Indianapolis Times, Indianapolis, Marion County, 6 January 1942 — Page 10

BED The Indianapolis Times

ROY W. HOWARD RALPH BURKHOLDER MARK FERREE President Editor Business Manager -

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Give Light and the People Will Find Thelr Own Wey

TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 1042

CONGRESS: WORKING FULL TIME

high excitement in Washington when

d to be a day of LP and a matter of

Congress convened in a new session, great moment throughout the country. X In bygone days the long sessions extended only to midsummer, and the short sessions, before the Lame Duck Amendment, were chopped off abruptly at noon on March 4.

do it was a considerable social and political event when the lawmakers resumed their seats after a prolonged grassroots vacation. ; It was in no wise a social occasion, politics was scarcely thought of, and the only resemblance to the traditional convening was the perfunctory ceremony of sending a committee to the White House to inform the President of what he already knew—that Congress was in session and ready for business. Most of the lawmakers had been away from their seats only over the week-end. For the second year running they had worked the calendar around. Hired by the year, they have been putting in full time.

® ” HE popular impression, heightened by the military crisis, is that this will be another rubber-stamp Congress. Let us hope that this will not prove true. For never before has the country had such need of a Congress functioning in full vigor, discharging its responsibilities, contributing its part to the prosecution of the war. There is no question about 100 per cent co-operation with the President and the military. Congress will appropriate all the money and approve all the powers needed to fight this war—and will do so with alacrity. But its duty does not stop with acquiescent co-opera-tion. It should follow through in a hundred constructive ways to make sure that the money and powers are effectively used for victory. 8 ” ONGRESS shouldn’t try to direct the strategy of this war, but as the keeper of the public purse and as the policymaking branch of the Government, it can-perform countless tasks to speed the production of the tools of war, and their delivery into the hands of the men who are doing the fighting. And in the civil functions of the Government, now marked by so much waste and purposelessness, Congress has the authority to gear all activities of the requirements of the timds. “% © The President needs that help from Congress, and he has a right to expect it—in the same full measure that Prime Minister Churchill has received and benefited by the aggressive teamwork of parliament. The elected representatives of the British people have risen to the supreme test. Surely ours will not do less.

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WORSE BEFORE IT’S BETTER

NE day we are up, and the next day down. Our spirits ebb and flow with reports first of defeat, then victory, then defeat. The Japanese occupy Manila and Cavite, and catch the American-Filipino army in a pincers movement. But Gen. MacArthur's force escapes the encirclement, and slaughters the would-be trappers. Then, far to the south, Army flying fortresses sink an enemy destroyer and damage a battleship and several other vessels, without American loss.

The Japanese take Penang base in Malaya and speed across the Straits of Malacca to take the Sumatran base of Medan and close the western waterway to Singapore. But the Dutch bring down many of the air invaders and drive off the remainder. : The Japanese strike at strategic Rangoon, to isolate British Malaya from the north and the Burma Road from the South. But the R. A. F. and American flying squadrons win the sky battle 10-to-1. So it goes, back and forth, in a seesaw which probably. will continue many months. If our morale is to survive we shall have to get used to these dizzy changes. And, while we are holding our hat, we might paste in it old Bill Murray's rule: ‘ “Never overly elated in victory, nor unduly depressed in defeat.” ; In the immediate future there probably will be much more defeat than victory. At least that is the warning of the new supreme commander, Gen. Wavell: “The situation may become worse until the tide turns, but turn it we will with inexorable strength when the time comes.”

ANOTHER DREAM BUSTED

ACK in 1927 a group of Denver businessmen established a Community Trust Fund of $200, estimating that in 250 years interest and reinvestment would jncrease it to a $20,000,000 endowment for a great institution of education, health and recreation. According to our (not guaranteed) arithmetic, they expected their fund to earn slightly better than 41% per cent, compounded quarterly. At that rate, the money would have doubled itself about every 15 years, such being the magic: of compound interest. And that rate, with reasonable safety, probably seemed a conservative expectation—in 1927. But times, and interest rates, have changed. Nearing the end of the first 15-year period, the bank which was made custodian of the fund has just reported that, far from doubling, the original $200 has earned only $67.50. So the whole project has been abandoned, and the $267.50 has been turned over to charity. We regret this failure. It would have been a comfort,

in these days of insecurity, to go on believing that we could - put ai

a couple of hundred bucks in the bank and count on |

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Fair Enough By Westbrook Pegler

NEW YORK, Jan. 6 —Capt. Joe Patterson, the publisher of the New York News, led off his Sunday editorial with a reminder that in the old West the horse thief was regarded as the social equal of the murderer and, in many cases, was lynched. “There was good reason for this harsh attitude,” said he. “To steal a man’s only means of transportation in those vast and almost empty spaces was to condemn him to death by starvation and thirst. We are reminded of this old western philosophy by the rubber crisis which has suddenly cracked down on the United States.”

I thought the captain was going on from there to say something about the modern equivalent of the horse thief but instead he slewed off into a general discussion of rubber and our great necessity and a recomm tion that we start producing ersatz rubper right’ now and damn the expense, which is a good idea, too, but, thanking him for the analogy, 1 suggest that the tire thief will not become & very seriouse nuisance and that his crime no longér be measured by the petty larceny value of his loot.

Man's Best Friend Today

THE AUTOMOBILE TIRE has ceased to be a familiar article of commerce easily available to all that have the price and has become with us almost as important as the plainsmen’s plug. Not only will the value rise but once the tires are gone or one tire is gone from a set of four, the present-day jallopy is ‘useless and George Spelvin, American, is set down where he is without transportation to his job or on the errands of the business by which he hustles & living. for his family.

The automobile is man’s best friend today. Our communities were arranged with the idea in mind that the dwellers naturally would drive to work and the distance to be covered simply cannot be traveled on foot.

Many of the suburbs which have arisen since the first World War were spotted so as to offer far detachment from the centers of industry and trade and to relieve urban congestion. And the competition of the private automobile was so great that thousands of miles of old street car lines were ripped up, the rails and the scrap metal of the cars themselves being sold to the Japanese who are now shooting them back to us. j They even abandoned the picturesque old Toonerville Trolley of Pelham although there were some who would have kept her rolling for old-times sake, so, without new tires to our automobiles we are going to be in quite a bit of a fix and anyone who steals a tire or set from a car parked in a street or public garage or on a lot is guilty of something much more serious than the mere theft and should be punished accordingly.

Hanging Is Severe, But...

MY FRIEND ERNIE PYLE during his gypsy days once wrote a piece about garage racketeers who switched tires on transients passing through, revealing that alrhost all drivers simply jump in and roll off without ever inspecting their tires to make sure. It would be hard to win an argument in such cases but as a precaution the driver should not hesitate to call attention to the make and condition of his tires when putting up the car and to check them over in the presence of the garage man on leaving. I just don’t know how a man could check up on his tubes but I think the police could help by watching dealers in second-hand tires and checking their sources of supply. Hanging seems a little severe as punishment for a tire thief up to now but after all this is wartime and there should be much less patience with all the ordinary forms of criminality because we can't spare the energy to police them. The tire thief and especially the adult crook in the garage business who takes advantage of this crisis to unhorse his fellow citizen is no mere thief nor yet exactly a saboteur in the direct sense but he is much more evil than the charge implies and Capt. Patterson’s reminiscence of the old West might encourage the courts to give all the law -allows for each separate offense and with no discount for any reason.

This and That

By Peter Edson

WASHINGTON, Jan. 6— Chinese propagandists in the United States are telking about possibility of a Chinese expeditionary force to the Near East for final attack on the Axis—after Japan is knocked out. . . . Brig. Gen. Clarence L. Tinker, new commander of the Hawaiian Army Air Force, is an enrolled member of the Osage Nation and is perhaps the first Indian to be raised to a generalship in the United States Army. . . . Abolition of summer vacation for high school studen and shortening of the four-year high school course to three years is one of the more drastic proposals secondary school officials will consider at a forthcoming conference. Idea is to speed up training of young workers for war industries. . . . Steel wheelbarrow production is to be stopped and wooden wheelbarrow manufacture upped 100 per cent. . . . More than 300 American civilians are in Singapore, and nearly 600 in the Dutch East Indies. . . . Parents are expressing concern over the shortage of rubber for infants’ pants.

No War With China Yet

JAPAN DECLARED war on the United States right after bombing Pearl Harbor, but so far the son of Heaven hasn't declared war on China, which the Japs have been fighting since July 1937. . . . Thirtyone tons of aluminum, 115 tons of steel and iron, 100,000 pounds of rubber and about six million feet of wood are needed to keep the model aircraft industry going as a defense measure to develop model building kids into potential Wright brothers and Colin Kellys. . . . Workers are being urged to put their overtime pay into defense stamps and bonds. . . . Time spent in air-raid shelters is not counted as “hours worked” by a wage and hour ruling. . . . New non-farm family dwellings constructed in 1941 are estimated at 615,000 as against a high of 753,000 in 1928. . . . In the three months period ending Sept. 15, clothing costs rose 7 per cent, house furnishings 6 per cent and food 4% per cent. . .. In the first 25 months after the start of the war in Europe, food costs in large U. B. cities have risen 18.4 per cent. . . . Fifty pounds of waste paper a month, is the quota set for the average American family. Two newspapers a day, plus magazines and wrapping paper, will do it. . —

Editor's Note: The views expressed by eslumnists in this newspaper are their own. They are mot those of The Indianapolis Times,

So They Say—

There is little probability that any power—Federal, state or local, public or private—will long persist unless it renders service to the people of America—Paul V. McNutt, Federal Security Administrator.

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We are fighting for human liberty and Justice, for the principles of individual freedom which we all

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The Hoosier Forum

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

SUGGESTS MOVIES TEACH AIR RAID DRILL

By E. D. B., Indianapolis To end all confusion over the proper procedure in an air raid, I suggest that a sound motion picture be made of an air raid on a city and one on a village, showing in detail the warning signal, the preparation for the raid and the all clear. The proper equipment for each house owner should be shown, with its location for speedy use, and how it is handled in the raid. An example of the result of neglect in not having the equipment and neglect in its use or improper use should be shown, as well as the result of wrong actions of pedestrians and motorists in an air raid. Few people know what an incendiary bomb looks like or how it acts and would be terrific to do anything with it because of ignorance, but if all of us knew what to do we could all be wardens of our own property. 2 2 REPENTANCE VIEWED AS ESSENTIAL TO VICTORY By Mrs. E. A. B., Indianapolis

We hear much talk .of peace amid the fighting today, but read Matthew 24th and 25th chapters and see what Jesus said about these days. Some folks also wonder about the statement the Angels made, “Peace on earth, good will to men.” If we had good will towards men, we would have not only national peace, but the peace in our hearts that only Christ can give. He says in Luke 13:3, “Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” So, if America repents and asks God for guidance, she shall have victory over the enemies of Christ. And to the dear, troubled Jews, Jesus says in Luke 13:35, “Ye shall not see Me until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is He

(Times readers are invited to express their views in these columns, religious conMake your letters short, so all can

troversies excluded.

have a chance. Letters must be signed.)

that cometh in the name of the Lord.” . So repentance of both Gentile and Jew is the key that will unlock the door to happiness and peace with Christ, our coming King. 8.8 ANOTHER REBUKE FOR H. A. WILSON

By Alvi. R. Brenion, 3014 Spann Ave. Mr. H. A. Wilson: Your lette of Dec. 30th in The Times was read by myself and possibly thousands of ex-service men all over the state. In the year of 1917 when World War I was in progress, I was a farm boy also. You were not even born at that time. There were thousands upon thousands just the same as I was, a farm boy. I felt it was my duty to enlist and give my life to protect Old Glory if need be. I served 13 months overseas. We also had the post-war hardships that you cry about. If every boy would have stayed at home, tied to his mother’s apron strings like you want to, where would this country and you be today? You suggest that they take us back with our big paunch and flat feet. I dare say, we could stand more of the hardships than you, and we wouldn't have to have our mother or girl friend there to tuck us under the covers every night. I assure you that if I could have laid my hands on you at the time I réad that letter, and I speak for

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thousands of other veterans, that your mother and father would not have recognized you when you returned home, and I do not mean perhaps Anybody that does not think enough of their country and its flag, and I mean the best flag in the world, is not even worthy of living, not even until he is 19.

RE Al “RUSSIANS SHOULD NEVER HAVE CALLED US COWARDS”

By Howar. Kwitn~, 2920 Ruckle St.

The Soviet Union, through its official mouthpieces, Pravda and Izvestia, declared that the American soldiers were cowards because of the fact that they did not defend Manila to the last stone.

During peace or war, constructive criticism is welcomed regardless of the source. . The Russian people have put up a magnificent defense of their homeland. May they continue to do so. The United States Government has never once called the Russians cowards whenever the Russians completed a strategic withdrawal. The Russian Government claimed, in their savage verbal attack on the American soldiers, that the abandonment of Manila weakened the morale of the American people. This is not true. The American people have, and always, eternally, will have the utmost confidence in the bravery of her soldiers. This unwonted Russian ver-

what little unity there is in the Allied command. I am not going to attempt to explain the abandonment of Manila. Perhaps Gen. MacArthur made a military blunder. Perhaps the Americans withdrew from Manila for strategic reasons, But, regardless of the reason, the Russian Government, our ally, never should have called our soldiers “cowards.”

URGES FREE POSTAGE FOR SERVICE MEN

By a Veteran, Indianapolis

The proposal to let the soldiers and sailors have the benefit of free postage, as proposed in Congress lately, is only fair and. should be adopted without delay. The pitiful $21 a month paid our buck privates doesn’t allow much in the way of luxuries and the few cents it would cost monthly per soldier and sailor to give them free mailing would not break the Treéasary. Why not give the men in Uncle Sam’s service the benefits of a few

useful privileges like this?

THE NIGHT WILL NEVER

STAY The night will never stay, The night will still go by, - : Though with a million stars. You pin it to the sky, Though you bind it with the blowing wind. And buckle it with the moon, The night will slip away. Like sorrow or a tune. : Eleanor. Farjeon

DAILY THOUGHT

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot en ter into the kingdom of God. John 3:8. i ;

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TUESDAY, JAN. 8, Gen. Johnson

|ISays—

WASHINGTON, Jan. 8.~All of us who are old énough to réememsper will recall one of the most prized and publicized of German photographs during the World War I. It showed the Kaiser at the head of an army parade marching down Unter Den Linden at the head of a veritable platoon of Hohenzollern sons, each dre in a different one of the man . highly picturesque regimentals of the old empire. It made for great pride and unity in the German Army and nation. The “matter with this picture” was that, with one or two exceptions, the boys’ soldiering didn’t go much farther than their broad-cloth coats. They were toy figures—wooden soldiers all dressed up for an occasion. Among the exceptions were the Crown Prince, who commanded an army group, but didn’t get much closer to no-man’s land than you can see with a telescope.

Like Teddy's Brood

NOW THERE is being published in this country photographs of the four sons of the President in uniforms of the United States—two Navy, one Marine and one Army Air Corps—and they are a far more soldierly and manly looking group than were the Kaiser's sour-faced progeny. These are not tin-soldier uniforms. honest insignia of men in real danger. these boys is on active duty. All these boys were subject to exemption from the draft if they cared to apply for it. None did. Like Teddy's brood of boys (the eldest of whom is now a Brigadier General) they all wanted duty with troops and they all have it. Turning from this and other special cases to look over the “run of the draft” which is daily joining the colors by thousands—all men called from our youth by a most vigorous selection and without re= gard to wealth, politics or social standing—and you have about as perfect an example of a democratic Army and Navy as history provides.

No Fanaticism About I+

THE GERMANS and the Japs are driven by fanaticism or a cruel ruthless discipline. When we elected to raise our armies on the selective service system, we went the whole way to the other extreme to rely solely on patriotism and high principle. In such circumstances, what a blow to our whole defense system it would have been to have had any of these sons of the President fumble this obligation, common to all men on their age, or slide out of it in some easy way. None did. On the contrary each moved as far to« ward danger as his rather limited choice would pere . mit. Though, perhaps in a negative way, it should do as much to strengthen the faith of both parents and sons in the fairness of our system as any other single thing that has happened.

They are the Every one of

A Woman's Viewpoint By Mrs. Walter Ferguson

I HAD occasion to do an errand in one of our finest churches. It’s amazing what busy places churches are these days, and how many women you'll find working there at something.

Errand done, I decided to go inside and meditate on my sins, I think now I was unconsciously drawn by the organ music, which drifted through the great building, faint and far away as the soughing of wind. Inside the church proper, I was keenly aware of that music. It sounded at first like a baby banshee, quavering and wailing its aloneness and lostness high above, among the rafters. It was so sad and forlop it made my heart turn over. Surely, I thought, this is like no church music I ever heard. This is not practicing—this is someone speaking to the Universe and God through the keys. For awhile the sad little harmonies wandered about, up and down, here and there, and then vane ished entirely. There was a silence. Then came crashe ing down a very thunder of swelling chords. The whole place was so filled with their volume the very windows seemed about to burst.

A Soldier on Leave

NO LONGER was I in a church—I was transe ported into illimitable space, wafted toward stars and suns on tonal clouds. I was carried into some other sphere where nothing existed except music, music, music. It ended and I crept out, humbled and uplifted. “What a fine organist you have here,” I said to a member I met in the vestibule. “You mean the music in there? That wasn't our organist. A strange soldier on leave from Ft. Sill came in here an hour or so ago and asked if he might play for a little while. I took him to the organ, He just touched the keys for a minute and then— oh, Mrs. Ferguson, he broke down and cried like a little boy. Said he hadn't seen an organ for months, We went away and left him, It was his music you heard.” Lucky me! °

Questions and Answers

(The indianapolis Times Service Bureau will answer any question of fact or information, not involving extedsive ree search. Write vour question clearly. sizn name snd address, inclose a three-cent postage stamp. Medical or legal advice cannot be given. Address The Times Washington Service Bureau. 1013 Thirteenth St. Washington. D. 0) Q—How many mothers of Presidents of the United States have lived to see their sons elected? A—Seven—Mary Ball Washington, mother -of George Washington; Nellie Conway Madison, mother of James Madison; Jane Knox Polk, mother of James K. Polk; Hannah Simpson Grant, mother of Ulysses 8. Grant; Eliza Ballou Garfield, mother of James A. Garfield; Nancy Allison McKinley, mother of William McKinley, and Sara Delano Roosevelt, mother of Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Q@—When did Columbus Day (Oct. 12) become a legal holiday in New York State? 2

A—The holiday was made legal there by an act of the legislature approved April 18, 1892,

Q—What percentage of the total employees of railroads are engaged in maintenance? ~ _ A—About 50 per cent.

. Q-=Has any elected President of the United States ov. Saken the oath before he actually assumed the ce A—Yes; Rutherford B. Hayes took the oath prie vately on 3, 1877, and his public inauguration and assumption of office did not occur until March 85, March 4 fell on Sunday.

-—What makes soap bubbles round and what gives them color? Aa ‘ A—Equally distributed air pressure within bubbles, \ | resisted by a flim of equal tensile strength at all points, makes them round. The beautiful play of colors in soap bubbles is caused by, refraction and reflection of light,

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