Evening Star Newspaper, November 29, 1937, Page 8

THE EVENING STAR With Sunday Morning Edition THEODORE W. NOYES, Editor WASHINGTON, D. C. ----November 29, 1937 The Evening Star Newspaper Company Main Office: 1lth St. and Pennsylvania Ave. New York Officr: 110 East 42nd St. Chicago Office: 435 North Michigan Ave. Delivered by Carrier—City and Suburban Regular Edition Evening and Sunday, t5¢ per mo. or 15¢ per week The Evening Star-. 45c per mo. or 10c per week The Sunday Star._____ -6 per copy Night Final Edition Night Pinal and Sunday Stflr Night Final Star 70c per month 65¢ per month Collection made at the end of each month or each week. Orders may be sent by mail or tele- phone National 5000. Rate by Mail--Payable in Advance Maryland and Virginia Dally and Sunday_. 1 yr.. $10.00; Daily only _ 1 yr. Sunday only 1 yr. $4.0C: 1 mo.. 40c All Other States and Canada Dally and Sunday- 1 yr. $12.00; 1 mo.. $1.00 Daily only __ 1 5r. $8.00; 1 mo. Yse Sunday only _. 1 yr. $5.00; 1 mo. Member of the Associated Press The Associated Press is exclusiveiy entitled to the use for republication of all news dispatches credited to it or not otherwise credited in this peper and also the local news published nerein. All' rights of publication of special dispatches herein also are reserved. Too Many Taxicabs. The fact that nearly 5,000 taxicabs are being operated daily on the streets of Washington is a striking commentary on the plight of a city that is not per- mitted to regulate its own affairs. For years, city officials, trade and civic or- ganizations and the majority of taxicab operators have urged that the number of taxicabs be reduced to a reasonable figure and that those allowed to operate be compelied to carry some form of liability insurance. But Congress, the only agency that can execute this badly needed reform, has seen fit to do noth- ing. It may be that indifference and a misconception of the facts is responsible for the failure of Congress to act. Per- haps those members of the House and Senate who seem content to keep hands- off the problem do not feel that 5,000 cabs is an unduly large number for a city as big as Washington. If that be the case, their attention should be called to the fact that the District has more taxicabs than the combined totals of Chicago, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, Richmond, San Francisco and Los Angeles. In those cities approximately 10,000,000 persons are served by about 4,750 taxicabs. In Washington, with an estimated popula- tion of 619,000, there are 4,818 taxicabs. Can more be needed to convince Con- gress that the proper District officials ghould be given the power necessary to effect & reduction? It is true, of course, that Washington needs more taxicabs than other cities of comparable size. The Capital is a mecca for visitors from all sections of the couatry and they should have ade- quate and cheap transportation to the various places of interest in the city. There is also the fact that Washington, because of its unusual physical layout, makes the transportation of workers to and from the downtown section difficult. But the Public Utilities Commission has not lost sight of these and other factors, and has recommended that it be author- ized to reduce the number of taxicabs to 2,500 by means that would not work any hardship on persons now driving cabs. This would still leave the city with about 1,000 more cabs than are operated in Chicago. That this proposal is fair and reason- able cannot be disputed. Nor can any one deny that the existing situation is in- tolerable. But mere recognition of these facts will accomplish nothing. Immediate action is urgently needed, and this action should take the form of a determined and concerted effort on the part of every one interested in the welfare of ‘Washington to secure enactment of the needed legislation when Congress meets next January—not at some vague future time. ——e— A good reporter does an immense emount of hard first-class work trying to keep & poor lawyer from making a ghabby exhibition. “Tokio Slightly Shaken.” KUSATSU, Japan, Nov. 27.—After & five-year silence, volcanic Mount Shirane, in Central Honshu, broke into rumbling eruption today, Tokio was slightly shaken, but there were heavier shocks in regions closer to - the volcano. Neither casualties nor damage were reported. —Associated Press Dispatch. This news from Japan is seismographic, not political. Yet the recorded event, in- cluding the hour of its occurrence and its effects, have a certain aspect not unlike diplomatic eruptions in Washington and London the same day. While volcanic Mount Shirane was bursting forth, both the United States and Great Britain were lodging identical protests in Japan affirming that they “could not look with equanimity” on her attempts to tamper with the Chinese maritime cus- toms. Secretary Hull directed Ambassador Grew to notify the Japanese that the American Government would be “very much concerned” if the conquerors of Shanghai interfere with a service that handles half of our annual commerce with China. The United States is fur- ther disturbed by the possibility that other coastal cities through which our exports pass may now be treated like the interior customs depots taken over in the Japanese conquest of Manchuria. Bince then, foreign traders have been able to enter the Manchurian market only with minor categories of goods which Japan herself cannot supply. The %“open door” has been shut. If Anglo-American protests regard- ing Shanghai are confined to formal representations by Sir Robert Craigie and Mr. Grew, it may safely be assumed that the effect will be precisely what happened when Mounl Shirane vomited THE EVENING STAR, WASHINGTON vacuously on Saturday. Tokio, no doubt, will be “slightly shaken” and “neither casualties nor damage” are likely. Mere diplomatic eruptions, familiar manifesta- tions there, cause no Japanese political earth to quake. There is even another analogy between the volcanic “rumbling” and the timing of the Hull-Eder remon- strance. It happens also to be five years since Anglo-American statesmanship last “erupted” in Japan, anent Man- churia, when, likewise, Tokio was only “slightly shaken.” Until Tokio is shaken more than “slightly” by some rebuke of what Vis- count Cecil has just called “international brigandage,” China’s subjugation to the Japanese yoke and complete obliteration of Western rights in the Far East are merely matters of the speed into which the aggressor’s juggernaut is thrown. Re- ports have keen published that the directors of American naval strategy are persuaded the dispatch of the United States Fleet to Hawaii, if matched by the sending of onrly four British capital ships to Singapore, would not be with- out moral influence in Tokio. It would be a gesture carrying probably less peril of warlike reprisals by Japan than eco- nomic sanctions. In any event, it would indicate that Western patience with Japanese pretensions might, after all, reach the breaking point. Another Roosevelt dared such tactics exactly thirty years ago this winter, with his- toric results. e Crisis on the Rails. Spearhead in a move by transporta- tion agencies generally to improve their finances, the railroads today began to offer argument before the Interstate Commerce Commission in behalf of their application to raise freight and pas- senger charges by approximately $508,- 000,000 annually. Intervening in this case, the inter- coastal ship lines, Government-operated barge lines and American Transit As- sociation, spokesman for electric rail- ways, ask increases proportionate to those sought by the rails, while cor- responding action is looked for from the American Trucking Associations, Inc,, representing the highway carriers, who also have entered an appearance. In a separate proceeding, the Pullman Company seeks a ten per cent increase in all charges. The railroads, asserting their plight is critical, bolster the plea with impres- sive figures. ' Prices of necessary supplies, it fis pointed out, have gone up forty per cent; taxes, twenty-five per cent, and wages, eighteen per cent. The other side of the picture pre- sented is a decline in freight and pas- senger rates to the point where the revenue for hauling a ton of freight one mile is less than one cent, and for carrying a passenger a mile, less than two cents. The same story, more or less, is told by other carriers. To meet this situation, the railroads ask a fifteen per cent horizontal increase in freight rates, with special charges on coal and a few other items designed to raise an aggregate of $460,000,000. An advance from two to two and one- half cents per mile for coach fares is proposed by Eastern lines, while those in the South and West intend to take advantage of the present two-cent maximum, previously having charged less. The additional passenger revenues are estimated at $48,000,000. The commission undoubtedly will ex- pedite the matter as much as possible, but at the best, three or four months will elapse before a decision is reached. Exhaustive hearings are in prospect, with all who have an interest afforded full opportunity to present their views, and the wide attention that the case is attracting is evidenced by the flood of communications that has descended on the commission since the rail appli- cation was filed three weeks ago. Much of this has been favorable to the car- riers, but with so much added cost at stake, vigorous opposition is inevitable. The I. C. C. adopted a sympathetic attitude toward the railroads when granting recent increases in heavy com- modity rates calculated to produce $47,- 500,000 annually, and can be counted on to weigh carefully all the elements enter- ing into this case. It is not far-fetched to say that the future of the industry easily may turn on the findings. —————. At Lebanon, Pa., Dr. William M. Guil- ford celebrated his 105th birthday yes- terday by smoking an extra cigar. The cigarette has been wholly relieved of an ancient suspicion and radio is deemed remiss in not being able to carry its perfumes along with its cogitations. Parole Administration. Recent developments in two kidnaping cases serve to focus attention again on the parole problem. In West Virginia three men are await- ing trial for the ruthless abduction and slaying of an aged clergyman. Finger- printed by G-men, it was found two of them were on parole and the third had been pardoned early this year after serving ten months of a five-year sen- tence for attempted rape. In New York, three desperadoes are Moreover, seventy-six per cent of those released on parole were recidivists— “repeaters,” in other words. Two-thirds of the parolees were rearrested for such major crimes as murder, rape, robbery and kidnaping. Mr. Hoover is particularly aroused be- cause all but one of his G-men who have been killed in recent years were victims of paroled outlaws. But he is not alone in his concern over the maladministration of parole in many of the States. The New York Prison As- sociation, after a Nation-wide survey, reported that “not more than six or seven States and the Federal Govern- ment have what can be termed suitable or scientific parole methods.” Parole, as a theory, is indorsed by all informed authorities. Mr. Hoover in- sists he has no fault to find with the principle involved—that of giving first offenders, those worthy of leniency, an- other chance to make good. The indis- criminate release of hardened criminals, who are past reforming, has become a real menace, however. Friends of the parole should take stern and positive action to eliminate these evils, if public confidence in the system is to be maintained. ——— e Youngsters appreciate Santa Claus. The old folks at home are sometimes inclined to adopt formula in his stead, but it requires genuine Mother Goose sentiment to revive the old spirit which finds treasures in the rag bag as well as in the jewel purse. It needs youth and the years that understand its thought to restore old Santa to mature comprehension. o Dexter Fellows, the circus advance agent, is dead. He is kindly remembered by many a youngster who recalls him as the man who never faltered when he faced the question, “How many?” It would be strange if Dexter Fellows was not loved by children, so many of whom have learned to hold him in deepest gratitude. ————ee The technical removal from office of Dr. H. H. G. 8chacht, Reich minister of economics, brings him expressions of gratitude from many sources. It was evidently regarded by Hitler as a pleas- ant privilege to extend good wishes and congratulations, to say “auf wiederschen” instead of “farewell forever.” ——oe—s One good thing about old friend Kris Kringle is that there has never been any real argument against him in any language that makes the slightest appeal to ears on our continent. ——oe—. Few people remember why Burleson was criticized as a Postmaster General. His passing recalls many fine traits of character which should not be easily forgotten. ——ee—s New books are offered for two or three dollars each, while old ones dealing with profound topics are circulated for five cents a copy. We are still price conscious. ———— As Christmas trade is considered, assurances are given that 1938 will be generous with credit facilities while taking care of debts as they arise. ————e—s. Greenbelt has shown enthusiasm in assuming responsibilities of the ballot and may yet set an example to sister communities. ————s A Greyhound lends his name to a "bus, which shows how rapidly it can course through a strike. R Shooting Stars. BY PHILANDER JOHNSON. Yearning for Power. In early ambition I envied position Which called on the world to obey. I longed for a station Which brought admiration Because of my wonderful sway. But now I am humble, No longer I grumble. The man who is promptly obeyed Is the cop at the crossing, With arms wildly tossing. I can't hold the job, I'm afraid. His Motto. “I noted that you invariably preserve a kindly manner, even when you have to disappoint a friend.” “I do,” answered Senator Sorghum. “In some lines of business you can ‘treat ‘em rough,’ but in politics my motto is ‘treat ’em smooth.’” Jud Tunkins says we're getting better and better every day. The great trouble is that we've got to hear the bad news about conditions we're tryin’ to im- prove. 5 Giving People What They Like, The old-fashioned monarchs are standing perplexed. On dictators people insist. A superdictator perhaps will be next Upon the political list. Other People’s Business. “Why don’t you mind your own busi- back in jail, under long kidnaping ness?” sentences, after a sensational break for freedom that netted them a brief period of liberty. One of the trio, with a twenty-year record of crime, has been freed by parole boards at least three times. His companions have records showing many arrests and convictions, but relatively few years behind bars. Only a few days before these two cases broke into the news, J. Edgar Hoover, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, had delivered a speech citing some significant figures with respect to the parole problem. He disclosed that the Public Enemy File, in which the F. B. I. keeps finger- prints of nearly 14,000 of the more dan- gerous criminals, shows that thirty per cent of these men—kidnapers, bank rob- bers, racketeers and other notorious hoodlums—have been recipients of clem- ency from ong to s many as ten times. “My business is minding other people’s business. I'm an efficiency expert.” “There are two kinds of conversation,” sald Hi Ho, the sage of Chinatown. “In one we seek to learn from each other and in the other we try to deceive each other.” The Perpetual Smile. If you tan always wear a smile No matter what goes wrong; If you can wear a jaunty smile And jolly folks along; If you can volubly contend That life hélds no misfit, ‘You'll soon become a Saint, oh, Friend— Or else a hypocrite. “De man dat talks & heap,” said Uncle Eben, “is liable to git so busy wif his conversation dat he ain’ got time to mind Js facts” D. C. Washington’s Heroic Pedestrians Admired ‘To the Editor of Thl Star: May a visitor to Washington express profound admiration for an outstanding and outdaring group, of its residents— its heroic pedestrians? With gay non- chalance, with intrepid gallantry, they stoutly refuse to be intimidated, even influenced, by the threat of rapid motor and the possible imperfection of drivers. Hour after hour, minute after minute, they boldly contend for the right of way, red light or green light, standing in the street outside the curb or, with an assurance and a Seeming indifference to bodily safety that is awesome, calmly, unhurriedly, traverse crossings in a manner which must make the angels hold their breaths. I walk down Sixteenth street in the morning, timid, hesitant, eyes on the signals, and marvel at Washington's walking hosts pursuing their blithe way as if automobiles didn’t exist or were invisible. Let the automobiles look out for themselves, let them weave in and out and pull up on rear wheels, it is their own fault if they get walked into and get damaged. Washington’s doughty pedestrians do not concede one inch. They believe they have the right of way at all times and act on that belief. It is appalling, but it is sublime. Fear not a concentration of power in the executive, fear not the subordination of the States to the National Govern- ment, fear not restriction of the press, fear not dictatorship—democracy in America is safe when the Capital's walk- ing population, representative of a cross section of all the people, retains, in infant and grandparent, the old in- dependent spirit and willingly, fore- thoughtedly, continually faces maiming or death in maintenance of its right to do as it pleases and go as it pleases so long as it injures no man in his person or his property through fault of its own.' Of course, if a car does happen to make contact with a pedestrian—but that is the car’s lookout. THOMAS J. MALONE, —————— Blames the “Recession” On Labor’s Tactics ‘To the Editor of The Star: The story on the front page of The Star of November 23, “Farmers Boycott U. A. W. Products,” from Lovettsville, Va,, expresses the sentiments of millions of people in the United States, and it may be like the Mecklenburg resolution before our Revolutionary War. There is a feeling throughout the country that the unreasonable demands of the labor unions upon all industry has created the present business “recession.” The raising of wages one week and the rise of the cost of products the next to meet the raise, and then a re-raise in wages and a re-raise in prices can result only in economic downfall. There is no end to such a vicious circle except ruin. Farmers cannot buy in such mar- kets, nor can they raise their prices to meet such costs. It is already cheaper for those union workers on high wages to import food from abroad than to buy locally. ‘The boycott which the president of the Lovettsville Farmers' Club suggests against union products is already silently in force by millions of people. People have a feeling that articles produced by sore-headed laborers are inferior—that sabotage is practiced, etc. Workers on higher wages and under better work- ing conditions than ever before in his- tory, are turning out the worst products. CORLEY McDARMENT, Defective Legislation On Realty Licensing To the Editor of The Star: The Star of November 21 carried an article on the subject of realty licensing that doubtless brought consternation to hundreds who knew nothing about the subject before, and who are disastrously affected by this cock-eyed monstrosity. Your November 20 paper carried one or more ads of positions offered, which if accepted by your readers, any one of them, will subject them to penalties of this law. Quoting from Sunday’s Star: “A reader suggested to The Star that a janitor paid in cash or living quarters or both, who showed people apartments and perhaps received rent payments for the owner or agent would require a license as a real estate salesman. “Officials pointed out, however, this section of the act: “‘Persons employed by a licensed real estate broker in a clerical capacity, as collectors, or in similar subordinate and administrative positions shall not be re- quired to obtain licenses.” “This apparently covers the case of the janitor who helps out the agent, but whether it also would exempt the resi- dent manager who devoted all his time to such transactions is a question passed up to corporation counsel.” It would appear that a schoolboy should be able to interpret this plainly stated law, to say nothing of the admin- istrator of the law. The exception quoted above from the law, is very plain. Is the employer the man who hires a man or the man who pays him? The yardmaster hires a spike driver; who is that man’s employer, the yardmaster or the railroad company which pays both? Is it hard to determine whose employe the janitor is? Does the licensed rent collector pay the janitor out of his earn- ings? 1If not, is the janitor an employe of the rent collector? Ask the apart- ment house owner who pays the janitor, and if he has a broker’s license? : This realty law was lobbied through the past Congress by the Washington Real Estate Board and the Better Busi- ness Bureau, and according to investiga- tions so far, it is the opinion of many that misstatement of facts and discred- itable representations were made in the effort to secure its passage. Now, they have the law; let them and all others live strictly up to it. Perhaps there are those who will gladly assist, if necessary, In seeing to it that it is lived up to. PETERSON. ‘New Deal Control of Crop Of Ginkgo Trees Suggested ‘To the Editor of The Star: After reading so much in the past few years about ‘“crop control,” I would suggest that the Powers that Be should set out to control the crop from the Ginkgo trees, those beautiful: trees that line our curbs and sidewalks in many sections of our city. These Ginkgo trees are most beautiful in the spring and the summer, but oh!—the fruit thereof! Just at this time of the year this fruit, that hangs on the tree like small plums, is beginning to fall, covering the sidewalks and street, making a disagree- able and offsensive deposit; but the worst of the matter is that as the pedestrians trample and crush the soft, ripe fruit it emits a stench to such a degree that many people hold their noses until they get past the droppings from the trees; so disgusting is thc smell that the neighborhood “kids” call the fruit “stink balls.” I would suggest that the A. A. A. try to correct and abate this disagreeable nuisance. They might study a way and means of sterilizing, so that these beau- tiful trees may blossom without fruiting. I have wondered if Mother Nature, in giving this Ginkgo fruit m& odor, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 193 —_— e THIS AND THAT BY CHARLES E. TRACEWELL. About this time every year Templeton Jones steps out for his annual walk. Jones is a great believer in walking for other people. Nothing is better for the health of body and mind, he says, than a nice, long walk. Especially, he says, brings brisk days. No time of the day is better than early morning, the earlier the better. Jones says that shortly before 7 am. is the best time to begin this self-pro- pelled journey into the familiar. * % k % At least once a year he manages to work up enough stamina to really try it himself. It is great for the circulation, he con- tends, as well as for the disposition. People who walk a great deal are likely to be sweet tempered—or are they? Temperament, alas, isn't as simple as that, else marching soldiers would be the best men alive. Templeton Jones is such a mild man- nered, calm fellow, that he needs no walking at all, as far as such qualities are concerned. Sweetness and light beam from his eyes. when autumn * x X % A little walk is good for the soul. Also for those famous liver and lights. Many people, realizing these benefits, determine to walk as often as they can. Doctors often prescribe walking, just as they do medicine. The drawback to the prescription of pedestrianism is the obvious fact that patients do not have to take it if they do not want to. It is easily seen, too, how often the other affairs of life interfere with this prescription. Something is always coming up. One means to get in the daily walk, but something more important arises which prevents it. The next day one does not feel in the mood. One’s precious mood, evidently, is a capricious thing, but never any better than in getting one out of that vaunted but really tiresome daily walk. The first thing one knows the walk- ing prescription, with the best will in the world, has gone by the board. The doc- tor’s medicine out of a bottle is easy, but this pedestrianism business takes too much leg work. * x ¥ x Jones was about to begin his annual walk. Down the road, the beautiful road he loved so much, but saw so little of, thanks to the constant threat of the whizzing automobiles. It used to be fun to walk down the road. Even seven years ago it was a pleas- ure. Then, day by day, traffic got worse. In time it became a danger to walk that road. Occasionally now it is possible to catch the road in one of its minor moods, stretching away in its pleasant curves, beneath its great trees, bordered by man- sions and homes. Occasionally one may walk its mile without meeting a single car, and it is & great day when that happens. * % % It was so that morning. ‘The thermometer on Jones’ porch reg- istered exactly 20 degrees. Always about 4 degrees lower, summer and winter, than in the city. Jones carefully took two steps to a second. He had on his pedometer, which he had purchased 20 years ago for his famous vacation in the Zoo. That summer he covered considerably more than 100 miles walking in the park dur- ing his two weeks’ vacation. A pedometer is an interesting instru- ment which measures the distance one walks, provided it is set correctly to cor- respond with the length of step one takes. Once set propzrly, it measures off the miles and divisions thereof accurately, also provided the walker takes the same length step. That is where a good, swinging walk comes in. Walking about two steps per second, at whatever is one’s natural stride, sends one over the ground at a pace which is called standard, and which, kept up for 2 mile or more, causes a slight perspira- tion, coursing blood and general elation of spirits. * x % % The road was still in semi-darkness when Templeton Jones set out. His fate, in past years, when he went on his walk, was that no sooner had he hit the road than some kind motorist picked him up. If he really wanted a lift, nobody of- fered it. He had stood in the cold and snow and sleet for hours, without ever an offer, but let him start on his walk down the road, somebody was sure to stop and offer him a lift. It was the same this morning. Just as he had hit his stride, and begun to feel the elation of the open road, then along came a fellow in & big, shiny car. He slowed down, in pity, Jones thought, for it was cold, and the frost was smok- ing from his nose like a chimney, he knew full well. The motorist wanted to do him a favor. Should he succumb. No, he should not. He was going to walk, and nothing should stop him. He pointed down the road, and shook his head. “That way; that way,” he gestured. The motorist grinned, and went his way. * X % ¥ Jones went on. The great trees sighed and snapped above him. The shoulder of the road, in lieu of sidewalk, did very well, since few cars were abroad that early. Jones was glad it still was possible for one to get ahead of them. He walked briskly, and at the end of his mile, to the rhythmic tock-tock-tock- tock of his pedometer, was warm through. Too warm, in fact. Jones’ constitution was that way. Too warm. Walking was all right, but it got hir too warm. Whew! WASHINGTON OBSERVATIONS BY FREDERIC WILLIAM WILE. If there was ever any doubt of Presi- dent Roosevelt’s 100 per cent recovery from his late bout with the dentist, he dispelled it at his first regular post- extraction press conference on Friday. His starboard jowl, described only a few days previous as rivaling the dimensions of a grapefruit, was back to normalcy and wreathed in the billion-dollar presi- dential smile, as F. D. R. quipped and quirked with 150 newshawks bursting with questions on almost all subjects under the New Deal sun. In every way Richard seemed himself again, and he started for the Southern fishing grounds Saturday night in old-time holiday trim. Mr. Roosevelt assured farewell callers at the executive offices that he expects to return to the White House next week as “good as new,” or even better, espe- cially as his recent enforced diet and inactivity enabled him to drop consider- able ballast in the shape of superfluous avoirdupois. Wall Street rumors a few days ago had the President in grave physical shape. Like mest stock market tales, they were sheer bunk. x* X X X There was gentle but unmistakable frony in the President’s semi-serious reply to questions about congressional demands for immediate tax revision. Indicating that such legislation is ex- clusively the dish of House and Senate, he intimated, with a merry twinkle in his eye, that the administration wouldn’t dream of rushing matters by sending “undigested legislation” to the Hill, to be passed by a “rubber stamp” Congress! While it is thus sought to convey the impression that the White House isn’t standing in the way of prompt relief from burdensome business taxes, it is, of course, everybody’s secret that the so-called leadership in both branches of Congress is generally responsive to wishes or pressure from the other end of Pennsylvania avenue, and moves or stagnates according to the wind blow- ing from that direction. On the other hand, Congress has the power, even though it frequently lacks the will, to override presidential preferences, if it thinks these run counter to the national good. Events should presenily show whether members possess the initiative plus the intestinal investiture to exercise their vaunted prerogative at this witch- ing hour. * X ok X Here’s the brand newest scheme for balancing the budget. It's suggested that every time somebody damns Roosevelt up hill and down dale, a fine of five dollars should be assessed. Estimates, doubtless of economic royalist origin, are that Mr. Morgenthau would climb out of the red in twenty-four hours, if the culprits could be rounded up and duly mulcted. * %k x Emil Ludwig, distinguished European biographer, has just revisited Washing- ton on his final X-ray of Mr. Roosevelt for the new “life” of the President, which Ludwig will now proceed to finish at his home in Switzerland. It is being written in German and translated into English for American publication next fall. This observer asked Dr. Ludwig what he's going to say about Roosevelt and a third term. “I never discussed it with the President,” was the reply, “but I shall venture a private opinion. It is to the effect that if the next World War, which I expect will break out any time during the next three years, is raging in 1940, the American people will demand that Mr. Roosevelt be re- nominated and re-elected as the one man capable of steering the United States through that perilous period, whether your country is in the war or not.” * x kX It's just been disclosed that for the did not intend tocall our attention to & benefit 'lf "jn.lnklnd that may be hid- den in its green . . first time a radio station has abandoned the position of political neutrality tradi- tonal in broadcasting. In the recent Boston - mayoralty campaign, resulting in the election of Maurice J. Tobin, Democrat, the Yankee and Colonial Networks are said to have given the 1full support of their news service broad- casts to a single ¢andidate, who emerged victorious. Question having arisen as to whether this constituted violation of section 315 of the 193¢ Communications Act, requiring equality of broadcasting opportunity for all political nominees, officials of the chains in question ex- plain that “the party to which a candi- date belongs is not a factor in our con- siderations. Each contestant for high office is investigated to the best of our ability and judged on his past record as to honesty, ability and courageous ad- herence to public duty. The decision as to whether or not to support a particular candidate is based entirely upon the facts, as we are able to ascertain them. In case two or more candidates seem equally worthy, we do not attempt to make any selection.” * x ok x Bus strikes in sixteen States draw at- tention to the fact that since September 1 all buses engaged in interstate traffic have had to obtain Interstate Commerce Commission license tags at ‘Washington and display them, in addition to local numbers. Some 160,000 I. C. C. emblems have already been distributed. About 40,000 are still to be given out. The tags are designed to facilitate identifi- cation. They cost twenty-five cents apiece. President Roosevelt was asked the other day whether he would utilize the opportunity of tomorrow’s message to Congress, recommending curtailment of road-building programs, to remind the country of the mounting menace to life on the Nation's highways. He said it is “an awfully important subject,” but could hardly be dealt with adequately on the present occasion. Last year there were 38,3800 highway fatalities of auto- mobile origin or cause, and roundly 1,000,000 injuries. Both figures represent peaks. * x ok X Mrs. Carroll Miller, a three-dimen- sional New Deal resident of Washing- ton—sister of Senator Guffey, wife of Interstate Commerce Commissioner Mil- ler and Democratic national committee- woman from the Keystone State—stole the show at a repeal meeting in Sym- phony Hall, Boston, five or six years ago, when she was supposed to play second fiddle on the speaking program. “Ladies and gentlemen,” she said, “I am a Pennsylvanian. Pennsylvania has presented the republic with two great sons—Albert Gallatin of Switzerland and Benjamin Franklin of Massachusetts.” That brought down the house, for it appeared there were countless citizens even of the Hub, who didn't realize that Franklin was not a native of Penn’s Woods, but was born at Boston. * x ko x One of Washington’s most incorrigible political wisecrackers, 'who calls himself 8 Carter Glass Democrat, says that if the White House doesn’t watch its step, 1t11 wake up some morning to dis- cover that Congress has quit being Charlie McCarthy and decided to be Bergen. Hats Off—a Gentleman Prom the Philadeiphia Bvening Bulletin, Local court rules picking flowers for & ‘woman golfer is part of a caddy’s job. If he didn’t, he'd be only a cad. Bid for Tax Mine From the Sioux Oity Tribune. 11 Duce is inviting foreign capital to enter Italy. And that 10 per cent cor- porate capital levy he made recently ex- plains why/” ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS BY FREDERIC J. HASKIN. A reader can get the answer to any Question of fact by writing The Evening Star Information Rureau, Frederic J. Haskin, Director, Washington, D, C. Please incloss stamp for reply, Q. How many inhabitants has Nan- king, China, normally?—W. M. A. About 1,000,000, Q. Is there a book which gives the late developments in all kinds of scientific work?—H. N. A. “The Advancing Front of Science” is & new book giving a layman’s picture of what is beinrg done at present in raany scientific fields. Q. Is Woodbine Willie, the fighting parson, still living?—E. B, G. A. Rev, G. A, Studdert-Kennedy, who was given this name, died in Liverpool, March 9, 1929. He was famous as a war chaplain during the World War, and it is estimated that he distributed 5,000 pack- ages of cigarettes in the trenches every week. Q. Why was Gen. Hugh 8. John- son’s scheduled talk on social diseases banned?—L. B. A. The talk was not given because ra- dio officials felt that the radio could not contribute to the campaign against so- cial diseases without seriously embar- rassing the family group. Q. For whom are the Baumes laws named?—E. H. A. The criminal statutes of that name are so called for Senator Caleb H. Baumes of New York State. The Baumes laws went into effect in New York on July 1, 1926, after a year's survey of the crime situation by the Joint Legislative Investigating Committee of which Sena- tor Baumes was chairman. Q. How much rubber is used in Amer- ican industry in a year?—C. S. A. About 1,250,000.000 pounds. Q. Will there be a Child Labor Day this winter?>—L. T. A. January 29, 30 and 31 are the daw when special attention will be directed to the task of arousing public opinion against the employment of child labor. Q. What is the subject for the present Gorgas Memorial contest?—P. R. A. The subject is “The Achievements of William Crawford Gorgas and Their Relation to Our Health.” All students in the third and fourth years of high school (eleventh and twelfth grades) are eligi- ble to compete in the contest. The con- test will close on January 21, 1938. Q. What newspaper in the United States carries the largest amount of grocery advertising?—W. J. A. The Chicago Daily News has the largest amount of grocery advertising. The Washington Star is second. Q. What is a superman?—E. W. A. Generally the term refers to an ideal man. The word plays an impor- tant part in the philosophy of Nietzsche who is responsible for its wide use. Q. Where did the tango originate?— H 'A. The dance originated with the African Negroes. E Q. In what year was Anna Case, the singer, married to Clarence Mackay?— E. J. "A. Miss Case was married in July, 1931, Q. What is the oldest tapestry?—W. R. A. The earliest specimens of tapestry which can be accurately dated were found in the year 1903 in the tomb of Thutmosis IV (1420-1411 B.C.) at Thebes. They are now in the Cairo Museum. There are three small examples, woven in colored linen threads. Q. What is bathstone?—W. J. A. Tt is a building stone used in Eng- land on account of its beauty and taken from quarries in the Lower Oolite, in Wiltshire and Somersetshire. Fine grained and of a rich cream color, it is composed of about 94z per cent of car- bonate of lime and 2!z per cent of car- bonate of magnesium. Q. What statesman referred to & pow litical opponent as a sophisticated rhetorician, inebriated with the exuber- ance of his own verbosity?—W, H. A. Disraeli, in a speech in London on July 27, 1878, referred to Gladstone in those words. Q. What are the “Pastoral Epistles?” —S. C. A. The title has been given to two New Testament epistles purported to have been written by St. Paul to Timothy and one to Titus. They bear especially upon church work and orders. Q. How long have cross-word puzzles been made?—E. M. W. A. Puzzles similar to the cross-word puzzles were known to the ancients. What is believed by some authorities to be the oldest cross-word puzzle was made by a Cretan about 2,000 years ago, a copy of which now lies in the archeo- logical museum at Johns Hopkins Uni- versity, Baltimore, Md. The puzzle is called the Phaestus disk, and was found on the Island of Crete by an expedition many years ago. The first genuine cross- word puzzle of the modern type was com- posed by Arthur Winn and appeared in a supplement of the Sunday New York World on December 21, 1913, Q. Who were the Petroleuse?—W. R. A. This was a name given to the wom- en of the French Commune of 1871, be- cause they burned public buildings by igniting petroleum. Q. Is Queen Elizabeth of England of royal birth?—C. W. A. She is not. She is of noble birth, the daughter of the Earl of Strathmore. Q. When was Tuskegee Institute founded?—M. V. A. It was begun in 1881, in an old church with 30 students, by Booker T. Washington, a Negro teacher from Hampton Institute. The same year the Alabama Legislature passed an act per- mitting the establishment of a normal school at Tuskegee and made an annual appropriation of $2,000, Q. How many school children were furnished with lunches by the W. P. A. last year?—E. J. A. Approximately ‘one million needy children were benefited by the Works Progress Administration school lunch projects. Lunches were served dally in 19,000 schools. A Tie Score Prom the Burlington Hawkeye Gazette. Last spring labor was striking, and this fall, according to some authorities, capi- tal 18 striking. The results are about the ¢