The Daily Alaska empire Newspaper, February 24, 1936, Page 1

THE DAILY ALASKA EMPIR VOL. X LVIL, NO. 7204. ’ “ THE NEWS ALL THE TIME” LL JUNEAU, ALASKA, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1936. _ MEMBER OF ASSOCIATED PRESS * PRICE TEN CENTS SITKA GOVERNMENT BUILDING BURNED SEC. OF NAVY PASSES AWAY SUDDENLY Col. Henry L. Roosevelt, Cousin to President, Dies in Hospital WASHINGTON, Feb. 24. — Col Henry Latrobe Roosevelt, Assistant Secretary of the Navy, and a dis- tant cousin of President Roosevelt, died. suddenly Saturday in the Naval Hospital at the age of 56. Col. Roosevelt, who had been serving as Acting Secretary of the Navy during the current illness of Secretary Claude A. Swanson, was taken to the hospital only last Fri- day and his attack was diagnosed as intestinal influenza. FLAGS AT HALF STAFF WASHINGTON, Feb. 24—Flags of the ships of the United States Navy throughout the world flutter at half mast in official mourning for the first time since Calvin Coolidge died, for Col. Henry La- trobe Roosevelt, Assistant Secretary of the Navy and former Marine officer. To Probe Old Age Pensions Committee fiight Named to Investigate Charges WASHINGTON, Feb. 24.—A bi- partisan committee has been named by Speaker Byrns to investigate charges that old age pension or- ganizations, among which are listed the Townsend Plan, had collected thousands of dollars in dimes and quarters for “fantastic schemes.” The investigation is declared by the Townsendites to be welcomed by them. The committee is composed of Representatives Bell of Missouri, Lucas of Illinois, Gavagan of New York and Tolan of California, all Democrats; Hollister of Ohio, Col- lins of California, Ditter of Penn- sylvania and Hoffman of Michigan, all Republicans. Representative Bell said the com- mittee will probably be called to- gether sometime today for organi- zation and hearings are scheduled to begin shortly. It has been charged that dimes and quarters amounting to thou- sands of dollars monthly have gone into the pockets of those proposing the old age pensions. MAJOR GENERAL RECALLED FROM ANTONIO POST Hagood Summarily Reliev- ed of Command—Called Funds *‘Stage Money” WASHINGTON, Feb. 24.—Major General Johnson Hagood has been summarily relieved of command of the Eighth Corps Area of San An- tonio and ordered to proceed home to “await orders.” The order was issued at President Roosevelt’s instructions. Maj. Gen. Hagood, in his recent testimony before the House Appro-' priations Committee, suggested that Congress take advantage of what he termed “WPA stage money,” and use it to improve housing at army posts. General Malin Craig, Staff, signed the order. At San Antonio, Maj. Gen. Hagood, y'1en queried, said he had not yet received the order and had no com- ment to make. Epidemic Spinal Meningitis Rages TEXARKANA, Texas, Feb. 24— Seven deaths from spinal menin- gitis in this area in one week has resulted in the closing of all rural and city schools, theatres and churches. Chief of There hasn’t been any doubt th: re-election, but it is now official. Secretary of State Edward J. Hughes (left) of Illinois and his aide, Major Amos Richardson, are pictured looking over the petition which entered the President’s name in the | Mlinois preferential primary in April. Presidential Boom of Governor Landon Gains Momentum; Is Big Topic LANDON BOOM TAKING. FORM LEADERS SAY Farley Invades Governor's Own Balliwick and Talks Right Out WASHINGTON, Feb. 24— “Lan- don for President” talk among the Republicans veered upward last Sat- urday night to the accompaniment of New Deal campaigning in Kan- sas, the Governor's own bailiwick. Postmaster General James A. Far- ley carried the New Deal cause to a Democratic rally in Topeka and de- clared that if Landon should be elect- ed, which was decidedly improbable, he would be a tool of big business. | Last Saturday afternoon, in Phil- adelphia, President Roosevelt evi- denced a willingness to meet the “spending issue.” Republican spokesmen here, Satur- day night, declared that the boom for Landon is increasing. The Gov- |ernor's supporters claim he is the best suited to make a direct attack on the “spending issue.” | Farley, on a western trip, argued“ |at Topeka, that spending had more | {than paid dividends by saving busi- | ness from bankruptey. | Meanwhile Col Frank Knox of |Chicago and Senator Willlam E. | Borah of Idaho are busily campaign- |ing for the G. O. P. nomination. The Democrats are concentrat- ing most of their energies on efforts |to obtain Party harmony. ———.e Anchorage Hotel IS R@grtad Snldj Reed Disposes of Property‘ to A. B. Cummings— Addition Planned ANCHORAGE, Alaska, Feb. 24— | Frank 1. Reed, proprietor of the An- chorage hotel, announces he has sold it to A. B. Cummings, man- ager of the Alaska Railroad’s hotel iat Curry. With the hotel, Cummings bought downtown lots covering one block and plans to build an addition al-| most double the present size of the structure. The hotel now has 75 rooms and apartments. Cummings will take possession on March 1 and Reed will devote all| of his time to the Anchorage Light | | t i | | | | President. ROOSEVELT’S HAT IN THE RING aud Power Company of which he is | - | | | | | iy | | at President Roosevelt would seek (Associated Press Photo) | | By BYRON PRICE (Chief of Bureau, The Associated Press, Washington) The Landon Presidential boori| now has attained proportions which qualify it as a major topic of dis- cussion wherever politicians are gathered together Opinions still differ widely as to| | what may happen between now and | Republican convention time. There | are those who contend that, if he| conduct 'himself carefully, Gov. |Landon surely will be nominated and there are those who are in-| clined to put the emphasis on me! pitfalls he still faces, rather than | the electric chair a month ago, cast IN | fied him. | the $25,000 reward received by about | present plans for questioning Aman- GOV. HOFFMAN ETHIOPS CLAIM EXTENDS PROBE MANY INVADERS Temporary Savior of Bruno Defenders’ Sudden Thrust Hauptmann Discredits Northward Successful, State Witnesses Negus Says TRENTON, N. J., Feb. 24.—Gov. Harold G. Hoffman, who temporar- saved Bruno Hauptmann from DJIBOUTI, French Somaliland, Reb. 24.--Ethiopian sources declared that their soldiers cut through the TMalien lines botween Makale end Aduws_ killing hundreds of Italian troops in a sudden thrust to the northward The report was not Ralian sources, which i nied the los The army under command of Marshal Pietro Badoglio is continu- ing its move toward the immediats objective of Amba Alaii STOCK MARKET FAVORITES IN DECLINE TODAY Quiet Sc“ir;g' Movement | Takes Place — Several Firm Spots, However doubt Saturday on testimony that placed Hauptmann near Hopewell, . J.. about the time of the Lind- bergh kidnaping, March 1, 1932, At the conclusion of two hours’ questioning of Millard Whited, Sour- lands lumberjack, the Governor said t was “highly significant” that Whited once told the police he had seen no one at the Lindbergh home, then, apparently, reversed himself when Hauptmann was arrested two and one-half years later, and identi- verified by ad d2- The Governor said Whited (old him he had been promised a part of 164 appearing as witnesses, but he thought more was due him. Hauptmann has been sentenced to die in the electric chair the week of March 30. The Governor is silent on the matter of granting another reprieve. Gov. Hoffman said he had no dus Hockmuth, now 87, who testi- fied he saw Hauptmann near the| — Lindbergh estate, but said he “would | NEW YORK, Feb. 24. — Recent think” Hockmuth's testimony is open | Stock Market favorites backed up to suspicion on account of the con- from fractions to one point or dition of his eyes,and from state- more today in a quiet selling move- ments attributed to him which were fment. This is attributed largely to contrary to his testimony on '.heltechnicfll influence. stand. Today's sales were 2,200,000 shares Sugars and rail equipments were CALLS WHITED “LIAR” {%rm Spots in the trading today. TRENTON, N. J., Feb. 2¢—Gov Hoffman today accused Millard Whited ,one of the state's chief wit- nesses against Bruno Hauptmann, with “lying,” and said the charge ‘might be the basis of a perjury ac- tion against him. 8%, Anaconda 34%, Bethlehem Steel The Governor questioned Whited {574, Curtiss-Wright 6%, Chicago, Saturday and said that “The print- | Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific ed and written record shows he is |Railroad 2!z, General Motors 59%, lying.” = |International Harvester 69, Ken- Whited was one of two witnesses | necott 38, United States Steel 62%, who placed Hauptmann near the|gouthern Railway 19, Cities Service Lindbergh estate at the time of '.l‘(‘“‘)\'l Pound $4.99% , Blaw Knox Steel | ¢ | CLOSING PRICES TODAY | NEW YORK, Feb. 24—Closing quotation of Alaska Juneau mine stock today is 15%, American Can 116%, American Power and Light the progress he already has made.‘ About the situation as it stands | at the moment there is far less dis- | pute. Politicians generally are agreed that, as of February, Gov.| Landon is a figure of importance in his party, to be recokened with by every group which aspires to party control That situation involves both ad- | vantages and hazards for the Kanv; | | sas Governor, and undoubtedly is| receiving the most serious consid- eration on the part of those friends who want to see him in the White House. ENTERING “CRITICAL" STAGES Actually, measured by all past standards, the Landon boom would seem to be entering for the first time on its critical stages. Up to the end of January, or thereabouts, Mr. Landon was just another State Governor, with a good record as a vote-getter, praised by his partisans for his executive abil- ities and for his management of (Continued or;‘l;age Five.) LR T Death of Curtis Removes an Able Landon Strategist By HERBERT PLUMMER WASHINGTON, Feb. 24. — Had former Vice-President Curtis lived until the coming Presidential cam-| paign entered the really -critical stage, his contribution undoubtedly would have been an important one. As far back as last August he announced his support of Governor Alfred M. Landon for the Repub- lican nomination. His position was made clear in an interview in which he denied published reports aligning him on the side of Col. Frank Knox of Illinois. “I'm for Governor Landon if he is a candidate,” said Curtis. “I'll never commit myself for anyone else until I know what he intends to do.” . Always a colorful campaigner, Curtis doubtless would have been (Continued on Page Six.) {Undetermined Number of | kidnaping. At the famous Lmdbergh‘m.“. Boeing Airplane 24'%, United trial, he swore he saw Hauptmann!ajorafe 293 crawling around the grounds late in | February, 1932. | - OKILLED WHEN SLIDES BURY MINING CAMP DOW, JONES AVERAGES The following are today's Dow, Jones averages: Industrials 152.74, rails 50.31, utilities. 32.25. - PRESIDENT IS AT HYDE PARK {Attended Centennial Initiation Last Satur OURAY, Col., Feb. 24—Nine men| day Night were reported killed and an un-| IDGE, Mass. determined number injured as! BAMBRIDGE, i Others Injured as Snow and Avalanche Roars Down Feb. 24— President Roosevelt disappeared into |snowslides roared down upon his-|ne hortals of the Fly Club, Harvard's |toric old Camp Bird mining Prob-'most exclusive club, last Saturday erty, eight miles from here. The njop; to celebrate its centennial and slides struck the mill and board-|is see the initiation of his youngest ing house and the roads were son John. blocked by the avalanche of snow., The President came here from There were reported to be 45 men|Temple University, in Philadelphia, at the mine when the slide oc- where he received the honorary de- curred. (gree of Doctor of Jurisprudence last The late multi-millionaire Thom- | Saturday afternoon. as Walsh took most of his wealth| The President left for his Hyde from the Camp Bird which he dis- Park home after the centennial and covered. initiation ceremonies. Little Anchordgé Gl;l Wins First Lap in Her Race to Save Her Life PORTLAND, Oregon, Feb. 24— at full steam, arriving hours ahead | Laura Louise Marle, ten - year - old jof schedule. Anchorage girl, won the first big Little Laura was received at the lap in a valiant race against death | hospital by Dr. Leo H. Lucas, As- when she arrived here yesterday sistant Chief Surgeon, and Miss for an emergency operation for bone | Letha Humphrey, Hospital Supe: infection in her left leg at the|intendent. The girl bore up brav Portland Shrine Hospital for Crip-|ly under the necessary examination. pled Children. Dr. Lucas ordered a complete rest Weakened by her desperate bat- after making an X-ray of the tle and striving hard to hold back |wound which was caused by a tears, Laura and her mother, Mrs.|skate runner on January 4. Two| Peggy Markle, completed a long | operations were performed in An- dash by boat and train, arrived in|chorage and it will be determined Seattle, and were transferred by |later whether a third will be at- ambulance to a Great Northern tempted here. | President train. They left Anchorage on Feb-| Generosity of Anchorage citizens ruary 14. The steamer Alaska rush- | enabled the patient and her mother ed them to Seattle from Seward to make the trip. In white tie and tails, Franklin D. Roosevelt, jr., flashed the famous family smile when he twirled across a Broadway night club dance floor with Mrs. Beryle Henshaw as partner. graphs, but many failed to recognize him. (Associated Press Photo) Hastening of Adjournment Hints ‘New Deal’ Campaign Will Be Ba FORMER GOV, OF MARYLAND PASSES AWAY Albert C. Ritchie, Advocate of States’ Rights, Dies Suddenly BALTIMORE. Maryland, Feb. 24. —Former Gov. Albert C. Ritchie, vigorous advocate of states’ rights and outsp foe of the Roosevelt Administration, died suddenly in his apartment, a victim of a stroke. His last public appearance was on the Constitution and was made last night in addressing a church gathering just a few hours before his death Foe of Prohibition The four -times Governor of Maryland first prominently advo- cated the principle of states' rights as a foe of prohibition. His stand against the 18th amendment in its early years made him a national figure and by 1932 his political stat- ure was such that he was able to bid for the Democratic Presidential nomination. Later Ritchie took a conspicuous place in national affair: of Franklin D. Roosevelt’'s “New Deal” administration. He asserted the grand-scale spending and oth- er expanded federal functions were engulfing local self-government and menacing bed-rock principles of the nation. Drops Bombshell A dramatic incident projected him into prominence as a pioneer oppo- nent of national prohibition. It occurred at a Governor’s conference Harding called at the White, House in 1922 to enlist en- forcement of the 18th amendment A wet stand was then little short of political heresy in many tions, and one by one the Gove: nors voiced their dry sentiment. When Ritchie arose to speak, he { dropped a bombshell into the meet- ing Prohibition Called “Tyranny” He told the conference bluntly the people of his state were against prohibition. Before it was enacted he said, they were solving thé tem- perance problem by local option by which communities desiring prohi- bition “actually got i “The Volstead act,” he asserted, ‘changed all this. Our people in the main regard it as an unneces- sary and drastic federal infringe- ment of their state and personal right, foreign to the spirit of the Federal Union and resulting in a (Continued on Page Three) " YOUNG ROOSEVELT STEPS OUT as a critic| FIRE MENACES " FIRST CAPITAL OF TERRITORY C ommunication Disrupted as Signal Corps Sta- tion Burns MAIL AND VALUABLE RECORDS ARE LOST 95-Year-01disxructure Was First Alaska Army Headquarters The historic C Sitka, housing stoms Building at governmental of- lices for that section, was com- pletely de: d by fire which broke out at 5:15 o'clock yesterday morning. More widespread damage was feared for a time, as the flames menaced other wooden buildings nd nearby oil tanks. First reports on the blaze were meager, due to the destruction of the U. S. Army Signal Corps station which was located in the razed structure. Departments Burned The Customs Building housed the Post Office, the Signal Corps, tha U. S. Commissioner’s Office, Forest Service Office and that the Bureau of Fisheries. Nicholas Bolshanin, Deputy Col~ lector of Customs in Charge, radio- ed the Collector in Juneau that his records were saved, The entire equipment of the | Signal Corps office was destroyed, and it was reported that mail and Post Office records were lost. Other Fears Feit Fears are felt here that mineral claims and other Land Office records of the Sitka Recording District might have been detroyed, as well as game licenses and other valuable papers. News of the conflagration was received in Juneau yesterday via amateur wireless messages to Prince Rupert, which were then relayed through the Ketchikan Signal Corps. Several girls got auto- sed on Record By BYRON PRICE cof Bureau, The Press, Washin Associated on) | (Chief The current effort to hasten the adjournment of Congress has cer- tain ~political implications which may prove of first-rate importance. Broadly, Mr. Roosevelt now has a cnoice betwen two courses of polit- ical action. He can plunge into a Inew series of bold experiments on Ithe eve of the re-election campaign, ‘and seek by dramatic attacks on the depression to recapture some of the momentum of his earlier days in the White House. Or he can |rest on the record as it stands. His opening address to the pres- |ent session, castigating his political lenemies and announcing there would be no retreat, was inter- | preted widely forecasting an- other tense period of creative ef- fort at Washington, Rightly or wrongly, when he said he would not retreat, many believed this meant he intended to advance. | Subsequent events have led to a reconsideration of that forecast. If Administration pressure for early adjournment is taken at its face value, it can mean only that the President is willing to go to the country on the plea that he has done all he could to insure recov- and is confident his efforts succeeded | Tallapoosa to Scene The Coast Guard cutter Talla- poosa sailed at 8 o'clock last night for the scene, bearing equipment for the establishment of a new radio station. The cutter had U. S. Radio Electrician V.L.Hoke aboard, and was to pick up a new trans- mitter at Wrangell for the Sitka operators. She was to reach the scene late tonight. Temporary Communication A telegram from Col. G. E. Kumpe, Chief of the Washington and Alaska Military Cable and Telegraph System to Gov. John W. Troy stated that temporary com- munication was being maintained by means of amateur radio. and that the regular station is expected to be operating again by noon w- MOrrow. The Sitka Customs Building was Continued on Page Eight) Something FEW LEGISLATIVE REQUE to Happen To realize the unusual character | This Week of the pr ative .\mumon“ L pcessary C re it . . with what nas gone wetore. | President Calls for Special Almost from the first, it has been Conference Thurs- day Night customary for Presidents to lay on | the doorstep of Congress, even in| normal times, long lists of legisla- | tive proposals WASHINGTON, Feb. 24. —Word It is no tax on the memory to|from the White House last Satur- recall how, in each of the earlier |day night to “keep Thursday night Roosevelt Congresses, this process|CPen” quickened expectation of was accelerated so greatly that re- Congresslonal leaders that President : £ Roosevelt would son make known quests for major legislation fol- lowed one another in breath-taking X recomnigRiRNaty S . The Chief Executive, it was procession { | learned, asked his legislative Chief- In contrast, it may ulmul.»t be sdld‘ tains to be ready for a meeting with that Mr. Roosevelt has asked noth-| him, fixed tentatively for February ing of the present session. He ma,de'g-,_ following his return from Hyde lone oretwo very general suggestions | pgyy in his annual message. He recom-| y..t Friday, President Roosevelt |mended later the repeal of the cot- | tgid the newsmen he expected to ton, tobacco and potato statutes,|siudy the tax situation during his after everyone already rcuurdcd: absence from the Capital. those statutes as dead letters. {" News of the proposed conference Indirectly, and not officially or|on next Thursday night accompan- formally, he has asked that some-|ied the intimation the Chief Exe- thing be done to replace AAA, bul| cutive’s proposals may be submit- 'a new farm act was inevitable with-| ted to Congress either next Friday out his recommendation. He indi-|or early the following week and cated, also indirectly, that a re-|then be taken to the floor of the stricted tax bill should be passed House after~ a fortnight's hearing to replace the processing tax. His|by the Ways and Means Commit- neutrality measure, once regarded | tee. as about the only prime Adminis-| The report has it that the tax program will be confined largely to financing the new farm benefits, his (Continued on Page Three) i