Indianapolis Times, Indianapolis, Marion County, 3 January 1942 — Page 8

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President

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_ the fact that Russia is not now

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The Indianapolis Times

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Give Light end the People Will Find Thetr Own Wey

SATURDAY, JANUARY 3, 1942

AUTOS FOR VICTORY

OING without new automobiles will be no unique experience for the American people. Less than 50 years ago they did without any automobiles at all. Less than 25 years ago—during the last war—they got along with about one-fifth as many cars and trucks, new and old, as we'll

dave in 1942.

And all the rest of the world is now managing somehow with less than half as many passenger cars as we have, and about 90 per cent as many trucks. ' So we'll get by, all right. And the rigid rationing of cars and tires will have some compensations. We'll probably drive more carefully, and stop killing as many as 3000 people a month on the streets and highways. We'll probably walk more, and improve our health. We'll have a tremendous demand for cars after the war as a cushion against another depression. But ‘there's no disguising the fact that we're in for some severe jolts. Fifty thousand automobile dealers and 400.000 salesmen are feeling them now. Hundreds of thousands of factory employees will suffer temporary unemployment before they can be switched to war work. Longdistance touring is out, which will hit the tourist. business hard. Governments will lose tax revenue. = - = ® = . NDEED, we're all going to learn—and pretty painfully— how much our lives have been altered by the ownership of so many automobiles; by the rapid development of the motor car from a rich man’s luxury to a family necessity; by the ability we've enjoyed to ride half a trillion miles a year, to live far from our jobs and be independent of other means of transportation, to have, almost, a car for every family. One thing seems certain: The Government hasn't issued these rationing orders, which will inconvenience or hurt so many millions of people, just for fun. They are necessary to the winning of the war. And so most of us will ask only that the promise made yesterday by Sidney Hillman of the Office of Production Management shall be strictly fulfilled—the promise that full use will be made quickly of the automobile industry’s manpower and machines, the rubber and steel and other materials, to the end that victory over the Axis may be

speeded.

HANG TOGETHER, OR HANG SEPARATELY

THE Allied pact against a separate peace takes much of the hurt out of the fall of Manila. It is not who wins this battle or that which counts, but who wins the war. The best guarantee of final victory is that the Allies, whose combined size and strength is so much greater than the

Axis, shall work together and fight together to the end.

That is the purpose of this new document. First, it pledges the co-operative use of resources, economic and

military, for the common end of defeating the Axis for a

better world. Second, each nation promises not to make a separate armistice or peace with any enemy with which it is now at war. : The precise wording of the latter provision gets around at war with Japan. Some will see in this a dangerous loophole. We do not think it is. = ® ” = = = UR confidence that this is an honest accord, rather than an out for the Russians in the Pacific war, is based on the following:

We do not believe President Roosevelt would sacrifice much-needed American supplies for use of Russia in Europe and Siberia, unless his careful investigation had convinced him conclusively that Russia was with the United States 100 per cent in this war. Obviously, the President is in much better position than any other American to judge. We believe the heavy losses of materials, manpower and morale which Russia has inflicted on Germany since | Dec. 7 are more effective in winning the war than spectacular but unprephred bombing raids on Tokyo would have been. If the United States was not prepared for effective war against Japan, how could Russia be—when she is engaging, alone, most of the German Army? ‘

But the chief reason we think the President is wise

: in trusting Russian policy in the Pacific is that Japan is an

older enemy of Russia, and a much greater future threat to Russia than to the United States. On the basis of selfinterest—which is the only trustworthy basis in war— our guess is that Russia will co-operate to the limit of her ability in defeating Japan. = =” 2 =» = » HIS same criterion of self-interest and ability applies to + all 26 signatories and to the general pledge of no separate peace. Such promises may be made in good faith and still—as in the case of France—be broken by a nation that is broke. So the endurance of the new pact will not depend so much on good intentions—which can be assumed—as on the actual operation of the united front in stréngthening the fighting ability and protecting the self-interest of the individual powers. It is like any other marriage: If it doesn’t work it is in danger of collapsing, regardless of vows. By that practical test we expect the anti-Axis alliance to work and to win the war. For these nations have good reason to know that this is a case now of Ben Franklin's famous injunction: “We must indeed all hang together, of, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately.” If any member is tempted to make a separate armistice, the tragic experience of France should be lesson enough.

SAME OLD SWEET SONG

Fair Enough By Westbrook Pegler

NEW YORK, Jan. 3.—At midnight, New Year's Eve, the people

eers nor the New Deal Socialists. Dewey may run Governor next fall, but nothing is certain these days and, meanwhile, one of the most effective public officials of his time will be out of action in the public be-

A Record of Achievement

DEWEY has been prosecuting and investigating since 1929 in both Federal and state services and his record was such that in Jersey City, for example, and Chicago, Kansas City, Boston, the Miamis and New Orleans, despondent citizens would sigh for a “Dewey” of their own to rip into the filthy gangs and cut them down. He was threatened often but never gulped and his achievement is the greater in view of the fact that he had to fight Tammany as a Republican which meant that the pious but intensely political and tricky New Deal was jealous of every victory that he won for the people and decency. A horse for work, an energizing and encouraging captain, a great investigator, Dewey always was generous with personal credit to the assistants to Whom he liberally delegated important assignments and responsibility. Degraded in the past by treachery to the people, low political venality and plain, dumb stupidity, the plant which he took over four years ago is now unquestionably the most efficient investigating and prosecuting agency in the entire country. Dewey was so badly treated politically by Fiorello La Guardia, his superior only in showmanship and his equal in none of the admirable qualities, that his-aid to La Guardia in the Mayor's recent campaign for re-election became a conspicuous return of good for evil. La Guardia had indicated that he would support Dewey for Governor against Herbert Lehman in 1938. Instead, he supported Lehman as a New Deal machine candidate and Dewey was beaten but Dewey nevertheless not merely indorsed La Guardia but fought for him against O'Dwyer.

He Didn't Even Hesitate

IT WAS a tough choice. La Guardia, in his years in office, had inevitably emphasized his vulgar irascibility, has bullying intolerance and his inability to cooperate even with his own appointees. But Dewey had only Tammany for an alternative so he gamely went down the line for a man who deserved only his contempt. That Dewey's ability should be wasted now merely because he still has legitimate political ambitions is a sad state of affairs in a country at war and infested with enemies at home. It was Dewey's office that convicted Fritz Kuhn of the Nazi-American Bund and he has the background information, the connections and the intelligence of a great détective. His knowledge does not end at the boundaries of Manhattan or New York County but follows the ramifications of conspiracies throughout the country and into other lands. But he is a Republican, not a Socialist or Communist, and his ambition to be President one day undoubtedly keeps alive, so it would be difficult to make full use of his ability.

What of Politics?

By Thomas L. Stokes

WASEINGTOL!, Jan. 3 — A new year begins with partisan politics more completely buried than perhaps at any time in the nation’s history, though this is the year for Congressional elections, The two parties have joined publicly in a truce for national unity, a sincere truce. Wendell Willkie, who a little more than a year ago was beating the tomtoms against the party in power, long ago came to the support of the Administration in its foreign policy. He is being talked of for a post in the top command. What of political issues henceforth? . When the shock of sudden attack wears off and the people begin to look stoically toward a long war, it is expected that issues will develop around the conduct of the war. For this constant checkup, it is held vital here that a constructive opposition be ready on the sidelines, constantly on the alert; an opposition which need not be politically partisan, but may draw from both parties as the war effort progresses, Looking imm ly ahead, as Congress prepares to go into a new the checkup job is seen to lie in these directions: 1. Continuation of investigations now under way in both House and Senate to unearth any graft and favoritism in Government contracts.

2. The effort, by the same Congressional com- |

mittees and others, to find out where the arms program is falling down, where it is inefficient, how it best can be revised to get maximum production. 3. Reduction of ordinary Government expenditures as far as possible,

Investigations to Continue

4. Formulation of tax programs to distribute the burdens fairly. Public resentment is believed certain to be the lot of anyone who tries to exploit the public purse. It is planned to continue all the investigations now under way—those conducted by the Truman (Senate) Defense Committee and the House Military and Naval Committees. Some rather sensational disclosures of exploitation of the Government are forecast when these committees resume their discussions in the next few weeks. Senator Truman (D. Mo), in announcing continuation, pointed out that a special House of Commons investigating committee has functioned in England since the outbreak of war. “It is amazing,” he said, “how their committee finds the same things that we have disclosed here.” The public Is expected to give these investigations even more attention now and to demand that the full facts be brought out.

So They Say—

Abler men than I—several million of them — are rushing to the active and risky preservation of that Constitution under which I may, if I chocse, sit at home and eriticize.—Robert E. , World War veteran of Canton, O, in a resolution to stop

THE INDIANAPOLIS TIMES

‘What Is Past

SATURDAY, JAN. 3 1942]

Is Prologue!’

The Hoosier Forum

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

URGES STAMPED ENVELOPES IN SOLDIERS’ MAIL By a Soldier As a subscriber to your paper who is now in the Army, I would like to offer a suggestion that your paper might inaugurate and encourage. That is to suggest that all people writing to soldiers, sailors and Marines inclose a stamped, selfaddressed envelope. Something in the order of a smaller envelope within a larger one. This may seem trivial to the person writing but it would mean a great saving in money and time to the fellows, as we only receive $21 and $30 a month and our training is so intensive at the present that time is invaluable.

& & =» MADDOX GIVES DEFINITION

OF AMERICANISM TO HIM By Edward F. Maddox, 959 W. 28th St. Yes, Mr. Daacke, I did say: “As patriotic Americans we must rally to our nation's defense and lay aside our political and personal differences. That is my job and yours. So let us settle down to the task.” . My definition and understanding of a patriotic American citizen is one whose whole devotion is to and for the political, economic, religious and social system—long ago established and guaranteed to us by our forefathers in that great charter of liberty, the Constitution of the United States, to one flag only—the stars and stripes, and who desires and intends to do his best to preserve, protect and defend that system, that flag and those rights and liberties which all patriotic Americans cherish and regard as their rightful heritage. And now for the sad part, Mr. Daacke: Whoever in our great republic has in his heart any hope, aim, purpose or desire to haul down the old flag, discard our Constitutional American system and institutions and set up by any means, any alien and hostile totalitarian political, social or economic system, replace the Stars and Stripes by any -other flag, that person is not a patriotic American and is not fit to be a leader of the American peo-

(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.)

ple, now, or at any other time. . . If that is inconsistency, make the most of it. o ” ” LAUDS WORK OF STOWE, PEGLER AND STOKES By A Reader, Indianapolis Among the names of the Brave; whose names will be inscribed high on the rolls of honor for outstanding service to their country in this world war, those of Leland Stowe, Westbrook Pegler, Thomas Stokes and other writers who have atacked and exposed the evil forces of racketeering, corruption and subversive fifth columnists should stand side by side with our military heroes. Theirs is an outstanding service involving great personal danger, and by exposing the rotten corruption,

racketeering sabotage of our defense b

program and the hijacking of our Lend-Lease material on the Burma Road. they uncover those who give aid and comfort to our enemies and weaken our war effort, fatten on blood money and thrive by robbing the suffering Chinese of blankets, munitions, gasoline for planes, hospital supplies and the final result is the sacrifice of thousands and thousands of brave fighting men in China, the Philippines, Wake, Guam and other vital war fronts where they pray and look and wait-in vain for guns, planes, munitions and other tools needed to do the job. This is the greatest blot on the pages of our history. There is only one word which correctly describes such persons—ghouls.

Most rackets operate alike — get|/

between the buyer and the seller, the sender and the receiver, or the

Side Glances=By Galbraith

worker and the job, that is, set up an organization which can take a per cent rake-off, can charge a commission and control the flow of goods, handle contracts or hire and fire workers and make them pay tribute for a job. There seems to be an international racket in operation. The American people should demand that hijacking of Lend-Lease materials be stopped right now, and to know why our Lend-Lease offi-

-|cials tolerate and continue to send

our war material into the waiting hands of gangsters. Whoever is responsible for continuing to pour millions of dollars of Lend-Lease goods, knowingly, into6 the hands of these bandits is guilty of gross negligence. 3 God give us real, patriotic American leaders who will put a stop to this sabotage of our war program. n ” 2 “LETTER REEKS WITH PANTY-WAIST ATTITUDE” By R. W. J., Rockville The writer has enjoyed reading The Indianapolis Times for a num=ber of years and also letters in the Forum. Several times I wanted to answer the Forum letters but did not. This letter from H. A. Wilson of Dec. 30 is just too hot to let go

y. Wilson's letter reeks with mother’s apron string, panty-waist and let-George-do-it attitude. I think what he needs is a good baptism of blood and thunder. Maybe he did not give very serious thought to the matter and we should give him the benefit of the doubt. If the young man would enlist now he could choose the bpanch of service he desires. The Army, Navy and Marine Corps builds character and manhood into its men. The training will make him reliant. The regular hours and plain food will build physique which is badly needed today. He will learn discipline. The Army teaches a good many things that are man building. If he has what it takes he won't need to bother to learn how much liquor he can consume or learn all We Army gambling games. Remember, he is going after the best he can get in the ‘Army. When he comes out ready to return to civilian life he will feel proud of his record. He will be better able to look at himself in the mirror and say, “Go after it, Bud, nothing can stop you now.” No need for him to have to sneak around the alley while the others have profited by his mistake. On my next birthday in February I'll be 50 years old. I enlisted when war was declared in April 1917. Was in service 22 months, 18 months in France and nine months of these on Western Front. I have never regreted my time spent in the Army and now young man, get this: If Uncle Sam needs me again he will not need to draft me. I will enlist. Mr. Editor, I am not writing this letter to start an argument in the Forum. I hold no animosity against young Wilson, just think he is on the wrong track.

MY SONG ‘My song that was a sword is still. Like a scabbard I have made A covering with my will To sheathe its blade.

It had a flashing tongue of steel That made old shadows start: It would not let the darkness heal About my heart. ~Hazel Hall (1886-1924)

DAILY THOUGHT Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful— Locke 6:36.

m——— . WHO will not m LW qian FR re.

unto oth-~

Gen. Johnson

WASHINGTON, Jan. 3 Where is our “rubber getter?” The OPM tire order, instantane= ously and without warning, slip= ping out from under our domestic economic organization the sea of rubber on which it floats, proves that we have the greatest rubber taker of all time. But where is our “rubber getter?” There are several ways to get rubber. One is by a wise planning and organization to conserve its domestic use to the lowest point compatible with our daily national existence. That does not mean simply grabbing it all by an imperial decree, without a thought or plan for civilian necessities or for any madly destructive effect in slowing down national speed for the purposes of both peace and war:

The latter is the easy way for ofticialdom. It rey"

lieves them from most of the work and worry that belong with their task. It is an easy way but it is arbitrary and destructive—I will even say—a COWe ardly way. The reason why that order came out of the blue, with ‘no provision to cushion its possibly te ef« fects, was that these officials, though warned for years, had done and planned nothing to prevent or soften the catastrophe it is now imposing. It didn’t expect that to be necessary 80 soon, Then came Pearl Harbor and OPM was caught asleep on the post as plainly as the garrison at Rear] Harbor.

Where Is Our "Rubber Getter"?

THE TRUTH IS THAT we have needed a “rubber getter” all those months and years. We need one now far worse than ever and there is nothing in that order that even recognizes that need. “ There are at least four known ways to make syn= thetic “rubber’—better than the natural product. Beyond a little piffling trifling with those obvious ways, out, we let them rot. We had ample opportunity to lay in an immense war reserve stock. Again we trifled until pexhgps that way is closed. It is possible enormously to increase production of rubber from other latex-yielding plants and also by pulping immature trees. - By efficient organization in every community, coupled with vigorous centralized national control on a carefully considered plan, we could still pool our privately owned motor transport to make every good tire carry its full load. In this way we could temper or even prevent many paralyzing effects of this blind OPM folly on the working people and farmers. So far as appears, we are neither doing nor plan

ning to do any of these things. We need a “rubber getter.”

Price Is No Object

IT IS TRUE that artificial “rubber” in the minute quantities yet produced costs several times the old price of East Indian rubber and that factories have taken a long time to build. There is still some debate as to details of other expedients mentioned here. It is time and far past time to resolve all this debate by factual conclusion to go to work after experts have been consulted and agreed so far as possible on the best ways to do the job. If we can sacrifice billions and God knows what else beside in the mad OPM spasm, we can afford to get vast new sources of rubber almost regardless of cost. It is our greatest need of the moment and this is a crisis. We must have a “rubber getter” before the “rubber grabbers” ruin us.

A Woman's Viewpoint | By Mrs. Walter Ferguson

A SWEET and tragic story of our time is that of Colin Kelly, orphan of war and for a little while the most famous American baby. Every heart was touched by the fine gesture made by Pr

ident Roosevelt in recommending him for a West Point appointment by some later Chief Executive. What, I wonder, will he the effect of a father’s heroisin and a nation’s gratitude on the future of the boy? Certain ly he will always be aware that the event took his father’s life also shaped his own destiny. Over and over he will hear that story of a man’s courage and his daring deed. Like the sons of ancient heroes, his whole life will be colored by the glow of his father’s bravery. This story, I think, holds significance for every American parent. Once again it proves that children are guided by the inspiration derived from the deeds of their ancestors, Family tradition offers the most excellent moral training for the young. Most children shrink from actions that will reflect discredit upon the family name.

Setting a Good Example

IT HAS often been said that children of great men are handicapped or overshadowed by parental glory, but I believe we give too little attention to the ine fluence ordinary, every day goodness and integrity in adults have ypon the children of a household. Bringing shame upon those who walk proudly is a thing the child usually tries to avoid. For he has something to live up to, something that holds him steady in the way of righteousness. Not many men are fated to die in a blaze of glory, as young Colin's father did, but more of us could be brave and steadfast in our daily duty. And if we were, that alsq would be a splendid heritage for our children and fewer of them would let their parents down.

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

Questions and Answers

. (The Indianapolis Times Service Bureau will answer any question of fact or information, net invelving extensive ree search. Write your question clearly. sign name and address, inclose a three-cent postage stamp. Medical or legal sdvice cannot be given, Address The Times Washington Service Bureau. 1018 Thirteenth St... Washington. D. QO.)

Q—Please list the ranks of commissioned officers in the U, S. Navy. A—From top to bottom they are: Admiral, Vice ‘Admiral, Rear Admiral, Captain, Commander, Lieu-

tenant Commander, Lieutenant, Lieutenant (Junior :

grade), Ensign. Q—How much salary does, Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt receive as Assistant Director of the Office of Civilian Defense? A—She serves without compensation.

Q—Where does the money come from to pay uss employment benefits? - : A-—State unemployment funds, from which bende fits are paid, are built up by payroll taxes. In states, these taxes are‘levied on the employer and & a few states on employees, as well.

Q—How much did fire insurance companies pay

to policyholders for losses in 1940? ¢

A—Approximately $515,000,000. a

@~Can. slisss, who, sepsired. for ie arult 49 required to serve? A-—-Those who have obtained thelr, first ¢ Up papers. are and

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