Compiled by Keri Luiz
Assistant Editor

Letter from the Publisher, Arthur W. Gluckman

Let us never again only assume;
But let us know

The report of Associate Justice Roberts and his Board of Inquiry, which found Admiral Kimmel and General Short guilty of “dereliction of duty” prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor, not only is an indictment of these two officers, but in a very strong sense is likewise an indictment of the carelessness of thought and action which has characterized this entire nation during the last decade.

Throughout the entire Roberts report, one word appears again and again and again — a word that has become the most deadly word in the English language. That word is “assume.”

Admiral Kimmel, according to the report, ASSUMED that the Army had taken the proper precautions to prevent a successful air raid on Pearl Harbor.

General Short, according to the report, ASSUMED that the Navy had taken the proper precautions to prevent such a raid.

The War Plans Officer in the Hawaiian Division of the Army ASSUMED that the Japs would never attack Pearl Harbor while the Fleet was based there.

An inexperienced Army Lieutenant in the Communications Center, warned that a flight of planes had been “tracked” 130 miles away from Pearl Harbor, ASSUMED that they were friendly planes.

But nobody KNEW. They only assumed. And because their assumptions were not correct tragedy struck out of the skies, and left approximately three thousand casualties, along with damaged warcraft.

This was horrible, of course; as horrible as the “dereliction of duty” which caused it is unbelievable and shocking. And yet, it is not so unbelievable and not so shocking when we recall that it is precisely the same error of judgement that France made by ASSUMING rather than knowing; the same mistake of some of our own Senators made several years ago by ASSUMING that we somehow should be able to remain aloof from Europe and the Far East, despite the warnings of President Roosevelt, who did not assume but KNEW THE FACTS and implored Congress to face them and act.

Neither criticism nor extreme punishment of those responsible for the Pearl Harbor disaster will bring back the lives that were lost, nor aid the crippled, nor repair the damaged warcraft. But it MUST NOT HAPPEN AGAIN.

Instead, we must thank God that the casualties were only three thousand and not three hundred thousand. And to the memory of each of those who died on that awful December 7 morning, we must pledge ourselves, even in the most menial of tasks, to never again ASSUME, but to KNOW; to make carelessness of thought and carelessness of action something that shall never happen again to blight our lives, or the lives of others.

“THEY ASKED FOR IT!”

“… When our enemies challenged our country to stand up and fight, they challenged each and every one of us. And each and every one of us has accepted the challenge for himself and for the nation.” — Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Hospital Benefit Show February 19

The Civilian Defense Council of Benicia is planning a benefit show for the Red Cross Emergency Hospital in St. Dominic’s monastery. The entire proceeds will be given for equipping the hospital.

The “Val-Nap-Magic Circle” from Napa, Vallejo and the bay district, dancers and ventriloquists and magicians will be included in the entertaiment features for a two-hour show. The show will be given in the Majestic theatre on February 19. Admission prices will be 55 cents for adults and 30 cents for students, tax included. Bill DeSilva and James Lemas have charge of the affair.

R.C. War Fund Oversubscribed by $389.13

The Red Cross War Fund campaign is completed and a report has been sent in to the headquarters in San Francisco to date of $2139.13, an oversubscription of $389.18. Benicia’s quota was placed at $1750.

Of this amount 15% remains in the local chapter for local needs.

Mrs. Elizabeth McKay, chairman, wishes to express appreciation for the cooperation given by the public and the solicitors who collected for the drive.

Emergency Hospital Near Completion

At the weekly meeting of the Benicia Defense Council held Monday evening at the Legion Hall, Mike Fitzgerald stated that the emergency hospital remodeling work will be completed early in February.

Last Sunday, twelve men reported for work and lunches were furnished by the Women’s Club.

Two circulating gas heaters formerly used at the City Hall have been installed for use if the steam heating plant is not operating. Manufacture of stretchers was discussed but no decision arrived at.

The Culver Hardware Store and Chisholm’s have furnished various materials at cost to the committee. E. L. Carter, a painting contractor at Vallejo donated paint valued at $40. Free dry sand is ready for distribution at the fire house; few called for sand on Monday due to the rainy weather.

Two Brothers Meet After 21 year Separation

Last Sunday afternoon Earl Loring, proprietor of the Royal Bakery was called to the store by one of his employees who informed him that he was wanted at once.

Loring hurried to the store, not knowing what to expect, and found seated at the fountain counter, his brother Carl Larson whom he had not seen since 1921 when both sailed for America on different ships from Sweden. Loring located in the eastern states and Larson in Los Angeles until his removal to San Francisco two years ago.

The parents in Sweden had recently written to Loring to look up Carl and in the meantime Carl had written to Sweden and found that Loring was located in Benicia; hence the surprise meeting. Larson is married and is employed in San Francisco as a cabinet maker. Mr. and Mrs. Loring were hosts to Larson Sunday evening at at dinner party.

Aliens To Register At Postoffices Week of Feb. 2-7

New regulations, issued under authority of the Presidential proclamation of January 14, 1942, relating to alien enemies, require all German, Italian and Japanese aliens to apply between February 2 and 7, 1942, at the nearest first or second class, or county seat, post office for a Certificate of Identification. The requirement applies to all enemy nationals 14 years of age or over who have NOT yet taken the oath of allegiance before a Federal Judge, the final step in acquiring American citizenship. Failure to comply with the new regulations may be punished by severe penalties, including possible interment of the enemy alien for the duration of the war.

The regulations require enemy aliens, in applying for identification certificates, to provide a photograph of themselves (to be attached to the identity card) and to answer a number of questions concerning their current activities. Printed directions for the filing of applications will shortly be available at post offices.

The regulations provide that after a careful check has been made of each application, the applicant will be provided with a Certificate of Identification bearing his photograph, index fingerprint and signature. He will thereafter be required to carry the certificate with him at all times.

PROWLING PANTHERS …
Personal, Social, Sports
Benicia High School

Farewell Party for Here and There

Sue O’Brien seemed to be having a pretty good time Saturday night. How about it, Sue?

Why was Buddy L. wearing a curler in his hair Saturday? Was it because the rain made it straight, Buddy?

“Rosebush” Hafford seems to be doing all right. What about it, Ray?

What happened to Kenneth? Did somebody push you in a mud puddle?

Whom was Helen M. making a big hit with? Was it one of the Armijo boys?

J. D. gave Carol a locket and a bracelet. Lucky Girl!

“Min” Porter seemed to be having trouble Saturday night. “Poor Buddy!”

It seems Mary A. and Ginger went on a perfect double-date with Manuel Maciel and Nie Frechette Friday night. Is that good? Well, it wasn’t bad.

What a party! It was really swell, Beverly: Everyone had such a swell time and we hope Carol won’t forget us. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, it is said. But we couldn’t ever be more so than now, of Carol. Bon voyage, Carol.

Why does Eddie Clay take a trip to Santa Rosa so often? Could it be because June G. lives there now?

Sue has finally made up her mind, so it seems. Bobbie Arneson is the lucky one.

We’ve often wondered what the “Dream Bowl” really is like. Mary A’s description is really glowing. Howard A. could be responsible for such a good opinion.

Arloine was heard singing “I got it bad and that ain’t good” the other day. Put with original words. Don S. must be responsible.

“Doats” and “Bill” still are unbroken. Keep your fingers crossed. But don’t hold your breath. We’ve got an idea it’s here to stay.

Adrienne is still waiting for her Prince Charming to ride up on his white horse. From the way the autos are disappearing, she may not have long to wait.

Hank and Helen have had a little misunderstanding. It looks like Helen likes Ford better than walking.

A certain foursome has a little weakness called Grant Circle. Who? Let’s not get nosey, Bub.

Who is this new girl, who says her name is Santa Claus?

Well, Charlie, is it Betty Jean now? Come on, Betty, give the kid a break.