Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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Mysterious ‘Black Widow's* Secrets Disclosed O NE of the war’s best kept secrets has lately been re vealed, at least in part. This is a detailed description of the P-61, “Black Widow,” the world’s largest and most power ful pursuit plane. This strange appearing two-motored fighter was designed early in 1941 to combat the German raiders that were then blasting London by night. The Black Widow, in' fact, was the first plane devel oped exclusively for night fly ing. It was named after the extremely poisonous “Black Widow” spider. Although the blitz on London slackened to nuisance raids before the Black Widow got into action, this mighty air weapon has been found invaluable on many sorts of missions. Black Widows are rip ping German supply columns as they try to advance under cover of darkness; others, in distant South Pacific theaters, are shooting down Jap bombers from the night skies. Because of its detection equipment, it can be used for patrol and scout ing missions at night. The Black Widow (it is painted a glossy black so that it will be al most invisible by night) is as large as a medium bomber, and heavier than a pre-war standard transport. Its two 2,000-horsepower Pratt and Whitney engines, turning four-blad- ed propellers give a speed that can keep pace with any pursuit ship. Armament consists of .50 caliber machine guns and 20mm. cannon. Its firepower is so great that it can blast any plane to destruction. Noth ing but a concrete pillbox can with stand its assault. The ammunition boxes and other vital parts are pro tected from enemy bullets by armor plate and deflector plates. The crew are likewise safeguarded by armor end bullet-proof glass. A pilot, a gunner and a radio operator make up the crew. In emergencies the gunner can take over the flying controls. The radio Your makeup must be your Lead ing Light these days! Simple basic dresses, but brilliant makeup ac cessories. Have several sets of lip stick, rouge and powder to harmo nize, and several shades of eye-shad ow to dramatize your eyes. Wear black, a purple belt and gloves, fuchsia lipstick and rouge, purple eyeshadow. Then change to brilliant red accessories with brown eyeshad ow to soften your eyes. It’s a game! Learn to Accessorize! Ledger Syndicate.—WNU Features. man also fires some of the guns when need arises. More technical information is giv en in these excerpts from the “Fact Sheet.” GENERAL DESCRIPTION The P-61 is an all-metal, twin- engine, three-place, midwing, night interceptor monoplane with two tail booms, fully retractable tricycle landing gear and heavy armament. The three man crew is fully en closed in a crew nacelle located between the two engine nacelles, which are of monocoque construc tion. The Wings. Wings are of stressed skin two- spar cantilever structure composed of two inner panels, two outer pan els and two tip panels bolted to gether by internal fittings accessi ble through removable doors. The two spars—among the largest ex trusions in the world — continue through the crew nacelle. Tail Group. The tail group consists of two fins and two rudders, connected by a stabilizer and an elevator. En tire tail group is supported by two monocoque tail booms attached to the engine nacelles. Landing Gear Group. The nose gear is of the half-fork type which folds aft and up into the crew nacelle by hydraulic action. Mechanically operated doors seal the opening after retraction. The main gear consists of two wheel and brake assemblies and two shock strut assemblies which re tract aft and up into the engine na celles. In retracted position, hy draulically operated doors cover wheel wells. Brakes are dual hydraulic disc type, installed on each main gear wheel. Power Plant. The two Pratt and Whitney model R-2800 two stage, two speed super charged engines are designed to op erate on 100 octane fuel. Each en gine is equipped with an injection carburetor. These engines develop 2000 horsepower “plus.” Two Curtiss-Wright electric, full feathering four-bladed propellers, 12 feet, 2 inches in diameter, drive the plane. Propeller blade angle is con trolled automatically or by manual selection. The landing flap is an innovation. The Black Widow has the first full span landing flap, combined with en tirely new type of aileron—a scoop or spoiler which retracts into the upper aft section of the wing. EQUIPMENT. Instrument lighting consists of two fluorescent bulbs which cause instru ment faces to glow in the darkness, located each side of cockpit. The landing lights are electrical ly retractable, mounted undersur face of each outer wing panel. The emergency air brake system operates from a storage bottle which shoots air into brake lines, forcing brakes on. Night binoculars, a secret device, are electric. Mounted on arm, they are swung into place aft of pilot’s armor glass. Oxygen inhalation apparatus is lo cated on right side of crew nacelle in each compartment for every member of crew. The automatic pilot operates by pressure from the main hydraulic system. An individual heater is provided for each crew member. "GAY GADGETS" Associated Newspapers—WNU Features. By NANCY PEPPER FOOLIN’ WITH FELT Now’s the time to dream up some Christmas quickies—those last-min ute gifts that are quifk to make and easy on the budget. The things you can make out of an old felt bat or two would positively amaze you. Every one is a tried and tested trick for teens—fun to make and more fuu to receive. Up to lour Ears — Tricky ear- muffs make darling gifts for your favorite girl friends. Make them out of large soft powder puffs, which you cover with discs of felt and attach to a braided yarn band that is worn over the hair and tied under the chin. Embroider the felt coverings on the puffs or trim ’em up with contrasting appliques. For Gals Who Wear Glasses — How about an eyeglass case made of felt? If she wears Harlequin specs, cut the case in corresponding pixie shape. Sequin eyes with looped thread lashes make a cute trim, especially if they’re winking. Hands Up—It’s easy to make a pair of gay mittens out of felt. Cut around the shape of your hand for a pattern. Whip together with con trasting wool and trim to suit your fancy—in fact, the fancier the bet ter. Scrap-Happy Books — Use your own school books for patterns and make a set of covers out of bits of felt, sewn together in patchwork effect with contrasting yam. An un usual and useful gift for any girl in your class. Well, Miss Nimble Thimble, thread up your needle and get busy! Tim’s a-wastin’. PIN-UP PILLOWS First you wore your goofy gadgets on your lapels; then on your sweater bottoms and now you’re wearing them on little pin cushions made for this very purpose. It’s so hard to keep up with your fads that we constantly ask ourselves in amaze ment, “How do we do it?” Maybe some whiz kid can give us the an swer. It’s the Nuts—Take a half walnut shell; shine it up by coating of color less or red nail polish—then stuff it with cotton and paste a screp of colorful fabric across the top. Stick your gadget pins into this nutty cushion and pin the cushion, itself, to your lapel or sweater. Wrist Twist—Make a little heart out of felt; stuff it well and sew a narrow velvet ribbon or a strip of felt to either side. Tie securely around your wrist and wear your favorite gadget pins in the little heart-shaped cushion. Nimble Thimbles—Buy some plas tic thimbles in assorted colors; bore a little hole in the side of each, and string on yam in tassel cluster effect. Turn each thimble into a miniature pin cushion with stuffing and a piece of fabric over the top or with a cork, tightly wedged in side. Stick your favorite pins in each thimble and wear on your lapel or beanie. The Rambling Rhymster -Cy By LE8 PLETTNER TELEPHONE ACCENTS “When 1 sit down to telephone,” Thus started in old Andrew Sloan, “I hear a female voice intone, ‘What is your number, plee-ez!’ I then state in an accent clear, ‘Give me three- oh - nine - Bei- videre. I want it ere I’m old and sere, Like leaves that fall from tree- ez.* ‘Did you say, three-oh-ni-en sir,’ Comes o’et the line her creamy purr. In voice to calm my ruffled fur, ’Or was it three-oh-fi-ev?’ I yell in tone line Stentor old, While I my heated temper hold, ‘My little one, with voice of gold— You think I’m dumb or nai-ev?’ Oh, how it does me irritate. When I give out my number straight A simple three, or nine, or eight— In this I am not lyin’; To hear the operator say. In, to me, an affected way. At end of hard and heavy day, ‘Did you say, ‘three-oh-ni-en?’ ” Weakening and Ruin Of Subject Peoples Is Nazi Objective Professor States Germany In tends to Remain on Top. Germany, whether it won or lost the war, aimed to dominate Europe through the practice of “genocide.” declares Prof. Raphael Lemkin of Duke U., noted Polish scholar and attorney, in a volume entitled "Axis Rule in Occupied Europe,” pub lished by the Columbia U. Press. “Genocide,” the practice of ex termination of nations and ethnic groups as carried out by the in vaders, is effected through a syn chronized attack on different as pects of life of the captive peoples, political, social, spiritual, cultural, economic and biological, it is ex plained. Professor Lemkin, in a work of more than 600 pages, assembles the texts of laws and decrees of the Axis powers, and of their puppet re gimes, issued for the government of the areas occupied by their mili tary forces in Europe. He analyzes the purposes and application of the measures as parts of the general scheme of conquest. “The Nazis have formulated as law, dictates which are in fact very grave outrages against humanity and international law, against hu man rights, morality, and religion. One finds in them, for example, evi dence in the form of provisions for confiscations of private property based upon a presumption of future guilt, and for the prohibition of the use of their own languge by the population of-an occupied country, and such evidence of moral debase ment as clauses providing for sub sidies to women of subjugated peo ples for having illegitimate children by members of the Wehrmacht. “These laws of occupation were promulgated not only by the Axis partners themselves but also by puppet regimes and puppet states, which were established in Norway, Serbia, Croatia, Slovakia, the Pro tectorate of Bohemia and Moravia, and to a certain extent in Vichy France, as well as by the secre taries general of the ministries in Belgium and the Netherlands.” The picture of coordinated Ger man techniques of occupation must lead to the conclusion that the Ger man occupant has embarked upon a gigantic scheme to change, in fa vor of Germany, the balance of bio logical forces between it and the captive nations for many years to come, the author asserts. “The objective of this scheme is to destroy or to cripple the subju gated peoplqf ^n their development so that, even in the case of Ger many’s military defeat, it will be in a position to deal with other Eu ropean nations from the vantage point of numerical, physical, and economic superiority. “Despite the bombings of Germa ny, this German superiority will be fully evident after hostilities have ceased and for many years to fol low, when, due to the present dis astrous state of nourishment and health in the occupied countries, we shall see in such countries a stunted postwar generation, survivors of the ill-fed children of these war years.” j What ta Jb j By PHYLLIS BELMONT I J Some decorator’s color tricks that will help to increase or decrease the apparent size of your rooms are a convenient thing to know. Here are a few suggestions. To make a high ceiling seem low er—use a dark color for the ceiling. If you have a long, narrow room —the two end walls in a darker shade than the side walls will make your room appear more nearly square. For drama and excitement use bold, striking effects. Use bold stripes or strong contrast in decided colors. For a restful spot—use grayed subdued colors with no strong con trasts. To make your room seem large paint the walls and woodwork the same color—and use light, rather subdued tones. Ledger Syndicate.—WNU Features. THE FACTS ON THE COFFEE SITUATION A Statement by the Producing Countries Ms. George C Thierbach, President National Coffee Association 120 Wall St., New York Dear Mr. Thierbach: In view of the various reports that have appeared for some time In die press of this country relative to both the supply and prices of coffee, and in view of recent statements from re- 1 sponsible sources to the effect that the responsibility for the solution of these problems testa 1 with the producing countries, the Pan-American Coffee Bureau has decided to submit to you | a clarification of die factors involved in the great crisis which now faces the coffee industry | of Latin America. The Pan-Amprican Coffee Bureau has, without exception, always scrupulously abstained from expressing any opinion or talcing any posidon with respect to any of die war-dme regulations or restrictions imposed in the United States. As a foreign agency the Bureau has rigorously refrained from direct or indirect interference in any manner, in subjects concerning the internal economy and policies of this country. This policy has been strictly adhered to, as can be testified to by the National Coffee Associa tion and during recent years, so fraught with difficulties and problems for the coffee industry, the Bureau has concentrated on cooperating with the National Coffee Association, the various government agencies of the United States and the producing countries for removal of diffi culties, an early solution of existing problems, and faithful adherence to all war-time regulations. We have considered these policies as the least we could do in order to reciprocate the favor able and cooperative attitude shown by the government, the trade and the public of this country towards the Bureau and the entities which the Bureau represents. However, it does not seem to me to be necessary to deviate from our policy in order to sub-1 mit a concise statement of facts as they affect the Coffee producing industry of the Westeai I Hemisphere. Coffee Prices Reached All-Time Low in 1940 Following the outbreak of the European War, with its consequent closing of markets for about 10 million bags of coffee produced in Latin-America, the price of coffee already greatly de pressed because of a long period of over-production, because of abandonment by Brazil of the price support policy which it followed until 1937, and because of restrictive tariffs in various ' consuming countries—(colonial protection in Continental Europe and Imperial preference in Canada and Great Britain) reached the lowest levels in histoty. These disastrous levels, starvation prices if permitted to continue for any length of time would have resulted in ruin for the coffee industry of Latin-America, and in economic chaos for the 14 coffee producing countries of this Hemisphere. Such a catastrophe would have resulted in deplorable social and political repercussions, would have opened the doors of the Americas to dangerous extremist ideologies which were making bold experiments in Europe and what is most important, would have cut off vitally important markets in Latin-America for United States industries. Ceiling Price Set Below 30-Year Average The completion of the Inter-American Coffee Agreement, in which the United States par ticipated, averted this calamity. The coffee market slowly recovered and prices reacted m a healthy manner until they reached, late in 1941, a level which was then acceptable or even satis factory when compared to the disastrous depths to which they had ( fallen in 1940. It should be noted at this point that the sole basis for the acceptability of these prices was the fact that they represented a partial recovery from the all time lows afore-mentioned, which obviously cannot be taken as a fair basis of comparison. When war-time conditions made necessary price control in this country, green coffee prices were frozen at the levels prevailing in 1941, levels which as we have seen were at that rims ; acceptable to the producers. However, it is clear that these so-called "recovery" prices of 1941' I were far from remunerative, when it is considered that they were still about 5% below the average of the past 30 years. < Coffee prices still continue frozen on that basis today, at the end of 1944. Production Costs Substantially Higher With this background, the present situation may be summarized as fotSowv: a) The agricultural and industrial wages, load transportation, the cost of machinery and ocher articles which coffee producers import, etc., all rose substantially between 1941 and 1944 (in some cases up to more than 100%) which increases have beat fully reflected in highly increased cost of coffee production. But the prices of coffee continue frozen on a 1941 basis and therefore, coffee producers at present have to produce coffee and to live in 1944 at 1944 costs while their income ia frozen at 1941 levels. Abandoned Coffee Trees Portend Disaster b) This state of affairs is already resulting in the abandonment of millions and millions of coffee trees throughout Latin-America and in the failure adequately to care for and maintain plantations still in production. If this situation is prolonged there will be as inevitable collapse of the coffee industry of Latin-America. As the war stimulated the demand for meat, cotton, and grain, many producers have found a temporary and precarious compensation in raising cattle and growing other products. With the advent of peace and the restoration of local production in the coun tries devastated by the war, this temporary demand will cease and with it will cease the temporary income offered former coffee producers whose situation will then be desperate. Present Prosperity in Coffee Countries—an Illusion c) The apparent prosperity in the coffee producing countries, an appearance resulting from existing favorable international trade balances, is illusory and frankly misleading. Such balances result solely from the impossibility of buying, in which these countries find them selves, from the impossibility of obtaining the instruments of production necessary for their activities and of obtaining many other essential articles of life. The restrictions Imposed by the war have not permitted them to import except in very limited quantities, agricultural and industrial machinery, railroad cars, mills, rails, trucks, automobiles, electrical equipment, and often did not permit them to import even spare parts either new or used. Now, the very modest industrial plants of these countries, their railroads, systems of urban transportation, highway rolling equipment, agricultural, industrial and transpor tation equipment, water transport facilities, coastal or interior, already deficient before the war are today on the verge of collapse, and the open process of disintegration through lack of replacements or even remotely adequate maintenance and repairs. This is lb* sola raason for tbs existing balancs, which will evaporate an the day the war time restrictions which impede the purchases of material are removed. Such balances are actually not sufficient to renovate our agricultural and industrial equipment or to repair the depreciation caused by three years of excessive use, without even a minimum of’ adequate maintenance, and repairs. Increase Needed— Only Vi of a Cent a Cup 4) An increase in coffee prices sufficient to maintain economically in production the bil lions of coffee trees in Latin-America, sufficient to prevent economic ruin in the various countries, sufficient to avoid the loss of valuable markets for industries of the United States, would not constitute a sacrifice for the public because it would represent, at tbs most, about Vi of * cent in the cost of a cup of coffee. This means that a consumer who drinks four regular cup: day would have his budget for coffee increased by about Vi cent a day. A Lowering Production May Affect U. S. Coffee Supply a) If some readjustment is not made an unfortunate situation might arise, which would prevent or disturb the free flow of coffee to the American market, just at a time when the shipping situation is such as to permit an ample supply of the product for United States needs. Coffee producers cannot be forced to sell their coffee at a loss, i.e^ below the cost of production when the abandonment of plantations and the neglect of adequate cultiva tion of those which are still in production has already reduced the yield of coffee ia some countries, and will reduce it even more in the coming crops due to the fact that « neglect of the plantations for one year results in a reduced production which mlm. at least 3 years to return to original yield. In the case of Brazil, unfavorable weather conditions and inadequate returns have re duced by more than 50% the last two crops. Coffee Growers Unable to Take Further Losses I) With reduced production, on one hand, and with the impossibility of continuing to pro duce without suffering economic losses under present conditions, on the other hand, it is only logical that the producers, so badly squeezed for some time past, will not ba able to sell in 1945 at 1941 prices. Would Rationing Be a Solution? It is our considered opinion that rationing would not be a solution because it would not, permit the restoration of plantations already abandoned or being abandoned, tlius adversely affecting the producers, the trade and the consumer. * * * • This is the present situation of coffee as viewed and interpreted by the Pan-American Coffea Bureau. The gravity of the menace which weighs over the Latin-American producers who derive their livelihood from coffee, over the roasters, importers, brokers and distributors ia the United States who deal in coffee and over the public which has made coffee its favorite bev erage, can hardly be exaggerated. In conclusion, may I express to you personally and on behalf of the countries represented by the Bureau our great appreciation for the cooperation offered at all times to the Bureau by; your Association. Cordially yours. Chinese Graduated From American Bomb School PUEBLO, COLO. — The first aB- Chinese aerial bombardment crews to be graduated in this country are now ready to fly American bombers in action against the Japa nese. Ten of these crews, trained at the Pueblo army air base, received their diplomas in ceremonies recently. This is the only base in the United States where the Chinese are trained as heavy bombardment teams. TELEFACT CANADA'S APPLE PRODUCTION 1940 11MS BUSHEIS lYAdL grtnn gmin grnm r if' wQZ7 12.982 8USHEIS 1944 jwrm* ftttt 1 ^ wnryz rn*rrm 15,580 BUSHEIS tzTT777 \dr- I Vi» gltt f guti»» gurrn i * \ Older Men and Boys In Reich Guard, Word MOSCOW, USSR. — The bulk of Himmler’s home guard is in the age group from 55 to 60, with boys of 16 comprising only about 120,000 of the force. Red Star said recently. Konstantin Hoffman, the writer, apparently got his infor mation from the testimony of home guard troops captured by the Russians. EURICO PENTEADO Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Pan-American Coffee Bureau The following countries are members of the Bureau, whose headquarters are at 120 Wall St,, New Yorks BRAZIL • COLOMBIA • COSTA RICA • CUBA • DOMINICAN REPUBLIC • EL SALVADOR • MEXICO • VENEZUELA Put yDWL vrbmj^ Jto lOinninq. Uisl P&jool; dtuy* VYUtisl IA. $. U/aA, fiondA. and Stamps ★ ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★ ★•