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McCORMICK MESSENGER, McCORMICK, S. C, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1941 anerf indie y**-- Notes of An Innocent Bystander: The Wireless: All the grumbling you hear about the Army’s morale being way down to here is German cooking. Gen’l Marshall, Army Chief of Staff, made that warning in his speech. Its all tricked up to disturb the soldiers’ loved ones, and it’s surefire with the stupider Con gressmen . . . Clark Gable’s nifty via a Red Cross show: “Our an cestors lived in log cabins and sod huts to establish a gov’t based on the theory of ‘We, the People,’ and not ‘I, the State’ ”... Many of the afternoon dramas contain some of the theater’s best players. Why don’t the sponsors also try to hire a better grade of writers? . . . One place where a ’writer is needed— but needed—is on the “single” shows. The patter the announcer and artist swap between numbers always sounds as if they’d lost the script and are covering up the wait . . . One headliner explained the reason he never used guest stars is be cause he’s never met a star who knew how to behave like a guest. The Story Tellers: Correspondent James Young, who was jailed by the Japs for reporting what he saw in China, gives them real reason to holler copper in a Reader’s Digest hoticle. In “Japan Risks Destruc tion,” Young should raise lots of blood pressure in Tokyo . . . Clarke Robinson, profiling Admiral Harold R. Stark in World Digest, reports that the present Chief of Naval Op erations made his first hit with FDR by defying him ... No punch- puller is Time, which describes pub lisher Douglas M. Stewart of Com mentator, to wit and to wow: “stocky, heavy-lidded Boston aes thete with a taste for antiques and Aryans” .... Collier’s editorialist (is that you Maury?) for Nov. 13 has a punchy crack ... He calls Nazi-occupied Yurrop: “The New Disorder.” When the news first came through that those 95 refugees from Nazi- land had been refused permission to land in Argentina, and faced the fate of being returned to concen tration camps, Selwyn James, a scrappy Britisher on PM, boldly called Sir Gerald Campbell, chief of the British Press service. He urged him to have the refugees admitted to British Trinidad. It would be ex cellent publicity -for the British, James said, aside from being a. de cent and not too unlikely act of hu manity. He got a polite brush-off . . The gloomy ship started for Europe, and Rep. Sol Bloom rushed in protest to the British Embassy. He was turned down, too . . . When that happened, cocky newspaper man James got Campbell on the phone again, and ranted and roared for half an hour ... It must have been tophole as far as accents and persuasion go . . . Because, finally, Campbell promised to have another go at the Embassy ... Result: The refugee ship has changed course again, and British Trinidad will be at least a temporary haven for those ninety-five pushed-around outcasts. Ed Howe, the late editor of an Atchison, Kansas, daily, was always envied for his serene outlook on life . . . Celebrated writers read his stuff and wished they had his peace of mind . . . Now his son. Gene, writes in a magazine: “My father was the most wretchedly unhappy man I ever knew” ... At the same time, H. L. Mencken, the Bal timore journalist, was hollering his liead off. People were clucks, he yelped, and the world was a hoose- gow . . . Now, in his fascinating memoirs, “Newspaper Days,” Mencken confesses he was always as happy as a kid with his first long pants, all day long. J/ Eleanor Roosevelt NORTH CAROLINA We arrived in Wilson, N. C., en route to a lecture at Greenville, N. C., and were met by Dr. Leon R. Meadows, president of East Caro lina Teachers college. The state highway patrol preceded us on the 30-odd mile drive to Greenville. They had evidently decided that I was an old lady with nerves and did not like to be driven at more than 30 miles an hour, so we drove at a snail’s pace. I was about to ask what was the matter, and then de cided that it was not up to me to ask questions and I had better take ad vantage of the opportunity to look at the countryside. I remembered well that this is the part of the country which had been hardest hit when the war closed its tobacco markets, because of the sudden decision by Great Brit ain that it could not buy tobacco over here. Almost 50 per cent of the tobacco raised here, used for cigarettes, had been sold in Eng land. Before the Japanese-Chinese war, much of it was sold to China. The government helped the plant ers over this period. In one way it has had a beneficial effect, for through their state agricultural col lege, they have received assistance in establishing a more varied agri culture. You now see fields of corn, a little cotton and gardens. Mayor Sugg of Greenville, who drove over with us, told me he had attended a meeting recently on home canning, which had really been inspiring. I was glad to hear of this, for it seems that the nutrition program is working. I feel that if we can es tablish community planning for spe cific purposes during this period, we shall have a stronger instrument with which to meet any problems which face our communities in the future. • • • V.F.W. RADIO PROGRAM On the eleventh day of each month, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States have es tablished a radio program to which more than 425 radio stations are contributing time. They call their program “Speak Up for Democ racy.” I have had the privilege of looking over some of their material, and I want to congratulate them on the service which they are render ing to the cause of liberty. * * • GERMAN FREEDOM One night I attended a dinner in New York city for the Amer ican Friends of German Freedom. As usual, Dr. Frank Kingdon was a de lightful chairman. It was encour aging to find that people, who had recent contacts with Germany, felt that there were many people there waiting, longing and working for freedom from Nazi rule. Early the next morning, we mo tored up to Hyde Park and, in spite of the fact that the trees there are bare and the color was gone, it was a very lovely drive and the country was still beautiful. After lunch, I went down to listen to some of the speeches and dis cussions at the conference at Vas- sar college on morale in the army camps and the colleges’ responsibil ity. The conference w&s held under the auspices of the Vassar Political association and the International Student service. * * * RED CROSS May I remind you that the Amer ican Red Cross is now having its annual roll call and that their objec tive is to double the membership. They are going, to try “to see all the people,” but if they don’t happen “to see” you, be sure that you see them, for the work that they are doing is needed all over the world. Reuben James, Forgotten TIT’HEN the radio flashed word ▼V recently that a ship of the United States navy had been tor pedoed and sunk by a German sub marine, it rescued from the obscu rity which had engulfed it for more than a century the name of one of America’s "forgotten heroes” and gave it world-wide fame. For the destroyer, which now rests on the bottom of the Atlantic with its crew of nearly 100 officers and men, vic tims of the modern “pirates,” was •named in honor of Reuben James, “common seaman,” who once dis tinguished himself by an act of gal lantry and self-sacrifice in a battle with the pirates of another era in the annals of the sea. That was away back in the early days of the republic when we were at war with the Barbary pirates of the north coast of Africa who had been preying upon American commerce for years. On August 3, 1804, young Captain Stephen Deca tur led his command of three gun boats into the harbor of Tripoli to attack some of the pirate ships which had taken refuge there. Out to meet him came six enemy boats, all of them manned and armed twice as heavily as the American craft. Undaunted by the odds against him, Decatur urged his crews to grapple with the pi rates and board their boats. The battle immediately resolved itself into a desperate hand-to-hand strug- / Midtown Vignette: The other middle-of-the-nightime, a Canadian soldier went into Hamburger Heav en and wolf’d about five hamburger sandwiches, so hungry was he . . . As he went to the cashier’s desk, he was told: “Oh, I couldn’t think of taking money from you. You’re do ing something to make it a better world, and all I can do is wish I could. Sorry, no money from a sol dier. And whenever you are in the neighborhood again, please come here and eat all you want!” . . . The Canadian said he’d like it lots more if he could pay his way . . . “I have the money!” he said, dis playing a wad . . . “Sorry,” said the cashier, “wouldn’t think of it!” . . . The Canadian is one of the wealthiest men in the world. His name is Duncan McMartin. Has about 40 million smackers. Typewriter Ribbons: Pete Smith’s: An eye like a cafeteria cashier’s . . . John Barrymore’s: Happiness sneaks in through a door you didn’t know you left open . . . John Galsworth’s: One’s eyes are what one is, one’s mouth is what one becomes . . . Ben Hecht’s: His smile appeared to wear a little crutch . . . Elizabeth Curtis’: He panthered up and down the room . . . Olin Miller’s: A woman never knows what dress she doesn’t want until she buys it. NEW YORK BY PLANE I left Washington on the four o’clock plane one day, flew to New York city to attend a meeting in the evening, after which I spent some hours going over all the mail which I had not succeeded in doing ear lier in the day. The trip up on the plane was par ticularly pleasant because Mr. Ed ward J. Flynn, the chairman of the Democratic National committee, was with me and talked on many subjects of mutual interest. When I did take to reading my papers, which I had been carrying around with me all day, it was an added interest to be able to comment on various matters and to ask ques tions of my well-informed neighbor. At 9:30 next morning, a Boy Scout, rather breathless because he had been delayed in arriving, a Sea Scout and a Cub Scout were at my door. A truck half piled up with papers stood outside. I took out a stack of old newspapers and we all faced the camera men together. I had to beg them to hurry be cause I found the papers heavy. When they were taken over by the Boy Scout, I realized that he must find them just as heavy. Finally, they were safely on the truck. After signing three autographs, every body departed happily. After that I did a variety of things, and since variety is the spice of life, it was a spicy day. “Bundles for Britain” has a most enchanting “All America” shop, where I am sure many people will find unique Christmas gifts. Reuben James saves the life of Capt. Stephen Decatur. (Drawn from the famous painting by Chap- pel.) gle in which the pikes, axes and cutlasses of the Americans were pitted against the scimitars and daggers of the corsairs. Within a short time Decatur and the crew of the gunboat which he commanded personally had cleared the deck of the pirate ship. But bad luck had overtaken the captain’s younger brother, James Decatur. The leader of the pirate boat which he boarded had pretended to surrender, then had shot James Decatur through the heart. Seeing this, Captain Decatur, mad with rage, shouted to some of his men to come with him in pursuit of the mur derer. Another officer and 10 men re sponded to his call and within a few minutes they overtook the enemy’s ship. Led by Decatur, they sprang aboard and cut their way through the corsairs toward their leader. The captain, a giant of a man, swung savagely at the young Amer ican with a pike which he was using as a broadsword. Decatur, trying to cut the blade of the pike from the shaft, snapped his cutlass at the hilt. Dropping his useless weapon, he closed in, seized the pirate captain around the waist and back-heeled him for a heavy fall. As the two struggling men went down on deck, one of the pirates rushed forward and raised his scim itar to deal the American captain a death blow. But before the weapon could descend, Reuben James, although badly wounded, sprang for ward and threw himself across Decatur’s shoulders. The keen blade of the long, curved sword slashed across James’ head, inflict ing a terrible wound. But he had saved his commander’s life. James eventually recovered. Later when asked to name his own re ward, he is said to have scratched his scarred and battered head and murmured bashfully: “If it’s all the same to you, Cap’n, let somebody else give out the hammicks. It’s a business I don’t like.” And with that ^ classic remark Reuben James steps ! off the page of history, his name to I be all but forgotten until 137 years later when a German torpedo sent his namesake to its watery grave. In a certain sense, Reuben James’ heroic self-sacrifice was in vain. True he saved Stephen Decatur for even greater service to his country later. But it is also true that he saved his commander's life only to have him lose it as a victim to the code duello which Decatur hated but which he was not brave enough to disobey. So in 1820 when his erst while friend. Commodore James Barron, who believed that Decatur had slandered him, challenged him to a duel, Decatur met him on the “field of honor” and died from the wound received there. IF YOU have been admiring peasant frocks—here’s one for fall which hits a new high in charm and smartness. The long bodice buttons up the front to a round, high neckline which is to be trimmed with bright colorful braid. Repeat the same on the three-quarter sleeves and around the top of the hem of the swirly skirt. And if you dare to wear red—it’s a perfect style for this brilliant shade—or a bright green. Then it will be one of the most cheering-up dresses you have in your new season’s wardrobe! • * * Pattern No. 8034 is in uneven sizes 11 to 19. Size 13, three-quarter sleeves, takes 4 yards 35-inch material, 5 yards braid. For this attractive pattern send your order to: SEWING CIRCLE PATTERN DEPT. Room 13Z4 311 W. Wmcker Dr. Chicato Enclose 15 cents in coins for Pattern ^!o. ............ Size......... Name Address Use of Days To awaken each morning with a smile brightening my face, to greet the day with reverence, for the opportunities it contains; to approach my work with a clean mind; to hold ever before me, even in the doing of little things, the Ultimate Purpose toward which I am working; to meet men and women with laughter on my lips and love in my heart; to be gentle, kind and courteous through all the hours; to approach the night with weariness that ever wooes sleep and the joy that com^s from work well done—this is how I desire to waste wisely my days.—Thomas Dreier. Christmas givers who want to be sure their gift is well received have been turning more and more to cigarettes and smoking tobacco as gifts most appreciated by any smoker. Their welcome is always far greater than the modest cost involved. Naturally, Camels, as America’s favorite cigarette, and Prince Albert, the world’s largest- selling pipe tobacco, head the smoker’s gift list. Camels have two gift packages—the carton of ten packages of “20’s” specially wrapped, and a gay package con taining four “flat fifties.” Prince Albert is featured in the pound tin and the pound glass humidor, both handsomely Christmas packed.—Adv. fv* (V {V* jv* fv* {v* (v« fv. O’* O* O* O’* C^* IASKMS 9 A quiz with answers offering ? IANOTHER I information on various subjects | o~ f', o- o- (v- o-- o- r>- r- o.. (\m O b 0»« O- O* O* O* O* O* O* O-* O* O- O’- O* O* O-- O* O* O* O* O* 0« O* O’* O- O’* 1. What state’s capital is the largest in the United States? 2. Approximately how long is the period of the moon’s revolu tion about the earth? 3. What great actress had a leg amputated in 1915 but returned to the stage afterwards? 4. Can dolphins swim at birth? 5. Who made famous the adage: “Speak softly and carry a big stick”? 6. What amendment to the Con stitution includes the important “due process” clause? 7. In what sport does the par ticipant rarely see his quarry until after it is captured? 8. In Spanish America, what is meant by a hacienda? 9. When was the United States flag first used in warfare in Europe? The Answers 1. Massachusetts (Boston). 2. Twenty-seven and one-half days. 3. Sarah Bernhardt. 4. Dolphins are expert swifh- mers from the time of birth. 5. Theodore Roosevelt. 6. Fourteenth (“Nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property without due process of law”). 7. Fishing. 8. A country estate. 9. The first time the United States flag was used in warfare in Europe was by the American Ex peditionary Forces of the World war, but it was not taken into the zone of the advance. Largest *V’ A giant V-shaped forest of fir trees, which stands on a hillside of southern England and measures more than a half mile along each side, was planted in 1887 to com memorate the sixtieth anniversary of the reign of Queen Victoria, says Collier’s. Today it is considered a “V for Victory” emblem and, as such, is the largest in the world. Cigarettes and smoking tobacco have moved rapidly to the fore front as ideal Christmas gifts with Camels as America’s favorite cig arette and Prince Albert Smokihg Tobacco, the world’s largest-sell ing smoking tobacco, well to the fore. The beauty of these gifts for smokers lies in the fact that their cost is modest and their welcome always assured. Local dealers have been featuring Camels in the carton of ten packs of “20’s” and a special gift of four “flat fifties.” Prince Albert is available in the humidor specially wrapped for Christmas giving.—Adv. Blessing in Disguise Nowthen—I see where the de fense tax bill puts a new tax , rouge. . . Afterall—Well, it ought to kee* more people out of the red. TeUing Him “Nothing but the law makes me fee*? my hands off you.** “Nothing but the law makes you km? * your hands off a lot of things.” Some girls rather like the strong, silent man — especially when his money does the talking. That’s Two “Willie, what is the plural ol man?” “Men.” “And the plural of child?” “Twins!” DISAPPEARS 1 That’s what stain less white Penetro does when rubbed on your chest, throat. Disappears like a vanishing cream. Almost in stantly sets up gen- PENETRO FOB COLDS’ COUGHS tie counter-irritant action, soothea speeds local circulation. Inhaled medicated vapors help you relax and sleep! Rub tonight with Penetrq, get better rest . . . one of Nature^ greatest cold misery fighters. PENETRO Happiness at Home Happiness grows at our own fire sides, and is not to be picked m stranger’s gardens.—Douglas Jer- rold. For Only 10/Now Less than 1* a dose se as directed on buset r. Hitchcock’s AXATIVE POWDER Dominion Over Self can never have a greater or a less dominion than that over yourself.—Leonardo Da Vinci. r F0R WOMEN', ONLY? i If you suffer from monthly cramps, headache, backache, nervousness and distress of “ irregularities ”— caused by functional monthly dis turbances—try Lydia Pinkham’s Vegetable Compound — famous for relieving pain and nervous feelings of women’s “difficult days.” Taken regularly—Lydia Pinkham’s Compound helps build up resistance against such annoying symptoms. Follow label directions. WORTH k TRYING l j Lacking Will People do not lack strength; they lack will.—Victor Hugo. DRU STORES SArnsV^aft RHEUMATISM^mbagc Our Imagination Sentiment is the poetry of th* imagination.—LaMartine. I JiMT /Vf£C4/H&S EVERY TIME. THEY’RE EXTRA MILD AND THEY’VE GOT THE FLAVOR THAT ALWAYS HITS THE SPOT" ★ THE SMOKE OF SLOWER-BURNING CAMELS CONTAINS 28fo LESS NICOTINE than the average of the 4 other largest- selling cigarettes tested—less than any of them—according to independent scientific tests of the smoke itself! C4MEL THE CIGARETTE OF COSTLIER TOBACCOS