Evening Star Newspaper, November 29, 1924, Page 2

2 * HOBBSIS ALED INBLACKMAL CASE Acnus_edtkin Connection With Schieme to Extort Money From Prince. By the Associated Press. LONDQN, November 29.—After & preliminary hearing in court today, the jall doors swung shut again upon Willlam Cooper Hobbs, solicitor's clerk, one-of the prominent figures in the suit of C. E. Robinson, a former bookmaker, against 'the Midland Bank, the testimony in which reveal- ed a blackmailing plot, through which an unnamed Indian potentate wasg muleted out of £150,000 after be- ing discovered in a Paris apartment with Robinson's wife. The arrest of Hobbs at Gravesend last night as he was trying to leave the country, chraged with recelving property &tolen abroad, provided a sensational sequel to the Robinson trial, in which final judgment was deferred yesterday pending legal ar- Zument. i Hobbs was brought to Bow Street noifce court this morning and charged under the larceny act With receiving property which was described by a representative of the director of pub- lie prosecution &s a check for £150,000, which Hobbs !+ accused of having re- celved on Decemper 27, 1919. The court ordered Hobbs remanded. Calls Charge Absurd. The accused man characterized the warrant on which he was arrested as “quite absurd.” He was in a taxicab. In the testimony of Montague Noel Newton, an ex-Army officer, who was brought from abroad and paid £8,000 10 become a witness in the case, Hobbs was described as & solicitor whom the alleged conspirators against the notentate's well filled coffers had en- gaged to handle their affairs when a lawyer's services were necessary. Newton himself unblushingly testi- fled to having been one of the chief parties to the conspiracy, saying he had posed as the woman’'s husband in the Paris apartment, where the climax of the blackmailing drama was staged. Newton is reported to have left England last night It was learned today that Scoland Yard detectives have for more than a year been Investigating varlous as- pects of the affairs of Newton, Hobbs and Robinson. In view of his con- stant appearances in court during the Robinson trial no warrant was issued against Hobbs, but when the detec- tives learned that a guantity of his baggage had been shipped to Graves- end they acted immediately, arresting him-on A regency warrant as he was about to board & Holland liner. A companion arrested with him was de- tained only for the night. After being remanded this morning Hobbs protested his innocence. The fear felt in some officlal quarters in London that the connection of the potentate with the affair might have| been known in the native state of India, of which he is the ruler, with| a consequent possible serious reaction l on his subjects, was somewhatallayed | today. During the trial the prince| was by court order only alluded to as “Mr. A, and today it was an-| nounced by the London correspondent of the Ploneer Press of India he had been Informed that the potentate's identity had not been published in the uewspapers of India THE WEATHER District of Columbla—Partly cloudy and colder tonight: minimum tempera- ture about 26 degrees; tomorrow fair; moderate west and northwest winds. Maryland—Partly cloudy and colder tonights tomorrow fair, colder In east portions; moderate west and north- west winds. Virginia—Fair tonight, colder in central and east portions: tomorrow fair; moderate west winds. West Virginia—Partly cloudy and slightly colder tonight; tomorrow fair. Records for Twenty-Four Hours. Thermometer—4 p.m., 48; 8 p.m., 42; 12 midnight, 41; 4 a.m., 41; 8 a.m., 40; noon, 40. Barometer—4 p.m., 30.03; 12 midnight, 29.9; 8 am., 29.87; noon, 29.8! Highest temperature, 48,0courred at 2 pm. yesterday. Lowest tempera- ture, 40, occurred at noon today. Temperature same date last year— Highest, 45; lowest, 30. Condltion of the Water. Tamperature and conditoin of the water at Great Falls at 8 a.m.—Tem- perature, 38; condition, muddy. Tide Tables. (Furnished by United States Coast and Geodetic Survey.) Today—Low tide, 4:16 a.m. and 4:26 p.m.; high tide, 10:00 a.m. and 10:20 p.m. Tomorrow—Low tide, 5.10 a.m. and 5:26 p.m.; high, 10:56 a.m. and 11:7 pm 20.03; 8 pm., 4 am., 29.89; The Sun and Moon. Today—Sun rose, 7:05 &m.: sets, 4:47 p.m. Tomorrow—Sun sun sets, 4:47 p.m. Moon rises, 10.01 am.; pm. Automobile lamps to be lighted one-half hour after sunset ‘Weather in Various Cities. . & Temperature, sun rises, 7:06 am.; sets, 8:09 +*aajamonny Sepiamas W om0 v taken to jail | | siderable precision. Blackmail Suit Figures Above: C. E. Rol his wite, was acquitted of atterpting to extort momey from a myaterious Indian prince known in court as a “Mr. A ower. Montague Noel Newton, who confessed to a prominent part in the plot. PLANES MOST VITAL NEED OF ARMY TODAY, PERSHING DECLARES (Continued from First Page.) ligations of military aviation to other troops, and sometimes credit that service with abllity to achieve results in war that have not received prac- tical demonstration. Take, for ex- ample, the bombing tests last year in the Chesapeake. The maneuver showed that under the most favor- able circumstances bombs of destruc- tive size could be dropped with con- In these exer- cises, the vessel was at anchor in quiet waters; there was no opposing aviation, nor was there any anti:air craft used against the bombing planes. Conclusions “Unwarranted.” onclusions, from such trials, that aviation can take the place of either seacoast or battle fleet protection do not seem to be altogether warranted. Improvements in the accuracy of antl-aircraft artilléfy sppear to be keeping pace with improvements in aviation. Our own experiments against airplanes show that to avold the danger of destruction they must fly at such a helght as to eliminate the probability of accurate firing, and this would especially apply to bomb- ing planes which have a limit as to| altitude. “During the World War extrava- gant tales of havoc done to enemy citles and installations were often brought back, in good faith, no doubt, by some of our aviators, but investi- gation after the armistice failed, in the majority of cases, to verify the correctness of such reports. Agalh, the damage done to the allles by the enemy’s bombing craft, Including Zeppelins, was almost negligible even from a material point of view, cer- tainly so from a morale point of view and in its effect upon the final re- sults. Of course., some damage was done by aircraft bombing, and it would doubtless be somewhat greater in another war, but until it becomes vastly more probable than at pres- ent demonstrated, it cannot be said that we are in position to aban- don past experience in warfare. Minimizes Gas Worth, “This brings up claims as to polson gases, and how whole populations can be wiped out, according to some theorists, by dropping gas bombs. The same reasoning exactly applies in this case. Moreover, I am not ready to concede that such inhumane de- struction of non-combatants would be undertaken by any civilized na- tion, even though possible. Tts use against troops, though horrible enough, was not, after the first gas attack, so destructive on elther side as is generally believed. Here the counter development of the gas mask served as time went on to diminish the number of casualties. “We are therefore logically forced THE EVENING HOLSE TO CONSDER FLEVATION O NS Committee to Take Up Pro- posal Without Reference to Arms Treaty Angle. The question whether the raising of the elevation of main battery guns on a number of the older American battleships would be in violation of the Washington arms limitation treaty Is not expected to be raised when the proposal for such elevation comes up in the House naval com- mittee, and the discussion probably will be confined to the advisabillty of making the necessary expenditure. Recommendations made by Admiral Eberle, chief of naval operations, In his annual report, that the guns on 13 ships be elevated, have served to bring the question to the front. In that connection it was disclosed that Secretary Wjlbur is preparing, at the request of Chairman French of the naval subcommittee of the House appropriations committee, an exten- sive statement on conditions in the naval service which will include & review of the situation as to gun elevation. The Secretary’s statement i8 expected to be In the hands of the subcommittee before it takes up the naval estimates for the coming fiscal year. Cost Would Be Heavy. So far as can be learned, the main question as to gun elevation which will be presented to the subcommittee will have to do with the fact that the alteration proposed would be very ex- pensive, and that some of the ships which would be altered will be sub- Ject to replacement with new ships in approximately 10 years. Secretary Hughes called attention to this situa- tion in discussing gun elevation dur- ing a campaign address delivered in New York on November 1. The Sec- retary of State at that time said the whole matter of gun elevation was one for consideration as an economic prob- lem by Congress, and he expressed the bellef that Congress would so dispose of it Taken in connection with the pro- posal advanced by the British govern- ment some months ago to the United States and other powers signatory to the Washington treaty that there should be a further conference to de- termine the expected interpretation of certain clauses of the treaty, Mr. Hughes' statements in New York were then viewed as significant. The Brit- ish communication specifically pre- sented the view that elevation of guns on battleships was proscribed by that section of the treaty which forbids changes in general types of gun mark- ings on battleships to be retained. No formal statement of the opinion of the Washington Government has been made since that time except as it was disclosed in Mr. Hughes' remarks dur- ing the campaign. Elevatfon Unmentioned. It is not known whether any defl- nite reply has been made to the Brit- ish proposal. In his New York ad- dress, however, Mr. Hughes said flat- ly that the gun elevation matter had never been mentioned during the Washington conference so far as he knew, and this statement conforms to the previous understanding that the restriction contained in the clause to which the British communication called attention was proposed for the purpose of preventing the practical reconstruction and rearmament of old battleships under the guise of minor alterations. Beyond question, American officla opinion holds that the praposed in- creases in elevation ars'ng more than minor changes and well within work permissible under the treaty. It was emphasized in the New York address of Mr. Hughes that in the case of any new ship to be built under the treaty in Teplacement there was no question whatever as to the right to provide for full elevation and maximum gun range. ' Wilbur Favors Changes. Secretary Wilbur's statement to Chatrman French is expected to cover many aspects of plans for moderniza- tion of the battleships of the fleet which have been under consideration for some time. Mr. Wilbur himself has indicated that he shared the views of high naval officers that the guns should be elevated, but no in- formation has been made available as to what the administration’s atti- tude will be when Congress convenes. ‘The original gun elevation bill went through Congress as an administra- tion measure on the strength of a re- port that the British had mads similar changes in their older ships after the Washington conference was held. This proved to be incorrect, and the funds were turned back to the Treasury. Whether an administration proposal to renew the elevation appropriation will be lald before Congress or whether the administration program is framed in the view that this would be unwise at present is not known. There have been Indications from several sources, however, that indi- vidual members of Congress in both houses intend to ntroduce bills on their own motion seeking to make funds available at once for modernl- 2ation of the ships, includig the rais- ing of gun elevation: COMMERCE PACT SIGNED. back to the conclusion that armies must still fight our battles —and to win must overcome the opposing forces. The Infantry still remains the backbone of the attack and the role of other arms is to help it reach the enemy. All must work in co- operation to that end. The !dea that the principles of warfare Lave chang- ** a8 asw Abilene, Tex. 8086 68 80 ~ Clear Albany ... 20.92 80 Cloudy Atlanta 8010 28 Clear ‘Atlantic City 29.84 i Rain Baltimore .. 29. Cloudy Birmingham. 30.24 Clear Blsmarck .. 20.82 Cloudy Boston 29.98 Cloudy Cloudy Cloudy Clear Snow Pt.cloudy Clear srme g o e 0.02 Huro Indisnapolis. 30.10 Rt 80.08 ed and that armed contests will be settled in any other way has noth- ing substantial in our experience to warrant serfous consideration. Favors Air Control. “The Alr Service on land should remain an auxillary arm and a very important one in our service, avail- able as now for independent use in mass or otherwise wherever neces- sary, but always under the orders of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armies. Our Air Service should be developed to every reasonable ex- tent both as to personnel and ma- teriel, and it is especlally necessary that aircraft production be estab- lished and maintained on such a basis Los Angeles. 29. cl Leviarille .. 30 Pt.cloudy Cloudy Portland;0: ,N.C. 20.92 8. Lake City 80.44 Sap Antonlo, 80.34 342 Dlago... 2094 . - Francieco 80.02 8. 20, #t, . Lou! 80.: FOREIGN. am., Greeawich time, today.) 3 Temperature. Weatber. 50" Part cloudy Part cloudy $rt atovdy a Part cloudy Part cloudy as to be easily expanded in time of emergency.” s one step to improve Army Alr Service conditions, Gen. Pershing rec- ommended the training of & “larger proportion” of non-commissioned pilots. “It was Qquite frequently stated during the World War,” the report sald, “that non-comimissioned pilots were Jjust as proficlent in the me- chanics of their profession and quite as llkely to follow their leader and devote their whole time to the exe- cution of their mission as many com- missioned officers.” Second among the Army’s needs, Gen. Pershing placed the necessity of bringing overseas garrisons to prescribed strength. To carry out effectively the Army’s mission in peace times, he said, the strength of the Regular Army should be main tained at 18,000 officers and 150,000 men. Reviewing the post-war develop- ment of the National Guard, Gen. Pershing found the service to be “thriving,” but recommended that th sggregate strength of the guned be Czechoslovakia and Austria Enter Into Agreement. VIENNA, November 29.—The com- mercial treaty between Czechoslo- vakia and Austria, based on the Austrian tariff recently passed by the National Assembly, has been sign- ed. Czechoslovakia concedes duty re- ductions on one-third of the prin- cipal articles exported by Austrin Twenty-five per cent of Csechc- slovakia’s exports came to Austria in 1923, while 20 per cent of Austria’s exports went to Czechoslovakia. The finance minister, Dr. Abrer, is quoted by the press as declaring his intention of relieving Austrian industry, now burdened by 30 per cent taxes, in every way possible. fixed at 200,000 in the active units instead of 250,000 as at present. The other 60,000 would be composed of “deferred units,” he 1d, such as corps and Army troop commands, lack of which in peace time would not materially delay mobilization and which would ease the guard recruit- ing problem. Taking up the Organized Reserve: Gen. Pershing commented at lengtl on results of the September defense test, but pointed out that the task of giving adequate training to re- serve office: who constitute the backbone of the system, was filled with difficulti He suggested that the present single roll of some 80, 000 reserve officers be rearranged so that from 50,000 to 60,000 be classified as on active training status, one- third of these to be called out an- nually for a brief period of tralning service. The report called attention to the promotion blockade in the Regular Army, particularly in the grade of captain, and urged that a provision for selective promotion of captains affecting 10 per cent or so of the st be ked of Congre: It also outlined the progressive deterioration since the war in permament and temporary Army structures, due to lack of funds for upkeep, and placed the. total of “arrears” in this werk at $18,080,159. - STAR, WASHINGTON, D. C. SATURDAY, |“Bed Time” Stories Held to Be Code Liquor Messages By the Associated Press. SEATTLE, Wash., November 29.— Federal prohibition enforcement officers, alleged to be acting In a bellef that “bed time" stories broadcast here really were code messages by which liquor smug- glers communicated with confed- erates In Canada and Japan were restrained by court order yesterday from disabling or destroying a broadcasting station. The radio apparatus fs in the home of Roy Olmstead, president of the American Radio Telephone Company, who with sixteen others was arrested In a raid on his home by federal agents. November 17. The “bed time" stories have been broadcast by Mrs. Olmstead. The restraining order ‘was asked by the American Radio Telephone Company. - Evidenco against Olmstead will be presented to a grand jury next month, United States District At- torney Thomas P. Reville sald to- BOY HITBY AU DRIVER SPEEDS ON 19-Year-0ld Youth in Criti- cal Condition as Police Seek Man Who Fled. With still another name added to- day to the list of persons left lving senseless on streets of Washington by motorists, who fled and cloaked identities rather than give ald to their victims, Inepector C. L. Grant, chiet of detectives, sent forth a plea for the sincere co-operation of the public in tendering information to the police which might tend to {dentify the re- sponsible automobilists. Early this morning Leonara Stevens, 19 years old, of 816 Fifth street northeast was crossing Con- necticul avenus near Legation street, when an automobile knocked him down and sped away without stopping to see If he were Injured. Today Stevens is Iying in Emergency Hos- pital in a critical condition and De- tectives Brodie and Vermillion are seeking clues which may lead to the identity of the drives of the automo- bile Inspector Grant’s Plea. “Police need all the co-operation which the public can render in their efforts to solve these trafic casual- tles,” Tnspector Grant announced of- flcially today. “If the public will ten- der information which must have come to the notice of some person or persons in the city, the seemingly fm- possible task of identifying these mo- torists will be greatly facilitated. Any person, formation which may throw light on any of the unsolved traffic cases oc- curring here since Halloween, who will come forward to detective head- quarters or to any police precinct with such Information, may rest as- sured that it will be treated with the utmost confidence when requested.” Deaths Since Halloween. Three deaths since Halloween from automobilists who ran away without making their names known remained unsolved; in one other case the police know the identity of the motorist. Thee three deaths were those of Dr. Willlam A. Pethel of 1804 Ninth strect, who was knocked down at Thirteenth and U streets by a ma- chine containing a crowd of revelers Halloween night; Willlam T. Riley who was struck and killed the fol- lowing day at Georgla avenue and W street, and Miss Margaret Heflin of Alexandria, Va. who was knocked down as she was about to board a street car at First street and Florida avenue a few days later. Police know the identity of the motorist who rushed away after knocking down and fatally {njuring Joseph N. Powell about the same time at New Jersey avenua and § street. And now the motorist who struck down Leonard Stevens early today is added to the list of “unknown.” Stevens Rushed to Hospital. Stevens was picked up by Jobn Merriett of 25 Grafton street, Chevy Chase, Md., and rushed to Emergency Hospital. Physiclans there stated he was suffering serfously from shock and that his skull in all probability was fractured. A “lookout” sent out by the police describing the automobile contained only the vaguest descriptive detalls. A number of minor casualties and two cases wherein motorists failed to identify themselves after striking parked automobiles also were report- ed to the police last night and today. The first precinct is seeking a sedan sutomoblle which collided with an automobile parked on FE street be- tween Twelfth and Thirteenth, and failed to stop, and the Twelfth pre- cinct is looking for a large touring c n which a man and woman were ngers, which collided with the automobile of Floyd A. Truscott, park- ed in front of his home, 1010 Rhode Island avenue northeast, and also failed to stop. In each case the damage was slight. Police Seck Reaponsible Party. Police, however, because of the vio- lation of the requirement that col- liding motorists make thelr identi- tles known after accidents, are ex- erting every effort to léarn the names in_each case. Six-year-old Pauline Finnott! of 1918 Thirteenth street southeast was knocked down by an automobile while she was running across Good Hope road southeast at Fourteenth street, and suffered a broken leg. Thomas Dalton of 429 K street, operator of the automobile, first took her to the office of Dr. Hollingsworth, at 1913 Nichols avenue southeast, and later to Providence Hospital, where her ocondition was pronounced not serious. Patrol Auto im Collision. The fourth precinct patrol auto- mobile was' in a collision at 4% street southwest, at N, last night, with an automobile operated by James F. Brown of 924 C street southwest. Brown was arrested on a charge of operating an automobile while intoxicated. No one was hurt in_the_ collision. Becoming frightened at the ap- proach of an automobile operated by Mrs. M. E. Sheats of 2000 Sixteenth street, at Fourteenth and L streets, yesterday, Mrs. Smoot, 70 years of age, of 1437 Clifton street, fell to the street, although the machine did not touch her. Mrs. Sheats stopped to inquire after the condition of the woman, but the latter stated she was not injured and went home, refusing hospital treatment. ———— FIVE-MILE FIRE RAGES. 8,000 Acres of Timber Lost in Lin- R coln Forest. ALAMOGORDO, N. Mex., November. 29.—Fire which has been raging in the Lincoln National Forest, near here, since Monday, burning on a front five miles long and has already de- stroyed more than 3,000 acres of yel- low pine timber, according to the forest service officials here. The fire 1s believed to have been started by huntera 3 | has arisen, therefore, is therefore, with any in- |2T¢ tired of combining with the La | from the cdmpaign of John W. Davis, "OUSTED" SENATORS ~ PLAN REPRISALS Four Likely to Seek Union With Democrats and Dead- lock Congress. BY DAVID LAWRENCE. Political history has just been made by the group of 32 Republican Sen- ators who adopted a resolution en- deavoring to “read out of the party” the four Republican Senators who did not support President Coolldge in the last election. - Although there are many “old guard” leaders who doubted the wis- dom of the step when first proposed, and who would have preferred to let | well enough alone, now that the ac- tion has been taken, the men who attended the conferenco are a unit in declaring they will not vote to admit Senators La Follette of Wis- consin, Ladd and Frazier of North| Dakota and Senator Brookhart of Jowa, to any future party conferences or to fill any vacancies that may occur in commlttee ghairmanships. Coalition Move Seen. Here are some of the effects which may be expected to flow from the dec- laration of war on the insurgents. 1. The ostracized Senators will form a group of their own and at- tempt to revive the coalition of last session with the Democrats. Such a combination can deadlock govern- ment for the next three months and compel the calling of an extra session of Congress. 2. The Republican national party organization will be called upon to furnish funds for fights to be made at primarics in the future by regulars | who wish to oppose men like Frazier and Ladd. And there are indlcations that plenty of money will be forth- coming from conservative strong- holds llke New York and Pennsyl- vania, where the menace of the radi- cals has been widely advertised. Progressives Must Decide. 3. The “Progressive” Republicans, like ~Senators Norris of Nebraska, Borah of Idaho, Johnson of Califor- nia and perhaps Senator Howell of Nebraska, who do nat 1lke the action of the party conference, will have to decide whether they will join La Fol- lette, Frazier, Ladd and Brookhart or go with the regulars. Senators Shipstead and Magnus Johnson of Minnesota have never used the Re- publican label, always classing them- selves as of the Farmer-Labor party. 4. Acts of reprisal are being con- sidered by the la Follette Repub- licans, who have the power to upset the organization of the House of Rep- resantatives if they can get the Democrats to join them. The most important question that “What shall the Democrats do about it?" Democrat Support Doubtful. Senator Smoot and others, who| have been talking informally with | Democratic Senators, say the latter Follette group. In the last election the La Kollette movement split the Democratic party and ruined what chance the Democrats did have in at least eight states where Mr. Coolidge was a plurality cholca. Also the La Follette campaign divertad attention and drove thousan of conservative Democrats into the Republican camp. 'nder such circumstances littla love Is lost between the Democrats and the insurgent Republicans. Expediency as Dictator. Polities, however, makes strange bedfellows. And expediency is =& stronger fnfluence than logic. ‘The Democrats need the strength of the La Follette voters to build up their own party. The Republican | party Is avowedly conservative. The| Democrats have a conservative wing. too, which will resist any alllance with the La Follette group, vet In the last sesslon of Congress the Demo- cratic conservatives voted time and again with the La Follette Sanators for party reasons. The same may be expected to happen again. A miner- ity usually does all it ean to e barrass a majority. May Mean New Party. Out of it may emerge a new Dem- ocratiec party which slowly places its conservative constituenta in the minority. Much as the Democratic conservatives may dislike the rad- fcals. they may turn from the Re- publican primary machinery and enter Democratic contests. The pur- pose of the La Folletts group here- tofora has been to reform the Re- Dpublican party from within, The action of the Republican con- forence of Senators indicates that so far as the upper house of Congress s concerned that process s a faflure. Now the radicals can take up the task of making the Demo- oratio party suit their {deas of gov- ernment. The Republican conserva- tives will not be disturbed by that, as they have wanted for some time to see radicals and consgrvatives classified in two parties. South's Stand Uncertaln. Will the solld South, which has upon many occasions sent conserva- tive Democrats to the Senate, who differ only In name from oconserva- tive Republicans, permit the Demo- oratio party to become the liberal or radical party? The last election has left the leaders of the Democratic party demoralized. The Republican senatorial conference tosses the La Follette Républicans into the arms of the Demoerats and chal- lenges them to take the radicals unto their bosom and make the fight between radicalism and conservatism.. Unless the La Follette Republicans fight back in the coming session of Con- gress the action of the Republican con- ference has no immediate effect on com- mittes chairmanships, because the or- ganization of Congress remains the same, and there will be no rearrange- ment of committees till the new Con- gress meets {n December, 1925, or in ex- tra session after March 4. But the ac- tion is not a gesture. It's the beginning of ‘a real political battle which may re- shape the two major parties or mean the beginning of a permanent organiza- tion of the independents inside and out- side of Congrese. (Cepyright, 1024.) ——— LEGISLATIVE JAM MAY RESULT FROM G. 0. P, EXPULSION (Continued from First Page.) the action would be likely to have the effect of placing additional dificulties in the way of the administration's legislative program. Borah to Alr Views. After hfs visit to the Whits Honse Senator Borah sald he did not agree with the conference action and that he would have something to say about it when the report of the committee on committees in filling vacancies on standing ‘committees reached the Sen- ate. “I think we can put our time to in- finitely better u: Senator Borah said. “What we should do is to get down to legislation and make the test the support of legislative measures in the future Representative Longworth of Ohio, the Republican leader in the House, d that as far s he was concerned the sction. of the Senate Republicans NOVEMBER 29, | Eltas 1924 o Maud Younger, right, congressional chairman of the National Woman's Party and Genevieve Allen, California State organizer of the party, call on Secretary of the Navy Wilbur to k his aid In seeing that women are not discriminated agaiust in the Navy Department. A bill pending fn CongTess, if passed, would exclude women from serving In any capacity in the Naval Reserve. FORBES' TESTIMONY TOSTART MONDAY Defense Outline Completed, With Attack Upon Mortimer, Star Prosecution Witness. By the Associated Press. CHICAGO, November 23.—Opening statements of counsel were completed late vesterday and the way cleared for introduction of testimony Monday in the trial in Federal Court here of Charles R. Forbes and John W. Thompson for defrauding the Gov- ernment in the allocation of veterans hospital contracts, while Forbes was head of the Veterans Bureau in 1922 The enmity of Elias H. Mortimer, chlef Government witness, as in- curred by Forbes, according to de- fense counsel, when Forbes notified one contractor he could do no work for the Veterans' Bureau if Mortimer was his agent. “This whole case is built upon a cleverly constructed fabrication by H. Mortimer,” declared Col. mith, Forbes' eoun the Fall of 1822 Mortimer began to spread a small part of these charges against Col. Forbes, but no one in W to Mortiger. This story grew as Mortimer obtained additional informa- tion from Government files, but of all these 32 overt acts charged In this indictment_only 3 are even open to suspicion.” contractor, told the jury he would prove that Thompson never had a dollar Invested in the companies which secured hospital contracts and never bid on but one project, his bid in that case belng rejected as too high. Refused Loan to Mortimer. The $15,000 loan from Thompson's partner, James A. Black, now de- ceased, was covered in detail by Thompson's counsel, Rudolph Lough- 1in of St. Louls, Of this sum, Forbes 1s charged with receiving $5,000. Thompson only participated in this loan to Mortimer at Black’s solicita- tion, Mr. Loughlin declared. This was on June 19, 1922, while tha Forbes party was in Chicago en route to the Pacific Coast to inspect hospital sites. In October, 1922, Mortimer tried to borrow from Thompson the purchase price of a new automobils in Phila delphia, but Thompson refused the loan, Mr. Loughlin declared. About that time William Sutherland of St. Louls, a contractor, with his assistants and Mortimer, met Forbes in bis office at the Veterans' Bureau to talk over bureau hospital contracts in which Sutherland was interested, Mr. Loughlin said. Forbes advised Sutherland he would get no contracts as long as Mortimer was assoclated with him, Mr, Loughlin declared, and that night Vice President Willlams of the Sutherland Construction Company staft “publicly denounced” Mortimer. And thus began Mortimer's enmity for Forbes, Mr. Loughlin said, but it was not until a vear after that time that Thompson was drawn into “this cleverly constructed fabrication by Elias H. Mortimer.” Court Halts Attack. Mr. Laughlin had launched into a vigorous denunciation of Mortimer, described by Government counsel as “the pald informant of the Govern- ment,” when Judge George A. Car- penter restrained him, suggesting that personalities be confined to tes- timony. The defense today indicated its st of witnesses would depend largely on the extent of the Government case. Defense counsel in opening state. ments reviewed many “overt acts” only remotely related to the award- ing of veterans’ hospital contracts. Among these were the Goodheil case in which Thompson sued in the Court of Claims for $800,000 more than the Government paid him for the steamer Goodhell, salvaged by Thompson and taken over by the Navy during the war, and the Colombian syndicate, composed of Thompson, Black and to build raflroads tn Colombia, of which Forbes de- clined the post of chief engineer at a salary of $25,000 & year. The defense indicated a surprise was in store in regard to the story of the Mortimer $15,000 loan in Chicago. With this purpose, it is understood, the defense plans to use the testi- mony ofthe former Mrs. Mortimer and possibly her mother, Mrs. Tulledge of Philadelphia. There were intimations today that the Government expects to counter with testimony of the former Mrs. Forbes. —— would have no bearing on the pre- vidusly voiced decision against such setlon by the House Republicans at this session In the case of Represent- ative John M. Nelson of Wisconsin, who was La Follette's campaign man- ager, and other House insurgents identified with the La Follette con- greasional bloc. Immediately upon the announce- ment of the action of the Senate Re- publicans against Senator La Follette there was general speculation as to whether the Democratic Senate or- ganization would follow a similar course with respect to Senator Wheel- er of Montana, who was the running mate of the W!lefl:lhl Benator in the residential campa # Some of the Den-;l‘mltl indicated that they expected no such actien by’ the Democratic conference. ington pald any attention | TWO CHINESE SHOT, ANOTHER STABBED Former Are Not Expected to Live—Drastic Action in Tong War Promised. By tha Associated Press. NEW YORK, November 29.—Pelice were prepared today to take drastic measures to prevent further blood- shed in the renewed hostilities b tween the members of Chinese tongs. Several hours before the end of an armistice between the Hip Sings and the On Leongs Thursday, Chong Food, an On Leong member, was ghot to th In a Bronx laundry. Within 6 hours, two other men were seri- ously wounded and one was stabbed to death us hie slept in a Chinese tene- | ment Cok Un was the man stabbed to death, and the two who were shot through the abdomen In their Brook- Iyn laundrles were Gong Sing and Tom Hong. Neither is ed to recover. Hong was a Hip Sing and Sing was the =on of an On Leons, who told police that the builets which struck his son w Sing Is a cousin of Chong Food. Hong and Sing were shot shortly after a meeting between the Chinese consul general and Acting Police Commissioner John A. Leach last night, at which the police offcial | promised all necessary action to halt Counsel for Thompson, a St. Louls | the bloodshed and ordered patrolmen stationed in all laundries and other places where outbreaks might be ex- pected. 1 RCHARD RIGGLES DIES AT AGE OF 7 Long Resident of Capital. Founded Business Here. J. Richard Riggles, 87 years old, for many years prominent in Masonic, church and business circles in the District of Columbia, died at his resi- dence, 1318 Fairmont street, yester- day. clation of Oldest Inhabitants District of Columbia. Mr. Riggles organized the firm of J. Richard Riggles & Bros., which han- dled paints, ofls and art supplies Their place of business. was at 712 K streef, near the site of the Public Li- brary. He retired about 15 years ago, after having been in business more than 50 years. Mr. Riggles had been a.member of Federal Lodge, No. 1, F. A. A. M., for more than a half century. He was a member of Hamline M. E. Church years ago, then joined the Foundry M. E. Church, where he maintained active membership. At the time of his death he was a member of the official board of the church. He was s member of the bullding committes also. of the Native of Iltnofs. Born in Belleville, TIL, October 8, 1837, Mr. Riggles came to this city with his parents, the late Rev. and Mrs. John Riggles, when a boy of 10. He attended private schools here, and when a young man went into the art supply business, which at first bore only his own name, but was later made to include his brothers. Mr. Riggles had many friends in Washington, and malintained an ac- tive interest in the events of the day until shortly before death. His friends often spoke of his great vigor in spite of his increasing age. His hobby was walking, and only two days before he died was outdoors taking his favorite form of exercise. Mr. Riggles married Miss Marion J. Lewis. He is survived by his widow, two sons, Dr. J. Lewis Riggles and J. Richard Riggles, ir.; a daughter, Miss Grace Riggles; two grandchildren; a brother, John Riggles, and sister, Miss Emma Riggles, all of this city, and another brother, C. W. Riggles of | California. Funeral services will be conducted at the residence Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Rev. Frederick Brown Har- ris, pastor of Foundry M. E. Church, will officiate. Interment will be in Rock Creek Cemetery. Christmas Is Coming Shop Early So You Can Mail Early re intended for him. | Fe was a member of the Asso- | | | | | | INAUGURAL FETE URGED ON COOLIDGE Merchants - Manufacturers Want Nation-Wide Partici- pation in Ceremony Here. Declaring that Inauguration’ should be “the Breatest In dt e quld(ennhl calendar of the Govern ment” and that the day belon, to the American people rather to an in- dividual, the Merchants and Manu factuyrers’ Association, in a resolution forwarded today to the Presiden: urges resumption of the celebrations and ceremonies incldent to the taking of office of the Nation's Chief Exec utive. A great celebration is roposed and to this end it is sng";al:d to the President that an inaugural com mittee be appointed with representa tion from every State and the Dis trict of Columbia. It {s SUgEeste: that every governor and his staff be pregent in Washington during th celebration. Text of Resolution. The communication follows Dear Mr. President The board of governors of the Me: {.chants and Manufacturers’ Assoclat meeting this 28th day of November 1924, adopted the following resolution which is respectively presented: “"Whereas the time is fast approaci ing for the induction into office of President of the United States, “Whereas the more recent inaugu- rals have been diminished In circum stance and ceremonial: Therefore, be | resolved that we, the board of govern- = ors of the Merchants and Manufactur- ers’ Assoclation, assembled this 28t day of November, do petition the incumbent of the office of Presiden: ©f the United States to see to it tha: in the induction into office of the grea: American who will serve as Presiden of the United States for (he suceeeding four vears, the occasion shall be the nature of a great, broad celebr tion that will do the highest possible form of honor to the President of the United States and reflect the greates honor to the Government thereof. Urged as Greatest Day. “Inauguration day should be the greatest in the quadrennial calendar the Government, because on that da: all true Americans, without regard t political or other affliation, are ex | pected to play a part in honoring the new President. “While modesty is a trait all Amer fcans admire, still it geems to us tha' this is a day which belongs to the nation more than to the individual The American who occupies the office of President of the United States is the custodian of the highest and ho llest symbol of authority that we Americans know “It is our o of this count ion that every pa chould be officially formally and individually represanted on such an occasion. It should be the day and the time when the Gov- jernment in all of its ramifications Washington—the keeps open house come and those who read of the cere monies may attain an even livelle appreciation of the value of Gove ment to the individual as well as t Americans collectively. nation’s Visitors Would Come. Peopla would come at this t sea the Government at its best, if 3 please, who might never have anothe opportunity, or take one “It has been well raid by one of our great educafors that it should be a part of the curriculum of ever: school child to visit the Nation's Cap- ital to understand as early as pos- sible in life the great work that the Government does for its people. “Recently there has been a diminu tlon of the inaugural ceremonies for various reasons, but we submit that there can be no good reason for an cireumstance whatsoever to interfere with a substantial, whole-hearted outpouring of tha peopls on the o casion of the inauguration of the President of the United States. “One of the reasons given for a change In Inauguration plans here tofore was laid at the door of cer tain Washington business intereste. No Selfish Interests. “The membership of the Merchan and Manufacturers’ Association composed of all classes of firms en gaged in the manufacture and sale | of Boods and the rendering of serv- ices. We have no selfish interest to serve. Tt is an established fact that unusually large conventions are never money-makers for the city which they are held “And wherever it is possible tha an {ndividual firm or corporation is charging an unfair rate or fee on occasion of that kind, the logical procedure would be to stifle that un fair individual and not to permit a: aspersion to be cast upon business or the community in general. “We further submit that there ca: be no individual or group of ind! viduals who should be permitted to in any wise interfere with the work of the Government “The glorification of the head of our Government and the tools of the Nation should and can be carried o in an unalloved manner, Asks for Backismg. “We trust, therefore, that vou - ! an individual will exercise your goor offices to the end that the induction into office of the President of tha United States s an occasion that will make this Nation tremendously proud. “We respectfully suggest the ap- pointment of a national fnaugural committee, with respresentation from every Stafe in the Union as well as the District of Columbia, which would have full charge of carry- ing out inaugural ceremonies . in cluding parade, reception and other dignified and impressive ceremonials. Every State governor, his staft and, & generous representation should . bs present at the inaugural. Naturally there will be co-operation fromy the District of Columbia and of rs. this will be whole-hearted” and ’con;. plete.” COMMISSION AIMS - - TO CLARIFY STATUS OF FRENCH DEBTS ing Commission through dlplomatic channels. M. Jusserand's conversa- tions with the American Secretary of the Treasury were in conformity with this policy. The French government recently made some inquiries of the govern- ments which are debtor to it, such as Italy and Rumania, but is reid to have recelved no encouragsment whatever as to any repayments. The Rumanian government, in fact, is de- scribed as replying indignantly, with the intimation that nothing need be expected from Rumania. The fact is, it appears, that the French treasury expects nothing from any government to .which it made advances during the war. Its con- victions to this effect will be put forward in the negotiations with Washington, it is said, because France's advances to her allles were about ons and one-half times as grest as France's debt to America on 2 gold basis. . / )