The Bakersfield Californian from Bakersfield, California • Page 12

Sflturdoy, April 15, 1944 Cbitortal Jtege of Cf)e IBafeersfirlb Caltforntan A I. FRED A r. POBLUHSB Entered In pout office at Bxkeraffeld, California, ai second clas niall under the act of Congress, March 3, 1879. MEMBER OP THE ASSOCIATES PRESS The Associated Press exclusively entitled to the use for publics Won of all dispatcher credited to It or not otherwise credits in thli paper, and alio tbe local news published therein. Tbt Baktrifleld Californian is also a client of (he United Free and receives ita complete' wire service.

REPRESENTATIVES West-Hollldny 'New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles Seattle, Portland, Denver WASHINGTON, D. BUREAU Frederic J. Hnakin, Director, Washington, D. C. By carrier or mall (in advance) in postal zones one, two, three per month, 85c: six months, one year, J9.00.

By mall Ic postal tones four to eight, per months, (1.05. GERMANY AND SPAIN HE originator of the phrase concerned with the bull in the china shop must, through some trick of prevision, have had German propaganda in mind. The latest "subtlety" of the German leader is concerned with an attmept, through Franco, of Spain, to persuade the Allies that a compact with his "honorable" coteries would be to their advantage and he creates, in the event this suggestion is not persuasive, the spectre of a dominant Russia in Europe. The Associated Press reports that Hitler's fine friend Franco, of Spain, who has been treated with astonishing kindness by the Allies, has urged that hostilities cease immediately. This piece of political buffoonery is made through the official newspaper of Franco's Falange party, the Arriba.

As a matter of fact, if "hostilities" were to cease at this instant it would leave Germany in domination of Europe. Such a suggestion as that pronounced by the Spanish newspaper under the Franco inspiration might deceive a backward child, but to credit its acceptance by an adult mind would be the ultimate in gullibility. There is no doubt truth in the conclusion that Germany would like a cessation -of hostilities at this time; so would Franco's government. Nothing would please Franco more, for he has made no secret of his passion for the Nazi ideology. To forswear the agreements of the Teheran conference with Russia as a principal might be a policy thoroughly in keeping witli Nazi ethics, but it is certainly not in keeping our own.

Propaganda that we must one day fight Russia is directly attributed to the Reich. There is a singular effrontery in Franco's suggestion that America and Great Britain repudiate their strongest ally in the world fight against Germany. Many political observers believe it would be expedient for General Franco to "pipe down" and mind his own business which is anything if not precarious. MOUNTBATTEN'S CHANCE TSOLATION of the Manipur plain and the ad- JL vanced Allied base at Assam were threatened by steady movements of Japanese troops in the theater of Admiral Moimtbat- ten, who now has the grim privilege of making good General Auckinleck's statement that everything is under control in India. Japan's Domei broadcast from Tokyo claims that escape of Allied troops from the Imphal base is now cut off, but that is probably untrue.

Reports were more encouraging elsewhere on the Assam front, where Japanese forces were making little if any progress. Admiral Mounlbatten has been sufficiently concerned with the defense of Imphal to make a personal trip to the front "to get a first-hand view" of the "confused situation." Better news came from another region of the battle where the British are still plugging away at their Akyab objective, essential before any movement south can be made against Singapore. The Japanese were reported to have lost approximately 700 men killed. In north Burma, General SUKvell and his General Frank Merrill were fighting stubbornly with their small forces against bitterly resisting Japanese north of the Man- dalay-Myitkyina railway. The British-owned Bombay Times was concerned over the Japanese offensive into India and called upon the British leaders to stop treating the public "as if it is incapable of appreciating the military situation." The public often enough has been accused of complacency.

There are times, too, when it would seem that the accusation, with some propriety, might be leveled against the military. MacARTHUR DILEMMNA DOUGLAS MACARTHUR will prob- ably refuse tq be "put on the spot" politically by an overt declaration of candidacy lor any political office. Jjfis difficulty, even should be espouse a candidacy, is an apparent one. He is the 4fUie4 supreme commander of the Southwest QtWjttie theater of battle, but his of tlie United States. An open declaration that he was a candidate for the presidency would engender a certain amount of embarrassment to say the least.

Yet the four-star general is urged by Rep- senftlive A. L. Miller, a Nebraska Republican, to make such a declaration. In urging a- declaration of candidacy Representative Miller, in his exchange of letters with the general, pointed out that MacArthur received more than half a million votes in the Illinois primary in which his name was entered without his consent. General MacArthur is probably acquainted, too, with the successes already achieved by Governors Warren and Dewey, both of whom have denied candidacy for any office.

NOT AIR POWER ALONE air power alone can win the war, an JL enthusiastic belief with many advocates two years ago, is now in its declination and a truer assessment of the value of air power in the current war is available. Strategic bombing, which is largely a matter of the destruction of war materials at their sources, will, however, make the invasion successful, according to the belief of General Eisenhower. Through the air, Gdrman air power is being steadily weakened. Invasion would probably not be successful without a pretty thorough crippling of Germany's air forces. Allied air power is now disrupting German communications in advance of the invasion and it is hindering German supply support in the Balkans.

More and more the idea of "combined operations," or the combat team of air, sea and land arms, is coming into the ascendancy to the exclusion of any single combat force. SEVASTOPOL NEXT I is assumed now that Sevastopol will fall as readily as Odessa. This assumption is tenable in light of the facts, for Germany has not sufficient men in Sevastopol to defend it against the increasing pressure of the Russian offensive. Furthermore, the evacuation of Sevastopol will be virtually impossible because the Germans have too few ships to effect this result. Rusisan warships and planes arc patrolling the escape areas.

This means that they are having no opposition either on the water or in the air. This week it was announced that 20,000 German and Rumanian prisoners have been captured, as many as a battalion at a time surrendering to the Russians. AR reveals the concealed characteristics of nations just as it does those of men. This week it was reported the Japanese have converted about 13,000,000 Chinese into opium users in the eastern provinces of Manchuria and Jehol, or about a third of the entire population of these congested areas. This report was made by Li Chung-kung, a member of the Chinese Opium Suppression Commission.

In his statement, he said that 46,260 acres of land are planted with opium-bearing poppies producing an annual crop of 2,800,000. pounds. In large factories this product is manufactured into morphine, heroin and other drugs. Within six months, 1585 bodies of narcotics users were found on the streets of Harbin. The "charming" Japanese make the Chinese grow the poppies and then sell them back the narcotics.

RANDOM NOTES Bakersfield welcomes the convention here of the Council for the Blind, now in session in this city, with Dr. Newell Perry, of Oakland, as chairman. Placement of blind workers in industry, Federal social security, reha- bitation, and research are all on the agenda for the meeting here and the varied subject matter will be presented by intelligent, capable men who have solved their problems in a courageous and inspiring fashion. An astonishing attendance at the USO is reported here for last month, or to be specific, 15,486 men, according to I. Dickman, the director.

The fact that there is a great need for this organization and that it is meeting the need is attested eloquently in this total. Now, however, the organization is confronted with the problem of increasing dormitory facilities. Walter Kane, president of the organization, has reported, however, that this problem is in solution as the Memorial lall will become available soon for this pur- pose. The thousands of duck hunters in this county (a fact borne out by the licenses ssued) will be interested in the advocacy of he Joint Wildlife Management Committee of California in extending the shooting season to January 31 and in urging an increase of the present bag limit of 10 ducks with 20 possession to 20 ducks with 20 in possession. This advocacy is urged in the interest.

is reported, of protecting California grain and field crops from increasing wildfowl depredations. 1 H7-1 rom JriJes ol Fne Caliiornian TEN YEARS AGO (The CallCornlun, this date, 1934) Llna Gastonl was among the San Carlo Grand Opera Company stars heard by Advertising Club of Los Angeles at Biltmore hotel Tuesday. C. E. Stanfield, manager of the two J.

C. Penney stores In Bakersfield, entertained employes at a dinner in the gold room of Hotel El To- jon last night. Mrs. li. B.

Nourse will review the book "A Nest of Simple and Miss Emily Wentner will review Eva LeGalllenne's "At Thirty-three" when book section of Business and Professional Women's Club meets Monday. TWENTY YEARS AGO (Tho Californian, this date. 1924) Straying on to Southern Pacific railroad tracks near Edison, a band of 48 sheep was killed by a freight train yesterday. The case of a buckskin cow said to have been "abducted" occupied the attention of county officials in Department.2 Superior Court today. An East Side resident charged with having a bottle of whisky on his person told officers today that he had found a package wrapped in newspaper and picked it up but did not know what it contained.

Born to Mr. and Mrs. B. F. Stinson, April 5, a son, Benjamin.

F. L. Ryan addressed Kern County League of Women Voters on the Constitution, and Grace Dorris, isseniblywoman, spoke on "Laws Cioverning Working Women," when members met yesterday. THIRTY YEARS AGO (The Californian, this date. 1914) Headlines: $330,000 Provided to onstruct State Highway Through Tejon Pass; Supervisors Agree to 3uy $330,000 State Bonds to Build Tejon Road: Tejon Ranch to Aid With H.

A. Jastro Leaves for Sacramento Tonight to Arrange 'or Initial Purchase of Bonds to he Amount of Highway Border to Border of County. Mrs. Jake Klllian is seriously ill at her home on Seventeenth street. Mrs.

Thomas Scott, will entertain Ebell Club this evening. "Faust" i.s to be sung next month at Bakersfield Opera House. FORTY YEARS AGO (The Californian. this date, 1904) Superintendent of Schools who has just returned from a visit to the mountains, reports that a man was struck with an ax in a quarrel at Kernville a few days ago. Miss Virginia Wilson will sing the selection "KHIarney" when Woman's Club meets Monday.

Kaar's hall was the scene of a merry gathering last night when Mandolin Club entertained at a dance. Electric Water Company has placed a man in the residence sec- lion to prevent waste of water. At present consumption averages 800 gallons per capita. Southern Hotel Association has awarded a contract for the post office building and annex to Southern hotel to S. G.

Smartt for the sum of $22,700. FIFTY YEARS AGO (The Californian. this date, 1894) Mr. and Mrs. F.

A. Tracy left for San Francisco Sunday to be gone a couple of weeks. The marriage of Miss Hattie Elaine to Truxtun Beale will be celebrated April 18 in Washington, E. A. Randall hereafter will pilot the AVells-Fargo wagon about town in place of C.

H. Shurban who has been promoted to the agency at Kern City. Morel 1 swore in his trial last Week that Mrs. Evans brought the revolvers into the jail, that her husband used in his escape. Supervisors White and McGee are working 40 men and 30 teams on the new road along Kern Island.

SO THEY SAY This talk of free access for all nations to raw materials is a cheap fallacy. They should hace controlled nccess to raw materials. This means economic Hans Kohn of Smith College. Business which has contributed thousands of able bureaucrats to government should cease thinking of Bureaucrats as creatures apart from society. Federal Budget Director Harold D.

Smith. There is nothing in our private that compares in importance for one instant with fighting this war to Secretary Frank Knox. Prices of farm products have been teeping pace with I. Myers, New York State College of Agriculture dean. Wight tha By ROBERT D.

LUSK 1944, NBA Service, Inc. CHAPTER XV It was arranged that he should conic east to visit UH during the Christmas holidays in 1928. He came, and it was like old times again. "Have you clained up on any Mortons lately?" was one of the first questions he asked me. "I don't know any Mortons here," I'laughed.

"No Mortons in Cleveland? That's bad. I'll make a note of that and take it up the first thing I get back. 'Ship Little Jan two Mortons in first-class punching How'll that be?" I told him that I might be a. little out oC practice. "Oh, we can remedy that.

Let's feel your muscles." I was growing rapidly, ate all that was put before men and felt fine, but grandfather seemed somewhat disappointed Ih the size of my arms. "You're peaked, lad," he' would declare. "Say, Anna, what does a boy in a city do to build himself up?" My mother told him of the school gymnasiums, of park and recreational facilities of Cleveland. "Nope," he would conclude, "they can't take the place of nature. A farm's the place for a growing boy.

You can't grow a man in a hothouse." It was a couple of days after Christmas that my father came home from work in an unusually cheerful mood. He beamed on all of us. "Well, Pa," he said to my grandfather, "I ran into something today, something big. I'm going to talk business with yoii tonight, and I'll, bet you five hundred bucks you'll listen. This is not like any of those old deals I talked to you about.

They were chicken feed. But you won't be able to laugh this one off. We'll go'into it right after dinner. Have you something good for dinner, Mother?" Throughout the meal my father led the conversation brightly from one small subject to another. He reminisced jokingly about the good old days in Colorado.

His bald head bobbed back and forth, reaching far out over the table as he recalled some funnier incident. My grandfather's participation in the conversation, while friendly, was somewhat reserved. After dinner we moved into the living room while mother remained to clear the table and do the dishes. "All right, here goes," Dad began, reaching unconsciously for that left ear. "This has to do with the trucking business." "I don't know anything about the trucking business," Old Jan broke in quickly.

"Well, don't let that bother you. You don't have to. Haven't I been in the automobile business all my life, practically? And the trucking business is a part of the automobile business. But you know the United States, and you know geography, and you know something about what's going on in the world." "I wouldn't be too sure that I did, but go on." "Well, you know railways and what they did for the people who got in on the ground floor. Made 'em rich." "Some got rich." "All right, so some didn't, but those who got in on the ground floor and used their heads did pretty well by themselves." "And I suppose the same thing now applies to trucking?" "Your're dam right! What are you doing, still up?" he asked looking at me.

"It's only 8:30," I said. "Well, don't be interfering in this conversation." "I wasn't." "Let's see, now, where was Yes, I was telling you that trucks were going to take over the work of the railroads. No doubt about it. They are doing it now. Highways are developing so fast it would make your head swim.

But you havent' seen anything yet. What did you come here on?" "A train, of course," my grandfather said simply. "There you are, 'a train, of But it won't be 'a train, of for many years. A few years from now, if you came to Cleveland, you'd come on 'a bus, of That's what's happening. The old Iron Horse has come to the end of the trail." "The automobile trail?" "Yes, the automobile trail.

You're right, but the railways don't think it's so funny. They're plenty worried. But the smart ones on the other side of the fense, they're not worried in the least, because they're going to make plenty off the trucking business." My grandfather was getting a little fidgety. "Now, let's get down to cases," my father continued. "This proposition I got is one where I take over a piece of territory which is a part of a large system.

But I own my own, trucks. It is really my business, but we're all tied together with contracts and agreements. My Jiead- quarters would be in Pueblo." I don't believe my grandfather heard a great deal of the rest of Dad's sales talk. The magic name, Pueblo, had changed the whole situation. Pueblo! That would mean we would come back to Colorado! If the propostion were at all reasonable, he would do what he could.

After all, which was more important, the farm or his family? the successful raising of livestock or the successful raising of a boy? Continued Tomorrow Tike Readers'Viewpoint EDITOR'S should be limited to V50 words: may tttuclt ideas but not persons: must nul be abusive and should be written legibly and on one side or tbe paper. The California!) is not responsible for the sentiments contained therein and reserves the right to reject any letters. Letters must Dear address and signature though these will be withheld if desired. SILENT SERMON Editor The Californian: Has the Republican party ever given a thought to the fact that Mr. Hoover's other ego, of Albany, has found himself in the same position, as that which the hen found herself when she tried to lay a square egg? In short the time has come for Mr.

Dewey to speak up or shut up. Mr. Willkie had the courage to go into the lions den is isolationism in Wisconsin and speak his mind, which is more than I can say for the "man of Albany" and the "Silent One" from the banks of the Sacramento. Incidentally these two coy governors are the only two men in the history of our nation who ever ran for a political office sitting down. I notice now that those who had great sport jibing Willkie after his defeat in Wisconsin, are crawfish- ing now because they realize that Willkie can cause the defeat oC Dewey or any other man the Repub Means nominate.

If Mr. Dewey tries to be every thing to all men, in short an isolationist in the mid-west, an internationalist in the east or a Boston Irishman in California, why then, he is already defeated. As a matter of fact if I was a betting man I'd wager 3 to 6 that Dewey and Warren wouldn't receive 760,000 votes in California or even money that they wouldn't get If the Republicans think they can carry California with Warren on the ticket, they seem to forget that Warren holds his job at the pleasure of the Democrats. Mr. Editor if you think the Democrats still are for Warren you are kidding yourself.

So Mr. Editor along about November 7, be a good sport and have a good laugh with Mr. Willkie and me. JOHN G. FITZPATRICK.

HPT! 11 TPT 1 Jhe- Heading JnLo.ur- -(By LOUISE PARKS BANES)In "Oscar of the Waldorf," Karl has told the story of he most famous of hotel men, one vhdse name has long been a syno- lym for luxury and perfection in entertaining. Oscar and the hotel ire one; in his way Oscar is a bridge Between the past and the present, )etween the romantic nineties and he war-swept forties. For the past lalf century he has known every- of any importance; under his 'ye America has emerged from provincialism into part of the great vorld. Oscar began his career when here was not in all America an lutomoblle, a radio, a motion pic- ure theater or a game of bridge. Cocktails were not seen in private ionics; divorces were not tolerated society; women did not smoke, lor wear dresses above their ankles, -lotels were then merely places, to spend an night; no one entertained in them, but Oscar changed all that.

Oscnr was born in Switzerland, ind spoke both French and German 'rom early childhood. He came to his country at the age of 17, and on his day in New York became entranced by a huge poster of litlllan Russell, the great beauty of he day. On that same first day he applied for citizenship papers, nd then hunted for work. His first ob was at the famous old Hoffman iouse, then the best hotel In New York. His one ambition was to be- some head waiter.

Passing Delnion- co's one evening, he heard Lillian carriage being called, and saw her coming, out; then and there he resolved to work there and ap- tor the first vacancy on the staff. It was a great evening when he first had charge of one of the celebrated suppers given by Diamond Jim Brady for Lillian Russell, though It is disappointing to learn that, in spite of the legends about Brady's gargantuan appetite, Lillian Russell ate more than her host. On Easter Sunday, 1890, Oscar and his father took a walk, and saw a hole in the ground at Thirty-third street, where William Waldorf Astor was building his new hotel. Oscar applied at once for a job in the unbuilt hotel, and was entrusted with training the staff of several hundred men. and women.

The great of all the yorld came to the Waldorf-Astoria, Li Hung Chang, the great Chinese, once after staying there sent a basket of roses to every woman guest of the hotel. Thex-e are interesting accounts of such events as the visit of Prince Henry of Prussia; the suffragettes picketing the hotel when Woodrow Wilson was there; the reception of the Titanic survivors, when the owner of the hotel had perished In that disaster. Through it all, Oscar enjoyed life to the full, coping with trouble and mistakes, helping to conserve food in wartime, hunting a general's flag to receive Pershinff, receiving -the Order of the Crown from King Albert of Belgium. His heroes are General Grant, Admiral Dewey, and Bet d-Mllllon Gates; his one, great heroine, first, last and always, was Lillian Russell. "Oscar of the Waldorf" Is easy and pleasant reading; a delightful book which will make any one who has ever visited New York nostalgic' for Fifth avenue and Peacock Alley.

It may be borrowed through any branch of the Kern County Library. FROM CHIEF POWERS Editor The Calif ornian: In letter of April 8 signed "A Soldier" questions are raised concerning the recent escape of a pris oner from the custody of two deputy sheriffs. escape of this prisoner could have been prevented by killing him. However, to justify such killing, the officers must have reasonable grounds to believe that he is a felon. If the officer errs judgment, he is subject to prosecution for man slaughter.

He must, in many instances make a split-second decision. It is not unusual for a court to take days, weeks, and months to make this same with unlimited time, a law library, and 'the research of lawyers, if the court errs in its decision, there is no personal liability involved. Recently four military prisoners serving long sentences were in a military prison. In addition to their other crimes, they had all escaped at least once. These prisoners, known to be desperate, not only escaped again but took the guard's rifle along.

They came to Bakersfield where they committed a.number of crimes including rape and kidnap- ing. Soldier writes "it beats me how one handcuffed, unarmed man could possibly escape." Possibly he will be more astounded at this incident of a second escape of not one but four prisoners from military custody when there was no question of the guards' right to kill. Criticism of peace officers is a stimulant. It keeps us more "on our toes." Still, had the two officers who suffered the local prisoner to es cape, killed him, and had he turned out to be innocent of any crime, they would have been subjected to really serious attacks, and possibly crimi nal prosecution. Yours truly, ROBERT B.

POWERS Chief of Police Bakersfield, April 13, 1944 SENATE CANDIDATES Editor The Californian: It has been called to the attention of various candidates for the United States Senate, that you mentioned in an editorial that Justus F. Creamer Los Angeles was the only candidate to file for" the United States Senate in Kern county. There are 12 other candidates In the race for the United States Senate, among whom you will find William G. Bonelli, the State Board of Equalization. Bonelli has just received the endorsement of the Southern California Business Men's Association, the association comprises more than 36,000 members and is made up of 21 organizations, including Southern California Hotel Association, Restaurant Association, Retail Druggists and Retail Grocers.

J. M. SIMS. San April 13, 1944. STANDARD P.

T. A. Editor The Californian: The Standard P. T. A.

wishes at this to express our appreciation for your courtesy and the space accorded us during the past year, MRS. ORVAL E. BAUOHN Publicity Chairman Bakersfield, April 12, 1944 A THOUGHT FOR TODAY Behold, all souls are Mine; the soul of the father, to also the soul of the son it 18:4. The soul ID a fire that darts Us rays through all tbe Madame de Stael. 0 1 HI HI (By PETER EDSOX) While Secretary of Agriculture Claude Wickartl and other rural authorities are properly concerned.over the present boom In farmlands and the fear of a big inflationary movement in farmland values similar to that of.

the last war, there is hanging over the rural real estate market some 9,000,000 acres of government- owned farmland which, if dumped for sale all at once, might well ruin the country. Not all the 9,000,000 acres will be offered for sale when the war is over. Some of the tracts, like the marine training centers in North Carolina and California, the government may want to hang onto. But the 360,000 acres at Camp Stewart, the 60,000 acres of Indiana farmland in the Jefferson Proving Ground, and the 80,000 acre tracts at Camp Pine, N. and Milan, are good bets to go on the block.

Say the armed services want to keep 1,000,000 acres. That wpuld still leave 8,000,000 acres to be -sold. Considering that the War Food Administration now estimates that 380,000,000 acres will be under cultivation this 8,000,000 acres may seetn like a small potato patch. But it is a 2 per cent land surplus which might well knock the bottom out of the farm real estate market if the land were disposed of carelessly, hastily, or say at public auction to the highest bidder. The question is, how should it be disposed of? Sentiment in Congress runs strongly toward the idea of giving people who formerly owned this land first crack at reacquiring it.

If families dispossessed by condemnation still have the yen to go back to the old homestead, it might be nice to help them do, it. There are several bills before Congress, seeking to do just that. But many of these farms have now lost their Identity. Roads, lanes, houses, barns, cowsheds, chicken coops, fences, even hills and valleys have been changed. Some people who used to inhabit these spots don't want to live there any more; some have died.

So what? Testifying before a House subcommittee on public buildings and grounds considering the score or more bills proposed to deal with this problem, Assistant Attorney General Littell has presented one idea which, while it smacks a little of government planning, is at least a crete outline. He proposes that these big tracts be broken up into economic acres in orchard country, 40 acres in truck gardening country, larger units in corn, or wheat these farms for sale on long term credits. Preference might be givon to former owners, or to or to email big ones. If this sounds a little too much like Farm Security Administration to suit some people, Littell offers as an example I'rom private business the experience of the 'Metropolitan Life Insurance Company during the depression. Finding itself caught with 8000 farm mortgages, mostly in default, this company, Instead of foreclosing, let the tenant stay on lease, taught him how to farm efficiently.

At last report, the insurance company and nearly all its tenants were coming out ahead. The hint offered is that the government or bther private companies might do likewise. Throwing these big tracts of land on sale at public auction might just start a land speculation boom that would heighten inflation, or it might be just enough of a surplus to cause another costly postwar deflation in farm values. 1 iimB. -(By EKSKINE JOHNSON)Exclusively yours: Hollywood executives are shaking In their boots fearing a mass rebellion of stars following Robert Cummlngs' rebellion over Universal in Federal Court.

The star was suspended by the studio for refusing to play a role 'in "Fired Wife," which he called "not consonant with my standing as an actor." Federal Judge Harry A. Hoi- zer said the studio's refusal to pay Cummings' salary during the suspension was "arbitrary and unwarranted," and awarded the actor $10,250 in back salary. The ruling will favor all stars who in the future are. taken off salary for turning down roles which they feel not suited to their talents. Don't believe those reports that Joan Fontaine is planning to retire.

She hopes to break her contract with Prdoucer David O. Selznlck and sign with another studio at three times her present salary. Captain Clark Gable will be headed back overseas soon. He just completed editing the Army Air Force picture which he helped film over Hitler's Europe. Walter Pidgeon is sprouting again.

This time a modified handle-bar mustache' for his role opposite Greer Garson in "Mrs. Parkington." Now that's he won's an Oscar for the best male supporting role of the year, Charley Coburn is planning to temporarily desert Hollywood for the stage. After completing work in "Wilson," he'll be starred on Broadway in a play based on Henry VIII, titled "Master of the "Desert Victory" is now available in 16 mm. form for women's clubs, men's organizations, schools and religious groups. Wait till you see Annie Sheridan in technicolor "Shine On Harvest Moon," It's double oomph.

George Brent and Janet Michafcl have discovered each other. They were a twosome at the Beverly Tropics. Leslie Brooks, one of the principals in Columbia's "Cover Girl," was showing a friend a new mink coat she had just bought. "It's lovely," hesitated the friend, "but frankly, it looks like a coat you bought yourself." Paramount has won a six-month army deferment for Alan Ladd to co-star with Brian Donlevy in "Two Years Before the Mast." Barbara Tufts, wife of Sonny, Is on the verge of signing contract with Paramount. Sight of the year: Ronald Colman, of learning how to ride an elephant for a scene in "Kismet." Promised and hoped for: Jiminy Gleason as Columnist Ernie Pyle in the film version of "This Is Your War." Call sheet fun: "Need stage heated on the 'Bring On the Girls' set until chorus girls are ready to work." After that, brother, they're on their own.

Hedy Lamarr, who a short time back was riding in one of the longest black limousines in Hollywood, is now riding to Warners' in a car pool for the "The Conspirators" role. Her companions are a makeup woman, a grip and a carpenter. Doctors have prescribed a month's rest for Singer Ella Mae Morse when she completes her work in Unlver- sal's "South of Dixie." Major Dean Davenport, who spent 30 seconds over Tokyo, is spending hours with Betty Asher. Add things we're anxious to see: Mickey Rooney in in that army private's uniform. Questions and Answers -(By FREDERIC J.

HASKINV- Q. Please give some information about Governor Dewey's B. R. K. A.

His father was a descendant of the long line of Deweys headed by Thomas Dewey, who came to America from England in 1634. A fourth cousin of George Martin Dewey was Admiral George Dewey, hero of Manila Bay. 'Anne Thomas Dewey's family had come to this country only a generation before. Her mother was an Irish girl. Augusta Corrigan, born in County Cork, and her father a Canadian of English descent.

Q. Did the Japanese invent the two-man W. E. A. Harley F.

Cope, in Serpent of the Seas, says that the idea did not originate with the Japanese. That and the one-man type were tried out by Bushnell and others at an earlier date and without much success. Q. How many camps for conscientious objectors are J. O.

A. The National Board for Religious Objectors says that as of March 15, 1944, there were 101 camps or units in the Civilian Public Service program, with 6952 assignees. Q. Is there a four-star general in the marine A. There is none on activfl duty.

General Thomas Holcomb, who was recently retired as commandant with the rank of fuH general, was the first marine ever to hold that rank. Q. What is a broomstick B. A. To marry over a broomstick is to marry by mock or quasi ceremony in which both parties jump over a broomstick.

This term has. also been applied to common-law relations. Q. Please explain what is meant by flash N. A.

The weather man says that the term "flash" in describing.floods is a slang expression used to denote the rapidity with which certain floods occur. The term is analogous to the expression "quick as a Q. What is the official motto, of the Northwest Mcfunted E. O'B. A.

The motto of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police is "Uphold the Right." This is emblazoned In French on the insignia of the organization; Q. How many veins of coal are there In West T. H. A'. The bureau of mines" says 116 velns 1 (or beds) of coal have been named and described in West Virginia, Of these, 61 are classified as mineable, although only 33 are being mined commercially.

Q. Why do baseball players wear long sleeved undershirts even in the hottest G. R. A. They are worn to absorb perspiration and keep the body as dry as possible.

Q. Who was! the poet who received a royal grant of wine for H. A. Geoffrey' Chuucer, great English poet, received a royal grant of a daily pitcher of wine for life. Q.

Does gold weigh heavier when it leaves Peru than when It reaches the United R. A. If beam balances were used in the weighing there would be no difference. However, the force of gravity increases with latitude and decreases with altitude. Thus, a spring balance would indicate less weight of the same object in the mountains of Peru than in New York, but the difference would be of little consequence commercially.

Q. Are there any bureau of reclamation projects in eastern United H. A. Under the reclamation law all federal reclamation projects are in states located west of or intersected by the one hundredth meridian. Irrigation and multiple-purpose projects in operation number 62, and 19 are authorized for or are under construction.

Q. What is the 8. A. It is the law and consists of the five books of Moses which are believed to have been written by Moseys at the command of God. The Torah, written by hand on a parchment scroll, Is read in synagogues in weekly installments.

Q. Can an army fighter plane climb vertically upward? How fast would it Y. A. The war department says that a fighter plane can go 5500 feet per minute at sea level. The same type plane would go 440 miles per hour at 20,000 feet.

The rate of climb would almost straight up. Q. What is name given to the little fold between the eyeball and the inner angle of the F. J. A.

This is a relic of the third eyelid which is present in most mammals and in birds but in man is a vestigial structure. It is used to clean front of the eye. Q. Does the Passover always occur at the same time as N. A.

The date of the Passover Is not determined in the same manner as that of Easter, hence the two do hot always occur at the same time, Q. How many presidents have visited W. E. A. Warren G.

Harding was' the only president to visit the territory. Ho made the trip in 1923 and died in San Francisco on the homeward journey. Q. What is the literal meaning of the word A. Parasite comes from a Greek word which means, "one at another's Q.

Is Shostakovich working on anew I. L. A. The composer'has begun work upon his Ninth Symphony which is to bear the name Victory. Q.

Was Albrecht Durer, one of 'a Jarge A. M. A. There were J8 children In -the Durer family. -f, A miter MB (tt the intwer to any quwtlcw or hvt hy inforraattao nurt.u.

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