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MINIMUM ICED APARTMENTS RARE t Star Reporter Makes Exten sive Tour, Finding Few Vacancies. (Continued From First Page.) poverty. If the Bassetts only had come in the day before, they might have taken a second-floor apartment out Georgia avenue, near Walter Reed Hospital. This had two rooms, kitchen « and bath and was furnished for only $50 per month, but the agent confided that a young wife who was at home ell day probably would get the "wil lies" staying there. It was one of those places on which the sun never ehone, she confided. From eight other agents, the Skef fington Çassets received a list of 30 > possibilities, addresses only being fur nished in each case with no offer on the part of the agent to take the home-seekers on a tour of the prop erties or to extend them any assist ance other than the street addresses. To collect themselves, their thoughts and their somewhat shaken confidence, the Bassetts decided to have lunch. To this end, a lunch room was found, a newspaper purchased and the couple settled down. Mr. Bassett glanced over the first page and a headline struck his eye— "Personnel Increase." He read further to learn that the Civil Service Com mission figures showed a Federal ex ecutive personnel in the District of Columbia of 92.557 on September 30. * J 934. On the corresponding date in 1933, the figures showed a personnel of 69.740. an increase of 22.817. prac tically all of whom it appeared had become new residents of the District. On September 30. 1932. a few months before the New Deal came to Wash ington. the personnel numbered 67.070. the commission said. The figures did nothing to compose Mr. Bassett's trou bled mind. He turned another page, another headline popped up—"Apartment Va cancy Less Than 1 Per Cent." This one was definitely upsetting and he read further. Only ZOO Apartments Λ acant. A representative of a real estate organization was quoted as saying that hardly more than 200 apartments «ere vacant in a city of some 38.000 ' units. The occupancy percentage thus amounted to about 99.48. In Novem ber. 1932, the corresponding percent ile was down to 82.5, there being well over 6.000 vacant apartments listed at that date. The 38.000 units end the 200 vacancies were scattered through all sections of the city, he said. some in undesirable neighbor hoods. in old buildings and other un "" attractive circumstances. Mr. Bassett's appetite dulled. He turned to another page, another headline—"Rent Increase Forecast." A speaker had warned the local real fstate board that apartment shortage would force an unhealthy rise in rents, that the long term result of a booming market for living quarters would be disastrous for the real estate operators unless they met the issue in a manner fair to the public. Mr. , Bassett wondered what would happen to the public, of which he was now a part, during the next year or so unless the warning was heeded and Increased housing provided quickly. Rent $82 per Month. Upon these unpleasant thoughts, the Bassetts turned to a detailed con sideration of the lists supplied by nine agencies. Twelve had been obtained from one of the large firms, the most extensive list of all. Pour four-room apartments were offered on Columbia road. Electric ice box current was supplied by the house, also switch board service, but extra charges were placed on telephone use—and the rent was $82 per month. In a nearby building the same firm offered two four-room and two five room suites at prices of $84 and $93 respectively. No switchboard service was available. But they did have two four-room epartments on Sixteenth street which they would be glad to rent for $110 » and $115 per month, respectively. The $5 difference entitled the apait ment occupant to a view of the street Instead of the back of another build ing. If none of these were large enough, there was available up Con necticut avenue an extensive lay-out. including, among other things, five bed rooms and four baths. This could be taken over for $416 per month. The Bassetts thought not. The second largest list was one of fix. two of them being in a choice fpot on Massachusetts avenue. They ν ere cozy affairs of eight rooms and four baths each, and rented for $250. The Bassetts explained their position r In life, and the agent immediately suggested that the Congressman be interviewed. Other Apartments Viewed. Two others were one room, kitchen end bath, one well out on Connecticut avenue, the other on Wisconsin avenue. The former rented for $45. the second was slightly cheaper. On Monroe street northwest was listed a vacancy of three rooms, kitchen and bath at only $55, but further inquiry revealed that the occupants would have to walk up four flights of stairs. The sixth offering of this firm had three rooms, kitchen and bath for $60. but was not in an apartment building and conséquent inconveni ences were admitted. A seventh concern offered three possibilities, two in buildings without êleyator service. The first, off Con necticut avenue, well out, included two rooms, kitchen and bath, for $50. The second, on Kaiorama road, in cluded six rooms and bath, for $65 but plus a daily climb of four flights On New Hampshire avenue they had a vacancy of two rooms, kitchen and bath, partly furnished, for $75. An eighth concern also had three, the one of most promise being two rooms, kitchen and bath, for $57.50, in a location not far from the Lincoln Memorial. Their other suggestions, each without elevator or switchboard service, were of two rooms each on Georgia avenue and lower F street Respective prices were $42.50 and $30. A ninth company, one of the largest admitted having only two vacancies immediately available. One on Thir teenth street northwest had two rooms, kitchen and bath, for $47.50. ' but no elevator and incomplete facilities of a small building. The second, it was admitted, was over a drug store in the southeast section, the rent being $30 for three rooms, kitchen and bath. Two Units Available. A small firm, tenth on the list, offered two units of one room, kitchen and bath. The first, iocated well out on Sixteenth street, would cost $50. The second, near Thomas Circle, was declared worth $35 in an old building « An eleventh concern offered a single ■ partment in a Fourteenth street ' building, near Κ street, for $40. The building was a converted house, with out elevator or switchboard service. The final concern consulted declared •tlRirst it had nothing, then admitted handling a single vacancy on Rhode Island avenue In a building that was used partly for an automobile acces sory store. For two heated rooms and bath, they would like $35. In all places a pretty similar story was told—concessions of a few weeks without rent no longer were being given, renovating and cleaning would be undertaken only to a Umited de gree, options would be given only for short periods, and then only for a substantial deposit. Leases must be signed. In some places a full month's rent must be given to hold the apart ment more than one night. Rent* were being advanced as new tenants came in. In one place the Bassetts talked to the president of the corporation. Was a building boom anticipated, why hadn't one started already, how did rental rates compare with pre-depres sion years? Find Little Solace. To the shaken and tired mind of J. Skeffington, the following answers brought little immediate solace: "For the past few years financing of build ing operations has been very tough— every one has turned a deaf ear to any mention of building—even now conditions are cnly slightly better, although one insurance concern is studying builders' plans for a $750. 000 apartment house on Connecticut avenue. Plans for this have been lying around four years, waiting an in terested party—at the same time we are forced to take money out of our own surplus to build eight individual homes—in 1932. with construction prices at their lowest, there was no ! market for product—large tracts be ing held in northeast and northwest sections for proper time, and neces sary financial support for development —rentals never better, but rate not yet up to pre-depression levels ex cept in cases of some recently re occupied apartments." It was late that night, still apart mentless, when the J. Skeffington Bassets dropped into a troubled sleep in which visions of the more abun dant life were mixed with pictures of row after row of apartment houses. From every window except one came sights and sounds of occupancy. From the remaining window hung a sign: For rent—$87.24 per month, payable in advance, on one-vear lease. · PROSECUTOR INDICTED Denver State's Attorney's Aide Held for Perjury. DENVER. Colo.. November 24 '/Pi.— Earl Wettengel. State's district attor ney, was indicted for perjury tonight by a grand jury investigating Denver gambling activities. The district attorney was accused of having given false testimony in regard to a trip he took to St. Joseph and Kansas City. Mo., in 1933. m ÀMepicàS FINEST VALUE Stands Unsurpassed k b Saies IXTREMELY ARTISTIC GRAND ln in apartment size period model. An instru ment of quality which will in iuture years reflect the good judgment of who ever is the fortunate purchaser of this once-in-a-lifetime real bargain. Now re duced $270 during this manufacturer'! aale. EXQUISITE UPRIGHT, the finest instru ment and case ever produced. Compare this piano with any apartment size up right you ever saw or heard now selling ln Washington at any price. Now re duced 5110 during this manufacturera sale. ψ RAFE BARGAIN in a first-class upright, full 8K-note scale, handsomely encased with bench to match. This small sizt upright possesses volume and tonal quality of the average small grand and is a marvelous value. Now reduccd SgQ during this manufacturer's tale. 1C κ iiALall SaieaJI&cSâïës BPANI8H RENAISSANCE GRAND — Very costly, strictly custom-built Instrument In this authentic design. Including bench to exactly match. Formerly sold it Jl.Oîft. Both instrument and bench In perfect condition, and we assure you nothing can probably ever be found elsewhere that will compare with the true beauty of tone this instrument ex «ctly possesses. Now reduced $335 dur Ing thia manufacturer a sale. TEACHERS UPRIGHT—Exactly 5 inches higher than the small apartment size model!. Magnificent tone and even icale. A value of this description has never before been offered at such a genuine saving. Now reduced {12a during this manufacturer's sale. GRAND PIANO in plain Colonial case, full glr.e keyboard and 6 ft. in length, em bodying every musical quality desired In » truly beautiful Instrument. Only one In Washington available. Now reduced $275 during this manufacturer's sale. GENUINE PROFESSIONAL GRAND—Fin est make and In the very best of condi tion. Regular list price $1.0110. A grand piano In every sense of the word. Never again a chance like this. Now reduced $335 during thia manufacturer'» sal*. FACTORY ?*/profit-sharingy2»\ . . WASHINGTON [X BRANCH STORE )★] \%\ 721 J g V*1\ELEVENTH ST.//V/ N. W. World" β Largest Piems Μ Λ here ROBBERY VICTIM BEATENBY PI One Under Arrest, Another Sought—Woman Loses $60 to Bandit. One man was under arrest and an other was being sought last night in the beating and robbery oi one of four hold-up victims. Harry W. Fletcher, 21. was taken into custody by eleventh precinct po lice in connection with the severe beating of Alfred Sevfried, 37, of 3635 Nichols avenue southeast, who was robbed of $ô and his coat. Tells of Robbery Attempt. Sevfried's mother. Mrs. Harry Sev fried, said the same two men who beat her son attempted to get $10 from her, but failed. She told police he was •'all bloody" when he came home with two men and that she attempted u> hold one of the latter, but he broke away. Miss Elizabeth Burton, manager of a branch laundry office at 110 Florida avenue, another victim, re ported she wan held up by a colored man and robbed of about >00. Woman Robbed by Pair. Mrs. Vera L. Burton, 23, of 434 Eighth street northeast said she was held up by two colored men and robbed of her pocketbook containing a small amount of change while walking on Seventeenth street between Τ and U streets. Cassus Corburn reported that while entering his automobile in the rear of his home at 1201 Ν street he was held up by- a colored man who took his billfold containing *26. • REBEL FORCES QUELLED \ Two Clashes in Mexico Won by Federal Troopa. VERA CRUZ, Mexico, November 24 A group of rebels active in the Tapatlaxo section today was dispersed by Federal forces, while another gToup was occupied with depredations at Omealca and Xuchilea on the Tlerra Blanca road. The latter band robbed repair crews of fuel and set fire to a bridge in an effort to wreck a train. Peasants ex tinguished the blaze. The Yucatan Legislature today asked the Federal government to tum i over to it all Catholic Churches to be ι converted into public libraries. ATTORNEY BISHOP'S FUNERAL TOMORROW Services to Be at Thirteenth Street Beiidence and Bnrial in Bock Creek Cemetery. Funeral services for Rudolph Wat βαη Bishop, patent attorney with the Arm of Lacey & Lacey, will be held at his residence, 4911 Thirteenth street, tomorrow at 2:30 p.m. Burial will be In Rock Creek Cemetery. Mr. Bishop, who died at his home Friday night, was a native of Wash ington. and a member of the Associ ation of Oldest Inhabitants of the Dis trict and the Society of Natives. A member of the District bar, he re ceived his degree from the National Law School here. He was affiliated with the Columbia Historical Society. His daughter. Miss Jane Evelyn Bishop, a brother, Arthur G. Bishop, and two sisters, Miss Mery Bishop and Mrs. Harrington Barker, survive. Waterfall Disappears. Stonebyres Waterfall, lowest of the three famous Falls of Clyde, in Scot land. has been reduced to a mere trickle of water by a hydroelectric power project. RITES FOR MAJ. STINESS TO BE HELD TOMORROW Officer Who Died In Hawaii Will Be Buried in Arlington With Military Honors. Funeral services for MaJ. Henry Williams Stlness, U. 8. Α., who died at Mokolel Beach, Hawaii, August 25, will be held with full military honors from the Port Myer Gate of the Ar lington National Cemetery at 2 p.m. tomorrow. Dr. Oliver J. Hart, pastor of St. John's Episcopal Church, will officiate and will be assisted by Chaplain Julian E. Yates. Honorary pallbearers will include Cols. E. O. Saunders and George Gru nert, Lieut. Col. Louis P. Ford, and Majs. Raymond Marsh, C. H. Daniel son, W. C. Chase, Archibald King, and W. H. Wilbur. Cheap Plane Popular. Germany's new sport airplane, sell ing at te.000, Is proving popular, and many machines have been ordered by civilians in that and other countries It is a biplane with two cockpits, ha: a maximum speed of 102 miles ar I hour and a cruising range of 400 miles JUSTICE DEPARTMENT ATTORNEY'S WIFE DIES Three-Week Illness Is Fatal to Mrs. Jeannette P. Anderson. Funeral Tomorrow. Mrs. Jeannette Porter Anderson, wife of J. Robert Anderson, a special attorney In the Department of Justice, died yesterday In Columbia Hospital after an Illness of three weeks. Mrs. Anderson, who lived at 110 Maryland avenue northeast, had been active in various church and charit able organizations. Born in Mead ville. Pa., she had lied in Washington for 21 years. Besides her husband, she is sur vived by a daughter, Mrs. El ο Lie Porter Crocker; a sister, Mrs. Donald C. McLecd. Wilmington, Del., and a brother, R. P. Porter, Parkersburg, W. Va. Funeral services will be conducted at the J. W. Lee chapel tomorrow at 2 p.m. by Dr. Donald McLeod, Mrs. Anderson's brother-in-law. Burial will be in Meadville. HOXEST RELIABLE DENTISTRY SIP. $15 z ζ MOST RATURAI lOOKiC TEETH «PECTAL ATTENTION TO NTRTOL'S PATIENT» TEETH EXTRACTED. $1.00 s WITH GAS, $2.00 ΜΑΠ> Τ* ATTENDANCK AT ALL TTMBU KILLINGS IN PORCELAIN. SILVER * GOLD NO LONO WAITIN0 — NO ΗΙβΗ PRICES. PLATES REPAIRED WHILE ϋ WAIT, $1.5· CROWN S PORCELAIN BRIDGEWORK SIMS Pin ALL HY WORK GUARANTEED DR. LEHMAN Open Evening* and Sunday. DENTAL SURGEON 10 YEAR·. 437 7TH ST. N. W. ΑΓΛ0Μ MOK LANtlURSH. n» 7' Diamond Band Ring *24" 18-karat white fold eettlnf en hanced with seven beautiful diamonds. Pay SOe A Waeh Regular Price, $29.85 Gift ideal galore—and money to be saved in the bargain. Mighty good reasons for making this store your gift-buying center. ★ ★ ★ Sale! Enameled Dresser Sets $Ç.95 $14.95 Value Here's · popular gift item—at a remarkably low price. Six pieces —of enamel in black, green and ivory. Packed in a beautifully lined silk case. Ladies' $12.95 WatcheSfSale! Pay 50c a Week A dainty and we!! made wriit watch at a reduced price. The «mart rase and the beauty of the de sign will appeal. Band la included. SOe A Week $9 .95 ,, , i: i -, '?nL *-nd *12% ÎL°»4 .'"ι* «η* soi " >. °le* ca$es toilf "Vein *"h *Se "A in • ••77^ let* <2 ^ pay * k, eeV*~ *r^ * Vgh?;^, Ww-r.A«»> w*rXt «.uo^'i.vw* * tn'B Ν J, ot *'£««* \«° *»nd i»»*·otvfi»· » ot>« „ ii»*10" «I A "* |tft® GOTHAM baguette of white gold. Metal band to match. $2150 SOc A Week F I. G 1 X baeurtte— choice of white or yellow (told case with band to match. *35 7Sc A Week RI'LOVA baguette of white gold with di* mond.« in case. Bnrtd to match. $39-95 75c A Week HAMILTON for 1 a Λ i « !>. 17 - Jewel movement. TV h 11 i Sold case. $40 7Sc A Week ★ ★ ★ Yellow Cold Waltham .95 A «mall, smart ewe of vellow gold with leather strap. Guaranteed move ment. Excellent time keeper. '24 Pay SOe A Week ★ ★ ★ Bulova "Ambassador" A fine 15-Jewel move ment ir. a handsome white case Fully guar anteed to keep excellent time. Metal band to match. $2Q·75 Pay SOe A Week ★ ★ ★ Special! Waltham Watch .95 An unusual value 1n a nationally famous Waltham. Smart, attrac tive and a aplendid time-keeper. 13 Pay SOe A Week ★ ★ ★ 47'Jewel Hamilton You can choose thu hand •ome and famous make watch in white or yellow «old. Seventeen-iewel move ment. Guaranteed good time keeper. $37 .50 Pay 76c A Week ★ ★ ★ Everybody'* Talking About • · · 1004 F St. N.W. Opposite Woodward end Lothrop Phone Nat. 2362