Evening star. [volume], November 24, 1931, Page APGE B-1, Image 17

About Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972

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| Washington News
tttSIBICT WORKERS
PO FAIL TO GIVE
pAMD BY GORDON
r; Says .Those Who
Klistose to Sign Lists Will
p ' Be “Marked Men.”
JOINTS OUT MANY WAYS
? OF SHOWING IRRITATION
- % •
County Charities to Share in Funds
Donated to Washington
Chest.
Sanitary Engineer J. B. Gordon said
today he had told his employes who re
fused to sign the pay-roll lists used in
(soliciting subscriptions for the Com
munity Chest that while "officially” the
I contribution was to be voluntary, "un
i officially” it was quite evident that
those who did not contribute would be
“marked men” in Government circles.
He said he pointed out to them many
.Ways in which official displeasure could
be made known without the employe
ever having a chance to prove that the
reason for the disciplinary acts was the
employe’s failure to subscribe. Among
them, he said, were loss of annual leave,
' lay-offs, reduced efficiency ratings and
J refusal of appeals for step-ups and re
! classifications.
Cites Make-up of System.
“When I saw the make-up of the
present system of collection,” said Mr.
Gordon, "I was quite sure that, how
ever voluntary the system might be
officially, the wise employe would con
tribute to avoid what might happeu
later. We are to make up three pay
.rolls. I was told that one copy would
be sent to the Personnel Classification
Board and one would be kept by the
! District Personnel Board. Obviously,
in the future whenever one of these
lists showed that 99 men in an office
1 had contributed and 1 had not. it
f would be very hard for the one who
. had not to get any favors,
i “This collection is being made as no
I other that I have ever had anything to
! do with. Our instructions come from
| the President through the Civil Service
i Commission. This makes me believe
that the system intended to be used in
the District government is the same as
that which has been used in industrial
establishments in the past Community
Chest drives, where the subscriptions
i have not been voluntary.
20 Per Cent Fail to Sign.
“About 20 of my men did not sign
when the list was taken around. I
called each of them in and told them
what I have Just stated. Most of them
then signed, but some of them still re
fused. One of the men who refused
today asked me for two days’ leave. He
got the leave.”
Opposition to the principle of having
any school officer, whose duties Include
S the rating of teachers’ efficiency, ap
! peal to those teachers for funds for un
-1 employment relief, was voiced today by
; Rev. F. I. A. Bennett, member of the
I Board of Education.
Dr. Bennett questioned, he said, the
| propriety of Dr. Frank W. Ballou, su
j perintendent of schools, in calling the
: meeting this afternoon of supervisory
and administrative officers to formulate
| the plan under which the school system
• personnel will contribute three days’
i pay for unemployment.
“This business should be entirely vol
i untarily,” Dr. Bennett Said. "When a
teacher is asked by her supervisor to
' give three day’s’ pay—or any amount
! for that matter —she is going to hesitate
a long while before she would decline
> the aid, no matter what personal finan
cial emergency might be confronting
her.
Four welfare agencies In nearby com
munities will be designated to receive
i the contributions of Government work
ers residing in those sections who par
ticipate in the movement here to raise
$1,000,000 as a part of the $2,601,000
' campaign of the Washington Commu
nity Chest.
j They will be, respectively, the Arling
ton County Board of Public Welfare,
I Fairfax County Board of Public Welfare,
I United Charities of Alexandria and the
I Social Service League of Montgomery
County.
This plan was announced today by
Thomas E. Campbell, president of the
1 Civil Service Commission, who Is head
of the Government committee directing
1 the fund raising, after a survey of the
! neighboring territory where contact was
made with the officials. While the Ex
: ecutlve Committee of the General Com
mittee must give Its approval, this was
ejected to be forthcoming at a meet
ing in Mr. Campbell's office this after
noon.
Prince Georgerf Asks Share.
With this set-up. there remains only
Prince Georges County, where arrange
ments for disbursing the money must
be made.
Several community groups there have
asked that they share in the funds to
the extent of gifts by their own resi
dents, but Mr. Campbell says it Is
hoped that a central clearing house
may be designated, as in the other lo
calities. For that reason the views of
the Board of County Commissioners
have been solicited. In the end, it
may be necessary to make a specific
distribution, it was said. *
In regard to the Virginia and Mont
gomery County agencies, Mr. Campbell
said the sentiment in those sections
was favorable to the four groups
named. In Arlington County, he said,
it had been suggested the Boy Scouts
might be made particular designees but
he thought they would have to get their
funds through the central agency.
Whether the subscription of the
suburbanites will automatically go to
their homes, as was urged at a meeting
here last week by their spokesmen, still
must be determined.
Under the present plan, the money
would be diverted from the Washing
ton Community Chest only at the
specific request of the donor, but dele
gates from the other communities
wanted this procedure reversed, saying
that in many instances givers might
overlook the necessity for asking the
diversion.
IN Per Cent Donated.
The first large Government agency
to report in the campaign, the Civil
Service Commission, has subscribed
more than 100 per cent to the fund, it
was announced last night by Miss
Jessie Dell, a member of the commis
sion. who is divisional chairman there.
Ninety-four per cent of the commis
sion employes are contributing and
their total gift amounted to more than
$7,000, which is more than would
have been obtained had every one of
the 400 employes in the commission
given just the straight three days’ pay.
An appeal In behalf of the fund will
be made by radio over Station WMAL
at 6:50 o’clock Friday night. The
speaker will be Luther C. Steward,
president of the National Federation
. of Federal Employes.
Emploves of the Office of Public
‘ Buildings and Public Parks, who failed
I to contribute three days’ pay to aid in
| alleviating distress during the depres-
I Flowers of Old Mexico
SENORA PUIG AND FAMILY ARRIVE IN CAPITAL.
fsf' 9HB *
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*fr ** ' *V ? 7 •
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BY GRETCHEN SMITH.
CHILDREN’S voices and feminine
laughter again resound In the
stately home of the Mexican
Ambassador.
Silent and lonely since the
departure of Senora de Tellez and her
charming little family several months
ago, the handsome building on Six
teenth street gladly opened its doors a
few days ago to welcome its new chate
laine, the young and beautiful Senora
Dona Marla Elena Reyes-Spindola de
Puig Casauranc, her 4-year-old daugh
ter, Maria Christina; 2-month-old Jose
Manuel, jr„ and Senora de Puig’s sister,
Senorita Reyes-Spindola.
Senora de Puig not only brings youth
and striking Spanish beauty to the
diplomatic circle, but a love of outdoor
sports, which should prove a genuine
acquisition to the tennis-playing, eques
trian-loving set of the foreign colony.
Educated in New Orleans and in an
American school in Mexico City, the
senora speaks fluent English with a
most delightful accent, lending a
strangely musical Castilian softness to
familiarly harsh Anglo-Saxon words.
Interested in Sports.
Graciously interested throughout a
conversation which touched many sub
jects—music, art, travel and politics—
Senora de Puig’s face brightened en
thusiastically at the word sports.
“Yes, that is my real hobby," she re
marked. “I like all outdoor sports,
particularly tennis and golf. Tennis
is very popular among the women and
girls of my country, and I am looking
forward to playing here in Washing
ton.”
Senora de Puig also expressed her
fondness for horseback riding and
motoring, and in her own home is fre
quently to be seen upon the bridle
paths and the motor highways.
"It will be some time before I drive
a car in Washington,” she added. "The
traffic rules are so different—particu
larly the signal lights. In Mexico we
have police at the intersections and I
am afraid the difference in many of
the traffic rules will be rather difficult
at first.”
DMikes Bullfighting.
Although Senora de Puig is an ac
knowledged sportswoman, she does not
enjoy the great Sunday sport of Mex
ico and Spain—bullfighting.
“Yes, they still have many bull fights
in Mexico,” she responded, “but I never
enjoyed them. I always feel so sorry
for the poor animals.”
The Ambassador’s wife manifested
great interest in the rapidly growing
musical endeavors of Washington, the
symphony orchestra and the opera sea
son receiving particular comment.
"I love music,” she remarked, "but
in recent years we have not had the
opportunities for opera and concerts in
Mexico which were offered some time
ago. I am sure I will greatly enjoy the
symphony concerts and the opera which
I am told Washington now presents
during the Winter season.”
Senora de Puig's most absorbing in
terest is her family. In addition to her
own little son and daughter, the family
circle includes two sons of Ambassador
de Puig by a former marriage, Carlos,
a handsome lad of 16, and his 15-year
old brother Ganzalo. An 8-year-old
daughter. Lupe, remains in Mexico with
her grandparents.
Likes to See Movies.
Moving picture theaters will be j
greatly patronized by the Mexican Am- i
bassador and his young wife, who smil- :
ingly admitted that since her arrival in
the Capital three days ago, she had al
ready been to two “movies.”
At present Senora de Puig is concen
trating her attention upon finding a
suitable school for little Maria Christina.
“She is only 4,” explained the Senora,
“but I am anxious to have her learn to
speak English, and think that a school
is the best place for her to learn.”
Hugging a doll tightly, little Maria
Christina came smilingly into the room,
sion will have the reason noted op
posite their names.
This was learned today, following a
conference between Lieut. Col. U. S.
Grant, 3d. the director, and his division
chiefs, at which the problem waJ out
-1 lined to them. Col. Grant is directly
responsible to President Hoover, who
i has sanctioned the three days’ pay do
nations among Federal employes.
Cites Incentive to Give.
I The example of plate printers, who
i do not work a full week, but are giv-
I lng. was cited by the colonel as an ln
’ centive to his employes to donate,
i He made it clear, however, there was
. no compulsion to contribute, but said
l every effort should be made to raise
> the funds desired.
• Col. Grant told his division chiefs
, that, of course, his employes' were not
i limited to giving three days’ pay. if
they felt so disposed, but might give
: almost any amount. Under the plan
I as outlined the money wtikbe deducted
i from the donor’s pay entSppe in Jan
■ uary, February and Mar^ffi^
Wht fuming JBkf
and it is not difficult to prophesy that
the Mexican Ambassador's little daugh
ter is going to prove popular among her
playmates. Friendly and smilingly ex
posing two very fascinating dimples, the
little girl posed amiably for her pic
ture, then turning to the photographer,
proved her linguistic ability.
“Thank you—good-by,” she lisped.
CITIZENS OPPOSED
TO METERED TAXIS
North Capitol Association Ex
presses Belief Return Would
Be Hardship on Hackers.
Strong opposition to the proposed
return to a metered taxicab system
was expressed by resolution and vig
orous speeches by the North Capitol
Citizens’ Association, at its annual
meeting in McKinley High School last
night, cm the ground that it would im
pose a hardship on countless independ
ent taxicab drivers.
The campaign to have traffic signal
lights and other safeguards Installed at
dangerous corners, especially in school
neighborhoods, was continued.
The association recorded Its deter
mination to prevent the sale of gaso
line from tank wagons in the streets.
Lighting System Commended.
Proposals for safeguarding jobs in
the District paid for by District taxes
for District people and to bar business
delivery wagons from the congested
traffic streets during the rush hours
were referred to the Executive Commit
tee for study.
A resolution of appreciation for the
new lighting system being installed in
that section of the city, expressed to
the Engineering Department through
the District Commissioners, was ap
proved.
Continued work for adequate school
facilities was promised by Henry Gil
& legislative representative of the
ct Board of Education and retir
ing president of the association.
Giliigan Paid Tributes.
Tributes of appreciation of the work
done by Mr. Giliigan as president of
the association since 1925 were a fea
ture of the meeting, with more than a
dozen speeches on this subject.
The constitution and by-laws of the
association were amended to include
past presidents as members of the Ex
ecutive Committee.
The new officers elected last night,
who will take office at the January
meeting, are: President, Will P. Ken
nedy; first vice president, B. J. Mc-
Guirl; second vice president. Miss Ada
Payne; secretary-treasurer, Jesse W.
Morgan; financial secretary, Charles
McMurray; delegates to the Federation
of Citizens’ Associations, William G.
Henderson and Seldon M. Ely; Execu
tive Committee. Past Presidents Henry
Giliigan, Washington Topham, Robert
Yost. Seldon M. Ely and William G.
] Richardson, and the six elected mem-
I berg. Mrs. p. l. Bach. F. R. Steffen,
: James O’Connell. H. K. Murphy, Guy
W. Numbers and Ernest Ruebsan.
DR. PERGLER TO SPEAK
ON POLITICAL LIBERTY
National U. Dean Will Be Heard
ht Jewish Community Center
on European Minorities.
A discussion of minority rights among
the smaller nations of Europe will be
presented at the Jewish Community
Center tonight in an address on “Civil
and Political Liberty in Central Europe
—lts Theory and Practice,” by Dr.
Charles Pergler, former Minister from
Czechoslovakia to the United States
and now dean of the graduate depart
ment of National University.
Although educated in this country
and a practicing attorney in lowa for
some time, Dr. Pergler returned to his
native country at the outbreak of the
World War. He was prominent in
Caechoslovakia's movement for inde
pendence and was one of the signers
of its Declaration of Independence.
Later he was designated as the repre
sentative of Czechoslovakia to the
United States and subsequently repre
sented his country in Japan.
Lawrence Heller, Washington attor
ney, will be the guest chairman of the
Jewish Community Center's weekly
round table tonight.
.WASHINGTON, D. C., TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1931, M
POLICEMEN URGED
10 BE CAUTIOUS IN
HANDLING CROOKS
Texas Pistol Expert Tells
Officers Prudence Is
Best Guard.
STUDY OF GUNMEN’S
METHODS SUGGESTED
% ■ 1 ■" ■ "
Tricks Used to Conceal Weapons
Explained—Quick Draw Es
sential to Safety.
Caution Is the best insurance against
injury by gunfire, “Texas Jack’’ Sulli
van, known as the virtuoso of the pistol,
told the Police Training School today.
The wiry Texan demonstrated several
trick shots with an old-fashioned six
shooter to the enlightenment of his audi
ence, ranging from more than a score
of green “rookies” to Gen. Pelham D.
Glassford, newly appointed police chief.
After Sullivan finished his lecture on
gun psychology, Gen. Glassford warned
the future policemen to take the West
erner’s advice to heart. The police
chief said too many policemen had lost
•their lives because of carelessness.
“A law enforcement officer," Sullivan
declared, “to be 100 per cent proficient
must be 100 per cent cautious and sus
picious.
Carelessness Blamed for Deaths.
“A great percentage of mortalities
in American police work has been
caused directly by lack of caution on
the part of the officers who fell—im
prudent handling of suspects, careless
search for concealed weapons, failure
in training the subconscious mind,
failure to develop the instipctive sense
that should warn an officer of danger
around every corner, in every unseen
angle met in the rputine course of the
performance of duty.
"The crook is always studying in an
effort to discover new positions about
the person to conceal weapons where
they will escape detection by the
searching officer. If the officer will
mentally place himself in the
crook’s position and work out positions
of concealment for weapons such as
guns and knives that will defy his own
buddies’ search, he will soon know all
the tricks the crook may try.
“Crooks often carry a small gun in
the peak of their cap or in a hat.
They also may carry a holstered weap
on high on their back between the
shoulder blades, hold up their hands
and after being ‘frisked’ scratch the
back of their head with the right hand,
draw and shoot.
Stresses Shooting Skill.
"The greatest gift I can give to you
is to Impress on your mind the genuine
value you will get from time spent on
the shooting range. Practice accuracy
and speed as much as possible.
“Let your mind occasionally dwell
on possible desperate situations and re
action to them. Be cautious at all
times while on duty.
“Speed on the ’draw' is as Important
as accuracy, but the point is that the
one who is expert in both is safe. Most
revolver battles are one-shot affairs at
close range, and the advantage lies with
the one firing the first shot.
“Aim with both eyes open with either
revolver or rifle. At first you will be
bothered with the blurred sight, but
ignore this and persevere and you will
gain speed and accuracy.
“Never point a gun, broom or finger
or anything at any one in fun or play.”
HEADS HORTICULTURISTS
J. W. Wellington was elected presi
dent of the Takoma Horticultural Club
at the annual meeting, held in the Ta
koma Park Branch of the Washington
Public Library, Fifth and Cedar streets.
Other officers elected were as follows:
Vice president, Fred C. Duehrlng: sec
retary, C. G. Carr; treasurer, W. H.
Youngman, and landscape gardener,
Homer C. Skeels.
CITY HEWS IN BRIEF.
TODAY.
Meeting. Washington Civic Opera,
Mayflower Hotel, 8 p.m.
Card party. St. James’ Catholic
Church Auditorium, Mount Rainier,
Md.y 8 p.m.
Meeting. Vivisection Investigation
League, Inc., 106 Stoneleigh Court,
8 p.m.
Meeting and social night Hope
Lodge. No. 7, Order of Shepherds of
Bethlehem, Masonic Mall, Fourteenth
and U streets southeast.
Buffet supper and entertainment.
Samuel Gompers Lodge. No. 45, F. A.
A. M., 9:30 p.m., Hamilton Hotel.
Meeting, Beta Gamma Phi Sorority,
9:30 pjn., Hamilton Hotel.
Current events lecture. Dr. Walter
H. Rastall, Women’s City Club, 736
Jackson place, 4:45 p.m.
Meeting, Logan-Thomas Circle Citi
zens’ Association, Northmlnster Presby
; terian Church, 8 p.m.
Meeting and dance, Kentucky State
’ Society, Willard Hotel, 8 p.m.
TOMORROW.
Luncheon, Rotary Club, Willard
Hotel, 13:30 p.m.
Luncheon, District of Columbia
Bankers’ Association, Willard Hotel,
12:45 pm.
Elks Charity Ball, Willard Hotel,
9 pm.
Meeting, Executive Board, American
Women’s Legion, Willard Hotel, 11 a.m.
Dance, New England States Society,
Meridian Mansions Hotel, 9:30 p.m.
Meeting, Anacostia Citizens’ As
' sociatlon. Masonic Temple, Fourteenth
■ and U streets southeast, 8 p.m.
' Luncheon, Lions Club, Mayflower
I Hotel, 12:30 p.m.
‘ Dance, Star Point Association, Joseph
■ Milan’s Chapter, Hamilton Hotel,
: 10 p.m.
! Meeting, Outboard Association, Hamil
ton Hotel, 7 p.m.
[ Luncheon, Optimist Club, Hamilton
t Hotel, 12:30 p.m.
> Meeting, German Beneficial Union,
i No. 40, Hamilton Hotel, 7:30 p.m.
i Ball, Chi Sigma Sorority, grand ball
. room, Mayflower Hotel.
! Meeting, Geological Bociety of
; Washington. Cosmos Club, 8 pm.
Meeting. Washington Philatelic Soci
• ety, 1518 K street, 8 p.m.
r Dinner, ExchfUle Club, Carlton
Hotel, 7 p.m. >
HAVENNER EXPECTS
HUGE CROWDS HERE
EOR BICENTENNIAL
Executive Vice President of
Commission Outlines Plans
to Trade Board Group.
135 CONVENTIONS TO BE
HELD IN CAPITAL IN 1932
300,000 Viiiton Foreseen *t Ma
sonic Memorial Dedication..
120,000 Delegates to Come.
Representatives from all States will
come to Washington next year to a long
chain of functions and pageantry
planned in honor of George Washington
as a part of the protracted Bicenten
nial program, it was revealed by Dr.
George C. Havenner. executive vice
chiarman of the District Bicentennial
Commission.
Detailing some of the programs al
ready mapped out for the celebration
next year, to run from February 22,
the "200th birthday anniversary of
Washington, to the subsequent Thanks
giving day, Dr. Havenner promised that
shortly an outline would be given of the
entire general program.
, Addressing a largely attended meet
ing of the Community Affairs Commit
tee of the Washington Board of Trade
at the Raleigh Hotel, Dr. Havenner
declared also there is existing a fine
spirit of co-operation between the Dis
trict and the United States George
Washington Bicentennial commissions.
The national body has volunteered to
lend any possible assistance to the local
organization In completing plans for
the program here, he said.
Plana Made for Caravan.
A. K. Shlpe, chairman of the trade
body committee, pledged full co-opera
tion of the Board of Trade in carrying
out the programs.
Outlining some of the special events
on the Bicentennial program which are
expected to bring thousands of visitors
to Washington, Dr. Havenner said ar
rangements are being made for a great
caravan, forming in three points in
West Virginia, which would wend its
way by slow march to Washington, ar
riving in time for a Flag day celebra
tion. June 14. This delegation plans
to place a decorative float in a gigantic
parade down Pennsylvania avenue to
the east front of the Capitol.
The plan calls for floats to be entered
by delegations from every State. The
idea of the caravan terminating in the
Flag day parade here is to present both
the pioneer days of 1732, with which
Washington was familiar, and the pres
ent development of the National Capi
tal, which the first President visioned.
The extended Bicentennial program
of 1932, Dr. Havenner explained, is to
have an artistic prelude in the produc
tion here February 21 of a masque
written by Percy Mac Kaye, dramatist.
Begins on February 22.
The program is to be opened formally
next February 22, with the President
speaking before a joint session of the
House and Senate and the staging of a
colonial ball.
July 4 next will be devoted to the
customary Independence day commu
nity and city celebrations, but enlarged
in keeping with the 1932 celebration
spirit. In addition there is'to be a
speaking program at the Sylvan Thea
ter and a fireworks display at the
Washington Monument Grounds.
This is to be made a Washington
"home-coming day," with the idea of
bringing to Washington thousands of
its former natives or residents for par
ticipation in local events, Dr. Havenner
said.
Plans also call for a Juvenile dav
celebration in August, with the hope
that representatives of the Boy Scouts
and 4-H clubs from each State in the
Union might be sent here to join in
festival programs.
Then there are arrangements for an
Army day, Navy day. Memorial day,
Armistice day and Thanksgiving day
programs, details of which are to be
announced later.
115 National Conventions.
Dr. Havenner said tentative plans
were considered for a Mother’s day
event here, with the thought of bring
ing here the "oldest nfother’’ of the
country, but that this has been aban
doned, due to fear of possible harm to
the mother in all the excitement and
travel which might result. The plan
now is to show by other forms of pro
grams the esteem in which Gen. Wash
ington held his mother.
As an indication of the size of throngs
expected to come to Washington and
this area for the Bicentennial events,
Dr. Havenner said reports by the
Greater National Capital Committee
of the Board of Trade showed that 135
organizations have planned to hold
their national conventions here next
year. Tl>e total number of delegates to
these meetings was estimated at
120,000.
The dedication of the Masonic George
Washington Memorial In Alexandria
next May, Dr. Havenner said, is ex
pected to bring a minimum of 300,000
visitors here.
Dr. Cloyd Heck Marvin, president of
George Washington University and
chairman of the District Bicenteifoial
Commission, gave an inspirational talk
on the objectives of the Bicentennial
commissions. The program is being
designed to show the significance of the
life of George Washington as applied to
the present day, he said.
Lands Two Leaden.
E. C. Graham, member of the local
Bicentennial Commission and chairman
of the District of Columbia Committee
on Employment, lauded the executive
activities of Dr. Marvin and Dr. Haven
ner in connection with the 1932 pro
grams.
Mr. Graham also petitioned for pub
lic support for the program of the Em
ployment Committee, whose activities
this Winter are to be supported in the
Community Chest campaign, starting
December 1.
Claude W. Owen, head of a special
committee which in the past year con
ducted a movement seeking creation
here of a giant stadium, declared this
program will not be halted by the deci
sion of the Roosevelt Memorial Com
mission not to have the Roosevelt
memorial take the form of a stadium.
J. Sterling Moran reported another
move would be made at the forthcoming
session of Congress for passage of an
act seeking elimination of the alley
dwellings of Washington. Referring to
the two bills before, the last Congress,
he said it was likely the project would
be brought forward this year In some
what different form.
Percy J. Burrell of Boston, pageant
authority of the United States George
Washington Bicentennial Commission,
will co-operate with the District com
mission in the work of planning plays,
pageants and masques to be presented
during the 1932 celebration.
Dr. Havenner, executive vice chair
man of the District group, in making
this announcement today, explained Mr.
Burrell will be associated with Mrs.
More Elms Coming Down
WHOLE ROW TO GO DOWN WHEN STREET IS WIDENED.
a 3 % JMbJ |hlj Jwp - 3AJg: ; ||
■ i ■■ i !■ ■ —i mm
UPPER photograph shows work
men cutting down two trees at
the corner of First and B
streets southeast today to make
way for a steam tunnel sewer,
electric cables and water pipes in the
extension of utilities for new buildings,
including the ntw Botanic Gardens,
the new House Office Building and
others. The row of large elms in the
background will be cut down when B
street southwest is widened under pro
posed plans. In tne background is seen
the steam tunnel which will run under
the new sidewalk.
Below is a picture of workmen in the
HOTELS SOLD OUT
FOR FE8.22,1932
Dr. Havenner Tells Citizens
Traffic Expert for Fete
May Be Appointed.
The first contingent of the 8,000,000
visitors Dr. George C. Havenner, execu
tive vice president of the District
George Washington Bicentennial Com
mission, expects here during 1032 al
ready has reserved every hotel room in
the city for the opening of the celebra
tion on Washington's birthday. Dr.
Havenner told members of the George
town Citizens’ Association last night.
He said the parking situation, expect
ed to develop during the Bicentennial,
probably will be solved by the appoint
ment of a traffic expert to work out a
method to handle the great number of
vehicles expected in the city in 1932.
He did not Indicate, however, the iden
tity of the expert to be appointed.
All Officers Re-elected.
The Citizens’ Association re-elected
all its officers for another year. They
include B. A. Bowles, president; John
H. Small, first vice president: Rear Ad
miral Spencer Wood, second vice presi
dent; William Dougall, treasurer, and
John Paul Jones, secretary.
A resolution was adopted felicitating
Justice Daniel W. O'Donoghue on his
appointment to the District Supreme
Court bench.
Asks Aid for Boys’ Club.
•A canvass of the entire territory cov
ered by the Georgetown Citizens’ Asso
ciation to secure new members was de
cided upon.
President Bowles called on the mem
bers of the association to render all
possible aid to the Georgetown Boys’
Club, since present conditions preclude
its receiving financial assistance from
the Community Chest this year.
WILL CONFER ON REPAIRS
District and School Officials to Air
Shop Problems Weekly.
Weekly conferences between Dis
trict and school officials have been
agreed upon as a means of settling the
constant discord relating to work done
by the District repair shop for the
public schools. The repair shop is not
responsible to the school system, al
though most of the work it is called on
to do has to do with public schools.
The meetings will take place Satur
days. Jere J. Crane, school business
manager, will outline the weekly needs
of the system to Assistant Municipal
Architect S. B> Walsh, L. C. Worming
ton, engineer in charge of the repair
shop, and Lieut. K. B. Schilling, aide
to Assistant Engineer Commissioner .H.
L. Robb.
Marie Moore Forrest, chairman of the
commission’s Committee on Plays and
Pageants.
Three major events on which Mr.
Burrell and Forrest will start work
immediately are the masque by Percy
Maek&ye, to be presented in Constitu
tion Hall February 21 and one other
evening; the Flag day celebration, June
14, and the George Washington pageant
play at thft Monument Grounds on
June 23, 24 dhjd 25.
•
I
Society and General
|
new District wood yard cutting up one
of the smaller limbs of a 50-year-old
elm tree which was cut down on East
Capitol street between First and Second
streets. This large tree was one of two
cut down yesterday because their roots
had been damaged fatally in digging a
steam tunnel alone East Capitol street
and because they were dangerous to
passersby. One of the trees had been
undermined by a manhole. Destruc
tion of a whole row of these old trees
on the south side of East Capitol street
by the steam tunnel will ruin the vista
from this street to the Capitol dome, it
is said.
TREE DESTRUCTION
ASSAILED BY GROUP
Mid-City Citizens’ Associa
tion Indorses Plea of Mrs.
Frank B. Noyes.
Lack of co-ordination of Govern
ment agencies Involved in the laying
of a new steam tunnel on Capitol Hill,
which may result in the destruction of
many elm trees there, was condemned
last night by the Midcity Citizens’ As
sociation.
The statement by Mrs. Frank B.
Noyes Os the Garden Club of America
that the cutting of the roots of the
trees was “absolute, ruthless destruc
tion of one of the great avenues lead
ing to the Capitol” was unanimously
indorsed by the association.
A. J. Driscoll, president, pointed out
the detriment to the beauty of the
Capitol grounds that would be caused
by the loss of these trees and expressed
the belief that co-ordination on the
part of the Government agencies con
nected with the construction of the
tunnel would eliminate the possibility
of their destruction.
Proposes New Agency.
Mrs. Noyes’ suggestion to eliminate
such lack of co-ordination, if neces
sary, by setting up a new agency in
the Government which would be in
charge of “all growing things” in the
Nation's Capitol, was highly commend
ed as a means of preserving the beau
ty of Washington.
The association, which has already
gone on record favoring the retention
of the present zone taxi system, was
told by Leon Brill, president of the Bell
Taxicab Co., that, including drivers
and other employes, 3,000 persons would
be deprived of their means of liveli
hood if the meter system was rein
stated in the city.
The association was informed by the
Board of Education that the Abbott
School, at Sixth and New York avenue,
would be abandoned soon.
Safety Measure Urged.
Resolutions requesting the Traffic
Bureau to “keep clear at all times” the
lines around safety zones, and approv
ing extension of the traffic light system
in Washington were adopted.
Commending Capt. Hugh H. Groves
of the second precinct for his fine serv
ice rendered the community, the asso
ciation requested that he be retained in
that section.
Mr. Driscoll presided at the meeting,
held in the Thompson School, Fifth and
L streets, and announced the next
meeting would be held on the fourth
Monday in December.
Lieut. J. E. Bobo and Sergt. B F
McAllister of the Police Department
were accepted by the group as new
members.
HOUSE BELLS TESTED
House bell signals were tested yester
day for the first time for the coming
; session.
The bells, by different rings, sum
mons members to session, roll calls and
' signify adjournment.
The test was made by Chief Engineer
Charles Tarbut. He rang five bells,
i which the members like best, meaning
recess.
APGE B-1
RILEY CASE STARTS
CAPPER STUDY OF
D. C. CHILD LAWS
Senate District Committee
Head Determining Need
for New Legislation.
KANSAN URGES STRICTER
FIREARMS RESTRICTIONS
‘•Faulty Enforcement’’ of Liquor
and Gambling Laws Also to Be
Acted On, He Says.
Revelations in the case of little Edith
Riley, alleged to have been incarcerated
in a closet in her heme for long pe
riods, have started Senator Arthur
Capper, chairman of the Senate Dis
trict Committee, studying the laws of
the District to determine whether any
new legislation relating to child wel
ware is needed.
He said today:
“I have kept myself informed through
the newspapers concerning the case of
little Edith Riley, who is said to have
been locked in a dark closet in her
home for several years until rescued
by a representative of the Woman’s
Bureau of the Police Department.
Will Act on Information.
“There has been some discussion of
the part played by agents of the Board
of Public Welfare in this case. I do
not pretend to know at this time all
the details of the sordid story, but
if there has been any negligence on
the part of any worker, I am sure the
Welfare Board will deal summarily with
the offender. If further legislation is
required to protect the helpless of the
City of Washington from cowardly and
devilish cruelty, I want to know it. I
shall certainly make inquiries in this
direction and shall act on the informa
tion I obtain.”
The committee chairman said he
was glad the number of portable school
buildings is diminishing as new perma
nent buildings are completed, but ha
added:
"In my opinion one portable is just
one too many for; Washington. Further
more, in the construction of modern,
well lighted school buildings, the Dis
trict government should exercise every
care. Last Spring there were two ac
cidents in school construction work,
when certain parts of uncompleted
structures collapsed. Those accidents,
I hope, will be the last we hear of in
the building of our schools.”
Urges Firearms Regulation.
Urging the importance of a law plac
ing closer check on the sale of fire
arms, Senator Capper said that earlier
this year he printed a story in one of
his publications on the subject which
produced an immediate and widespread
response of letters, some commending
the proposal, some suggesting changes
and others opposing the movement.
“It is my honest conviction, however,*
he said, "that the District would be
greatly benefited by a law regulating
adequately the sale of firearms.
“It is not my purpose to drive tha
firearms dealers out of business. It la
not my intention to cause any incon
venience to law-abiding citizens, but I
do mean to introduce a bill to stop this
unrestricted traffic in small arms, and
I will urge its enactment at the com
ing session.”
Senator Capper declared that, in his
opinion, another condition open to cor
rection “is the faulty enforcement of
the laws relating to prohibition and
gambling.”
Speaks on Howell Bin.
"During the Seventy-first Congress
the District Committee considered Sen
ator Howell’s bill to provide for suitable
legal machinery for the enforcement of
prohibition,” Chairman Capper ob
served.
“I understand Senator Howell will re
introduce his bill. As for gambling,
there were two bills introduced by
former Senator Robsion and reported
favorably by the committee which
failed of enactment at the last Con
gress. As these bills were carefully
crafted after consultation with the
District Attorney, the corporation coun
sel and the Police Department, I be
lieve they should be reintroduced and
enacted.”
Renewing his belief In the advisa
bility of a street railway merger, pro
vided the terms are fair to the public,
Senator Capper expressed hope of
favorable action, but does not know at
this time what proposal may come to
the committee.
Referring to the reappointment of
Harleigh H. Hartman for another term
on the Public Utilities Commission,
Senator Capper said:
Hartman to Have Hearing.
"Certain serious charges have been
made regarding Mr. Hartman’s record
as a public servant. Before the Senate
can confirm this nomination, it will
probably be necessary for the District
Committee to hold a fair and impartial
hearing on these allegations. Mr. Hart
man will be given full opportunity to
answer the charges.” .
Senator Capper also mentioned the
credit union and the small-loans bill
as measures to be considered by the
committee again at the coming session.
The Senator also announced he would
co-operate in putting forward legisla
tion to eliminate alley dwellings, de
claring that “the time has come when
Congress should take a hand in help
ing the District to rid itself of these
undesirable homes.”
U. S. PAYRdLTGAINS
7,922 WITHIN YEAR
3,183 of Increase Represented in
D. C.—Veterans’ Administration
Leads in Staff Additions.
The Government ended the fiscal year
with 616,837 workers on its pay roil in
the executive departments, an incre.a.v
of 7,922 over June 30, 1930, according
to a tabulation today at the Civil Serv
ice Commission.
Os these. 71,693 were employed in the
District, an increase of 3,183 for the 12
months.
The branches showing principal gains
in the year werf: Veterans’ Adminis
tration, 3.926; Justice, 3,702; War,
3,067; Agriculture, 2,439; Interior, 1,204,
and Navy, 1,086.
Decreases were: Panama Canal. 4.-
376; Commerce, 3.275, and Treasury,
1,156.
The Justice and Treasury figures are
related, the shift representing the trans
fer of the prohibition forces. In Com
merce the cut took in the temporary
census workers.
There are now 468.050 positions sub
ject to competitive examinations under
the civiftservice act, a gain of 5,9j1| for
the yefl r>