anaheim-gazette 1931-04-30

THE ANAHEIM GAZETTE HENRY KUCHEL, Editor and Publisher ESTABLISHED 1870 ISSUED EVERY THURSDAY SUBSCRIPTION PER YEAR $2.00 SIX MONTHS 1.00 Entered at the Anaheim, California Postoffice as second-class matter. THINGS ARE LOOKING UP We don't mean only the green things in field and garden. Economic depressions have no effect upon the processes of Nature; the leaves come out and the grass comes up—to say nothing of the weeds—whether business is good or bad. And at this time of year it is always truthful, though not always the whole truth, to say that things are looking up. This year seems to be true of other things besides the ones that grow. There are plenty of signs of improvement in business, not much in some lines, a good deal in others. Automobile production is increasing, which means more men working in the factories. The electric power output is higher than it was a year ago. That means not only that more people are using electric light but that industrial plants are buying more power. Building contracts reported for March show a gain over February. And it is hard to travel twenty miles in any direction from anywhere without running into a new highway or bridge under construction, or some other big piece of public work, giving employment to large numbers of men and putting in the aggregate hundreds of millions of dollars into circulation. There has been a great deal of unfriendly comment abroad over the situation in the United States during the past eighteen months. Unemployment, the breadlines in the big cities, and similar conventional items of news were printed in European The electric power output is higher than it was a year ago. That means not only that there people are using electric light but that industrial plants are buying more power. Building contracts reported for March show a gain over February. And it is hard to travel twenty miles in any direction from anywhere without running into a new highway or bridge under construction, or some other big piece of public work, giving employment to large numbers of men and putting in the aggregate hundreds of millions of dollars into circulation. There has been a great deal of unfriendly comment abroad over the situation in the United States during the past eighteen months. Unemployment, the breadlines in the big cities, and similar sensational items of news were printed in European papers, with the result that Germany, France and Italy picture the whole population of the United States reduced to destitution. Apparently they have never heard, over there, of our miniature golf craze, which began just after the depression hit us and so far has developed into a $150,000,000 business. Not everybody in the United States spends his time in the breadline! And, to come back to the green grass and the weeds, Nature is doing a little better by us this year than last. At least, there has been more rain this Spring all over the country than there was a year ago, and more snow in the North than for several Winters. There is still a lot of water to fall to bring up the average, but there doesn't seem to be any danger of another widespread drought in 1931. On the whole, all things considered, we're doing pretty well, thank you. RICH MEN'S TROUBLES One of the penalties of being rich and famous is that one so afflicted has to set up a sort of wall around himself to avoid being importuned for money, for good causes and bad ones, at every turn. That has never happened to us, but we can easily understand it might become a nuisance after the novelty of being asked for a million dollars had worn off. The rich man travels on his own yacht or in a private railroad car not so often because he does not desire to mix with the common people as because he knows from bitter experience that they will not let him mix with them on equal terms. One of America's wealthiest men said, somewhat sadly, not long ago, that he did not know how to carry on a conservation with a group of friends because they referred to so many schoolboy and college customs of which he knew nothing, since he had always had private tutors. That man is not subjecting his sons to the handicap of not knowing how to act among ordinary folks; he sent them all to public schools and to colleges where they had to live like other boys. All of which is suggested by the remark of John D. Rockefeller, Jr., that the six weeks he recently spent in Mexico where nobody knew him was the happiest vacation he had ever had. He did not have to be on his guard, but was just about another Gringo tourist. But because he did not travel in the customary state of a multi-millionaire the customs guard at the border wouldn't believe him when he handed that official his card. "John D. Rockefeller, Jr," he read, and looked Mr. Rockefeller over appraisingly. "That's what they all say, bo!" Which, as Mr. Rockefeller remarked, gave him more inward amusement and real satisfaction than any amount of kowtowing could have done. POLITICIANS BESTIR THEMSELVES He did not have to be on his guard, but was just about another Gringo tourist. But because he did not travel in the customary state of a multi-millionaire the customs guard at the border wouldn't believe him when he handed that official his card. "John D. Rockefeller, Jr," he read, and looked Mr. Rockefeller over appraisingly. "That's what they all say, bo!" Which, as Mr. Rockefeller remarked, gave him more inward amusement and real satisfaction than any amount of kowtowing could have done. POLITICIANS BESTIR THEMSELVES Although 1931, politically speaking, is one of the periods generally characterized as an "off year," already the national politicians, quiescent for several months, now are beginning to bestir themselves. There are no elections of national importance this year, but we must keep in mind the fact that only a few short months must pass until the beginnings of another national campaign will be upon us. In just about eight months the Republican National Committee can be expected to meet in Washington and name the time and the place for the holding of the Republican national convention in 1932. Then the political pot will begin to boil. The Democratic National Committee can be expected to follow shortly after by naming the location and date for the holding of the Democratic national convention. In a few weeks from that date, if indeed not sooner, the preliminary work for selection of national conventions will be in order. In much less than a year hence we will be deep in the preliminaries of the national campaign. INSTABILITY IN EUROPE Something of the instability of European affairs is evidenced by the political stir which was caused all over the continent by the mere announcement that Germany and Austria had completed a customs agreement for the elimination of trade barriers between the two nations. In spite of the fact that assurance were given that each nation was to retain its political independence and that other nations would be invited to join the union, the air became thick with suspicions, and there was a revival of war talk and political sanctions. France and some of her allies immediately asserted that the Germans were seeking to swallow up Austria and make that unfortunate nation a part of the Reich, that the Teutons were seeking to break the Versailles treaty and that something would have to be done about it at once to prevent serious trouble. Remedies for the situation proposed by those who oppose the Austro-German economic agreement ranged all the way from referring the matter to the council of the League, up to taking stern and sharp measures against the two countries. Managua in Ruins After Earthquake Widespread ruin and destitution followed the recent earthquake at the capital of Nicaragua in which 5000 persons lost their lives and many thousands were rendered homeless. Short Essays On Popular Topics A MATTER OF GOLD By VISCOUNT D'ABERNON Former British Ambassador to Germany I hold that the present deplorable conditions are due in the main, though not entirely, to the falling of prices of staple commodities. This fall has been brought about by a corner in gold, payments not being available in gold and gold currency. This position can be corrected by combined action between the central banks of the leading countries provided these central is said, will take more than two weeks. The Persian railway is one that was advised by a group of American technicians called In for consultation by the Persian government soon after the World war. American engineers are in complete charge of the project. FOE OF BULLFIGHTERS Mrs. Jeannette Ryder, the American woman who kept bullfighting out of Cuba, died at her home in Havana recently of spinal meningitis. Cubans, from President Machado to the most humble citizen, mourned her passing. For thirty years she had devoted much of her considerable fortune to improving the lot of homeless children, the aged and infirm and abused animals. At a little sanctuary in Paula Bruce Barton Looks at Ways of L TAKE TIME TO THINK IT OVER There is a man, now old in year still very vigorous, who built up largest company of its kind in country. One of his younger associates was recently giving me some sider on his character and methods. "Whenever we had some especial big problem on hand the same invariably happened," he said, might be a building program involved in the investment of millions, or A MATTER OF GOLD By VISCOUNT D'ABERNON Former British Ambassador to Germany I hold that the present deplorable conditions are due in the main, though not entirely, to the falling of prices of staple commodities. This fall has been brought about by a corner in gold, payments not being available in gold and gold currency. This position can be corrected by combined action between the central banks of the leading gold-using countries, provided these central banks adopt a joint policy and take as their objective the restoration and stability as to the standard of value. What has really occurred is a hold-up in currency to make gold scarce and therefore dearer than when measured in commodities. It is not so much commodities which have fallen, but the value of gold has gone up. If it were generally understood that the level of commodity prices reflects purchasing power of gold, and is, in fact, nothing else but an alternate form of stating what the purchasing power of gold is, reform would be easy. We all are concerned in the maintenance of stability of prices. This stability has been allowed to disappear and the disastrous results are felt. Creditor nations, like the United States, England, France, have special interests and special responsibilities. Debtors must be able to sell their products at a reasonable price. If any one suggested a few years ago that by 1931 the great creditor nations would have so mismanaged their affairs as to render possible an almost iminitable bankruptcy of many nations, such a man would have been thought demented. Yet it has occurred. CALIFORNIA IN PERSIA Far-away Persia is turning "Southern California!". "Such, at least, is the inference to be drawn from announcements that that ambitions land of the Far East is to adopt architectural styles employed by the Southern Pacific Company in Southern California, in connection with the construction of Persia's gigantic new railroad system. Railroad stations, freight depots, roundhouses and even machine shops of the new Persian railroad, stretching from north to south of that country, are to be patterned after Southern Pacific's buildings throughout this section of California, according to statements by David L. Foulkes of Portland, Ore., now head of the architectural department of the Persian government. Climatic conditions of Persia, similar to those of Southern California, together with the structural advantages of the Southern Pacific type of buildings from a railroad viewpoint, combined in bringing about adoption of this type, according to Mr. Foulkes. Full co-operation of the Southern Pacific in mining the architectural Mrs. Jeannette Ryder, the American woman who kept bullfighting out of Cuba, died at her home in Havana recently of spinal meningitis. Cubans, from President Machado to the most humble citizen, mourned her passing. For thirty years she had devoted much of her considerable fortune to improving the lot of homeless children, the aged and infirm and abused animals. At a little sanctuary in Paula Street she had collected dozens of mistreated animals, for which she provided a home. Three decades ago when her crusade began she was the butt of ridicule among those to whom the bullfight was a national sport, but in the years since then she had become a person revered and beloved throughout Cuba. Elimination of the bullfight was one of her major objectives early in her crusade. By one means or another she blocked such spectacles, enduring the ridicule of promoters and enthusiasts until eventually public opinion began to lean her way and legislation was enacted making the bullfight in Cuba illegal. DIVORCE PATRONS WANTED When Governor Ben Ross of Idaho signed the new divorce bill, making ninety days' residence in Idaho sufficient, he opened the way for Idaho to compete with Reno in attracting wealthy prospective divorces from all parts of the country. Already three Idaho cities—Coeur d'Alene in the north, Lewiston in the midsection and Boise in the south—are taking steps to become the divorce capital of the State and are organizing to engage in national publicity to put their scenic and climatic charms before the unhappy married of the nation. Coeur d'Alene appears to have the inside track. It is only thirty-five miles from Spokane, with two paved highways connecting, and is on Lake Coeur d'Alene, one of the larger scenic lakes of the Northwest. There is one large modern lake-view hotel and numerous smaller ones, and there is talk of building others. Coeur d'Alene residents have their own country club and golf course at Hayden Lake, six miles away. It is easier to get a divorce in Idaho, but it is harder to get married, for Governor Ross also signed the "gin marriage" law. It requires a lapse of five days between the obtaining of a license and the marriage ceremony. This terminates Coeur d'Alene's career as the Gretna Green for impetuous Spokana couples. On the other hand, the situation is now reversed. Governor Hartley of Washington vetoed the "gin marriage" law passed by the State Legislature. Thus Idaho couples who are unwilling to wait five days in their own State TAKE TIME TO THINK IT OVER There is a man, now old in years still very vigorous, who built up largest company of its kind in country. One of his younger associates was recently giving me some side on his character and methods. "Whenever we had some especial big problem on hand the same invariably happened," he said, might be a building program involved in the investment of millions, or launching of a new product, or for extending our operations in foreign country. "Always, in the midst of our divisions, the Old Man would bring fist down at the desk with a bang." "We will stop right here,' he says. 'We will not decide a single one I am going away to the country for weeks to rest and fish. When I back I will tell you how to run company.'" My informant said that the Old invariably returned with a better speculative, clearer vision and fresh age. Years ago I read a biography of Jamin Disraeli who began life, and will recall, as a writer with public ambitions. He conceived the idea magazine, and was bold enough to that he might persuade Sir W Scott to be its editor. He took a train to the city where Scott lived and arrived late in the noon. Instead of making his course once, he registered at the hotel, ordered a comfortable room, and went to recording the experience, having that he had made up his mind, even those early days, never to attend difficult interview when he was taken. Two men of my acquaintance thrown out of employment by a man they were men of ability for whose portunities were sure to open soon later. The first man proceeded to himself into a state of nervous encey. He hurried around among friends; he let fear show in his eye face. The other man went away. We met him last he was sun-browner rested! he had purchased some clothes, and was starting out serenely to conquer the world. Most of us have to take our vacations at stated intervals, which are fixe routine of business rather than our personal desires. But it is possible even for the humblest of us to mistake of making important stions when our minds are weak worried. Lots of times the best thing we do is to say: "I shall now turn back on this deak and leave them and I will not think about this again tonight." Tomorrow will be a new day as I am rested, a day full of much courage and wisdom. So my de from north to south of that country, are to be patterned after Southern Pacific's buildings throughout this section of California, according to statements by David L. Foulkes of Portland, Ore., now head of the architectural department of the Persian government. Climatic conditions of Persia, similar to those of Southern California, together with the structural advantages of the Southern Pacific type of buildings from a railroad viewpoint, combined in bringing about adoption of this type, according to Mr. Foulkes. Full co-operation of the Southern Pacific in mapping the architectural design for the new Persian railroad buildings was according Mr. Foulkes, it It is easier to get a divorce in Idaho, but it is harder to get married, for Governor Ross also signed the "gin marriage" law. It requires a lapse of five days between the obtaining of a license and the marriage ceremony. This terminates Coeur d'Alene's career as the Gretna Green for impetuous Spokana couples. On the other hand, the situation is now reversed. Governor Hartley of Washington vetoes the "gin marriage" law passed by the State Legislature. Thus Idaho couples who are unwilling to wait five days in their own State can cross the line into Washington, obtain a license and be married without delay. Lots of times the best thing we do is to say: "I shall now turn back on this desk and leave the and I will not think about this again tonight." "Tomorrow will be a new day and I am rested, a day full of much courage and wisdom. So my dew will be sounder and braver than possibly be today." OBSERVATIONS DEPENDS ON HOW YOU'RE RAISED Wine on beer makes a fellow queer; but beer on wine is chust fine. WHEN BUTTERCUPS FAIL TO APPEAR AND LARKS DO NOT SING Any morning, at 6 o'clock, when the little red line stops at 35 degrees, you hate to crawl out, especially if you have false teeth, because they are liable to leave their moorings when you are all a-chatter. BIRD IN THE HAND, WORTH TWO IN THE BUSH Speaking of this and that if a republican candidate for high public office comes out on a dry platform and is nominated at the primary election, and then if that same candidate comes out on a wet platform at the regular run-off election is sideswiped by the drys, and is defeated by a wet democrat, what do the drys gain from an arid viewpoint? OH, MISTER, THAT'S DERNED DANGEROUS It is reliable reported in the newspapers that a bandit, who robbed two banks in a town in another county of several thousand dollars, was arrested, convicted and then given 10 years probation provided he serve one year of the ten in the county jail up there. LOOKING UNDER THE LID A man in a southern state was defeated for a high up office, after a spirited contest. However, he says, he is going to demand a thorough investigation of the way the votes were counted. THERE'S GOOD IN EVERYTHING Last November when that big windstorm came in (it must have been the daddy of them all) many oranges were blown off the trees. But along came the horticultural expert, and says that the droppage was beneficial. THEM'S IDLE WORDS The other day a newspaper had a double column editorial dealing with what apparently is the trouble with this old world. After reading the article you try to figure out what the editor THERE'S GOOD IN EVERYTHING Last November when that big windstorm came in (it must have been the daddy of them all) many oranges were blown off the trees. But along came the horticultural expert, and says that the droppage was beneficial. THEM'S IDLE WORDS The other day a newspaper had a double column editorial dealing with what apparently is the trouble with this old world. After reading the article you try to figure out what the editor was driving at. OUT OF HIS CLASS When they find a "natural" for a good "western" play and the show goes over big, they oftentimes put the star in some mushy love affair as a dude, and he flops. HE BAN GOOD FELLA If your uncle is going to be Santa Claus for the wheatmen why not have one great big Christmas tree and invite all the rest of us to call around. SHIFTING GEARS When 1932 rolls around the democrats no doubt will chirp about the republicans being the cause of the depression; but what have they to take its place. HOW'S THE GAS, BUDDY? With prohibition "not so hot" what will the dems use for thunder in the next free-for-all, or go up Salt river. BE CAREFUL, HONEY; THERE'S A SPEED COP You may hear a lot about the depression in going to and from the gas filing stations; but the fellows out in wide open spaces who raise turkeys haven't got a kick coming. EGGS NOT ALL IN ONE BASKET When a senator, who is bone dry, was re-elected in a northwest state, that is said to be dripping wet, some of the drys chirped merrily. But up there, where the amendment was not so hot, in all probability there was other work to do that this man was more capable of supervising than the other fellow. WHISTLING TO KEEP UP YOUR COURAGE Just about the time the dear evangelist had the third relapse or mebbe it was the fourth, some of the experts kept telling you to spend your money—until it hurt. They said that would make old man Depression gasp for breath and go jump in the Lake. It would knock him for a row of mortgage releases, they said. Oh, well, after you have had your usual morning yawn, you might as well mark that in your book as being a lotta applesauce unless the guys with the blank rolls up on Easy street loosen up first. SEE WHAT THE CAT BROUGHT IN The fellow who started that spend your money racket should be given a medal, or something. The scheme has a wide range of possibilities. For instance, there's Tia Juana. And yet again right here at home it has been known where five or six men have seated themselves at a round table and spent their money like a drunken sailor—and the derned kitty got the works. SEE WHAT THE CAT BROUGHT IN The fellow who started that spend your money racket should be given a medal, or something. The scheme has a wide range of possibilities. For instance, there's Tia Juana. And yet again right here at home it has been known where five or six men have seated themselves at a round table and spent their money like a drunken sailor—and the derned kitty got the works. NOW, YOU CAN RESUME YOUR KNITTING When that Daddy windstorm blew in some time ago, old timers wondered where it came from or how it got here. It came in gusts, or something like that; and the gusts had it all night. For a while they seemed to stop, and everybody thought the thing was over. But it appears it stopped only long enough to grab a new hold. And, say boy, it blew. Some folks believed it was the aftermath of the fall election. Be that as it may it was some wind; but one old settler smiles and says he has seen the same thing before, and they are great to purify the air. HIT AND RUN A columnist says he never reads his stuff after he writes it, not even after it is printed in the paper. PAINTING 'ER RED “It’s just like old times,” said the man, as he was putting on the crimson paint around the fire plugs. CLOSE HOOK UP Somewhere it has been printed that an enthusiastic “relativity” exponent has declared that if you sit on a hot stove for a minute you believe it is an hour, and following the same deduction it is declared that if you meet up with a pretty Jane and talk to her for an hour you think it has been only a minute. Now, while you have the thought waves in action proceed further. If you borrow $100 from your banker on a thirty day note the time flies so fast, when the note is due, that you believe it has only been a day since you annexed the money; and believe it or not, if you have a gallon of good stuff, enough to last a month, and if you get away with all of it in a day you get an awful headache. (Soda Jerk: You better take a bromo seltzer). OH, PSHAW, AND ALL THE BOYS WERE UP AND RARIN’ TO GO One of the big medicine men in the Bourbon party has solemnly averred that the “dems” will not insert a plank for the repeal of the amendment.