The Daily Alaska empire Newspaper, December 20, 1931, Page 1

THE DAILY ALASKA EMPIRE “ALL THE NEWS ALL THE TIME” VOL. XXXIX., NO. 5905. FIRST SECTION " MEMBER OF ASSOCIATED PRESS PRICE TEN CENT$ RECONSTRUCTION UP AFTER NEW YEAR AFTER HOLIDAY REGESS COMES RECONSTRUCTION House Promises Action for Business Early in New Year HOOVER ASKS FOR EVEN EARLIER HELP President @:ts Railroad Situation Considered Before Recess WASHINGTON, Dec. 19.—The leaders of the House of Represent- atives have promised that early in the new year it will act on the President’s recommendation for a half-billion dollars reconstruction corporation to aid in carrying the frozen assets of the country and thus relieve the business situation. President Hoover has renewed his efforts, however, for even ear- lier help on the vexing railroad situation. He is bending every ef- fort to safeguard the railroad sys- tems’ nine billions in securities. The President turned a hopeful eye to negotiations between railway executives and labor over wages. The leaders of the political par- ties ‘met last night and informed the White House that the corpora- tion plan would be taken care of as soon as possible after the Christmas recess. Y|and appealed to the members of | { |the Pennsylvania Society of Wash- Associated Press Phon Mae Green has been selected as one of the most beautiful girl: of Pasadena, Cal, and will represent “swimming” in the annual New Year’s day Tournament of Roses, which this year will depict events of the coming Olympic games. LINDSAY CASE MAY BE GIVEN JURY MONDAY Defense Rests in Trial of Man Charged with Slaying Wife SEATTLE, Dec. 19.—With only a few rebuttal witnesses to be called by the State, the Superior Court jury is expected to have the case of Everett Frank Lindsay, charged with the murder of his wife, for consideration some time Monday. The defense rested this after- noon after calling intimate friends to the stand who attempted to picture Mrs. Lindsay as a shrew who made life miserable for her husband and their adopted daught- er Pearl. The State, however, succeeded in preventing introduction of evidence about Mrs. Lindsay’s character un- less it showed to have been actual physical violence on her part to- ward her husband. HENRY H. WARD IS SOUGHT IN MDONALD GASE Grigsby Seeks Appellate Court Aid in Filing Mur- der Case Appeal In a petition filed in the United States Circuit Court of Appeals for the Ninth District at San Fran- cisco, Burton G. McDonald, now serving a life sentence in the Fed- eral penitentiary at Leavenworth, Kan., through his attorneys, George B. Grigsby and Harry G. McCain, seeks a writ of mandamus com- pelling Judge Justin W. Harding, of the local United States district court, to sign a bill of exceptions for an appeal taken in the case. Judge Harding has held that time for signing the bill of excep- tions expired before it was pre- sented for his signature and that he was without jurisdiction. This view is contested by McDonald’s counsel who, in the petition cite minutes of court proceedings to show that the necessary steps were taken to protect their client’s rights. Convicted Of Murder McDonald was convicted at Ket- crikan on April 23, last of first MANDAMUS WRIT I(Special Correspondence)—Col. Otto DELEGATE WILL AID OHLSON IN RATE QUESTION Alaskans Will Seek to Con- vince Senator Howell Rates Too High WASHINGTON, D. C, Dec. 10.— F. Ohlson, General manager, and Burton H. Barndollar, Examiner of Accounts, both officials of the Alaska Railroad, are now in Wash- ington and will assist in securing the appropriation necessary for the proper conduct of the railroad for the next fiscal year. Col. Ohl- son has assured Delegate Wicker- sham that he favors a reduction in the passenger and freight tariff that was increased last Spring. To- gether they expect soon to have an interview with Senator Howell, in the effort to convince him that a reduction of rates would result in increased business for the rail- road. Benjamin F. Leaming of Juneau, who has been connected with the Elks Club house, spent the past few days in Washington, visiting his married niece. PASSES AWAY Former Naval Officer, degree murder for the alleged( Some of the court officials in killing of George P. Marshal, a fish | Alaska think that the cut of one buyer. On May 2, following, heldollar per diem in their expense was sentenced to life imprisonment |accounts should not apply to the at hard labor by Judge Harding.|Territory, because there has been He was confined for a short time at McNeil Island later was trans- Spanish - American | War Spy, Dead NEW YORK, Dec. 19.—The fu- serving out his sentence. neral services of Henry Heber| yack of funds, the petition al- ‘Ward, aged 60 years, former naval jepes handicapped McDonald’s ef- officer who won a medal as a!gors to appeal. He was not suc- spy during the Spanish-American !cessry) in this until about Septem- ‘War, and served as Secretary of per 1, last, some forty days after the Navy League and Wwas later no time for filing the appeal doc- Vice-President of the League, Was yments had expired. However, Mr. held here this afternoon. Grigsby, on July 31, the last day —_————— | on which an appeal could be taken, Food is being used by farmers m:flled a bill of exception which, he McMinn county, Tenn., to pay dues ! for Red Cross memberships. ! Priests Held-up, Robbed of One Thousand Dollars W hich W as for Destitute Continued on Page Five) CHICAGO, Dec. 19—Three of ’no reduction in travel and living ferred to Leavenworth where he is|Justice mildly intimates that the REED LEADS IN FIGHT AGAINST REP, W'FADDEN Organized E;ulars Will Demand Scalp of Pennsylvanian ‘WASHINGTON, Dec. 19. — For committing the unforgivable politi- cal sin of assailing the integrity of the President, Representative Louis T. McFadden, Republican of Pennsylvania, seems due for the inevitable penalty of organized op- position to his re-election. McFadden’s offer to prove his accusation that President Hoover “sold out” to Germany failed to mitigate opposition to him by Sen-| ator David A. Reed, Republican of Pennsylvania, who took the lead in the drive to scalp McFadden, | ington to prevent a recurrence of McFadden's attack. The latter again reiterated his readiness to back up his charge that ‘““Hoover sold out” to Germany. MAKES NEW ATTACK ‘WASHINGTON, Dec. 19.—A new attack against the Administration, charging delinquency of the Treas- ury Department in failing to col- lect “practically a billion dollars’ worth of unpaid taxes” was made by Representative McFadden, Re- publican, in a radio speech this evening. McFadden also assailed the Ad- ministration’s proposal to levy a sales tax to meet the Treasury deficit. He said that letters re- ceived from Secretary of the Treas- ury Mellon “indicate there are now pending practically a billion dollars’ worth of unpaid taxes.” McFadden said hundreds of mil- lions of dollars worth of unpaid taxes are available for collection if the Treasury “does its duty.” Independents to Protect McFadden Meanwhile Representative F. H. LaGuardia, New York Independent Republican, disclosed that the; House Independents had agreed to protect McFadden from attacks on the floor of the House and to prevent a repetition of last night's incident when Representative Ar- thur M. Free, Republican of Cali- fornia, charged that McFadden's occupation was bribery. Representative Paul J. Kvale, Farmer-Labor of Minnesota, pro- tested last night against the at- tack of Free, and after a spirited discussion, Free withdrew his re- marks. ——.- Ira Irmburn Is Named to Tariff Commission ‘WASHINGTON, D. C, Dec. 19.— President Hoover has named Ira Ornburn, of New Haven, Conn, to fill the Democratic vacancy on the | Tariff Commission left by the death | of Alfred Dennis last summer. AMERICA EYES STORM SIGNALS INFAR FIELDS Beset with Domestic Prob- lems, Country Has to Watch Alien Struggles ‘WASHINGTON, D. C, Dec. 19.— Beset with its own troubles is not enough for the United States which is now watching trouble sig- nals from three continents. Nor is this a casual watchfulness of ordinary times. Unceasing vigil- ance is demanded from the Ameri- can Government as it struggles at home with such problems as tax revision and business reconstruc- tion. Europe'’s economic ills are almost as live an issue as any domestic problem. Almost hourly there are new developments in the European situation which have to be taken into account by this country. Then the Sino-Japanese troubles are far from being composed, and America’s interest in them is, after all, more than academic. In them, it is recognized there is a source of more than embarrassment for the United States, which necessi- tates continuous and close contact with America’s representatives in that field. In South America is another is- sue that the United States cannot evade. The Bolivian-Paraguayan dispute over the Chaco district in central South America has po- tentialities for trouble. Thus the American Government has to watch Europe, Manchuria ’and South America, looking after its interests in all affected na- tions. But Washington is hopeful that the questions involved in each sector will yield to the patient and conciliatory attitude which this country has adopted in each in- stance. Officials of the Government, how- ever, refused to comment on any of the problems involved. But they gave out an impression of full confidence as they keep in touch with developments. REVEAL CAUSE FOR TRANSFER OF R, CAPONE Gangster Intended to Carry on Business from His Cell CHICAGO, T, Dec. 19.—The Daitly Times today said Ralph Capone’s recent transfer from Leavenworth penitentiary to Me- Neil Island, in Washington, fol- lowed the discovery by the Federal New sun motors produce terrific | heat, | authorities of a plot to carry on in Chicago of vice and gambling enterprises from his cell. expense—but the Department of cut will stand. The Commissioner of the Gen- eral Land Office has issued his annual report for the year ended June 30, 1931. He shows that there has been granted to the Territory of Alaska for the common schools 21,009,209 acres of land, and to the Agricultural College and School of Mines 436,000 acres. From an area of 378,155,760 acres, 22,934 acres have been surveyed during the past year, making a total of 1963835 acres. The receipts from the three land offices in Alaska amounted to $27,475, while the salaries and commissions of Registers and clerk hire amounted to $10,105. The Seward Chamber of Com- merce writes the Delegate that Libby, McNeill and Libby have verified the statement that they The three robbers stole $1,000 intend to purchase from 2,000 to five robbers walked into the rec-[from @ strong box which the 2500 tons of coal at Seward the tory of Holy Trinity Catholic tributed to destif familiese. church, which was crowded with ope and their secretary. stolen, * priests were getting ready to d_\s.'fcomxng season, which is 1,000 tons increase over last season. It is Two robbers waited in an auto- set forth that if coal bunkers parishioners attending Christmas | mobile in front of the churth and are servwe.nndhelawp{'.wo;al'lu‘tsa.lleneupedatf.ermemoncyva.sl soon built many - thousand ons of Matanuska coal will be (Continuea wa Page 8ix) Army Telegraph Lines Play Major Role in Development . * o in Mining Camps of Alaska The shrinage of the military telegraph system of communica- tions in Alaska was emphatically emphasized in an official circular just issued by Commissioner C. C. Moore, Commissioner of the Gen- eral Land Office, Department of the Interior, which restores to en- tty under the public land laws ap- proximately 1,000 miles of right of way formerly used by land tele- graph lines and the ground at one time used by 22 telegraph sta- tions. The Army’s far-flung system of telegraph lines, coupled with the cabie system from Seattle, played a major role in the history of the pioneer mining camps of the Ter- ritory. Wherever a strike was made, shortly afterward a shingle was hung out announcing that the Army’s Signal Corps was prepared to receive and send messages. Stations Long Since Closed All of the 22 stations have long since been closed, the telegarph equipment moved to other points or stored in Army werehouses, and the hundreds of miles of galvan- ized iron wire that kept the frontier mining settlements in touch with the outside world per- mitted to rust away. The Army’s communication sys- tem in the Territory blossomed forth in the early days of the present century. The first land telegraph line of any consequence headed north from Valdez toward the Klondike diggings. It crossed the summit north of Valdez and stretched from Gulkana, on Rick- ardson Highway, then undreamed of, to Fort Egbert on the upper Yukon. It was known as the Ketchumstock line. The distance from Gulkana to Fort Egbert (Eagle), was approximately 350 miles. Fairbanks was discovered within a few years and the Army strung its wires north from Gul- kana across the Alaska Range through the Delta and Tanana Valleys to Fairbanks and Chena. Fairbanks Changes Map Fort Egbert gave way to Fort Gibbon, at the confluence of the Tanana and Yukon Rivers. And the magic wires were strung be- iween Fairbanks and Tanana. (Continued on Page Five) THIS IS ‘JACK’ GARNER, SPEAKER Associated Press Photo Plain-spoken John Nance Garner, Texas democrat, is shown wield- ing the gavel in his new role as speaker of the house of representatives. A democratic majority gave him the job by a vote of 218 to 207 LABOR RULE IN AUSTRALIA HAS BEEN DEFEATED Voters Drive Premier James Scullin from Pow- er in General Election MELBOURNE, Dec. 19.—On the basis of fairly complete returns from Australia’s general election, the defeat of Premier James Scul- lin and the downfall of this coun- try’s Labor Government is definite- ly conceded. The electorate has commissioned by a decisive vote Joseph A. Lyons, leader of the United Australia Par- ty to form a new administration. Lyon’s appeal to the voters was based upon a restoration of “sound and sane government.” The new lineup gives the United Australia Party 37 members, Labor 16, Coun- try Party 14, Left Wing Labor 7, Independent 1. The combined Unit- ed and Country parties have a majority of 27 over all others. They are expected to work together in legislative matters. SPEED BOATS WITH LIQUOR ARE RUN DOWN Two Craft Captured by Coast Guard — One Burns and Sinks NEW LONDON, Dec. 19.—Crews of two speed boats, seized by the Coast Guard with their liquor car- goes, are held here. One man is in a critical condi- tion as a result of gunshot wounds and is in the hospital. The speed boat Nola, of Provi- dence, burned and sank after be- ing seized. ‘The Mitzi, also of Providence, was brought to the customs here. Two of the five men from the Nola were slightly wounded by Coast Guard fire when attempting to escape. Rhinestone Bands On Evening Gloves ‘WASHINGTON, D. C., Dec. 19.— Bands of rhinestones were used as trimming on the long white gloves of Dorothy Nicholson when she made her bow to Washington so- ciety at a dinner dance. Her dress was of white tulle cov- ered with silver sequins. The full $kirt was made of tiers of the tulle edged with silver, GRIGSBY WOULD WIPE OUT RULE OF BUREAUGRACY “If Elected Delegate TI'l Wipe Out Alaska Bureau- cracy,” He Declares “If I am elected Delegate from Alaska I shall inaugurate a cam- paign to end bureaucratic govern- ment in Alaska,” declared George B. Grigsby, whose candidacy for the Democratic nomination for that office was published -early this week in The Empire. “I am convinced,” he declared, “that the Democratic party, which has proved to be Alaska's best friend, will be victorious in the elections next year, and Alaska’s delegate will have an opportunity to render unsurpassed service to the Territory,” he said. Competition Augurs Well “It -is conceded,” Mr. Grigsby sald, “that James Wickersham will be the Republican Candidate for Delegate to Congress next fall. It is for the Democrats to decide at the primary election who is the logical candidate to oppose him. It augurs well for Democratic suc- cess that there is competition for that honor. There should be a large Democratic vote in the prim- aries, “I feel as do many of my friends, that I am the logical candidate. I was beaten by Wickersham in the last election by only 296 votes, after a very short campaign. T carried my home town of Ketchi- kan by 387 votes, the first Divi- sion by 185 votes, and ran an average of 200 votes ahead of the legislative ticket, and also ran ahead of the Territorial ticket. There will be no doubt of my elec- tion next fall if I am nominated in the primary, and I believe, as do the friends who are supporting me, that my official and political rec- ord entitles me to the nomination. SENATE WILL NOT AGREE T0 FURTHER CUT {Upper Chamber Approves House Amendment Against Debts Revision MAJORITY FOR BILL IS ALREADY COUNTED Enough Senators to Pass Bill Pledged—Continuous Session Begins Monday ‘WASHINGTON, Dec. 19.—The bill approving President Hoover's moratorium was sent to the en- ate last night with the approval of its Finance Committee. The re- port was presented by Senator Reed Smoot, Chairman of the Fin- ance Committee. He said more votes have been pledged for the measure than necessary to pass it before the Christmas recess. Continuous Session To secure passage before Christ~ mas the Senate leaders have agreed to a continuous session be- ginning Monday and it will be de- voted to the moratorium. The measure as reported to the House contains the House amend- ment placing the United States Congress on record as opposed to cancellation or revision of Europ- ean war debts. The records of the Senate Fin- ance Committee are fairly bulging with details of foreign bonds trans- actions freshly written into its record. Mitchell Predicts Revision Charles Mitchell, Chairman of the Board of the First National Bank of New York, expressed tne opinion that this country will probably conclude that some fur- ther extension or revision of Eu- ropean debts payments is neces- (Continued on Page Three) R TREE TO GLOW WITH SINGING OF CAROLS TODAY Community Celebration Set for 4 o’Clock This Afternoon Juneau’s Community Christmas tree in Triangle Place will be lighted at 4 o'clock this afternoon, and to the inspiring accompani- ment of organ notes, a throng of men and women and boys and girls at the foot of the towering emblem of the Yuletide season, will lift their voices in joyius rendi- tion of favored Christian carols. Erection of the tree in front of the Seward Building, connection of electric wires and attachment of lamps were completed yesterday afternoon. An illumination test last night proved successful in every particular. Carols To Be Distributed Sheets of paper containing the words of the carols that have been selected for the occasion will be distributed to the public by mem- bers of the Wowen's Club. Massed choirs of the city’s churches di- rected by Mrs. W. C. Ellis, will lead the singing. Accompaniments on the organ, which will be placed near the (Continueac on Page Two) (Centinued on Page Three) First Installmen Breach of Pro t of $150,000 mise Verdict Is Received;Santa Claus Is Good DETROIT, Mich., Dec. 19.—Just as Miss Bertha Cleavenger was beginning to think her $150,000 breach of promise award against John Castle was only a dream, the first installment, $66,000, was re- ceived in a certified check and along with it came a promise to pay $30,000 on December 31 and the balance ¢n March 5, next year. Two years ago Miss Cleavenger was given the verdict which is said to be the largest heart balm vers dict in American court history. castleis.mthymm, operator. t In her suit, Miss Cleavenger said Castle had risen from an automo- bile plant worker to affluence through her aid, agdvice and mon then he married another, ont