EDNA L. CRUMP, It is high time that | posed ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS —_—,. BY FREDERIC ]J. HASKIN. This is a special department devoted solely to the handling of queries. This paper puts at your disposal the services of an extensive organization in Wash- ington to serve you in any capacity that relates to information. This service is free. Failure to make use of it deprives you of benefits to which you are en- titled. Your obligation is only 2 cents in coin or stamps inclosed with your inquiry for direct reply. Address The Evening Star Information _Bureau, Frederie J. Haskin, director, Washing- ton, D. C. Q.s How many film stars are there?— A. The changes in production make it impossible to say exactly how many actors are employed by the various com- panies at one time. Generally speaking, there are about 300 major actors, of which about 70 are stars. There are probably 1,000 actors who receive screen credit—that is, they have their names in the east. Eleven thousand extras are registered at the central casting office, although only about 750 requests for extras are received daily. Q. When was music introduced into the public schools?—P. D. A. The Etude says that it was intro- duced in 1838 at Boston by Lowell Mason. Q. How many co-operative associ- nLir‘r/r[xs of cotton growers are there?— A. There are 15 associations, with nearly 300,000 members. %V How old do grapevines grow?— A. The Trinity Vine at San Gabriel, Calif., was planted by the Franciscan Fathers and is supposed to be about 150 years old. The famous Hothouse Vine at Hampton Court Palace in England is 160 years old and in excellent condi- tion. It has produced as many as 2,200 bunches of Black Hamburg grapes in one year. The greatest girth of this vine is 78 inches. Q. Why are extension_ courses not given over the radio?>—T. B. B. A. There have been a number of ex- periments in radio teaching and the Natibnal Broadcasting Co. has named an advisory council of prominent busi- ness men and educators to formulate plans for a radio university. DQé wxme does it cost to feed hogs?— A. Pigs are slaughtered usually when they are 9 months old. It costs from 7 to 10 cents a pound to produce hogs for the market at the present price of grain feeds. The average weight at slaughter throughout the country ap- proximates 225 pounds. The nugber of gng;‘ in the country is about 65,000,000 ea - Q. How are alphorns made?—T. E. A. The alphorn is mentioned in chronicles as early as the ninth cen- tury. The exact date of its origin s not known. It is a wood-wind instru- ment made of mountain spruce, wrap- ped in its entirety with birch bark or wax-dipped hemp for protection against dampness and damage. The most prim- itive horn of this species is a straight, conical pipe, 10 feet in length, with a slightly bent opening or bell. The mouthpiece is similar to that of a trum- pet, but is made of wood. Its tone is a characteristic uniting of the metallic quality of the brass instrument and the velvety softness of the bass clarinet, and it may be heard for miles. Q. Are cranberries grown in the mountains?>—W. D. A, A. Cranberries do not thrive in mountains. They are grown in bogs, principally in the following States: Massachusetts, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Washington and Oregon. Q. Was Alexandre Dumas of mixed blood?—G. H. A. A. Alexandre Dumas, the elder, was the grandson of Marquis de la Paille- terie and a negress. Q. How long have temperature thermometers, such as we use, been made?—H. K. A. The invention of the type of ther- mometer familiar at the present day, containing a liquid hermetically sealed in a glass bulb with a fine tube at- tached, is generally attributed to Gali- leo, about 1612. Q. Do scientists believe in God?— N. R. A. With very few exceptions the greatest scientists of the world have be- lieved in a supreme power of intelli- gence and an after state. There are, of course, many differences of opinion as to precisely what this belief means. New Einstein T Viewed heory As Plausible Scientific Idea Americans who comment on the new theory announced by Prof. Albert Ein- stein admit that they are impressed by the serious attitude toward this learned mari that is taken by the scientific world. It is assumed that the mathe- matics involved can impress only the experts. The outstanding fact that the public grasps is that gravitation is called a manifestation of electromag- netism. There is a resulting tendency to accept the unity of nature, sought through the centuries, as a fact. The subject is enlivened by discussion of the possibility of overcoming the force of ravity. s £ ywe understand ‘aright the sub- stance of this latest achievement of Prof. Einstein,” says the Canton Daily News, “he has now produced evidence— science will examine carefully before calling it proof—that gravitation is, like cverything else material, an electrical phenomenon, falling under the same laws as the rest of the natural world. This, if it stands, gives us the unity of nature which the scientific mind craves. Somewhat as the metaphysician and theologlan sought past the multiple gods of primitive man for a central cause and source of things. forming a central government for the human soul, so science has sought in the ma- terial product of creation for a corre- sponding unity. According to Einstein, we now have it. Nature is one.” * ok ko “What the practical effects will be no one can foretell,” comments the New York Times. “But it is conceivable that, as the Cppernican theory has undoubt- edly had some influence in promoting a consciousness of the common interest of the human race on a planet swing- ing apart in space and in extending a monotheisfic view of creation and provi- dence, so this unity of law, if confirmed in the highest courts of research, should not only give a new ‘peace to restless minds seeking ‘the rational whole,’ but strengthen the sense of solidarity among creatures subject to it. * * * This century may be remembered as that in which " the universe Was seen to come under the rule of e all-embracing natural law. To find that law is man’s highest achievement.” Lines from Shakespeare’s “The Tem- pest” are quoted by the Charlotte News: “s.# % the baseless fabric of this vision, The cloud-capped towers, the gorgeous palaces, ‘I”he"solemn temples, the great globe it- self, Yes, all which it inherits shall dissolve, And, like this insubstantial pageant faded, Leatveunot a wreck behind. We are such stu As1 l;ireams are made on, and our little e Is rounded with a sleep.” ‘The News continues: “What is that but the transfiguration of Einstein's higher mathematics into music? Poetry and logic, carried to, their highest points, meet. The seer ‘and the scien- tist see the same vision. And what is that vision? Simply that the one reality, in a world of moving shadows, is the internal one. Only the soul stands sure.” “If, as some speculators are insist- ing, the ‘one law' of Einstein makes the whole universe ‘subjective’ and scientifically backs up the Berkeleyan philosophy,” remarks the Brooklyn Daily Fagle, “we shall have something intel- ligible to go on. Everyl can under- stand Bishop Berkeley, of whom Byron wrote: “‘When Bishop Berkeley said there was no matter, And proved it, 'twas no matter what he said.” “Some great minds,” continues the Eagle, “have shown in their attitudes a trend toward Berkeleyism. Lowell said of Emerson that he regarded the universe as ‘parts of himself, just a little projected.” 'Tis a far cry from Emerson to Einstein, a farther cry from Berkeley to Einstein. But all conjunc- tions are possible in the scientific world.” * ok ok ok “The “alluring thought that science may find & way to overcome gravity” is suggested by the San Antonio Eve-| i ously, conquering that force by simple | ning News, with the comment: “Obvi- insulation would be a tremendous ad- vantage. Then one might leap across the seas, fly to the moon, move moun- tains. An airplane could travel at will, motorless and fuelless, equipped only with its insulator. The fairy tales here- tofore have embodied man’s aspirations —heroes have traveled in magic carpets, winged slippers and seven-league boots. Tomorrow's newspapers may tell the same story—and it would not be the first fairy tale come true.” “Talk of overcoming gravitation as effectually as man insulates. himself from electricity,” according to the Chi- cago Daily News, “Is, of course, specula- tive, although ‘quite natural. How to use or act toward the single force sup- to govern the physical universe is”a question upon which thousands of trained investigators - will expend-| their mental energy. Empirically, too, much may be learned under the in- spiration of the new theory. Steel bars il J are known to float in the air in labora- tories when placed between magnets|be and anti-magnets so called. Perhaps man may acquire the art of freeing himself from the pull of the earth by means of powerful counteracting forces. * k ok x Referring to a popular explanation of the new Einstein theory, the Charles- ton Evening Post remarks: “It is sup- posed to make an end of Sir Isaac New- ton and his justly celcbrated law of gravity, for which most of us still re- tain a wholesome respect. not to say an affection. But it is still to be ad- mitted that the apple which Sir Isaac Newton observed to fall from the tree would yet have fallen if it had been subject to the law of relativity and not to the law of gravity. In other words, it is still necessary to watch your step to avoid the so-called coming of a cropper.” The Lincoln State Journal argues that the Einstein conception of force “gets no nearer to the understanding of the force or its origin than before.” “Of course,” commentis the Kansas City Star, “Einstein's theory of rela- tivity was amazingly simple. It dealt with finitude of the material universe, the derived non-objectivity of time and space, the effect of gravitational flelds on light and their radiant energy, the acceptance of time as a fourth co-ordi~ nate, and the introduction of the rela- tivity effect .of .the fipite velocity of light into physical equations. He argued with clear and sensible logic that time and space are abstract derivatives of reality and in themselves unable to con- trol or influence anything, and that space and time are joint co-ordinates of the four-dimensional continuum for the graphic plotting of an event. We are sorry that Prof. Eihstein has seen fit to abandon simplicity for more com- plex equations.” . AN x ‘The Baltimore Evening Sun concludes that “the demonstration that he offers is complicated—so ~comip'icated that only a mathematician of brilliant at- tainments can hope to follow it.” while the Bellingham Herald is doubtful if the work by this scientist “is likely to become a best seller.” Yet the Pitts- burgh Post-Gazette. feels sure that “it is certain that if Einstein has made the great discovery he feels he has, the public will ‘stay with it' until it gets an idea of what it is. all about.” The Buffalo Evening News thinks that “it would be a lingnistic treat to hear what Prof. Einstein answers if ever his banker asks him why his ace count is overdrawn.” 3 .. Courts Held to Blame For Lawlessness in U. S. To the Editor of The Star: Your editorial, “Fifteen Months® Delay,” in Saturday's issue - correctly diagnoses a serious ailment now afflict= ing our Nation. ‘The lack of respect for all law, whether among the gangs of gunmen or in high society, is due to the ineffi- ciency of our courts. Evildoers have no fear of our courts, hence lawlessness; our people lack confidence in them, hence lynch law. In the last analysis, the judge is responsible; the majesty of the law is In his keeping, the terrors of the law at his disposal. Again, the weakness that characterizes our judges is mainly due to the fact that, as a rule, poli- ticians, often lame ducks, are elected to' these most important positions. They, | however honest, are rendered unfit for i the judgeships by their training as poli= | ticians, accustomed to giving expedi- ency undue prominence, straddling the fence, putting off as lonk as possible the final decision of all matters not .su'lRLly partisan. Our disgraceful record as the most ‘crlminal of all the great civilized i nations of the earth is due to this cause. | Our pitiful condition, in comparison i with England, is due to England’s stern | administration of justice. England sees to it that her judges are not politicians. Nominations are made to the King by the privy council, composed of ail parties, Our courts seem to be ignorant of the fact that there is an exireme penalty and that bonds with ample security to ; insure good behavior may be required. X SAMUEL B. WOODS. Exceptions Are Taken To Writer’s Statement To_the Editor of The Star: In your paper of February 1, in an article by Mr. Speake of Holmead Manor, he says that “Our old houses’ about here were constructed of English brick is untrue.” At the foot of High street is still stanging the old Sumae Mill, behind which is Brickyard Hill, and here the English bricks were hauled rom the wharves, because the channel was being stopped up with them by being thrown into the river by boats Which brought them from the old coun- try as ballast, securing wheat and to- bacco for a return load. Montgomery | County and Maryland produced these articles in large quantities. Recently in doi some dredging m tv!ll:re vh.ln'uil t‘ quantity of these ey mw‘h up to the surface, daughter of Mrs. house acr tcn lndh ‘:;ed a e W can measured by any one and f be wider and thicker than mnd»%’:gw‘: JOSEPH I.