Indianapolis Times, Volume 48, Number 16, Indianapolis, Marion County, 30 March 1936 — Page 11
It Seems to Me nn broun (Heywood Broun is on vacation. William Philip Simms, Scripps-lioward foreign editor, bats for him today.) March 30.—Britain’s fleet concentration in the Mediterranean, against Italy, is characterized by diplomats here as probably her greatest blunder since the American Revolution. Many believe the move may mar’: a turning point in the empire's history as important in some respects as England’s stand against the American colonies. Italy, of course, is not British possession. But the Mediterranean, since Nelson at Trafalgar, has been a British lake—a lake on which the fate of the empire has rested and may rest again. Since the digging of the Suez Canal especially, it has been a sort of jugular vein, the most important part of
the empire’s lifeline. When Britain mobilized every available ton of her mighty fleet in those waters, therefore, some 11 days before the League of Nations met at Geneva to discuss Italy’s war in Ethiopia, Italy regarded it as a hostile British move—not a League move—against her. Today Italy is determined to make herself the strongest air power in the Mediterranean if not in the world. She is convinced this will give her command of that sea. Such an air fleet is within Italy’s means. She plans to
Simms
have more than 5000 war planes before the end of this year. She can’t match battleships with Britain. But she feels she doesn’t have to. Where a battleship costs $40,000,000, a monster bomber, built in series, costs only $40,000. The price of a single dreadnaught would build 1000 bombers. True, nobody today can say with exactitude what the outcome of a battle between a dreadnaught and a fleet of aerial bombers would be. a a tt Britain Faces Dilemma BUT experts agree that the presence of a fraction of a fleet of 1000 bombers would prove too big a risk for a battleship to run in narrow waters or near hostile shores. From Gibraltar to the Indian Ocean, Britain's all-important line of empire communications runs through very narrow waters—the Mediterranean, Suez Canal, Red Sea, Strait of Bab-el-Mandeb and Gulf of Eden. Almost anywhere along that 200mile line British vessels would be within bombing distance of Italy. Britain, therefore, can not afford half-way measures in dealing with this country. She must be Italy’s friend or her enemy. She must have Italy on her side or crush Italy in the long run. Britain, according to some of the most farsighted diplomats in Europe, can not afford to thrust Italy into the arms of Germany and a possible coalition as powerful as Europe has ever seen. British policy must follow One of two courses: Either co-operate with anew increasingly strong Italy, or prevent Italy from becoming strong. The alternative is to put control of Britain’s Mediterranean short cut in the hands of a potential enemy in the next war. So British mobilization in the Mediterranean is called a blunder of the first magnitude. It constitutes a constant threat of an “accidental” and unwanted war as long as it is there. it tt tt Italy Would Fight THE fleet mobilization in those perilous waters in tlie first place, I am told here, was largely due to the sensitiveness of Capt. Anthony Eden, now British foreign minister. At 38, in high diplomacy, he is something like a boy of 17 in love—secretly sensitive about his age and inexperience. The story goes that Mussolini was not especially flattered to have this boyish secretary for League of Nations affairs sent to talk with him at Rome instead of a foreign secretary or premier, both of which he himself is. Thus, after Eden's first interview with II Duce, it seems gradually to have dawned on him that Mussolini had not been smiling with him so much as quietly laughing at him. Whereupon, in a huff, he canceled his next scheduled meeting with the Duce and took the first train for home. The official reason for the mobilization—the Italian newspaper campaign telling how easy it would be to bomb British ships in the Mediterranean—scarcely any one here takes seriously. Italy was in no position to fight Britain, foreign experts say. The use of force or military sanctions to change the situation in Italy would, I am convinced, toss all the fat into the fire. It is believed that if Italy were encircled by military sanctions she would try to fight her way out, cost what it might. TOMORROW—The riot (?) to Let Mussolini Win. Senate Democrats Having Easy Time BY RAYMOND CLArPER "\T7 ASHINGTON, March 30.—It's an easy life for W the Senate Democrats these days. They must be amazed at how much the Republicans let them get away with. Even when a beligerent Republican summons enough nerve to start a fight, he must go it alone as Senator Steiwer of Oregon did the other day when he took on Senator Black and the dragnet tactics of the lobby investigation. His fellow Republicans sat
listlessly by while Black pushed him back on the ropes. From the gallery, it is hard to figure out whether the Republicans are too proud to fight, or just too tired. Not even one Republican rose to challenge what looked like preparations for a political raid on HOLC, one of the best run of the government lending agencies since it was taken out of the hands 6f a lame duck politician and turned over to a business man. Without a dissenting vote, Senator McKellar (D., Tenn.)
put through a Senate resolution calling for a list of HOLC regional employes. One of 'hese innocuouslooking little resolutions which you would think would bring sharp-eyed opposition senators to their feet with a barrage of questions. But no Republican rose to ask if this list was desired for the use of campaign fund collectors. Or if it was preliminary to an attempt to knock out the regional collection agencies of HOLC and substitute for them state agencies staffed with patronage collectors who would be more easy-going. Not one on the Republican side asked McKellar what he was driving at. They haven’t even the curiosity of a man whose wife hears a noise in the' cellar. They must even have forgotten that McKellar’s fame re~ts on the famous “patronage guide book,’’ a special compilation of every appointive job in the Federal government, which he engineered in 1933 just before the hungry Democrats moved up to the pie counter. No doubt McKellar had prepared himself to answer all searching questions. If so, it was a superfluous precaution. a a * SENATOR VANDENBERG is the only Republican who seems unaffected by the spring fever. Almost single-handed he checked the debatable Florida Ship Canal, which was undertaken without congressional authorization. After AAA officials, on the ground that it would be too much trouble, almost escaped having to report on farmers who received benefit payments in excess of SIO,OOO, Vandenberg forced action. If this be the restless tossing of the presidential fever, the affliction doesn't appear to be contagious.
FRANCE’S WATCH ON THE RHINE
ft* 3. Fields of barbed wire—sprouting overnight. . 4. Arsenals along the famous line of fortifications. -
WASHINGTON, March 30. The attitude of the New Deal toward agricultural labor and tenant farmers has changed. Both are now recognized as among the most important agricultural problems confronting the Administration. One year ago. Victor Christgau, assistant administrator of the AAA, was dismissed by Henry Wallace for meeting with tenant farmers and agricultural laborers at the home of Gardner Jackson, also dismissed from the AAA. Last week, Henry Wallace and other high AAA Officials received a delegation from the radical Southern Tenant Farmers’ Union to discuss the plight of thousands of dispossessed farmers. Gardner Jackson, previously dismissed, arranged the conference. What the share-croppers propose is an amendment to the Wagner Labor Disputes Act, enlarging its scope to include agricultural labor disputes. Rex Tugwell and his Resettlement officials also favor this. The plan, if adopted, would create a new division in the Labor Department to handle farm labor. Note—Miss Perkins, incidentally, has been lukewarm about getting mixed up in farm labor rows. She was pushed into the plan of sending an arbitrator to adjust the share-cropper war in Arkansas, shed no tears when Vice President Garnei blocked the plan as being against the interests of Senator Robinson of Arkansas. u n n THE President was discussing his Canadian treaty at dinner the other night with Owen D. Young, chairman of the giant General Electric Cos. “I certainly stuck my neck out on cream and milk in that Canadian Treaty, didn't I, Owen?” the President remarked, “ —especially in St. Lawrence County.” St. Lawrence County, New York, happens to be the birthplace of Mr. Young. Also it is a heavy producer of milk and cream, on which the tariff is lowered for competing Canadian dairy products. "Yes,” Mr. Young replied, ‘‘and
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Clapper
The Indianapolis Times
Famous Line of Pillbox Forts Studs Villages and Fields
Washington Merry-Go-Round BY DREW PEARSON and ROBERT S. ALLEN
BENNY
■ ——= —r ~ —* —•—-—' 1 '- _ ' ■ • AQUARIUM _ • mi fer (MM Vwv* (Mna. im.
—All photos by Acme. 2. Somewhere on the Maginot line—a heavily armed blockhouse. 2. A pillbox fort, jutting into the street. 3. Fields of barbed wire—sprouting overnight. 4. Arsenals along the famous line of fortifications.
in all three of those northern New York counties.” “But,” laughed the President, “there’s hardly a Democratic vote up there.” “Yes,” replied Mr. Young, “I was about to remark that you would lose about seven votes in northern New York as a result of that treaty.” tt a tt WHEN the initial issue of the government’s first newspaper, The Official Register, was published, only 50 copies were run off the press.. Os these, 48 were destroyed. Os the two remaining, one was given
New Alien Bill BY RUTH FINNEY Times Special Writer WASHINGTON, March 30. A modified deportation bill will be presented to the Senate today by its immigration committee, together with a plea for speedy consideration. In its new form the bill still saves from deportation the 2862 aliens of good character for whom the Labor Department has urged leniency. However, it limits to three years the discretionary power of a proposed inter-depart-mental committee to pass on these cases and provides that only aliens in the United States before the bill becomes law may be granted leniency. For the future the new measure provides that the commissioner of immigration, rather than a committee, shall exercise the few discretionary powers allowed. Commissioner D. W. MacCormack believes the modified measure will enable his department to solve at least 90 per cent of its deportation problems. Opponents of the bill, however, intend to fight it on the Senate floor. Senator Robert R. Reynolds <D., N. C.) will continue to argue that it is too liberal and to urge that his bill cutting immigration quotas 90 per cent be substituted.
MONDAY, MARCH 30, 1936
to the President, one to the Library of Congress. Reason: The scandal caused when Jim Farley gave away some first-run postage stamps has sent jitters down New Deal spines. Officials were afraid first copies of The Official . Register might bring fabulous sums. tt tt tt ROOSEVELT is having a quiet check made of government broadcasting. Carrying out his personal instruction, the National Emergency Council has sent a confidential questionnaire to all department and bureau heads requesting information on the number, nature and cost of radio programs sponsored by the government during the past year. Inside word is that these broadcasts have become so numerous that politicians complain they can not obtain desirable time on the air. . . . It’s an ill. wind that blows no good. Before the recent floods, the House cut the Soil Erosion Service’s 1937 appropriation from $27,500,000 to $22,500,000. After the floods, the Senate Appropriations Committee upped the grant to $32j500,000. . . . One of the facts suppressed by Secretary Dan Roper, concerning incompetence in the maritime agencies of his department, is the reason why the S. S. lowa went down off the Pacific Coast recently with all hands on board. The ship foundered on a shoal which was supposed to be marked with a gas buoy. After the tragedy the buoy was found on the beach four miles from the danger point. . . . The success of walnut growers in obtaining an export subsidy from the Agriculture Department, despite the vehement protest of Secretary of State Cordell Hull, inspired citrus fruit raisers to demand a similar handout. Their plan calls for a government grant of $1,000,000 to subsidize the shipment abroad of 2,000,000 boxes of oranges and grapefruit. • . . Rex Tugwell has employed Pare Lorentz, well-known movie critic, to put his Resettlement Administration in the films. Suggested title: “It Never Happened Here.” (Copyright, 1936, by United Feature Syndicate, Inc.)
OUTGUESSED IN SQUEEZE
Today’s Contract Problem North’s contract is seven spades. It looks as if he has a losing heart trick. However, how would you play the hand to try to make the contract? 4AKQ J 5 3 VQ9 ♦A 8 4 A 7 4 * lO r~N lAB 7 2 VKJ76 w/ c VIO 82 4 w t 4JIO 73 ♦ 6 5 2 5 *362 *QJ 10 9 Dealer *9 6 4 VA 5 3 ♦K Q 9 * AKS 3 None vul. Opener—* 8. Solution in next issue. 23
Solution to Previous Contract Problem BY W. E. M’KENNEY Secretary American Bridge League /~\F all the interesting features of the game that the bridge writer may select, probably the most interesting from the viewpoint of the writer and that of his readers is the squeeze in its many varied forms. Therefore, I am selecting for today's hand one that I was fortunate to see played in a recent bridge game. Before declarer could perfect the squeeze that enabled him to make his contract, it was necessary for him to employ that unusual variation known as transferring the squeeze from one opponent’s hand to the other. After the opening lead was won with the king of diamonds, West continued with the queen and then the ace. His partner discarded the seven of spades and the deuce of clubs on the second and third diamond tricks. West shifted to the ten of spades, which was won in dummy with the ace. Declarer now real-
AAK g 6 VK9 7 4 ♦8 6 3 ♦ A 10 AlO 3 r kj lAQ J 7 5 vlO w c 2 ♦AK Q 7 w _ = *65 52S * 4 *KB 6 3 Dealer I* J 75 4 2 A 9 4 VAQJ 8 3 2 ♦ J 10 9 AQ 9 Rubber—All vul. South West North East Pass 1 ♦ Double. Pass 2 * Pass 3 * Pass 4 * Pass Pass Pass Opening lead—♦ K. 23
ized that his only chance to make contract was to resort to some type of squeeze. Up to this point the play seemed to indicate that the queen and jack of spades were in East’s hand and, to justify his opening bid, West should hold the king of clubs. If East held the jack of clubs, he probably could be squeezed between the spade and clubs suits, provided that the jack of clubs could be set up as the high card in the club suit, transferring the squeeze to East’s hand. Declarer played two rounds of trump, ending in his own hand. He played the queen of clubs, West covered, and dummy's ace won. The remaining trump oards were played, North discarding a low spade and the ten of clubs. On tne play of the last trump, declarer was gratified to find that his reasoning had been correct, as East was pressed for a discard. Endeavoring to protect the queen-jack of spades, he discarded the jack of clubs, hoping that his partner held the nine. But when declarer cashed the nine of clubs and claimed the last trick with the king of spades in dummy, East realized that he had been the victim of a beautiful squeeze play. (Copyright, 1936. by NEA Service, Inc.)
By J. Carver Pusey
Second Section
Entered as Sernnd-Clss* Matter at I'ostoffire, Indianapolis. Ind.
Fair Enough wnmn March 30.—This morning the papers reported an overwhelming triumph at the polls for Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime, but there are certain little considerations which ought to be understood. The election was national in scope and gave Hitler and his ticket and all his works and methods a tremendous indorsement. On the basis of this ap-
proval Hitler, in his negotiations with other countries, will represent himself as the spokesman of the united will of 67 million Germans. As shrewd and practical a politician as Anthony Eden, the handsome and precocious young statesman who handles foreign relations for young King Edward VIII, will not be kidded, of course, and it is hardly likely that our Mr. Cordell Hull will be swept away on a tide of statistics, either. But the Nazis are great believers in newspaper headlines and text, and judging other people by their own, they expect to
create among the American and British citizens an impression that the indorsement of Der Fuehrer was the free expression of the choice of German voters. Imposing on this pretense, they will not fail to pomt out that Hitler’s will is that of the entire German nation without the slightest reservation or dissent, whereas the American and British governments represent no such unanimity. tt tt tt Even Farley Wouldn't Approve f I ''HERE are said to be not a few Americans W'ho disagree with the policies and the performances of the New Deal, and the present British government was not elected without a struggle. But the ballot which was used in the German plebiscite is a document the like of which not even Tammany Hall nor even the Southern Democracy has ever had the gall to offer the voters, and there were also methods of terrorism to complement the absurd sham of the voting system which never have been seen in any American precinct. I doubt that even Mr. James Farley, practical as he is in the operation of his machine, would approve a ballot of the kind which Hitler used to obtain his expression of the united will of the German nation. After all, politics is a game to Mr. Farley, and although he spent enough time in the prize fight business to learn that a contest which is in the bag is weU worth winning, he does like to see some one coming out of the opposite rorner, even though it be only a “Diving Dan” O'Dowd. Hitler, however, would not even take a chance on a dry tank man, so he won a slashing victory over nobody. The Nazi ballot on which the 67 million Germans expressed the united will of an emancipated race yesterday contained a list of candidates selected by Adolf Hitler and the word “ja” or “yes. H There was only one way to vote this ballot. You voted “ja,” thereby indorsing Hitler’s entire list and Hitler himself and everything he stands for, including the assassination of his personal friends in a midnight massacre, the repudiation of learning and a pogrom on thought, or your vote didn’t count. There was no place on the ballot in which the German citizen could vote “nein.” and if anybody did write the word “nein” on a ballot that ballot was automatically invalidated. Moreover, to vote against the ticket and thus against Hitler was to vote against the state, and to vote against *the state is reason, a crime which mey be punished by long imprisonment or even by execution under the medieval battleax in the hands of the gentleman in the dress suit. n a Exaggerated Claims r T''HE point to remember when Hitler and the German ambassadors enter future negotiations claiming to represent the German people more thoroughly than Roosevelt represents ours is that our system permits us to vote against Roosevelt, whereas a German votes against Hitler only at the risk* of his life and casts a disqualified vote even then. Hitler was slightly more tolerant in the Saar plebiscite, permitting the freemen to vote against the reunion with Germany if they dared to do so. He was very generous in the last national plebiscite, too, in which, I believe, the citizens were invited to indorse all he had done up to and including conscription. In that vote, also, there was a nominal opportunity to vote “nein,” but persons who attempted to enter the secrecy of the polling booths were denounced as enemies of the Fuehrer, and therefore traitors to the state, on the grounds that no man who intended voting for Hitler would desire to do so in secret. On the contrary, he would be proud to hold his ballot up against a wall and mark it in public. Those who preferred their privacy were listed in the books. Without doubt they have been subjected to much robust political missionary work in the concentration camps since then.
Gen Johnson Says—
TIfASHINGTON, March 30. —Europe reverberates ~ * with thundering rumors of war. Our people are still grievously suffering from the last time they stuck their fingers into the overseas buzz-saw. They have only one thought—to keep out of European war. Accordingly, “neutrality” legislation is proposed. It takes the form of various restrictions on the shipment of things to any warring nation. There is talk of sanctions and quotas. Is this neutrality? Or are we being fooled, as usual, by a catch-word? Neutrality is “the condition of a government which takes no part, directly or indirectly, in a war between other governments.” Modern war is no longer a kind of gladiatorial contest between professional armies. Each nation goes to battle with its entire strength of men, money, materials and morale. For this reason, there is nothing that is not a munition of war. Requirements change and it is hard to foresee which is most necessary—peach stones and cherry pits or 75 mm. guns. Both were, at different times the principal requirements in 1918. (Copyright, 1936, by United Feature Syndicate. Inc. Tim''- _ yt. *5 % fi' 1.. e %|®s %| * r. xL 'Z Q Tweleetreeu 2 5* > ? % s S. akvsTEBT” ordll • % STREAK'* _ Some £ _ . ii Frospert-Cliorehmaß & $ * S Rouble Feature It* a Cf ? 5 Roehelle HalMa in an Q 2 XZ * SOWN EAST" “ a “ ' 35, s$ 5? HAY HOSTESS” , 55 ’ >1 11*5 a. Meridian Si. 11 m %. &4 A AL D * Bbl * Fe,,r * “•' \% %? -cou.tr.iATr- r tale is ; *s G “this is the i.ife” gallant c .** n nail SMby - at. ” is, altoge I AFIELD tßy 1 ah wnnEKNESV S ‘MAST BtBNS, rUOITtV*”
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