Evening Star Newspaper, December 30, 1924, Page 1

WEATHER. (U. 8. Weather Bureau Forecast.) Rain or snow tonight and tomorrow; not much change in temperature; low- est tonight near freeung. Tempera- tures—Highest, 36, at noon today; low- est, 27, at 3:30 a.m. today. Full report on page 19. Closing N. Y. Stocks and Bends, Page 24 No. Entered as secol 29,463, nd class matter post_office, Washington, D, C. he WASHINGTON, D. C. FRANCE TOINSIST Ceolidge Sees No Basis for U. S. Action in Debt Controversy EBT SETTLEMENT BE FULLY REVISED Pooling Proposal of Clementel Has Government and Bankers’ Support. HINT OF REPUDIATION IS WARMLY RESENTED | Embassy Denial of Charge Molli- fies Apprehension Among Officials Here. By the Associated Press. PARIS, December 30.—Finance Min- ster Clementel's suggestion of pool- ing the interallied war debts, made in his balance sheet of France's finan- cial situation issued last Saturday, is regarded in the highest banking cir- cles as actually representing the sen- timent of the French government as well as of French finance. The minister was bound, it was re- marked, to avold for diplomatic rea- ns being drawn into a categorical statement to that effect. Hence his declaratidon in the Chamber of Depu- ties last night, in which he argued pro and con on the ways of settling the interallied debt question. In-| quiry among financiers and among | public men closest to the cabinet, however, indicates that the French | generally believe that the whole post- war financial settlement should be revised. Cite Treaty Revision. This claim to a new deal is based on the fact, they point out, that the treaty of Versailles has been revised to French detriment. Through the in- fluence of their principal creditors, Great Britain and the United States, they have made concession after con- cession until there Is little left of their | claims on Germany, they insist, while | their war debtors show little disposi- tion to pay and their war creditors de- mand full payment. Of the 15000,000,000 francs gold, owing to France for advances made‘ during the war, the government counts on collecting nothing. Italy contests | part of the claim against her and says | she ought not to be called upon to pay any part of it. Rumania has shown the greatest sensitiveness when sug- gestions were made that she let it be known how she thought the matter of her debt ought to be adjusted. France has made no move with reference to | Balgium's 3,000,000,000 franc debt, while the 6,000,000,000 franc owed by Russia has been theoretftally WHELU | _Chairman Butler announced during off as uncollectible. As for Germany, it {s pointed out| that she escapes not only the payment of French pensons, but, according to the most liberal estimates possible, | will never pay more than half the ma- terial damage France sustained. These are the reasons given for de- siring a new liquidation of the war- time financial operations. | Resent Repudiation Talk. The French financiers and public re- sent sharply the suggestions that such | proposals are a cover for repudiation. | They recall that Germany, after what | they characterize as the most formi- | dable repudiation that world has every known, was rewarded by a reduction of her war debts and with a loan lo'i put her economics on a sound basis again, The Radical and Socialist leaders in the Chamber of Deputies take this view. Leon Blum, leader of the oclalists, solicited and obtained from | p Clementel the promise that he would bring up before the finance ministers’ conference next month the question of a revised liquidation of the debts and a revision of the per- centages of reparation payment dis- tribution fixed at Sr-. It is urged in offi. al circles that in winding up the affairs of the war| France elone has been asked to| make the concession thought to be necessary to unravel the great finan. cial and economic tangle. France abandoned her claim to repayment of war pensions, but Great Britain thus| far, it is recalled, demands the pay-| ment of her full percentage of repa- | rations receipts which is made up al- | together of pension claims, i Accepted U. S. Proposal. M. Clementel pointed out in his speech last night that France, for reason of sentiment, had decided to| accept the American demand for par- | ticipation in the Dawes plan annui-| ties to pay the American war damage claims, although as a power that had | falled to ratify the treaty of Ver-! sailles the United States could not legally sustain such a demand. Senti- | ment, he added, ought to come into play on both sides of the question. In these words the finance minis- ter summed up the general French opinion that if sentiment is brought into play it should serve every one alike. If the whole settlement is to be made on a business basis, It is argued, then the p cipal creditors | of France cannot ask France to for-{ give her debtors unless they are| willing to reciprocate. There exists a strong belief now, despite the reticence of M. Clementcl, that the subject of the interallied debts and revision of the percentages of reparation distribution will come up at the meeting of the finance min- isters with James A. Logan, the American representative with the reparation commission, next week. The discussion will be merely a ten- tative one, however, it is Indicated, s the finance minister promised the chamber that no definite arrange- ment would be made before Parlia- ment was consulted. Text of Remarks. Minister Clementel's remarks be- fore the Chamber of Deputies last night are printed today in the Jour- pal Official. The official text follows: “The request for participation by the United States in the Dawes ah- nuities was not formulated at the time of the negotiations for the Mor- gan loan, but was made immediately after the London accords. It was couched in very friendly terms, but was nevertheless based on the funda- mental condition of recognition by us of the right of the United States to share in the Dawes annuities for reparation for damages to property, with immediate payment of damages to person: “We consulted experts on foreign affairs, who declared that the United States’ legal right to such participa- tian could be seriously disputed. But there remained the question of equity. Mr. Logan, who for- several months at” the reparation commission has always shown. himself ; sympathetic (Continued on Page 6, Column 2.)- NAVY PROBE VOTED | plied he would welcome a sweeping Holds Strong Weapon in Advice Against Private Loans Should France Balk. Embassy Report Lacking. President Coolidge has drawn no hasty conclusions from the recent Swirl of developments surrounding the French war debt, and sees no occasion for action by the American Government on the basis of present advices. The President is watching the sit- uation closely, however, and should there be any indlcation of a move by the French government to repu- diate fts obligations, it might in- fluence the White House strongly in its attitude toward the flotation of | private French loans in this country. | While there is no legal restriction Biving the Federal Government authority over loans, which foreign governments seek to place with private Interests in this country, the advice of Washington usually 1s sought by the prospective investors, and usually is sufficient to determine the fate of any such venture. There has been no indlcation that the President discredits the many French assurances of payment, re- iterated yesterday by the French em- bassy, but at the same time he de- sires that all facts be known here be- yond all doubt, so that the American Government can shape its course ac- AT STORMY HOUSE COMMITTEE SITTING Action Taken Despite Hint of New Arms Conference At- tributed to Coolidge. Investigation into the needs of the Navy was decided upon today by the House naval committee at a stormy session. A motion was adopted to call Sec- retary Wilbur to appear before the committee January 8, to make such recommendations as he might deem expedient. the discussion he had been informed unofficially that President Coolidge expected a conference to be held within a year looking to further naval disarmament. Butler Approves Motion. However, it was at the suggestion of Mr. Butler that the motlon, as ap- proved, was made. The chairman sald he offered the motion because he had been charged with attempting to override the will of the committee. As adopted the motion represented a compromise between those desiring to take up a bill proposing a naval building prograw and members who sought to have the committee direct ts attention to a measure designed to adjust certain irregularities in the naval establishment. The appearance of Secretary Wilbur before the committee is expected to open up a wide fleld of inquiry as to the administration’s attitude toward naval strength in general and toward further attempts at armament limita- tion. Hax Appeared Before. The Secretary previously has ap- peared before a House appropriations sugcommittee and has given his views regarding the regular appropriations contained in the annual supply meas- ure, and today he was questioned along similar lines by the Senate naval com- mittee. The subjects discussed, how ever, related principally to routine dis- bursements. In discussing with his colleagues he feasibility of questioning the Sec- retary on broader phases of the naval question, Chairman Butler of the House committee said he wanted the com- mittee to do nothing that might incite any other nation, and did not care at this time to take up an_ examination of the “war conditions” of other coun- trie: “We are in a feverish condition” the chairman added. Representative Britten of Tilinois, the ranking Republican on the com- mittee, declared there seems to be a “definite and avowed purpose” by some members to keep the Secretary from appearing. Possibly, he as- serted, this was because the ques- tions might go “teo deep.” ! “If we are afrald to have the Secretary come before us,” he added. “Let us go on Tecord to that effect. Pending Bill Favored. Representative Vinson of Georgia, the ranking Democrat, favored con- sideratfon of a pending bill to smooth out certain irregularities in the serv- ice, and several Republican members supported his view. Asked by Mr. Britten if he opposed calling the Secretary, Mr. Vinson re- Inquiry. “When the Democrats turned over the Government the Nation had the | greatest fleet on earth,” he sald, “and i 1 would like to know what has be- come of it.” Among the Democrats supporting the move to call Mr. Wilbur was Representative McClintic of Oklaho- ma. He opposed taking up the equal- ization bill and favored finding out what recommendations the Secretary might make. Britten Plea Blocked. The meeting today, several mem- bers insisted, had been called to hear Mr. Wilbur, but Mr. Butler sald he had not invited him to appear, as he thought the Secretary already had answered .all necessary questions be- fore the appropriations subcommittee. Mr. Britten sought unsuccessfully, to get consideration of a resolution calling upon the Secretary of State to furnish information as to pro- tests from abroad against the pro- posed gun elevation on several United States battleships. : Official’s Sister Slain. VERA CRUZ, December 30.—A dis- patch from Orizaba says rioting by tenants there resulted in the death of a sister-in-law of Gov. Jara and the wounding of his nephew. The authorities arrested those Tesponsi- ble for the crimes, -« ‘ cordingly. He realizes that remarks of foreign government officials and other isolated Incidents do not In- variably represent a deliberate deter- mination as to the policy of the gov- ernment. He is disposed, therefore, to await complete official Information on the basis of the present situation The President apparently sees no rea- son to bring influence to bear against any pending private loan transactions the French government may have under conslderation with American bank- ing houses. No report has reached the State Department from the American em- bassy in Paris to guide the admini tratlon in interpreting the finance minister's recent remarks, nor has the French embassy here made any engagement indlcating that it had been instructed by its government to make any communication, There s speculation, however, in administration circles as to the pos- sibllity that recent developments may result in & clearer understanding all around. Up to this time the most definite commitment regarding payment of the French war debts has been that voiced by Ambassador Jusserand. On the heels of his statement, however, the Paris government took informal occaslon to point out that he was acting on his own initiative. President Hopeful New Naval Parley May Comein Year President Coolidge is hopeful, but not certain, that it will be possible to hold another interna- tional naval disarmament confer- ence within another year. Whenever the time for such a conference is propitious Mr. Cool- idge will exert his influence to bring it about, but at the present juncture he is unable to determine when a conference might be called with fair prospects of success. His views on the subject were made known today through a ‘White House spokesman. AMERICA DUPED, BERMANS ASSERT Berlin Press Thinks U. S. In- vestments in Europe Will Suffer. By the Associated Press. BERLIN, December 30.—Hopes that American investments in Europe since the adoption of the Dawes plan would be financially profitable as well as promote the interests of peace may receive a severe setback, according to the Taegliche Rundschau, an inde- pendent conservative journal. The reason given by this newspaper is the prospective faflure of the allies to evacuate the Cologne bridgehead on January 10 as stipulated in the treaty of Versailles. The perpetuation of a system of ar- bitrary sanctions impesed on the flimsjest pretexts suggests, in the opinion of the editorial, that the adoption of the Dawes plan rests upon a rather dizzy foundation. Sees America Duped. “Not a single American dollar would have been forthcoming had the American bankers and financial ex- perts anticlpated a recurrence to the procedure adopted by Foch and Poin- care,” the Rundschau observes. “And to this extent America shares with Germany the doubtful sensation of being a dupe in the present situation.” That the interallied military in- spection of Germany did not proceed along wholly objective lines is charged by the Lokal Anzeiger, which states that a considerable portion of this situation was devoted to indus- trial esplonage in which the English members” of the inspection squads were especially active. The big in- dustrial plants, this newspaper con- tinues, were made special objects of inspection, not so much with refer- ence to their ability to turn out war material as to their appointments and capabilities in general. AMBASSADORS TO MEET. Cologne Evacuatton Denial Note Final Action Seen. Br the Associated Press. PARIS, December 30.—The allied council of ambassadors will meet " (Continued on Page 2, Column 2.) WITH SUNDAY MORNING EDITION Foenting Star. BRYAN'S EVOLUTION OPINIONS DECLARED MENACE TO CHURCH Based on Mere Assumption, Methodist Educator Tells Scientists. HEART DISEASE BECOMES DEADLIEST OF MALADIES Preventive Treatment Urged—Low Birth Rate of Americans Is Decried. Out of a tremendous accumulation of scientific knowledge brought to light today before sectional meetings of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, thess four features appeared to be of paramount importance: 1. Heart disease has outstripped tuberculosis and all other allments as the foremost killer of humanity, and has become a serious economic menace to clvilization. 2. Officlal tests have proved that chlorine gas is worthless as a cure for colds and diseases of the respira- tory tracts, in its present form. 3. Willlam Jennings Bryan's views on the theory of evolution are not only based on mere assumption, but represent an actual danger to reli- gion, showing the need for closer alliance of the church and science. 4. American-born families may be in danger of disappearing before the invasion of the alien-born because of the former's refusal to rear larger families. Many Questions Debated. Simultaneously other meetings, rep- resenting every branch of the sciences, were carefully discussing all manner of researches and ob- servations made during the past year, ranging from earthquake causes to the effect of X-rays on the fertility of certain plants, the néed for forest protection and radiometric measure- ments of planetary temperatures. The declaration that heart disease has become man's most dangerous all- ment was made by Dr. Robert H Halsey, before a joint meeting of the medical, social and economic sciences. Dr. Halsey, who comes from New York, is regarded as one of the leading speciallsts on this subject in_ the world. “Heart disease has both economic and public health aspects,” he sald. “Heart disease is associated with large economic losses, this ailment being the largest single cause of death we know today. Comparing present and past rates, there appears to be an in- crease in the mortality of heart dis- ease, and life expectancy has been greatly decreased as a result. Lows Is Billions. Jne life insurance company has compiled statistics showing that 12.7 per cent of its losses in a single year resulted from death by heart disease. Economic losses that are inevitable as a result run into billions each year. It is safe to say that at least 2 per cent of our population have damaged hearts, and children under 6 years of age are frequent victims. “The best means that may ba em ployed to diminish these serious losses is wider dissemination of knowledge of the seriousness of rheu- (Continued on Page 2, Column §.) . WIDOW HORSEWHIPPED ON STREET, SHE CHARGES Complaint of “Atrocious Assault” Laid Against Another Woman and Three Men. By the Associated Press. NEWARK, N. J., December 30.—Mrs. A. Eitner of Irvington, N. J., accom- panied by three men, horsewhipped Mrs. Rose Donahue, a widow, on a street yesterday, according to a com- plaint charging atrocious assault flled in the Police Court by Mrs. Donahue. The complainant sald that Mrs. Eit- ner and the men accosted her a block from her home as she was on her way to work, and that, without warning, Mrs. Eitner drew a horsewhip from under her coat and struck her face, neck and body. The four then fled, she said. At the Eitner home, a woman who said she was Miss Constance Eitner, daughter of Mrs. Eitner, denled that her mother had used a horsewhip on Mrs. Donahue. “Mother went to Mrs. Donahue's home,” she said. *“She did not have a horsewhip with her, but she did have a dog leash. She used her hands. When she rang the bell a woman who said she was Mrs. Dona- hue came to the door, but mother got excited, dropped the leash and went at Mrs. Donahue with her hands. She made a thorough job of it, too. Mrs. Donahue refused to discuss her complaint. Drive to Lengthen Life 7 to 12 Years, i By the Assoclated Press. CHICAGO, December 30.—A na- tionwide campaign dedicated to the prevention of disease and the lengthening of the average span of human life by 7 to 12 years will be launched January 1 by the Gorgas Memorial Institute, it was announced today by Dr. Franklin Martin, chairman of the instlute’s board of directors, The movement, according to the announcement, is sponsored by leaders of the medical profession and many prominent citizens, among them President Calvin Cool- idge, who serves as honorary pres- ident of the Gorgas Memorial In- Brig. Gen. Charles G. George M. Reynolds, Fred Upham, Adolph S. Ochs, Bernard Baruch, and Drs. Frank Billings, Willlam J. Mayo, Gilbert Fits-Pat- rick, W. H. G. Logan, Maj. Gen. Clifford W. Ireland, Surgeon Gen- eral of the United States Army; Surg. Gen. Cummings of the United States. Public Health Service, and | Reat Admiral Edgar R. Stitt, chief medical officer of the United States | Navy. <. Backed by Notables, to Begin Jan. 1 raised,” says the announcement, “as an endowment to provide funds for the conduct of the cam- palgn, by which it is estimated that the average span of human life will be prolonged from 58 years to 65 or 70 years. “In addition, research work in the study of tropical diseases will be carried out in a $750,000 labora- * tory provided by the government of Panama as a memorial to Gen. Gorgas, through whose genius as a sanitarian Panama was turned from a land of pestilence into a healthful country. The board of sclentific directors which will have charge of re- search work in tropical diseases at Panama and in similar work in respect to preventive medicine dn America is headed by Dr. Richard P. Strong, director of the School of Tropical Medicine at Harvard University, Dr. Martin announced. “The financial loss from pre- ventable illnesses and deaths amounts to at least $1,500,000,000 each year,” said Dr. Martin. “This is caused by the fact that we have always 3,000,000 persons on the sick list, cf whom 1,000,000 are in 4 FORCED SCHOOLING VOTEDBY SENATE Bill Provides Attendance for Children From 7 to 16 Years Old. A bill to provide compulsory school attendance and for taking a_ school census in the District of Columbfa, in- troduced by Senator Capper of Kansas, was passed by the Senate today with- {out amendment. The bill now goes to | the House for action. | _ When the bill was reached on the Senate calendar today, its provisions were explained by Senator Capper, at the request of Senator Robinson of Arkansas. Senator Capper pointed out that a similar bill was passed in the last Congress, but failed of actisn in the House. He sald that a new law for compulsory education was | greatly needed in the Diswrict. The cxisting law, he said, was enacted 16 years ago and was practically a dead letter. Ages From 7 to 16. Under the terms of the bill, every parent, guardian or other person who has control of a child between the { ages of 7 and 16 In the District of Co | lumbla shall cause the child to be | regularly instructed in a public school or in a private or parochial school, or Instructed privately dur- ing the period of each year in which the public schools are in session. Any child between the ages of 14 and 16 who has completed satisfactor- 1ly the eighth grade course of study prescribed for the public elementary schools of the District, or a course of study equivalent thereto, may be ex- cused by the superintendent of schools from further attendance at school, provided he is actually law- tully and regularly employed. | Provision Is made for an accurate daily record of the attendance of all children between 7 and 16 vears of age, to be kept by the teachers of the schools, and teachers giving pri- vate instruction. Penalties are provided for parents or guardians who fail to send their children to school, a fine of $10 or a commitment to jail for five days, or by both. Each two days the child re- mains away from school unlawfully shall constitute a separate offense. Provides for Census. Provision is made for a school cen- sus in the District of Columbia cov- ering all children of school age. This is one of the measures that the Board of Education has been par- ticularly desirous of having enacted, Senator Capper told the Senate. In its report to the Senate on the bill the Senate District committee said that a survey of educational {laws affecting child labor made by the Children's Bureau showed that compulsory education is now re- quired in every State in the Union. In five States attendance is required until 18 years of age; in three, until 7, and in 32 until 16, One State re- quires attendance until 15; six others and the District of Columbia, 14, and one State requires attendance until the age of 12, but applies to illit- erates only. “So it will be seen,” said the report, “that there has been much laxity in the District so far as school at- tendance is concerned.” Under the existing law in the District school attendance applies only to vhildren from 8 to 14 years of age. 45 CHASERS SET SAIL TO CURB RUM FLEET Doubling of Liquor Ship Flotilla Brings Orders to Heavy Coast Guard Armada. By the Associated Press. NEW YORK, December 30.—A fleet of 40 Government rum chasers, headed by five destroyers, was dispatched by the Coast Guard authorities today to patrol nearby waters in a cam- paign to prevent the landing of New Year liquor from the 18 schoomers and steamers NOW On rum row. Government officials estimated that there were at least 100,000 cases— and perhaps as many as 800,000— aboard the liquor ships. A week ago the rum row flotilla comprised nine vessels. The Gov- ernment fleet was instructed to wage warfare upon all boats attempting to land holiday liquor from the rum ships, which are now lying between Fire Island and Ambrose lightship. Branting’s Condition Worse. LONDON, December 30.—The con- dition of Premier Branting of Sweden, who Is suffering from inflammation of the lungs, has grown worse, ac- cording_to a dispatch from Stock- hoim. He has a higher temperature and quicker puise, the dispatch says, "L,(nmi of « $5,000,000- will ‘be | ;the m-&:‘bfl of life.” : - - . ‘- caused by phlebitis in the left leg. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1924 -THIRTY-FOUR PAGES. 7 W//’/ 75070777, N NN NN ‘ N = Coolidge Thinks Reward to Flyers Is Insufficient President Coolidge will approve the plan for rewarding the Army world fivers as drafted by the general staff and approved by Secretary Weeks, although he had hoped the plan might provide more generous treatment for the aviators, Under the plan Capt. Lowell H. Smith would be advanced 1,000 files on_the promotion list and Lieuts. Wade, Nelson and Arnold 500 files each. Sergts. Henry H. Ogden and John Harding, who hold Reserve Corps commissions as second lieutenants, would be appointed officers in the Regular Army in their Reserve Corps grades. All would receive dis- tinguished service medals and be permitted to accept the decorations offered by foreign governments. Secretary Weeks has presented the proposal to the President and it was said today the Chief Ex- ecutive feels the general staff is the best judge of such matters and therefore he is prepared to give his indorsement to it Upon receiving presidential ap- proval the plan will be transmitted to Congress, which alone has authority to confer the privileges recommended. BRITISH ANSWER U.S. CLAIMS NOTE Continue Position That Sep- arate Treaty May Bar Reparations Split. By the Associated Press. LONDON, December 30.—The British answer to the American note on the subject of war damage claims which, it it said, does not admit the legality of such claims, but contains suggestions for a settiement equally advantageous to thé United States, probably will be forwarded to Washington tomorrow, it was learned in official circles. Great Britain, it is understood, con- tinues in her position that the army of occupation claims can be readily admit- ted, but that America’s separate treaty with Germany raises a legal point as to the payment of damage claims out of allied funds. A suggestion by the Brit- ish is said to hint that the allies may consider such a proposition as extend- ing the occupation cost repayments over a longer period in order to cover some of the most important claims. The English viewpoint on the ques- tion is regarded as somewhat strength- ened by the statements of M. Clementel, the French minister of finance, as to the matter of strict legality of the American damage claime. FIRST COOLIDGE BOOM FOR 1928 IS LAUNCHED Leslie M. Shaw Argues Constitu- tional Point on Presidential Succession. By the Associated Press, OMAHA, Nebr., December 30.—The first boom for President Coolidge in 1928 was launched today by Leslie M. Shaw, former Secretary of the Treas- ury, in a speech prepared for deliv- ery here before the Nebraska State Bar Association. It was launched in the course of a constitutional argument to show that the President would not then be run- ning for a third term, a question which had its last public discussion during the candidacy of Theodore Roosevelt in 1812, Mr. Shaw’s argument was that, un- der the Constitution, a President can onlyibe elected; that a Vice President, although taking on the duties of the presidential office, .always remains | Vice" President, and that, while through the death or disabllity of a President, a Vice President may become Presi- dent de facto, under the Constitution he never can become President de jure except by election. “When President Coolidge receiv the nomination four years hence, said Mr. Shaw, “it must not be claim- ed that he is secking a third term. Neither should the fact that the sad death of President Harding thrust unexpected burdens upon his ample shoulders be a handicap against a second term. ‘Radio (’I,’mgnlm—l’age 17. & | | | I “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 A (. REALTORS PROTEST Ask President to Consider Consequences Before Giv- ing Indorsement. Following closely upon the orders of the President instituting a housing sur- vey in the District, the Washington Real Estate Board today issued a scathing condemnation of the proposed rent- control law for the District and sent a letter to the White House, requesting that the President “carefully weigh the serious consequences that will result from such legislation” before giving his formal consent to it. The board In the letter expresses its fear that such legislation will endanger the sanctity of contracts and the funda- mental principles of all property rights. It is the opinion of the board also that not only are contract and property rights endangered, but, according to John A. Petty, secretary of the board, they are of the opinion that such legislation is “a danger to our free institutions.” Directed to Rent Commission. The letter also requests that opportu- nity be given the property owners of the District to present their views in opposition to the views of the Rent Com- mission. The Washington Association of Building Owners and Managers was yesterday refused an interview with the President which it had asked in order to submit members' views. It was re- ferred to the Rent Commission. The letter to the President reads: “May I respectfully request In the name of this board that before you give your support to the proposal to create a permanent rent control body in the District of Columbia you care- fully weigh the serious consequences that will result from such legislation. “The sanctity of contracts and the fundamental principle of property rights are seriously involved in this form of legislation, and in fairness to the taxpayers of the District of Columbia legislation of this character | should not be contemplated until the property owners have had an oppor- tunity of presenting their views in opposition to the views and opinions of the Rent Commission and others interested in securing a permanent rent control body. “Assuring you that this organiza- tion will lend its full co-operation in getting before you statements of facts probably overlooked by those on the other side of the question, but ""(Continued on Page 5, Column 4.) MEXICO WANTS U. S. RENT-CONTROL LAW as fast as the papers are printed. Circulation, 96,635. * TWO CENTS. $14.000001S VOTED INSENATE TO BUILD MEMORIAL BRIDGE Sponsors Hope for Early House Action to Rush Actual Work. 10-YEAR CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM IS APPROVED Commission Empowered to Use Whatever United States Land Is Needed in Project. The Senate today passed the bill providing for construction of a $14,- 000,000 memorial bridge across the Potomac River to the Virginia shore from a point near the Lincoln Me- morial. Both Senator Swanson of Virginia and Senator Fernald of Maine, who introduced the bill, expressed them- selves as jubilant today over its pas- sage. Senator Swanson said that he hoped quick action could be obtained In the House and that the beautiful bridge would soon become a reality. Senator Fernald said that passage of this bill was a personal matter with him and that he had talked to each and every Senator, so that noth- ing should impede its passage. “This bill passed solely on its merlts,” said Senator Fernald. *When completed it will make the most beautiful entrance to a city of any in the world. I have had letters from governors of various States urging the project and I am very much gratified that the Senate passed the bill with no debate.” Construction Ordered. nder the terms of the bill the Arlington Memorial Bridge Commis- sion is authorized to proceed at once in the construction of the bridge, in- cluding roads, streets and walks leading to it on both sides of the river. The total amount to be spent on the bridge in an estimated 10- year construction is $14,750,000. The commission authorized to occupy such Government-owned land as may be necessary for the con- struction of the bridge and on com- pletion of the project to transfer to the park system under the chief of engineers, United States Army, all or such portions of such land as the commission may decide to be neces- sary. Purchase on the open market or by condemnation of privately owned land as may be necessary for ap- proaches on the Virginia shore is also authorized by the bill. It also allows condemnation of purchase to permit B street northwest to be opened up from the Capitol to the Potomac River. River. Appropriations are to be provided directly or by continuing contracts, or by both. The expenditures in any cne year shall not exceed the amount for the corresponding year as shown In the 10-year program of expendi tures. The commission shall annually submit to Congress through the Bu- reau of the Budget a statement of sums of money previously expended and an estimate of the total sum of money necessary to be expended in the next succeeding year to carry on the work authorized by the bill. Text of Report. | The committee on public buildings and grounds in its report on the ad- visability of the construction of this bridge say: “A memorial bridge across the Po- tomac River leading In the general direction of the Lee Mansion on the Arlington estate has been under con- sideration by Congress and the execu- |tive department for more than i_\'eflrx." Action Often Delayed. Congress has on several occasions passed laws pursuant to preliminary plans for this bridge. Yet in each case, due to delay in the authorization and |active prosecution of the construction, the project has been allowed to languish and fall asleep without definite ac- | tion. Not only does the project provide for one of the most Impressive and beauti- ful memorial bridges in the world, but it {also provides for park improvement on Columbia Island, on the Virginia TO RELEASE ISLAND Asks for Return of Pichilinque, Long Used as Base for Coaling Fleet. By the Assaciated Press. MEXICO_CITY, December 30.—The return to Mexico of the small island of Pichilinque, in the Gulf of Cali- fornia, which has long been used as a coaling station for the American fleet, is expected soon, according to the Mexican foreign office Permission to use the Island was first given:by the mavyor of the town of La-Paz, nearby, and later con- dirmed by. President Benito Juarez The Mexican Senate, however, never ratified the permission, and on this ground the present government bases its contention that Pichilinque should be réturned. A note to this effect was sent to Washington several days ago and a favorable reply is expected within the next few days. fice, it is sald, has already received verbal notification of the United States' desire to release its hold on| the island, thus emphasizing its friendly sentiments toward Mexico. Insue Studied Here. State Department officials said today careful consideration was being given the note from the foreign office at Mex- ico City requesting the return to Mexico of the Island of Pichilinque. The communication was received several days ago and has been the subject of study since, but as yet no decision on the question of transfer of the title has been reached. While officials declined further com- ment, it is understood the Washington Government has not consented to re- tease control of Pichillnque, nor is it aware that notification of any sort has been given the Mexican government that it inténded to relinquish control of the island. The question of transfer, it was sug- gested, involves more complicated, issues than have been ‘made apparent in dis- patches from Mexico City. | nald, chairman of the Senate The foreign of- | shore and immediate surroundings of |the Lincoln Memorial, which will | mark it as one of the greatest single | park projects the country has ever { undertaken. | Not only Washington civic organi- | zations but organizations through- {out the Southern States apd the bor |der States lying between the North | and South, extending from the Dis- | trict all the way across the country, | have given most impressive backing | to_the memorial bridge project | The bridge commission 1s com- | posed of President Coolidge, Albert |B. Cummings, President pro tem of the Senate; Frederick H. Glilette, Speaker of the House; Senator Fer- com- mittee on public buildings and groun and Representative John | W. Langley, chairman of the house committee on public buildings and | grounds. | " This commission is authorized to | employ the services of engineers, architects, sculptors and artists with- out reference to civil service require- ments, with a view to the elimination of any delay that might arise in the immediate ~carrying out of the project {Labor Vice President Has Break- | down Following Gompers’ Funeral. i | NEW YORK, December 30.—James Duncan, vice president of the Amer- ican Federation of Labor, is con- valescing at the Lexington Hospital here, it was learned today, from an operation which followed a.general breakdown, caused by the strain he experienced In _accompanying the funeral train of the late Samuel Gompers from Mexico to New York | The hardehips of the journey caused a weakened condition In Mr Duncan’s blood, necessitating a sinus operation last Tuesday. Mrs. Duncan, who is at the hos. pital with her husband, said they hoped to go today to the home of a friend on Long Island, where Mr. Duncan will rest. 3