Evening Star Newspaper, February 8, 1923, Page 5

BUREAU SHAKE-UP INSTIGATOR KNOWN President’s Secret May Be Divulged as Time of Rein- | stating 28 Chiefs Nears. “President Harding aloné holds the secret of who started the bureau of engraving and printing incrimina- tions and charges of fraudulent dupli- cation of bonds, resulting In the dras- tle removal of twenty-eight bureau chiefs—in fact. the instigator of the whiarges on which the President based his action is not known to Secretary Mellon himself, it was sald on high duthority today at the Treasury. As the time limit for restoration of the civil service status of the dis- missed employes draws nearer, and the President is expected to somewhat clear up the situation, the Identity of thie instigator of the charges con- fInues o be one of the deepest mys- teries, Unknown at Treasury. High oficials of the Treasugy today admitted they did not know &ho had been the prime mover in the campalgn of official charges which led to the President’s order of March 31, 192 With President Harding expected to make some definite announcement, dizcussion in official circles today re- volved more and more about the po: Eibility of the President disclosing the identity of the person or persons who were in the beginning responsible for starting the charges and eventually bringing to bear such heavy pressure on the President that he acted. Differences Are Denfed. Treas officlals today denied ru- mors that there were harp differ- ences between the Treasury and Jus. tice departments over the matter. re- jterating @ previous announcement that the two investigations by the committee and Department e agents had been practical- Iy In agreement. They disclosed no graft it was stated, on the part of any one at the bureau, while duplica- tlon of securities was found to be due to mechanical errors resulting in loss t0 no one. The whole matter. it was sald. now rests with President Harding. 0. HEADSWOILD P SCHOOL BODY tion between the board of edu- tion Distriet government of- tals would be removed if the Com- misstoners appointed the school board, the city heads told Congress in & re- port vesterday Senator Ball, chairman of the Dis- trict committee, asked for a report on the blill to transfer power of ap- vointing the school board from the Judges of the D Supreme Court to the President In their reply sent forward vesterday the city fathe ey do not be- ifeve the President should be bur- dened with such appointments. They recommend that the language of the bill be changed to make the hoard of Commissloners the appointing sgen Nefer to Controversy. The Commissioners refer indirectly to the fierence of opinion which arose recently between them and the echonl officlals over the question of the right of the Commissgloners to veto a requisition from the school bomrd for expenditure of funds. The controversy had its origin in a request from the school authorities for the purchase of supplies for a bsauty course at the O Street Colored Vocational School. ers declined to buy the suppiles, hold- ing that they did not deem the ex- penditure a proper one. As a result Corporation Counsel Stephens has, been asked to render a legal opiniorn as to how much au- thority the Commissioners have in passing on the spending of school appropriations. The letter to Sena- for Ball today reads, in part, as fol- 10; “In’ the judgment of the Commls- slonars, the hoard of education should be appointed by the Commis- sioners of the District of Columbla. Two of the Commissioners are ap- pointed by the President of the Unit- cd States from residents of the Dis trict of Columbia, and the other mem- ber is detalled by the President from the Corps of Engineers of the United States Army. The Commissioners are the executive authority of the District of Columbia, and they believe that all appointments of municipal officlals and boards should be vosted in them. The Senate has recently recognized this policy by providing that the hoard of children's guardians of the District of Columbia shall be appoint- ed by the Commissioners. “The Commissioners generaly have Stylish to Match Their Cigarettes By the Associated Press. NEW YORK, February 8.—The dainty female smoker now must select her cigarettes with regard to color with as much care as she does her evening gowns, if she would be fashionable. Lavender, blue, red, mauve, lilac —all shades—to match gowns and moods and surroundings are the latest styles. And with the new fad comes a new source of revenue for the dressmaker—that of tobac- conists. The idea originated in the mind of a Madison avenue dressmaker, who provided her models with varicolored cigaretted to match the gowns they were wearing. It is said to be attaining a vogue rapidly U..S.AND COSTARICA END CANAL DISPUTE Protocol Eliminates Long- Standing Obstruction to Nicaraguan Route. A protocol has been signed by the United States and Costa Rica elimi- nating difficulties dating back many years and affecting the possible fu- ture development of the Nicaraguan interoceantc canal route. The protocol provides that in the event of a decision by the United States to build a canal along the Nicaraguan route, Costa Rica will be consulted directly by the United The Commigsion- States with relation to interests Costa Rica holds under the terms of the Nlcaragua-Costa Rlca boundary arbi- tration award made by President Cleveland. The protocol specifically mentions Costa Rican interests in the San Juan river section of the canal route and in Salinas bay as a possible canal terminal. Text Is Withheld. The text of the protocol signed as an incident to the Central American conference which closed vesterday will not be made public until after it has been transmitted to the Senate as a matter cf information. It con- forms very closely to the similar pro- tocol signed with Costa Rica by John Hay during his term as Secretary of State and does not require Senate { confirmation. Presumably the result of the di cussions with Costa Rica. in the event of a dsfinite project to butld a new canal being taken up, would be the granting by the United Statea of pay- ments to the Costa Rican govern- ment In return for canal route con- cesslons similar to the $3,000 069 pay- ment to Nicaragua provid the treaty negotiated by Bryan, granting canal concsssions hy the government to the United States. Distinet From Conference. The negotiations between Secretary Hughes and Costa Rican representa- tives were entirely distinct from the ! Central American conference itself. It s felt here, however, that the sign- ing of the protocol has done much to tmprove Central American relation ships generally, however, since it was ou a old Central American court of arbitra- tion ceased to function. The Bryan treaty with Nicaragua, as ratified, provided for recognition of Costa Rican rights under the Cleve- land award in the canal route. This was made effective by a Senate resery- ation specifying that the treaty should not be regarded as contravening such Costa Rican rights in any way. Costa Rica was dissatisfied with this ar- rangement, however, and held the Hay protocol to be vold. as the Bryan treaty with Nicarauga had been nego- tlated despite that protoco! and with- out direct consultation with Costa ica. Secretary Hughes Pleased. Secretary Hughes' action in reviv- ing the Hay protocol In slightly more specific form is regarded in officlal circles as having smoothed out diffi- culties that might have stood in the way of development of the Nicaraguan canal right in. the event trafc through the Panama canal continues to increase to a point where a new waterway from the Atlantic to the Pacific shoyld become necessary. The Nicaraguan canal treaty | cluded as a separate understand! the cession by Nicaragua of naval base site in Fonseca bay to the United State: Other Central American go the appointment of all municipal of- ficlals and employes. The exceptions are the board of charities of the District of Columbia, the recorder of deeds and the judges of the municipal courts, who are appointed by the President of the United States. Would Promote Harmony. “The duty is placed upon the Com- missioners by law to submit to Con- gress, annually, estimates for appro- oriations for the expenses of the Dis- trict government. In this connection they come into a close relation with the board of education, and it would seem advisable, in order that a proper policy may be pursued, that there should be harmonious relation be- tween the board of education and the Commissloners. This could jhed by permitting t to select the membership of this board. “The Commlssioners do not feel that {he appointment of municipal officials, other than the Commissioners, should be a duty devolving upon the Pres dent of the United States, The dutles of the President in the conduct of national and international affairs are such that he should not be burdened with minor municipal. matters. “It will be noted that in the section »f the law which this bill proposes to amend, there is contained the follow- ing provision: ““The board shall determine all questions of general policy relating to the schools, shall appoint the ex- scutive officers hereinafter provided for, define their duties and direct ex- ditures. All expenditures of pub- c funds for such school purposes shall be made and accounted for as now provided by law under the direc- tion and control of the Commissione! ot the District of Columbia. The board shall appoint all teachers in the manner hereinafter prescribed, and all other employes provided for in this act’ ‘In the carrying out of school poli ‘tes under this provision of law, the *act that the board of education Is i dependent of the Commissioners has been the cause of considerable fric- tion. This friction could be removed by having the members of the board nt education appointed by the Com- oners.” e Gommissioners had befors them ioday a requisition for the purchase 52 hookey sticks and an addresso- graph for the new Eastern High fchool. They approved buying the hockey sticks, but declined to author- the addressing machine, which they deemed unnecessary, o Europe signifies 2 coun- rr?:f ite com g-xion. 80 called be- cause o inhabitants were of a Jifshter complegion than those,of Asta und Africa, question growing out of the| American-Nicaraguan treaty that the ! DR, OWENS HOLDS |™"or & ToMood in Gown ({INGRESS SOLVENT o Head of Southern Commer-' cial Body Denies Report of Imminent Disruption. Despite numerous financial compli- cations which have resulted in attach- ment of some of its property, the Southern Commerclal Congress is able to meet all of its obligations and is preparing to do %o, it was said yester- day by its.president, Dr. Clarence J Owens. Dr. Owens' statement was in reply {to published reports concerning the ‘Dnnlhle disruption of the Southe: | Commercial Congress, because of al- |leged financial obligations, which it was unable to meet. Dr. Owens de- clared today that such reports “were inspired by some enemy known to me.” and that no change in the organ- !ization's plans was contemplated. No Need for Alarm. ganization In the immediate past has had a hard road to hoe and has con- zequently fallen behind in its finan- al obligations, but he emphasized that they were in no condition to cause alarm or even suggest complete insolvency. “The Southern Commercial Congress has been in continuous service Washington for fifteen ye: tinued Dr. Owens, “and I have ‘been identified with it virtually all that| | time.” During this period, he pointed out, the Congress has accomplished much in the way of economic better- ments in the south and the United States as & whole. He sald the Con- gress with its affiliated bodies was imbued with a “splendid spirit of op- timism” to continue the work of the pas‘, and he said the “work will go forward as usual and without inter- ruption. Obligations to the amount of $20,000 are outstanding, he stated, but ‘'e dec- laration was made that they would be 'cleared up and met as soon as possible. “Our affillated memberships will 21 in this respect.”” Mr. Owens sald a:d he also stated that he has his personai tate behind the matter. Admits Olbigations. Commenting on certain affidavits and bills of particulars filed by two em- ployes, Adelalde M. Huguenin and B. R Lanneau the latter part of January, for $138.85 and $130.80, Mr. Owens sald these employes had been kept on duty tn last summer and fall and that the “bal- ance due them would be paid.” e also admitted the congress owed the New Willard Hotel for a banquet, but cxplained that the con- {gress has had obligations with that concern for nearly fifteen years and that it will, as in the past, make the proper settiement No action has been taken by any administrative officers of the con gress to bring about the disorguni- zation of the congress, Dr. Owens emphatically declared. “I have made many eacrifices In {benalf of the congress,” Dr. Owens said, In conclusion, “and I regret any announcement has been made about ithe organization without a close ex- |amination of it and s affairs.” i — ernments have declared their inter- ests were involved in this cession, which is distinct and separate from the canal route agreement. So far as known no steps have yet been taken to adjust these claims or to provide the means for adjustment should the TUnited States at a later date desire to take advantage of the treaty pro- visions. Route Chief Dificulty. 1 | The chief difficulty in the way of American development of a Nicaraguan |canal has been in connection with | that portion of the route which lies along San Juan river. The existing { treaty betwcen the United States and | Nicaragua gives sole rights to the | United States so far as Nicaragua is concerned, but along one portion of the river the territory on one side belongs to Nicaragua while the opposite shore is within the bound- |arfes of Costa Rica. When the Nicaraguan treaty was announced, Costa Rica objected to What was contended to be an effort on the part of Nicaragua to dispose of the use of a jointly held water- way, since the river was the boundary between the two countries. The | Contral American court of arbitration accept jurisdiction over the treaty between United States was refused to the question, since Nicaragua and the already In effect. It is generally assumed, however, that the negotia- tions disclosed at the State Depart_ ment have had to do with the adjust: {ment of Costa Rica’s claims In regard to the canal rout Ship Bill Foes Say Executive Plea Will Not Help Measure The President's plea that the Senate act upon the merchant marine bill, while approved by many members of the Senate, will, it was sald, yesterday afternoon by opponents of the bill, have little if any effect upon the situation. They expect to prevent a vote on the bill at this time. That part of the President's mes- sage dealing with the funding of the British debt was highly praised by senators who were willing to discuss it. A number of them, however, par- ticularly the democrats, delined te discuss the debt-funding proposal at this time. One sentence in the President's ad- dress to Congress, which has appar- ently grated upon the sensibilities of a number of the senators was as fol- '°7;{ua avoldance by prolonged de. bate {s a mark of impotence on a vi- tally important public question.’ Viewed As Criticism. Senators are inclined to resent this as a criticism of their way of doing business, Volcing the opinion of opponents | of the shipping bill who are willing to go the limit to prevent the passage of the bill, Senator Brookhart of Towa, republical said in discussing the President’s address: “I am willing to vote on the mer- chant marine bill any minute after March 4. The men who would vote at thut time are those who have a right to decide this question of sub- sidy. The President is a little too hasty in demanding a vote now. In my opinion his plea for action now will not make any change in the situ- ation. Senator Lodge of Massachusetts, the republican leader, said: “It was a spiendid _address. course I agree with the President cor- dially, both in regard to the British debt-funding proposal and the rec- ommendation that the Senate vbte without delay on the shipping bill.” Senator Walsh of Massachusetts, democrat, said: “] am in sympathy with the Presi- dent’s .criticism of the Senate’s pro- longed debate on the shipping bill. I am agsinst filibusters. Representa- tive government canngd be preserved if 2 minority can prevent final action or! on legislation known to be favored by a majority. 11 whall probably vote againat the shipping bill, but I do think it should come to a vote, and If & majority favor it, it should be made the law of the land, The debt-funding recom- mendations will come before the finance committee, of which 1 am & member, I prefer to withhold judg- ment untl] the committee has had its hearing. I might add, however, that the President's tone and manner im- pressed me as indicating efther phya- ical weakness, due to {llness, or a not too enthuslastic view of the cause for which he pleaded. The President’s message was not an argument, but a plea.” Senator Smoot of Utah, republican, member of the foreign debt-funding commission, said: “The debt-funding bill will g0 to the finance committee which will meet day after tomorrow, 80 a8 to prepare for the bill when it comes from the Houso. I expect the committee to recommend favorable actlon. $The President's message was splendid and to the point. When I P to think what would have been the effect on the economio situation of the world if the agreement for funding the British debt had been found impossible, I am consclous that lit would have been appalling. This agreement will do far more to help stabilize conditions than any interna- :’1‘01:11"'.;:o:xgml:mco?ferenco. 1 pre- ct that the or £ British debt will pasar MO8 the Claims Farmers Negleeted, Senator Harrison of Mississipp!, } democrat, sal | “It is peculiarly strange that with only a few days remaining of the present Congress, and the farmiers of the country in such distress, that the President failed to mention to the House the need of speeding up action on the farm credits legisiation, which has been passed by the Senate. The farmers are far more interésted in | the passage of that legislation than they are in & vote on the ship sub- |sidy bill, which would lay a further {bruden on them.” Senator Overman of North Care- lina, democrat, said that he thought {the 'majority had a right to brin out a vote in the shipping bill, an added that if the bill is as bad &s its opponents say, it would be to the po- litical advantage of the democrats te let the bill go through by republican vote. Dr. Owens explained that the or-| while he was in Europe and Mexico | MRS. JAM CONGRESSIONAL CLUB F. Wife of Carolina House Member Is New President—Other Officers. Mrs. James F. Byrnes, wife ot Rep- was elected president of the Con- gressional Club at a meeting vesterday afternoon at the club, 16th strect and New Ilampshire avenue north- west, for a term of two years. She succeeds Mrs. Joseph S. Frelinghuy- {sen of New Jersey, who has pres for the past term, since the enforced retirement of Mrs. Irvine I. Lenroot of Wisconsin, who was elected presi- dent last time, on account of lliness. Mrs. George M. Young of North Da- kota was the other candidate for this office. Other 1ow. Perey ond vice president. Fess of Ohlo; third Mrs. Everett Sanders fourth vice president, Mrs. John II. Smithwick of Florida; ifth vice presi- dent, Mrs, Howard Reeside of Penn- sylvania; recording secretary, Mr Elmer O. Leatherwood of Utah; cor- responding eecretary, Mrs. Carl R. Chindblom of Iilinois: treasurer, Mrs. Adam M. Wyant of Pennsylvania The club also voted that Mrs. John !'B. Henderson be made honorary vice esident for life, In recognition of her Mrs. Henderson was suggested as a candidate for the presi- Rencs, but she declined to seek that honor. cers elected were as fol- First vice president, M . Quin. from Mississippi; s Mrs. Simeon D. vice president, of " Indiana; —_—— MRS. E. B. PRATT DIES. Widow of Late General Buried Tomorrow. Mrs. Edward B. Pratt, widow of Brig. Gen. Edward B. Pratt, U. S. A, died Tuesday at the family home, 1869 Wyo- ness. Funeral services will be held at the home tomorrow morning at 10:30 o'clock. Interment will be in Arlington |national cemetery beside the body of her hushand Mrs. Pratt is survived by one daugh- ter, Mrs. Townsend Whelan, wife of Ma). Whelan of the ordnance depart- ment, United States Army. —_— PLANS FIRST-AID COURSE. First ald claskes to operate under the direction of the District of Colum- bla chapter, American Red Cross, will be organized at a meeting tonight at 7:30 o'clock in the chapter head- quarters, 16 Jackson place. Ten lessons constitute the course, and a fee of $3, including text book will be charged this year, which was §5, exclusive of the text book last year. A Red Cross aid certificate will be given for completion of the course. Persons interestad in entering one of these first aid classes are cordially Invitad to attend the organization meeting tonight. Those who are unable to attend the meeting to- night may register at the District chapter headquarters any time today up to 4:30. FLECTS M. BIRNES resentative Byrnes of South Carolina, | to Be| ming avenue northwest, after a long ill- | D. 0, THURSDAY, I PLEA OF AUTOIST FOR LENEENCY VAIN Judge Hardison Fines Sam- uel Drakey, Building Con- tractor, on Two Charges. Samuel Drakey, a buflding con- tractor of Hyattsville, Md., charged with operating an automobile while | drunk and exceeding the sfeed limit by running his car thirty miles an hour at street Intersections, was con- victed fn Traflc Court yesterday afternoon by Judge Robert Hardison and fined in the first caso $100 and for the second $36 or thirty days in Jail. He patd the fines. Judge Hardison, in respouse to a plea for leniency and mercy made by ounsel for tho defendant, by reason of the fa. that the defendant has the versonal care of a minor child totally disabled with paralysin, the court said that the law had been violated, the ives of pedestrians and others had been endangered by the rockless tbandon of the defendant operating \is car while under the influence of whisky and thers was nothing for the ourt to do but enforce the law. ‘The court pointed out that there s a clamor and demand by the people and press for the rigld enforcement of the traffic laws to insure the safety of life and property from men oper- ating cars while drunk, and while the | clamor would not Influence the court fone way or the other, regardless of lany influences of whalever nature, it s the purpose of the court to én- force the law with heavy penaltles land in that way seek to make Wasl ington's streets sater for both ped { trians und operators of automobiles. i _——— {COURT ASKED TO QUASH “PADLOCK” INJUNCTION {P. J. McDonald Claims Intoxicating ! Liquor Was Not 8old on | His Premises. | P. J. McDonald who conducts a| {®oft drink parlor and pharmacy at 643 Pennsylvania avenue southeast, | today asked the District Supreme Court to dissolve the “padlock” injunction re- | cently sucured against him by United States Attorney Gordon at the re- quest of the prohibition enforcement unit. The injunction was based on the application by the United States claiming that Intoxlecating liquor had been sold on the premises, although the only thing seized in a raid Janu- ary 20, last, were flavoring extracts. Through Judge Michael M. Doyle, the | defendant deciares the Injunction was issued in violation of rules of court and not in accordance with the prohibition statutes. He also denies that he has maintained or threatened to malintain a nulsance at h!s place of business. Mr. Jonald_denies that he or his agents 80l to Jam 1. Asher, prohibition agent, any Intoxicating liquor January &, last, or that any intoxicants were seized In the raid. The flavoring ex- tracts which he rold were kept for cul- inary purposes under his license to con duct a pharmacy at the raided prem- | 1ses, and were all treated with ether, or otherwise doctored, to render them un- | fit_as beverages. H Mr. McDonald advises the court lhal‘ the charge against him has never been jcalled for tria in Police Court, al- though he Is anxious and willing to meet the accusation | {PRESIDENT TO ATTEND | LINCOLN DAY BANQUET Plans for University Will Be Un- folded—Many Notables Invited. Among the celebrations in this city | to observe the anniversary of Lin- coln's birthday will be a dinner under the auspices of the Lincoln Memorial | Criversity. which will be attended | by President Harding, the cabinet.| Chief Justice Taft and associate jus- | tices of the Supreme Court, many | senators, representatives and others. | Addrenses will be delivered by the | President and Secrotary Hughee. John Hays Hammond will be toast- master. The occasion will slgnalize the be- ginning of & nation-wide appeal for fhe university as conceived. by Lin- | ooin, who {nspired the late Gen. O. O. Foward to plan it at Cumberland Gap. where the states of Virginia, Tennessee and Kentucky meet. Dr.j John Wesley Hill, chanoellor of ti: | university, will speak and present its needs. It is the intention of the chan- | cellor and those assisting him to ex- pand the work to meet the educa- tional needs of the picturesque re. | glon in which the unversity stands. s i Trees Whose roots are of the same | length and fiber do not thrive as well as those which are unequal. They develop better when their roots reach for nutriment in difforent strata or depths of the earth. The all-including chapter of clearance—in which you are given the choice of every remaining Mode Suit and Overcoat—regard- less of its regular price for $28.75 The only exceptions are the Full Dress and Tuxedo Suits. It will be necessary for us to charge nominally for a Iterations—but reservations may be made with a moderate deposit. l!:’s your last—and best oppor- tunity. FROM_THE AVENUE AT NINTH For Friday The y fina1 Clearance Sale of our entire stock of MEN’S OVERCOATS laorr This final clearance covers every overcoat in stock-—the finest coats that money can buy. English and domestic fabrics, in ulsters, great coats, town coats, polo coats, Chesterfields and astrakhan collar coats. Worumbos, Carrs-Meltons, Crombies, Monte- nags, camel’s hair, and the peer- less make of that eminent London tailor, Kenneth Durward, are the auction block at ! mighty have fallen! $40 Overcoats are now $45 Overcoals are now 50 Overcoats are now 55 Overcoats are now 60 Overcoals are now 65 Overcoats are now 70 Overcoats are now 75 Overcoats are now $85 Overcoals are now now on off. How the 26.67 30.00 33.33 36.67 40.00 43.33 46.67 50.00 56.67 $90 Overcoats are now $60.00 In this entire grouf, 317 coats, sizes range from 31 to 50. The men who take advantage of this final clear- ance are making an investment rather than a purchase. Next winter any coat in the lot will be worth 50% more than its present price. If you've been wait- ing for the swan song, she has sang!