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^kews ^(iJt^s Commentary on the HighligbU of the Week's News . By Elizabeth Eedy DEMOCnACY ON THE Sl'OT: Instead of planning to march in and take over Czcchoslovuliia whole- sale, nt a siiiffle "â- â- oup", as he did Austria. Adolf Hitler is in the pres- ent case usintr other methods which are caliulated cither to cause Czech- oslovakia to hlow up from the in- side, or to t'ive Hitler reason for coming to the "aid" of the German minority inside "Central Europe's bulwark of democracy." The campaign being waged is a cruel affair. Here in one of Eur- ope's happie-it, best run, most effi- cient countries, internal disscn.sion is being stirred up, brother turned against brother. Konrad Hcnlein, leader of the Sudeten Germans, a party in the Czech parliament, takes his orders direct from Hitler, makes most unreasonable and uncalled-for demands on the Premier of his own country, insists that Czechoslovakia abandon democracy and become part of the "true Fatherland, Greater Germany." It is predicted that early in June, Henlein will demand that the Germans in Czechoslovakia be permitted a plebiscite, expressing whether they desire to remain where they are or join Greater Germany. About that time, or even a little sooner, the crisis is likely to come to a head. (How would we Canadians like it should the French Government stir up all sorts of trouble in Quebec and cause our French-Canadians to demand a plebiscite: "Shall we stay with Canada or become part of France?") Czechoslovakia has allies, pledged to come to her aid â€" France and Russia. Gut now France is tied up in the new Anglo-French military alliance which does not guarantee Britain's help should France choose to aid Czechoslovakia. In fact, Brit- ain is already telling the Czech Premier that his concessions to Ger- many are not good enough, that he must give in to Hitler still further. Czechoslovakia is in an intolerably difficult situation. Democracy has never in the history of modern times been put on so bad a spot. If * * * SPEED AT CROSSINGS: A sta- tistical survey made by the Motor Vehicles Branch of the Provincial Government reveals that most acci- dents in Ontario occur at intersec- tions when experienced drivers are at the wheels of cars, in good con- dition, in broad daylight. Too much speed is said to be responsible â€" a speed greater than the traffic or road conditions warrant. Nuff said. » • • ♦ HIGHWAY TO AEASKA: Being pushed at this time by the Govern- ment of the United Slates and the Government of Briti.sh Columbia is a proposed "five-nation" highway to Ala.ska, from Mexico, through the U. S., Briti.sh Columbia and the. Yu- kon territory. P remiei Pattullo, of British Columbia, wa in Washing- ton last month conferring on the matter, and now the U. S. House of Representatives has passed and sent to the Senate a bill authorizing the President to appoint a five-man Commission which would negotiate with representatives of the Dominion Government. The building of such a highway would open up a whole new territory for tourist development in Canada and tap untold sources of revenue (which we badly need). Incidentally its value as a "military road" is self- apparent. * * • • AFIUCAN OPENING: Italy is eyeing South Africa aa a possible field for new trade developments. Prospects there are indeed inviting from the Italian point of view. Sale of coffee, cement and other goods from Italian East Africa to the Union of South Africa would pay for the purchase of South African meat for consumption in Ethiopia, and for raw materials to be used by Italian industries at tiome. * • • • WHAT CAROL'S AFTER: Dicta- tor King Carol of Rumania is work- ing up to something down there in his corner of Europe. After all re- sistance at homo has been crushed (of the peasants, of the "Iron Guard"), observers tell us that he is likely to make a go for HuntHfy. swallow it up, with tho connivance of Poland, eventually create a Bal- tic-Black Sea axis favorable to the schemes of Hitler's Germany. John Gunther's "Inside Europe" informs us that Rumania is a coun- try rich, rich in natural resources whose finances arc bled white by mismanagement of funds, and politi- cal graft. Just now the government owes France a gi'cat deal of money. * • • • BLOWS TO PRESTIGE: Hon. H. H. Stevens, Reconstructionlat mem- ber in the House of Commons, de- clares that Dominion prestige and Dominion credit have been dealt sev- ere blows during the past year. Re- ferring to the Dominion Govern- ment bond issue which went on the Ix>ndon market three months ago and hung fire for a week or ten days, he declares that the defaulting of Moosejaw on some bonds just pre- viously,* was responsible, together with the loss in credit of certain of our provinces. Each new default places an even heavier burden on the Dominion, detracts from Cana- dian credit. May Make Park Of Huge Marsh Would Turn Swamp Land Near Orztngeville Into Game Sanctuary The Luther Marsh, near Orange- ville, a vast stretch of 10,000 acres, may be transformed from a wet, deso- late area into a provincial park and game sanctuary, it plans of leading citizens and organizations are adopted by the government. The marsh Is regarded as the most Important locality In the watershed of the Grand River from the stand- point of water conservation. Ten Miles Long Recently a proposal to turn It into a provincial park was made by the federation of naturalists. The marsh Is 10 miles long and in some places two miles wide. It straddles the town line between East and West Luther for approximately six miles. It con- tains peat to a depth of 15 feet. tiii««iti««»«'*>» Twenty-Two Million Bees Are Imported Huge shipment Will Weigh 22 '/z Tom; Hitch-Hiking Bees Join In Big Parade. EDMONTON. â€" • Approximately 22,500,000 Italian bees along with a few hundred thouaand hitch-hil;ei3 will emigrate to Alberta this spring. Tho Italian bees, v.'hieh will settle down in vuriou.s parts of the prov- ince, arc the type most highly fav- ored by bee-keepers through North America because of their hardiness and neat housekeeping. They come to .^'bcrta from California. S. O. Hillerud, Alberta's thief apiarist, estimates the 22,500,000 bees will weigh about 22 1-2 tons. The hitchhikers of course, will make tho total immigration higher than that. In Screened Cages When the bees start oct from California, Mr. Hillerud said, they are packed in screened cages. 1 hu queens and the drones and the woik- crs all get the same cla.ss of trans- portation. Ar the trucks, their heat careful- ly regulated en route, travel along, hundreds of thousands of the hitch- hiking bees fasten themselves to the sides of the cages. The ones inside feed them just as generously as they feed 'hemselves. "The hitchhikers are not even nc'cosrarily of the same race as the bees inside the .screens â€" they get feed anyway," Mr. Hillerud said. Italians were not introduced to .^m'Jric•a until 50 or CO years ago. Before th:it the most popular genius was the German black bee. But in one year 50,000 colonies of black bees in Nev/ York state were wiped out by a disease which seldom hits the Italians because the Italians are better housekeepers. Canada's Flax Industry Gains In Importance R- Growers Expect Increase in Busi- ness As Canada Receives More Consideration on European Markets Prices Have" Risen the Past Few Years. Aâ€"C j News In Review j Japanese Offensive Collapsing SHANGHAI.â€" Chinese sent word this week-end that the second Japan- ese offensive in Southern Shantung Province, plvotiil front of the war, was on the verge of collapse. Crushing of the first drive last month was the most disastrous defeat of a modern Japanese army. Now, Chinese declared they are ready to send 800,000 troops against the reinforced Japanese legions which, they say, are woarled to exhaustion and again running short of munitions. â€" o â€" Axis Appeeu-8 Solid ROME. â€" Amid the memories o£ the two great dictatorships of the past, in tho Rome of the Caesars and of the medieval Popes, the two outstanding dictators of our own time met this weel£ to demonstrate their unity of purpose In building for their people now empires, each according to his lights. Will Benefit Canada DUBLIN.â€" All trade advantages giv- en to the United Kingdom in the Kire market under the recent agreement are also extended to Canada, accord- ing to the text of the "agreement with the United Kingdom" issued here. Canada Is the only member of the British Commonwealth of Nations that is mentioned In the bill, apart from the signatories. â€" â€" Demand Bishop Resign STUTTGART, Germany. â€" The Na- tional Socialist Governor of Wuert- temberg, Wllhelm Murr, has publicly demanded the resignation of Bishop Johann Baptist SproU of Rottenburg, head of the Catholic Church In Wuert- ternberg, because he failed to vote In the Anschluss plebiscite and Reichs- tag elections. The demand appears In the local party organ, National Soci- alist Kurler. â€" o â€" France Increases Defenses PARIS.â€" France this week met a new show of Italian-German solidarity by ordering a bigger array, navy and air force. The National Defense Cabinet, head- ed by Premier Daladler, geared the wheels of French economy and finance to a bigger and stronger war machine by decrees Issued Just as Adolf Hitler approached Rome for a visit to Pre- mier Mussolini. â€" o â€" King Opens Exhibition GLASGOW. â€" The groat Kmplre Ex- hibition, termed by the King 'a hall- mark of a great Commonwealth of Na- tions," was opened by His Majesty here. Cheering throngs, exceeding 100,- 000, assembled In Ibrox Stadium, ac- claimed the King and Queen us they arrived In an open landau. The Em- pire In miniature was depicted In a stately, modernistic group of build- ings In Bellahouston Park, with tho high shaft of Empire towering over the scene. â€" o â€" Pump-Priming in Britain LONDON.â€" Britain already Is lay- ing plans for future pump-priming. Sir Klngsley Wood, Minister of Health, revealed last week when speaking at a luncheon celebrating the Manchester centenary. His department Is asking local au- thorities to prepare plans tor !!â-¼â€¢ .IMsars ahead In order that the program of public works may proceed as rapid- ly as possible when ones started. Sir Ktngsley said. In 1915 flax fire sold for 90 cents a pound and the price of fibre flax seed was $3.00 a bushel. The high price of fibre was directly due to the excessive war-time demands at that time. In the period from 1917 to 1918 the price of fibre flax reach- ed an all-time high, going from i'O cents to $1.25 a pound. In sympathy with this sensational increase the price of fibre flax seed jumped from $5.00 to $0.00 a bushel. Flattened Out After War After the war (1914-18), the price of fibre dropped to an all-time low of 15 cents a pound and the seed prices tumbled from ?9.00 to $2.00 a bushel. During the interval of the 1927 to 1937 period the price of fibre flax seed rose from $2.00 to $6.25 a bushel. This encouraging rise in price level was in no small way duo to the introduction of pedigreed var- ieties of fibre flax. These special var- ieties were imported from the North of Ireland through the co-operation of the Ministry of Agriculture in Ireland and the Fibre Division of the Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, Ont. However, from 1935 to 1937 flax fibre prices have slowly risen to about 18 cents a pound for the best grade and ifuality. The introduction of mechanical flax pullers and tur- bine scutching machines by the Do- minion Government in 1937 has lent new stimulus to Canadian flax pro- duction. The flax acioago has ad- vanced from a little over 0,000 acres in 1923 to 7,900 in 1937, with a fur- ther increase of 2,000 acres expect- ed in 1938. Les> Competition Future prospects for fibre devel- opment in Canada are encouraging, because Canada may secure more consideration on the European mar- kets. Russia is exporting less and less fibre each year to Ireland on ac- count of the fact that she requires a much larger amount for her own spinning factories which she has been developing these past few years. In addition to this, Canadian flax growers are better organized to handle the expected increase in busi- ness than they have ever been, also' Scottish and Irish buyers are begin- ning to look to Canada for a iarge portion of their future supplies. A scale strong and spacious enough to weigh three elephants has been installed near the zoo in Johan- nesburg, South Africa. "Immediately on attaining power each dictator has suppressed all free speech except his own." â€" Herbert Hoover. The \BOOK SHELF \ By ELIZABETH EEDY "Here Are My Lectures And Sto- ies" â€" By Stephen Leacock. "'A year ago," says Mr. Leacock, spoofingly, "I retired from college lecturing, at the urgent request of the college trustees, who were very grim about it. Now, at the request of innumerable friends all over the country, I am retiring from lecturing on the public platform as a humor- ist." Here in one book are the fun- ny speeches and some other miscel- laneous items from the lunacy of Leacock, Canada's premier humorist. Elsewhere Mr. Leacock has .spok- en of his excruciating experiences while lecturing; here you get the lectures themselves, and quite a feast they make for those who have followed his written word for lo, those many years. The lectures are more serious, at least in spots, than some of us had been imagining. "How Soon Can We Start The Next War?" for instance, turns out to be a timely oration full of sound sense, amounting almost to one of those talks for serious listeners-in on the radio. Lunatic But Happy Our lecturer is happiest, perhaps, in his talks to college audiences, such as "Kecovory After Graduation, or Looking Back on College," in which he mulls delightfully over the dear old campus scenes, gayly mis- (luotes Shakespeare. "What 1 Don't Know About the Drama" and three lectures on "Fren- zied Fiction," give Mr. Leacock lots of leeway to give us scraps of bur- lesque. You can't tell exactly how Mr. Leacock ^eels about life at this point, of course. In the final piece in his lecture volume he's a trifle pes- simistic about retired professors who think they are going to complete their great masterpieces now that the hustle and bitstle is o'er. Here is his last word on that: "When peo- ple say to me, "You'll be able no>v to finish your book on the History of Political Theory," I answer, 'To hell with it'." "Here Are My Lectures and Stor- ies," by Stephen Leacock, 25 1 pp., $2. McLelland and Stewart, Limit- ed, Toronto. "All younger generations, ever since the beginning of time, have been naturally 'wicked'." â€" Hendrik Willem Van Loon. Because of the Japanese invasion, in 300 square miles north of Shang- hai there will be practically no har- vesting of rice, cotton or beans this year. VOICE CANADA THE EMPIRE HE VVOHl.D AT LARGE o/ the PRESS CANADA Our German Minority. Any day now Canada may expect to bo faced by a demand from Hitler that wo cease oppressing the German mi- nority within our borders or else. â€" Stratford Beacon-Ilreald. â€" o â€" Not Perceptibly Sweeter The world is reported to liavs con- sumed more sugar last year t'.uin e/er before. But It does not seem to have sweetened international relationships in perceptible degree. â€" BrockvIUe Re- corder and Times. â€" â€" Service to the Community A single grain of sand is almost in- finitesimal, yet every grain c ;unic In forming the far-flung shores oil tht sea. Similarly every individual wh is honest. Industrious, and Imbued h the spirit of service is an influance of real worth in any community. â€" Kitch- ener Record. â€" o â€" Getting Lots of Help One result of the Rowell Commis- sion has been the excellent work done on Its behalf by private and public or- ganizations. Through it, citizens In most parts of Canada have had an op- portunity to study and probe the fun- damentals of governmental expendi- ture and operation. These studies in themselves should reap rich rewards in a better understanding of public questions, quite apart from the delib- erations of the Commissioners them- selves. â€" Financial Post. â€" o â€" Smoke in the Hills The weather grows warmer and No- va Scotians are beginning to enjoy the best of the Spring season. Anglers are going to the lakes and rivers and others are taking to the open road for a change of scene and air. It is a pleasant season. The sun begins to give some warmth, signs o£ life are on every hand, and the whole world is filled with anticipation of growth and bloom. The countryside has a beauty peculiar to the season. Sturdy horses draw ploughs through the rich earth and blue smoke curls up from the hills as men of tho soil clear their land of brush. â€" Halifax Chronicle. â€" â€" Sick Motor Cars Tre Safety League is on safe ground when it insists that all used cars should be examined for mechanical de- fects beforo they are resold. If they were, many of the death-traps to be seen on th highways would be on the junk-heap. Pending a general exam- ination of motor vehicles, drastic at- tention should be paid to those that seem to be falling to pieces. These are a menace and should be speedily removed. Special care should be exer- cised toward making sure that per- manently diseased cars, made tempor- arily convalescent with a p:\int brush and a monkey-wrench, are kept oft the highways. â€" St. Thomas Times-Journal. â€" o â€" Indian Not Vanishing They used to refer to the Indian as llie '•Vanishing American," but the fig- ures refute the theory entirely. The Indian, far from vanishing, Is increas- ing in numbers, in Canada at any rate, so the picturesque and pathetic title no longer holds. Indian population figures In this Do- rainicn have va- "id somewhat 'i the last few years. The Ued Man did, indeed, appear to be declining numer- ically In 1924, when a cencus showed that the Indians of Canada numbered only 104,000. as compared with 110,000 In 1907. But latest returns issued by tho Department of Mines and Re- sources show that there are now ap- proximately 114.000 Indians resident in this country. â€" Brantford Kxposltor. Modern Civilization Reaches Old India THE EMPIRE All in the Next Front Line ''For 'Barcelona' read 'Battersea' or 'Birmingham,' and one need go no fur- ther than the day's newspaper for a picture of th- next war. None will be able to tell when he may be ia the front line. Men and women alike will find the menace of death confronting them in aspects more horrible than ever tried the stamina of classic hero- ism. The King of Terrors, when Hec- tor and Lysander faced him, was a gentleman In comparison with the shapes in which peril, death, and suf- fering will overhang every English- man's home. The bomb will rain alike on the just and the unjust, the stal- wart and the coward. Tenderness of nerve or conscience will gain no ex- emption. One and all, we shall be faced by a menace deeper than has ever dirkened the page of history. If it ba true that 'all that a man hath will he give for his lite,' the instinct of self-preservation has never been aroused by a such a summons." â€" Lon- don Observer. Ghost Frequents Drinking Pool So Irish Believe; Several Say They Stiw Man Dead Three Centuries DUNSRIM, County Monaghan, Ireland. â€" Ghost of a 17th century planter who evicted a poor widow and her eight children from their Dunsrim farm is haunting a drink- ing pool near here. That's the story local residents tell, anyway, and they back it up with vivid descriptions. Reflection Of His Eyes The planter, says legend, "was thrown from his horse and found one night after sunset with his neck broken. The ghost is said to appear after sunset near the spot where the evicted woman and her eight chil- dren vve.'e found dead in the snow. John Francis Smith said he saw "the tall figure of a man, dressed in old-fashioned clothes," as he walked home. The figure knelt at tho pool to quench his thirst. "As I watched, spell-bound," said Smith, "1 could sec tho reflection of his eyes in the clear water: They were like two large red coals." Suddenly the figure disappeared and Smith, v.'ho b.ad stood in a trance, began to run. He said as he ran he heard the sound of spurred boots. Patrick Connolly and Miss EUie Reilly also claita to have seen the ghost. Legend has it the figure still haunts the district to frighten people out of their lands. Canadians Keep Talkative Title Are Still World's Champion Talk- ers By Telephone And Otherwise The Indian population of Roml ay, Ind'a. has adopted at least one of the modern weapons of civilization as ,1 is practiced in the enlightened West. This gin picket is urgins a striksl Canadians are the most talkative people in the world and they are get- ting even more so. Apart altogether from the wordy briefs presented to Royal Commis- sions and the 4,000,000 to 6,000.000 words spoken in the House of Com- mons each session, telephone statis- tics award loquacious laurels to Can- adians. Telephone conversations per capita during 1935 in Canada numbered 210.8 compared with 197 in the Unit- ed States, 173.9 in Denmark and 152.2 in Sweden, ths next highest countries. Still on the increase, Canadian calls were 222 a person in 1936, latest year riported, 222 Calls Per Person Birthplace of the telephone, dis- covered by .'Alexander Graham Bell in 187G, Canada retains the lead in Empire advancement of this instru- ment in establishing the longest dir- ect wire voice path of 2,2000 miles between Toronto and Calgary. Alta. Canada stands fifth in world com- parison with 1,266,228 telephones installed, showing approximately 10 per cent, of her population benefits by telephonic communication. The United States is the only country showing a larger number of tele- phones installed per capita. .Although it is impossible to de- termine whether men or women are the greater users of the telephone, men use the long distance service more frequently during busineA houis. Believed to be more than 22,000,- 000 years old, a tooth of an unknown sea animal was found in Ragusa, Si- cily, by Richard Hunter, who dis- played it recently while visiting Je- hannesburg. South Africa.