Indianapolis Times, Indianapolis, Marion County, 18 December 1941 — Page 21

The Indianapolis Times

ROY W. HOWARD RALPH BURKHOLDER MARK FERREE President Editor Business Manager (A SCRIPPS-HOWARD NEWSPAPER)

Ww § cent deliv. , 3 cents a copy: ered by carrier, 12 cents a week

Owned and published daily (except Sunday) by The Indianapolis Times Publishing Co, 214 W. Marylang St

Member of United Press, Scripps - Howard Newspaper Alliance NEA Service, and Audit Bureau of Circulations.

cents a month, > RILEY S551

Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Wop

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1841

CLOTHE-A-CHILD

THIS newspaper's Christmas charity campaign—Clothe-A-Child—which we are proud to say does a good job, cleanly, honestly and fairly, is drawing toward its close. There is a tragic undertone to ‘these last few days. There are literally hundreds of children from deserving needy families who probably cannot be cared for. Obviously, we would like to. But it depends upon the generosity of those:more fortunate. If you are in a position to help, please do. It will mean Christ to so many more underpri leged children.

BY TOMORROW NIGHT is a large achievement that the President has asked of

his industry-labor conference—a unanimous agreement by tomorrow night at the latest.

But it is not an impossibility. Those who are meeting |

in Washington realize the truth of what Mr. Roosevelt told them: That neither private industry nor trade unionism will survive unless America wins the war; that speed, and more speed, in producing equipment is of the essence; that we can't have stoppages; that employers and workers can’t afford to waste time fighting each other until we've defeated the Germans and Japs; that “must” is now a word for each American to apply to himself, individually. So certainly the representatives of organized labor and the representatives of industry can agree quickly on the general terms of a truce for the duration, and on at least the outlines of a method of making the terms effective.

THE SHAKE-UP AT HONOLULU

WE have taken a few editorial pokes at Frank Knox in the pre-war past but it seems to us that Secretary Knox did the right, the gallant, and the brilliant thing when he flew to Honolulu and flew back with his own information on what had happened—and made his candid announcement that neither the Navy nor the Army had been on the alert on that ghastly Sunday dawn. The sequel, which has just been announced, is the inevitable one. The three principals of our Hawaiian stronghold have been relieved of their commands, pending the report of the investigating committee headed by Associate Justice Roberts of the Supreme Court. It is a sad and solemn thing for these distinguished veterans of the Army and Navy to be thus set down. And we sincerely hope that they can prove a case for themselves, Pending the report of the Roberts board, which has a responsibility we do not envy, judgment should be suspended. In the interim, however, particular satisfaction can be taken from the news that the new commander of the Army's Hawaiian department is an air corps man, Lieut. Gen. Delos C. Emmons. In this appointment there is implicit a further recognition by the Commander-in-Chief, Mr. Roosevelt, of the increasing consequence of airpower in the defense system-— and let us hurry to add, the offense system—of the United States,

CAN THE ALLIES UNITE?

O more important problem faces the United States and its allies than unity of command. The Axis powers act as a unit. There are not several wars but one, no really separate fronts but only shifting sectors in one world front. That is the way Hitler and his stooges are fighting it, and that is the way we and our allies must meet the threat if we are to win. From official White House and House of Commons statements it is clear that the governments are doing more than draft blueprints. Already the plans are in operation—in part. But hastily improvised measures of co-ordination still have to be streamlined and headed up into one body. That body must have power to act, subject only to Roosevelt, Churchill, Stalin, Chiang, and the other heads of state. Although unity of command is generally taken to mean a military allied general staff, the problem is much larger. Military strategy is absolutely dependent on economic decisions, and both are subject to political commitments of basic governmental policy. That is why no allied chief of staff, or supply boss, will ever be given authority for major decision without approval by the respective chiefs of state, :

~ * » » ” = ® THUS the problem breaks down into several difficult. On the military side, the United States and Britain have not yet achieved individual unity of command; in each country the army and navy are under separate heads —with a third head for air, in Britain. Neither the Unitde States nor Britain has a staff chief trained and expert in land, sea and air war, who could provide a national unity of command like Hitler's. But in any event Washington will presumably remain the center, and President Roosevelt the most powerful spokesman, of the political super war council. hk % 4 ® 8 8» | BR happens—despite the fact that American sacrifice so far is less than British, Russian and Chinese—it will be because America is the arsenal from which the war supplies must be procured and distributed, and also because ours is the only capital in which most high government * officials have found it convenient to gather. Thanks to the fact that Washington already had become such an interallied center before Dec. 7, and the fact of frequent Churchill-Roosevelt telephone conferences, the Allies may be able to overcome quickly the geographical political barriers to an effective allied war council.

parts, all

member, OPM,

Fair Enough

By Westbrook Pegler

155815 > §5ns ie 3%

Ea 5

hated little tyrant, Nicky, all the Russias, should be one of our allies,

1

8

In a war you take your allies as you find them and

, and perhaps with no exception whatever,

Happy As They Are

MAYBE RUSSIA doesn’t want to be regarded as a democracy any more than we want to be called a

totalitarian dictatorship and if we grant they have |

been sincere about their principles, as I think we should, we are more likely to annoy than please them by misrepresenting their known and proclaimed opinions of the freedoms that we prize so dearly. Doing things their own way, which is nothing like our way, they become the only nation on earth that could give Hitler first punch, and a sneak punch at that, and then back away using him up in a terrible slaughter of his faceless men as he stumbled on. But it is worse for us to lie to ourselves, because that is very bad for our inner soul as a people and you may recall that on the day Hitler attacked Russia Winston Churchill was absolutely honest with the British people in declaring that Russia was a welcome ally but different.

Let's Not Be Fussy

I THINK FURTHER that it is not only unwise, in the effect on our people, but unnecessary to get lavishly chummy with our own Communists and bring them into our Government just because we are military partners of the Kremlin. You don't see the Russians throwing open their government to any infiltration of American Democrats or Republicans and we would regard them as fools if they did. Russia is amazingly tough and if we can rely on Harry Hopkins’ impression of Stalin, he hates Hitler with a cold, personal rage and would like nothing better than a chance to fight him with cleavers in a closed room. So that is our ally but, not content to take him as he is and be glad he is our ally and so tough, we have to try to pretty him up with a lot of ideals and principles which may be disgusting to him, in a silly effort to kid ourselves, We do get some of the wackiest notions.

The Rubber Crisis

By John W. Love |

WASHINGTON, Dec. 18.—The specific menace which appears to be shutting down th: automobile industry, as well as the tire industry, is the Japanese threat tc British rubber plantations on the Malay peninsula, it is understood here. Rubber cargoes could still be brought in from Singapore, Ceylon and the Dutch East Indies, by convoy if necessary, but the t= ing in the peninsula threa to get into the orchards themselvves. Until information on rubber imports and stocks suddenly became secret, this country was getting about 40 per cent of its crude rubber from Singapore. Most of this came from the Malay peninsula, but some was from nearby Dutch plantations, The Dutch possessions are also threatened and are said to have announced they will employ the “scorched-earth” policy if the Japanese get a foothold. In conferences which are working out the rationing system for tires and the limitations on automobile production, the fear is that even if plenty of ships remain available for what is the world’s greatest commodity haul in ton-miles, many of the plantations themselves could no longer deliver, and that the great industries dependént on them might have to wait for years The trees would survive, but even if the Japanese are driven off quickly the destruction to the processing plants could be serious. In most earlier discussions of rubber supply it was assumed that rubber could be brought by ships which approached the East Indies from the south, or came from around the Cape of Good Hope. It was even surmised in the worst of circumstances the rubber could be purchased from the Japanese, but this was before they attacked the United States.

No Cars After January

IT IS THE RUBBER SHORTAGE “one which leads the motor industry to suspect no more cars will be turned out after January, except on Govern ment orders. Manufacture of tires for existing cars has already been stopped. Orders are in preparation in the Office of Production Management which will determine temporarily the fate of one of America’s greatest industries. Already limited to a quota for February, sembles the production in most. months of 1932, the manufacturers do not think they will do much more than finish up the sets

have. From Detroit comes

We have every reason to believe extra : be made upon the women of America, and our to prepare ourselves now.—Alice Marble, physical fitness program, OCD. . i .

The workers of this nation will prove that free Americans can as they can outfight, combination of any

8% | the San Francisco fire and earthquake.

The Hoosier Forum

I wholly disagree with what you say, but will defend to the death your right to say it.—Voltaire.

DENIES MARINES FOUGHT AT CHATEAU THIERRY

By 0. J. Houston, formerly Captain 18 F. A, 3rd Div. J y

Your cartoon on page 14 is very interesting but it is not accurate. The Marine Corps never saw action at Chateau Thierry. The only U. S. troops that fought in the village of Chateau Thierry was the Tth Machine Gun Co. of the 3rd (Marine division). You can verify this by giving a little care to the actual facts via the war records or as late as published in the Chicago Tribune of last Sunday. The Marines fought at Belleau Woods but not at Chateau Thierry. Get your dope right. = » » “WHO CONTROLS THESE SLOT MACHINES?” By O. B. Beek, 53% E. Morris St. Thousands of dollars, weekly, are trickling into the individual pockets of a select few through slot machines, lotteries, and various other gambling devices, in Indianapolis and Marion County. Who controls these machines and receives this money? Do they declare and pay income taxes on their receipts? What about the $25 tax on slot machines and pinball machines recently approved by the House? This enormous revenue of American money should be converted into American Defense Stamps and Bonds and contributed to such worthwhile institutions as the Red Cross, Clothe-A-Child Fund, etc. Slot machines, lotteries, bingo and baseball pools are illegal in the State of Indiana. It is the patriotic duty of our Mayor, Chief of Police, Prosecutor and Sheriff to enforce the laws as so stated in their oaths of office and as they so promised you and I when we elected them. I would like to hear from all persons who are interested in a “Citizens Committee” organized to investigate these conditions, consult these officials, and see why the laws

(Times readers are invited to express their views in these columns, religious con. Make

your letters short, so all can

troversies excluded.

have a chance. Letters must be signed.)

are not being enforced in Indianapolis, Marion County and thé State

of Indidna. »

GUARDS “PAID FOR WORKING, NOT SLEEPING”

By B. E. Broviak, 2745 Carroliton Ave. Since last Sunday there have been police guards on duty at the Union Station. They are supposed to be on duty all night. Instead, after midnight they take turns going over to the Gilbert Hotel lobby to sleep. I was by there last night and neither one of the guards was around. One was in the hotel lobby asleep and the other wasn't in sight. I know it gets cold down there as I work nights up on the track:. Just because they get cold is no excuse for sleeping on the job. They are paid for working, not sleeping.

‘MOMENTOUS HOUR IS SOUL-STIRRING’

By A. D., Indianapolis This momentous hour in the life of America is little less than soulstirring. Profoundly inspiring are the words of our President and the electric response of our editors, columnists and commentators,

With air raids threatening and the world ablaze, it is good to be alive, to experience this peak in one nationwide aim and purbose. We cannot all bear arms. We cannot all make the implements of war. But there is much we can do individually. Foremost, perhaps, we must guard our health to insure steady

my children talk back

to old

ay

Side Glances=By Galbraith | \&

"Listen, Mother, you used to spank me for being sassy, but when me you say that's just a little

all persons oD oved should be

nerves and thus not become a burden to the community and an added source of concern to our families. We must refrain from questioning any military information either disclosed or withheld. We must regard curtailments and the costs of war with a happy sense of participation in this gigantic effort.

With confidence in the strategy of our leaders, the courage of our fighting forces and the mettle of our fellow civilians, and with rigid self-discipline, we can meet the worst that our enemies have to offer. The ordeal will serve further to crystallize our ideals, our unity and our national pride.

CL ‘THERE'S A JOB FOR ALL OF US By Mrs. C. K. C., Indianapolis

Hats off to Westbrook Pegler for a noteworthy tribute forthe bravery

‘®

was not an enthusiastic Roosevelt follower. That's all changed now. Our President shows strength and wisdom. He's doing his job 100 per cent. How about sach one of us individually? There's a job of some sort for all of us. Let's all get out and volunteer speedily, not wait to be asked or drafted into Civilian Defense. It will be gratifying to our Com-mander-in-Chief if we all get going without solicitation, Anyone who is idle from now on is definitely “off the beam.” “Loss is gain.” This crisis can unite us all into a national feeling of brotherhood. We're all in the same boat. Our course is set for a victory, but it’s going to be a long voyage and we all have a definite job to do. Let's get going! Our good, old American sense of humor will lighten the dark spots somehow, ’ 8 * =»

‘MUCHAS GRACIAS’ TO OUR NEIGHBORS By B. K. J1., Indianapolis It is indeed gratifying to see the way our sister republics have joined us in this great struggle for our common liberty and for the liberty of all the world. To Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Haiti, et al, they all are there. Let us say thanks and muchas gracias, companeros. ® 8 =»

COMPULSORY BUYING OF BONDS URGED

By F. G. Z., Indianapolis During our present war situation

compelled purchase defense bonds. My suggestion is that a band or sticker for the window of the home or car be issued, the same as those issued by the Community Fund and Red Cross.

BATTLE OF THE BALTIC Brave a ofp St ie, ec On the deck of fame that died

With the gallant good Riou: the winds of heaven o're

Thomas Campbell (1777-1844), ~. DAILY THOUGHT

they shall

4 ; Hosea 8:7. Teap RT _

Ge | Says—

of our President, I am one who|'

Jones spirit!"

=

n. Johnson

WASHINGTON, Dec. 18. — With the often - pontifical pronouncements of Walter Lippman,

this writer frequently disagrees. However, on Tuesday, the Washington Post published an article of his on civilian defense that is a honey. All of us—men, women and children, are vitally concerned with this important phase of our : war mobilization. It is one place ‘ where everyone can and must do his part. Mr, Lippman’s analysis of the situation should be read by everyone who wants to assist in the speedy organization of this function on sensible lines. His main point is that, up to this time, the so-called Office of Cvilian Defense has been nothing but a ballyhoo and propaganda agency. With the declaration of war all this must go by the board and we must

‘| face the very real workirg problems that lie in this

field. Mr. Lippman calls on us to exercise personal ine genuity and initiative in meeting the problem. I ant attempting to answer that call here. ~ While I am in no sense an expert, I have had seve |

&z| eral unusual experiences with closely analogous

Toe lessons of these experiences ought to be of some value,

Organization Does It

AS A VERY YOUNG shavetail, through a seriés of accidents, I became acting quartermaster of the armed forces put in charge of the devastated area of Here was & situation completely out of hand of the civil fire, po= lice and medical authorities. The Army moved in, established martial law, which was absolutely esseni= tial in order to stop looting, set up shelters for the homeless, rolling kitchens and field hospitals, and in very short order had the situation completely in hand. What the Army had there was organization and leaders with a full appreciation of the necessity for prompt and effective action and the initiative and intestinal fortitude to take that action. In the World War, with no previous experience, we had to set up a draft to mobilize millions of men overnight. This was effected promptly and efficiently by a very small nucleus of regular Army officers who were willing to take the responsibility and act promptly. That the effort was successfully executed no one has denied. Its success was primarily due to passing the ball to the civilian leaders in each community and come pletely decentralizing the effort. By the same device, in the NRA 2,785,000 were put back to work in a very few weeks, and purchasing power increased by more than three billion dollars, at a time when public morale was almost at panic stage. ¥

Let the Army Lead

NOW THE LESSON of all this is that there is absolutely no limit to what the American people can do for themselves if, first, they are told what is expected of them so that they fully appreciate their responsibility in the matter, and second, they are given sufficient authority to act. sx Mr. Lippman points out that one of the main things wrong with the present setup is the confusion of military and civilian responsibilities, This confusion is understandable. The aerial bombardments and internal sabotage which modern war conditions entail completely alter previous concepts of the Army’s responsibilities. Civilians under Army supervision must perform functions which are purely military. This requires decentralized civilian effort supervised, co-ordinated and trained ‘by central mili= tary authority. The Army can tell the civilians who have voluns teered for this work and are pleading for leadership WHO will do WHAT and WHEN, HOW, WHERE ang WHY to do it. 4

This and That

i

<.

By Peter Edson

WASHINGTON, Dec. 18 — Japanese embassy in Washington offered its passenger cars for sale , & few days before the war. A tip_off? ... One U, 8. Indian out of every 10 of military age has joined the armed forces. . . . War has some blessings, anyway, for so great is the demand for steel the number of pins In new shirts wi'l have to be reduced. . . . And pencil factories can’t get those metal bands you break your teeth on when chewing erasers. Census Bureau reports the country runs on 200, 000 wholesale houses. . . . Office of Price Administra« tion's latest worry is about “camelback,” which isn't what you might think, but the stuff they'll use to retread your old tires in case you have them retreaded. . . . Increase of more than 1,000,000 in our population during the last year is due not to increased immigration, but just more babies. , . , The stable of Undersecretary of State Sumner Welles was turned down as a possible home for emergency Government workers because it would accommodate only 200 girls. The stables will therefore be used as classrooms,

Well, 'It's an lll Wind'—

PROCUREMENT division of the Treasury has ise sued a new pamphlet on how to do business with the Government on non-defense items, . . . Mexican gare

lic producers are prospering, owing to the shutdown on imports from Europe. ' Switzerland is doing a big business in European postage stamp trade for U, 8. collectors. . . . Ree tail trade sales for 1941 may reach 54 billion dollars, 11 per cent above the peak year of 1920. . . . That figures a little more than $400 per capita. . . . Weather Bureau estimates that on its five-day forecasts, it is 90 per cent accurate for the first day, 60 to 70 per cent accurate for the fifth day. The number of U. 8S. manufacturing establishments decreased from 206,000 in 1929 to 184,000 in 1939, which might be interpreted as a blessing because there will be that many. fewer establishments to -be closed down now for lack of raw materials.

sditor's Note: The views expressed by columnists in this newspaper are their own, 'They are not necessarily those of The Indianapolis Times.

Questions and Answer

(The Indianapolis Times Service Bureau will AnIve any cuestion of fact or information, met favolving extensive ree search. Write your question clearly, sign name and address, : inclose a three-cent postage stamp. Medical or legal advice cannot be given, Address The Times Washington Bureau. 1018 Thirteenth 8t., Washington. D. C.) epee : Q—Are Army men with the rank of sergeant and above allowed to marry without permission of their commanding officers? holding the rank of sergeant, who have completed eight or more yeafs service in the Army, may be granted permission to marry, in worthy cases. In grades above that of sergeant, such as master, technical and staff sergeant, permission is not required. Q—Who was Cobber Kain? A—He is known as Britain's first war ace of present war, Aihougn. hs was gnly 22 ; Was credited with downing 40 enemy planes.

Q—-To whom should I write to get information about the purchase of clothing by the Office of Production Management? A—Write to Jo Moutoux, Director of Informae tion, Purchase Division, OPM, Social Security Bldg., Washington, D. C. 3

Q—When was the first telephone installed in the White House? | A—The exact date is not known. The first telee

switchboard in W D. C., was Dec: 1 1018, and ‘the Whits House was one of wa

A—Soldiers