Indianapolis Times, Volume 43, Number 182, Indianapolis, Marion County, 9 December 1931 — Page 4

PAGE 4

S €fi I PPJ - M Q*v AMIj

The President’s Message President Hoover sent to congress Tuesday the best message since he took office. He recommended a tax increase and promised to maintain the peace treaties in the Manchurian crisis. These two policies are vital. Both represent a hopeful Hoover conversion. Until now he has opposed a tax increase and has failed to uphold the reaties violated by Japan. Federal measures to cope with the depression defend on higher taxes. World peace depends on American defense of the treaties. The President should, and doubtless will, receive the full co-opera-tion of congress in these policies. These two policies do not exhaust his constructive recommendations. Others include economic improvement through extension of federal land banks, thawing of frozen assets in closed banks, creation of homeloan discount banks and of an emergency reconstruction corporation patterned after the former war finance corporation, essential banking reforms including separation of different kinds of banking to safeguard deposits, emergency restriction of immigration, reorganization of federal administrative departments for economy and efficiency and armament reduction. With the exception of hia unfortunate proposal for widening the eligibility provisions of the federal reserve law, his economic and financial program probably will commend itself to congress and the nation so far as that program goes. But there is a large and growing group in congress and in the country which believes that on top of the Hoover program more drastic federal measures are necessary to stop the depression. With that group we agree. Much larger federal public work projects are essential to provide jobs for part of the 8,000,000 unemployed and to provide business for closed factories. Direct federal aid to local relief agencies unable to meet unemployment needs is imperative, Hoover’s statement that he is “opposed to any direct or indirect government dole,” overlooks the fact that his administration is now giving generous doles and subsidies to agriculture and the shipping and aviation industries. It overlooks the fact that the local unemployment relief system, which he praises so highly, is a dole system in which more than 70 per cent of the total dole distributed comes from local governments instead of private charity. Many of those local governments no longer can carry that dole load, and the unemployed will not be fed unless the federal government helps—just as the federal government has given doles in the past, on Hoover’s urgent plea, to millions of other hunger victims in this country and abroad. Doles are hateful, but they are the only thing that kopt the unemployed alive last winter. Doles will be necessary until an enlightened government and industry provide a system of stabilized employment and of unemployment insurance in place of charity. There are two other serious flaw's in the Hoover economic program. He restricts the tax increase, presumably on the higher incomes, to a two-year period, which is obviously too short a time in which to meet the prospective four-billion-dollar operating deficit And he opposes reduction of the high tariff, which is a major cause of the continuing depression. Finally, he evades the prohibition issue completely and fails to support his Wickersham commission’s recommendation for modification or repeal.

The Special Session The vote taken by the two political chairmen on the question of a special session of the legislature brings the expected division of opinion. Those sections whose prominent citizens benefit from the present tax laws are against any legislation that would more equitably distribute burdens. Those whose surroundings are agricultural are for the session. The Governor is against having the legislature on his hands unless, so it is stated, the members present in advance a program that he approves, and promise to do nothing but pass cax legislation. Other states have Governors who, in emergencies, offer programs to the legislature and then proceed to enlist public sentiment behind them strong enough to pass measures for the public welfare. Leslie is not one of these. It is lamentable that the state lacks a leader with enough sympathy with the people and enough vision and courage to force relief. The conditions are such as to give to a big man a big opportunity and success would mean a permanent place in memory and history instead of oblivion that is the inevitable fate of those who fail in crises. While the demand for a special session comes from the farmers who are trying to fend off the day when agriculture becomes an industry of serfs instead of the proud vocation of free men, its necessity is apparent to others—workers, jobless, independent merchants. There may be conditions this winter that only a legislature could meet. There may be emergencies that requLe speedy action. There are needs of other law revisions besides those of taxation. Since the gubernatorial attitude is one of negation, the door is open to members of the legislature themselves. Is there not one senator or representative strong enough to center public attention upon public needs and arouse enough sentiment to force a special session to obtain some semblance of justice? The War is Over in Oregon still are some bright linings to the clouds. L hough Kentucky is trying to invoke laws, passed as a jroduct of war-time hysteria, in the effort to prevent facts from getting abroad as to conditions in the Kentucky coal industry, the Oregon courts have served notice that the war is over out there. Some ten criminal syndicalism cases had been pending since September, 1930. They involved Communists. These cases have been dismissed. The conditions leading to their dismissal are particularly gratifying. Oregon war veterans have been conducting a statewide campaign for a repeal of the criminal syndicalism statute. These men seem at last to have awakened to two rather obvious facts: (1) most veterans are working men; and (2) that these criminal syndicalism laws were being used exclusively against workers and their friends. Further, the cases were dropped at the suggestion of the prosecution. There remains, however, one disgrace to be cleaned up in Oregon. A mere boy, Ben Boloff, organizer for the Young Communists League, was convicted and sentenced to ten years in prison last March merely for membership in the Communist party. Executive clemency should be extended to Boloff at once. ii

The Indianapolis Times (A BCKIPFB-HOWAKD NEWSPAPER) owned and published dally (except Sunday) by The Indianapolis Times Publishing Cos. 214-220 West Maryland Street, Indianapolis, Ind. Price Id Marlon County, 2 cents a copy: elsewhere. 3 cents—delivered by carrier 12 cents a week. Mall subscription rates In Indiana. $3 a rear: outside of Indiana. 63 cents a month. BOYD GDRLeT ROY W EARL D R 4KER Editor President Business Manager PHONE—KIIey 3351 WEDNESDAY. DEC. 9, 1931. Member of United Press, Scripps-Howard Newspaper Alliance, Newspaper Enterprise Association. Newspaper Information Service and Audit Bureau of Circulations. “Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way.”

A Hero Dies Monuments to the political and martial makers of our history stand on pedestals throughout the land. Space should be reserved for monuments to the heroes of science w'ho suffer and die in the unsung war on disease and premature death. Such a hero has. died. He was Alfred Seymour Reinhart of Dorchester, a 24-year-old graduate student in Harvard medical school. While a hoy Reinhart learned that he was doomed to die of heart disease, now the great killer among diseases. Immediately he counted off his days and began his researches with his own body as his subject. He graduated with honors, entered medical school, specialized in the heart. One day he saw upon his arm the bright red patches that warn the patient that he has just four months more to live. Shutting himself in a tiny hospital room, Reinhart began a minutely subjective study upon his owm body. He recorded every symptom, noted every physical reaction as death crept toward his heart. When the almost unbearable pains came on he refused the usual pain-killing drugs. “Despite my pain,” he recorded in his note book, “I am hesitant about taking the drug, because it would cloud whatever abdominal symptoms were present and would make the diagnosis difficult.” He than arranged for a post-mortem study of his body and cl'jsed his book of life. How Walker Helps Mooney The New York Times, in an editorial criticising Mayor Walker’s intervention in the Mooney case, represented th e mayor in a serious dilemma. If he made a purely legal appeal, he would appear ridiculous, for it is obvious that Frank Walsh and Aaron 3apiro were far better acquainted with the science of jurisprudence and with th e facts in the Mooney case. If he made an emotional appeal, he would arouse the ire of Californians and embarrass Governor Rolph in any move to pardon Mooney. Even though these two assertions may be true, The Times editorial seems to have missed the whole point about the significance of Mayor Walker’s visit. The actual release of Mooney and Billings will have no direct relation to facts or legal argument. All the essential facts now known about the ignominious collapse of the prosecution’s evidence were well established by 1921—Densmore’s revelations of the methods of Cunha and Fickert, Oxman’s letters to Ed Rigall, McDonald’s confession of pex-jury, Earl Hatcher’s revelation that Oxman was ninety miles from San Francisco at the time of the explosion, the unreliability of the testimony of Estelle Smitn and the like. If mere facts and legal logic would have moved California, justice would have been done a decade back. Only one thing, it seems, will get action. That thing is bright and pitiless publicity on this travesty of justice. California is not sensitive to considerations of justice and fair play. But she is sensitive to the opinion of the outside world. The one great requirement in the case was to dentify it with some colorful figure of national reputation and large news-getting powers. In this way the attention of the whole country could be focussed on the California scandal. James J. Walker was fitted ideally for this function. The degree to which he has succeeded may be measured very accurately by the very venom and resentment of the die-hard press and opinion m California. This is why hard-boiled Californians who want to keep Mooney and Billings in prison, whether guilty of the bombing outrage or not, are squealing and writhing under the spotlight which Mayor Walker turned upon their conspiracy against justice and human decency. The mayor’s plea in the Mooney case was admirably adapted to the purpose in hand. Whole pages were devoted to it in metropolitan newspapers which gave only a paragraph a year or so back to the sensational uncovering of John McDonald and the reopening of the whole case in California There seems little doubt that Walker has done more than all others combined to educate America as to the issues in the Mooney case. After all the labors of Fremont Older and others, this fact may not reflect cosmic justice, but it does represent practical reality. Thirty-three speeches were made the last day of the Indian round table conference in London. They said, “No.” Prohibited from drinking white wine, firemen in Paris got hot under the collar. But that was no cause for alarm. Now that “putrid” has been found objectionable for radio broadcasts, announcers are using “pediculous.” Apparently the radio fan is defenseless.

Just Every Day Sense BY MRS. WALTER FERGUSON

THE Cosmos Club in Washington has been preserved as a shrine to the memory of Dolly Madison, the most glowing of all national feminine figures. Within its ancient walls she spent a part of her life while at the Capital. It therefore is a spot haunted by traditions. It now exists to emphasize the arts and extend the sciences and as a forum for the convenience of the intelligentsia. Momentous questions are settled over its luneneon tables. Yet, today women are Jim-Crowed from its main dining rooms. You may be fed in a smaller, humbler retreat into which a man, sacrificing his high privileges, may descend to keep you company. But into the important higher regions you may nor go. No member of that sex to which Dolly Madison lent such grace and beauty is permitted to cross certain thresholds where masculinity reigns This club, as we know, is only one of many throughout the country that are so regulated. They are ooor, hermaphroditic institutions lacking the courage to be wholly masculine, while making these halfhearted gestures of chivalry to the ladies. mam MEN, I believe, should maintain clubs into which women may not go, since it is sensible that there should be some haven of escape for them in a world that has become cluttered up with women. But these half and half places must be very unsatisfactory to them, and they assuredly are very annoying to us. And can it be less than insulting that they should nave chosen Dolly Madison’s retreat to put their Jim Crow ideas into practice? Surely her ghost sometimes must trip through those rooms and wonder why this is so. For she was a gay and gladsome lady, with two Presidents, one Vice-President and one secretary of the treasury off their heads about her. In her day, indeed, she was the Dolly Gann plus, and there never was any question of where eat.

THE INDIANAPOLIS TIMES

M. E. Tracy - SAYS:

Perhaps Never in the History of This Nation Has There Been Such a Complete Abdication of Leadership as Hoover Now Displays. NEW YORK, Dec. B.—After reading President Hoover’s message, what do you know that you didn’t know before? Or, if that is too intimate a question, what does congress know? He is opposed to the dole and tariff revision, but who supposed he wasn’t? He recognizes that taxes must be increased, but leaves it for someone else to find out how and to what extent. Since railroads are regulated by [ the government, he thinks that competing services should be regulated by some authority. Admitting that there is widespread demand for changes in the anti-trust laws, he does not favor their repeal. tt tt tt ‘Skipped’ Big Issues THERE were people who looked for something inspiring, if not specific, who expected that the President would, at least, offer an analysis of our more pressing problems. These people expected to hear a little about prohibition, power, Muscle Shoals, the farm board, foreign debts, the world court, Latin-America, silver and so on. They can not help being disappointed. tt tt tt Hoover ‘Abdicates 1 AS for congress, it is not only invited to co-operate, but to provide the plan of co-operation. Perhaps never in the history of this nation has there been such a complete abdication of leadership. Confronted by one of the most critical situations America ever faced, Herbert Hoover calmly has tossed it into the lap of a congress which he wouldn’t call in special session. tt u a Up to Congress Now IF it were his idea that such course would eliminate politico, he has made a tragic mistake. Like every other crisis, this one calls for nothing so distinctly as a strong hand at the helm. Mr. Hoover having failed, what is there to expect but a grand scramble? It is beyond human nature to suppose that 500 congressmen, each of w'hom thinks he knows what ought to be done, are going to sit idly by while the ship flounders, falls off, and yaws for lack of a steady steersman. tt tt tt Representation Again FOR the first time in many years, congress not only is at liberty, but actually invited to take matters Into its own hands, and that, too, after being denied its proper part in the shaping of public policy for nine months. Maybe, it’s better so. Maybe, the time has come for the legislative branch of this government to assert itself. Any rate, that’s what appears to be in the hopper. Unless all signs fail, we are going to have a real test of the representative form of government, such as the fathers established, but such* as has not been in style for three decades. tt tt tt Wholesome Sign FOR one, I am glad to see it. For one, I believe in the efficacy of government by popular assemblies. A return to it is needed not only here, but throughout the civilized world. The drift has been toward dictatorship* since the war—dictatorship in a “world saved for democracy.” Look at Italy, look at Russia, look at Hitler in Germany, or any one of a dozen other countries, where revolution has subverted the fundamental principle of republican government. We are not only fighting the ravages of depression, but those of a subtle influence which threatens little less than the extinction of human rights.

Questions and

Answers

How long would it take sound to travel around the world? Sound travels at the rate of 1,126 feet per second. It is about 132,000,000 feet around the world. It would therefore take thirty-two hours for sound to travel around the world. Where does Edgar Rice Burroughs, the writer, live? Reseda, Cal. How can leather be cleaned? Wash it with strong ammonia water and rub the leather until It is clean. Dry it with a soft cloth. How long does it take the eggs of a turtle to hatch? The time of incubation depends upon the weather and degree of heat. It probably takes a month or so for. most North American species. Which are the four wealthiest countries in the world? The United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and France. Does Sweden have a navy? Yes, a small one, maintained for coast defense. Is it possible to smell or taste electricity? No. Is it true that the flag on the White House in Washington is never lowered? It is raised at sunrise and lowered at sunset and does not fly when the President is away from Washington. How many provinces has the Dominion of Canada? There are nine provinces. Are the British Isles a part of the European continent? Although actually separated from the European continent by the English channel and the North sea, they are geologically a part of the continent, and generally so considered.

=-* 5 " INOAtfAPOtIS ' JpTr ,p ‘i J RE &U LOTI ON UT ""' TIES |||^ ’ . vc-ri'Al ’ I / -(I- - ii ~ l l ' W A G’s IV l WA- ' - tt,Q,i3fc-R6-|

rDAILY HEALTH SERVICE It’s Risky to Chew Grass or Straw

BY DR. MORRIS FISHBEIN Editor Journal of the American Medical Association and of Hygeia, the Health Magazine. A DISEASE which is rather rare but which at the same time attacks altogether a considerable number of people is actinomycosis, or lumpy jaw. Cattle are attacked by this disease more frequently than is man. When man is infected it is usually from chewing grass or straw or grain which has been infested with the organism. Because of the character of the disease it is more frequently present in laborers and farmers than in other classes of people. The organisms which cause this disease is known as a fungus.

IT SEEMS TO ME ™o D

A READER is annoyed, and that’s a break. Within a month or two nothing in this column has been sufficiently provocative to arouse any violent protest. But the communication from Kenneth A. Porter fulfills the requirements. He writes: “Dear Mr. Broun: “Even the conventional ‘Dear’ goes against my grain, but be sure it is conventional. “Some days ago you remarked that usually the man who yearns to slap another’s face is in the wrong. Perhaps that is true, but there are some things for which a good slap on the jaw is the only adequate punishment. The writer is ten years older than you and probably not in as good condition, but he would cheerfully given ten years of what life he has left for the privilege of handing you a good poke in the snoot. * “This outburst is occasioned by your cheap, nasty sneer at Hoover. Not only is it cheap and nasty, but it is cowardly. “If you and your kind can find a better man for President, why in God’s name don’t you nominate him? I wonder what sort of President you would make. “Constructive criticism is proper, but descending to such small sneers is unworthy even of a Broun, and personally I do not know of anything smaller than a Broun, unless it is a Mencken." n a Just Frank Criticism THE phrase to which Mr. Porter objects is contained in a column about Vice-President Curtis. It ran: “Small men have been nominated for the presidency and elected. But even Herbert Hoover looms like an Alp in comparison with some of the Republican vicepresidents.” • But that, I contend, is not a sneer, but a matter-of-fact statement of opinion. And if Mr. Porter is even a semi-occasional reader of the column, he should not be surprised at learning that this department does not highly regard the capacities of Herbert Hoover. In fact, I have been moved to attempt a defense of the President of the United States in my own small way. It is my contention that Herbert Hoover has suffered at the hands of his friends. He was put forward as “the great engineer” and a sort of superman capable of dealing in a large way with large affairs. Even casual investigation discloses that this is a false portrait of a smalltime man w r ho, without doubt, has the best intentions in the world. Mr. Hoover’s experience with statecraft and with large-scale industry was of the slightest before he took office. And it is difficult for an individual to broaden much while in the White House. The time is limited, and the pressure is too great. There was the additional misfortune that during the term of office certain problems requiring a close knowledge of international affairs were presented to the incumbent. Travel Need Not Broaden NOW, the theory that Herbert Hoover was equipped with profound knowledge of economics and foreign affairs rested on little more than the fact that he had lived abroad during a considerable part of his life. But mere foreign residence does not necessarily make a man an expert.

Have We Arrived at This?

When it gets into the body, it enters usually through decayed teeth or diseased tonsils, following the chewing of straw. The first sign is usually a hard, lumpy swelling at the lower edge of the jaw or in front of the ears, such as occurs in mumps. After the skin becomes elevated and lumpy, pus forms, and soon there is an open running growth. The material from this growth is also infected, and it is therefore necesary to observe sanitary precautions around such people. People who are Infected must be kept under control as long as there are any open lesions, and examination of the material from these lesions must be made constantly in

It would be possible to pick up twenty or thirty Americans from the Dome Case any afternoon and find that not one of them was in any wise familiar with the intricacies of French politics. It is a hallowed custom that a newspaper commentator may criticise the President of the United States if he is so disposed. And in doing so he need not answer the reproach. “What sort of President would you make?” After all, as baseball reporter I might with reasonable authority assert that Babe Ruth covered too small a patch of ground in chasing after a long fly hit over his head. In stating that I would hardly be offering myself as a sufficient substitute for the home run hitter. tt tt tt But We Have Done So “TF you and your kind can find a A better man for President, why in God’s name don’t you nominate him?’’ writes Mr. Porter. But we have and will do so again. Norman Thomas ran in 1928. And in all logic wall stand for that office again next year. As for the trial by combat, I am ready. But I must protest against the match if it is presented as still another Camera controversy with a setup. The reader boasts that he is probably not in as good condition as myself. Any such claim to decrepitude I will fight to the last gasp. It may be that Mr. Porter is ten years older, though with a birthday just around the comer I am even doubtful of that. Moreover, mere age is not a sufficient test of fitness. Look at the life I’ve led! Can Mr. Porter testify that he also never

m today m IS THE- VV> WORLD WAR \ ANNIVERSARY °f> ftflf

HINDENBURG AT CAMBRAI December 9 ON Dec. 9, 1917, General von Hindenburg Joined General von Ludendorff In directing operations at Cambrai. Fighting at Cambrai went into its seventeenth consecutive day on this date. In the Verdun region the French stopped the German thrust in the direction of Benzonvausc. In the Italian campaign the Asiago ba' le was suspended by the Teutons who were checked at positions guarding the Franella and Gadena Passes. The Russian government issued a proclamation to the Russian nation that “Kaledine and Korniloff, assisted by the Imperialists and Constitutional Democrats, have raised a revolt and declared war in the Don region against the people and the revolution.” The secretary of the United States navy issued a repor that the navy’s personnel had reached 269,000.

Daily Thought

And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.—Hebrews 10:17. A coward never Xo^givea—Steme,

order to make sure that they are not infectious. The treatment of actinomycosis involves usually surgical removal of the infectious material. Sometimes the X-ray is used, and vaccines have been given in order to control the infection if persistent. To prevent spread of the disease, the contact with the discharge must be avoided. Therefore, there must be a thorough cleaning of the patient, but also of any materials with which he may come in contact. People who want to avoid the disease should avoid the practice of chewing grass or straw. Meat from infected animals must be condemned and any animal that is infected should be destroyed and the body burned.

Ideals and opinions expressed in this column are (hose of one of America’s most interesting: writers and are presented without regard to their agreement or disagreement with the editorial attitude of this naoer.—The Editor.

gets to bed before 5 in the morning? Can he match me in sloth and selfindulgence? Does he dare to say that his adventures in depravity and dissipation are one-half as black as my own? His ten years do not constitute a handicap against him, but rather so many bisques m his favor. I welcome a brawl in what I consider a good cause. And with any luck the punch might serve to set iny face in order once again and give me a sort of Indian summer to be spent in criticising Herbert Hoover and other reckless conduct (Copyright. 1931. by The Times)

People’s Voice

Editor Times—Yes, I say what does Carlos Lane know about charity baskets? I don’t call that charity either when you work sixteen hours for them, it is worse than slavery. I am a man with seven in the family, one child is not well. My wife can hardly be up. Why don’t they take that $2,800 they pay a month to the investigators and pay the men who do the work? Then they could have more than cabbage, beans, rice, oats and the other stuff the slaving men get. A TIMES READER. Is the frieze around the inside of the dome of the United States capiw>l at Washington finished? It is not finished and the three artists who have worked on it are dead.* The last one, Whipple, added a small section symbolizing the World war at his own expense. Senator Fess said that the frieze should not be entirely finished, because it represents American history which is still being made. WTiat is the official world’s record for the javelin throw? It is 232 feet 11% inches, made by E. H. Lundquist of Sweden, Aug. 15, 1928. In which state was the largest Socialist vote for Governor cast in the 1930 eiection? The vote of 120,444 cast in New sfork was the largest.

Good, Dunked or Not Doughnuts and crullers—to say nothing of raised cakes and muffins—now is the time of year for them. Our Washington bureau has anew bulletin telling how to make all kinas—buttermilk doughnuts, chocolate doughnuts, date doughnuts, raised doughnuts, old fashioned doughnuts, plain doughnuts, regular crullers, maple crullers, old fashioned crullers, old fashioned raised cakes, Pennsylvania Dutch cinnamon buns, a dozen different kinds of fritters and another dozen kinds of muffins. The family will appreciate them and you will have anew batch of useful recipes to add to your cookbook collection. Fill out the coufxm below and send for this bulletin: CLIP COUPON HERE f Dept. 155, Washington Bureau, The Indianapolis Times, 1322 New York avenue, Washington, D. C. I want a copy of the bulletin, CRULLERS, RAISED CAKES AND MUFFINS, and enclose herewith 5 cents in coin, or loose, uncancelled, United States postage stamps to cover return postage and handling costs. Name Street and No City state I am a reader of The Indianapolis Times. (Code NoJ

.DEC. 9, I^ST

SCIENCE BY DAVID DIETZ

For the Astronomical Enthusiast, Forest Ray M oul ton’s New Bo ok, “Astronomy Will Make an Ideal Gift. \ SSUMING the role of an msistant to Santa Claus, I recommended three books yesterday which would make excellent Christmas gifts for the person who has an Interest in astronomy, but as yet little knowledge of it. They were “The Stars in Their Courses,” by Sir James Jeans; “‘The Pageant of the Stars.” by William J. Luyten. and “Man and the Stars,” by Harlan T. Stetson. Today I want to recommend a book for the person who has been an astronomical enthusiast for some time and has a working knowledge of the subject. It is “Astronomy,” by Forest Bay Moulton, published by the Macmillan Company, at $5. Dr. Moulton was for many years the professor of astronomy at the University of Chicago. His contributions to astronomy and mathematics have been many. He is best known, along with the late Professor T. C. Chamberlin, for the promulgation of the Cham-berlin-Moulton or planetesimal hypothesis of the earth's origin This theory, which holds that the earth and other planets originated from material pulled out of the sun by a passing star, was the starting noint of all modem research In this field. 000 Brilliantly Written '|%/*‘OULTON'S “Astronomy” In Its •*-*•*■ physical form is a textbook. The paragraphs are numbered and introduced with captions in boldface type. Each chapter is followed by a brief list of questions as well as a list of references. Undoubtedly many high schools and colleges will use the book as an elementary text in astronomy. But Professor Moulton is a clear and brilliant writer. And the fact that the book is in the form of a textbook need frighten no one into the idea that it is dull or hard reading. In fact, the textbook style of ‘‘makeup” is an added advantage for the advanced student of astronomy. It makes the book easier to use and makes it invaluable as a reference book. The book is illustrated with 213 photographs and diagrams inserted in the text. Dr. Moulton discusses the plan of his book in the preface, when he says: “An attempt has been made here to unfold the subject of astronomy by proceeding step by step from the familiar earth and the evening constellations out to galaxies and super-galaxies of stars. It is hoped that the reader often will experience the thrills felt by the original discoverers of the wonders that are described.” The book begins with a chapter of “Preliminary Considerations” in which Dr. Moulton discusses the place of astronomy among the sciences, the scientific attitude of mind, laws of nature, and the scope of astronomy. Chapter II discusses the configuration of the constellations and the apparent motions of the heavens. Chapter 111 is devoted to telescopes, their underlying theories, and their uses. 000 Up to the Minute THE next two chapters of the book are devoted to the earth and its motions. Astronomy Is concerned with the earth for two reasons. First of all, as one of the planets, it is a part of the solar system. Secondly, it is the whirling, wobbling, racing platform from which the rest of the universe must be studied. The chapters on the earth are followed by one on “Time.” In this chapter, Moulton discusses various aspects of the theory of relativity which have influenced astronomical observations. The remaining chapters deal, in the following order, with the moon, eclipses, the law of gravitation, the solar system, planets, meteors and comets, the sun, the evolution of the solar system, stars and nebulae, and the sidereal structure. Those familiar with the older texts on astronomy will note that Moulton has revised to some extent, the order in which he introduces his subjects and the emphasis which he places on certain ones. The book is up to the minute. There are discussions of the very latest topics, for example, the rotation of the galaxy, the cosmic cloud, and the expanding universe. Why is the ocean salty? Because it is the reservoir for the inflowing water from the land areas of the earth. These flowing waters in passing through the earth take up minute particles of salt and hold them in suspension and finally deposit them in the ocean. When water is evaporated from the oceans and forms clouds, the salt remains in the sea, and the rain that falls on the land is fresh water, which again flows to the oceans, dissolving more salt from rocks and earth and depositing it in the ocean. This process is continuous so that the ocean is constantly growing more salty.