Indianapolis Times, Indianapolis, Marion County, 23 December 1941 — Page 12

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The Indianapolis Times

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Give Light end the People Will Mind Ther Own Wep

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1941

CHURCHILL IN WASHINGTON EMEMBER Hitler's boasts, in “Mein Kampf” and elsewhere. about his advantage over the leaders of the despised democracies? He could move quickly; they must go slowly. He knew how to make most effective use of

modern machines; they were impeded by tradition and red |

tape and decadence. We'll venture that Hitler got an unpleasant surprise in the news that Winston Churchill and Lord Beaverbrook and a staff had arrived at the White House to discuss ways and means of accomplishing the “defeat of Hitlerism throughout the world,” through an over-all unity in the conduct of the war. For here is another dramatic proof—like Frank Knox's quick air trip to Honolulu and back, and like the prompt action of Congress to widen the draft and vote new billions —that democratic leaders can do big things fast. ” = = = - . AXES strategy is cunningly co-ordinated. The drive for Moscow, which almost succeeded, and the Japanese surprise attack on us, were timed together. Hitler's reinforcement of his African army and his threat to the Caucasus diverted American and British supplies from Manila and Singapore. The new wave of Nazi submarine activity off our Atlantic coast matches similar Japanese sea terror off California, while both prevent concentration of allied naval relief for Singapore, Hongkong and Manila. Only a common allied strategy and supply, an allied united front, can cope with such Axis unison. But that is easier said than done. It means bringing London to Washington, or the other way around. For without both Roosevelt and Churchill there can be no joint policy decisions for consideration of other allied representatives. Those two must agree first. Once more Churchill proves himself a man of wisdom and of action. Whatever name is given it or none, this Allied policy meeting at the White House can get more done in a few days than could be done in months, or maybe years, of long-distance genufiecting and ailibiing. Here is the basis of unity and speed. We congratulate Prime Minister Churchill on making such a war council possible, and we welcome him to America.

CORRECTING AN INJUSTICE

AST summer Congress amended a relief appropriation bill to provide that none of the money should be used to pay the salary of David Lasser, then on the WPA administrative payroll at $4400 a year. This was done on the ground that the Workers Alliance, a reliefers’ union of which Mr. Lasser had been president, was dominated by Communists. But the fact is that Mr. Lasser had quit the organization for that exact reason —that Communists had taken it over—and, at least partly as a result of his action, the Alliance has since gone out of business. Well, the House Appropriations Committee has now asked Congress to correct what it says was a mistake and an “injustice” to Mr. Lasser. We believe the committee is right. Whether Mr. Lasser’s services are worth $4400 a year to WPA may be questioned, and so may a great many other expenditures by that agency. But for Congress to legislate specific individuals out of Government jobs is always dangerous practice, and when it is done for a false reason it is indefensible. The Congressional boycott of Mr. Lasser should be repealed.

ANIMAL ACTIVITY

UMAN affairs being in such a state, news of what the animals are doing isn't getting much attention. At last, however, we've found time to report that: Cows near Bonneville Dam in Oregon shook and ghort-circuited a high-voltage power line by scratching their backs on the guy wires of the poles. At Medford, in the same state, Mrs. Oak Boggs’ calf put her telephone out of commission by chewing up 15 feet of line. Moose in Maine, numerous and tough after a decade of year-round protection, are raising cain—attacking automobiles, chasing hunters, invading farms. The National Noseprint Bureau is extending its activities. It noseprints dogs to aid their identification if lost or stolen. Floyd Overall's foxhound, Sing, didn't wait for help from a bureau, but walked 170 miles to get home to Troy, Mo. Charles Hager, near Beardstown, Ill, caught a 14-pound catfish in a puddle in his cornfield—left there by a flood. Dude ranchers in Wyoming and Montana are afraid priorities will ruin their business by cutting off the supply of horseshoes. And Federal fish and wildlife authorities have turned over to defense officials 50 pounds of tiny aluminum bands, retrieved from the legs of wild ducks.

WHY NOT “KELLY BOMBERS”?

is difficult for the layman to keep straight in his mind the numerous and changing types of our fighting air craft. To a pilot the symbols P-38 and P-89 and P-40 are expressive enough. But to most civilians it’s like watching a football game without a program to identify the numbered players by name. The British have a happier custom of giving their various combat types picturesque names, including, for American-built craft, names derived from this country— the Tomahawk; the Hudson, the Catalina, the Kittyhawk, and so on. We've done it in a small way, with the Airacobra and the Flying Fortress and the Mars, but most of our Army and Navy planes are still just the B-26 or the XPB2YS or some such jumble. Perhaps here is an opportunity for hororing some of the heroes of this war. To supplant these baffling combinations of letters and numbers with names that convey somehing to us all—like the name of the late Capt. Colin P. ly Jr.—would be appropriate.

Fair Enough

By Westbrook Pegler

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GOV. M. M. NEELY, last Wednesday appealed to the lumber in the interests of “national security” to meet with the State Labor Commission or permit him to appoint a board to “arbitrate the dis-

To this the company replied, “Our plant is working 100 per cent and has defense orders, Company will bargain collectively when labor board determines organization representing majority. C. I. O. this on Sept. 20, but broke agreement. Only trouble here is firing of high-powered rifles at our employees, offices, plant and trains” The company sent. telegrams also to Frank Knox, Secretary of the Navy, saying the company and more than 90 pér cent of the workers were anxious to do their American duty and asked whether the Government could “restrain these saboteurs.” There was another telegram to Mr. Knox, Secretary of War Stimson and J. Edgar Hoover, signed “W. H. Wilson.” saying: “I have a son in Navy last heard from at Pearl Harbor. No word since Japanese attack. Son and myself employed in Richwood being fired upon from ambush with rifies. Demand protec tion as American citizens engaged in production, national defense.” Another telegram, signed “Richwood Loggers’ and Lumbermen’s Union,” addressed to Messrs. Knox, Stimson, Hoover and Senator Tom Connally of Texas, said: “Representing more then 90 per cent of employees Cherry River Boom and Lumber Co. We are engaged in producing national defense material and are being fired on from ambush with high-powered rifies, threatened and cocerced by C. I. O. organisers and adherents. Demand protection in our efforts to co-operate 100 per cent in national defense.”

State Officials Passing the Buck

MR. THOMPSON reports that Mr. Hoover replied that the matter had been referred to the Attorney General and that Capt. Adkins, U. S. N., tele phoned from Washington, requesting details. He adds that in addition to the Richwood boy, unaccounted tor at Pearl Harbor, another Richwood has been reported killed in the attack there. Mr. , himself, has a son in the service. He says the State Gove ernment agencies have passed the buck, caused delays EE I fr Coed that, suly e Governor a for conciliation or arbitration. peal The C. I. O. is now the dominant political faction of West Virginia and has made great progress in coe ercing the State's own employees into its ranks with the connivance of the State Government, under Governor Neely. Recently, John H. was dismissed from the position of Chief of the State Nouly toner eof 350 men, Mr. Bosworth sald Governor " me I can't get along with labor, which h said, is antagonistic to me.” yn

His dismissal had been demanded by officials of the United Mine Workers, along with that of certain troopers who searched and confiscated firearms from pickets at Gary, W. Va, during the captive coal mine strike. Bosworth said he only did his duty of enforcing the law and maintaining peace on John L. Lewis

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Japs in Davao By William Philip Simms

Ideal for Colonial Purposes

DAVAO-—-PRONOUNCED Da-bow to now—_. situated at the bottom

. t deal of in to Strike ott W. H. Sutphin, N. J.

The Hoosier Forum

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

INSISTS MARINES FOUGHT AT CHATEAU THIERRY By Ethel Bowman, R. R. 15, Box 670 I would like to have C. J. Houston prove that the Marines did not fight at Chateau Thierry. I have ample proof that the Marines in 2d Division did fight there. I have my brother's discharge papers. He was in the 97th Co. 6th Marines and fought at Chateau Thierry the whole month of June, 1918, was wounded on the 30th at Chateau Thierry. He was in several other battles. If I wanted information The Chicago Tribune would sure be gne place I wouldn't go for it. I think ©. J. Houston owes Mr. Talburt and the Marines an apolgy: »

‘SMOKE SCREEN HAZARD INSTEAD OF PROTECTION’

By W. H. Richards, 137 E. New York St. In The Times of 10th there was an item stating that the Carnegie Illinois Steel Co. was testing a smoke screen for protection against bombardment from the air. In the opinion of the writer, that would be a hazard instead of protection. The great cloud of smoke would show the enemy just where the plant is located. On the windward side there would be a strip showing that would indicate the lay of the land. In the 1400 acres covered there would be seen from above spots of extreme black where smoke issues from high stacks and of course under them would be vital spots. Planes could fly low and so make the aim better, for while smoke covered the huge plant, it also screens the plane from sight of ground anti-aircraft gunners. Another thing that should be discontinued, though the damage has already been done: Newspapers publishing the location and extent

(Times readgrs are invited their these columns, religious conMake your letters short, so all can

to express views in

troversies excluded.

have a chance. Letters must be signed.)

of all defense industries are giving information to the enemy. You can bet that Germary and Japan have maps in which pins are stuck showing location of these plants so that bombers may know just where to go and save gas by flying in a straight line, None of us wanted war, but now that it has been thrust upon us there is but one thing the loyal American can do and that is to bend his every energy ‘o help carry on the victory. » # s ASKS P. 8. C. TO CANCEL PHONE ‘MILEAGE CHARGE

By Guy D. Salles, 5801 Woodside Drive An open letter to the Public Service Commission: This is an opportune time for the Public Service Commission and the National Defense Council to standardize telephone service and rates, and cancel the utility sap called “mileage charge” permitted by the Public Service Commission. For many years the P. 8 COC. granted the Power & Light Co, the privilege to make a demand charge of $1 per month plus the rates per k. w. h. but an Act of Congress put a stop to this utility gouge, which also set aside the 3 per cent tax on this sap and the electrical energy consumed. The Bell Telephone O| is now granted a monopoly in the State, and certain communities they serve, They are permitted to make rates for all subscribers but use a base

Side Glances=By Galbraith

rate area which lays in the city Jimits of incorporated cities, such as Indianapolis. While outside this imaginary boundary line, but within their monopolized districts, they discriminate by charging 60c a mile, or fraction thereof, for individual service, 40¢c per subscriber for two party lines, 20c on four party lines. ' In Washington Township, Marion County, rural corporations lying outside the base rate area are granted the City rates, but if you live across the road or street from their corporation line, up goes your telephone cost 60c per month for mileage which does not exist.

This corporation has the unmitigated gall to charge its members 10 per cent war tax on this so-called “mileage charge.” If you protest, they politely state you don't have to pay it—if you don't have to pay it, how does it happen ‘hey bill us for it? "Can it be that a utility corporation has a sense of shame when questioned about this utility gouge?

By granting them a monopoly in telephone service and in the absence of expressed law giving the P. 8. C. the right to regulate cost to subscribers in directory advertising, they have raised the rates for this service 150 per cent over the 1929 nigh. ... Essential war industries are now being erected in Indiana rural dis. trict, where, according to the Department of Commerce, 56 per cent of the people reside. Will the Telephone Co. show their patriotism by gouging these new industries with their utility sap? Or will they give them the same concession now granted to rural corporations lying outside the base rate area, and continue their discrimination against small business and home owners in these districts?

® » HOW WOMEN CAN HELP WIN WAR By Ruth Paul

Is the war won by the fighting of the men alone? Can the wom en Jelp to win this war? Women, as can help by doing many useful things. Join the Red Cross. Everyone can wrap bandages or knit: If you have any old clothes give them to a reliable charitable organization. Contribute to the Community Fund and other reliable agencies. ‘ The Defense are another way of helping to win this war. Bonds may also be bought. Many little everyday things can be done to help win this war. Come on, women, unite! Do your bit and you will be a great factor in win-

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| ning this war. :

JUNIOR HIGH MISS By JESSIE MORRIS

sash tle,

ohnson Says—

WASHINGTON, Dec. 23.—Sev=

eral weeks before the war, this writer cautioned that we might well expect to receive “token bombings” on our seaboard cities. I said then that the motive for such bombings would not be for any direct military effect or actual damage they’ would cause since, under any set of circumstances that we can reasonably imagine at this time, such damage would perforce be negligible. However, .it was pointed.out that the real danger would be the creation of a scare or panic which might result in a diversion of critical items, such as steel for bomb-proof shelters, anti-aircraft guns, fire fighting apparatus, etc, from our own armed forces and the lend-lease program to a needless and costly attempt to defend every city in the country from. a practically non-existent. threat. I have just talked with some experts who were on the Pacific Coast at the time war was declared " They bring back some stories which are highly inter~# esting and which I pass on to you for what they may be worth. In the first place, it appears certain that Japanese planes definitely were over the coast of California, both north and south. The northern ones were probably carrier based, and the southern ones may have been based in Mexican Lower California. Wherever these bases were they are apparently so far distant that no bomb loads could be carried (although some flares were dropped) but the very fact that the civilian population was thus rudely informed that Japanese planes could get to the coast at all seems to have had the desired effect.

It Was the Hitler Technique

RUMORS AND CONFUSION were rampant. This confusion seems to have been added to, rather than alleviated, by certain Office of Civilian Defense officials who were fluttering around from town to town chang-

ing their minds and issuing conflicting orders at every step. This is a condition which should be rectified at once and the necessary military orders issued. The conflicting and confusing scare stories which are appearing in the newspapers and needlessly riling everyone up should be discontinued by them on their own initiative. The President did a swell job in his talk on that subject, : The rumor-mongers had a field day. I got the following story from an eye-witness: In the midst of a blackout, a man stood in front of a news stand shouting at the top of his voice that, “Thousands of Japanese planes are over Pasadena and heading for Los Angeles.” An alert Army officer got a cop and had this man arrested. The next day the owner of the news stand reported to Army officials that the man was not an employee of his, and that he .had never had seen him before and had not seen him since. This was no prankster. This is an obvious part of Hitler's technique of destroying public confidence and morale by stirring up scares.

There's Lots of Fire

WE MUST NOT forget for one minute that the fitth-column of 1918 was a harmless infant compared to the ugly monster of 1941. In other words there's a lot more fire for the amount of smoke this time than there was last time, This fire must be put out, but, just like the military Job, it should be put out by experts. These experts should mobilize and train selected civilians to assist them in this field, but it should be done on a well organized scale and not on any haphazard, tale bearing basis. : The tongue of the amateur G-man is probably even more dangerous than the loaded rifle of the untrained amateur soldier. We must not allow either to be turned loose upon us by .amateur direction of this highly technical job of civilian defense,

A Woman's Viewpoint By Mrs. Walter Ferguson

A READER WANTS to know whether I favor more censorship for the movies. The answer is “yes—and no.”

“No” to the Comstockian clamping down on every item

some narrow-minded group or sect. “Yes” to the idea that parents should demand good entertainment for their children. I am well aware of the several censorship boards already func tioning, and that every picture released has to run the gamut of one or many of them. And I do sincerely believe some sort of attention is necessary, because there are ever present among us people ready to put out the most degrading filth in order to make money, Nothing but the public opinion, backed by the law, can stop them. : It is undeniably true that films which are enJoyable for sophisticated adults—and are there any other sort left in our world?>—are not amusing for children. Come to think about it, it seems highly absurd that we should give babies in kindergarten the same movie fare we dish up to the college senior, his parents and professors. It's funnier yet when we consider the floods of children’s books published every year, with all the hard words and evil notions deleted, while at the same time we think nothing of letting millions of the same infants go to see pictures like “Skylark,” “Twos Faced Woman” and “Week-End in Havana.”

The Box Office Talks

SUGGESTIONS HAVE poured in to me on the estion. A good many people are of the opinion t the churches, out of their tax-exempt wealth, should provide theaters for children. Certainly, when an excellent film suitable for them is re leased, the parents and teachers in the community ought to see that it makes expenses. Producers aren’t in the business for fun: the bex office speaks louder than moral lectures. But is thers any pan why omen, school and church people shouldn't get er and do something sides talk about this social problem? 5 In every city, town and hamlet something could be done, if parents cared half as much shout what their children hear and see as what they eat. And it could be done intelligently without resorting to rige orous censorship or persecution, Working as a unit We could have programs of special interest to children and then see that they were well patronized.

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

Questions and Answers

(The Indianapolls Times Service Bureau wil) snswep any question of fact or Information, net invelving extengive ree search. Write your guestion clearly, sign name snd sddress,

postage stamp, v legal adviey cannot be given. Address The Times Washington Service Bureau. 1013 Thirteenth 84. Washington. D, ©.)

Department instead of men from the Federal Bureau of Investigation? A—Because the law delegating to the Secret Serv. ice Division of the Treasury Department the duty of the President was passed some time be Bureau of the Department of Jus now the had attained its present size = importance.

Q—What is the name ¢ synthetic fbér made {rom TOA; Sud Where It protusd? A—The fiber, called Aralac, is made casein, a by-product of skim milk, It is made now in a factory at Taftville, Conn, following more than two years’ pilot-plant operation at Bristol, R. I. 9 {What isthe motto of the Royal Canadian’ Alp

| A—Per ardus ad astra. (Through effort to the

which offends the prejudices of e«