Evening Star Newspaper, December 3, 1934, Page 10

THE EVENING STAR, WASHINGTON, D. C, MONDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1934, A—10 _— .- - == - - = —— — ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS BY FREDERIC ]. HASKIN., THE EVENING STAR With Sunday Morning Edition. WASHINGTON,D.C. MONDAY.....December 3, 1934 THEODORE W. NOYES..Editor e The Evening Star Newspaper Company Business Office: 11th 8t nsylvania Ave. : Lake . Slorean Omce .._:1‘4|m ent St.. London. glan Rate by Carrier Within the City. ( ays) . . .. .. 60c per month ‘The Evening and Sunday Star (when 5 Sundays) 65¢ per month ‘The Sunday Star. Night Fh Night Final and Sund: Night Final Star Collection mad month. Orders may be sent in by mail or telephone NAtional 5000 Rate by Mail—Payable in Advance. Maryland and Virginia. B-ny and Sunday. } I $10.00: 1 mo.. 85¢c ally omiy. .. $6.00: 1 moy, 50c Sundsv only.. $4.00: 1 mo., 40c All Other States and Canada. Daily and Sunday, 1yr., $12.00: 1 mo.. $1,00 Datly only. ... 17r. "$Ki00 1 ma. " se Bunday only..l1yr. $5.00;1mo. B0c Member of the Associated Press. The Associated Press is exclusively en- titled to the use for republication of all gews dispatches credited to it or not other- wise credited in this paper and also the local news published herein. All rights of publication of special dispatches herein are also reserved = The Numbers Racket. United States Attorney Garnett wrote to the newspapers on Novem- ber 7 asking their co-operation in the attempt to break up the so-called numbers racket, which he said was generally recognized as ‘“one of the most vicious forms of gambling in the District.” Explaining that the easiest method of conducting the numbers game was to choose, as the winning number, three numerals from the total mutuel prices of the first three races at im- portant tracks, that being “now the accepted method used by the gam- blers,” he wrote: ‘The dissemination of these totals seems a direct aid to this racket, and if the press of this city will unite in refusing to publish the totals bet on these races, an item of news of in- terest, it would seem, only to those gambling on the winning numerals, it would go a long way to curtail ‘he activities of the “numbers” racketeers. Mr. Garnett did not assume, and no intelligent person would assume, that preventing newspaper dissemina- tion of the numerals in the form used by the gamblers now would stop the numbers racket. He did assume, and the assumption was logical, that if newspapers were anxious to help in stamping out the numbers racket—with its obvious un- derworld ramifications—they would be equally willing to end the tacit co- operation’ with the racketeers existing through publication, in convenient, readily accessible form, of the num- bers principally used by the gamblers, especially when the publication of numbers in such form was of no in- terest to anybody else. That might not stop the racket. It would hinder it. Another form of numbers might be used. That would be a bridge that could be crossed when it was reached. But the suc- cess of the numbers game depends upon the regular dissemination in convenient, recognizable form of the winning numbers. It is also neces- sary that they be disseminated by reputable organs, such as newspapers, which in publishing the numbers stamp them with a certain authori- tative accuracy. Unfortunately, Mr. Garnett's exper- fment in hampering the numbers racket has not yet had a fair trial. Only four of the five local news- papers, together with the radio sta- tions, have given specific or implied intentions of co-operating with Mr. Garnett. In the meantime, the drive against the numbers racketeers should not end with the effort at newspaper co- operation. The job is primarily one for the police and the prosecutors. ‘There is an inclination in such quar- ters to rest while new legislation is being framed. Stch legislation is doubtless needed. But there is no continued demon- stration of the need. The authorities will not impress the Congress or the community with the need for new legislation until they begin dragging, and continue to drag, the racketeers into court and demonstrate that the courts are turning them loose. The numbers racket can be stamped out or largely curtailed, and the city can be rid of the gamblers who, the police admit, are known to them. — e Eugene Field's poetry is still recited In all kinds of assemblages. Field was #0 versatile as to respond either to sentiments of “Home and Mother” or “Where Is My Wandering Boy To- night.” o A Soviet Assassination. Assassination of important govern- ment figures as a political weapon has been conspicuous by its absence in the Soviet Union, compared to the relative frequency of such outrages in “capitalist” European countries during the pre-war era. Since 1918, when a couple of minor leaders were killed and Lenin was the victim of wounds from the effects of which he died six years later, there has been no notable case of political mur- der in the Soviet, or attempted mur- der, of which the outside world is aware, Last Saturday witnessed at Moscow an assassination of apparently polit- ical origin, when Sergei Kiroff, one of the ten members of the all-powerful *“political bureau,” which is the really ruling force in the Soviet, was shot and killed. His assailant was at first described merely as some one who was “instigated by enemies of the working class.” Since then the as- sassin has been identified as a thirty- year-old Russian Communist named Leonid Nicolieff, formerly employed by the Workers and Peasants Inspec- tion Bureau. What inspired his act has not yet been disclosed. ‘There is at present no reason to believe that M. Kirofl's assassination has deep-seated political implica- tions"or betokens a conspiracy to un- dermine the regime dominated by Josef Stalin. The victim of the crime was & widely respected Communist leader of demonstrated devotion to | the revolution and uncommonly popu- lar with the proletarian rank and file. Within the far-flung legions of the Soviets' nominal supporters through- out all the former Russias there are doubtless malcontents in considerable numbers, but there is as yet little or no foundation for supposing that the slaying of one of Stalin’s lieutenants means that the fires of revolt are smoldering beneath the system which has held sway at Moscow for seven- teen years. Recent abolition of bread-ration cards and a decree raising wages by ten per cent suggest that the bolshe- vist bosses are finding it advisable to make concessions, but there have been no signs that anything is brew- ing in the Soviet to explain such ex- cesses as political assassination. Pos- sibly more thorough investigation of the motives which inspired the at- tack upon M. Kiroff may develop a situation of greater significance than anything hitherto suspected. The “New” White House. Necessary additions having been completed, President Roosevelt ‘has the pleasure of inspecting & “new” White House. Such, in any case, is the attitude of the New York press toward the old and much amended | Executive Mansion. But perhaps the building is not quite so “new” as might be expected in view of the many changes to which it has been sub- Jected. A work of architecture may be en- larged almost indefinitely without damage to its elemental integrity, pro- viding only that those responsible for the work are mindful of the structure’s basic character. The great cathedrals of England and France were in proc- 1ess of construction and reconstruc- | tion for centuries, and yet it was only when innovations deliberately were introduced for their own sake that any damage was done. The Capitol is another and much more convenient example of an edifice repeatedly “corrected” in consonance with in- creased practical need, but without drastic impairment of artistic har- mony. Of course, mistakes occasionally are made—Wren'’s towers on Westminster Abbey, for instance. But the Presi- dent’s House has been fortunate in that respect. Few, if any, of the changes which it has experienced have hurt it very much. Instead, it has been expanded naturally and without violence, with the result that a degree of balance has been maintained and the White House today probably is a | more beautiful structure than it was originally. ‘The mansion, as first planned by James Hoban, was not especially notable. Its cost was more than it should have been, and the period of its construction, 1792 to 1801, was too long. And when it was declared finished it was anything but an ideal residence. As early as Thomas Jeffer- son’s time a supplementary office building was required. The British probably did the Nation and the city a service when, in 1814, they burned the place. In the reconstruction, certain obvious faults were corrected and the dull brown walls became white—as they should have been from the start. In 1823 the south portico was erected, and in 1829 the north portico was added. Gas lighting was installed in 1848, a better heating system in 1853. The first west terrace was laid out about.1857. In 1902 the east front and the west were remodeled, the ngw executive offices being intro- duced on the latter side, while the “main public entrance” and cloak rooms were arranged on the former. Later changes came in response to the demand for room to accommodate increased business incident to the participation of the United States in the World War. ‘The people, meanwhile, have pre- ferred to think of the mansion as old, rather than new. In general, they have agreed with Theodore Roosevelt: The White House is the property of the Nation, and so far as is compatible with living therein it shall be kept as it originally was, for the same reason that we keep Mount Vernon as it originally was. . Sporting hazards have become so great that it may be necessary to hold a collegiate conclave to decide whether foot ball is & means of for- getting our troubles or only one of them. —_———————— The Town Hall. ‘That Washington is not surfeited with discussion of public questions af- fecting the economic and social condi- tions in America and international relations was demonstrated last night at the opening of “The Town Hall,” ‘when the forum chosen for this series of twenty meetings was filled to over- flowing. And it was also demonstrated that the unique method adopted for the immediate analysis of the offerings of those selected to fill the twenty dates of the program serves well to effect a complete understanding of the contribution to public thought and opinion. The speaker is in effect put on trial for his judgment. A special panel of questioners sits beside him. When he has concluded his remarks he is put to the quiz by these amalysts. After this gauntlet has been run he may be challenged from the floor. ‘There is no chance for effective reti- cence or evasion. The speaker, indeed, has no better chance for concealment of his opinions and judgments than has the traditional goldfish. Yet it is not an wunseemly performance. Rather, indeed, is it a contribution to full understanding, and thereby it alds in the stimulation of public judg- ment upon matters that now press for the intelligent opinion of the people. ‘The Town Hall is an “adventure in public education.” It will surely prove to be such if the program as now set running on successive Sunday nights 3 until and including the 21st of April is carried through to completion, which is not to be doubted. Not even the experiences of the initial speaker, Dr. Glenn Frank, president of the Univer- sity of Wisconsin, who opened this forum last night with a talk on “Amer- ica’s Hour of Decision,” and who de- clared that the meeting was one of “organized embarrassment,” are likely to check the free flow of thought on subsequent occasions. A Washington audience, especially at & time like the present, when the Capital is well filled with specialists on all sorts of questions of public moment, domestic and international, is well qualified to put a speaker through & thorough inquisition if given the op- portunity. Under the plan of “The Town Hall” this opportunity is afford- ed, is indeed organized, but, of course, with the restraint of due courtesy to the speaker. In such circumstances it is assured that these twenty meetings will be productive of much valuable information and will surely serve to clarify public thought. ———— Legislating morality into the codes is not deemed practical by Mr. Rich- berg. The idea is almost sufficiently impressive to move Al Smith to arise and say, “Well, what does that mean?” ——— ‘Old poems need revision. When the old judge stops to chat with anude Muller he is probably only | trying to see how she is going to vote in the next election. ‘The Navy foot ball victory was won on a muddy fleld. There may have been a slight advantage in the mois- ture for the gentlemen who are being trained for navigation. - The name “Ziegfeld” continues to be used to exploit “Follies.” There is no attempt, however, to give it eco- nomic significance as a boost for “the leg of nations.” —————————_ Brain trusters took a dip at Warm Springs, Ga. “Home on the Range” is a good piece of poetry, but “The Old Swimmin’ Hole” isn't so bad. —_————— New taxes may be necessary. Their discreet employment may be assisted by candid inquiry as to what became of the old ones. ——. An abundance of flowers at a bandit’s funeral expresses a threat rather than a sentiment. It signals that the gang is still there. Congress is assured that when Jan- uary arrives there will be some inter- esting New Year resolutions to be con- sidered. The 1aws of mathematics have a profound interest, but mere numbers as utilized by gamblers are distinctly illegal. —_————— As an expert in figures, Gov. Ritchie candidly admits that road projects call for a new survey of the political situation. —————re. Manchoukuo evidently iftends to assert the dignity befitting a locality that has “struck ofl.” ——————— SHOOTING STARS. BY PHILANDER JOHNSON. Our Heroes, } Why not forget the old-time ways Which heartily we used to praise, And new apparel bravely scan, Since it 50 oft proclaims the man? The foot ball hero, kind of heart, Runs many risks to do his part. Why not let him wear whiskers white Like Santa Claus in quaint delight. The pictured heroes who appear Have costumes always quaint and queer. Let Santa storm, Come in a foot ball uniform. Reaching a Conclusion. “You have studied this problem closely?” said the man from home. “I have,” answered Senator Sor- ghum. “Have you arrived at a conclusion?” “I'm afraid I have. Some of my comments have caused what looks like my political finish.” Claus, who braves the Jud Tunkins says a cheerful dispo- sition is fine, but it's a mistake to think up funny stories to tell at a funeral, Medicinally Speaking. Yon shelf is filled with bottles small Of things I never took at all. For medicines are like advice, Some kinds are bitter; some are nice. A method of forgetfulness May bring a freedom from distress, And with some gratitude I look On remedies I never took. Merry and Bright. “We must try to be merry and bright.” “Of course,” answered Mr. Dustin Stax. “I even resort to punning in the effort. When the bookkeeper brought me a deficit statement I merely remarked that it was ink- red-ible.” “They, who talk much,” said Hi Ho, the sage of Chinatown, “need not be contradicted. Eventually they will contradict themselves.” Fuddling the Game. This great old game of politics, Played in the present style, Upon a countenance may fix A frown and not a smile. When some one thinks he's going well ‘With ease as well as grace, Some partner—why, no one can tell— Cuts in and trumps his ace. “Complainin’,” said Uncle Eben, “mostly calls attention to trouble you got into by not havin' had better sense.” THIS AND THAT BY CHARLES E. TRACEWELL, Paper has 50 many uses that the devotee of the home aquarium is likely to forget just what an impor- tant part it plays in fish keeping. At least five different types of paper may be utilized. Probably of first importance comes the valuable little trick of using a sneet of note paper in filling an aquarium. Many a beginner has come to griet when he started to put water into a tank. He found that it dug up the sand and tended to swirl things around in a high old fashion. Just how was he to obviate this? ‘The gentlest pouring he could do, nevertheless, created much mischief in the bottom. It was an interesting but disconcerting demonstration of the power of water, boring downward in the same place, if but for a few seconds. The paper trick solves the whole problem. A sheet of good note paper is placed on the sand and the water poured directly on this. As the water level rises the sheet of paper rises with it, always afford- ing a place for the water to be dif- fused, rather than to exert its boring strength on the sand bottom. This method is 50 gentle that plants, will not be disturbed in any way, nor fishes either, if any are in the tank at the time. There will always remain some as- pects of mystery about this highly satisfactory procedure, in that one might expect the paper to be knocked down to the bottom of the aquarfum. It never sinks, however, its expanse holding it serenely on the surface, like one of those gigantic water lily Jeaves famed in story and catalogues. * ok ok % Another good use of paper comes in cleaning surplus food off the sur- face of the water. Absorbent tissue of some sort, such as is used for paper napkins, is neces- sary. A sheet is floated across the surface, from one end of the other. It is held by one side and the other dipped into the water, then the remainder per- mitted to contact the surface. ‘With the hand still holding an edge, the paper is gently pulled along the surface until it reacHes the other side of the tank. At this point the hand raises the sheet and slowly withdraws it from the water, care being taken that water is not dropped outside the aquarium. One or two such operations will clean the surface of almost every speck of the finer bits, almost dustlike, which are left after the feeding of many dried foods. Some foods are worse offenders at this than others, and usually not even the very smallest inmates of the aquarium will consume the dustlike particles, * K x Light-green tissue, notably the so- called florist's paper, used to wrap | cut flowers, makes a fine background for the window-side of a tank. Too much sunlight often causes the water in an aquarium to go green. The aquarium keeper is between the | “devil” of too little light, resulting in poor plant growth and brown algae, on the one hand, and the “deep sea” of too much light and possible free- living forms of green algae, creating a pea-green water in which the fishes become scarcely visible. Once this condition manifests itself | there is nothing to do but cut down on the light. One way is to move the aquarium, but that is easier said than done. The best practical solution is to cut down on the amount of light WASHINGTION given the tank. This may be done by lowering the shade, or by placing some opaque substance along the back, or window side. Many materials have been used for this purpose. Card- boarg is good, but really cuts off too much light, for the major plants in the aquarium need light more than ever, since the water is now somewhat opaque. Green tissue, either in one of two thicknesses, softens the light, permits enough to help the major plantings in their photosynthesis, or conversion of light into the factors of growth. It cuts down the light enough, however, to harm the free-living forms of algae. If this is coupled with les- sened feedings and some fresh water added twice a week, there is some likelihood that in time the unwanted forms of algae will be starved out. The curious thing is that once such a tank begins to clear up, it does so with & rush, and thereafter is far clearer than most tanks which have never gone through thh. experience. . s Newspapers have large use in the managing of a home aquarium, espe- cially of tropical fishes. Their best use, perhaps, comes in covering tanks at night. Twelve to twenty sheets of paper, placed over the glass cover lid, will prevent the escape of much valuable warmth, owing to the air spaces be- tween the sheets, as well as to the re- sisting powers of the paper itself. In homes where automatic heat is used, the night temperature being permitted to go down to 65 degrees or less, some such covering is essen- tial. In addition to newspapers over the top, they also may be used to box the aquarium all around, or at least on the window side.- In the homes of many “fish fans” the fish are “put to bed” each night in this way, much to their continued comfort and that of their owner like- wise, for he rests comfortably in the knowledge that his pets are protected from the sudden drop in temperature which might end their lives overnight. * x x x Newspapers come in handy also to set the pail on when water is being siphoned from the aquarium. Even the most careful operator is likely to spill a little water, which is never wholesome for rugs or hardwood floors. ‘When it becomes necessary to make over a tank, a pad of old papers is the best thing on which to place it, in order to prevent it from marring the porcelain of the sink. Several sheets of folded newspaper are useful for carrying plants which have been washed, and for holding them by the aquarium while placing them in position. When testing a new aquarium, to see that it does not leak, also to ster- ilize it, which operations may be car- ried on simultaneously (use a salt solution for this) it is a good thing to first place the tank on several thick- nesses of newsprint, then if it leaks |there will be telltale traces of mois- ture, easily seen and their positions noted. Wads of newsprint paper may be used for cleaning the inner surfaces of the glass sides, which should never be done with anything save water and salt, but absorbent cotton is better for this tesk. Paper buckets must not be forgot- ten. These are known to most per- sons who purchase fishes at the stores, since very few enthusiasts own in- sulated carrying cases. The buckets will do very nicely, in the coldest weather, if wrapped in a protective covering of newspapers, completely covering the box. OBSERVATIONS BY FREDERIC WILLIAM WILE. President Roosevelt is quoted as being hopeful that the first session of the new Congress will be short. Re- ports bubbling up from Warm Springs speak of May 15 as a likely adjourn- ment date. At this writing that seems an optimistic forecast. Guessing will be safer when the presidential mes- sage is available and the legislative program blue-printed. The expecta- tion is that F. D. R. will give a vivid indication of what he expects from the incoming House and Senate when he delivers his impending fireside broad- cast. Conferences with Democratic leaders at the Little White House in Georgia revealed that plenty of con- troversial material is in sight. Housing, public works, relief, bonus, taxation, N.R. A, A. A A, unemployment insur- ance and monetary matters are some, but not all, of the issues that threaten ructions. On the face of things the colossal administration majorities in both houses should suffice to ram through anything the President wants, but it is by no means 100 per cent certain that the course of Demo- cratic true love will always run smooth. * ok *x x And still they come—these literary New Dealers. Columbia University Press plans to publish early in 1935 a book called “The Battle for Democ- racy,” by Undersecretary of Agricul- ture Rexford G. Tugwell. The title suggests that Dr. Tugwell may dis- cuss the trials and tribulations of the Roosevelt planners in carrying through the “evolution” which they have undertaken. * x % x ‘Women are taking-an active hand in the reorganization of N. R. A. They are particularly anxious to remove so- celled “sex differentials” from codes, in at least one-fourth of which, it is said, women are allotted lower mini- mum than men. When the Blue Eagle was hatched, women work- ers expected “wage justice,” but found that in numerous cases it was pro- vided that they should receive less pay than men for substantially the same work. Mrs. Roosevelt was asked if she couldn’t do something about it. The result was that there were written into many codes what have have come to be known as “Eleanor clauses,” which direct the same pay for women as for men when identical work is done. Mary Anderson, director of the Women's Bureau, the National Woman’s Party, members of women’s trade unions and the Business and Professional Women’s Clubs are join- ing hands in the battle for & minimum wage applicable exclusively to work performed, regardless of sex. The women will carry their crusade to the floors of Congress when the N. L R. A. is up for renewal, * X k% Another field of women's vigilance is T. V. A» To see just what the great hydroelectric yardstick means to housewives, Miss Belle Sherwin, long-time president of the League of Women Voters, and Mrs. Harris T. Baldwin, chairman of its Committee on Living Costs, recently completed a 10-day motor tour of the valley. They are especially interested in the scheme to supply low-cost electrical appli- ances—ranges, irons, fans, vacuum cleaners, toasters, machines, tors, lamps and all kinds nn‘: » | MacCormack, Crowley, Aubrey Williams of the Fed- Emergency Relief from Dr. Nicholas Murray Butler's intellectual power house, has just dispatched its professor of American history, Allan Nevins, to lecture for | 2 month at University College, Lon- don, on the progress of the New Deal. Our British cousins ate tremendously interested in the Roosevelt experi- ment. Mr. Nevins is the author of the Pulitizer prize-winning biography, “Grover Cleveland: A Study in Cour- | age,” published in 1932. * X X ¥ Keystone Democrats in Washington will make whoopee on December 10 in celebration of the conquest of réck-ribbed Republican Pennsylvania at the recent election. The celebra- tion will take the form of a banquet in honor of Senator-elect Joseph F. Guffey. Postmaster General Farley has accepted an invitation to be toastmaster. The newly-elected Demo- cratic State officials of Pennsylvania and members of the congressional delegation will be honor guests along with Mr. Guffey. Invitations to the love-feast have been extended to the President and Vice President, mem- bers of the cabinet and other na- tionally prominent Democrats. Or- ganized by the Pennsylvania Demo- cratic Club of the District of Colum- bia, the festivities are intended to symbolize the determination to keep Penn's Woods in the Democratic column from now on. X K X X There are already signs that efforts to expand naval building sufficiently to maintain 5—3 superiority over Japan will encounter old-time or- ganized opposition from anti-pre- groups. Senator Borah indicates that he will lead the fight against anything that threatens a renewal of naval competition. Should either President Roosevelt or con- gressional leaders propose construc- tion beyond present treaty provisions, in order to meet the Japanese “equal- ity” challenge, the naval question is sure to become a major issue on Capitol Hill and generate plenty of controversy. Big navyites pin their hopes on the fact that there’s a sailor-President at the helm. * kX % President Roosevelt’s rhetorical question, “Have you lost any per- sonal liberties?” addressed last Sum- mer to 125,000,000-odd individual Americans, is being taken literally by 17 liberal organizations meeting in Washington on December 8 and 9 under the auspices of the militant American Civil Liberties Union. The promoters of this ‘“Conference on Civil Liberties under the New Deal” say that hundreds of liberals will give their answer to Mr. Roosevelt's question by examining the status of civil liberty as now enjoyed by all minority groups—labor, Negroes, farm workers, relief workers, immigrants and others. It is claimed that thus, for the first time, the New Deal will be assessed both by archc-critics and stanch defenders. The sponsoring organizations have a double purpose in this Washington sym- posium—to unite their forces and pave the way for an intensive legis- lative program. the speakers will be Senator Costigan, Democrat, of Colorado; Representative Kvale, Farmer-Labor, of Minnesota, Com- missioner General of Immigration eral tion and Senator at Large Luis Munos-Martin of Puerto Rico. (Cooyright. 1984.) The Political Mill By. G. Gould Lincoln. Senator William E. Borah of Idaho has called for & showdown of strength between the old guard Republicans jand the progressives. He believes that the great mass of the Republican voters wish & change, with the old guardsmen out of the picture as party leaders. It wiil be interesting to see what the reaction of the party leaders is to the suggestion of a plebiscite made by the Idaho Senator. They are likely to sit tight and let the storm blow over. Charles D. Hilles, vice chairman of the Republican National Committee, has suggested in a letter sent to one of the other members of the com- mittee, a letter which called for de- | nunciation of the old guard by Borah. * k% % Whether the Young Republican Clubs throughout the country and the Republican progressives and all those whom Borah says are through with the present leadership of the national organization follow the revolt plan advocated by the Senator it is impos- sible to say at this writing. Undoubt- edly there is a lot of strong feeling about the matter of reorganization, and Senator Borah understands it. There must be a strong central figure to lead & revolt, however. Borah him- self is such a figure. Whether he will take that leadership, if the call comes to him, he himself will have to decide. There seems just now to be no other strong rallying post, no one else in the Republican party who could rouse so much interest in such a cause. Senator Norris of Nebraska, Senator Hiram Johnson of California and the others in the progressive group have ranged themselves so strongly with President Roosevelt and his New Deal that they do not seem to be enough interested in such a movement among the Republicans to make a bid for leadership, or perhaps even to join it. * x X ¥ Forcing & reorganization of the national committee of either of the major political parties is no easy job. Some of the dry Democrats tried their best to have John J. Raskob relieved of the national chairmanship after the defeat of Alfred E. Smith for President in 1928. They made no impression whatever, and Raskob went right on functioning, and in the end Raskob, although he did not succeed in bringing about the second nomination of Smith, had the satis- faction of having a dripping wet plank written into the 1932 Democratic na- tional platform. After the Roosevelt landslide in that year, the Repub- licans agitated for the retirement of Everett Sanders of Indiana, who had been former President Hoover’s choice for national chairman. Mr. Sanders stayed on until last June. He prob- ably could have remained national chairman until today if he had not voluntarily withdrawn, and perhaps until the 1936 campaign. The so- called reorganization of the Repub- lican National Committee in Chicago last June was not much of a re- organization at that. There had been much demand for a new chair- man from the Middle West or the West. The selection of the commit- tee, after Mr. Hilles and Walter Brown of Ohio had fought it out for a day or twq, was Mr. Henry P. Fletcher of Pennsylvania. x X X ¥ Mr. Fletcher admittedly has been up against a hard job this past few months. The Republicans faced a united Democracy, to which had been added some millions of Republicans who were disgusted with the G. O. P. and many of whom were receiving benefits from the administration under the New Deal recovery laws. He found it almost impossible to raise adequate campaign funds, either be- cause the former contributors in gen- erous amounts to the Republican campaign chest felt that the Repub- licans had no chance to win this year or because they had gone over to the enemy. It takes money to run a campaign, no matter what the purists in politics may say. The Democrats really did not need much money. The expenditures for relief in the hun- dreds of millions were right down their alley. Some of the Democrats did not hesitate to tell those millions on relief rolls that unless the Demo- crats were elected relief would be cut off by the Republicans. It was an amazing campaign in more ways than one. * x ok x Despite Mr. Borah’s demand for reorganization of the party, it may be that the G. O. P. will just have to let the New Deal run its course. When enough of the people become dis- gruntled, for one reason or another, they will turn away from the Demo- crats and back to the Republicans. As long as the country continues to improve—and there are some evi- dences of business improvement—and the administration can continue to give relief to the destitute, there is not likely to be an upset. If the administration will let business run itself more and more, business may be able to bring a quicker revival of | employment and trade. Recent utter- ances of administration leaders have tended to encourage business. What the next few months bring forth on these lines may be of great impor- tance. * X ok % Mr. Borah not long ago jabbed a harpoon into the New Deal, declar- ing that there had been tremendous waste in the dealing out of relief and perhaps worse. He is receiving infor- mation from a lot of different sources, If the F. E. R. A, under Harry L. Hopkins, does not come through with a thorough inquiry, Senator Borah may take the matter to the floor of the Senate. IMusion of Isolation. From the Raleith (N. C.) News and Ob- server. Certainly most peaceful Americans share the sentiments which prompted Senator Joe T. Robinson of Arkansas to assure European leaders that “if there is another war in Europe, the United States will not supply men, munitions or sympathy to any nation, but will try to protect itself as best it may, and remain at peace with all the world.” 1t is a trifle sad to contemplate that these sentiments newly expressed were shared by thousands of Americans on that day 20 years ago when the World War grew out of the of an Austrian archduke in Serbia. Al- though plenty of munitions had been ‘sent abroad at a profit before 1916, much of the same sentiment expressed by Senator Robinson now was felt by the American voters who re-elected ‘Woodrow Wilson because “he kept us out of war.” Sentiments in peacetime, however, are scarcely to be depended upon at a of immediate threat of Indeed, that is just what: A reader can get the answer to any question of fact by writing The Washington Evening Star Information Bureau, Frederic J. Haskin, Director, Washington, D, C. Please inclose stamp for reply. Q. How is Lenin’s body preserved?— S.H. M. A. Lenin’s body was embalmed. It is preserved in Moscow under a con- vex glass case resting on a monolith of black granite. This is in an under- ground room which is a 30-foot cube in a tomb built of hugs blocks of red and black granite.* Q. What is Chypre perfume?—I. A. A. Chypre is a variety of perfume from the Island of Cyprus. Q. Where is Greenwood Lake?— G. C. A. Greenwood Lake is in Orange : County, N. Y, and Passaic County, N. J.,, 50 miles northwest of Jersey City. Q. How many buffaloes are left in this country?—M. E. L. A. According to the latest official census of living American bison, there was in the United States 3,385. Q. How old is Abbe Ernest Dim- net>—C. P. A. The French author and philos- opher is 86 years old. Q. Whose home was first lighted by electricity in the United States?— J. V. D. A. The first private residence light- ed by electricity was that of J. Pier- pont Morgan. Q. How long have draperies been used?—E. C. L. A. Draperies have been used in homes from a very early period, but not for windows. sance, when homes were no longer fortified castles, and windows natur- ally became larger. Late in the sev- on either side of the window in a manner similar to that of the present day. Q. How near completion is Norris Dam?—E. C. A. Norris Dam is one-third com- pleted. Q. Has there been a decrease in the number of suicides in 1934>—W. S A. During the first nine months of 1934 there have been 3 per cent fewer suicides in the United States and Canada than in the corresponding period of 1933. Q. How many miles has the Bremen traveled since her initial voyage?— 3T A. Since the North German Lloyd liner Bremen entered service, a little more than five years ago, she has cov- ered 735,000 miles, or the equivalent of thirty-four voyages around the world. Q. What is the Godmothers' League lin New York City>—T. M. A. The Godmothers’ League is an organization devoted to the care of all needy infants without regard to race or creed. Q. What is the origin of the valen- tine industry in the United States?— E.C. A. A. The first fancy valentine ever made Jn America was the work of Miss Esther A. Howland, who estab- ished an entirely new industry in ‘Window draperies | did not come in until after the Renais- | enteenth century draperies were hung | this country. In England in 1828 lace and embossed paper was first manufactured. The first valentine made of this material to appear in America was sent to Miss Howland, who lived in Worcester, Mass., where her father and brothers were in the stationery business. Miss Howland improved on the valentine imported by her father. Her brother, who traveled for the firm, took samples on a business trip and returned with $5,000 worth of orders. Q. What is the death rate of World War veterans?—F. C. F. A. World War veterans are dying at the rate of more than 80 every day, or about 30,000 a year. Q. What is the proportion of tele- phones to the population?—L. M. A. On January 1, 1933, the popu- lation of the world was 2,040,000,000. On that date there were approxi- mately 33,400,000 telephones, or 1 for every 61 persons. Q. How many institutions of higher learning has China?—A. M. A. Thers are now 50 Chinese uni- versities and technical institutes. Q. Where is the Escurial>—M. C. R. A. The Escurial, the royal resi- dence built by Phillip II of Spain, is 22 miles distant from Madrid and contains a palace, a church, a monas- tery, schools and a mausoleum. It is the largest structure in Spain. Q. What is the height of the Natural Bridge in Virginia?—S. M. B. A. The height of the natural arch over Cedar Creek near the James River is 200 feet. Q. What has become of Yedo?— A. Yedo is the old name of the city of Tokio. The name was changed from Yedo to Tokio in 1868, when the imperial court was trans- ferred to the present site from the old capital, Kyoto. The name Tokio means eastern capital. | Q. Does Mexico inflict the death penalty?—sS. J. A. There is no death penalty in | Mexico and mental alienists take the place of a jury in criminal court | cases. Q. Where are the Netherlands In- dies?—S. T. A. This is the official new name for the Dutch East Indies. | Q How did the term “whipping boy” originate?—F. M. H. | A. A whipping boy was formerly a | boy companion to a prince, who was | educated with him and punished in his stead. Q. Where is W. H. Hart, who was in motion pictures, living?>—B. S. B. A. He is living on his ranch at New- | hall, Calif. Q. Is the architect of the Lincoln Memorial at Washington, D. C., living? —W. M. A. Henry Bacon, who was the archi- | tect, died February 16, 1924. Q. Who was the first president of the D. A, R?>—K. G. A. The first president general of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution was Mrs. Benjamin Harrison. | == | Q How long has the American Hebrew been published?>—C. E. | A. It is now celebrating the ffty- ! fifth anniversary of its founding. *'War Veterans Are Watched As Saar Plebiscite Is Near One of the chief factors in the pros- pect of averting serious clashes over the plebiscite in the Saar Basin, to determine future sovereignty over that region, is the demand of war veterans for peace. The Saar has been await- iing the opportunity to vote its choice {among three possible determinations— to be joined to France or to Germany jor to remain under the League of Nations. A large percentage of the people is German, but there is some opposition to the Hitler regime. “War veterans of both France and Germany,” says the Williamsport (Pa) Sun, “are planning a demon- stration, in which they will express their opinion that, whatever happens in the Saar, it will not be worth fight- ing over.” The Sun expects “a strong rebuke to the militarists whose in- fluence has brought Germany and France into a state of excitement.” The Philadelphia Evening Bulletin suggests that ‘“statesmen seeking greater power may not wish to re- member that the last war was known as a war to end wars, but the veterans will remember.” An unofficial announcement that “France has decided to quit its effort to prevent a pro-German result” is quoted by the Troy (N. Y.) Record, with the comment: “Far better to withdraw gracefully than to be forced back in confusion. So, according to the advices from Europe, France will make no further effort to stir up trouble—provided Germany will agree to pay for the mines it will regain. This was part of the contract; but Germany never pays much attention to its contracts unless they run in its favor. So France will be glad to exchange a peaceful plebiscite for a promise, guaranteed in some effective way, that the other part of the agreement will be faithfully carried out. It is & good settlement.” “The least that can be said is that the Saar is a danger spot,” thinks the Texarkana Gazeite, while the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette points out that “Hitlerized Germany is going as far as she dares in pre-referendum electioneering.” The Oklahoma News, however, believes that “Hitler’s noisy determination to regain the Saar may prove the one factor that will keep the area out of Germany.” “The treaty is not clear,” observes the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, -“on |the point whether the League, or 1 France, may retain political sovereign- ty of the Saar, in the event that the vote was favorable to Germany, until the mines are paid for in a way satis- factory to France. Germany is not in a very strong position to plead a provision of the treaty which the plebiscite might convert to its ad- vantage.” Fear of Hitler on the part of those who are to vote is emphasized by the Gary Post-Tribune and the Adrian (Mich.) Telegram, while the Young- stown Vindicator directs attention to the fact that in the interval of 15 years since the treaty was signed “the idea of quasi-independence under the League has had an excellent opportu- nity to spread.” The Roanoke World- News believes that “even the election, however it may go, will not solve the difficulties involved.” Pointing to Russia’s hostility to Ger- many, with attempts by the latter to overcome such opposition, the Bi (Ala.) Age-Herald con- cludes: “These hard-headed realists are disinclined to relieve the Ger- mans of any jot of distress to which and the implied values of the Saar affair. In shaping that course, Lit- vinov will have his definite part. That is one of the reasons, we gather, why Germany now regrets having left | the League.” | “The League of Nations should be able to conduct the balloting with re- | sults of which neither France nor Ger- many can challenge,” in the opinion | of the Providence Journal, which com- | ments further: “Unless the unex- | pected happens, the Saar seems des- | tined to be again under the German |flag. But before the decision fis actually registered, either in favor of Germany or against her, there is cer- tain to be a series of intensive and provocative demonstrations, and a continuance until the day of balloting of the propaganda battle that has been raging for the past two years particularly. In such circumstances it would not be surprising if some of the Saarites might not live to see elec- tion day.” The Great Water Fight. From the Portland Oregon Journal. National guardsmen ready for mob- ilization to assert Arizona's claims at Parker Dam, on the Colorado River, revive memories of a picturesque struggle. . Powerful forces have been in motion for a generation, contending for the vital water and, incidentally, the power of the Colorado. Bringing its current from the Rocky Mountains, in Wyoming, Utah and Colorado, the stream flows into a desert country with an audacious population. With- out water there is no life. With water and power, the opportunities are as colorful as the sun-painted desert. So the struggle, in the first instance, was between the United States and Mexico, and Mexico’s claims were largely urged by American investors in the narrow strip between the inter- national boundary and the mouth of the Colorado in the Gulf of California. Then Los Angeles learned that, de- spite hercic efforts to command a water supply from the Owens River, there would be a water famine if growth of the city continued and un- less a supplemental supply was pro- vided. The Colorado, deep in its canyon, offered the only adequate source. But at the mention of power as a part of the development the big elece tric utilities took alarm. Their rep- resentatives were at all the promotion meetings, at congressional hearings and everywhere else that polite op- position or secret strategy could be applied. Thus the compact among the States touched by the Colorado was bitterly fought. From the beginning Arizona demanded a thick slice of the power revenues and a substantial allocation of the water. Arizona has never been satisfled that her claims were met before the building of Boulder Dam began. Her official ad- ministrations have charged high- handed procedure against the Federal Government and something a little less than brigandage against Los Angeles. That is why troops were summoned ready for action by Arizona’s Gov- ernor, Moeur, at Parker Dam, which is concerned with the Los Angeleg water supply. That is why Gov, Moeur spoke disdainfully of court rather than military settlement. It was previous. experience with slug- gard adjudication that caused him to say, “They of before obvious | courts.’ [}