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About The Omaha guide. (Omaha, Neb.) 1927-19?? | View Entire Issue (Oct. 10, 1936)
..EDITORIALS.. _ OMAHA GUIDE Published Every Saturday at 2118-20 Grant Street, Omaha, Nebraska Phones: WEbster 1517 or 1518 Entered as Second Class Matter March 15, 1927, at the Postoffice at Omaha, Neb., underAct of Congress of March 3, 1879. TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION $2.00 PER YEAR Race prejudice must go. The Fatherhood ■ f God and the Brother hood of Msn prevail. These are the only principles which will stand the add test of good. All News Capy of Churches and all Organirations must be in our offi e not later thnn 5:00 p. m. Monday for current issue. All Adver tising Copy or Paid Articles not later than Wednesday noon, preceed ing date of issue, to insure publication. SAVING LIVES AND DOLLARS Thiring Fire Fervent ion Week, which is observed from Oct. ober 4 to 10 this year, every effort will he made to instruct the public in the elimination of fire hazards. Newspapers and per iodicals will publicize the week. Indurance organizations are giving every effort to make the week a success. Fire prevention organizations are sending speakers about the country. Fire mar* slinls and fire departments are cooperating. Hut all of tills work, no matter bow aggressive and well planned will fail unless the public does its part to cooperate. Fire prevention, like accident prevention, is largely an in dividual matter. It la impossible to do away with the multiple hazards found in the average home unless the owner takes an interest, and it is impossible to eliminate industrial fire hazards unless factory managements help to the extent of inspecting their factories and enlisting the interest and aid o^workmen. During the Week, every person in this country should give an hour or two learning the simple lesons that, if remembered and followed will prevent most fires. It will cost nothing—and it may pay tremenduous dividends in life and property. Some of five minutes. Every town government should carefully inspect its public buildings, especially schools, during the Week. Cases have been found where new and expensive school buildings presented a large number of grave buzzards. Fire in a school is the most hor tbe worst fires start from buzzards that could bo corrcted in rihle uf all as a long list of disasters that snuffed out thous ands of young lives witnesses. Remember the dates -October 4 to 10. It should be regard ed as both a duty and a privilege to take advantage of the Week and join in the war against fire. NO MERCHANDISING MONOPOLY Some observers, asked for their opinion on the chain store question, have said that they believe the chain system is sound and beneficial—but that it may in time breed monopoly, and it may be necessary to regulate the chains in some manner Fortunately past experience shows that there is very small chance of any group, even though it wishes to, achieving a moir opoly of the necessities of life. Today chain systems face the Btiffcst kind of competition—not only from independents, but from other chains. Tf any chain attempted to effect an unjusti fied increase in prices, it would see its customers disappear overnight—the store next door or down the street would get the business. Furthermore, when a retail business becomes too big it loses efficiney. Tt develops more and more overhead costs. And small retailers then find it easy to undersell the “big fellow.” Tt is possible that ’there are good arguments for regulating chain systems. But it is a fact that regulation, necessarily ad ministered as it is by political groups, can defeat its own pur pose—protection of the public. Tt tends to become inelastic and overly stringent. Thus, regulation of chains, instead of keeping prices down might drive prices up, to the detriment of the con sumer. Free competition is the best regulator of all. Proof of that lies in the fact that the avrago chain grocery system’s net pro fit is only three or four or five per cent. Tt must operate on an extremely small unit profit, and trust to big turnover to keep it out of the red. In late years, independents have grown in num bers and size, and they are giving the chains plenty of competi tion. There is no monopoly in merchandising, and there won’t be. FIRE LOSS AGAIN RISING The national fire loss, according to the National Board of Fire Underwriters, is again on the rise. During the first, five months of this year, it was some $20,000,000 in excess of the loss experienced in the same period of 19:V>. It is possiblethat part of the increased loss is due to the fact property values are somewhat higher 1‘han they were a year ago, another part to inereasd industrial activity, which nat' nrally increases fire hazards. Even so, America’s fire doss is no thing short of disgraceful, and it is a black monument to human carelessness, human ignorance, human indolence. Tt cannot be too often repeated that at least eighty percent of all fires, minor and great, are preventable. The fire that con sumed a splendid home could have been prevented had wiring been cheeked and repaired—the fire that destroyed a church could have been prevented had the heating plant been proper erly inspected—the fire that destroyed a factory could have been prevented had inflammable liquids been properly stor ed and handled. So it goes, down the whole gamut of fire. The inevitable fire, that nothing could have prevented, is ns rare as hen’s teeth. This summer, as usual, the country has undergone a num ber of serious forest fires. More will come before the fall rains set in. The great human causes of such fires are sparks from faulty smokestacks, donkey engines, careless disposal of smok ing materials, and ignorance as to building and extinguihing I i unpfires. Hundreds of thousands of acres of magnificant tim* I ber, the growth of centuries ,have thus been burned to ashes. Wild life has been cremated as forest fires roar across miles of territory. Fire is a calamity—and it is likewise a crime. And the fact that most persons who start fires do not realize their guilt does not mitigate the results of their offense. No American b so far jbeyond the “school age” that he shouldn’t take lessons in fire prevention. INDEPENDENT MERCHANTS IMPROVE SERVICE A recent national query asking the opinion of rural editors on the chain store question, brought forthj a large percentage of replies to the effect that chains are not a curse to the indepen dent grocer, but an aid. Reason: they have shown him how' to better bis service to his customers, have forced him to “get on his toes’’ and adopt moder nmerchandising methods, and have demonstrated to him the merits of inasw buying. Experience throughout the nation proves this. The growth of the chain syjstem has been paralleled by the growth of vol untary buying organizations made up of independent merchants. These organizations can ami do buy as cheaply as any other or ganization. They cut costs all along the line. And they place goods on the storekeeper’s shelves at the lowest possible prices. It is a matter of fact that a hundred illustrations could be cited where independent merchants have run chains out of busi ness—-by offering lower prices, or by giving better service. And imitleps illustrations could be cited where chain and indepen dent stores exist side by side, each caterng to its trade and each prospering. This kind of competition is sound. It keeps merchants—chain and independent—up to date. It protects the interest of the con sumer—which, after all, is the most important matter at stake. And it gives the American people the highest standards of mer , ehandlsing service existing in the world. TEACHERS HANG ON Teachers hold on to the lfe insurance they buy more than any other occupational group, according to C. F. Cross, Second i Vice-president and Manager ofAgencies of the Lincoln National Life Insurance Company of Indiana. Teachers lapse their life insurance at only 50 per cent of the normal rate. By comparison, life insurance on professional men is lapsed at 70 per cent of normal, on business men at 75 per cent ofnormal, on office employees at 112 per cent of nor mal, on farmers at 144 per cent of normal. The splendid record made by teachers in holding to their life insurance is doubtless due to various factors. For one thing, income of the average teacher, while small, is relatively certain and immune from wide annual deviations, making it possible for him to figure his potential commitments with more than ordi j nary accuracy. But, equally important, it Is undoubtedly true 'that the school teacher, concerned as he is with social and eco-, nomie trends and facts, has more than the ordinary realization of the value of life insurance. He appreciates its worth as a j protection and as an investment for attaining self-earned "so cial security.” And when he buys a policy, he does everything in his power to keep it intact. WOMEN’S OPINION BY CHABLOTTE GILLABD f aaaaaaa.aa>a<aaaaaa»i» > THOUGHTS ON FUN It was James Bryce, author of “The Amercian Commonwealth” who wrote “all the world knows that they are a humorous people.” He was referring to the white Am ericans, for among the opening words in his chapter on “National Characteristics as Moulding Public Opinion” he says: “When I speak of the nation, I mean native Am ericans. What follows is not ap plicable to the recent immigrants from Europe, and even less ap plicable to. .. Negroes." We recalled this when we read of the activities of the Black Le gion, that offshoot of the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, (it would seem that a klan by any other Ne gro—any Negro—we were going to shoot him for fun.” With the dictionary’s definition of ‘fun’ as being “merriment; playful action or speech” still in mind, we recall ed the first court scene involving the Scottsboro boys Here too the native Americans had ‘fun-’ While the nine innocent victims of pre judice hattled for their very lives in an atmosphere heavy with an tagonism, the hilarity of a southern circus progressed on the sidelines. Yes, we must admit these native Americans appreciate fun But ! hero they hat! nine Negro enter ! tainers to furnish merriment- It was when twenty thousand per sons found amusement in watching the death agonies of one lone Ne gro as he swung by his nock that the acme in demonstrating their capacity for fun was reached. Mr. Bryce goes on to say “Nowhere is cruelty more abhored. Even a mob lynching a horse thief in the west has consideration for the criminal, and will give him a good drink of whiskey before he is strung up” However a Negro criminal pass ing into the unknown not only is shown no consideration but is look Jed upon as entertainment for the entire family. Plays are censured, movies am suppressed, but the hanging of a black man is unres tricted for fun young and old. Mo thers hold their young children] high above the heads of the crowd in order that a correct impression of “fun” may be made upon the plastic minds of the little ones. Then the fun is prolonged by ob taining souvenirs of the remains. It is not enough that the dying contortions of the poor wretch en tertained the crowd, he must fur nish additional amusement, by being dismembered—a curtain call, as it' were, after the last act. The enter- j taiinment do luxe however for an exclusive group is to secure a Ne- J gro, any Negro, shoot him and see how far he can run. A pbople concerned about the Jewte in Germany, the Catholics in1 Mexico make the haring of a black man a signal for a Roman holiday. A people who send mission- J aries to the four comers of thhe world; food and supplies to the earthquake victims in Japan and to the flood victims of China, a people ( supposedly civilized, enlightened and intelligent find their quintes- j sence of pleasure in the death struggles of a black man Segregation Issue Up In Kentucky! Berea, Ky., Sept. 26—(C)—The National Congress of Methodist Youth voted 466 to 14 Friday against the "central conference” of the M. E. Church. This confer ence is “colored.” Discard 7,000 Old Rooks In N. C. Salisbury, N. C., Sept. 26—(C) —The Carnegie Library at Living ston callege has discarded 7,000 obsolete books. There are 14,000 books still in use. Surprise S (NOW, WHO DO VOU SoPPOSt TOLD THEM WE BassSL V.V.V.V.V.V.VAVAVJ'AVJ ? PROVERBS ? i AND i I PARABLES l fMWWW-WAWW kv A. B. MANN (For the Literary Service Baree«) “Moviag a* Klepfcaat’' (M utmost tsepoft—as to tto ad age *rWhe eaimot move an aat and yet tries to move an elephant will find his folly ” As ridiculous as this may seem there are people who are as foolish as one who would be guilty of this ant and elephant It is not; surprising that children should foolishly try to lift a man’s load, because they have not been taught by experience But there are grown-ups who disdain to do the small things yet contend for a “chance” to do the things which are impossible for them. This is in line with that saying of Charles Wagner’s, “Men will not be damn ed for failure to do the remote du ties but for failure to do those which are near to them ” And the lesson is that it is wise, and best, to undertake the task which we have strength to perform; in this way obviate failure, and discour agement IS CHRISTIANITY “ COMING INTO ITS OWN?” By R- A- Adams (For the Literary Service Bureau) Perhaps today there are publish ed more books on the social aspect of Christianity than ever before. Therto are many books and maga zine articles on “Social Phases,” “Social Trends,” “Social Attitud es;” and all of these are dealing with the religion of Jesus and its effect on the minds and lives of men More than ever we read of “The Social Gospel,” “The Social ism of Jesus” and the like. Chief among thfse works are those of E Stanley Jones, the man who preferred work as a mission ary in India to the work and honor of being a bishop in the Method ist Episcopal church These include “Christ of the Indian Road,” “Christ of Every Road” and others of equal force. This author contends that though mistaken methods, com munism has the same objective as Christianity—the equality of all men, in the great Divine Scheme for the government of men # In an article entitled “Religion and Recovery,” Goddard Leach makes the sweeping statement: “Love thy neighbor as thyself’ em braces all laws; solves all person al problems It eliminates automa tically selfishness, condemnation, anger, and doubt. It is a complete, joyful way of life flor social man ” Writing in the Forum, on “What Religion Means to Me,” Mary Pickford makes the confession: “1 have the growing conviction that behind those simple sounding di rections ‘Love God’ and ‘Love thy neighbor’ are tremendous laws of far-reaching effect, that will work harmoniousy with us, as we are humble and wise enough to relate ourselves to them ” Finding failure and emptiness in things material and the strong and ever increasing emphasis being placed on the religion of Jesus as jthe one and only panacea for hu man ills, one is encouraged to hope ' and tp believe that these things indicate that Christianity is com ing into its own- God grant, it maj |be so! SERMONETTE By Arthur B. Rhinow (For the Literary Service Bureau) The Pleasant Hard Task The other day I picked up a tiny feather which had entered the room through the window, and in its airy meanderings had touched the carpet where it was held fast Hav ing disposed of it, I took up ui boon weight, and found, « I held it in my hand, that it gave my muscles more pleasant feeling than the feather, evidently because it drew on the strength of the arm. It gave the muscles something to do The easy tasks of ife do not give tho most satisfaction; rather they that employ our powers to the full Drifting may be agreeable for a while and some may be chronic ally disposed tp it, but all that is healthy in us challenges life to give us work commensurate with our ability. A man who can lift hundreds of pounds will never be satisfied with picking up scraps of paper- A strong mind wants hard problems, wants to do what it can do. And a man’s spirit is unspeakably unhap py when it is imprisoned in sin or mere conventions It reaches out to lay hold on eternal life. We are no stronger than our faith, and faith longs for every new realms to con | quer- Why, then do men stunt themselves? Who do they try to |chain the eagle in their souls? LeLand College Begins 67th Year Baker, La., Sept. 26—(C)—Pre sident J. A. Bacoats announced last week Leland college would begin its 67th year on Sept. 15. t ALTA VESTA A GIRL'S PROBLEMS By Videtta Ish Alta Vesta—A Girl’s Problems By Videtta Ish I (For the Literary' Service Bureau) Alta Vesta to Her Father No. it Dear Father: I am curious to see this “meeting” start and I won der just how it will be It has star ted, that is, the arrangements have started by organizing a larger chorus, and the people are talking about it. Our papers are giving space and we are reading much about it Aunt Cornelia says we will go to some sessions, if you don’t care; so we will go, since you have given your permission. Father, I am wondering about religion, anyway and wish I could talk to you and ask you some of the questions that come into my mind I wonder why people have to pray for one thing If God is a father and a good father like my own father, and if He knows what His children need, why do they have to go and beg Him to give them these things? Then I hear folks say they hope many folks will get religion and I wonder what they mean by it. Will everybody have to get religion? And how do they feel after they get it ? Wt41, Daddy, I must get my lea se as, Aunt Cornelia is taking ms to the rehearsal tonight to hear the chorus sing- Lots of love to the dearest father on earth Alta Vesta. MAXIE MILLER WRITES | (For the Literary Service Bureau) Maxie Miller: Please give me your best advice I am 43 and have never been married. The man T love is 45 and we both want to get married, but this man says he wants to be a father and if I don’t have a baby for him he will have to go outside and find one. I would not want that and yeit, I am afraid that I am too old to have a baby. What would you advise in a case of this kind?—Sylvia Sylvia: This is a serious pre dicament, but there must be a way out. Better go to a repuable doctor and present the case to him. Wo men of your age have been mothers and done well, but, it is a serious risk. I think, if this man loves you he will sympathize and marry you without the povise However, if the doctor adversely, I think you had better not take this man. Surely you will find another who may not be so exacting-—Maxie Miller. Rising Auto Deaths Fought By New Monoxide Gas Test Every year the deadly traffic toll reaches new figures for highway deaths. This Is the fourth of a series of articles to combat a new com mon enemy, carbon monoxide gas, more deadly and insidious than any I “poison gas” employed In warfare. By L. T. WHITE Highway Safety Expert HAVE you ever felt drowsy when you were driving? Have you suddenly realized that for some sec onds you had been driving while you were virtually asleep? Have you had accidents—and lived to tell the tale—because car sickness or sudden headache had Impaired your Judgment or sense ot dis tance? You probably passed this off as ' a case of sleepiness, but you were | flirting with death—a death that | strikes with lightning speed through I a gas that Is odorless, colorless, tasteless—carbon monoxide! 1 Y'es, the same carbon monoxide ' that brings death when motorists I warm up motors within closed gar 1 ages can strike while you are driv j ing with millions of cubic feet of fresh air around you! For tests show that poorly adjusted motors discharge large quantities ot un burned and partially burned gases. These mechanical defects allow the gas to seep Into the automobile compartment, where the driver Is quickly afTected. The high percent age of such danger Is shown by a Connecticut survey made last year, when several thousand cars were stopped on the road and tested. Measurable quantities of carbon monoxide were found In half of them. in order that your life may not be one ot the thousands snuffed out as the result of carbon monox ide. science has developed the Pow er Prover, a device to detent wast ed and unburned fuel found In the exhaust of a motor. Proper adjust ments can then be made to elimi- j nate this deadly danger.