Clown Academy

The Soviet Academy For Political Clowns opened its doors at Moscow last week under the rigid supervision of the State. Shrewd, Dictator Stalin has long since instructed his subordinates to see that in every Communist parade there shall be funnymen dressed as "President Coolidge," "King George V," "Capital," etc. Amid deep Communist bellymirth "President Coolidge," refuses to "recognize" a "Russian Bear," trips over it and falls sprawling. . . .

By such clowning the Soviet populace is painlessly "educated." But of late there have not been enough clowns at the Government's disposal. Last week, as the "Academy" was opened, it was announced that "Bim" and "Bom" famed and beloved Russian clowns will be employed as instructors.

A pamphlet outlined the courses of studies, prefaced by the statement: "There will be found immediately at the academy a troupe with a topical repertory, which will aim at the replacement of slapjack buffoonery by an 'ironical satirization of the negative side of life.'"