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THE NEWBERRY SUN. NEWBERRY. S. C. :'£\ Washington Digest? Is This Where We Came In? War Department Thinks Not By BAUKHAGE News Analyst and Commentator “Just now Washington isn’t as warlike as it sounds. The emphasis is on defense, not offense. However, there are con flicting views on what we ought to do ...” That sentence just about reflects sentiment here as I write these lines—a sentiment that has changed rapidly in the last few weeks, days, hours, and may change still more before these lines are printed. That sentence also reflected the sentiment in Washington eight years ago. (I found it among my clippings > of the column i| which appeared | early in October of If 1940.) 1 had just come back from the war depart ment which then was located on [ Constitution a v e- nue. There wasn’t any Pentagon building then. I had been inter- vewing an officer on the subject of "our new citizen army.” •‘According to many letters I get” (1 wrote) “what a lot of people v/ant to know is why we need a citizen army in peacetime?” A lot of people are asking that question again today. The answer which I reported to you in this col umn eight years ago was this: “Speed is what counts in an army today. We aren't calling out these boys to fight anybody. We are calling them out to train them so they’ll be ready if we ever need them. The United States can al ways raise a big army if war is declared. But neither we nor any other country can raise a trained army overnight. And a lot can happen in the night these days. What we want to do is to train these men for a reserve . . .” It was a year and three months after I wrote those words that some thing did happen, not in the night, but in the early morning, over Pearl Harbor. We didn’t start it. The Japs did the deciding. They decided that we had to go to war. The Lesson’s Over, No Time for Recess Today we have more to say. We have learned a great deal since December 7, 1941. We have learned how to fight a global war and win it. The question is will we do the things which will prevent a global war? That will be something if we do. Meanwhile the wheel seems to have made the circle and some of the boys who were learning squads right in 1940 are wondering if this is where they came in. I had a chance to think about that on another trip back from the war department recently, or 1 should say the depart ment of national defense. It’s a longer journey now than it was to the old “temporary” World War I build ing on Constitution avenue. The Pentagon sprawls geometrically over 310 acres across the Potomac in Virginia. The message I brought back was very much like the one I reported eight years ago. It was a reassurance that the request for three billion more dol lars for national defense is what the military men say is the mini mum peacetime expenditure to prevent war. In other words, de fense, not offense. It was pointed out that if it were necessary now to prepare for actual conflict, the , cost would run closer to 50 billions than three. I was most heartily assured that the United States did not want war, that no encouragement whatever was being given those few persons who urged “preventive” action. With less certainty, but advanced as an honest opinion, was the statement that Rus sia did not want war, either. “There is no reason, as far as we know now," one official told me, “why war cannot be avoided, provided a reasonable balance is established between the military forces of the two countries. Now we are in imbalance.” It was noted that Russia and her satellites now have under arms near ly twice the number which this country and the anti - Communist countries of western Europe could put in the field. It is well to remember too that the Russian Red army is mobilized; it is largely concentrated in eastern Europe, whereas American troops are thinly scattered over the whole earth. Russia has never really de mobilized, she has more combat planes and men to man them; she has a greater land force; a numeri- cally-superior artillery. We are strong in bombing planes, but she has a stronger defense in fighter and interceptor planes. She is believed to be producing from 75,000 to 100,000 planes a year. We produced 1,700 military planes of all types last year. But “our biggest shortage is in equipment,” said a veteran officer. One might go on at great length. I won’t. I have rehearsed the sad story of “redeployment” ever since I first heard it from a general’s sec retary, who, like most of the rest of us, thought it was “reemployment.” In case you have forgotten, the United States army, the greatest military machine in history, was "redeployed” out of existence and under such pressure from mothers and wives, and at such a breakneck speed, that in many cases it didn't leave a pile of scrap behind it to mark the spot whence it melted and dribbled away. The Red army didn’t re-deploy. It is still largely de ployed. And so here we are again! Panicky Outlook Is Not Justified One might become exceedingly pessim Stic, one might grow panicky. But, as I think over the interviews, as I recall the faces of those men charged with our nation’s defense, as I ponder the words, the tone of voice, I must say the net impression of the contacts is to make me feel more hopeful than I had felt before. It was only three years ago, in April, 1945, that this high point of Russian - American camaraderie was reached when IVlaj. Gen. Emil F. Reinhardt of the U.S. first army greeted the major general com manding the Russian 58th infantry division at a meeting of American and Russian units at the Elbe river in Germany. I had been pretty depressed when I began the round of calls in the var ious little cells that open onto the endless corridors of the Pentagon offices, large and small, with maps on the walls, the men in uniform or civilian clothes at desks. When I left, I had the feeling that here were men who were looking at the task before them coolly and calmly, neither obsessed with a certainty that they were moving into another inevitable conflict nor Indifferent to the possibilities that such might be the case. “We anticipate no belligerent or provocative move on the part of the Russians. We don’t pretend to be able to say what their plan is, or whether they have one. In any case, it is not our move. Whether there is to be peace or war depends upon the men in the politburo. We have no way of knowing what their next step will be. We doubt if they have made up their minds . . .” And then one official came back to the remark I quoted before: “Personally,” he said, “I do not think Russia wants war. I am cer tain that we do not.” As I say, I went out past the re ception desk, through the high doors and out to where the quiet river holds the city in its tranquil em brace. It looked no more turbulent, no less peaceful, when, during the war years, I used to come out that same door with my notes interpret ing the latest strategic war in Nor mandy, the breakthrough at St. Lo, the Battle of the Bulge, Patton’s tactical miracles. Washington is calm. The other day as I opened my closet door, I noticed my trenchcoat with the faded blue patch with “war correspondent” on the shoulder. It didn’t give me a turn. After.all, we have just won the greatest victory of its kind in history—the completion of the plan to aid Europe. That and a few bloodless steps which caution and not desperation dictate are enough for now. * • • Even clergymen are able to think fast in a crisis, even though those who are prone to sleep through inter minable sermons may be inclined to doubt the assertion. But up in Cambridge, Mass., a policeman was induced to tear up a speeding ticket when a clergyman he had stopped explained, “You have to be fast these days if you want to save souls.” • • • June is the “dew month” in Ja pan. In this country, we insist, every month is “due month.” CANDIDATE.. .Harold E. Stassen (left), ahoen here with Sen. Joas>h R. McCarthy (Rep., Wig.), paid a surprise visit to Wash ington in quest of ‘most recent' developments in the defente pro gram. * IF WE DON’T WIN IT’S A SHAMC’...Employing a atiff-armed, overhand pitch. President Harry S. Truman, a southpaw, toased the firat ball at the opening game between the New York Yankees and the Washington Nats at Griffith stadium in Washington, thereby officially opening the 1948 major league baseball season. It was the first burling the President had done since he pitched his hat into the political ring by stating he was actively seeking Democratic renomination. CHILDREN...Wear ing native Austrian costume, five-year-old Emmy Mattesich prepares to lead the Austrian delegation in gi gantic children’s parade that opened the National American Overseas Aid-United Nations Appeal for Children drive in New York. SCROLL OF THANKS TO ITALY...Day after the vital Italian elections residents of South Philadelphia’s Italian colony g athered to offer thanks and to celebrate the defeat o f the immunists. Part of the celebration entailed the signing of a 2)0-foot scroll,, thanking the Pope for his part in swaying th« Italian people to vote for democracy. AULD LANG SYNE.. .Cherubic as ever, Winston Churchill shakes hands with Mrs. Eleanor Roose velt as she leaves his home in London after having lunch with him and his wife. EXPLORER...Mrs. Edith Ronne is the first woman to land on the Antarctic continent--not that many women ever clamored for that honor. She is wife of Cmdr. Finne Ronne who conducted the Ronne Antarctic research expedition. ALA9(A WANTS IN. ..People of Alaska are serious about getting their territory accepted as the 49th state in the union. Ilere, Victor C. Rivers of the territorial senate of Alaska speaks to a gathering in the main street of Anchorage to present a force ful demand for statehood. Anchorage doesn’t have the climate for an outdoor tea party, but citizens there have dug damn into American history for their battle slogan: ’Taxation without representation.' Remember?' CLOWN...While John L. Lewia was having his troubles in Wash ington, John (Tubby) Tftomes im« proved the shining hour in Pittsburgh by looking like John L. Lewis having trouble in Washington. Thomas has been an amateur clown for 30 years and says he often has beam mistaken for tbs UMW leader. KRUG SEEKS NAVAJO REHABILITATION.. .Navajo Indians Descheenie (left) and Sam Ahkean, chairman of the Navajo tribal council of ohiprock, N.M., display a map of their non-productive land to Intenor Secretary Julius Krug who has proposed to move 5,050 of the 12,000 poverty-stricken Navajo Indian familiea off their arid, reservations to more productive lands. Krug wants a 90- mllion-dollar appropriation to promote agriculture and indus try on the reservations. u Jt&l IPhiHipr NEW CAMPAIGN TECHNIQUES It seems to this department that the candidates for the presidency of the United States are overlooking a great asset for commanding public support. We refer to the contest mania or something-for-nothing epi demic. It is hard to interest anybody in anything today unless it has a give-away angle. And yet not a can didate for the votes of the American people has come out with a prize contest of any kind! * The party chairmen are asleep, too. Not one of them has leaped to the mike and announced to the vot ers that by giving a reason in 25 words why they are for so-and-so for president they can win an airplane, a couple of sedans, a completely fur nished house and a trip to Sun Val ley. * Here Is Harry Truman, hard- pressed to sell himself for renomi nation and it doesn’t occur to him to get the jump on all the others by a doubie-or-nothing routine. And he needs only a good radio master of ceremonies, a nation wide hookup and a few mink coats, grand pianos, television sets and electric ice boxes. It’s a natural. “Simply complete the sentence ‘I like Harry S. Truman because ... * in 25 words or less . . . AU answers, heaven knows why, be come the property of Harry S, Truman.” * We don’t know how the Democrats are fixed financially, but they prob ably could toss in a couple of hun dred thousand dollars for awards of $10,000 each, together with a round- the-world cruise, a yacht and two watches for every American’s wrist It might be a good idea to pick the old jingle idea for a contest. Com plete the following limerick: There was a young man from Missouri Who said “It is up to the jury To say if they wish me To stay in or dish me. Nothing can make the public forget things such as inflation, global war threats, the high cost of living, and labor troubles, like a limerick. Governor Dewey’s advisers are re ported urging him to run on a give away program patterned something on Queen for a Day, where every contestant just states what she wants most in life and is given it fast. This would tie up the female vote, which is most important. Taft is reported hard to interest in a contest. He’s old-fashioned enough to think the people are fed up with the idea of getting things free, and is said to feel that mil lions would vote for Hank Wallace rather than get sucked into another contest to have the house painted inside and out, win a fishing schooner and be given a broom ride up and down the rainbow. . • • Judging from the newspaper and newsreel photos of private planes tangled up with the roofings, tree tops and telegraph poles, plenty of planes now are being flown by driv ers whose applications to drive autos and motorcycles were rejected for unfitness. TELEVISION REACTION Some airwave folks are not for me, I am inclined to flee ’em; But this I know through video— I’d rather hear than see ’em! Paul Hoffman, head of Studebak- er, has been named head man in the direction of ERP. As any Stude- baker fan can testify, this assures the European relief a new front. And it notifies Europe that the doctor will not come by horse and buggy. * • • “NEW YORK STARTS WAR ON EIGHT MILLION RATS.”—Headline. * This headline may have account ed for the extreme nervousness noticed in racketeering circles. • * • Eastern railroads are asking an other fare increase. They have heard a rumor that the public has a dime left. • * • The U. S. Golfers association barred Babe Didrikson from the National Open on the ground that, like the Elks smoker, it is for men only. It is our notion that Babe would have made quite a few of the contestants face the question, “What makes you think you are Can You Remember— Away back when the Democrats bac. things their own way? * * * “The big one broke my tackle.” —President Truman at Key West. You just don’t seem able to hold the line, Harry. • » • Gov. Jim Folsom of Alabama, sued in a parentage, action, says “it is all politics.” This is the first time we ever hear of a stork throw ing a hat into a ring. Post Office Deficiencies rpHE HOUSE POST OFFICE com- mittee has been sitting on a confidential report on the Cleveland post office which may lead to a wholesale streamlining of big city post offices throughout the country. Congressman Rees of Kansas, chairman of the house post office committee, has been holding the re port close to his bosom, even refus ing to let some of his colleagues see it. However, it may help to trim down the 345-million dollar total de ficit that the government is stuck with this year. The Cleveland post office was se lected for an exhaustive efficiency study, but spot checks also were made at Cincinnati, Detroit and Buf falo. As a result of the survey, con gress will be asked to earmark $50,- 000 for overhauling a section of the Cleveland post office, and if this is successful, the system will be adopt ed throughout the country. Annual savings for the nation are estimated at 72 million dollars. Trundle Engineering company, hired to make the Cleveland sur vey, found low morale, high absen teeism, excessive sick leave, poor supervision and weak discipline. Transit time consumed too much of the earners’ day, greatly reduc ing delivery time. Deliveries were more frequent than the majority of patrons needed. A fleet of obsolete trucks, requir ing excessive maintenance, in creased the postal bill. Mounted carriers drove their own automobiles and were paid high fees, the experts found. Total cost of delivering a 13-cent special 'delivery letter, for example, amounted to 20.5 cents. Special delivery messengers also spent approximately one hour every day filling out Form 3951, a special delivery receipt record not consid ered necessary. The Trundle company recom mended sweeping steps to abolish these defects. It urged a tightened, more equitable personnel policy, a morale-building program, a six-day 40-hour week for carriers instead of the present five-day week. It also recommended replacement of the obsolete truck fleet, purchase of modem shop equipment to service new trucks and government-owned automobiles for mounted carriers. It also advocated that "serious consid eration” be given to boosting special delivery rates. Underground Activities A COMMERCE DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEE was being quizzed by a loyalty Investigator about a young lawyer in the same depart ment. “Does he belong to any under ground organizations?” asked the investigator. “Yes.” “Which o^e?” The investigator leaned forward eagerly. “The National Speleological so ciety.” “What do its members believe in?” asked the puzzled prober. “They specialize in the study of caves and underground caverns.” Stassen’s Campaign Funds A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE WON DERED where Harold Stassen’s campaign expenses were coming from. The ex-Minnesota governor, not a wealthy man, has spent the last two years touring the length and breadth of the U. S., with campaign head quarters set up in several states. Naturally, this takes money. The matter of who is putting up the money is important to the voting public. Most of Stassen’s backers, it can be revealed, are blue-chip busi nessmen, including some of his old Minnesota neighbors. Several of the group, it should be noted, have progressive ideas and enjoy excel lent relations with labor. * * • U. S. First in Berlin CoL Alexander Jelisarov, Russian delegate on the allied control coun cil of Berlin, forgot one important fact when he boasted that the Rus sians alone liberated Europe and that if the British were worried about Berlin, “Why didn’t they get there first?” He forgot that, three years ago, American troops were in Potsdam, the suburb of Berlin. Suddenly, the day after President Roosevelt’s death, they were ordered out, back to the River Elbe. The order came after vigorous, al most savage protests by the Rus sians claiming that the Red army, not the American army, was to oc cupy Berlin. This commitment ap parently had been made at Yalta. If American troops had remained in Berlin, the present dynamite laden situation in that city might have been different. However, although we can’t turn back the clock, it is important to recall that at that time the U. S. was leaning over backward to co operate with the Russians—not slap ping them down as claimed by the boys around Henry Wallace. SO PAST..PURE..DEPENDABLE St.Joseph aspirin WORLDS LARGEST SELLER, AT ICK PROPERTY STOP UGHTNING DAMAGE “National Quality” Systems Prevent Llgtatnlnr Stroke from Occurring. Writs for FREE BookUH Uchtnln* Protection Worth ProoMtesT* NATAL UGHTNING PROTECTION COT LICIAIC that makes folks 1st wVw sleep all night! Thousands now Bleep undisturbed because ®# the news that their being awakened night after night might bs from bladder irritation, not Im kidneys. Let’s hope so! 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