Evening Star Newspaper, January 25, 1924, Page 1

WEATHER. Cloudy snd colder tonight, tem- perature somewhat below freesing: tomorrow falr and much colder; strong westerly winds. Temperature for twenty-four hours ended at 3 p.m. today: Highest, 50, at noon to- day: lowest, 30, at 6 p.m. yesterda: Full report on page 11. Closing N. Y. Stocks and Bonds, Page 28 Entered post _officy No. 29,123, econd-class matter ‘Washington, D. C. <h ¢ Foening Sfar. WITH SUNDAY MORNING EDITION WASHINGTON, D. C, FRIDAY, JANUARY 25, 1924—FORTY PAGES. “From Press to Home Within. the Hour” The Star’s carrier system covers every city block and the regular edi- tion is delivered to Washington homes as fast as the papers are printed. Yesterday’s Net Circulation, 98,806 TWO CENTS. SINCLAIR MADE FALL $25,000 LOAN, PROBE REVEALS FORMER SECRETARY IS WAR UPON ALLEYS 1S GIVEN PLEDGE OF SENATORS' BACKING, Clean-Up Program Agreed to by Subcommittee and Of- ‘ ficials of District. | OWNERS OF PROPERTIES TO BE LISTED AT ONCE Day Will Be Fixed for Removal of Rubbish—Fund to Be Asked for Drive. War on the alleys of Washington was declared at a meeting of the Sen- ate District subcommittee on public health, charities and hospitals, at- tended by the District Commissioners and the health officer in the Senate District committee room today. The | following program was agreed upon: (1) It was determined that a list #hould be prepared of the owners of alley properties in insanitary condi- tion. This list Senator Copeland of New York, chairman of the subcom- mittee, declared should be published. If necessary, he said, he would read 1t into the Congressional Record. 2. Under the provisions of the so- ealled abatement of nuisances act, the District Commissioners are to send notices to the owners of property to clean up or tear down where the con- ditions .warrant. Removal on Certaln Day. 3. Residents of these alley dwell- ings and owners of vacant lots on which rubbish has collected will be| instructed to place all refuse material | in the alleys and streets for removal on a certain day to be fixed later. 4. The District Commissioners are to work out a plan for the removal of this waste material. 5. The Senate District committee will use every effort to get an appro- priation sufficiently large to enable the Commisioners to elean up the city. 6. Plans will be mads to do away with all wooden fences about back yards and along the alleys in the elty, Which ‘were declared to be a fire has. ard. Wire fences, when desired, are to be substituted. Copeland Tells of Trip. Senator Copeland of New York, in | opening the meeting declared that last Sunday he personally visited the alleys of Washington. He sald that| he had heard that worse slums were to be found In Washington than in New York. it much surprised to find liv- ing conditions in these slums here worse than those in the slums of New York," sald Serator Copeland. “I reached the conclusion that there must be abundant reason for this; that there | was lack of authority to cambat these ! conditions. ~Therefore, it seemed to e advisable to have this meeting | with the District Commissioners and { the health officer, so that we might determine what should be done, “These heaps of rubbish and build- ings in {ll repair afford a living place for rats,” said Senator Copeland, “and rats, it Is sald, cost $2 a year each to any community through the de- | struction they cause. Further, they are carrlers of disease and “spread bubonic plague. It hcs been sald, too. that there are as many ruts in & city as there are people. Not Critic of Offictals. “What T am saying should be con- eldered in no sense a reflection on the administration of this clity. It is easy for outsiders to criticlze who do not know the conditions. There may not be authority here to meet these conditions. If there is lack of such authority we should assist in obtaining it. The Capital city should be beautiful and sanitary, but its beauty must not be a veneer. It must rest on solid ground.” Commissioner Rudolph called at- tentlon to the fact that a member of the House had recently criticized the Commissioners as being derelict in enforcing the law prohibiting the use of alley buildings for dwellings. Ho explained that the Commissioners had been enjoined In the courts from putting this law into effect, and that the case was now before the Court of Appeals. Senator Copeland sald that he “had no thought about the removal of the alley houses. I do not belleve in pa- ternalism or in the government go- ing out and bullding houses. But we can have regulations and enforce them regarding decent living condi- tions.” Power to Abate Nuisanees, Engineer Commissioner Bell pre- Sented to the committee the copy of the law for the ahatement of nui- sances in the District enacted in 1906, After examining the terms of this law it was the consensus.of opinion of Senator Copeland, the District Commissioners and the health officer had_sufficient authority was given to abate nuisances, but that the hands of the Commissioners have been tled by the failure of Congress to appropriate sufficient funds. A revolving fund to be used for this purpose will be sought in the next appropriation bill. Mrs. Archibald Hopkins entered a plea for the alley dwellers, declaring that it would be inhuman to turn them out of their homes until sani-! 1ary houses have been constructed.! she sald that the residents of the strict should give this their earnest attention. Commissioner Oyster told the com mittee that the fire department has taken steps to abate the fire hazzard. Owners are Blamed. He inslsted that the owners of the slley property should be compelled’to | put_this property {n order. Capt, Oyster sald that many build- ings are now beln&:ondemned by the authorities, and those that have de- preciated 50 cent in value were ordered torn down, while others were ordered to be repaired. He said that 271 buildings had been condemned, valued at over $58,000. “We have very few inspectors. said Capt. Oyster. “We could do bet- f we had more, but we are jdats g fe Giving, MELLON IGNORES Mrs. Harding Right To Frank Mail President Coolidge today signed the first general legislative bill he has acted upon since becoming President—a measure to give the mail franking privilege to Mrs. Florence Kling Harding. He also signed a bill authoriz- ing payment of $100 each to the Chippewa Indians of Minnesota for relief. NEW JALL URGED BY CLUBSIND.C. Commissioners Will Be As ed for Hearing to Air Conditions. A movement for a new jail for the [draft a tax bill of their own, using District was launched this afternoon | the Mellon plan as a basis, Secretary by a co-operating group on public welfare from local women's organi- zations of Washington, who met at the City Club. A motion was passed asking the Commissioners for a hearing within thirty days. Mrs. Frederic Ernest Farrington of the Twentieth Century Club read a re- ort by Oliver Hoyem on conditions B¥the District jall, in which reference was made ‘o poor ventilation. equip- ment and other undesirable conditions. Blame was placed upon circumstances resulting from an appropriation so Mmited that crowding. working of prisoners in the hospital and other necessary. Among some of the objectional features were the following: Ventilation In Poor. In upper tlers, where ventilation is very poor, and almost entirely lack- ing, seven men are occupying cells originally intended for two. Although the average term s esti- mated at more than two or three months, thers is no provision either for outdoor exercise, nor any con- structive work at which they might be cmployed to better their physical ana moral qualities Poor persons needing medical treatment at Gallinger Hospital are belng attended by prisoners from the Gallinger Hospital, it was de- tlared, is manned almost entirely by prisoners—exclusive of the profes-: which is required to meet the coun- stonal men in attendance there. One member of the group made the com- ment that the rights of the prison- ere in this case were being sacri- ficed for an urgent need—treatment of the sick—since the appropriation for manning the hospital is abso- lutely inadequate. ‘Would Afr Conditions. The plan is to air conditions at the jail in public, so it may know exactly what 1s the trouble. Among other things, rats and ver- min were mentloned as undesirable attributes. Mrs. L. B. Swormstedt reported on the status of the mothers’ pension bill and upon other legislative attempts for public welfare. Among the clubs represented were the Twentleth Century. the Women's City, the League of Women Voters, the ‘Monday Evening Club and the College Women's Club. POINCARE CABINET FAGES NEW GRS If It Falls Louis Barthou Is Expected to Form Government. BY PAUL SCOTT MOWER. By Cable to The Star and the Chicago Daily News. Copyright, 1024, PARIS, January 25—The Polncare government enters a serlous internal crisis late today which promises to continue for several days, and re- garding which predictions are almost impossible, although most experienced observers seem to think that Premier Poincare will emerge victorious. The occasion is the discussion of the gov- ernment’s economy ‘and increased taxation proposals, designed to check the fall of the franc. Fears Drastic Measures. The majority groups fear if they vote these drastic measures on the ove of the elections they will be com- mitting political sulcide. Poincare replies that the country's vital in- terests, nevertheless, decree that the measures shall be voted. However, he apparently has promised his rap- porters that the elections shail be postponed as long as possidls, pre. sumably to about May 15. The con- stitution provides that the new par- liament must assemble on J The premlier also has agree sald, that the government shall sponsor two electoral projects, name. 1y, the compulsory vote measure, and a project making the chamber of deputies renewable only by one-third Nelther has much chance of siccess, for the senate al- most will certainiy K3 them. Will Support Majority. Finally, Poincare is declared to have promised for the first time that the government, in the election, will support it's majority. 1t Poincare falls it is expected that Louis Barthou will be asked to form a cabinet, seconded by Louis Lou- cheury g 3 it 1s K- G. 0. P. Members Seek Proposal, | COUZENS QUERES INDEFENDING PLAN Asks Senator if High Surtax Had Driven Him to Tax- Exempt Securities. REPUBLICANS IN HOUSE CONSIDER PARTY BILL H Following Mellon Figures When Compromise Is Refused. While republican House members were considering a proposal today to Mellon renewed his defense of his proposals in another open letter to Senator Couzens, republican, Michl- gan. In his last letter to the Secretary, the Michigan senator had challenged Mr. Mellon to tell the country what effect the Mellon plan would have on his own personal taxes. The Secre- tary’s reply did not mention that sub- Ject, however, but instead agaln n- quired whether the present high sur- tax rates had not impelled Mr. Couz- ens to invest a large part of his wealth in tax-exempt sccurities. Mr. Mellon also disregarded Sen- | stmilar conditions had been made: 4¢or Couzen's challensge to a joint de- bate on the Mellon plan. “Your case Is not unique,” wrote the Secretary, “There are many other men in similar situation. Your case is of interest solely as an illustra- tion Cites Rallroad Case. Mr. Mellon emphatically denied he had abandoned his proposition that high surtaxes were becoming less productive, Mr. Cousen's statement to that effect, tre Secretary said, seemed to be a cenzlusion arrived at by some “unique process of reason- ing,"” which the Treasury head found himself unable to understand “You try to answer the fallroad's need for stock investment -the let- ter went om, “by the u#l politi- cul dlatribe againat them, THe ques- tlorl is, can they obtain the .eapital try's needs, and this depends upon what they can offer investors. “Under the present surtaxes, and it 1s they which have been the continu- ous subject of our correspondence, a 6 per cent stock nets the small in- come 6§ per cent. It nets the large income only 3 per cent. That is what I meant by inadequacy of rcturn, and its correction lles in lowering of sur- tax rates.” After he had assured Senator Couz- ens that the Couzens' tax-cxempt in- vestments were cited “solely as an 1l- lustration” and with ‘no intention of indulging in personalities, Mr. Mellon continued: “Let us return, therefore, to the original subject, which is the basis of the correspondence between us. That i, whether the high surtaxes are becoming less productive of rev- enue to the government and are in- jurious to business initlative. ® ® o The case is really too plain for argu- ment.” Would List Securities. Secretary Mellon also wrote a letter today to Representative Moore, deino- crat, of Virginia, in which he favored enactment of legislation which would require taxpayers to state in their income tax returns what tax-exempt securities they hold and their char- acter. Representative Moore has urged (Continued on Page 10, Column 8.) BLAGK TON BLAST LAD 0 GERMANY Lehigh Valley Railroad Makes Charge in Seeking $9,000,000 Damages. Charges that the “Black Tom” ex- plosion in New Jersey on July 30, 1916, was caused by agents of the German government, acting under express orders from Berlin, were made In a brief filed with the Mixed Claims Commission today by the Le- high Valley Rallroad Company. The brief sald the railroad company had within the last sixty days, obtained access to evidence which would sup- port its charges. The Lehigh Valley had before'the Commission a claim for damage to some of its barges by & German sub- marine. It sought in the brief filled today to amend the claim so as to recover. approximately $9,000,000 for losses as a result of the “Black Tom’ explosion. The company had been compelled to pay soveral million dol- lars in claims for damages following that disaster. Setting forth that around its docks at National Docks, N. J., there wai much ammunition destined for the al. lled governments, the brief asserted that since the blast the Lehigh Valley had endeavored to obtain legal proof that German agents set off the ex- plosion, but had been unsuccessful until within the past two months. It ed the commission for permission t ubmit affidavits and other evi- dence to support its charges. In addition to the monetary damage in the “Black Tom" explosion there was a large loss of life. Insurance com- panies have R‘ld out many million of dollars which might become in- volved in the event the commission acts orably on the Lehigh Valley int. The brief was flled by — TaWiA Au MOGOWAD, J0cAl ALRIROTs ‘ l l I HOUSE TOTAKE UP 0. BLLS MONDAY Auto Reciprocity First on Schedule, and Blanton Prepares Fight. Assurances that Monday will be given over to the conslderation of District legislation in the House were ®iven today to Representative Fred- erick N. Zihlman of Maryland, acting chairman of the House District com- mittee, by House Leader Longworth, Speaker Glllett and Representative Louis C. Cramton of Michigan, who is in charge of the Interlor Depart- ment appropriation bill, which 1s un- finished business before the House. ‘The two-cent gasoline tax bill, which is supposed to affect reciprocity on automobile license tags between the District of Columbla and Maryland, will be the first measure called up, Representative Zihiman sald, Blanton to Fight Passage. Representative Thomas L. Blanton, nas served notice that he will oppose the passage of this legislation and will make a point of order that the District committee has no authority, because this is a taxing measure, which should origi- nate in the ways and means commit- tee. The police and firemen's increase pay bill, favorably acted upon by the House District committee vesterday with the intention that it should be placed on the calendar so that it would be ready for consideration on Monday, will be called up following the gasoline tax bill, if there is time. The prospects are, however, that the police and firemen's pay bill will not be reached Monday, owing to the im- pending fight on the gasoline tax bill. —_— JURY TRIALS ABOLISHED. Only First-Degree Murder Cases Exempted in Berlin Decree. BERLIN, January 26.—Trial by jury, except in first-degree murder cases, is to be abandoned throughout Ger- many for three months as a measure of economy to cut down state expenses. The decree has ralsed a storm of protest in political circles, and espe- clally among leaders of the parties of the left. 5 NEW COMMITTEE NAMED. Johnson, South Dakota, Chairman of Veterans’ Legislation. Representative Royal Johnson of South Dakota will be chairman of the new House committee on vet- erans’ legislation. personnel on this committee, consist- ing of six former service men and six members who are not ex-soldlers, was decided upon today by ths com- mittee oh committees. The membership follows: Repre- ntatives Homer P. Snyder, New ork; Robert Luce, Massachusetts; Willlam N. Vaile, Colorado; Ran- dolph Perkins, New Jersey; Roy G. Fitsgerald, Ohio; James H. MacLaf- ferty, California; Bird J. Vincent, Michigan; Ernest W .Glbson, Ver- mont; George A. Welsh, Pennsyl- vania; Robert G. S8immons, Nebrask: T. J. B. Robinson, Iowa. e DAUGHERTYS LEAVE CITY. —_— Start for Miami, Fla., to Benefit Mrs. Daugherty’s Health. Attorney General Daugherty, with Mrs. Daugherty, who is an invalid, left early today for Miami, Fila., ‘where it is hoped the milder climate will benefit Mrs. Daugherty’s health. The Attorney General took his pri- vate secretary with him, and expects to do considerable work while away unless emergency business of the Department of tice requires his ttontlons The republican; READING HER FORTUNE. Sinclair Barricades Self in Paris Hotel; Silent on Oil Deal BY PAUL SCOTT MOWRER. By Radio to The Star and the Chicago Daily News, right, 1 PARIS, January 25.—Harry F. Sinclair apparently does not in- tend to make any further state- ments to the press for the present regarding the Teapot Dome oil concession affair. He remalped barricaded in one of the most luxurious hotels in Paris throughout Thursday, refusing to any one. He left orders with hotel staff that he must abso- lutely not be disturbed until 11:30 o'clock in the morning and after that hour he sent to ail callers the vague reply that he was “not in." Sinclair's friends declare that he is unable to add anything to the categorical denials he already has given of all charges and he re- fuses to allow his European trip of a few weeks to be “spoiled” by continued “importunities” of news- papers. CODLIDGE CONFERS WITHW.M.BUTLER Political Situation Discussed and Plans Laid—Judges to Be Named. | | President Coolidge held his first conference today with William N Butler, who is directing his pre-con- vention campaign and who arrived at the White House last night for the week end. It is understood that the general poliical situation was gone over and plans for future activities in various states were submitted to the Execuive for his approval. Fol- lowing this conference Mr. Butler talked with C. Bascom Slemp, the President’s secretary and one of his principal political field marshals, for more than half an hour. Brig. Gen. Lord, director of the budget, took up with the President estimates he has prepared to date for supplemental estimates for several of BRITISH MAY DELAY SOVIET RECOGNITION Death of Lenin and Uncer- tainty About New Leader to Cause Temporary Wait. By the Associated Press. LONDON, January 25.—Although Prime Minister Macdonald and his ministerial colleagues have made no announcement since taking office re- garding their plans for recognition of soviet Russia, the press accepts unquestionably the statement of the South Leeds labor party that James O'Grady has agreed to accept appoint- ment as Britain's first ambassador to Moscow. Newspaper dispatches from South Leeds, which is Mr. 0'Grady’s parlia- mentary constituency, say the labor organization received its information from the member himself. The ap- pointment has not been confirmed of- ficially, but the views of the ministers on this subject are well known from their pre-election speeches. It is not expected that Mr. O'Grady will go to Russia immediately. The death of Lenin doubtless is delaying the arrangements for recognition, and the uncertainties regarding the suc- cession to the leadership of Russia presumably will have to be removed before the new British administra- tion is able to take definite action. With a view to ascertaining with whom the resumption of relations i to be negotiated, Mr. Macdonald, ac- cording to the Daily Express will send a commission of Inquiry to Moscow. The newspaper adds that Mr. O'Grady and M. Rakowsky, Rus- sian trade representative in London, conferred with the prime minister on the subject at the foreign office yes- terday. It is belleved everywhere that the re-establishment of Russo-British re- lations is regarded by the ministry as of paramount importance and that the government will take the neces- sary steps as speedily as possible. The premier's desire to procure the admissfon of Russia and Germany into the league of nations is said to influence the situation considerably. The Westminster Gazette in this con- nection says Mr. Macdonald is likely to propose an international conrer- ence for the revision of the Versallles the departments to be sent to Con- Breas shortly. Oakleigh Thorn, a New York finan- clal man, discussed with the President ocertain features of the financial sit- uation of agriculturists in the north- Wwest section. Other Matters Discussed. Secretaries Hoover and Wallace submitted to the President a list of men to be Invited by the President to attend a conference here to dis- Ouss means of meeting the financial situation of agriculturists in the northwest section, which was outlined by the President in a message to Congress several days ago. According to these two secretaries, whom the President has delegated to make plans for the conference, be- tween twelve and elghteen repre- sentatives of agricultural, bankin transportation and business interests will _be invited to the conference, which, it is thought, will be some time within the next two weeks. Rear Admiral Leigh C. Palmer, newly appointed president of the Emergency Fleet Corporation called on the President today to discuss with him the progress he is making in his administration of the govern- ment’s merchant marine since its. di- vorcement from the United States Shipping Board. ‘Wil Appoiat Judges. It was announced at the White House today that the President will late this afternoon or tomorrow ap- point Franklin Kennamer to be jui tice of the Oklahoma supreme court, an additional judgeship created for that district at the last session of Congres: It is understood also that the Presi- dent has decided upon the filling of a vacancy on the bench of the south- ern district of California. It is un- derstood that he will not fill the va- cancy in the Florida judgeship until he hears from Attorney General Daugherty, who left for Florida this morning on a two-week vacation. The President today signed a bill granting the franking privilege to Mrs. Florence K. Harding, widow of she former President, . treaty and a reduction of the repara- tion claims. The cabinet has decided, according to the Westminater Gazette, to accept with very minor modifications, the Baldwin government's budget _estl- mates, as the position of the national revenue afforded Mr. Macdonald and his associates no alternative. STATE TAKES OVER BANK. Sioux Falls Institution Has De- pleted Reserv SIOUX FALLS, S. D, January 25.— The Commerolal and Savings Bank of Sioux Falls, a state institution with deposits on December 31 of $900,000, was taken over by the state banking department this morning be- cause of heavy withdrawals and de- pleted reserve. HEARING ON IMMIGRATION Representatives of the State and ‘Labor departments were invited to glve thelr views before the. Senate immigration committee today on the revised system of quotas and‘ pass- port certificates provided in pending legislation. The committee has decided to await action by the House on the Johnson bill before -taking up specific immi- ation legislation, but since some of the pending bills involve interna- tional questions it called its session today to “discuss a broad policy with the State Department.” — e TWO FATALLY BURNED. IRVINE, Ky, January 25.—Two children were . burned fatally and their parents and two other children are in a serious condition as a re- sult of a fire which destroyed the home of Ross Young at Willow Shoals, fifteen miles from here, ¥ terday, 4 SILENT AS TO LEASES; DEAL BEFORE CABINET President’s Advisers Take No Action; Former Secretary Reticent on Doheny Loan. OPERATOR SAYS HE WOULD ANNUL OIL RIGHTS TO CLEAR OLD FRIEND Sinclair Attorney Before Senate Probers; Move to Cancel Both Reserve Privileges Gains Force. J. W. Zevely, Harry Sinclair’s personal attorney, told thc Teapot Dome committee today that Mr. Sinclair had loaned $25,000 in liberty bonds to Albert B. Fall in June, 1923, three months after Fall resigned from The bonds were sent to El after Sinclair had invited Fall to the cabinet. Paso for Fall, the witness said, go to Russia with him to advise him on some business matters there Zevely said Fall gave him a note for the amount after his re- turn from Russia; that he has the note, but that he has not given any evidence of the debt to Sinclair, except to promise he would pay the loan. Senator Walsh, democrat, Montana, recalled that Fall had told the committee that $10,000 was all he got for the Russian trip. “That was his expense money,” the witness said. “The other was in addition.” Zevely said the loan of $25,000 in liberty bonds to Fall was arranged for when he went to Three Rivers to see Fall about the Russian trip. Senator Walsh said it was odd that he would have made a trip to Three Rivers for that purpose instead of writing. “It may be strange, but it’s the fact,” returned the witness. Questioned about the sale of the 3,500 shares of Sinclair stock he had borrowed from Harry Sinclair, Zevely said he deposited the $115,000 in the Ja Ja Corporation in New York. Albert B. Fall of New Mexico, who retired from the cabinet last March, is back in Washington to tell his own story about the series of recent disclosures which have made him the center of a sensation whose counterpart the National Capital has not seen in many years. He arrived late last night, a Senate committee of which he member, and will appear before in response to the summons of once was the ranking republican it on Monday. He will be ques- tioned in the light of testimony given yesterday by E. L. Doheny, the oil magnate, who said he loaned $100,000 to the then Interior Secretary a few months before the Doheny interests closed a lease in 1922 for an oil reserve Denifes Statement. Today Mr. Fall remained in com- plete seclusion. Word was sent out to inquirers that he had been ordered by his physician to remain in bed and to receive no callers. He added that he had made no statement to any one regarding the Doheny testimony and would make none prior to his appearance before the committee. Not only do members of the public lands committee plan to ask the for- mer Secretary about the loan testified to by Mr. Doheny, but they will ask him again whether he had any finan- cial connections with the Sinclair oil interests, who hold the celebrated Teapot Dome oil lease in Wyoming. It was that feature of the ‘inquiry that occupied the committee at to- day's session with J. W. Zevely, coun- sel for Harry F. Sinelair, and host to Mr. Fall during his visit here, on the stand. Zevely, who came to Washington last night from New Orleans with Fall, was accompanied to the committee room by G. T. Stanford and A. E. Watts, vice president of the same company, both of whom have been witnesses before the committee. Crowds Turned Away. To accommodate the crowds the hear- ing was moved to one of the large cau- cus rooms in the Senate office building, but even this proved inadequate and many disappointed ones were turned away. The crowds began to gather an hour before the time set for resumption of the hearings. Assistant Attorney General Holland again was on hand as the personal representative of Attorney General Daugherty, who left today for Florida. Zevely testified that he had served as inspector in the office of the Sec- retary of the Interlor from 1896 to 1902, under Secretaries Francis, Bliss and Hitchcock. Asked by Senator Walsh, democrat Montana, as to his connection witl the lease of the Teapot Dome reserve, the witness began by saying that in December, 1921, he went with Sinclair to Fall's New Mexico ranch with re erence to matters pending in the In- dlan office regarding the lease of Osage Indlan lands. Asked About Teapot Dome, “After we had been there a couple of days,” he said, “Mr. Sinclair men- tioned the Teapot Dome reserve and inquired when it was to be leased. Secretary Fall sald he was having that investigated. When we got home the following February, Mr. Sinclair filed an application. There- re were negotiations for {t T iha Joass was obtained in ApFiL” Zevely said he did no know details of the conversation between Fall and Sinclair at the Secretary’s ranch. H could not say whether the memo sul mitted by Sinclair to Fall on Feb- ruary 3, 1922, was In confirmation of the conversation at Three Rivers. “Who prepared the lease that was entered into?’ asked Senator Walsh. “There -were several engaged in that. It was a long lease. Mr. Stan- ford was the principal one.” “Where were the negotiations for e carried on?" e offica of the Secretary of the in California. Interior. But the drafting of the ll:ue was mostly done in my office ere." Asked about his trip to New Or- leans, the witness said he went there in response to a telegram from Fall. “How dld Secretary Fall happen to be in New Orleans?” pursued Walsh. There to See Doheny. “I understood he was there to sec Mr. Doheny; that a conference had been arranged between them there.” Asked why Fall wanted to see him. Zevely sald they were old friends and he assumed Fall wanted to have him there to be with and talk with him. He said he did not eeek to attend the con- ference between Doheny and Fall: that the former Secretary had told him of 7t afterward, and that Fall had sald he wanted Doheny to tell about the whole matter, Cabinet Discusses Question. The story told yesterday by Mr. Doheny, coming on the heels of the sensational testimony of Archie Roosevelt, created a stir which was felt today throughout all of official Washington. The cabinet discussed the situation, but apparently there was no decision to depart from the present polioy under which the De- partment of Justice, at the direction of President Coolidge, is “observing” the Senate investigation for any con-. clusive evidence of wrongdoing. Among members of the Senate there was renewed pressure for action to cancel both the Teapot Dome and California leases, and there were many indications that the move would have support from both sidi of the chamber. Action on the Se) ate floor was in abeyance until Mon« day, however, because of a week-end recess. In addition to Mr. Zevely, several representatives of the Sincialr inter. ests are in Washington, and are pre- ing to present to the committee a statement covering all essential fea- tures of the transactions leading up to and following the awarding of the Teapot Dome lease. They declared that Mr. Sinclair, now in Europe, will return to appear before the commi tee as soon as his business affairs abroad will permit. Grattan T. Stanford, of his counsel, and Earle W. Sinclair are observing every move in the investigation pre- paratory to any action their chief | may gecide to take. * Fall at Zevely Home. Upon his arrival here late last night from New Orleans, Mr. Fall de- clined to discuss Mr. Doheny's testi- mony or to make any statement othe: nounce that he was * sick man. Accompanied by J. W. Zevely, Mr. Fall spent the night as his guest. Mr. Zevely also came to Washington under a subpoena. It was r midnight when Mr. Fall and Mr. Zevely arrived on the New Orleans limited. They remained lon the train until the other Wa. ington passengers had left, and then departed from the station through & baggage and express room on the (Continued on Page 10, Columa 1.) q