The Philadelphia Inquirer from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania • Page 20

ftilabclpfua jlnqnitrr RO I WEDNESDAY MORNING, DECEMBER 23. 19491 EDITORIALS JOHN M. CUMMINOS Tax Rise Not the Way to Meet Deficit CM OP A ft Even in December, Some People Dislike Dandelions a BOUT midway in the half of the double header urrce off ft AMP AA Christmas, we fared forth to pluck the festive dandelion. (leontodon taraxacum or, If you prefer, taraxacum ofTlcinalet. Now, we know picking dandelions on Christmas Day is not an ordinary pastime.

The dandelion we associate with the spring WAt A LOT Uncle Domlnick Soys on l. aV. a of the year when citizens discard the winter garment of discontent and, in flowing robes, and to the accompaniment of the pipes of Pan, dance the happy hours away on the tender greensward. We picked a dandelion at Horse-feathers at 3:30 P.M., Dec. 26, 1949.

Believe it or not, but there it is. We picked a dandelion in December! That ol' woman of our'n stood by as we dug into the soft soil and raised it gently, taking with it a piece of lawn about two inches in diameter. Not only that, but our own mother saw it; she witnessed the digging and she was in the one-car procession that took the flower across country to the laboratory of L. Dorp. Let go, if you must, with your power without risking severe repercussion.

When the average citizen is working one day in four to p-iy direct and hidden taxes, it's time to look elsewhere for solution of the Government's financial problems. Moreover, even if new or hitrher taxes were levied, there is no certainty that they would serve the purpose of bringing in the desired revenue. A heavier tax burden would tend to cut down the volume of business, and thus reduce the basis for the bulk of all tax collections. President Truman's recent statements hint that he is at last considering getting rid of the wartime excise taxes, which discriminate against both makers and users of luxury goods, and are imposed as well on a host of items, from baby oil to transportation and telephone calls, which can by no stretch of the imagination be considered luxuries. That is eminently desirable, but the other half of the Administration's plans to make up for the excise reductions and the deficit by slapping on new taxes amounting to four or five billions a year leave the country worse off than it was before.

Unquestionably some additional revenue could be gleaner! from plugging loopholes in our present tax laws and regulations. But there is great doubt that the Treasury would realize enough in this manner to cover the huge deficit. The one sensible course left to the Administration is to cut down on its wild spending, by putting into effect the rest, of the Hoover Commission reforms, and then by cutting down every appropriation in the budget to the absolute minimum necessary to meet our obligations at home and abroad. The deficit is a big national problem. It should be met by the difficult, but safe method of curbing expenses, not by the easy but dangerous expedient of loading additional and possibly insupportable tax burdens on the people.

Statements of opposition to new or hijrher taxes in the last few days make it. clear that of the major questions facing the country in the early months of 1050 is how the Federal Budget is to be balanced if it is balanced. From the standpoint of logic and sound financing, the Federal Government cannot continue piling up deficit after deficit, as it is doing now, without courting serious consequences. There is no rhyme or reason in running up these deficits when the country is in a period of prosperity. But from the standpoint of the long-range interests of the country and its already overburdened taxpayers, the Administration ought to drop any tentative plans it now has to raise present taxes, or to impose new levies on either business or individuals.

In fact, as Representative Joseph Martin urges, the present heavy excise taxes on a variety of goods and services ought to be repealed or reduced. In urging action on these wartime taxes, Martin is simply reflecting the sentiments of a large majority of Americans. What the Nation needs right now is some unequivocal indication from Fresident Truman and his Administration that there will be a determined effort to get rid of the deficits that are mortgaging our future and endangering our solvency and that the effort will not involve the risk of upsetting the economic applecart by increasing the tax burden on everyone. That danger was properly emphasized by Representative Martin with his warning that another boost of taxes might send the country into a tailspin which "would cost millions of workers their jobs." A Nation which is already paying more than 25 percent of its annual income to support Federal. State and local governments and still has huge deficits is not in a position to place an added tax burden on its productive "Unfortunately for th Republicans they had vrt one.

around to catch Truman napping after had hit fill of Christmai turkey." State Licensing Methods Call for an Overhauling The need for re-examination, looking to REMODELING JOB FOR THE 1950 AWARD The Voice of the People Letter should be brief, written on one side of the paper. The renter's name and address must be signed, not necessarily for publication. The Inquirer reserves the right to condense. AMONG THE MUMMERS Persons who have "graduated" from diploma mills without receiving proper training and equipment to practice, should be investigated to ascertain if they are treating persons illegally. But the State licensing system should also be studied by competent persons in an effort to make it over into a protective device for the public, something which hardly can be claimed for it now.

The granting of licenses as a pro-requisite for practicing in certain professions was designed to prevent fraud and to protect the public from "quacks." If, despite these supposed safeguards, unqualified men and women practice openly, giving treatments for human ills, the system is defective and must be corrected. The investigation that, is called for goes far beyond Ihe immediate matter of closing down one diploma mill and prosecuting its operator. improvement, of present methods used by the State in granting licenses to certain professional groups, has been pretty well demonstrated by the recent exposure of the diploma mill racket. One angle that demands special inquiry is the charge, that part of a $54,000 fund has been expended by unlicensed chiropractors for political influence to help legalize their Ftatus. It has been stated, too, that diploma mills operated by Daniel J.

McDevitt, who has ben accused of violating the medical practices and trades school act, have graduated many unlicensed chiropractors who are now-practicing in Pennsylvania. In addition, it has been said, a number of untrained and unqualified persons have been granted drugless therapy licenses. The dangers to public health implicit in rv.ch looe methods are apparent. wild and reckless accusations. Put on your best smirk and allow as how some folks would be better off if they didn't take so much Christmas cheer.

Do you mean to say, ya big lug, that that ol' woman of our'n saw a dandelion on Boxing Day, obseryed this year as Christmas, because she'd been swigging at a bottle? Do you mean to say that that ol' woman of our'n from time to time passed the flagon to that young mother of our'n, so that she too saw a dandelion only through the foggy mist, of an alcoholic imagination? ALT. right, have it your way. But be carrfvil, if the wimmen are around, the next time you visit Horse-feathers. We are not going to set down here that we were the first person in the world to pluck a dandelion at the Christmastide. Wn shall confine ourself to the observation we are the first to havw such an experience as far as our personal knowledge goes.

Now and then you read of a citizen picking a rose or a bunch of grapes in December or January, or maybe an apple, but never a dandelion. We wanted to be sure about this flower, so we dug it, up tenderly and with great care. Ordinarily, or in the proper season, we are not so solicitous for the welfare of the yellow-petaled pest. In the spring of the year we give it short shrift and a slug of poison. But now we had a scientific problem on our hands.

This was different. We had a dandelion in full bloom in the dead of winter at 65 degrees in the back yard. We had just about finished with Mr. Einstein's new theory, and had solved some of the unfinished parts of the gigantic equation, when the botanical problem presented itself. IN MATTERS of this sort it is best not to be too sure of yourself, est you incur ridicule.

So we took the flower to L. Dnrp, figuring, naturally enough, a bioke capable of growing orchids should be an authority on the dandelion. Fearful of disturbing the tender little plant, we held it in a small box during the short drive to the Dorp laboratory. At the Dorp place we carefully uncovered the plant. "Get it out of here," cried Mr.

Dorp. "It's a dandelion. Get it out of here before the green house is infested." Mrs. Dorp ran to an adjoining room, returning presently whh spray gun. "Thls'll nx she cried, going to work with th gun.

Nice treatment for a poor little flower prematurely poking its head through the soil to enjoy the Christmas season. These Days oeorge e. sokolsky, THE FIRST FORTY-NINE YEARS OF THIS CF.NTI RY: III THE world was capitalist in 1900, Bryan and Theodore Roosevelt except such colonial areas as represented elements of discontent, were being developed by capitalist of change, of uncertainty. William countries. The British pound was Howard Taft.

who Succeeded Roose-the international standard of ex- velt as President and who actual! change and the economics of the did more trust-busting than an world were stable. Huge amounts American President, was. in of surplus capital from the conti- measure, a restful interval, to nent of Europe were being poured followed by Woodrow Wilson, wlr into the development of American, pursued even further the uneven Asiatic and African countries. By stream of change and reform, the year 1900, large reservoirs of American capital had become avail- TT WAS the war of Woodrow Wil-able for Investment. son's presidency that indicated The American of the.

beginning of the vast powers over the national this period was proud of such in- economy that the President cuM dustrialists as John D. Rockefeller, assume, if he chose. However, thu Andrew Carnegie, Henry Frick. and war itself was hardly responsible for such merchants as John Wain- the altered attitudes of the people, maker. They had replaced the The leading causes were pro-Civil War soldiers as national heroes, duction in industry and vast de- velopments in technology rausinst HOWEVER, there was already a wages to increase purchasing power, growing antagonism to trusts and building national income to to monopolies in restraint of trade, fabulous heights.

In Europe, such monopolies were The crisis of 192!) was psyrhologie-normal, often associated with Gov- ally as well as economically a shocic ernment or royal family capital and of the deepest nature. Its broadest sanction. In the United States, result was to make a vast part of they ofTended public opinion. Al- the American population directly or ready in 1802, the Sherman anti- indirectly dependent on the Federal trust law had been passed and al- Government, which set up numerou though it was not immediately en- agencies, from the RFC to the WPA, forced, it represented a decision that to finance existence. This depend-free enterprise was not to be ence was not accepted as charity throttled by combinations which but as a right, not a.s a temporary give benefits to each other not gen- expedient but as a permanent pro-erally available.

vision of security. William Randolph Hearst's news- World War II fixed this new war papers conducted vast and violent of life giving permanency to th campaigns against the trusts cam- economic policies of President paigns which were then regarded Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry as socialistic. William Jennings Truman. What Do You Want to Know? Limited to matters of general interest.

Exclude advertising subjects. Sign name and address, though not for publication. PORTRAITS By JAMES J. METCALFE Listen to My Song you mill listen to my song I want to sing it now With every part a promise, dear And every ivord a vow With adoration in each bar And faith in everi phrase And with the truest melody Of my eternal praise 7 want your heart to hear the song And know that it is mine With happiness in every And love in every line It is the song I tvrote for you When stars were in the sky The nuht we kissed and all the world Was like a gentle sigh Oh, listen to my lyric now And hear the soothing score Oh, let me take you in my arms And hold you SIGNS TO THE AIRPORT To the Kditor of The Inquirer: On Christmas Day I took a trip to the airport with my wife and daughter. What we saw there we enjoyed very much.

What we did not enjoy was the drive home. Along EssinRton rd. to Passyunk. ave. there is not one street lamp to illuminate the highway.

Yrt, a. couple of blocks away from the airport there is a sign painted on the side of a shack, "Drive Safely. Why in heaven's name can't there be street lights alonar this stretch of highway? As I left the parkins field I made fi wrong turn and wound up at a dead end. No lights, no siens to tell anyone the way to the central part of Philadelphia. Who is at fault? I ptty a stranger trying to find his way to Philadelphia from the airport.

In New Jersey there are lighted directional signs and street lights to guid'' the motorist. Also there are signs tellinK people where the airports nre. What is the matter with Philadelphia? HF.RMAN VF.RNICK Overbrook Park. Dec. 26.

To the Editor of The Inquirer: This year's Mummers' Parade will mark the 20th anniversary of the Broomall String Band. Contrary to general belief that this aggregation is named after a Pennsylvania community, it derives its title from the name of its captain Peter A. Broomall. "Pete" is an old-time Mummer, as was his father before him. Born and reared in South Philadelphia, where Mummery originated, Peter A.

Broomall "toddled" up Broad st. before he could walk. He was formerly associated with some of the old famous string bands and 20 years ago started the famous organization that now carries his name. The Peter A. Broomall String Band is noted for its originality of costumes each year planned and designed by Edward a son of the Captain.

This organization is non-dues paying but works hard the entire year to make mummery a grand success. "DOC" THOMPSON, President, Peter A. Broomall String Band. Philadelphia, Dec. 26.

THAT CHRISTMAS MESSAGE nings Bryan, Woodrow Wilson, William Borah, Philander Knox, Will Rogers, Cardinal Newman and filbert Hubbard. Not -unlike Man O' CLEAN BILL FOR GRATZ To the Editor of The Inquirer: Articles have appeared in the columns of our city papers this week describing the sentencing of one James A. Robinson by Judge War, Silver had a way of making To the Editor of The Inquirer: friends and among them was the Rightfully heading all editorials, fine ladv who was incapable of for- a qotat.lon from a chapter in the getting her friend. May her splendid Blble appParPd ln this chdstmas example she did not forget to morriin(z-s lss. nr Vour newsnaner.

Mawhinney, following conviction in remembprlive on forever. A Home For a Statue Anyone who has been burdened with an outsize picture of an uncle who has been mildly generous in his will can sympathize with the problem President Truman just solved by unloading a statue of Andrew Jackson on the citizens of Jackson county, Missouri. Mr. Truman has had the statue a model of a larger one now standing in Kansas City on his hands, figuratively speaking, for some years. It wasn't the kind of thing you quietly slip into the rubbish can.

People might talk, especially in view of the debt Mr. Truman owes to Jackson and his invention of the spoils system. But just as obviously it wasn't a decoration you want in your living room, and the sculptor who fashioned it was tired of having it cluttering up his studio, and said so. So, the people of Jackson county were nominated to receive this statue of Hickory. Their treasury was tapped to the tune of $')()0 to pay for a pedestal, and the equestrian figure of Jackson was unveiled with appropriate ceremony in of the court house where Mr.

Truman once presided as a county judge. With the question of disposing of that statue out of the way, Mr. Truman can now turn his attention to larger matters of state. Jackson probably would approve this practical solution, since his political operations were based on the elementary principle of making the people pay for what you gave them and making them lik'e it. followed by the message, "Make it, WIIJL.TAM ROBERT FUOSS Tyrone, Dec.

26. a stabbing case. inese articles described this young criminal as the "Ornt.7. Dragon" and the "OraU mobster," the Implication being that the boy is a student of the Simon Gratz High School. First, a Day of Religious Observance." So long as a great newspaper such yours continues to direct th thoughts of its readers toward those A CHRISTMAS DEED To the Editor of The Inquirer: All animal lovers should be moved things in life that really count, so The faculty and students of rl rz.ti.nt by the kindly act of Miss Irene Neff.

long will America continue to be a ihts imnUratinn. Robinson was ad- in "rescuing" Silver, the work horse, great country. mitfed to Simon Gratz High School from destruction. Truly, this young Now Help Indonesia The vital concern of all who love freedom will be that the newly established independence of the. United States of Indonesia may work out for the full benefit of its 77,000,000 7eopIe and for permanent establishment of a nation that will play an enlightened, progressive part in the advancement of world peace.

To say that achievement by the Indonesians of self government after three centuries of Dutch rule is another significant obliteration of colonialism touches upon only part of the story. As in British India and other areas where nations have eliminated the bonds of foreign control, a better appreciation throughout the free world of human rights and human liberty is signalized by this important change. It must be the earnest desire, furthered by wise measures, of the older nations to help this and all other newer ones to solve the great problems inherent in their own lands and complicated by the tangled state of world affairs. The Dutch, because of large interests and long association with the Indonesians, should take the lead in sustaining and upbuilding their former wards. But it will be to the interest of other countries whose chief vish is peace and revived world prosperity, to assist as they can, by encouraging sound investment for the proper development of these potentially rich states.

A failing Indonesia, losing out in the inevitable struggle, would rapidly become a world trouble spot. We must never forget that the alternative to a strong, prosperous Indonesia would be, in all likelihood, a Red Indonesia. The West has every reason to wish the Indonesians well, and to aid them by transforming good wishes into practical realities. cEfic Titfaiielplua inquirer ABUSHKD 11Z9 hi. I ANNENBERG.

PubliVner. Every Da in Year by TRIANGLE PUBLICATIONS. INC. THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER 400 N. Broad Street.

Philadelphia 1. Fa. CHARLES A. TYLER Chairman JOHN T. FITZPATPICK Managing; Erfitoc PAUL McC.

WARNER Editorial PaEt Director WALTER H. ANNENBERG Editor and Pubhuhe may nas tne unmiraas spini. PAUL R. PALMQUIST Reading, Dec. 2fl.

May this message of yours find a place in the hearts of its renders, not only at this Christmas season but throughout the years to come. OSCAR KING Cape May, N. Dec. 25. in 1946.

from a Junior high school. On Nov. 21, 1947. he was committed to White Hill by Judge Boyle. During the year in which he was technically a member of the FITFUL RESERVE POLICIES To the Editor of The Inquirer: rAClHa THI RISING TIDE I have just finished reading your editorial on "Fitful Reserve Pol- To the Editor of The Inquirer: icies." It is about time The Inquirer Congratulations to The Inquirer noticed the Reserves.

There are for its splendid editorials on th several Reserve outfits right here in NatMty and observance, which Philadelphia, one of them being appeared in the Christmas morning "Philadelphia's Own," the 315th issue. Infantry Regiment, but who but In face of the rising tide of Com- Reservists ever hear of them? It is munlsm and its attendant atheism, about time the Reserves received they were most timely and fitting, the credit due them. RESERVIST JAMES W. WISTER Philadelphia, Dec. 24.

Philadelphia, Dec. 2fl. Pennsylvania as his place of residence when he entered the military service of the United States. THE PEOPLE'S FRIEND The nseen Audience VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA Print som'thina about the Volunteers of America. II.

D. This welfare organization was founded in 1896 by General and Mrs. Balling ton Booth who had previously been active in the Salvation Army. It has grown from a small group in New York City to a nationwide philanthropy giving spiritual and physical aid to those who seek it. It operates in about 160 cities where it conducts, among other things, homes for needy men and women, homes for working girls, children's homes, maternity homes, fresh air camps, dispensaries and day nurseries.

During the Second World War the organization set up recreation cen mm 11 res nit-r. miiltY Po'iupe ccMTRieu Questions of general interest where points of law may involved are answered in this column. No answers by mail. DEPOSIT ON HOUSE one ayrem to purchase a house and makr a deposit and the seller is unable to autt hint possession, can he get his deposit back? A. O.

One making a deposit on a hous may reclaim it if by the agreement wyf -JO CC.V.JTL:G5 DISORDtRS. Af.VCf SLCf-P Cits! A YICLDIMO KD. PUT" BoRD -jo CC V-iTLG5 DISCRDLRS. AfCVtr Gratz student body, the record shows that he Aas absent far more than present. the past two years he has been in .10 way connected with Gratz.

The training of young people to be respectable, law-abiding citizens begins in the hieh chair, not in the high school. The school will do its part in supplementing the influence of the home, but it cannot be a substitute for the home. The faculty and students of Simon Gratz Huh School commend Judge Mawhinney for his action. Would that more of our young criminals were committed to insti-tlitions of correction. Thcv resent, the implication in the newspaper accounts of this case that this boy is one of their group.

ROLAND B. CASSEKS. Chairman. Faculty Council Philadelphia. Dec.

24. SHE COULDN'T FORGET To the Editor of The Inquirer: In a recent issue I read that, a woman residing in Bywood had seen fit to purchase Silver, a faithful old horse that had long served in Philadelphia with the U. S. Mail service. Over the years.

Silver bore many of the messages that gladdened the hearts of people, particularly at this joyous season. Sh" had known the horse, daily fed it stiTar cubes. She loved the animal. She learned it had grown old and lame in the service of humanity and that it was doomed to be destroyed. She grieved.

She bought the animal, retired him to pleasant surroundings to live out the rest, of his days in peace. Yes. I too love horses and so did Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, Theodore Roosevelt, William Jen- CJ VOt'K KCO- VOI WILL. MO ONLY i Mttf- I1 cj vot'K nro- Vocj wil -jot cwlV St etP erircn Pur Yol health will, ipkovc fwA AMAZING jMfW; i- vjf mm ters, canteens, and quarters for of sale the seller was to deliver pos- VKW TOSK OFFICE Emrir Sta'a Bui'Hirg traveling service men. One of its most session to him at settlement and it WASHINGTON BUREAU.

Prej Ring. Brilliant Ice Spectacle It is all too seldom that Philadelphians have the opportunity of peeing a show which has gone beyond the limitations of ordinary entertainment, to become something of a seasonal institution. Rut the Ice Follies of now playing here, is such a show, and it deserves the attention of those who are seeking a brilliant spectacle of charm and quality which is suitable for every member 'of the family. Roy and Eddie Shipstad and Oscar Johnson are among the pioneers, as woil as the leaders, in this swift-moving, graceful form of entertainment. The winter fairyland spectacles, the precision ballets as well as the more individual performances which lend color and thrills to their show, are largely of their own creation.

There is something in this show to appeal to movement, speed, breath-taking exploits, and comedy all done on flashing steel and all done with refinement and good taste. The Ice Follies have made annual appearances here for several years. it's hoped they will continue to come back. They're worth seeing, as fun for the children and the whole family, and as a form of entertainment, which has grown steadily in popularity and seems destined to endure. CHICAGO BUREAU 20 N.

Warkrr Dnv. rTPOIT BUREAU Ptr.ohcnt Building EUROPEAN BUREAU The Adelr'ni. Strand. London Cirnf: Wfkday 30c Surdy Subcriptso by Mail. United ou'iide of 1 vear 6 nnn'hi 1 1 -inn'H Daitr Ji3V $7 Of) J.V.SD Sunday.

7 50 2 no .7 ruily -d iniay 11.00 10 00 5 1 7S Pvab in advance. For other ra'f ppl- Circulation Dp important department is the Prison League which aids prisoners, ex-prisoners and their families. OFFICIAL FOOTBALL COVER What leather is userl for the covers of official footballs? I. S. Cowhide, STATE BONUS If a person has been in the U.

S. Army since 193G and is still in the Army, is he eligible for the Pennsylvania bonus if his family's residence is in Pennsylvania? A. S. Fuch person would be eligible for th Pennsylvania World War II unable to do so. One cannot rescind and claim his deposit if the seller merely agreed to assign the existing lease to him.

The particular fact should be submitted to an attorney for an opinion. WITNESSES TO WILL DIED Is a will valid where tuo witnesses to it hare died AT. 77. In Pennsylvania a will is not rendered invalid because of the death of subscribing witnesses and at trt time of probate the testator's signature may be proved in some other manner. Where the testator is s'i'l alive, however, he should consult an attorney as to the advisability of Mrrrber of the Asoci1rd Prr: Asociatd Pre entitled eschiMvrlv to the line for rt-rubl.

ration of ail the local new printed in thia nevupareti at well at tit AP new dispatcher THE INQUIRER'S PLATFORM To rrint the rewj accurately and but never to he i me-eiy pnatine tre news; to sriv to up Te principle of our American democracy, to war relent-li-r against alien "im to fight intolerance, to be the fnen4 detencer of those who are persecuted and oppressed; ceTird eiual justsce for employer and employed: to work for the arivanc errrent of industry in Philadelphia and Pnny I van i tr r-pce hypocrisy and cor rnp in to he iu'. to fvr a-d above a'l to be unswervingly indepencVr' to nth and vr cease hnnt to maintain the sanctity cf personal l-ccrtj and int nv.oIa;-;?y nam a rifhta. Veterans' Compensation If he gave executing a new will..