THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1942 (Eape map g’tar anil Want Published Every Thursday at thr Star and Wave Buildinb SI BERRY street. CARE HAY. N. J. THE ALBERT HAND COMPANY. Incorrorated. P. MERVYN KENT, Editor PAUL SNYDER, Manaber

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THIS RARER IS ENTERED AT THE ROST ORRICE AT CARE MAY. N. J. AS SECOND-CLASS MATTER. NATIONAL RERRESENTATIVESl AMERICAN RRESS ASSOCIATION ESS WEST THIRTY-NINTH STREET. NEW YORK. N. Y.

tfape Vyiay’A QuvmtUsi (pAobl&m. Possibility that a town meeting will be held ftiCape May soon to discuss general social problems, affecting particularly the young people o| the community, was announced Friday following a conference between city and school officials. For some time, numerous individuals and organizations of the community have expressed grave concern about juvenile delinquency in Cape May, particularly in recent months. Stories and rumors about conditions in this section are numerous. Some of the more shocking rumors have been proved untrue, and it is fair to assume that many of the others have been exaggerated, although there is no doubt that there is cause for concern in some instances. That something should be done to curb the present trend and to improve conditions generally is indisputable. What should be done, how it should be done and by whom are the important questions. After a lengthy discussion of the general situation by Dr. E. E. Pickard, city school superintendent, and the city commission on Friday, it was decided that probably the best way to obtain an expression of public opinion on the subject would be to call a town meeting, in which every interested citizen of Cape May could have an equal voice. To our mind, such a meeting would probably be the best way to arrive at a solution of the problem. It is democracy at its best, and is the only way to obtain a real expression of community sentiment. The problem is not one which can be taken lightly. Beyond its present implications are those which will endure for a lifetime and even beyond. Local officials have considered the problem for some time. They have been emphatic in pointing out that the conditions are not a sweeping indictment of service men, ,for they contend, logically, that the same conditions would exist if there were a similar influx of civilians. It is generally agreed that the responsibility for protecting the morals of our youth devolves solely upon the parents of those involved. However, some parents are apparently not shouldering their responsibility. Otherwise there would be no problem. Whether or not it is a proper function of the city commission to enact protective legislation is a question open to de-

bate.

Whether or not a curfew law, as suggested by some, is a solution is also debatable. The question of strict enforcement of such a law is also highly questionable. In fact, with no formal complaints having yet been made, tjiere -is even a question of whether or not there is need for "action. All of these questions can be answered honestly and fairly at a town meeting, such as has been suggested. If the citizens of Cape May who feel they have knowledge of the situation or of any conditions affecting the youth of the community will take the time and the trouble to attend a town meeting, there is no doubt that some suitable solution can be found. Th^.conditions which are reported to exist are not local by any means. Throughout the country, communities of all sizes are confronted with similar problems. It is a war-time problem as old as war itself. It is doubtful that any real and permanent solution will ever be found. The best we can hope for is a degree of control to protect our young people from dangers they are too young to realize themselves.

250 ysiaJiA 0$ JjfaToday is the 250th anniversary of the establishment of Cape May County. On November 12, 1692, Cape May County was created by an act of the New Jersey Assembly from land controlled previously by the West Jersey Society. Few counties in all America can boast such a long record. Few Americans can boast such an historic background for their home counties. It is a distinction which should not pass unnoticed. During those 250 years, Cape May County has tasted fully from-the cup of life. It has had its ups and downs, its successes and failures. It has struggled through wars and adversitjeaand has blossomed during times of peace and prosperity. little in life has escaped it. It was old when much of our country was still wilderness. With its long background and its foundation ^oted in the strains of the new world’s earliest settlers, Cape May County is more than a geographical location, more than a political subdivision ... it is home to countless numbers of residents and former residents . . . home, for at least part of the year, to many thousands of vacationists. Blessed by nature with a temperate climate, an ideal location and a wealth of natural resources, Cape May County has developed through the years into a delightful combination of seashore and farmland, of sand dunes and forests, of city and country. In its long existence, Cape May County has produced many famous personages, many who have found fame and fortune elsewhere but who always retain a soft spot in their hearts for little old Cape May County. It has had a colorful existence, a glorious career. Today it is on the threshold of a new and greater era, one which promises to dim all events of the past by comparison. Only the future can tell what is in store for Cape May County. But today, on the 250th anniversary of its establislrment, we are proud that we can claim little old Cape May County as our home ... are glad that the STAR and WAVE, the oldest resort newspaper in America, has been growing up with the county since 1854.

(EawEhni Star anft Bam

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DAILY VISITORS

THE WEEKLY SERMON CORNER: Lest We Forget!

By the Rev. Albert W. Lenz, S. T. M., Pastor of the

First Presbyterian Church, Cape May

Text: Luke 2:14 — “On

ill toward

JjdilltlA Jo Jho fcdiioJL ... COMPLAINT ON STYLE Boston, Mass. Nov. 7, 1942 To the Editor: I have just finished trying to go through the list of selectees named for tests at the top of the fifth column in your issue of October 29. Believe me, after ten minutes trying, 1 still haven’t been able to read the whole thing. When you' list names of this sort, will you please list them in columns arid not in the “essay” form as if you were reading a news article. I know of no other paper who does it in this way and if I did, I would write them

S>6e

C TA REGARD O WATCH By C. Worthy PROGRESS BACKWARD At last they’ve done it! Monday night’s blackout test came as a surprise to most folks hereabouts . . . much more of prise in fact than all previous and supposedly "secret” tests. The amazing thing f about these blackout tests is that the longer they go the worse they get. It’ high time that the seriousness of this business is realized before someone gets hurt if there is a real emergency. THE IDES OF MARCH And now with all these tax levies on cigars, cigarettes, liquors, travel and so, forth and so on, a lot of people who never paid much attention to popular^ music are now painfully groaning that recent song hit, “Deep in ' hole with taxes”. Just wait after March 15, brother, just GOOD NEWS AT LAST! The way this second front going, it looks like we’ll be able to start reading the city papers again without feeling disgusted about the whole thing. If the news dispatches of the l,ast few days are accurate, it seems as if Hitler and company are about to get bodaciously bashed, as our favorite soldier—Yardbird Snuffy* Smith—would say. EVEN UNEVEN IT’S GOOD And for the first time since the war started, we see by the papers that the Yanks have killed an uneven number of Japs . 5188 on Guadalcanal. Always before the rlvsta _ of enemy dead qr captured eain* in round figures 100, 200, etc. Perhaps now C boys are either finished being' methodical about this war business or the correspondents actually starting to count. HISTORICAL COINCIDENCE There’s probably no connection, but isn’t it a coincidence that immediately after outstanding Republican victories in last week's election, when a lot of folks here home started taking a new lease on life, the tide of the wa changed? Maybe some Republi an soldiers wanted to reciprocate dth good news. > NEW FIELDS TO CONQUER Now with the new second front opened in Africa, there’s no tell ing •what these local arm-chair generals will be able to figure out during the long cold Vinter evenings that lie ahead . . . HAPPY BIRTHDAY Today’s the day all us good Cape May Countians should chime in on the chorus of "Happy Birthday To You”. Remember? This is the 250th anniversary of the establishment of county government in these parts. And even in these days when big figures don’t mean much except to glamor girls, 250'years is a mighty long

time.

CONCLUSIVE PROOF

If the present emergency has done nothing else It has certainly proved the . disadvantage of illiteracy. Heaven help anyone who can’t read and write now with all these registrations for Selective Service, rationing of this and

Uniforms for functions Bt the U. that and the myriad of govem-

S. Naval Academy are prescribed ment forms that have to be filled

by the superintendent. out every so often.

fojuiad Jhs ShotixcnuJUfA! ■ Monday night’s test blackout bared numerous shortcomings in Cape May’s civilian defense set-up, shortcomings which must be corrected if the local defense organization is to function with a semblance of efficiency in the event of a real emergency. Since the first few blackout tests, which were surprisngly effective from all standpoints, each successive test has unearthed new flaws, disunity and difficulties. That the last test was thoroughly unsatisfactory rwas indicated by a statement from City Hall that the Commissioners would invite the Defense Council or its Chairman to discuss their difficulties with the Commission at this week’s

meeting.

Principal cause for much trouble is the inability of householders in various sections of the city, depending on the direction of the wind, to hear the alarm signal. As a result, many lights burn until air raid wardens make personal contact with the involuntary violators. An auxiliary siren atop the water tower, installed to overcome part of the difficulty, is either not blown when it should be or is equally inaudible. Another cause for imperfection is the lack of regard for air raid rules on the part of many- The rules have been formulated after careful consideration. The have been promulgated for YOUR protection and that of your neighbors. Perhaps you don’t believe we’ll ever be bombed, but don’t gamble on it with your life. Every blackout test could be a

real raid.

There is need for a general revision of the local defense organization. Many volunteers have moved from Cape May. In other instances, conditions have changed making it impossible for them to carry out their assigned tasks. They should be replaced immediately. At present only skeleton forces of volunteers report for duty at many posts. The defense council some time ago announced its intention to revise the local organization. It should be done now. When lives and personal safety may be at stake, procrastination is dangerous. There is need for strict enforcement of blackout rules. Air raid wardens and other CD volunteers have two strikes against them every time a test is called, for they know . . . and the general public knows . . . that violations will not be punished. New Jersey has laws under which to prosecute iolators. If they are not enforced they are worthless. Communities which have penalized violators have overcome one great difficulty . . . public apathy and lack of cooperation. A few examples would teach others that violation of blackout rules is a-costly as well as a serious matter. In some districts, Cape May’s well-planned emergency medical set-up could not function if an emergency did occur. Snnplies, purchased for some time, have not yet been delivered to the zone dressing stations. If an air raid came, valuable time would-be lost in obtaining the supplies that should have been thereT . * It is not our purpose to criticise for the sake of criticising. Blackouts and air raid tests are serious matters. With total war as ruthless as it is, we must be prepared for any eventuality. The blackout tests are not games Or diversion which may be played at will. They should be serious rehearsals for the protection of the civilian population. Each test should have perfection for its goal, and those who block that achievement should be dealt with firmly. It is a problem which rests "squarely on the shoulders of the local defense council. The time to act is now. Tomorrow may be too late . . . .

thi' s

same fetter I am writing you. I am interested in reading the news, from home but you surely

make it tough.

If these names were all listed in a column, a reader could go through them in a fraction of the time the present system requires.

What do you say? Yours for victory,

H. RICHARD STEVENS.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Conservation of space is one reason for using the style referred to. May we suggest letters be sent to all Philadelphia, New York and other metropolitan papers which . uae the same style, but set their name

Hats in even amaller type?

“On earth peace”. la thia the real desire of mankind?' We have been told that if our contemporaries were free to express the insistent yearnings of their hearts, they would almost unanimously indicate the hope that peace would again prevail everywhere. All through human history, however, there have been so-called leaders who have illustrated in themselves the predatory instinct of man, the selfish urge to control, intimidate, dominate, regiment, even invade and ruthlessly despoil people and property and fredom. Time proves ultimately that such leaders, working at cross purposes to the will of Almighty God, are blind leaders of the blind, and they and all misguided people fall into the pit of tragedy arid defeat. This is being proven anew in our gener-

ation.

Armistice Day comes again, recalling that event of twenty-four years ago, when the belligerents of World War I signed articles of agreement to bring about the immediate cessation of warfare. Men of good will believed that this was the prelude to an era of peace and understanding. A world made safe for democracy— though by bloodshed and loss and tears—would never again tolerate a world holocaust. Each year we have tried to appreciate and appraise the significance of the event, with a prayer in our hearts that men’s will for peace might

prevail.

What is this year’s Armistice, Day suggesting to us ? Do we not approach the day with mingled feelings? Is it not strange to have the observance in a time of renewed warfare? Is it merely an occasion for us to be silent and thoughtful for two minutes in recognition of the end of battle in 1918? Or is it an opportunity to give true expression to our will for peace, which also exists in the hearts of so many of our contemporaries? It ought to be a time of earnest searching, that all olL. us may see clearly our sins of commission and of omission. There are innumerable things which we have done, which ought never to have been contemplated. There are also many things which were at our hands to do, but which we deliberately or inadvertently allowed to pass by, golden opportunities to enrich life. And when the spiritual significance of Armistice Day receded into the background of men’s minds and hopes, we were somewhat shocked (or were we?) to see the will for peace nullified through the neo-pagan systems

of blind leadership.

And 'how in the midst of World War' ll we find ourselves confronted with the opportunity to redeem the time more earnestly, not only in achieving another military victory and the resultant armistice, but also in guaranteeing the initiation and the preservation of an era of unending peace, wherein men shall learn war no more. The time must come, after war has had its final splurge, to have men turn, not

the Church of Christ to

the incentives and the ___ motive power to reconstruct the world in harmony with the will of God for individuals and nations and in conformity with the gospel of Jesus. Instead of war, with its toll of horror, affliction, death, destruction, dislocations of all sorts, irreligion, there shall be. the rebirth and the enlargements of freedom, heaUng, abundant life, moral and spiritual growth, integration, the full surrender of men and nations to the values of the Kingdom of God. True spiritual health is thus always to be measured in terms of things spir-

itual.

We must put constantly to ourselves and to our fellowihen such questions as these. How insistent is the will of God in our hearts, and how ready are we in our response? Do we believe that the Church is the most vital agency of Christ in our communities, in ojir nation, in the family of nations? Are we ready Uf be more than parasites in the moral and spiritual spheres of life, and to labor earnestly, sacrificially, and untiringly for the growth of those things in life that really and ultimately matter? Are we convinced of the folly of sending implements of destruction to other people to use in ’warfare against us, arid of the wisdom of supporting such agencies which aim to fulfill the statement, “Christ loved the brotherhood”? Sometimes we hear it said that the will for peace is merely an unrealizable dream. It will always be unrealizable when those who expend energies and resources for those things which do not make for peace, bring unrest, jealousies, tensions into the areas of experience, and affect thereby every one. If every individual labored as though the achievement of peace depended upon ; him alone, then the collective achievement would become so powerfully spiritual that the will for peace would depart from the realm of dreams

of mankind.

But is it peace at any price? A peace which enslaves is no peace at all. Tha heel of the dictator can bring about a temporary cessation of conflict and force an armistice, but the fires of freedom can never be quenched. Only a peace based on the peace of Christ van prevail, when the kingdoms of this -world shall have become the Kingdom of our Lord. It is our joyous responsibility as consecrated Christians to make the song of the Christmas angels, “Peace on earth, good will towards men”, the inspiration of all our strivings. Daily ought we to hear and respond to the ancient benediction “Nowf the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlast ing covenant, make you perfectin every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom glory for ever and ever.

despair but in confidence, to Amen.” (Hebrews 13:20,21)

flatoujAaphA. Out Of The Past

Taken from files of The Star and Wave for the years 1937,

1932 and 1922.

Five Years Ago

For the first time in Cape May’s history, air mail will he dispatched directly from the landing field here next Tuesday when New Jersey observes - National Air Mail Week. Mail will be sent from here to Newark in a > large transport plane as.’ part of the

statewide observance.

Senator-elect I. Grant Scott, former assemblyman from this county and present city commissioner of Cape May, will take his. seat in the State Senate Mopiiay, as announced here /PJTferday. Scott will represent tms county in a special session of the legislature which was called by Governor Harold G. Hoffman for

Monday, November 15,

'For the second time in his career, William B. Powell, of Cape May Court-House, was inducted into office as sheriff of Cape May County at noon Tuesday. Judge Palmer M. Way, Common Pleas judge of the county, administered the oath of office. F. Mulford Stevens, of Cape May, was re-

named undersheriff.

After lying dormant for. more than a year, the Cape May Chamber of Commerce will be revived by -the business men of the city in preparation for a campaign of activity before amT during the

1938 season.

Ten Years Ago Cape May County went decidedly Republican in old time form in Tuesday's election as all candidates on the GOP ticket were ' ren substantial majorities, in ite of the national landslide to i Democratic party. his week’s old fashioned north-

easter stirred up the Atlantic in a manner to cause concern by beachfront property owners and city, officials not to mention the taxpayers who have visions of more protection being necessary along the front. The tide Wednesday evening reached its height at about 5:30 and was at that time sweeping over Beach Drive under the boardwalk.

John J. Stewart was elected Mayor of West Cape May on Tuesday in one of the most strenuous political skirmishes ever recorded in the bocough. Stewart will succeed Mayor Evans M. Brown who refused to" run for another term. Twenty Years Ago The enormous majority obtained by the Republican candidate f6r the. Assembly in the recent election, Ralph Stevens, of Cape May, breaks the record in this line. No candidate in this county ever before received such a majority. If his ambition leads in that direction he will inevitably be the future senator. Freeholder Irvin H. Eldredge representing Cape May on the County Board is making a strong effort to receive for this resort s continuation of the hard 'surfacing of Beach Drive. Mr. Eldredge explained to his fellow members that the property adjoining the the Drive were assessed at S388r 100, and that since the Beads Drive has been hard surfaced Cape May has paid into the coffers of the county a half million dollars in real money. /

Aboard U. S. Naval vessels the church colors are the only colors which may be flown over the national ensign.