■THURSDAY, NOV, 9, 1939
PAGE 4
THE BATTALION
The Battalion
STUDENT TRI-WEEKLY NEWSPAPER OF
TEXAS A. & M. COLLEGE
The Battalion, official newspaper of the Agricultural and
Mechanical College of Texas and the city of College Station, is
published three times weekly from September to June, issued
Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings; and is published
weekly from June through August.
Entered as second-class matter at the Post Office at College
Station, Texas, under the Act of Congress of March 3, 1879.
Subscription rate, $3 a school year. Advertising rates upon
request.
Represented nationally by National Advertising Service, Inc.,
at New York City, Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles, and San
Francisco.
Office, Room 122, Administration Building. Telephone
4-6444.
1939 Member 1940
PHsociated Golle&iate Press
STAFF
BILL MURRAY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
LARRY WEHRLE ADVERTISING MANAGER
* James Critz Associate Editor
E. C. (Jeep) Oates Sports Editor
K. G. Howard Circulation Manager
‘Hub" Johnson Intramural Editor
Philip Golman Staff Photographer
John J. Moseley Staff Artist
THURSDAY STAFF
Ray Treadwell Managing Editor
J. W. Jenkins Asst. Advertising Manager
Don McChesney Asst. Circulation Manager
Phil Levine Editorial Assistant
Junior Editors
Bob Nisbet Billy Clarkson
Senior Sports Assistants
Jimmie Cokinos Jimmy James
Reportorial Staff
Jack Aycock, H. D. Borgfeld, P. H. Brown, R. A. Doak, Jim
Dooley, Walter Goodman, Guy Kane, R. R. Mattox, R. B. Pearce,
R. G. Powell, Walter Sullivan, Delbert Whitaker, D. C. Thurman,
Murray Evans, Dow Wynn, Joe Taylor
Silver Taps
“Silver Taps”, played by a group of trumpets
in harmony in honor of an Aggie who has just died,
is one of the most beautiful and impressive of all
A. & M. traditions. It is indeed a fitting tribute to
a comrade.
In the past Silver Taps has always been played
from the dome of the Academic Building, with the
student body gathered below. But with the enlarge
ment of the dormitory area this year, a problem
arose. The first time Silver Taps was played this
year, it was played from the Academic Building
only; and students in the new halls did not get to
hear it, but according to custom were supposed to
turn out their lights and maintain silence at the
time it was played. However, a good many lights
and radios remained on. The second and latest time,
Silver Taps was played from the top of the dining
hall in the new area, but not from the dome of the
Academic Building; and this time students from the
older area who gathered at the Academic Building
expecting to hear it there, awaited it in vain.
The reason given for its not being played at
both places was that the players had not time
enough to form two groups. The reason probably
is valid; but another failure to observe Silver Taps
properly might lead to this tradition’s falling into
disregard. We must not allow such a thing to hap
pen.
We think that broadcasting Silver Taps over
the campus from the dome of the Academic Build
ing by means of the amplifying system there would
be a solution to this problem. There is no reason
why every part of the campus and College Station
should not hear this beautiful honor to the dead.
And if all the organizations on the campus
should fall out in formation outside their halls,
with all lights and radios on the campus turned
off, the ragged observance which has lately pre
vailed would be eliminated and the full impressive
ness of this tradition restored.
Better Armistice Observance
Saturday is Armistice Day. We should have a
fitting and dignified observance of it by the entire
school. As usual, there will be the rolling of drums
in memory of each of the 55 Aggies who gave their
lives for their country in the World War. Why not
add to this a program of stirring music by the
Band, and climax it with Silver Taps ? The entire
ceremony might be amplified over the campus
from the Academic Building; and furthermore it
might be relayed from here over the’ radio stations
of the nearest large cities, for people of the entire
state to hear. We think it would be an impressive
program for others to hear—and there are thousands
of Texas people who have never heard A. & M.’s
Silver Taps and who we think would find it beau
tiful and inspiring.
Man, Your Manners—
Question—When does a man lift his hat?
Answer—A man lifts his hat when greeting
ladies or an elderly man. He removes his hat and
holds it when in conversation with a lady. Also, when
ladies are present he removes his hat in elevators
of hotels, apartment houses, and clubs, but not in
office buildings and stores.
* * *
Question—When does a man take a lady’s
arm ?
Answer—A man does not take a lady’s arm
except when his assistance is really needed, as on
slippery streets, in crowded traffic, at night, or
if she is elderly or has been ill.
* * *
Question—Does a man speak first when he
meets a lady acquaintance?
Answer—A man waits for a lady to speak first
if she is an acquaintance but if they are friends it
is silly to stand on formality.
* * *
Question—On which side does a man walk when
accompanying a lady on the street?
Answer—He walks nearest the curb. If there
are two ladies he still should be on the outside.
* * *
Many are not esteemed at their true worth—
which is fortunate for some of us.
Madman of Europe
Adolph Hitler, the man whose shadow darkens
all Europe today, inherited from his mother and
father those traits that make him what he is: a
ruthless plunderer, a self-appointed “Messiah” to
lead Germany back to greatness.
From his mother, Klara Poelzl, who ran away
from home at fifteen and came
back a broken and defeated wom
an ten years later. Hitler in
herited his “mission” in life and
the will to achieve it. Klara cod
dled her son, fawned on him,
coached him in greatness, sought
to hide his physical weakness (he
was a puny child) with an outer-
growth of demi-God arrogance.
Alois Hitler, 23 years his
wife’s senior, despised his son
for his weakness. He was tall and
powerful and a drinking man, and
he never missed a chance to beat
and torment Adolph.. From his
father Hitler learned what fear and hatred and
what force can do.
“He was terrified of his father, hated him for
the beatings he received himself and for those his
mother suffered,” writes Allen. “Yet he saw that
the ability to give those beatings, pure force, makes
* a man boss, even in his own home. And he has
never forgotten that in boss rule it is force that
counts.”
‘ Hitfer was a poor student; he couldn’t con
centrate on his studies. He failed in everything but
drawing and gymnasium. Klara made excuses that
the schools were at fault. She transferred him from
one to another, with no improvement. But in
Adolf’s aptitude for drawing, she envisioned him
a great artist. All artists, she said, were “moon
struck.” Adolf was different from other boys, in
her estimation.
Only once did Klara waver in her belief that
Hitler was destined for greatness. That was when
he was expelled from school for smoking. Terrified
that he might follow in his father’s footsteps—“a
man who drank too much, ate too much, smoked too
much”—she worked on him with such hawk-like
attention that soon he was able to resist every
temptation. As a result, Hitler grew up without
any close friends, without a girl' of his own (his
mother was the substitute), without a full life. He
grew up a loafer. He loved the soft life.
Hitler was fourteen when his father died. Five
years later his mother followed. Although she was
suffering from cancer, it was the shock of Adolf's
failure to pass the entrance examinations at the
Art Academy in Vienna, that killed her. She left
a proud, penniless youth who didn’t know how and
didn’t want to work.
Every since then Hitler has been trying to
justify his mother’s faith in him. To what fanatical
lengths he has gone!
Europe is the victim of the sound and the
Fuehrer.
What keeps peace so slim is the war diet.
Most of us would be in better shape financially
if it weren’t for the extravagance of our neighbors.
Instead of hoarding foodstuffs, we would do
much better to conserve our emotions and store up
some intelligence.
BLft#
»pr
m.
Hitler
As the World Turns...
By “COUNT” V. K. SUGAREFF
Our friendly relations with Japan are cooling off
as the Sino-Japanese war continues. The Japanese
have informed us several times that they intend to
“create a new order in East Asia”. This “new order”
means the creation of another Manchukuo of all the
recently occupied Chinese territory, under a Jap
anese protectorate. Plans are under
way to establish a “Central Govern
ment of China” headed by Wang
Ching-Wei, former Chinese premier
and, of course, with the benediction
of the Japanese Emperor. Such a
government in China spells the end
of the “Open Door Policy” in China,
or if the door still remains open,
there will be a Japanese guard at
the door. Many foreigners, includ
ing Americans, will feel the discrim
ination against them under the Jap
anese domination of China.
In fact, our government has already felt such
discrimination. So much so that last August Pres
ident Roosevelt notified the Japanese government
that our basic commercial treaty with Japan is to
end within six months, January 26, 1940. Our am
bassador, Joseph C. Grew, speaking before tlie
America-Japan Society in Tokio last October 19,
stated that Americans do not like the conduct of
Japanese military authority in the occupied ter
ritory of China. Mr. Grew is a career man in our
foreign service, and career men seldom speak with
out previous authorization. They usually reflect
the attitude of their governments in public addresses
and statements unless they prefix their remarks
with some such phrase as “my personal opinion.”
Again, Mr. Grew called at the foreign office in
Tokio last Saturday and frankly informed the Jap
anese government that the United States would use
economic pressure if the Japanese continued their
present tactics in China. He emphasized the fact
that if Japanese-American relations did not improve
by January 26, many Americans would demand an
embargo on sales of all American goods to Japan.
An English newspaper. The Daily News, has
released the information that the Allies plan to
create a rightful German government in England
composed of German refugees. The report states
that the allies will recognize the government and
urge other countries to do likewise. The English
government will advance 2,000,000 pounds to this
“rightful German government” so as to enable it
“to maintain diplomatic representation in the coun
tries which recognize it and to work actively with
the Allies.” Through this government the Allies
hope to convince the German people of their sincere
desire for peace and through it to offer them “hon
orable” terms of peace. It is just more proof that
this is a war of propaganda.
Collegiate Kaleidoscope
ADOLF MEIER
^HE VALUE OF A COLLEGE ED
UCATION IS #66,000 ACCORDING TO
DEPT. OF INTERIOR STATISTICIANS.
IS THE ONLY MALE TO
BE GRADUATED FROM
BRYN MAWR.
COLLEGE IN
ITS 54 7
YEAR ,
HISTORY/
Using a wooden
SUPPORT FOR THE
STUMP OF HIS ARM,
MARSH
TEXAS TECH HURDLER,
SET A NEW JUNIOR-
RECORD BY STEPPING
OVER THE 110 YARD
HIGH HURDLES IN 14.2.
SECONDS IN THE
N.A.A.U. MEET/
Ey Bob Nl/be+
CsirLtMT
Apologies are due for the mixup
in shows for last weekend. “The
Old Maid,” which plays this week
end, was written up for last week
in the place of “Babes in Arms.”
Regret for the error is deeper
than personal pride because this
column should have the reputa
tion of always being correct—so
correct that boys desiring to find
out what’s showing will say, “Look
in The Battalion.” For that rea
son no more errors of that magni
tude will appear again.
“THAT CERTAIN AGE” is a
novel take-off on the antics and
awkward situations of a group of
teen-age boys and girls with
Deanna Durbin and her unusually
fine singing carrying the lead.
Through studio publicity, Deanna
has been spoken of as a child
prodigy until the general impression
is that she is almost a baby. Real
ly she’s 18, and that’s no child’s
age.
Those appearing in the picture
are as follows:.
Alice Fullerton....Deanna Durbin
Vincent Bullitt....Melvyn Douglas
Ken Jackie Cooper
Mrs. Fullerton Irene Rich
Grace Nancy Carroll
According to Mr. Gay, “That
Certain Age” will be run both
Thursday and Friday nights con
trary to the calendar.
Perhaps the story of “That Cer
tain Age” overdoes the adolescence
of Deanna and makes her appear
a bit ridiculous instead of amus
ing. She foolishly falls in love
with a war correspondent under her
father’s employ, who has come to
the estate for a rest. He looks
upon her as a pretty little girl
with whom he can forget the cares
of the newspaper world and have
fun dodging the parties and so
cials that her mother tries to force
on them both. Discovery of her
crush is made when Ken, in des
pair over her neglect of himself
and a play he is producing with
her as the star, sets out to join
the navy. Two grade-points
“THE OLD MAID” does show
this weekend, and the rating is the
same as it was last weekend—
two grade-points.
WHAT’S SHOWING
AT THE ASSEMBLY HALL
Thursday and Friday—
“THAT CERTAIN AGE,”
with Deanna Durbin and
Melvyn Douglas.
AT THE PALACE
Thursday, Friday, and Sat
urday—“THE OLD MAID,”
with Bette Davis, George
Brent and Miriam Hopkins.
Collegiate Review
In the last ten years, Washing
ton University has awarded schol
arships totaling more than $1,-
000,000.
Barnard College has received a
gift of $100,000 to be used in es
tablishing a health education pro
gram.
*■
Vassar College is conducting a
special campaign to raise a $2,000,-
000 endowment and scholarship
fund.
Princeton University will found
a special geographical library in
honor of Richard Halliburton.
Alabama Tech’s Tiger eleven
will play only one home game this
season.
Temple University has offered
its stadium as the site for the
1940 Olympics.
Campus jobs netted Williams
College students $68,000 last year.
GREATER PALACE
Thursday — Friday — Saturday
Site cried on her wedding might!
BETTE MIRIAM
DAVIS HOPKINS
v BRENT ^
DONALD CRISP . JANE BRYAN • LOUISE FAZENDA . JAMES *
STEPHENSON.JEROME COWAN•WM. LUNDICAN.CECILIA LOFTUS
Directed by EDMUND GOULDING • Screen Play by Casey Robinson . Based on the Pulitacr Prize
Zo, and djo Novel by Edith Wharton • Music by Maz Steiner • A First National Picture
— — PRESENTED BY WARNER BROS.
Preview 11 p. m. Saturday Night
Carole Lombard — Cary Grant — Kay Francis
in
“IN NAME ONLY”
Also Shown, Sun. — Mon. — Tues.
BACKWASH
By
George Fuermann
‘‘Backwash: An agitation resulting from some action or occurrence.”—Webster.
Fuermann
Down Military Walk . . . Twenty-
five F Company Infantry men at
tended last week’s A. & M.-Arkan
sas game . . . Something should be
done about the
system now in
force in respect
to Silver Taps.
A general resent
ment has lately
been expressed
throughout the
cor P s regarding
the unsatisfactory
observance of it.
. . . An Engineer
freshman was overheard saying,
“I don’t want to take up your time,
Mr. Whipsby, but how are you?”
. . . And one of the local cleaners
i and pressers is now offering a
special service—very special: they
carefully inspect all cuffs and shirt
fronts on the few dress shirts
which come their way and write
down all telephone numbers an^
addresses written thereon—return
ing them with the cleaned shirt . . .
Whatever influence has caused the
terrific slump in grades through
out college is a major mystery. At
any rate, 1,009 students or 16 per
cent of the total enrollment are
listed on the several “Dean’s
teams.”
•
Tommy Vaughn and Euel Wes
son started it:
They were the first two who
bought loud caps and colorful
lumberjack shirts on the team’s
recent jaunt to Arkansas. The fad
quickly took hold and soon the
entire roster were wearing the caps
and shirts. Later, everyone chip
ped in a nickel and bought a shirt
and cap for Coach Norton who im
mediately proceeded to wear them
at the game and on the trip back
to Aggieland. All went well until
Mrs. Norton appeared on the scene.
The sight was too much; she near
ly fainted at her first glimpse of
the colorful array.
•
And here’s an item to end all
items from one of our English
classes:
An Aggie was writing a story-
theme, and writing either stories
or themes was definitely not his
strong point. It was a wild ro
mantic outburst about a young
and drama that hot blood engenders>.
The climax was in the sentence,
“She threw open the door and, ut
tering a piercing scream, fell pros
titute upon the floor.”
The professor was unmoved. He
returned the paper with one un
ruffled comment: “We must learn
to distinguish between a fallen
woman and one who has momentar
ily lost her balance.”
•
About the failure of the Kraft
Cheese Company to play “The Ag
gie War Hymn” on their weekly
nation-wide broadcast last Thurs
day night:
The Kraft Company is definite
ly not at fault. The story goes
something like this: An'Engineer
senior wrote a letter to Bing Cros
by telling him about A. & M. and
asking him to mention our school
on his program—as he had been
doing for other large colleges.
Bing replied that he would do so
IF his sponsors would okeh the
deal. Thus far the sponsors have
not done so and the fact that “The
Aggie War Hymn” would be play
ed has no foundation other than
rumor. The story in last Satur
day’s Battalion pointed out that
the story was only rumor and the
several Aggies who have written
Kraft’s president sarcastic letters
are only hurting the college and
permanently removing our chances
of publicity on the Kraft program.
At the recent annual meeting
of the American Humane Asso
ciation in Albany, N. Y., a speak
er suggested a means of stopping-
dog theft. He proposed a plan for
nationwide identification by “nose
printing” dogs.
FOR
Eye Examination
And Glasses
Consult
J. W. PAYNE
DOCTOR OF OPTOMETRY
Masonic Bldg. Bryan, Tex.
Next to Palace Theater
SIX DOWN, THREE TO GO
Y.M.C.A. BARBER SHOP
* In The “Y”