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Show TIIE BULLETIN Weekly News Iteview Transportation When New Czech Crisis Is Threatened By Aggression Pole-Hungari- an By Joseph W. La Bine DOES EUROPE'S FATE LIE IN BUTHENIAT (SEE FOREIGN) Poland it helping Hungary capture Ruthenia, in return for which Hungary it reportedly helping Poland capture the balance of Slovakia (Czech area above theded taction, which rtprezentt land fust ceded to Hungary). Thu deal may bring a terioui breech with Germany, blocking the Reich's touiheatlward expantion. duty payments have been slashed. The state department expects U. After Czechoslovakia made peace S. agriculture will derive important with Germany by ceding Sudeten benefits from the United. Kingdom border areas to the Reich, Poland treaty, which grants concessions on and Hungary jumped in with simi- many farm products. All duties on lar claims. Poland was pacified American wheat are removed, while Teschen was re- on other items the duty is substanwhen war-los- t turned. To Hungary went the south- tially reduced. But the new treaty ern portion of Slovakia and a small with Canada fails to remedy many corner of Ruthenia (tee striped por- objections which featured the pretion of mop), a settlement arranged vious agreement with that dominion,, jointly by Germany and Italy. But since important concessions are still the bulk of little Ruthenia was re- granted on livestock, cheese, eggs tained by Czechoslovakia on Ge- and many grains. rmanys insistence, much to the sorrow of Poland and Hungary who International wanted a common border. By persecuting Jews and subsiSmart Adolf Hitler has two readizing Christianity in favor of Nazi sons for demanding Ruthenia's auideology, Germany tells the world economic his policy that a tonomy. First, triumphant political philoshas made Czechoslovakia a vassal ophy is worth more to her than the state and at some future date Ger- worlds good will. What Germany many Intends to march through that apparently fails to realize is that, country into the Russian Ukraine the resultant international resentand other parts of southeastern Eu- ment will ruin the Reichs export rope. Should Hungary get Ruthenia and turn hostile to Germany, the trade, thereby creating . internal is march to the east would be blocked. economic chaos. This pressure' felt in Sudetenland and AusSecond, Ruthenia has immense already value as a nucleus for Nazi propa- tria, the recently annexed territories whose manufactured items gandizing in the Ukraine and neigh- must now bear the mark,' Made in Rumania. boring Both find world areas Germany. Meanwhile Czechoslovakia is in no sentiment a serious threat position to defend herself from the to their once flourishing export busiband of wolves barking around her ness. entire frontier. Not only is she unMeanwhile international plans to der Germany's thumb, but Slovakia German Jews are meeting .inhelp and Ruthenia have now been granted autonomy, which makes them evitable opposition. Since most countries already have unemploylargely independent of the central ment problems, few are willing to Prague government. The result has been two unpubli-cize- d increase this burden by accepting wars in which covetous Po- new immigrants. They also realize land and. Hungary have been inter- that Jews are predominantly tradesand therefore fear their estab- -' esting themselves under the expla- men nation of police action." The first lished business men would suffer centers in Ruthenia's Carpathian from this new competition. In the U. S., President Roosevelt mountains, where Hungary has won extension a substantial portion of the natives has granted a to her cause. In the ensuing civil to German visitors rather than return them to the hostile Reich. He h war between and Polish and Ruthenians, Hungarian border troops have' in' tervened. ' The other war is centered along Slovakias Polish frontier, where Czech and Polish border troops have been fighting. Though none of the three concerned governments has spoken officially, it is quite obvious that Poland has agreed to help Hungary capture Ruthenia if Hungary will help Poland grab the rest of Slovakia. This would leave Czechoslovakia with nothing but western Bohemia and Moravia, located entirely within Germanys mouth." It is doubtful that Germany would tolerate this threat to her proposed eastward expansion, but her opposition might aid the cause of forces by arousing the ire of both Hungary and Poland. Foreign anti-Na- zi six-mon- th an pro-Czec- anti-Na- zi Domestic Under Secretary of State Cordell Hull, the U. S. has consummated 20 reciprocal trade agreements (including two with Canada) as authorized by the trade agreements act of 1934. Carried on aggressively, Mr. Hulls program now covers three-fifth- s of all American exports and imports. Behind the treaties is the principle, under which contracting nations agree to nondiscriminatory treatment in the fixing of quotas. In each treaty, both signatory nations pledge not to impose internal taxes on imported articles higher than those imposed on similar articles of domestic or other origin. Keystone and climax to this program is the reciprocal trade treaty just signed with Great Britain, including the dovetailing second treaty with Canada. Since a unilateral principle ' applies to Mr. Hulls treaties, the benefits of this U. agreement are now open to all other nations with which the U. S. has commercial treaties. Principal are ropes dictator nations. The Eueven- tual aim of idealistic Mr. Hull is abandonment of international trade barriers and the idea of artificial and a more stabilized world currency. Chief arguments Anglo-America- n against the pact come from business interests who claim their domestic sales are injured by British competition. Arguments in fa- vor of the treaty will maintain that while British competition is increased on some d items, a great many more items can now be exported to the United Kingdom, since most domestically-manufacture- MYRON C. TAYLOR Plenty of money, but little land. plans to ask congress for liberalized immigration laws which would per mit the entry of more persecuted Jews, though congressional leaders like Sen. William E. Borah promise to oppose the plan. The U. S. and Great Britain are meanwhile taking a lead in consummation of the Jewish solution first proposed by Joseph P. Kennedy, U. S. ambassador to London. While Great Britain is surveying her colonies to find new homes for Jews, the state department has commissioned Myron C. Taylor, chairman of the intergovernmental refugees committee, to represent the U. S. in this work. American Jews are voluntarily digging up 100 million dol- -. lars to finance the project if Eng-- : land can provide land for resettlement purposes. The most likely spot is British Guiana, in South America, where Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain hopes to set aside 10,000 square miles. But Germany is not of Although George the international committee, has offered to discuss the Jew question with Berlin, he has received no definite reply. Preferring to ignore the U. S. and Great Britain, Germany is reported negotiating with several South American countries to find a Jewish haven. Regardless of who manages the exodus of these 700,000 unwanted Hebrews, they will find no refuge in Mexicos Lower California or Palestine. . Rubles,-directo- r President Roosevelts rail- road factfinding committee refused carriers request for a 15 per cent wage reduction, it became, apparent that congress must find some solution to the nations perplexing transportation problem. Not only are railroads now handicapped by duplicating lines and truck competition, but their expenses are being boosted $70,000,000 this year by the railroad retirement act of 1937. Most suggested remedial legislation calls for (1) government subsidies under the guise of national defense, and (2) government loans to help railroads modernize equipment and extend their lines. Bills along these lines will probably be introduced by Montanas Sen. Burton K. Wheeler, chairman of the senates committee on interstate commerce and the railroad finance committee. Mr. Wheelers two proposed laws would: 1. Empower railroads, even if they are in the process of reorganization, to obtain government loans by creating obligations prior to those now in existence. 2. Establish standards for financial reorganization, including provisions to expedite the procedure in these cases. The second bills purpose, Mr. Wheeler points out, is to permit reg organization without the railroads and depriving strait-jacketin- Repeal Celebrates Its Fifth Birthday But Nation Still Suffers a Hangover, Heavy Liquor Consumption Nets U. S. Coffers 3 Billion Dollars By JOSEPH W. LaBINE Five years ago, on Decem- ber 5, 1933, America pulled the cork out of prohibition to the strains of Happy Days Are Here Again." This years anniversary finds liquor consumption leveling off for the first time in a halfdecade that has brought the federal government almost three billion dollars in alcohol taxes. During the 1936-3- 7 fiscal year alone, some $2,900,000,000 worth of the cup that cheers lubricated America's collective tonsils. This was $300,000,000 more than we spent for education the same year. Poured out equally for every man, woman, child and infant in the nation, last years per capita consumption of Whereas almost all drinking teas confined to the saloon, much drinking takes place in the home. Liquor stores like this do a big business. RIGHT- - Andrew J. Volstead, Minnesota congressman whose someprohibition amendment to the alcoholic beverages would be Constitution made America a thing like the following: One ' and a half pints of light theoretically dry nation. wine. Four gin cocktails. Four Scotch highballs. ' ''' . SENATOR WHEELER A remedy, but is it e cure? ' existing bondholders of their just share in company earnings. This will probably win popular favor, but railroad executives are not likely to look upon new government loans as a cure for their ailment. At best, borrowing will only provide a temporary cure, piling up additional obligations .without attempting to solve basic transportation problems. War "Any attempt to apply to the coedition of today end tomorrow the inapplicable ideas and principles of the past neither would contribute to establishment of reel peace in east Asia nor solve the immediate issues." 'With the above statement, Japan has rejected a United States protest claiming invasion of American rights in China. The answer denies every charge made by the United States concerning Japanese violation of the open door to China and asks Washington to take into consideration the new situation in ABOVE Three pints of sherry. Two and a quarter quarts of Bourbon, rye or corn whisky. Fourteen gallons of beer or ale. A lot of us didnt drink our share, but somebody drank it for us, which accounts for the growing alcoholism problem now facing the nation. On one side of the repeal picture is the scene of meit brought back to work in a thousand industries inspired by the consumption of liquor. This scene also shows an annual income for the United States treasury of some $600,000,000 a year from as liquor taxes, approximately much as the entire nation pays in personal income levies. Enter the Female Barfly. On the other hand are indisputable statistics connecting liquor with automobile accidents, crime and immorality. And not the least of these woes is the feminine barfly, whose birth is chronicled by the Keeley institute of Dwight, HI. Mr. Martin Nelson, secretary of the institute, points out that while total patients increased 45 per cent during the first 10 months of 1938, as compared with the similar period in 1933, women patients have shown a gain of 150 per cent during the same period. It is undoubtedly true that an increasing number of women have become habitual drinkers in recent Mr. Nelson comments. years, Prohibition removed drinking from the bar room to the' living room, where wives learned to tipple. Repeal returned drinking to the saloon east Asia." post-prohibiti- and wives followed their husbands there. Today public complacency about women drinking openly at bars is making the problem of the female inebriate a tragically serious one. The Keeley institute treated more patients of all classes in 1936 and 1937 than at any time in the previous years. But Mr. Nelson does not place all responsibility for this condition on the open saloon or the ease with which liquor may be bought at retail stores. We feel he reports, that the countrys improved financial condition is also responsible. Our experience over nearly 60 years, including four major depressions and recoveries, has shown that in time of prosperity the number of patients increases. During depressions it declines. Drys Are Still Strong. This would indicate the problem is getting worse, despite a leveling off in liquor consumption this year. With business definitely on the upswing, taverns and retail stores are destined for greater patronage. But this increase will come in metropolitan centers, not in the small towns. It is significant that the United States can still boast a strong dry faction whose grass roots are in rural areas, with special emphasis on the Midwest and South. Temperance forces have grown stronger since repeal. In that year state referendums showed 30 per cent of us were dry. A 1936 private survey raised this figure to 33 per cent and last spring it stood at 34. This looks like a steadily growing sentiment, but it is counteract- - ed by consumption figures, also by the steady decrease of dry states.; Today there are but four commonwealths refusing to legalize liquor. Fundamentally, the Eighteenth amendment was repealed because (1) bootlegging had developed into a horrifying crime menace, and (2) since people appeared determined to drink, it seemed feasible to legalize liquor and put men back to work, also adding materially to tax revenue. Bootleggers Still Busy. If repeal has succeeded in the latter respect by netting federal, state and local coffers several billion dollars, it has not wiped out bootlegging. Else revenooers in South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Florida would not be wrecking some 350 stills each month, nor would 56 men have been indicted in New York last December 21 on a charge of defrauding the government of in liquor taxes. If anything,! legalized liquor has minimized the difficulties of engaging in illicit liquor trade, despite everything state and federal agents can do. But bootlegged liquor is cheap liquor. and this year aged whisky, stocks were so increased that prices could be lowered. If men must have alcohol, they can now get it from legitimate dealers for about the same price a bootlegger charges. Distillers are not completely blind to the evils of repeal; in fact many, of them boast a social responsibility for urging temperance. Too often the guilt lies with local law enforcement officers and the' tavern keepers. At Chicago a group of educators surveyed 3,028 taverns and found one or more laws being violated in 2,122 of them. Most were improperly lighted, many sold liquor to intoxicated persons or minors, Ziggy is my name, and I'm others remained open after closing supposed to be the boss of Or- hours. chestra Leader Frankie Masters Psychologists point out that under strict household, lie looked pretty ita law enforcement our per capliquor consumption will show a swell when I picked him out, but steady decline through the years as now it turns out he plays all men and women learn how to night and rehearses all day. So drink intelligently. Perhaps the what does that make me? Watch 1938 leveling off is a turning point, but after five of repeal John dog, I guess just watching for Barleycorn is years still giving America the boss. Bui I'll fix him. Look, a headache and too many hangovers. boss, you're being picketed e W'ltern Newapapcr Union. I've got a bone to pick with you. $1,-800,- DAY IN THE LIFE OF ZIGGY A Although Japan courts maintain that a contract is invalidated by changing circumstances, the United States cannot agree that a strictly Japanese legal tenet should be applied, to international law The answer makes no mention of the 1922 nine - power pact guaranteeing Chinas territorial integrity, but under Japans new changing conditions philosophy it would seem that all previous international commitments have been thrown overboard. Consequently there appears to be no American recourse' other than to accept Japans domination of China. While this battle of diplomacy rages, courageous China is making h a desperate stand west of Hankow. Current Jap operations are directed at cutting Chinese supply connections with Siberia and a campaign which relies chiefly on bombing. Yangtze river traffic between Shanghai and Nanking has been closed to foreigners under the guise of protection against Chinese guerrilla warfare. Actually, observers believe, the Japs want to. keep Yangtze, traffic exclusively for themselves. last-ditc- Indo-Chin- a, ( Trend Itow the ind It Blowing WORRIES The U. S. public health service predicts one out of every 20 babies born this year will be committed to a men-thnpital at some time during its surveying the population of such institutions. i 1938 MODEL TURKEY U. S. experimental farms have developed a new small size turkey with shorter legs, a broader back and plumper body to meet requirements of small families. TROUBLE ON WIIEELS-Sin-ce U. S. automobile traffic will be doubled by 1960, officials predict the nation must build 1,000 miles of multiple-lan- e highways a year during the next 22 years. DOPE UFSET In 1938, only two of every 10,000 Americans use narcotics, compared with one out . of every 1,000 in W WORLD nl .life,-afte- 192-1- 're got a reason to com- tltiin. There's no fun in this ife. Of rourte, I have plenty of leisure, but you're nerer arountl to fday ball or go for i tralk, to what do I do? Wilt, maybe I can find a good book . . . ... feres an itlea HI try my hand at making musical ar rongements for your orchestra. This is a doggy little tune I call Hark to the Farm And that's where I might just as well go myself. "W hat? Mr. Masters home tonight? Well, whystaying didn't you say so before? Sore T Of course not. I ihink you're swell, M ' I mnT gire other dogs a word of warning stay away from orchestra leaders!' V |