l:AGE FOUR .. 7 . . .- . . . ,mx-:gcuAazniAn. CHARLOTTETOWN ,wW,DEcEM3ER ,5, mo THE GUARDIAN IUIIURIAL NUli:S ”""'i'l""”"'””-'-'-” WM” - C;

f Avthorlz-ed as Second clan Mall :-...u Office Department. Ottawa. The island Guardian Publishing Co. CIRCULATION

roar City Zone ..3-....----.-....--..- 3.165 Retail 'h-adlng Zone 8.151 All Others 828 Total Net Paid 13.048

Editor and Mun lrectnr, . durnett Associate Editor, Ii-'I's.nlr Walker.

"Tire Strongest Memory is Weaker Than the Weakest ink"

CEABLOTTETOWN. FRIDAY. l;llJC. I5, 1950 '

..m ..:.....i. 1......

Prescription For Preparedness

Prescriptions for preparedness have come a dime a dozen since the Gov- ernment was caught napping when the Communists marched into South Korea six months ago. In th-at brief space of time the various nostrums propounded by eco- nomic soothsayers in and out of official circles have been so numerous and so va- ried that it is little wonder the Govern- ment still does not know what course to follow.

Bank of Nova Scotia President H. L. Emnan is neither a soothsayer nor an economist. Rather, he is just a plain, old- fashioned banker whose job requires that he exercise a prudent and careful steward- ship of the funds entrusted to his colleagues and himself. Mr. Enman's prescription for preparedness, thcrcfore, stands in a some- what different light from that proffered by economic brain trusters and the like. in- deed, it sounds a little like the old-fasliion- ed home remedy of a good linseed poultice for the chest cold which has failed to re- spond to half a dozen different patent medicines.

”The central task," says Mr. 'Enman, ”is to build up our power to produce. . . . Though it is most desirable to cheek infla- tion, it is desirable to do it in such a way that we shall not impede the growth of our power to produce. . . . No doubt some types of capital investment can and should be curtailed. . . . But there can be no ques- tion as to the importance of proceeding with resource and power development, and with industrial and agricultural develop- ment in many ways. Moreover, though some curtailment may be unavoidable, it seems to me that the need for improving transportation facilities and for housing and educational facilities deserve a high priority.” The question is whether any- body in Ottawa is listening. For Mr. En- man's advice is sound.

That Tax Proposal

Ottawa's reported willingness to permit the Provinces to levy an indirect sales tax on certain commodities at the retail level, comments the Globe and Mail, is rather too glib to be consonant with a sound revis- ion of tax fields. A drastic amendment to the national constitution would be neces- sary to open the field of indirect taxation to Provincial authorities. If any such con- stitutional amendment is to be considered there should be a reappraisal of the en- tire field of tax sources so that municip1l- ities as well as the Provinces and the Do- minion may obtain revenues commensur- ate with their responsibilities.

The proposal, notes our Toronto con- temporary, comes from five Provinces now collecting direct sales tax on specified mer- chandise sold at retail. They have encount- ered certain difficulties arising from the necessity of designating every merchant selling taxable items as a tax collector. They also are meeting a good deal of pub- lic opposition, as the now legal direzt tax must be shown on individual sales slips as an addition to the standard retail price. Un- der the proposed change the levies would be hidden in the single retail price quoted by the merchant. g

If the Government at Ottawa now be- lieves, as reported, that a tax on sales is fairer than the income tax, it has the pow- er to substitute this kind of tax for a part or even all of its income tax collections. But Ottawa is obviously unwilling to take such a course for a reason which is clear. It already has multiplied indirect taxes which are hidden in prices to a point where the national price level no longer is an index of economic conditions. It is a combination index of Government extrava- gance and fundamental economic factors: but owing to the pyramldlng of taxes it has become extremely difficult, if not im- possible, to determine how much of each is involved in a given price.

"mere is little evidence that Ottawa really believe the sales tax to be fairer than the income tax. But if such a con- viction is held, the Government is free to

abandon thelncome tax altogether to the

vlnces, bring its hidden taxes out into , open, and increase its present sales tax eve! that would compensate it for. the revenue. Ifthene is any sincerity ' Ddmlnlon Government's offer to .. taxation to the Provinces, it I I do soswlthout first con- teirilalitiiand stating why

It evidently does not pay to be too far from Ottawa when important appoint- ments are to be made.

To a great many of the younger gener

ation Christmas is still a season which comes after the half-yearly exams. O I O Newfoundl'and's agricultural products

survey will undoubtedly uncover great op- portunities for the farmers of that Prov- ince but it is to be hoped that the sur- vey is not largely concerned with alter- natives to the trade developed with this Province. 0 O O The more auto accidents we have, the more money we h-ave to pay in insurance to provide compensation. It is just like old age pensions and baby bonuses, the more we have the more taxes we must pay to provide for them. 0 O O

Sympathy is extended to Rev. and Mrs. T. H. B. Somers in their bereavement, Mr. Somers' brother-in-law, Mr. Frank R. Ash- worth having passed away at Halifax, N. S., on Wednesday at the early age of forty-eight. Mr. Ashworth had been on a hunting trip when he suffered a heart at- tack and had to be conveyed ninety miles for medical attention at Halifax.

The United Nations general assembly has decided to provide a decoration for those who participate in Korea in de- fence of U. S. principles. Perhaps a new order of chivalry is being born, not un- like the originals which were inter- national in scope before the great national states reached the peak of their power.

0 O O

Izaak Walton, English author and an- gler, died this date 1683 at the age of ninety. After reiiral from business as a linen draper, he spent most of his time vis- iting various country parsonagcs. Among his friends were Michael Drayton, (English poet, author of the great sonnet ”Since there's no help, come let us kiss and part"), Ben Jonson, Sir Henry Watton, (poet and diplomat, whose poems, letters, etc., were edited by Walton). Walton wrote several admirable biographies, in- cluding that of Donne, but his masterpiece is ”The Compleat Angler", a discretion on angling, interspersed with entertaining re- flections on life and nature. 0 O O

The deserved honour paid to Mr. Pap- pin by the potato interests on his retire- ment from the Civil Service, besides being appreciated by him will tend to encourage other Government officials to follow his example in putting all their enterprise, knowledge and experience at the service of the particular public they serve. Mr. Pep- pin has never spared himself in attempt- ing to make two bushels of disease-free potatoes grew where one grew before. When he comes to write the history of the white potato indust of the Island, it is to be hoped he wil not overlook two or three pioneers who were in the project from the outset, namely Mr. Mclver, Kin- kora, who shipped the first consignment of white potatoes, Mr. John MacFadyen, Au- gustine Cove, who followed up, Mr. John O. Hyndman, who brought the new potato industrialists into Contact with the Provin- cial Government and Board of Trade, and, above all, Professor Paul Murphy, who saw the enormous prospects of such an indus- try, and carried on the propaganda for the purpose of convincing and encouraging farmers to forsake the old time blue for the marketable white potato.

O I C

What impresses the thinking and pay- ing public in the presentation of a policy is the vigor and personality, the courage, determination, and convictions of the man presenting the case. Premier Jones and Premier Smallwood, are instances that may be cited. They are as different in build and make-up physically as it is pos- sible to conceive, but in mentality and re- sourcefulness they are as two pins. When- ever they stand up to speak all eyes and ears are on them, and seldom do they sit down without having created a favourable impression on thinking listeners. This is borne out by a report received from Mont- real of the Island oyster dinner given there recently. It is claimed that rarely, if ever, was there a better attendance of leaders in public life, both business and political, and when Premier Jones was called upon to speak, he did not disappoint expecte- tlons. He presented the case for the Is- land with vigor, sincerity and as with one having first hand knowledge. Our inform- ant says Mr. Jones did not mince matters, but hit out straight from the shoulder, leaving an impression that it will be diffi- cult to effece. His presentation of the Island's case carrying conviction, is bound to bear fruit. That is the advantage of having duly elected, live, informed author- itative representation at important func-

PUBIJC FORUM

This. column is open to mg discussion by correspondents 0! Question of interest. the Guardian doesnut necessar- lll undo: the opinion ol correspondents.

;.rln.n.-l.l-m.-o-l.-Nu.-.-l.-v-l.-m.n.'.-.-. THE MUSEUM Pnonscr

Sir.-,Quonne from Tuesday's Guardian: "It would be worth. while for some citizen or citizens to do something to prevent me. menlos of our hislorlc past from being scattered,” etc., may 1 pom; out that many citizens are inter- ested in Just such a project, but they scarcely dare make any move after hearing or reading Dr. Mac- Kinnonls address all. the recenvl din- ner of the Arts and Crafts Society. Amateur historians and collectors of so-called historic articles. which are largely "junk", are not to be encouraged! Are we all wrong in our idea that the work of officials of archives and mu- seums is the sitting of just such junk, retaining the things which their specialized training enables them to recognize as of value? There are many individuals on the Island tremendously interested in its history and people, who have given iof their leisure through the years-40 to 50 years in cases-in acquiring a collection of data whichicould be invaluable if pro- perly used. I could refer to such well known names as Mr. T. Ed- gar McNutl; the Old Chnrlottewwn columnist in The Guardian; Prof. Blanchard, formerly on the staff of P. W. C. There are many, many others throughout the Province, including the Misses Holman of Summei-side.

However much the Premier and his Government may sympathize with the need for a suitable mu- seum building (and we feel they do), reasona-ble people recognize that -with the present outlay for welfare, and the imminent outlay for defence, it would be difficult to justify a large expenditure for this all. present. But est-in all natural progress. which is to learn to sit u.p, to stand. to walk before we run, may we not now proceed to stand? Through the efforts of private citizens and organizations. such as I. O. D. E. and Women's Institutes. we feel the first s.age has passed. Could we not some- where find a safe place to store a "junk-pile". to be sifted for the valuable material, to be catalogued and exhibited properly. when we can afford a proper place?

There is a strong feeling of re- sentment that the present aroused public interest for a Provincial Museum Building is being util- ized as a CEFl.'l'l0I'Se to drag along an almost defunct Arts and Crafts Centre. and that the coupling of the two has resulted in , setting back the museum project for an- other 10 to 20 years. If the city of Charlottetown can and will at- ford a community centre, that would be an excellent thing, and very, badly needed; if such .1 community centre could provide accommodation for an Arts and Crafts Centre, that too would be an excellent thing. But the ar- chives and museum building is a Provincial project, is a Provincial necessity.

I would like to suggest the re- birth of the Historical Society of Prince Edward Island: we had one years ago-the society published a magazine. too. copies of which are collectors' items today. Such a. society could provide a spring- board from to which to launch the project of preserving the items of historic interest which are fast disappearing along with the "at- tics" which used to shelter them. and the older inhabitants who knew the history attached to each iltem.

I am, 511-, etc, INTERESTED.

LARRY GOR.MAN'S POEMS

sir. - The Guardians of Novem- ber 16th and lflth containing the letters of Mr. Pendergest and Mr McLellan. crediting Larry Gorman with writing "Prince Edward Isle Adieu", arrived here some days af- ter I had mailed my letter stating that I'd heard Larry Doyle named as the writer. I1 I had seen those letters before writing I would have let Doyle's claim (if any) go by de- fault, as I have nothing in the

talent local opinion. But just what is thereof real evidence as to the authorship?

As to Larry Gorman, I must con- fess to an almost. complete lack of knowledge of either he or his writings. The lone exception to that is this: within the lest few years I saw an article in some publica- tion naming German as the author of the son; "Peter Emberly", which was a popular nostalgic "come all Ye" of the eastern lumber camps at the turn of the centtlfy. This came as rather a JIIIDHSG to me. as in 1900 working on Mt. Monsi- leuke. near warren. N.H'. I made the acquaintance of a man named Nelson, and he told us he wrote it. He was 3 Ngw Brunewlcker. I quite intelligent man: said he was there when Emberly was killed, and gave a very detailed account of it all. None of us saw any reason to doubt him. but of course he may have been merely a very plausible liar. However the article giving the credit so Gol-men gave no evidence to support his claim either: no I still am not fully ccnvlnced that Nelson was lying.

I would be much interested in

on-co-m-co-t-to-cvcoaraoc

The Age-old Story.

way of evidence ether than 3 prev- '

El

any available information regard- ing Larry Gorman and anything he is known to have written. If he wrote much, and any of it was pub. llshed. there should be. something yet extant that would be of inter- est. today.

Thinking it over I recall having met with many such orphaned wandering walls of poems; poems that through the years have been blessed verbally from person to per- son; and so changed in the passing that the author would sc-erre rec- ognize them. of such poems. that there should be confusion regarding the authorship is not to be won. dered at, as even SIhe.kespeal'e's authcrshlxp goes not undisputed, For years there's been contentmn

keen 'Twlxt scholars of renown; To. test each clue that points just who should wear the Shakespeare crown. And so each Bard should stand on guard To keep such errors down.

But at this time, to prove whose rhyme

Was this "spud Isle Adieu";

Can't make the name or clench the fame

01' either: no: undo

Their Laurel Wreath more heath the heath,

Nor one small leaf renew.

What would denote which Larry wrote This song of long ago, Is something done by either one, some manuscript to show By their own pen, just nvhere and when And why this tale of woe.

Wes nothing left with those bereft To solve this mystery?

Can none who toll on that red soil llzncli-clad by the see.

Find neath same roof the written

prcof

Of whose the Fame should be?

What we maintain is all in vain Unless we give some clue:

For what I've heard, you've but

my word.

And e'en though (that. be true;

My word alone (as may be shown) Ie doubtful proof to you.

But be their grave neath storied Nave. , or some far field elcnc, Can ausrht of fame that clasps their name g Or blazons Bronze cr stone. Disturb their deep and drenmless

sleep When Life's last spark has flown I am. Sir, etc.,

6. L. MCINNIS Vancouver. 8. C. ' December 11. 1950.

lle'lI stay Awhile

IN; ' oeFENce'''

.

Ae

FROM fLOLLlNG-DON DOWNS'

Flesh. I have knocked at many a dusty door.

Gone down full many I windy midnight lane,

Probed in old walls and felt along the floor,

Pressed in blind hope the lighted window-pane.

But useless all, though etimes when the moon

Wes full in heaven and the sea, was full,

Along my body's tune Played in the tavern by the Beau-

tiful

-”i11El's came I

Then for an instant I have felt at

point

To mid and seize her. whosoe'er she be,

Whether some saint whose glory doth anoint

Those whom she loves. or but a part of me,

or something that the things not understood

Make for their uses-out of flesh and blood.

But all has passed. the tune has died away,

The glamour-zone. the glory; is it great advance?

Is the unfeellng mud stabbed by

a ray

by an unseen splendour'e

great advance?

Or doesuthg glory gather crumb by

Cast

cr ml

Unseen. within. as coral islands rise, .

Till suddenly the apparitlons come

Above the surface, looking at the skies?

or does sweet Beauty dwell in lovely things

Scattering the holy hinting; of im- name

In women. in dear friends. in flow- ers, in springs,

In the brooks voice. for us to catch the same?

or is it we who are Beauty, we who ask?

We by whose gleams fulfils its task.

-John Mnsmeld.

my

7'” jlarklnt meters lead an arratic lnfe during the cold weather (at least we blame it on thecoid weetlher). Sometimes they register only 10 minutes when . nickel 15 deposited. but occasion- ally they become otpen-handed and will allow a. full hour 10,- 3 Fgennlh Perhaps they too are get- ting the Cthi-ist.ma.s spirit. In the meantime .we will happily gccepg anv free time we receive.-Broclh ville Recorder and Times.

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DRESS SHIRTS SPORT SHIRTS ' PAJAMAS ' TIES

All expertly designed by Brill - Bluestons and other nationally famous makes-e must V0.11 EV"! Christmas list and priced with- in your budget. ,

'NeelBl.de.

were not lble to compete. Tn

Ion wneon lob. .. Victoria Times.

. Down at St. Jo. Mo. thorn .11.. covered the most-despised man of all time. of whom i:l'lelNews-Press says. "He wouldn't have any friends even if he had money!" - Ottawa Citizen.

A pamphlet tells us that the redwood trees are the oldest living things on earth and that they grow only in California. More than that, they are the tallest in the world, one in California being 367 feet tall. There is a rediwood

oral Grant which is thirty-six feet in diameter and estimated to be 4,000 years old. One drawing go- ing with the pamphlet shows a. tree that started to grow at the beginning of the Ohi-istian era and is still going strong in the Atomic Age.-Lethbrldge I-Ienld.

Mystery over the dscreas':'oi British immigration into Canada deepens with the British House of Commons statement that there have been no discussion: I i .. Can- ads and the United Kingdom. Im- migration Minister Harris has just announced 3 plan to "stimulate" immigration to Canada through government-subsidized air trans- port. The plan is based on the as- sumption that scarcity of shipping on the Atlantic deters many pro- spective immigrants. It may have something to do with it But the main cause is the Brltldi govern- ment restriction on the movement of capital out of the country. And the real mystery is Ottawa's failure to consult with London and take steps to overcome this difficulty. with goodwill it can be overcome but offering subsidized air pess- ages can accomplish little until it is. - Vancouver sun.