Evening Star Newspaper, April 26, 1937, Page 8

Page views left: 0

You have reached the hourly page view limit. Unlock higher limit to our entire archive!

Subscribers enjoy higher page view limit, downloads, and exclusive features.

Text content (automatically generated)

A—8 ] THE EVENING STAR With Sunday Morning Editien. The Evening Star Newspaper Company. 11th St. and Pennsylvania Ave New York Office: 110 East 42nd 8t Ohicago Office: 435 North Michigan Ave. Rate by Carrier—City and Suburban. Regular Edition. Evening and Sunday Star e n) 7 ; 65¢ per month or 15¢ per week e Evening Star R 45c per month or 10c per week The Sunday Star Sc per copy Night Final Edition, Night Final and Sunday Star-..70¢ per month Pinal Star.. ______ Z__55¢ per month ollection made at the end of each month or euch week, Orders may be sent by mail or tele- ohone Natlonal 5000 Rate by Mail—Payable in Advance. Maryland and Virginia, and Sunday_. 1 ¥ : 1 mo, 85¢c only 1 i 1 mo., 60c 4.00; 1 mo. 40c SR.00% $5.003 Member of the Associated Press. usively entitled to h e al news published herein, ation of special dispatches New Tax Proposals. The Commissioners have done well to propose their own program of taxation for study in conmection with the tax bills already introduced and under con- sideration by the House District Com-= mittee. One of the redeeming features of the Commissioners’ program is sim- plicity of administration. Although the Commissioners’ proposals have not been placed in legislative form, it is apparent that they would eliminate some of the immediate confusion in administration that is invited, if not assured, by the tax bills which have been described in the series of Star articles brought to a conclusion today. Those who have followed this series of analytical articles may have been impressed by the tremendously compli= cated task in administration which they would suddenly place upon the District assessor, with no careful thought yet given to the necessity for adding exten- sively to the personnel and equipment of that office. Only a little more than two months remain before the beginning of the new fiscal year, in which the r@Penue measures should take effect to avoid the deficit now facing the District. To dump the ad stration of these measures on the assessor’s office, without careful and ex e reorganization in preparation for the load, would hamper the collec- tion of the new taxes and prove generally unsatisfactory. Enactment of the tax bills may have to be accompanied by some legislative provision authorizing the District to draw on the Treasury until it can raise its own revenue. As framed, the proposed income tax elone would, under the peculiar condi- tions prevailing in the District, create complicated administrative problems with which the assessor’s office, as at present organized, is not prepared to deal. But on top of this income tax— proposed at a time when the Federal Government is facing the prospect of digging deeper into the small income class to obtain its own revenues—is an involved corporation or “privilege” tax and an equally involved public utilities tax which, entirely aside from the ques- tion of revenue raising or the merits of such taxation, would place new and heavy burdens in assessment on the assessor'’s office. If these taxes are found necessary and equitable, time must be allowed and adequate provision made for the assessor to establish neces- sary administrative machinery. The appropriation bill, it is remembered, does not take note of any new burdens which the assessor may inherit through the tax bills. The Commissioners’ proposal for a one-cent increase in the gasoline tax will remove many of the objections which have been voiced in connection with the gas tax increase proposal. The Com- missioners’ proposal apparently permits some diversion, though it sets reasonable limits on the use of the gas tax revenue, The plans recently outlined by Col. Sultan, emphasizing the need for ex- tensive street alterations to accommo- date the city’s growing traffic, indicate the necessity for an increase in the revenues available for street and high- way work. But each increase must be confined to actual revenue needs. In- creases beyond needs authorized by Congress represent excessive taxation. The proposed sales levy on tobacco follows the practice in many of the States of hitting the luxuries to spare the necessities. As heavily as tobacco is already taxed, there are no indications that the traffic is bearing more than it can stand—either in the consumption of tobacco or profits in the industry. The same suggestion may be applied to liquor, hard liquor especially. Certainly the luxuries can stand the gaff in taxa- tion more readily than the already heavily taxed necessities. ——ae— The wheels of industry must continue to turn. Homely philosophy has often pointed out the danger of “monkeying with the buzz saw.” ——ee—s Bucketloads! Nobody knows who first invented the metaphor “rain by the bucketloads,” but there can be little question about the genius of the sponsor of a description so apt. Washington, drenched by forty hours of April downpour, came to work this morning persuaded that a liquid planet is anything but ideal. The rare soul who accomplished the trip from home to office without being soaked to the skin shared with his less fortunate brethren the conviction that Nature might be improved upon. Some of the victims of the ordeal, perhaps many of them, must have agreed with the senti- ment of Professor William Lyon Phelps of Yale, who one remarked: “If I were Tunning the world, I would have it rain only between two and five am. Any one who was out then ought to get wet.” But there is small efficiency in eom- plaining. The universe may be faulty, For purposes of argument, let it be con- ceded that it might be corrected in numerous ways., Yet it also is self-evi- dent that it is friendly enough to the human species to permit the race to survive and, on occasion, even to prosper. The minus factors of existence are less dynamic, less drastically powerful, than the plus. Otherwise “the animal that walks on its hind legs, speaks and cooks his food” would have perished ages ago. ©One question remains, however, name- 1y, why add to the troubles, the distresses, the discomforts, the ills and evils of mankind? It happens in the experience of every individual now and again that he has choice between different courses of conduct, different procedures, different goals. Those who select the more humane patterns of thought and action may be regarded as civilized. And if “the rain rains on the just and the unjust alike,” the former, somehow, are prepared to accept the inequity with better grace than the latter. They may be punished, but at least they have not “asked for it.” Instead, they may console themselves with the philosophy of tolerance which they have cultivated in the face of cir- cumstance. Even the storms of a tardy vernal equinox will not discourage them over-much, R Realignments in Europe. Whether or not the Anglo-French declaration guaranteeing the neutrality and independence of Belgium is the direct answer to the Italo-German deal over Austria, the action of the western democracies is well timed to counter the late move of the Fascist dictatorships. To a certain extent, current events tend to restore pre-war alignments. They find the entente cordiale between Great Britain and France again in working order, while the former triple alliance of Germany, Italy and Austria-Hungary, though not fashioned on quite the same lines, is more or less reborn. Were war to break out, the grouping of forces would in all probability be along lines thus indicated, unless Italy should once more see fit to sever the bond with her Central European partners. Such considerations concern the future. Of immediate significance is Belgium'’s achievement in liberating her= self from the Locarno pledge to fight for Britain or France should either be the victim of aggression. In recovering their freedom of action the Belgians simul- taneously obtain from their powerful neighbors the assurance of maximum aid should Belgium be attacked. In return King Leopold’s country undertakes to defend itself “against aggression or in- vasion and to prevent its territory from being used for attack against another state as a passage or base of operations by land or sea or in the air,” and “to organize the defense of Belgium in an efficient manner for this purpose.” To Britain in particular the assumption of such responsibility by the Belgians is of priceless value. It means that they ‘would not only impede German invaders, as they so gallantly did in 1914, but would notify Britain instantly if Belgian neu- trality were violated by German aircraft headed for London. From the general European standpoint, the paramount aspect of the Belgian arrangement is its prima facie evidence of restrengthened solidarity between Britain and France, the manifest result of London and Paris efforts to replace the Locarno pact. Hitler and Mussolini, their satellites and allles, can no longer be in doubt of the determination of Europe’s principal democracies to stand shoulder to shoulder against the threat offered by the Fascist states. Rival balances of power, as history teaches, contain the seeds of war, but there is much in the new-old align- ment of European forces now taking shape to justify confidence that it is peace-preserving in effect. If this proves to be the case, British rearmament will unquestionably turn out to have been an influential factor. Neither der Fuehrer nor Il Duce contemplates that colossal program with anything but awe generously seasoned with alarm. ———— Base ball has been remarkable not only for its promotion of clean sportsman- ship but for its literary influence. A cus- tom has established itself of discussing political triumphs or disappointments in the phraseology of the sports page; thefeby lending zest to economic studies which might easily become dull and per- functory. It must be conceded that this world has been made a little brighter and better by the poet who wrote “Casey at the Bat.” Like every poem that reaches the hearts of the people, there 15 a bit of moral philosophy behind it. —_————— One of the peculiarities about human nature is the ease with which men can be persuaded to risk their lives in war and the obstinacy with which they will resist a tax assessment. No Reason to Do It. Under their regulations drawn under the authority of the District liquor con- trol act the Commissioners barred bot- tled liquor sales establishments—holders of Class A licenses—within 400 feet of churches, schools, etc., an exception being granted to establishments located within such limits prior to enactment of the law. Now the proposal is advanced to make other exceptions in the case of churches located within the commercially zoned area, provided the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, exercising discretionary powers, chooses to grant the permit. The argument is made that the liquor estab- lishments are closed on Sundays, when the churches are open, and that the rule as now written constitutes a hard- ship on certain individuals who happen to own or lease property within the for- bidden area. But the more important principle in- volved is this: Once the process of making exceptions and breaking down the spirit of regulations begins, the diffi- culties—inherent in the liquor traffic— of strict regulation are immediately in- creased. One, exception will lead t0 THE EVENING STAR another, a special privilege granted to one individual will provoke demands for the extension of like privileges to others, There is no scarcity of liquor sales estab- lishments in Washington. The A. B. C. board has already, and wisely, set a limit. The trend should be toward reduction, not exceptions which permit increases now or later. The proposal should not be granted in the absence of any public necessity which demands it. Maryland race tracks may be made to yield money for relief purposes. None of it will come back to the citizens of the District of Columbia who have managed in one way or another to go broke. Racing is the sport of Kings, but it is too often the last pitiful hope of the man who has mismanaged fiduciary accounts and feels that he must recoup. ——————————— Antipathy toward photographers is growing. Eminent gentlemen who will don silken hoslery at the coronation, even though awe-stricken to the extent of being tremulous of limb, should not hesitate to be frank in letting the right leg know exactly what the left leg is doing. . o A rather disdainful attitude has been assumed by the justices toward the decorative scheme of their new official domicile. It has long been regarded as impossible to judge competence in a work room by the mural decorations and the office furniture. - ‘There would be much red tape involved in the construction of a broad and beau- tiful highway to Monticello as a tribute to the memory of Thomas Jefferson. Yet it would be a delight to tourists, who have become so vital a factor in eco- nomic affairs. e The salary of Chairman Hamilton was fixed at $25,000. Chairman Farley worked overtime in order to content himself with a cabinet officers’ pay of $15,000. Somewhere in this line-up of comparison there is doubtless a founda- tion for economy pride. ————— Advance descriptions of the coronation in London indicate that an American Ambassador will be required to exhibit his calves, without a chance in the world of being glorified in a Broadway beauty show at a smart salary. —————— So much prominence has been given to Thomas Jefferson that there are moments when it seems hard for Hon. Sol Bloom to persuade New York col- leagues to switch the conversation back to George Washington. oo Indiscriminate photography is some- times resented. There is a demand for the old-fashioned days when every citizen claimed a Hollywood star’s privi- lege of opportunity to smile and look pleasant. Shooting Stars. BY FHILANDER JOHNSON. Somehow. Somehow or other, in spite of storm, The world works around to the sunshine warm; The orchards bloom and the birds sing gay And the wild flowers welcome the call of May. ‘The wind blew chill and the sullen sky Frowned as it bade the snowflakes fly. Each Winter has burfed the flowers anew, But somehow or other they all break through. Somehow or other each dull distress Is sent on the road to Forgetfulness. While the pleasant thought and the generous thrill * Are headed for Recollectionville. Our feet may falter as on we go; The way may be long and hard and slow, But something compels us to hope and try, And, somehow or other, we all get by! Pensive Comment. “Some day you expect to go to Heaven,” said the earnest friend. “Of course,” answered Senator Sor- ghum. “You deserve to be serene and happy at last.” “Yet it will be hard to shake off the habit of a busy life. I'm not sure there won't be more interesting material for investigation in the other place.” Jud Tunkins says there’s never much to be expected from a politician who hollers so loud that you wonder whether he has mistook Congress for a camp meeting. Always Something. The cherry blooms soon fade away, There will be others soon, they say. And as one charm recedes from view, Another brings us joy anew. ‘This is why life, with frown or smile, Brings ever something well worth while, “It is not enough to have money in your purse,” said Hi Ho, the sage of Chinatown, “unless those about you are producing things that are worth your buying.” Business Baby. “Is lttle Willle sulking?” “Not exactly. He’s on strike. His par- ents regard him as a prodigy and he won’t say anything for fear it might be clever. You see his parents recently sold one of his bright sayings to a mag- azine for a dollar and neglected to divide up with him.” Teo Often Thus. A reckless man goes In monthly plan raiment— He puts on the clothes And puts off the payment. “When a man don’ know ezackly whut he’s talkin’ "bout,” said Uncle Eben, “is de time when he uses up de most time an’ patience in wyin' to sound expla- naciousy® [ WASHINGTO D. C. Spend Millions for Relief, Not Memorial To the Editor of The 8tar: How is it that an administration ad- vocating economy can assign millions for the erection, at this particular time, of a memorial to Thomas Jefferson? For at this time several thousands of fam- ilies in the District can get no aid be- cause their heads have been classified as “employables”—and they can get no employment! And how is it that the chief living beauty and attraction of the city, one which draws great throngs to Washing- ton every Spring—thus giving incalcu- lable delight and adding to the city's prosperity—must be done away with in order that the memorial be located in the place dedicated to the Japanese cherry trees? Again, how is it that this “memorial” to our great exponent of democracy is to be copied from a temple built to its gods by an empire which represented the very reverse of the principles of Thomas Jefferson? Why, when the United States leads in architectural creativeness, must we servilely copy a classical model which stands for nothing symbolic of that creativeness or prog- ress? Suppose we should dedicate the mil- lions now assigned to this copy of the Roman Empire’s temple to its gods, in- stead, to the relief of the distressed families of the “employables” who can find no employment? Suppose with those millions we should create employ- ment for these men? Would not that be a truer, a more fitting memorial to the great advocate of the people’s equal rights and opportunities? After these families are provided for, then let such a memorial be built to Thomas Jefferson as will destroy no natural beauty, as will not turn our lovely Basin into a math- ematical design and one which will truly typify the ideals of Jefferson and of the country which would do him honor. V. T. YEAMAN, Site Near Reflecting Pool For Jefferson Memorial To the Editor of The Star: If we mean to honor sincerely the memory of Jefferson, we must do to him what we feel to be eternally right and the best; that is, to place him to stand with Washington and Lincoln in one of the most beautiful parks in our land. There is one spot which, to my mind, seems waiting to be selected as the ideal place. It is the large green plot lying at the eastern end of the Reflecting Pool of the Lincoln Memorial, between the fountains and the roadway. Place his memorial there and the thoughts arising from reflections on his life and achievements in union with those from the great tasks of Washing- ton and Lincoln that fashioned the basis and foundations of our Republic will rise into harmony supreme. All will become clear to his mind who thinks there on the origin and preservation of those institutions under which we have learned to know and love the joy of living in Christian civilization and prog- ress, in God and the soul. Of the proposed Tidal Basin location, the sense of it is, to take Thomas Jef- ferson, one of the master spirits of the American Revolution and author of the Declaration of Independence, put him in a memorial on the brim, or in the waters of, a flushing basin, to remain alone and remote with the fish, water snakes and frogs, and with the never resting tides flowing in and out into the wharves channel. This is the daring proposal that is being pushed up to the intelligent, patri- otic people of the United States. Surely they will condemn it with all their innate powers of fairness, reason and conscience. PROF. VINCENT E. LYNCH. R Memorial to Jefferson More Important Than Trees To the Editor of The Star: It is pure vandalism of the spirit for Americans to consider the lovely flower- ing trees (which can be transplanted) as a pardonable obstruction to the plan of a superb memorial to Thomas Jeffer- son, in the spot best suited to its dignity and the expression of the Nation’s pride in one of the greatest men of all time, a forefather of its democracy, the con- structor of its document of freedom. The hero-worshiping Japanese them- selves must be shocked that any thought of the cherry trees should seem to super- cede consideration of the fitting place- ment of a noble reminder of the char- acter and achievements of one of our own greatest heroes. Once the monument is erected the cherry trees can be made to form a part of the landscape and beautify its en- virons, but above all things, the memo- rial to Jefferson is paramount. The generations to come must be impressed and made proud to be Americans, stirred by the visible grandeur of Jeffer- son’s memory, with the ideals for which he stood, honored by a magnificent structure. However, if “Greek temples” must memorialize our greatest Americans I vote that we stick strictly to the pure Greek lines of architecture. A Greek temple with an Esquimau hut topping it does seem ingloriously crowned. The weighty look above the pillars expresses gloom, kills the grace and ease which the tall columns otherwise give and take life out of the structure. A more vital design would better ex- press Thomas Jefferson. He is not dead. EDNA BISHOP DANIEL. o Opposes Repeal of Marriage Clause of Economy Act To the Editor of The Star: Kindly permit me to express my oppo- sition against repeal of the marriage clause of the economy act, now being so widely agitated. In my opinion it would be more wise to add teeth to the law. I think it would be more equi- table to separate some of the Govern- ment employes now on the pay rolls where husbands and wives are in the employ of either the Federal or District governments. The condition that is now so prevalent is deplorable. It de- prives lots of worthy unfortunates, who are anxiously striving to secure employ- ment. I know personally of any number of cases where husbands and wives are both employed under the Government at sal- aries ranging anywhere from 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 ard 8 thousand dollars per annum. Congress should not tolerate the prac- tices now existing. I trust during the present session it will pass legisla- tion separating some of the husbands an. wives’ cases now in the service. Also enact legislation prohibiting any future appointments either in the Federal or District governments where husbands and wives are at stake. Give the unemployed a chance, more especially the youngsters. HENRY F. ASH. Sure Preventive. Prom the Worcester Gazette. After observing negotiations for the next heavyweight championship bout, we have the formula for permanent world peace. Next time any nations propose to start a war, let the prize fight managers arrange it. ONDAY, APRIL 26, 1937 THIS AND THAT BY CHARLES E. TRACEWELL. Bluebirds fighting their reflections in bright window panes— Robins doing the same—— ‘Woodpeckers rolling out a love call at 5 am. on the wooden shingles of a suburhan home— These are some of the strange doings of the bird kingdom which are going on all around us these-days. These occurrences are news for the families concerned; homely news, all the more poignant because close at hand. It is no fun to be waked up every morn- ing at 5 o'clock by a member of the woodpecker family which has just begun his morning’s duties. ‘Will the shingles stand that repeated roll, morning after morning? That is the first thought. Not only is it a nuisance to be awakened by that infernal rap-rap-rap, that eternal tap- tap-tap, but the very house may be in danger, * ¥ x % Old Man Woodpecker is just singing. That is the way he sings, at this time of year. That rolling sound, on other things than trees, is his mating song. He is tapping out a neat message to his Lady Love, who probably is still asleep in yonder tree. : “Wake up, wake up, my love! Listen to me gently tapping here. Wake up, wake up, my love!” Once the family knows that he is not trying to make a hole in the roof, the members thereof may get a real “kick” out of trying to translate that staccato roll. * ok ok % Metal downspouts and gutters are a favorite sounding board for wood- peckers when indulging in this “sing- ing,” which usually is done very early in the morning. There is a difference between the roll or drumming created by the wood- pecker’s bill when trying to intrigue his mate and the sounds produced by tap- ping a hole in the trunk of a tree, The latter is life’s serious business; the former just his way of saying that Spring is at hand, all's well with the world. The family with a woodpecker on the roof need not worry much about dam- age. Enjoy the music! As soon as he attracts the attention of his mate suffi- ciently, he will cease using the house as a drum. . These pre-nesting songs by drum beat last only a few days, comparatively speaking. Woodpeckers, after all, are not musical birds, in the best sense. As drummers, however, they un- doubtedly excel. It is not strange, perhaps, that they have seen fit to utilize this ability in their mating song. Certainly the rolling produced by a woodpecker on a downspout is anything but harsh. It has a pleasant ring to it, to say nothing of real rhythm, for the woodpeckers, all of them, are “swing musicians.” How they swing that strong bill, backed by splendid neck muscles, back and forth! * X * ¥ Most interesting of the woodpeckers is the flicker. This splendid bird is a favorite every- where. It may be seen eating ants on the trunks of trees. While the flicker will use a properly constructed bird house, it prefers a dead WASHINGTO tree, or stump, if high enough. Often it utilizes the dead top of a tree, and for this reason has been called, in soi1e sectlons of the country, the Higk-Hole. Lombardy poplars, which have been killed in recent years by severe Winters, and have been cut off about 15 to 20 feet from the ground, make favorite nesting places. One of these busy birds was seen last Sunday, that famous all-of-a-suddenly warm Sunday, hammering himself out a nest in one of these tall stumps. He attacked the tree at a point where the wood seemed in excellent condition. Soon he had made considerable of a dent. Within half an hour he struck a rotten place, and inside the hour could disappear completely in the trunk. It was interesting to note how small the hole seemed, in comparison with the bird, which, as most people know, is rather large, being about 11 inches long. * X X % ‘When real birds build their own nests, the entrance is made even smaller than when men build nests for them. Most newcomers to garden lore think the holes in birdhouses far too small. It seems impossible that a bluebird, for instance, can enter a hole only one and one-quarter inches in diameter. The flicker makes his entrance way so small that one scarce can believe his eyes in watching him enter and bodily disappear, Strangely enough, chips of wood can- not be seen to fall out of the “house,” although the busy fellow repeatedly comes to the entrance, and pokes out his head. He seems to be looking around, merely, but our guess is that he is getting rid of those chips of wood he has hammered out and off. Maybe he chews them fine, and re- gurgitates them. Maybe that is what he is doing, poking his head out of that little doorway. * K ok X Birds which fight their reflections in windows received a great deal of pub- licity all over the country several years ago. Mostly these were robins. As far as we know, the report above of a bluebird, a genuine bluebird, in- dulging in such tactics, is the first for the species. The bluebird is a gentle creature, and not usually given to such assaults. There need be little fear that the bird will hurt itself. If the rapping on the window pane becomes a nuisance, it may be stopped by placing a few strips of paper or cloth out the window, hanging from the upper sash. Usually these operate to frighten away the bel- ligerent bird. There can be little doubt that most of these mimic battles are caused by the bird seeing its reflection. Soap or other white material, rubbed on the inside of panes, would cause the “other bird” to vanish. We are confronted here with the territorial theory of the ornitholo- gists. They say that bird songs, at this time of year, are not so much love songs, per se, as cries to stake out their claims. “Let no other bird come within my ter- ritory!” When a robin or bluebird hap- pens to see his image, he thinks that his Spring song has been in vain, that this is an intruder, and he must chase him away. OBSERVATIONS BY FREDERIC WILLIAM WILE. When President Roosevelt reaches New Orleans this week, he is assured of a cordial welcome in the former realm of Huey Long. Although Louisiana cherishes the Kingfish in fond memory, all traces of enmity between his organi- zation and the New Deal have vanished. Today all of Long’s one-time close polit- ical associates—men like Gov. Leche and Senators Overton and Ellender—are ar- dent Roosevelt supporters. In token of the love-feast that now prevails, in place of one of the flercest political feuds in American history, all three Long lieu- tenants above-mentioned are active boosters of F. D. R.'s judiciary scheme. ‘What might have happened in 1936 and after, had Huey lived—that's another story. * ok ok % Anti-trust action against the Aluminum Company of America is the belated after- math of proceedings against the big Mel- lon combine, that hark back to the Coolidge administration. The Federal Trade Commission had conducted an in- vestigation of the industry and submitted a report. The Department of Justice, then headed by Attorney General Sar= gent, found no cause for prosecution. The next phase was Senate action instigated by Senator Thomas J. Walsh, Democrat, of Montana and which sought to upset the Justice Department’s decision. The proposal did not prevail. Agitation for prosecution was renewed during the Hoover administration and a second De- partment of Justice survey of aluminum ensued. It was about completed when Mr. Hoover left office, but the impression had taken root that the department would again probably determine there was no cause for anti-monopoly pro- ceedings. This was the situation when the New Deal came in, whereupon At- torney General Cummings ordered a third and exhaustive aluminum inquiry, with the result that anti-trust action of the greatest magnitude since the smash- ing of the Standard Oil and radio com- bines is now in sight. The aluminum company’s troubles with the Government originated in the humble fleld of kitchen utensils. * % %k X Senate judiciary committee hearings on the Supreme Court program wound up in a blaze of dullness and apathy. Begun amid unparalleled political tensity and public excitement, they ended with senators themselves, as well as specta- tors and newspaper men, dignifying them with nothing but bored attention. Soon after proponents and opponents exhausted their rival arrays of headline witnesses a month ago, interest steadily waned. It was expected that Adminis- tration forces might finally attempt to pump fresh life into the proposition by playing a trump card to offset the op- position’s star performance in introduc- ing a letter from Chief Justice Hughes. But all concerned decided that the coun- try was drenched with weariness by the Niagara of words that had fallen from the lips of 100 witnesses and heckling committeemen, and so determined to call it a day. Strong doubt exists as to whether the exhaustive (and exhausting) hearings changed a single eongressional vote. Aok ok K In a 200-page “Supreme Court edition” of its quarterly publication, “Talks,” the Columbia Broadcasting System has just compiled the 40 addresses delivered over its network, pro and con, since the ju- diciary issue first began to burden the wave-lengths. They include the two broadcasts of President Roosevelt, At- torney General Cummings’ opening plea in defense of the bill and airings of the issue by Senators Wheeler, Burke, Rob- inson and Glass, Representative Raye burn, Judge Pecora, Professor Moley, State governors and otirer prominent ad- vocates and opponents of the judiciary scheme. The booklet supplies graphic and historical evidence of radio’s role in the fleld of public discussion. * % ok % No foreign propaganda since World ‘War days has measured up in persistence hornswoggle the United States into fa- thering an international conference on peace, economics or disarmament, or all three. President Roosevelt seizes every useful occasion to let it be known that he has no such plans in mind. The Ad- ministration welcomes any moves look- ing to real improvement in gravely dis- ordered world conditions. But the Pres dent and Secretary Hull have two firm inhibitions on the subject—(1) they don't believe the time has yet come for action by the international conference route, and (2) they resent the obvious cam- paign to crowd Uncle Sam into assum- ing responsibility for such a recourse. Belgian Premier Van Zeeland is destined to hear something to this effect when he reaches Washington in June, to take America’s conference pulse. * Kk ok Xk From a distinguished former member of the United States Senate this observer receives the following communication: “Congress itself is largely responsible for action of the Supreme Court in invalidat- ing acts which the court thinks repug- nant to the Constitution. Congress has been responsible for the reason that it took no steps to protect and defend the Constitution in granting Congress ex- clusive legislative power. It permitted the Dred Scott decision to pass without protest or rebuke. It repeatedly per- mitted the court to nullify acts of Con- gress since then. Over and over again it has put sections in legislative acts, de- claring that if any part of the act is invalidated by the courts, such & decision should not invalidate other parts. In other words, Congress through the years has invited the Supreme Court to de- clare invalid any act which it thought repugnant to the Constitution. That is why the public has been educated to be- lieve that the Constitution gave the court the right of nullifying acts of Congress and in effect of exercising a veto or legis- lative power. This grave general miscon- ception cannot be laid at the door of the Constitution itself.” * X ok X After wandering in the jungle of si- | lence for six months, the elephant is coming back to life. To what extent National Chairman John Hamilton's plans to broadcast a series of four talks next month foreshadow militant Re- publican activities remains to be seen. It looks as if Ogden L. Mills’ recent taunt of a lack of G. O. P. leadership may have spurred Hamilton into action. Popular disapproval of the Roosevelt Supreme Court program and growing Democratic internal strife may also have encouraged the minority high command to resume war paint. Shortly after the November election, Hamilton said it was up to the party’s spokesmen in Congress, few as they are, to formulate and execute Re- publican policy. * Kk ok x Federal bank deposit insurance is in- creasing in popularity. Total deposits of 13974 insured commercial banks as of December 31 last amounted to more than $49,000,000,000, an increase of $5,000,000,- 000,000, or 12 per cent, since the end of 1935. (Copyright, 1937.) ——ee—————— Also Otherwise. Prom the Christian Science Monitor. “Spending Habits of Nation Go Under New Deal Scrutiny,” a headline says. And vice ¢ ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS BY FREDERIC J. HASKIN. A recder can get the answer to any question of fact by writing The Evening Star Injbrgnation Bureau, Frederic .J. Haskin, Director, Washington, D, C. Please inclose stamp for reply. Q. Do race horses which unseat their riders ever finish the course riderless?— G. H. A. This frequently happens. In the recent Grand National, the great sweep- stakes race, twenty-seven riders were unseated and two riderless horses finished the course, taking the difficult jumps. One of them, Drim, came in second but did not figure in the winnings as a riderless horse is automatically dis- qualified. Q. Were William S. Hart's pictures successful from a box office standpoint? —E. W. A. In 1926 it was stated that Mr, Hart had appeared in twenty-seven pictures, bringing to producers and exhibitors a return estimated at nearly $10,000,000. Q. Is there any State which is now bone-dry?—G. H. A. Kansas, the last bone-dry State, now permits the legal sale of beer. Q. Does Arkansas have red rice or does ordinary rice sometimes turn red?— J.W.J. A. Kernels of unmilled rice are brown (white), red or purple in color. Brown kerneled varieties do not turn red. Red rice is often present in commercial fields in Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas. The most troublesome red rice variety in these States occurs as a mixture in the varieties grown. Q. What was the dipl tween the United State: I the hanging of six Italians in Orleans?—P. P. A. The chief of police in New Orleans was murdered and eleven persons of ITtalian origin charged with being con- cerned in the murder were killed by a mob of citizens, March 14, 1891. The Italian Minister was recalled Washington and the United States A ister at Rome returned to this count on leave. A controversy in New Orleans failed to bring any of those who par- ticipated in the mob to tria United States paid an the families of those who wer diplomatic relations were fully in April, 1892, New lled and restored Q. What is the name of the companyv in New Jersey that tests materials of various kinds?—C. H A. The United States Testing Co. at Hoboken, N. J. tests textiles and ana- lyzes paper, chemicals, coal, cosmetics and various other materials. The com- pany has a number of branches through- out the country, Q. What was the Battle of the Na- tions?—J. W. A. In the Napoleonic Wars it was the battle fought at Leipzig October 16-19, ch Napoleon was defeated Q. Please Carnegie, &’ and Influence People."—E. W. A. Dale Carnegie was born at ville, Mo., on November 24, 188¢ of James William and Amar He was edt College. Mary- matic Arts, University and Balti Finance, 1916-17. Cond effective speaking and a in New York, P! ia, Washir ' 912-1919, and since 1926. He lectured here and abroad on “With Allenby in Palestine i La F | res i bia” in 1919-1920 to the current Europe-inspired effort to | foos® s ATabia 1923 he was impresario for Thomas and Sir done extensive research on the career of Abraham Lincoln and is the author of a number of bool Mr. Carnegie's school in New York City is the Institute of Effective Speaking and Human Re- lations. Q. Where is the Mogollon Plateau?— E. J. A. It is the southern edge of the high plateau of Arizona, extending from East- ern Yavapai County to Apache County. Q. How large is Arlington National Cemetery?—R. M A. It contains 408 acres. Q. Does the kid for kid gloves come from France?—R. W. A. A fine type of skin comes from France. The animal, which is the young of the goat, is carefully reared to blemishes on the skin. It is sla when a few weeks old, while still milk fed. This accounts for the fineness and | delicacy of real kid Q. How long has cottonseed oil been made?—L. O A. As early as 1768, Dr. Otto of Beth- lehem, Pa., manufactured cottonseed oil. Q. What is a harness bull?—S. N. A. This a slang term for a police offi- cer, especially a uniformed officer, Q. Ts crow meat edible?—P. K. A. It can be eaten. Many who have eaten crow say that its flesh compares favorably with that of birds known as game species. The flesh is dark and firm, similar to the pigeon’s in texture. Q. Why did the new year begin on March 25 until 1752?—L. T A. Various dates were used in differ- ent countries, but America followed the English custom of using the date of most early Christian countries—about the be- ginning of the ecclesiastical year. The Gregorian calendar, establishing Jan- uary 1 as the beginning of the year, was adopted by England and her colonies in 1752. e No Grievance. From the Omaha World-Herald Probably no one would complain though, if hitch-hikers were to fold up their thumbs and engage in a sit-down strike. A Rhyme at Twilight By Gertrude Brooke Hamilton. Dandelions. In the meads and dells like Of pure gold they stand— Suns up-stringing through the Over all the land. Pliant stems that tiny fingers Of the little girls As the dew upon them lingers Peel into green curls. Under leafing trees they cluster, In the open lane— Tattletails, whose sunny luster R'nh Bpring again.

Other pages from this issue: