Indianapolis Times, Indianapolis, Marion County, 9 October 1945 — Page 12

The Indianapolis Time

PAGE 12 Tuesday, Oct. 9, 1945

ROY W. HOWARD WALTER LECKRONE President Editor Business Manager : (A SCRIPPS-HOWARD NEWSPAPER)

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Gives Light and the People Will Find Their Own Woy

THE NEW JAP PREMIER

HE DIFFERENCE between the out-goifig Jap premier and the new one marks the long distance covered in the one month since Gen. MacArthur moved into Tokyo. + Prince Higashi-Kuni is a reactionary professional soldier. He was closely associated with the totalitarian gang. Baron Shidehara is a Liberal statesman. He opposed the militarists’ plans in the early days, and was kicked out of office when they started the rape of Manchuria. ; , Though the allies welcome the departure of HigashiKuni, it is fortunate for them that a person of his kind headed the first Jap regime under the occupation. Because he is a high army officer and a cousin of the emperor, he is a symbol of the caste that brought defeat to Japan. And it. is important, as we learned from the German experience after world war I, that the military be made to take responsibility for defeat. Otherwise, they might have an easy time later in getting the public to believe they could have won if it hadn't been for the Liberals. As it is, Higashi-Kuni and the militarists are identified with defeat, surrender, humiliation and the shock of having the “divine” emperor wait upon and take orders from

the allied commander-in-chief, » ”» » »

HE LIBERALS, as represented by Baron Shidehara and Foreign Minister Yoshida, are now in the better position politically of being asked by the emperor to help save Japan after it has been wrecked by discredited leaders. There is no reason to doubt that Shidehara sincerely desires to carry out the spirit as well as the letter of allied terms, which was not true of the fallen cabinet. The new premier, if his record means anything, will do everything in his power to rebuild Japan along peaceful and democratic lines. But it would be haive to assume that the Shidehara cabinet is anything more than another transitional regime. He is an aged man, and so are most of his associates, If he and the Liberal group of 15 years ago were nbt strong enough for the job, it is too much to expect their small remnant to provide the vigorous leadership required to traZsform Japan. : Shidehara can prepare the way for such a transformation, however, and co-operate with allied authorities in the constructive aspects of the occupation until younger democratic leaders prove themselves. The test, as he himself has been quick to point out, is not in words, but in acts.

WHERE PLANNING IS NEEDED ee ENATOR MURRAY of Montana has introduced a bill for one kind of government planning that certainly is needed. : This is the planning and timing of the government's own public works projects. Details of Mr. Murray's new _ bill may require study, but its principle is sound. The government should hold back on public projects when private building activity is high. It should be ready with carefully plannéd and desirable projects — “on the shelf” as the Baruch-Hancock report said—that can start up promptly if private activity goes into a decline. That could do much to keep the construction industry stable. And a stable construction industry would be a mighty influence for stability in general business and employment, You might think it unnecessary for congress to pass a law requiring so obviously sensible a kind of planning. But the government has often gone in strongest for public works just when private building was brisk, and cut back

on public works when privatesbusiness was slowing down. ya» . : y 8 »

T THUS contributed to unhealthy construction booms and to disastrous construction busts, Furthermore, when the government got the notion that public works could provide enough jobs to cure a big depression—a notion which Mr. Murray now rejects as unsound—it was not ready with carefully planned, desirable projects that could start promptly. And so we had a lot of boondoggling. Mr. Murray is one of the sponsors of another measure, the full-employment bill, which many people regard with some suspicion. How far the government can go toward planning and directing the national economy, without undesirable consequences, is a debatable question. But “public works are a necessary and accepted form of government activity, and they should be so planned that their effect on the national economy is good rather than bad. There can’t be much debate about that,

DON'T MAKE IT A PRECEDENT

THE proposal made by Secretary of Labor Schwellenbach in attempting to settle the oil strike should not become a precedent, Mr, Schwellenbach's plan for arbitration was that the men should return to work on the basis of the 15 per cent wage increase already offered by some of the companies. The arbitrator would then decide what additional increase, if any, between the 15 per cent and the union's demand for ow ~&Q per cent, should be given. It is not fair in arbitration to take for granted a concession which one party has offered, in an effort at settle ment, but which the other party has not accepted. The arbitrator should be expected to go back to the beginning of the negotiations and to consider only the original positions of the two parties. Unless this is done, negotiators in labor-management controversies will hesitate to offer any concessions. They will be most reluctant to offer generous concessions. For they will have reason to fear that, if a concession is refused and the dispute goes to arbitration, what was intended as a

. HENRY W. MANZ | }

THE OLD saw about “everybody to his own taste” applies doubly to ‘eating. For instance—' Locusts are eaten in the Crimea, Greece, India, Arabia, Iran, Africa and Madagascar. Locust eating dates back about as far as history reaches. ' . Hottentots welcome locusts, Although the insects eat all the greenery around the place, the Hottentot says, “Uh, meat.” Travelers report that Hottentots feast so greedily on locust swarms that they perceptibly gain weight, They like the eggs too, make them into a soup the color of coffee. When Arabs are caught in a famine they grind locusts in hand mills or pound them into a dust with mortars, They mix the dust with flour and water to produce a dough which they bake as a kind of bread. When times aren't so hard, Arabs use locusts as a delicacy. They boil them quite a while, then stew them in' butter,

Prefer Locusts to Pigeons

THERE'S one report that Moors prefer locusts to pigeons, A good trencherman can do away with 200 or more at a sitting. In Brazil yellow ants are eaten. They are served with resin sauce, Some natives of India and the East Indies make a pastry of white ants and flour. They say it's a body builder. Natives of New Caledonia roast inch-long spiders for supper. Educated Europeans who have tried the dish say it could be worse. Our men who were fighting in that part of the world preferred K rations. Pliny speaks appreciatively of snails. Says the [Romans used to fatten them on meal until they became irresistibly plump. Romans also fancied the grub of a big beetle. They'd cram these creatures with flour and wine to make. them juicy. .

Chinese Eat Silk Worms

SOME Chinese, being thrifty, use silk worms not only for silk but also for food. After the silk has been unwound from the cocoon, the chrysalis is often fried in butter or lard, to which are added the yolk of egg, pepper, salt and vinegar, Bird nests nibbled by Chinese are waxlike morsels, utterly unlike the bushy things we see around here in trees. Some natives on the island of Ceylon can get a lot out of a bee. They eat its honey. They use its wax. Then they eat the bee. All they waste is the sting.

WORLD AFFAIRS—

\ . Poison'Bomb | By William Philip Simms

WASHINGTON, Oct. 9.—The story of poison gas is cited here as proof of the tremendous job ahead of the U. 8. when—in compliance with President Truman's message to congress—it seeks international outlawry or control of the atomic bomb. All the evidence tends to show that if the Japs and Nazis refrained from the use of poison gas against us, it was because we were in a position to retaliate. They knew we could return the stuff, two to one. Poison gas in the form of chlorine was first used by the Germans against the allies near Ypres, Belgium, in April, 1915. [They released it from cylinders and a favorable wind bore it across No Man's Land. Later on, both sides used several different varieties, not only compressed in drums but in shells fired from guns and mortars. In 1921 at the Washington conference, the powers tried to outlaw gas. The U, 8. ratified a treaty to that effect but when some of the other nations™refused to follow suit, the ban fell through.

Another Protocol in 1925

ANOTHER anti-gas protocol was drawn up at Geneva in 1925. Japan, a member of the League of ‘Nations, refused to ratify as did the U. 8.—even after Germany, Italy, Britain and Russia signed. The U. 8. took the position that if we agreed to

———1theprotocol-we would take the agreement seriously, |

We would then forget poison gas altogether, But we could not be sure the other countries would. As a result we might be caught in some future war as unprepared as the Germans had caught the allies in 1915, U. 8 policy has been this: We will not use poison gas unless poison gas is used against us. We will keep abreast of developments, however, not only in its use but in defense against it. That policy is now widely conceded as having been instrumental in preventing its use in world war II. : Within a month after Hitler attacked Russia in 1041, Moscow accused the Nazis of using gas. Berlin denied the charge and said Germany would not use it If the others didn't. A year later Prime Minister Churchill warned that if the Nazis used gas against the Russians, Great Britain would consider it as having been used against herself,

Roosevelt Warned Japs

PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT similarly warned the Japanese not to use it against the Chinese. In April, 1943 Mr, Churchill repeated his warning and, in June, Mr, Rooseveltesaid: “I state categorically that we shall under no circumstances resort to the use of such weapons (as poison gas) unless they are first used by ofir enemies.” Thus the old warning was left standing: Use poison against us at your peril! ! Insiders here forsee something like a repetition of all this in the treatment of the atomic bomb. The only real insurance against the bomb’s being employed against us, they say, is our instant preparedness to retaliate in kind and in.good measure, The corollary of such a policy is that for the U, 8. (1) to impart the atomic bomb secret to the rest of the world would be tolly and (2) any improvements our scientists may be able to make on the present weapon also should he top secret. i Our policy apparently will be to outlaw the atomic bomb and pledge the world, as President Roosevelt did with gas, that “under no circumstances (will we) resort to the use of such weapons, unless they are first used by our enemies.”

So They Say—

We Americans have been treated by our national government as though we were children, to be scared with fears of bogymen and seduced by promised sugar plums from Santa Claus. The result is that when

the salt-shaker handy.~Rev. Dr, Bernard Iddings Bell, Providence, R. I. »

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Memories are proverbially short, but how can it be 80 quickly forgotten that, in spite of the billions of dollars poured but of the federal treasury between 1933 and 1039, there were still some 8,000,000 idle. workers in the latter year?-—Wilmington, Del, Journal,

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PROMPT re-establishment of our overseas com-

maximum. offer will become the minimum basis for anwar

imposed settlement, wg ar : * Mr. Schwelletibach’s iinwise suggestion in the oil strike, should it become a precedent for other arbitration proposals, “would discourage bargaining of the type that is necessary voluntary ‘settlements. It would encourage

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Hoosier

“NO POINT SYSTEM CAN LET EVERYONE OUT FIRST"

By Brooks Allen, Indianapolis The Forum has been filled lately with letters criticizing the army and navy discharge systems. But the majority of the critics are those who have close relatives who cannot be immediately discharged under present point scores. At the outset, I would like to state that I am a young man with nearly four years of naval service who would like a discharge very much. But under the present point system, I will not be eligible for some time. My civilian job is waiting; I know that. My wife is waiting; I know that, too. But I am not embittered at the navy because the point system they selected will not let me out first. No point system can be perfect. No point system can let everyone out first. At best, all a point discharge system can do is compromise the many factors which studies and surveys have shown should be included. Present point systems do not show who is to be released, for the army and navy both plan to

tually. Point scores merely establish the order for release, Apparently the general public has no idea of the many problems to discharging a man from the armed forces. It is a large technical process which must sevef every tie made in three or four years of military service. I am convinced that the heads of our army and navy want to get the job done quickly and orderly. The navy has already announced that it intends to be down to peacetime strength by next summer. The army plans a large reduction by that time, too, But the people have apparently forgotten that the end of the war came as & surprise to the whole world. The army and navy did not have adequate separation centers on V-J day, and consequently, men could not be discharged until sepa~ ration centers could be established. In the thunder of all the complaining, the fact that the war has been over just little miore than a month seems to have been forgotten. It took us over five years to build the army and navy we have today; how can we expect to get all the men home in a few months? The question of teen-agers, married men, single men, overseas service, limited service are all present in the formulation of any discharge program. Who can honestly say the army and navy haven't done

release all of its reserve force even-

F orum death

(Times readers are invited to express their views in these columns, religious controversies excluded. Because of the volume received, letters should be limited to 250 words. ‘Letters must be signed. Opinions set forth - here are those of the writers, and publication in ne way implies agreement with those opinions by The Times. The Times assumes no responsibility for the return of manuscripts and cannot enter correspondence regarding them)

their best? Let's give them a chance, say till the end of the year, and then if they don’t prove they're doing the job, start complaining. But certainly men who were smart enough to win the war will prove they can be equally good strategists in returning men to normal lives,

yy “LABOR’'S VICTORY IN ENGLAND WAS THE REAL ‘BOMB’ ”

By Marion F. Meredith, Indianapolis ~The Watchman in attempting to

do what Hitler could not do with

30 million “watchmen,” counting his satellite troops, gets more ludicrous daily (well, almost daily). No, Mr. Watchman, there aren't ehough people like you left in the world to prevent the working class from freeing itself from our capitalist gangsters who helped promote two world wars in one generation, thereby making sure of its own destruction, for it is much later than you think (if you think). Oh yes, the atomic bomb-—don’t look now Watchman, but that is old stuff to the Red army, only they used it scientifically in rocket form to melt the strongest fortifications the European and Asiatic Fascists could devise. History shows that Labor's victory in England was the real “bomb” that stopped this war for our American and Japanese ruling class, and if the “free” press prints this, I will gladly supply facts to prove my statement. The Watchman and his fellow capitalists should busy themselves providing security and good paying Jobs for all who want to work and then we won't have to copy the Russians just because the British decided to do so. ¥ am a world war I veteran. (Editor's Note — Forum readers will be glad to see Reader Meredith’'s proof.)

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Carnival —By Dick Turner

Washington says ‘anything, We have learned to keep |

“l wholly disagree with what you say, but will defend to the

your right to say it.”

“OUR HIGH-WORDED LAWS BECOME INADEQUATE”

By J. A. Bibbs, 2550 Martindale ave. It has just occurred to me that

the tactics of the taxi drivers at the Terminal station need more than anything else the curbing influence of fair people. I am speak? ing of the outright unfair and discriminating practices of the drivers

toward Negro passengers. It has been my misfortune to be passing fhe taxi stand at numerous times when passengers of color were told each cab in a long line was busy. I have been turned down myself more than once by vacant cabs using the same excuse. It was easy for me to rationalize concerning myself and the -old colored lady loaded down with baggage and a corps of grandchildren, but when a wounded Negro veteran limping from wounds he received, God knows where, and smiling because he had been spared to return home to enjoy the principles for which he had fought is. discriminated against, something smells: When these things are permitted in a city made up by a majority of fair-minded freedom-loving people, democracy, for which they -have fought, sacrified, labored and become bereaved becomes a satirical farce. Our. high-worded laws and ordinances become, because of these omissions and indifferences, pathetically inadequate. Does America's great samaritanism abroad overshadow minority oppressions at home? Can the high-handed teacher of democratic principles to other peoples stand a thorough investigation herself? How is it possible ' that this greatest of all democracies can sit idly by while a few biased and unprincipled people attempt to, rob her of inalienable rights? Indianapolis, the greatest inland city in this country and containing a cross-section of our great population, may as well be the leader in the great struggle toward taking the chances of futility from our fighting men’s efforts. My hope and my faith is that the fair-minded, the Justice-loving and the freedom preservers are in the majority. Am I right? » » » “MAN THAT HAS FOUGHT SHOULD COME HOME” By A Soldier's Wife. There has been much controversy over what men should make up the army of occupation. Wives say married men shouldn't go and mothers say their 18-year-old sons shouldn't

80. \ Any man that has been in combat has done his share and should get to come home. The ones who have had the privilege of being in the United States throughout the war, whether

glad to be in the army of occupation and let the combat veteran come home. If other mothers of sons who were 18 a few months or years ago could watch them go overseas into battle surely mothers of sons now 18 can be

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Ege fi

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in an army camp or not, should be|.

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HANDICAPPED—

Wseful Man |

By Thomas L. Stokes

WASHINGTON, Oct. 9.—~There’s a long, tall, gangling fellow about this town; blessed with aniazing and persistent energy despite physi= cal handicap. He won't let people alone because of something he’s got in his mind and heart. ' He might be called a lobbyist, but of the better and ‘commendable type in the field of human welfare. This is Paul A. Strachan’s big week, and the

‘| week for those he represents. fe

It is “National Employ-the-Physically-Handi-capped Week,” so decreed by an act of congress and ‘proclaimed by President Truman. Paul Strachan is responsible for this week's being set aside to enlist interest in the millions of physically handicapped in the country. It will be observed annually from now on. He is responsible also for the “American Federation of the Physically Handicapped,” of which he is president and dynamo. Getting a week set ‘aside nationally and officially was a job that took him three and a half years. It was his idea. He went at it by himself. He enlisted Rep. Jerry Voorhis (D. Cal) and Senator Harley M. Kilmore (D. W, Va.) who introduced resolutions in house and senate." Then he .started button-holing other members. He's the greatest button-holer you ever saw, and once he gets hold of your lapel he doesn’t let go soon or easy. }

Millions of Disabled THE RESOLUTION, approved by congress, was signed by President Truman Aug. 11, this year, After= ward the President issued a proclamation specifying that during this week, Oct. 7-13, “appropriate ceremonies are to be held throughout the nation, the purpose of which will be to enlist public support for and interest in the employment of otherwise qualified but physically handicapped workers.” : There are millions of them in the country normally, Observance of this week for the first time this year is particularly timely. It serves to call our attention, as a nation, to the hundreds of thousands who are handicapped, in one way or another, from service of their country in the war, disabled veterans. War plants took a toll as well as the war, Helping all these citizens to readapt themselves to a place in our society—in business, industry, agri= culture, the professions—is a national responsibility, a state responsibility and a community responsibility. Many have found useful and profitable jobs, and happy and normal lives, with the held of retraining programs now sponsored by communities, industries, states and the federal government. The physically handicapped contributed to the war program, by finding jobs in plants to help re lieve the manpower shortage.

Tireless, Indefatigable MANY REMARKABLE and almost miraculous, readjustments have been made. What can be done is no better exemplified than by Paul Strachan, him= self. Once a successful businessman, he was. incapacitated by a long illness from which the emerged with: complete loss of his hearing as well as other marks. For a time he was active in the labor moves ment. Then he got the idea of trying to help others who were physically handicapped. Three years ago he started the American Federation of the Physically Handicapped which now has lodges all over the coun= try. : He is tireless, indefatigable. Early every morning he is down at his little office, All day he is busy at his numerous chores, getting out mail and attending to the details of his organization. All day he’s busy at his job, visiting members of congress and officials at government agencies charged with rehabilitation: He is responsible for a congressional investigation going on now into the problem of the physically handicapped in order to establish a better co ordinated federal program. . A skillful writer, he turns out his own copy, and he is an eloquent speaker. Give Paul Strachan a big hand this week. ; You can do this by interesting yourself in what your own community is doing.

IN WASHINGTON— Ship Sale By Ned Brooks

WASHINGTON, Oct, 9.—President Truman today was heading toward a rebuff in the senate on his policy of giving foreign ship operators equal opportunity with Americans to buy vessels from the war-built merchant fleet. As a senate commerce subcommittee resumed hearings on the $17 billion ship disposal bill, leaders saw little chance for adoption of foreign concessions advocated by the White House. : Subcommittee Chairman Senator Radcliffe (D. Md.) said he was “not impressed with the idea of special terms for forefgm buyers.” . we iy “Our policy is for a strong merchant marine for ourselves, not to build up competition,” he said. “However, I'm trying to keep an open mind on the proposals.” Senator Radcliffe said the subcommittee probably would call Reconversion Director John W. Snyder, who submitted the proposed amendments along with the statement that they expressed the President's policy.

Study Snyder Proposals FIRST

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merchant marine would be “sold down the river.” The committee plans also to call members of the maritime commission, who are solidly opposed to the Snyder plan. The commission would serve as disposal agent. under the pending bill. Mr. Snyder has proposed revision of the bill to: 1. Remove all restrictions on the sale of ships to foreigners. : 2. Permit foreign charters of vessels not pur-

3. Permit foreigners to trade in their obsolete

the committee that under the bill as it stands “the government might seek to pursue a narrowly nationalistic policy ‘involving undue emphasis : short-range considerations.”