Evening Star Newspaper, January 5, 1942, Page 12

" A-10 * The Foening Ftav WASHINGTON, D. C. MONDAY. . --January 5, 1942 The Evening Star Newspaper Company. Main Office: 11th 8t. and Pennsylvania Ave. New York Off 10 East 420d 8t. Chicago Office: orth Michigan Ave. Delivered by Carrier—City and Suburban. Editlo Evening and Subday.3e pek mb. or 18 per week The Evening Star 5¢ per mo. or 10c per week 10c per copy ight P Sund: B inth NI T gfyouncey ¢ 80¢ ber month Rural Tube Delivery. The Evening and Sunday Si 85¢ per month The Evening Star____ 8¢ per month ‘The Sunday Star - Oc per oogy Collections made at the end of each month or each week. y be sent by mail or tele- . Ordes phone National 5000. Rate by Mail—Payable in Advance. ~only 8unday only Entered as secon: matter Dost office, Washi L D.C. * Member of the Associated Press. The Associated Press is exclusively entitled to the use for republication of all news dispatches credited to it or not otherwise credited in this paper and also the local news published heréin. Al rights of publication of special dispatches herein also are reserved. Frank Explanation Needed Hearings before the House subcom- mittee inquiring into the transfer of established agenciesfrom Washington to make room for new defense agen- cies have failed to elicit from those questioned any information as to any efforts, on the part of those order- ing the transfers, to determine the wisdom of the moves. On the other hand, convincing evidence has been offered as to the total absence of any such efforts. Twice the Budget Bureau, which seems to have transmitted but not to have initigted the orders for moving established agencies, has been forced to change its original plans. The Patent Office is going to Richmond, not to New York as first ordered. The ‘Wage and Hours Division of the De- partment of Labor is going to one of two other cities, not to Pittsburgh as originally ordered. Secretary Perkins knew nothing of the transfer of this agency until a few minutés before the orders were delivered to her de- partment. And investigation of the housing possibilities in Richmond is being made after, instead of before, the issuance of revised orders send- ing Patent Office workers to the Vir- ginia capital. No advocate of the transfers has yet come to light. Every one ques- tioned regrets the necessity, without seeming to know what constitutes the necessity for the transfers. Aside from appeals to the patriotism of the workers, no convineing reason for the sacrifice has been presented. The transfer decision bears all the ear- marks of having been arbitrary, reached without thorough investiga- tion of the attendant complications | and clothed with 'a mystery which does nothing to bolster confidence in its wisdom. The people called on to <= 4VENING STAR, WASHINGTON, D. C.; MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 1942. Z gretted. It is necessary, however, to face the fact that at this time there is very little chance that Congress will deal adequately with either of these issues and it would seem betfer, under existing conditions, to secure prompt passage of an imperfect bill rather than subject the country to the disastrous consequences that would follow a failure to enact any price legislation. Unfortunate Controversy It is most unfortunate that the automobile labor-management con- ference, meeting here with thé O. P. M. today, should have opened in an atmosphere of controversy and sus- picion. The C. 1. O. wing of organized labor contends that it has submitted a feasible plan for adapting available machinery in the automobile in- dustry to war production, together with plans for boosting the output of steel, aluminum, copper and other important materials, but that the O. P. M. has done nothing about any of these suggestions. Thus, in effect, the O. P. M. is accused of willfully re- fusing to boost defense production, and industry is charged by implica- tion with failure to do its part in the war effort. To this charge the O. P. M. has as yet made no reply. But the Auto- mobile Manufacturers Association has taken vigorous exception to the criticism. The first part of this answer consists of an assertion that the industry has done an excellent job under the circumstances and that it is prepared to continue doing so in the future. The second part is an attack on the C. I. O., whose leaders are accused of scheming to take over management of the auto- motive industry, despite the fact that they have led, tolerated or en- couraged hundreds of sit-down strikes, slowdowns and other forms of “production sabotage” which have hampered the industry in the past. In 'both cases, these charges and the accompanying implications prob- ably overshoot the mark, It is undoubtedly true that our produc- tion could have been greater, and it is probably true that labor, industry and Government all share in the responsibility for the failure to pro- .duce more. But this is water over the dam. The war which lies in the future cannot be won by indulging in recriminations over what might have been. The imperative need of the mo- ment is not to fight over the mis- takes of the past, but to make certain that they are not repeated in the future. To the extent'that this may require a fixing of respon- sibility, the responsibility should be fixed. With that done, all three members of the production team— labor, management and Government —should get down to the job in make the very real sacrifices involved in the move certainly deserve the explanation that thus far has been denied them. Price Control Under the spur of war and rising living costs, the Senate Committee on Banking and Currency has unani- mously approved a price control bill which, while still deficient in several respects, is a better measure than that passed by the House. The com- mittee’s bill, under a tentative agree- ment, is scheduled to be brought be- fore the Senate Wednesday, and there is every reason why it should Teceive this prompt consideration. On the first of December, as point- ed out in the committee report, the Bureau of Labor Statistics index of twenty-eight basic commodities al- ready had increased approximately 57 per cent over the August, 1939, level. Wholesale prices generally had risen about 23 per cent and the cost of living 12 per cent. “Even more alarming than the total advance,” the committee stated, “was the accel- erated rate of increase.” And that, it may be noted, was before the war engulfed this country. If the cost of living is to be maintained, now that hostilities have begun, it is-essential that a price control bill be passed, and that with all possible dispatch. The Senate committee, following the advice of most of the witnesses to appear before it, decided to vest price control authority in a single administrator and strengthened his hand by authorizing him to enforce price decrees through a licensing system, which had been rejected in the House. If price control is to be effective in wartime, it would seem to be essential that the administrator have this authority. In other impor- tant and constructive changes, the Senate group eliminated the board of administrative review which was es- tablished in the House bill, provid- ing instead for a limited form of Judicial review, and removed House restrictions on the administrator’s authority to buy or sell commodities as a means of carrying out the pur- pose of the act. ‘The disappointing feature of the committee bill is its failure to deal forthrightly with the question of farm prices and wages. In the first respect, it is probably a little better than the House measure but it still permits farm prices to rise to 110 per cent of parity, and the wage issue, vitally important from a cost standpoint, is neatly sidestepped through a meaningless declaration that it shall be the policy of Govern- ment agencies dealing with wages “to work toward a stabilization of prices and the cost of production.” Thus, the committee seems to ac- knowledge that prices cannot be held down if wages are permitted to go up, but this phase of the problem, despite its importance, is left to the vagaries of chance. | o ‘This avoldance of two basic aspects ©f price control is greatly to be re- o hand without further bickering. Eyes on Singapore The fall of Manila and the retire- ment of General MacArthur’s un- broken but vastly outnumbered American-Filipino army to its last- ditch defenses on the Batan Peninsula and the island fortress of Corregidor emphasize the still more vital campaign being fought down the Malay Peninsula which guards Singapore. Henceforth, Gen- eral MacArthur’s job will be to fight a delaying action, keeping as many Japanese troops and as much mech- anized equipment as possible from being shipped from Luzon to Malaya. London and Washington agree that Singapore must be held at all costs. If this key air and naval base should fall into Japanese hands, not only would the nearby Dutch Indies be threatened but Japanese warships and submarines could enter the In- dian Ocean, imperilling British sup- ply lines between Suez, India and Australia. Furthermore, the Japa- nese would have acquired vast natural resources of rubber, tin and tropical products which would give them the sinews of war for an in- definite period. The Far East might have tobe reconquered, bit by bit, by American and British armies and fleets from distant Australian and Indian bases. Fortunately, Singapore itself is not immediately in jeopardy. Its coastal defenses are so strong that a direct attack from the sea is almost un- thinkable. Before Singapore can be seriously menaced, it must be ap- proached by land over the Malay Peninsula, combined with enveloping tactics by a Japanese conquest of the island of Borneo to the eastward and the Dutch island of Sumatra on the western side. The Japanese are already well ensconced on Borneo and have made tentative landings on Sumatra. But the main thrust must come down through Malaya. Hence it is well to visualize the sort of country through which the Jap- anese must fight théir way. British Malaya is an almond- shaped peninsula, about 400 miles long and with an average width of 100 miles, narrowing toward its southern tip, at which lies Singapore. Down the middle of the peninsula runs a backbone of mountains, sometimes rising to a height of 7,000 feet. The mountainoys interior is wild country, the méuntains draped with heavy forests rising out of even heavier jungle. Except for one or two valleys, it is sparsely inhabited by primitive aborigines, together with an abundant population of tigers, crocodiles, venemous serpents and annoying insects. This means that large-scale military operations can be conducted only along the coasts. These vary widely in character. The east coast, facing the China Sea and looking toward Borneo, is in- hospitable and thinly settled. Japa- nese light forces hive made their B ; way as far south as Kuantan, the only important town on this side. That is over half way to Singapore, but between lie 200 miles of impenetrable jungle. The real threat is along the west coast, looking to- ward Sumatra across the Straits of Malacca. This, for the most part, is well-developed country, belted with rubber plantations and studded with tin mines. Here the Japanese have not progressed so far, being still some 250 miles from Singapore. But they have already captured the main port, Penang, and have overrun the richest rubber and tin districts. Furthermore, the British have been unable to stop them, latest advices reporting thatethe natural barrier of the Perak River has been forced. And the Japanese drive into Malaya is only a trifle more than three weeks old. Heavy British reinforcements are said to have arrived, with more on the way. It is high time, if the Japanese are not to approach Singa- pore. There, of course, they would run into a formidable belt of forti- fications which might render the siege long and costly. Yet the stakes are so0 great that nothing should be left to chance. Every day is vital if the threat to Singapore is to be stayed. ———— Otis Skinner Even when the attention of the American people is concentrated upon the problems of war, a mo- ment must be spared to express appreciation for the life and services of the finest professional actor of his time. Otis Skinner, dying at eighty-three, had earned the dis- tinction freely accorded him. Dur- ing more than sixty years of labor in the theater he gave to the public the high example of a player who was qualified in terms of character and personality to essay the very noblest parts. No role that he at- tempted demanded of him any spiritual exertion to which he could not rise. Rather, it happened very commonly that he endowed the written patterns of his work with a power drawn from his own devoted soul. Mr. Skinner was born at Cam- bridge, Massachusetts, June 28, 1858. He was a Universalist clergyman’s son, and it is pleasant to think that it was from his father that he first learned to value the artistry of English speech. His mother, it seems, was doubtful of his success in ‘a thespian career because he “could not talk straight.” But the correction he required for such a fault came to him promptly enough when in 1876, at eighteen, he joined the Museum Company in Phila- delphia. His diary showed that he studied no less than 120 differ- ent impersonations in his first twelve months on the boards. It was thus that he gained the training he needed to associate on equal terms with Edwin Booth, Lawrence. Bar- rett, John Drew, Helen Modjeska, Ada Rehan, Minnie Maddern Fiske, Maude Adams and’ Henrietta Cros- man. He was the master of sixteen leading roles out of Shakespeare’s blessed book, but he also could make something memorable from such an opportunity as that of “Uncle Tom” in the popular classic of Harriet Beecher Stowe. His “Shylock” was famous and his “Mister Antonio” a joy to see, but probably it was for his magnificent representation of Haji the beggar in “Kismet” that he was most deservedly celebrated. Nothing more gratifying ever was done behind footlights in the United States. It lives today in the recol- lection of a multitude of play-going oldsters as they observe efforts of younger and less competent “stars.” Yet there was nothing patronizing about Mr. Skinner. Up to the last he still maintained his faith in the theater as a great cultural institu- tion to which all classes of people should be made welcome. His writ- ings reflected the generosity of his mind and heart. The rich perfection of his diction and style survives in the genius of his daughter, Cornelia, a distinguished artist in her own right and the special joy of his last seasons. P ——— Never Underestimate Underestimating opposing power 1s a dangerous thing to do nowadays, both for nations and individuals. Especially is this true when conflict is avoidable, as it still is in individual cases, although no longer a matter of choice for nations. An auto salesman of Clarksburg, West Virginia, made the fatal error of underestimation in tackling a chief boatswain’s mate in our Navy. ‘The salesman, heavily armed- with overwhelming sales arguments, per- suasions and other high-power equipment, at first sight seémed to have a huge advantage. How could & mere chief boatswain’s mate, trained only in old-fashioned naval tactics, resist a supersalesman? Confidently he opened the assault, only to fail and go instantly on the defensive. The salesman had overlooked the fact that now, at last, the Navy man had far more powerful weapons than those of a representative of a non- essential industry. The boatswain counterattacked the salesman and knocked out one argument after an- other; and because his opponent was at heart patriotic and sensible, in the end he confessed that he was glad to lose—and proved his surrender by resigning from his job and enlisting in the Navy. SE—————— Capital should be very, very happy these days. In addition to the priv- ilege of paying the biggest taxes, the Supreme Court has ruled that a com- pany may “express its view on labor policies or problems without neces- sarily being guilty of coercing its employes. Removal of Bureaus Needs Congress O. K. Writer Says President’s Power May Be Limited to Transfer Of National Legislature Itself By C. A. Quattlebaum. Although Congress specifically has authorized President Roosevelt to remove any public office from the seat of Gov- ernment in time of epidemic of con- tagious disease, nevertheless in case of other emergencies endangering life (such as war), the only agency which he spe- cifically is authorized to remove is Con- gress itselfl (United States Code, 237 and 48) This and other interesting facts have been revealed by legal research relative to the current controversy over transfer of certain Federal agenci¢s from Wash- ington to other localities. ' The Chief Justice, or senior associate Justice, of the Supreme Court may ad- journ the next session of the court to some other convenient place, whenever a contagious or epidemic sickness makes it hazardous to hold the session at the seat of Government. (United States Code, 42.113) A careful search of Federal law has disclosed no provision other than these authorizing removal of any Federal agency from the seat of Government. Congress specifically has directed that each of the executive departments (other than the Department of Labor) and a number of other agencies be lo- cated at the seat of Government. Some of these agencies are: Civil Aeronautics Authority (Act of June 23, 1938), Civil Service Commission (Act of January 16, 1883), Farm Credit Administration (Act of June 15, 1929), Pederal Crop Insurance Corp. (Act of February 16, 1938), Federal Reserve System, Board of Governors (Act of June 16, 1933), Federal Powep Commission (Act of June 23, 1930), Inter- state Commerce Commission (Act of February 4, 1887), Natignal Labor Rela- tions Board (Act of July 5, 1935) and the United States Housing Authority (Act of Beptember 1, 1937). In some cases agencies legally may have branch offices elsewhere while maintaining their principal offices in thé District of Co- lumbia. One of these bureaus, namely, the Interstate Commerce Commission, was mentioned in a letter from the Mer- chants’ Association of New York to President Roosevelt made public May 18, 1941. The letter said, in part: “We recommend that consideration be given to the transfer to New York of such agencies as the Maritime Commission and the Interstate Commerce Commis- sion. Such a transfer would enable those agencies to turn over their existing ‘Washington facilities to the emergency defense activities in that city.” An article headlined “Decentralization of Pederal Agencies” in the New York Journal of Cofnmerce on December 11, 1941, stated: “The Interstate Commerce Commission, the Securities and Ex- change Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, the Federal Reserve Board and many others (of the peacetime agencies) can function just as well, if not better, from New York or Chicago as from Washington.” Since the Department of Agriculture is required by act of Congress to be maintained at the seat of Government (United States Code, 5.511), the execu- tion of certain proposals which have been made for removing that department to Chicago apparently would require an act of Congress. The Congressional Record for May 9, 1941, contains an extension of remarks of Representative Anton F. Maciejewski of Illinois, in- cluding the following interesting state- ment: “Mr. Speaker, the idea of de- centralizing Washington is spreading rapidly. I mention this for the reason that during the past several days edi- torials have appeared in the Chicago Daily Newsgadvocating removal of the Department of Agriculture to the city of Chicago. “We all know that in recent months ‘Washington has been transformed by the defense program into one of the country’s congested cities. By moving out of the city into an area of the country where its principal business is transacted the Department of Agricul- ture, the Government would acquire immense office buildings and could at the same time partly offset the general over-crowded condition that prevails in the Capital City today.” Congress has provided that the Dis- trict of Columbia shall be the perma- nent seat of Government of the United Btates (United States Code, 4.6) and that “all offices attached to the seat of Government shall be exercised in the District of Columbia, and not elsewhere, except as otherwise expressly provided by law.” (United States Code, 4.7.) It therefore would seem clear that departments and other agencies which Congress specifically has directed shall be located at the seat of Government cannot legally be removed from the District.of Columbis without an act of Congress to that effect. However, there may be some question as to whether or not any certain buresu or division in such departments (such as the Patent Office in the Department of Commerce) could be removed without specific con- gressional Ruthority, while leaving the office of the Secretary in Washington. On the other hand, there appears to be considerable doubt as to whether or not congressional authority would be needed in the case of the Department of Labor, or other agencies for which Congress has made no specific provision as to their location. It might be in- ferred: (a) That congressional authority 1is needed, because of the fact that Con- gress specifically has declared that the District of Columbia shall be the seat of Government and that all offices at- tached to the seat of Government must be exercised in the District of Columbis “and not elsewhere, except as otherwise expressly provided by law”; or (b) that On “Good News” About War. Tp the Editor of The Star: Isn’t it s tactical mistake for “The crow is a beautiful bird, up- standing in every way, as smart as you please, and not at all the rascal he has been pictured. “Recently in driving through the grounds of the National Zoo I noticed a flock of crows near the duck ponds. They made quite & picture on the grass. I do not understand how some people can praise chickadees and yet at the same time have only harsh words for the crows. What do they want nature to do, just please them and meet their sometimes silly ideas? “A crow, looked at honestly, is a splen- did bird, glistening and capable, and a magnificent fiyer. I would advise all persons who live in the country, farmers or just dwellers, to cater to the crows. It is & useful deed, and an amusing recreation. “Respectfully yours, F. de 8. L* s % Any one who watches birds with an open mind can agree with our corre- spondent in his praise of crows. These are, indeed, wonderful birds, and as he points out, one has to go no farther than the Zoo to see them. Sometimes a few fly over suburban areas, when their soft caws come floating down. Some observers would smile at the idea of these crows being beautiful, but actually they are; many smaller birds with reputations as singers have far less musical cries. A hearer scarcely would call the crow’s call & song, but certainly it is a pleasing declamation of some sort, a melody on one note, with variations. We always have thought of the famous “Air on the G string” when we heard a crow. The tone somewhat resembles a mellow cello. Yet there are tinges of the bas- soon here, t00. The combination is almost unbelievable, musically speaking, yet easily credible when the black musi- cian is floating around up there. L Crows are seldom seen at bird-feeding stations of the usual sort, mainly because these are mostly close to dwelling places, and crows, through long association with man, are not too ready to come too close. They are wise old birds, certainly. Man, as currently demonstrating him- THIS AND THAT | “As the crow flies” is no haphazard saying. It means something, and speaks volumes for the power and poetry of motion which the big bird employs. Surely the caw of the crow is a pleas- ant sound at any time of year. Most persons who have taken up the habit of observing birds as a recreation and hobby will find that listening to crow music has its good points, one of them being that it is never overdone. ‘Who that likes music has not shrunk, now and then, from the tune endlessly played, or the banal attempts to be different in the rendition of an old mel- ody? Often the ornamentation of a song is hopelessly inartistic. The listener won- ders how a young man who can play as well as the performer—whatevgr his name may be—at the same time does not possess enough real musical under- standing to realize that what he is doing is just boresome. LR The crow is a real musician, in his way. Somehow his simple melody seems to fit into the immensity of the sky just s little better than the young man’s efforts do into the ballroom. The crow is pleasing himself. He is not perspiringly trying to get a “hanMt.” Maybe that is why the crow is a real musician. Like a few human singers, he simply stands up and sings. He does not try to “wow” his audience on a final high note on which he nearly splits, ‘The crow sings because he likes to sing, and because he is enjoying him- self up there in the frosty air. The listener below, in bed or barn, can revel with the black musician and get satisfaction from his listening. He and the crow are one in musical satisfaction. This is more real faction than a symphony can give you, sometimes. We like what Gilbert Chase of the Library of Congress has said in his fine new book, “The Music of Spain”: “To be offered a fandango for a fugue, or a seguidilla for a symphony, is an affront only to a pedant.” ‘We are sure that crows wouldn't know & pedant if they. saw one. Let us hope we can all be as wise as crows and Mr. Chase. Letters to the Editor Discusses Dr. McCartney’s Letter Pretesting Against War Posters. Te the Rditer of The Star: A letter addressed to the President of the United States by the Rev. Dr. Al- bert J. McCartney, minister of the Covenant-Pirst Presbyterian Church, as published in The Star of December 26 last, has attracted much attention. We all could fully agree with Dr. Me- Cartney in principle, had he merely stated his objections to the new war posters depicting some “ape-like figures” of the enemy abroad and asking the proper authorities in Washington that they be withdrawn from public gase. 1 should consider such a demand justi- fiable and reasonsble, inasmuch as I feel (though I have not seen the named |, posters) that it is below the dignity of the American Government to engage in any such petty rabble-rousing tactics at a critical time like the present. To awaken the American populace to & r realisation of the perilous plight we are in (which ostensibly is the sole purpose thereof) other methods should be evolved. We easily can surmise that Dr. Mc- Cartney does not like the war at all. ‘None of us likes it. It was thrust upon us. We were caught unawares, fairly swept off our feet. Against our will we find ourselves in the midst of the fray. And fight we must with all our might and main. There is no way out. No time for speculation, for theorizing or soft-pedaling. The enemy is upon us with all the ruthlessness, savagery and demoniac artifice he can devise. So we must strive with all the means at our command to ward off this cruel on- slaught. A distinguished Christian divine like Dr. McCartney should be fully aware of ° the part of religion in war and the dty that is ours at this time, if we are to there is no peace for the wicked. You cannot make peace with a ferocious beast ready to devour you. It is either his life of yours. 1 do not believe Dr. McCartney “speaks the sentiments of thousands” by assert- “calling er ugly [ i i gg i # 5% -4 H g devices the whole world today is shrunk into one compact neighborhood and that no frontiers nor oceans can count a8 barriers between the existing nations; and that none of them may claim self- sufficiency and safety. The so-named “isolationists” guve Be ) Letters to the Editor must bear the name and address of the writer, although the use of a pseudonym for publication is issible. The Star reserves he right to edit all letters with a view to condensation. heed to the President’s timely warning early in 1937. They hearkened not to his voice when prophet-like he saw the ominous dark clouds upon the horizon. Now it is too late to apply the brakes on the war chariot which is bound to run its course in the swiftest and rough- est way that American arms can afford. ‘What remains for me to say for myself is that I have always been and am today an avowed pacifist. But I do believe in the principles laid down by the Tal- mudists: “If one rises up to kill thee, be thou first to kill him” (Sanhedrin 72a). It will be a happy day for the world when it is rid of Hitler. And it will be & most happy New Year, this 1942, wherein, ‘we hope and pray, wickedness shall per- ish and the cause of righteousness shall triumph, with universal and permanent peace for all the children of men. RABBI J. T. LOEB. Deplores “Heaping Calumny” On Petain Gevernment of France. To the Bditor of The Star: the seisure of the islands of 8t. Pierre and Miquelon by the De Gaullist forces, is it not significant that this act was preceded by unconfirmed rumors emanating from London that Petain was about to resign in favor of the pro-Axis Darlan? If the islanders were persuaded that France was about to enter into collab- oration with the Axis, naturally their welcome of De Gualle’s forces would be spontaneous. It seems France once again has been Haskin’s Answers To Questions By Frederic J. Haskin. Ageader can get the answer to any Qquestion of fact by writing The Eve- ning Star Information Bureau, Fred- eric J. Haskin, director, Washington, D. C. Please inclose stamp for reply. Q. What is the statement of President Roosevelt in the Bibles given to the sol- diers?—C. 8. L. A. It is as follows: “As Commander-in- Chief I take pleasure in commending the reading of the Bible to all who serve in the armed forces of the United States. Throughout the centuries men of many faiths and diverse origins have found in the Sacred Book words of wisdom, coun- sel and inspiration. It is & fountain of strength and now, as always, an aid in attaining the highest aspirations of the human soul.” Q. In what year did the Iron Men of Brown University play football?—S. G. D. A. The Brown Iron Men played in the fall of 1926. Eleven men went through an undefeated season and for most of their games, there were no substitutions, Q. What percentage of leather used in the United States is made into shoes? —H. H. M. A. Approximately 80 per cent goes into footwear. Q. Have the Chinese always worn queues?—R. 8. A. A. The queue (pigtail) together with the shaving of a part of the head was forced on the male Chinese throughout the Manchu dynasty (1650-1912) as & badge of servitude and submission to the Manchus. Since 1912, the queue gradually has been disappearing. Q. How large is the Christmas tree that was on display at Rockefeller Plaza during the holidays?>—E. T. H. A. The tree was 80 feet high and had & mile of wiring in its boughs. It re- quired as much electricity to light it for a single night as the average home uses in 215 years. Q. What was the gist of the Treaty of Washington and the Rush-Bagot Treaty?—B. H. W. A. The Treaty of Washington (1922) related to the limitation of naval arma- ments of the five powers: United States, Great Britain, France, Japan and Italy. The Rush-Bagot Treaty (1818) brought about the disarmament of the line be- tween the United States and Canada. HANDY LETTER WRITER— Correct forms for invitations, ac- ceptances, regrets, congratula- tions, and all kinds of business and other correspondence, from engagement announcements to death condolences, are to be found in this practical 48-page booklet. Also includes a special section on formal communica- tions with Government officials and dignitaries. More than 80 sample letters on how to say it in writing. To secure your copy of this publication inclose 10 cents in coin, wrapped in this clipping, and mail to The Star Q. Who was the Greek hero who was 80 strong he could carry a bull>—F. H. R. A. Milo, a Greek military and athletic leader, carried a bull which he had regularly lifted as a calf. Q. What is the oldest grapevine in the United States?—E. R. C. A. What is believed to be the oldest in the country was brought from Spain by mission priests in 1771 and planted in San Gabriel, California. The vine produces a ton of grapes annually and spreads over more than one acre. Q. Please give the origin of the Navy song “Anchor’s Aweigh.”—J. T. R. A. The inspiration of “Anchor's Aweigh” is the poem by this title writ- ten by Midshipman A. H. Miles, class of 1907, then leader of the Naval Acad- emy choir. Lieutenant C. A. Zimmerman, bandmaster, then Naval Academy organ- ist, with the collaboration of Midship- man Miles, set the words to music to be sung by the midshipmen at the Decem- ber, 1908, football game. o Q. What became of Buddy, the first Seeing Eye dog brought to this coun- try?—E. L. T. A. The famous dog died in May, 1938, after 10 years of service to her master, Morris Frank. She is commemorated by s memorial fund at the Seeing Eye. Q. Where did Edward Murrow, C. B. 8, European correspondent, go to college? —M. J.R. A. Mr. Murrow is & graduate of Wash- ington State College at Pullman. Q. Did John McCullough, the famous actar, lose his mind?—C. J. B. A. In 1884 he suffered a mental and physical breakdown and died in an asylum in Philadelphia on November 8, 1885, Q. When did Joe Loyls twrn profes- sional?’—E. J. H. A. The fighter became a professional on July 4, 1934 . Q. How many workmen were used in the building of the Empire State Building in New York City?—C. L. J. A. An average of 2,500 men was em- ployed daily in Empire State construetion work, the maximum number for any one day being about 4,000 Compensation For color there's the peacock’s tail, The Ddluejay’s crest, the parrot’s coat— But song as sweet as answered prayer Bursts from the thrush’s drad, brown throat. For gayety the zinnia, The scarlet sage, the golden glow— But fragrance is the daphne flover With petals pale as shadowed amow. I knew a woman small and plain, With no dright art for the world’s demanding— Men treasured more than flowers or song Her gentle gift of understanding. —HORTENSE ROBERTA ROBERTS. e “~ ah \