anaheim-gazette 1927-09-08

THE ANAHEIM GAZETTE ESTABLISHED 1870 HENRY KUCHEL, Editor and Proprietor ISSUED EVERY THURSDAY SUBSCRIPTION PER YEAR.....$2.00 SIX MONTHS.....1.25 THREE MONTHS......75 Entered at the Anaheim, California, Post Office as second class matter. AID FOR OUR MARINE IT IS generally agreed by the best economists that government operation of an industry is inadvisable and that wherever possible great industries and public utilities give better service when under private control with proper governmental supervision. There can be no controverting the fact therefore that an American merchant marine privately owned and with sufficient safeguards assuring its maintenance as an American marine is preferable to any other kind. But it does not follow that the contentions of those who wish to destroy the American merchant fleet is true, and that if an American merchant marine cannot be maintained by private enterprise without federal aid we ought to go out of the shipping business: The alleged economists who talk that way are arguing not for American business, but for foreign shipping interests. It is generally understood that American ships privately owned and run cannot compete with foreign lines having lower wages, lower living conditions and government subsidies, unless some sort of government aid is given to American ships. Such aid is just as necessary to keep our ships going as a tariff is necessary to keep our varied industries humming. And if such aid is not to be looked for, then the American people will insist that the government develop the merchant marine until some plan is found for standing it on its own legs. This is not merely a matter of business, although it is of course economically important that our farmers, and other shippers, be protected from foreign shipping gouges and a possible foreign shipping shortage at some vital period in our economic life. For it is also a matter of self-protection and national survival. As a matter of fact, the merchant marine question was the crux of the recent naval disagreement at Geneva between the aid is just as necessary to keep our ships going as a tariff is necessary to keep our varied industries humming. And if such aid is not to be looked for, then the American people will insist that the government develop the merchant marine until some plan is found for standing it on its own legs. This is not merely a matter of business, although it is of course economically important that our farmers, and other shippers, be protected from foreign shipping gouges and a possible foreign shipping shortage at some vital period in our economic life. For it is also a matter of self-protection and national survival. As a matter of fact, the merchant marine question was the crux of the recent naval disagreement at Geneva between the United States and Great Britain. The latter country has a much greater merchant fleet than we possess. Great Britain, therefore, tried to force us to agree to build small lightly armed cruisers because she knew that in such case she would have us hopelessly outclassed. And American expxerts refused to cut down the size and armament of our cruisers because they knew such an agreement would be tantamount to our commiting naval suicide. If we had had a merchant fleet equal to Great Britain the question would not have been so acute and an agreement would doubtless have been reached. Therefore, the propagandist who says we ought to have no merchant marine unless we can operate it without any government aid, because the government doesn't help the grocer and the popcorn vendor, is talking in the interest of some one other than Uncle Sam. This is not the position of the American people, and it is not the position of the American government. NEITHER DESIRABLE NOR PRACTICAL FORMER Premier W. M. Hughes, of Australia, makes the failure of the Geneva conference a reason for reiterating his plea for a defensive alliance between the United States and Great Britain. He says this country ought to negotiate such an alliance if it is really in earnest about desiring peace. Mr. Hughes is mistaken. An alliance such as he proposes would create suspicion and ill-feeling instead of promoting peace, and not only among nations on the outside which would consider the compact a threat, but also in the two countries concerned. Friendship between either individuals or nations must be voluntary and free if it is to be real friendship. The moment friends place themselves under bonds to stick together and fight for each other, something of the fine edge of their happy relationship disappears. And where nations are concerned, such compacts generally set an early date for the termination of good understanding. Offensive and defensive alliances seldom are long-lived, and generally wind up with a jar. But a natural, untrammeled friendship such as now exists between the United States and Great Britain can stand the strain of a fiasco such as the Geneva convention without showing even a sign of a crack, may continue indefinitely and grow stronger if it is properly nurtured. Aside from all that, a formal defensive alliance between the United States and Great Britain would be a foolish superfluity. Each country knows perfectly well that it will be backed up by the other in any matter that really affects world peace and the common safety; and written promises would not make the assurance any stronger than it is, even if there were no objection to making them. There also are some special reasons why what Mr. Hughes suggests is impossible. One is the fact that it is against the traditional policy of the United States to become a permanent formal ally of any other country, and an effort to smash that tradition would materially hurt American-British friendship. Aside from all that, a formal defensive alliance between the United States and Great Britain would be a foolish superfluity. Each country knows perfectly well that it will be backed up by the other in any matter that really affects world peace and the common safety; and written promises would not make the assurance any stronger than it is, even if there were no objection to making them. There also are some special reasons why what Mr. Hughes suggests is impossible. One is the fact that it is against the traditional policy of the United States to become a permanent formal ally of any other country, and an effort to smash that tradition would materially hurt American-British friendship. SCOPE OF PROPAGANDA WHEN most people think of foreign propaganda at all, they visualize it as merely the effort of certain foreign newspapers and foreign newspaper correspondents to bring about in America a state of mind favorable to the particular country which they represent. Those of us who think that foreign propaganda goes no farther than this would do well to read the series of articles written by Arthur Searles Henning, the well-known correspondent of the Chicago Tribune, who has made an exhaustive survey of the subject and who shows that the grand scheme is not a sentimental one, but a well organized movement to internationalize the United States and to bring it under European influence for European and not American benefit. Speaking of only one of these international agencies, one which is endowed for millions of dollars and headed by a well-known American educator, Mr. Henning declares that its real purpose is to get the United States into the League of Nations. To promote internationalism it has established "international mind alcoves" in ninety public libraries and is beginning to develop such "alcoves" for children. The books in these "alcoves" are of course of the kind arguing for internationalism as against Americanism, and there is no way to estimate the influence they have in this direction. The same institution of course also advocates the cancellation or reduction of the foreign debts, thus, as Mr. Henning puts it, "entailing a further burdening of American taxpayers, all for the purpose of allaying irritation of European countries at the necessity of paying their debts. The reduction would involve a sacrifice by American taxpayers such as the British government has declared it would not impose upon British taxpayers, however much its debtors might be irritated, Britain being sunk apparently beyond redemption in that "national mindedness" which the endowment is striving to transmute in America into an enlightened "international mindedness." ANAHEIM GAZETTE Becoming Obsolete By Henry Muheim CIVIC LOYALTY HOUSE TO HOUSE PEDDLER AUTO CASTER 'LIFTS' TO HIKERS The National Automobile Club is warning motorists against the practice of giving transportation to highway pedestrians who are unknown to them. Numerous investigations have proven that such a practice is very dangerous, and that serious results often come from it. Most motorists have read of instances in which a courteous driver, having given a ride to a stranger, has lost his car, his belongings or, in some cases, even his life. A striking example of the consequences of giving lifts to so-called "hikers" is presented in the case brought out at the recent annual conference of the Northwest Association of Sheriffs and Police, when the following resolution was passed: "Whereas, one Earl Nelson, known to the police of Canada and the United States as the Strangler, and who is responsible for the murder of twenty women in the United States and Canada, was recently arrested in Killarney, Manitoba, and positively identified as the arch fiend who has baffled the police of the North American continent for the past year or more, principally due to the rapidity and secrecy with which he traveled from one city to another; and Whereas, investigation has disclosed that his operations were facilitated by the transportation given him from place to place through the courtesy of traveling motorists; and Whereas, it is believed that the practice of transportation to pedestrians has added and encouraged many other atrocious crimes of like nature, and further, that school children are acquiring the habit of soliciting rides from motorists, thereby increasing the hazards of traffic upon the highways as well as absenting themselves from their schools and homes; therefore "Be it resolved, that the Northwest Association of Sheriffs and Police, in convention assembled, record disapproval of such practices. That a strict observance of the suggestions in this resolution will result in a decrease of accidents, crime and juvenile delinquency." TO PROBE PRICE FIXING The federal trade commission proposes to find out how it happens that goods low priced at the point of manufacture or production reach the consumers only after costs have been pyramided. The investigation will go into the matter of agreements, if any, employed by manufacturers to fix prices, and will also involve a study of distribution and delivery costs. The department of commerce is also planning to make a nation-wide investigation of the cost of distribution and merchandising. These are the costs which are always used to explain the spread between original production figures and what the consumer pays, and it will be just as well to look into it. TAX REDUCTION It is well for the people at large that a healthy debate is now going on relative to the possibilities and the amount of a possible tax reduction. The more the matter is talked the better it will be for all. Most of the nuisance taxes have already been repealed, and only 4 per cent of our entire population (4,171,000) are now paying income taxes. By reason of past legislation, 3,200,000 citizens who were obliged to pay income taxes in 1925 were relieved. One thing in this business of tax reduction it is well for us to remember: that notwithstanding the extraordinary progress which the Republicans have made in reducing the national debt it still totals some eighteen billions of dollars, and the interest on this debt for the coming year runs to three-quarters of a billion dollars. CABINET CHANGES Although March 4, 1929, is still some time away, it would seem as if the President's determination had affected some of his subordinates. Early this week the story spread that Secretary of War Davis intended to retire in order to run for the Senate in Missouri, a statement which he denied when it was brought to his attention. Notwithstand- ing his word, it is known that a very considerable movement is on in Missouri to ask him to consider the Republican senatorial nomination, a contest which would of necessity make for his retirement, if not in the near future, at no far distant time. The friends of Assistant Secretary of War MacNider have also learned that he has definitely decided to lay down his office. This is no surprise, for he was quite set on this plan some months ago. MacNider feels that with a growing family it is about time he went into business and his retirement therefore is because of distinctly personal reasons. He has admitted this and also scotched the story that he intended to run for the Senate in Iowa. Mr. Hoover has formally and officially denied the statement that he intended to resign, which clears that matter. One resignation, however, which is possible, and which is causing some worry, is that of Col. William J. Donovan, the assistant to the attorney general, who also feels that he has made as complete a financial sacrifice as he can be asked to make, and plans to return to private practice. Secretary of Labor Davis will undoubtedly serve out the term. THE SHIPPING PROGRAM Before too many gallons of ink are wasted in a criticism of the President's recent announcement in favor of selling the government-owned merchant ships to private owners, it is just as well to remember that the President is simply reannouncing the program which congress itself laid down in the shipping act of 1920. Congress in that act provided that the government should sell all its ships as soon as such sales could be made on a reasonable basis and get out of the shipping business. The Republican party in 1924 in its platform again announced its approval of this program. The President has no option but obey the mandate of Congress. If the government is to build new ships and to enter definitely on a program of government operation of ships, the matter is up to congress, and congress alone can decide. "Be it resolved, that the Northwest Association of Sheriffs and Police, in convention assembled, record disapproval of such practices. That a strict observance of the suggestions in this resolution will result in a decrease of accidents, crime and juvenile delinquency." UNCLE S! WHAT'S ON YOUR MIND? COULD YOU LIE DOWN AN' ROCK YOURSELF TO SLEEP? LET'S TRY THAT OUT S! MAYBE THE BOY HAS THOUGHT OF A WONDERFUL IDEA FOR OBSESE POLICS" Chapman OBSERVATIONS STRAWS SHOW WHICH WAY WIND BLOWS THAT much-talked-of bathing beauty parade at a coastal city the other day drew a capacity gate, it being estimated that 100,000 outlanders were among those present. The opposing forces threatened dire things to stop the promenade, but the beauties were given the "once over" by the judges, who, it is intimated, suffered from eye strain before picking the winners. SHAKING THE HOOF A NEW dance called the Sugar Foot Stomp has been liberated. It comes from the race track, and is inspired from the way the ponies stomp their feet and wave their heads when the jockies feed them sugar. Now it is going to be tried out on the humans. The Charleston is somewhat in the ash can. It originated down among the colored folk when they amused themselves during the noon hour. The Bunny Hug, Texas Tommy and Black Bottom are getting passee, or something. THE OLD DEAR IN A divorce case recently settled, the wife was awarded her freedom and a cool million dollars. This is looked upon as being the peak of the load; but another wife is quoted as saying that while she wouldn't take a million for her hubby, she wouldn't give ten cents for another. MAYBE MA WENT ALONG AS CHAPERON MAN in another state secured an injunction against his stepdaughter, preventing her from taking her mother (his wife) out to parties and dances. The husband alleged his wife stepped out several nights each week, at the solicitation of the daughter, and came home at all hours of the night—usually in company of other men. HANDS ACROSS THE SEA AN ENGLISH lord, visiting this Southland, was charmed with this country, and among his wise remarks said he hopes to see a permanent and lasting alliance between England and MAYBE MA WENT ALONG AS CHAPERON MAN in another state secured an injunction against his step-daughter, preventing her from taking her mother (his wife) out to parties and dances. The husband alleged his wife stepped out several nights each week, at the solicitation of the daughter, and came home at all hours of the night—usually in company of other men. HANDS ACROSS THE SEA AN ENGLISH lord, visiting this Southland, was charmed with this country, and among his wise remarks said he hopes to see a permanent and lasting alliance between England and America—one that will give the two countries the strength of one great nation. The Britisher believes that when the proper man emerges to bring about a better understanding between these two countries, that this union of nations will be accomplished. LOOKING UNDER THE LID AN ENGLISH MAN, speaking of prohibition here, is quoted in the paper as follows: "I believe that prohibition is very detrimental to your country; first, because it interferes with inherent rights. It is undermining the morale in the promotion of underhand methods and the corruption of officials. Moreover, I think that in time it will affect the health of the nation, for it is causing your people to eat more than is good for them—especially sweets." EVERY CLOUD HAS SILVER LINING RECENTLY, a delegation of 200 representatives of Mississippi, headed by their governor, toured Southern California and other western states, their slogan being, "Know Mississippi Better." They had a band of twenty-four musicians, a fine quartet, an orchestra, and eight colored exponents of southern melody to entertain people along their line of travels. And to show what they can do down South, there were three young women in the delegation who have won national honors as being the healthiest girls in the country. GETTING THE GLAD HAND DISTINGUISHED California citizen, just returned from an extended tour of Europe, in speaking of the hospitality over there, said: "Not once in any country did we meet with anything but kindness and courtesy. Everybody speaks with admiration of the United States, of the wonderful things it has done, and many people in many lands are anxious to come here." SMOKING HIM OUT WHEN a guy is up before the law, charged with drunkenness, the examining physician asks him to repeat the following: "Round the rugged rock the ragged ruffian ran." If the subject passes that test, he is rated as being normal. Sometimes the imbiber is asked to pronounce the word "Shibboleth." Should he articulate correctly, he is passed for cause, if his tongue doesn't get twisted. THE WORM HAS TURNED IT IS said a riot occurred in an eastern theater the other day, when a picture was being shown, when a large number of patrons denounced the picture as an "insult to the Irish." It is related that the trouble started during the scene showing an Irish picnic, when the festivities broke out into a free-for-all. THE WORM HAS TURNED IT IS said a riot occurred in an eastern theater the other day, when a picture was being shown, when a large number of patrons denounced the picture as an "insult to the Irish." It is related that the trouble started during the scene showing an Irish picnic, when the festivities broke out into a free-for-all. GOSH, HE SHOULD HAVE MADE THE GRADE A FOREIGN nobleman has filed a petition in bankruptcy. He is described as being versatile, and has been soldier, actor, author, journalist, sheep and poultry farmer, playwright, dancer, and wine merchant. Swing Speaks at Orange County Fair Declares Power Interests Trying to Block Boulder Dam In officially opening the Orange County Fair, Monday evening, Congressman Phil D. Swing made an address on the Boulder canyon dam. He charged power interests throughout the country have, and still are, openly contriving to prevent the construction of the mammoth power and flood control project on the Colorado river on pretexts that it is placing the government in the power business. Having swung across the breadth and width of the country, Congressman Swing declared that there is a concerted effort by the power interests to turn every section against the irrigation and power development that will mean ultimate savings in property damage and power costs of millions of dollars to the people of the great Southwest. "I have confidence," Congressman Swing declared, "that President Coolidge is not going to be deterred in following what he thinks is the right course in the Boulder dam fight." Pointing out that Hoover, Work and favored the building of Boulder dam, other members of the president's cabinet Swing said that reports to the contrary constituted so much more propaganda in attempts to stifle the movement which, nevertheless has gained momentum throughout the country. Because of the condition of the dam sites on the Colorado, the congressman said that Secretary of the Interior Work had asked that provisions be made in the Swing-Johnson bill for a government-owned power unit, since many serious complications between private companies would ensue if others were allowed to bid for this power location. Claims that the proposed Colorado river dam would jeopardize over production, through adding present parched lands to the cultivated areas of the country, are not well founded, declared Congressman Swing. Construction of the dam will cost virtually $150,000,000, he said, while the value of the lands in Imperial valley alone is placed at $250,-000,000. Requirements of the bill, he said, insure the government of the returns from power and development of the land. The great wealth of the valley, the congressman pointed out, justifies the government in going ahead with this vast constructive undertaking. It is reported in current press dispatches that African coal is very cheap. This is doubtless because there isn't much demand for it along the equator.