Evening Star Newspaper, February 21, 1925, Page 2

INAUGURAL SPEECH TOBE RADIOCAST 2] Stations Covering United States to Be Linked for March 4 Ceremonies. Twenty-one high-powered radio statfons, scattered from the Atlantic to the Pacific, already have prepared to foln in the simultaneous broad- casting of President Coolidge’s in- ugral ceremonies at the Capitol at high noon March 4, and other sta- tions are expected to be added to the link before the event, it was an- nounced today by the radio depart- ment of the American Telephone and Telegraph Co. Extensive preparations for broad- casting the inaugural ceremonies, which will be carried to virtually every city, town and hamlet in the Nation through the interconnection of stations, have been made by the American _Telephone and Telegraph. Graham McNamee, WEAF's stellar announcer, has been assigned the task of introducing the President to the vast invisible audienc He also will describe the preliminary scenes at the Capitol Amplifiers to Be Used. Microphones will be installed at different locations on the platform on ghe Capitol steps. Besides going out on the air, every word that is spoken will be hurled to the im- mense throng expected to surround the Capitol through the public ad- dress system which the American Telephone and Telegraph will erect on_the platform. WRC will have the honor of broad- casting the ceremonies to the Wash- ington audience. This station also will serve the radio listeners in New York City and Schenectady through stations WJZ and WGY. Stations Are med. The stations which will be served by the American Telephone and Tele- graph Co., through WEAF, New York, follow: WEEI, Boston, Mass.; WJAR, Providence, R. L; WTIC, Hartford, Conn.; WOO, Philadelphia, Pa.; WCAE, Pittsburgh, Pa.; WGR, Buffalo, N. Y.; WEAR, Cleyeland, Ohio; WLW, Cin cinnati, Ohic; WWJ, Detroit, Mich.; WMAQ, Chicago, I1.; WDAF, Kansas City, Mo.; WHO, Des Moines, Iowa; WCCO, Minneapolis Paul, Minn.; WSB, Atlanta, Ga.; KFI, Los Angeles, Calif.; KPO, San Francisco, Calif., and KLX, Oakland, Calif. The proceedings will also be broadcast by the Radio Corporation of America, through sta- tions WRC, Washington, D. C.; WJZ, New York, N. and WGY, Schenectady, N. Y. It is very likely that other stations will be added to this list of broadcasting stations, who will transmit this notable event into the ether for the benefit of a vast radio audience who otherwise would be unable to “participat, McNamee will give his familiar “Good morning, ladies and gentlemen of the radio audlence,” to the chain of stations connected with WEAF at approximately 11:15 a.m. from his position on the platform, and after a brief description of the local color about him, will introduce to his lis- teners the United States Marine Band, which will be heard until 11:57. At 11:58 a fanfare of trumpets will call the assemblage to. order and im- mediately the justices of the Supreme Court will approach the platform followed by the Chief Justice, cabinet members and President Coolidge. DR. MERRIAM LEAVES FOR MAYA RESEARCH Head of Carnegie Institution Goes to Scene of Famous Chichen Itza Excavations in Yucatan. Dr. John C. Merriam, president of the Carnegle Institution of Washing- ton, left yesterday for Mexico to visit the ruins of the ancient Maya Demand of World For Aircraft From America Growing Government Reports 1924 Exports Near Record Year of 1920. . The world is getting more and more interested in American aircraft. Ex- ports of aircraft from the United States in 1924, amounting to $798,275, almost doubled those for 1923, the automotive division of the Department of Commerce announced today. Aircraft exports from this country for 1923 were valued at $433,560, or $364,- 715 less than in 1 and the number of airplanes and seaplanes exported ex- ceeded those of the previous vear by 10. The “abnormal” year, 1920, still stands as the record maker in shipment of planes, the department said, but 1924 approached it more closely than any other year. Since the beginning of 1922 there has been a steady increase in the number of planes exported from this country, as well as in the total value of all alrcraft products, with every indi- cation that this increase will continue. More than 60 per cent of the total value of 1924 aircraft exports was ab- sorbed by Latin American countries, with Mexico leading as the market for planes. Japan was second to Mexico in receipt of parts for aircraft, both in weight and value. NEW TENANT PLEA MADE T0 COOLIDGE Clifton Terrace Group Says Rent Bill Failure Means Evictions or Raises. Another letter was sent today to President Coolidge urging him to use h.s influence {n securing the passage of the rent bill now before Congress, according to Mrs. Margaret Hopkins Worrell ~ of the Clifton Terrace Tenants’ League, The communication, which is sim- ilar in tone to the one sent by the Tenants' League of Washington and the Federation of Federal Employes’ Unions yesterday to the President, states that if the bill is not passed Wwholesale evictions will take place, or higher rents will be exacted. The letter, which is said to be signed by several hundred Govern- ment employes, reads as follows: DAWES SEES Looks for Tranquillity in World—Paish Hopes for: French Settlement. By the Assoclated Press, | CHICAGO, February _21.—Vice President-clect Charles G. Dawes, in What he termed a ‘‘valedictory” ad- dress before the Bankers’ Club of Chicago, of which he is a member, last night predicted a long period of peace and prosperity for the world. “I believe the' world is going Into a long period of peace, prosperity and happlness,” he sald, and quoted from a recent speech by David Lloyd ieorge, In which the latter had stressed the value of tranquillity, saying it was the issue in the world last year in all elections. “In the United States and England tranquillity was found,” Mr. Dawes sald. “The people found it in voting for the right sort of comservatism. In looking back over history and try- ing to see the great tide which led mankind forward and then down and up, we can see, I think, the beginning of the great forward movement of peace and tranquillity throughout the wprid. It may be small to begin with, but we are entering upon such a period as that.” Compared to Former Ern. He compared the last 100 vears of the world's history to 100 years of the Roman republic, preceding the Pax Romanum, and also referred to the two centuries of peace and tranm- quillity following the conquest of Gaul, saying: “It was the natural reaction under those great laws which govern men and the attitudes of humanity in the mass that produced this greatest period of happiness and prosperity that the world has ever known. It was the grea{ reaction on the human race. That is just what we have been going through with after the tour Years of the war. Sir George Faish of London, British economist, editor and financlal ad- viser to the chancellor of the ex- chequer during the war, in an address, agreed with the views of the Vice President-elect. “I belleve,” Sir George sald, “that there never will be another war. The time has come when the world must have peace. Must Assure Peace. “We cannot expect the world to re- cover from the war until it is assured of peace’ Great Britain has changed its pol- icy, and now we are well on the way “This communication is addressed to you because we believe that if the Congress fails to enact rent legisla- tion at this session wholesale evic- tions will at once take place or ten- ants will be compelled to pay in- creased rentals, already oppressive. “Employes of the Government are now forced to rent out rooms, iive in congested quarters and perform addi- tional work after hours, thereby in- juring their health and that of their families. “The vast majority of government employes, under the reclassification act, receive less than 4 per cent In- crease in salaries, while rents have increased from 50 to 100 per cent. “We believe that the rent control bill is doomed unless you come to our rescue, and we beg you to help us.” CHICAGO SEWAGE DISPOSAL FLAYED Effects on Other Part of State Pictured Darkly at Hearing. The effects of Chicago sewage dis- capital at Chichen Itza, in Yucatan, where the institution is conducting extensive archeological excavations for a thorough study of the aborig- inal race that founded an astonish- ing_civilization there. The Carnegie Institution has a 10- year contract with the Mexican gov- ernment, under which It is author- ized to excavate the burled Maya capital and conduct archeological researches that may rival the spec- tacular discovery of Tut-Ankh- Amen'’s tomb and its store of ancient treasure. Dr. Merriam will spend about a month on his trip. He is going first to Havana, where he will meet Dr. Clark Wissler of the American Museum of Natural History, and Dr. A. V. Kidder of Phillips Academy, members of the Carnegie Institution’s advisory commission on Middle Amer- ican Archaeology. The three will then sail to Progres- ®o, from where they will motor to the ruins of Chichen Itza. After spending several weeks there Dr. Merrfam will go on to Mexico City for some important conferences with officials of the Mexican government and will return to Washington over- land by way of Laredo, Tex. — 2 SHOOTS FATHER-IN-LAW, IS WOUNDED IN DUEL Youth and Wife’s Father Renew Argument Over Elopement While at Basket Ball Game. By the Associated Press. OXFORD, Miss.,, February 21.—John posal on other Illinols territory was plctured in dark colors by witnesses today at the hearing before Secretary ‘Weeks on the question of withdrawal of Lake Michigan waters. Representative Henry T. Rainey of Tllinols described the present method as meaning “ruln of the Illinois Valley.” The valley, he said, was one of the most beautiful in the world, but the Chicago sewage polluted waters as far away as Peoria. Fish taken from the stream were covered with sores, he said, and it was im- possible to stay in & room where fish from the stream were being cooked because of the offensive odor. Says Fish Tainted. “Such {s the condition of a stream that was the greatest source of fresh- water fish in the country,” Mr. Rainey asserted. Representative William E. Hull of Illinois declared he represented the “real people who are suffering from Chicago sewage, because the sanitary district has not lived up to its agre: ment to build sewage-treatment plants. “But after the plants are built,” he said, “‘we must have water from Lake Michigan to purify streams end to enable us to have deep waterways from the lakes to the gulf.” Mr. Hull said that Chicago's right to divert water from Lake Michigan should be limited to one year. “Otherwise,” he said, “Chicago will make no move to get the legislative action necessary for carrying out the drainage program recommended by Government engineers, Ask Diversion Be Reduced. Before the hearing started, the Great Lakes delegatiof, representing cities and interests other than Chi- L. Perkins was shot and instantly killed and his son-in-law, Frank Cain, serfously wounded vesterday in & duel the two men engaged in while spectators at a basket ball game. The men met on the campus of the high school and renewed a quarrel that had preceded the elopement of Cain and Perkins' daughter last November. When Cain and Miss Perkins announced their intention to be married, Perkins made objec- tions and a fist fight resulted. The pair eloped and were married and the father-in-law, it is said, became reconclled. — . 10 LAND OFFICES CLOSED. Secretary Work Continues Policy of Retrenching U. 8. Expenses. Continuing his policy of retrench- ment in the General Land Office, Sec- retary Work has announced the abolishmert of 10 local land offices in various sections of the country, effec- tive April 30. Separation from the service of 47 employes of the Wash- ington headquarters of the General Land Office wi nnounced a few days ago. Mr. Work's action was taken, he said today, under an act of Con- gress providing for ‘the discontinu- ance of local land offices where the amount of public land under their than 100,000 acres. abolished are in Arkansas, Califernia, Colorado, Idaho, Minne- sota, Montana, Nebraska, New Mex- ice and South Dakota, cago, prepared a request that Secr tary of War Weeks immediately re- duce the amount of water diverted trom Lake Michigan from 10,000 cublc teet per second to 4,167, and that this diversion be considered a temporary measure during a six-year period, after which only 1,000 cubic feet could be diverted. The diversion of 1,000 cubic feet, the delegation maintained, would be sufficient for pavigation purposes in the barge canal MRS. A. D. STERRETT, 77, DIES AT ORLANDO, FLA. Widow of Founder of All Souls’ Episcopal Church Succumbs in Southern City. Mrs. Adlumia Dent Sterrett, 77 years old, widow of Rev. James Mc- Bride Sterrett, former rector and founder of All Souls’ (Sterrett Mem- orial) Episcopal Church, died at Or- lando, Fla, Thursday, according to word received here. Born in southern Maryland, Mrs. Sterrett, who before her marriage was a Miss Dent, was a descendant of colonial Maryland settlers. She was a resident of Washington for half a century. She is survived by five sons, Rev. H. H. D. Sterrett, rector of All Souls’ Episcopal Church; Col. Robert Ster- rett, U. 8. A.; John Sterrett, William Steszett and Douglas Sterretty to assure peace. Tranquillity and peace cannot be had without action— the right kind of action. “What we need is action so strong that no nation will dare break the peace. We must act in such a way that those boys who gave their lives in a war to end war must not have died in vain. “The world must adopt a policy of international justice to assure world peace. Fair play and co-operation must be the keynote of the economic and financial relations of the world. We must act for the common good in all our—the United States' and Great Britain’s—relations. “France is undoubtedly impover- ished by the war to an extent that few people understand. However, that is my personal view. That is not the national policy. The national policy is that France must pay to the extent of her power, and I hope that sooner or later we shall have a Dawes committee for France for the purpose of discovering how much France can pay or whether it would not be ad- visable to forgive her the debt.” - BISHOP BAST’S ACCUSER TO BE EXCOMMUNICATED Methodist Yearly Conference in Copenhagen Acts Against Rev. Mr. Ingerslev. By the Associated Press. COPENHAGEN, February 21.—The Methodist yearly conference, after two days deliberations here under the leadership of Bishop Edgar Blake, has decided to excommunicate from the ministry Rev. Mr. Ingerslev, who brought the charge against Bishop Anton Bast which vesulted in his de- tention last December. The charge brought by Rev. Mr. Ingerslev against Bishop Bast, who is the American Methodist Episcopal bishop for Scandinavia, related to the disposal of charity funds. Bishop Bast was arrested and held for sev- eral days without ball, finally being released. The arrest brought protests from church officials, who deoclared their full confidence in his integrity and in his ability to meet his accusers in a fair trial. DRINK POISONS GIRL. Miss Ruth Bradley Recovering at ‘Emergency Hospital. Suftering trom a drink of what was supposed to be sherry wine, Ruth Bradley, 19, of 315 V street northeast, was taken to Emergency Hospital from an office in the Mills Building yesterday. She was treated for alcoholism by Dr. Batts of the hospital staff and her condition today was announced as Improved. Investigation by the police found ‘that the liquid was taken from a desk of another em- ploye and given the girl. ROBBED BY COMPANIONS. Newark Man Declares He Lost $338 in Cash and $300 in Goods. “Two Italian acquaintances,” who had been riding in an automobile with him, were reported last night to the police as hold-up men by Socrates Capetan of Newark, N. J., who said they held him up at pistol point and robbed him of $338 in cash and $300 in valuables, including a suit case and wearing apparel, yesterday at Seventeenth and I streets. Capetan gave a complete descrip- tion of the alleged assallants. His loss included seven silk shirts and four suits of clothes, as well as un- derwear, leaving him without sar- torial or financial resources. BOY STRUCK BY AUTO. Is Treated by Doctor, Driver of Ma- chine, After Accident. Walter Stewart, colored, $ years old, of 2620 Nichols avenue south- east, was knocked down and injured about the legs and body when au- tomobile operated by Dr. James H. Earley, 2210 Nichols avenue southeast, struck him while he was pushing an express wagon on Nichols avenue at Sheridan road. The boy was given first aid treat- ment in Dr. Earley's office and later taken to Casualty Hospital, where his condition was pronounced not se- &lousy, Upper: U. S. plane Center: Explosion of a 1,100-; Lower: After a 2,000-poun . Virginia waiting for the attack of Army Martin bombing und bomb. bomb ad made a direct hit. First photo- sraph taken at 11153 a.m., September 6, 1923, and lower picture at 12107 p.m., me date. MITCHELL IS HAPPY FIGHTING; HURLS CRITIC1SM UNSPARINGLY Attacks on Officialdom Bringing No Comeback, and Indications Are That General Is Receiving “Si- lence Treatment”’—Next Move Awaited. BY ROBERT T. The trouble about Gen. “Billy” Mitchell is that he hates peace. Peace in any form is abhorrent to him. He would rather be blowing up a battleship or a general or an admiral than to sail serenely on in his temporary grade of brigadier. The “fiying general” is growing more and more worried, too. He is not wor- ried because he thinks something is go- ing to happen to him. He is afraid it won't. The martyr complex is strong upon him. It is the cross he is striving for. He wants to add it to the rare col- lection of decorations, foreign and domestic, that plaster his reanly chest today. Gen. Mitchell is being aided and abet- #d in his desire to take a nose dive out Of the one-star class by the aircraft in- vestigating committee of the House of Representatives. The committee calls the general before it. He is asked all manner of questions. He is led into de- nouncing all and sundry who are in power. Then the committee and its one- star witness sit back and wait for the threatening storm to strike. Nothing happens. The committee is disturbed. So is the general. What next? The general is summoned once more. He is asked further pertinent questions and gives further imperti- nent replies, condemning all and sundry in power. Agaln the pause. Again the calm. Nothing happen What next? The general is sum moned once more. Again he soaks the higher ups. But nothing hap- pens. SMALL. Has Made Clean Sweep. Gen. Mitchell has carefully gone through all the general officers of the Army and Navy. He has attack- ed the only two cabinet officers of whom he has any slight knowledge— the Secretary of War and the Secre- tary of the Navy. Still nothing happens. There is only one shining mark left for the “flying general,” who says that the maléfactors of great ig- norance in the two services would 3 REPORTED KILLED IN OIL BARGE BLAST Number of Others Believed Injured in Explosion Felt in Center of Philadelphia. By the Associated Press. PHILADELPHIA, February 21— Three men were reported killed and a number: injured today when an ofl barge moored in the Schuylkill River near the city's garbage reduction plant blew up. The scene of the explosion was in the extreme southwestern pert of the city. Tho blast was so terrific it was felt in the central part of Philadel- phia, causing so many telephone calls that’the city's electrical bureau and newspaper telephones became’ con- gested. The fire spread to the garbage plant and to a pile driver anchored near the Baltimore and Ohlo Railroad bridge. Five alarms of fire were sounded and efforts were directed to save the .bridge and to keep the flames from spreading beyond the plant. Monon Official Dies. BRADENTOWN, Fla., February 21.— Harry T. Evane, 51, of Chicago, vice president of the Monon route, the Chi- cago, Indianapolis and Louisville Rail- Toad, disd, Ber tpday a4 & hotel take the “f" out of flying. President Coolidge remains to be bombed. No- body knows just when the gener: will turn the TNT on the White House. There is a general feeling in the Capital that if something does not happen to him soon, the general will take a last shot at the Chief Ex- ecutive. He has just got to be “de- moted” or cashiered. Like the little boy in the tub with the soap just out of reach—he won’t be happy 'till he gets it. Most everybody thought he would “get it” come time ago, but it seems now it the “silence treat- ment” in official circles may be the worst punishment possible to mete out to the general. Mitchell Enjoying Himself. Meantime Gen. “Billy” is having the time of his life. Between testifying and denouncing times he is helping to arrange the grand {naugural charity ball to be held the night of March 4, taking the place of the grand inaugural ball of other years. Gen. Mitchell is chairman of the floor committee, and it will be up to him to recelve the cabinet and all the high officers of the Army and Navy as they arrive and to see that they have a good time. The general hopes the ball won't be too peaceful. May- be some of the high officials won't put in an appearance because he is chairman of the floor committee. That would be great. The general algo attended this wesk the Army and Navy reception at the White House. He went early to the levee and stayed late. He moved in and out among the other officers of the two armed services like a flag- ship. He would not like that simile, of course. He would much rather have soared over the assembly. In apirit he did. And naturally the talk at the reception was all about the general and his testimony. The strange part is that both the Army and the Navy like the man. They say he is a fine salesman for both services. They only hope he ‘won't oversell Congre: All belie good will come from the battle, and of Mitchell they say the “pore be- nighted ‘eathen” is a “first-class fighting man. (Copyright, 1925.) DEATH CAR DRIVER HELD AT INQUEST (Continued from First Page.) heard the crash and remembered nothing more. Henry F. Schwalbach, a taxi driver of the Yellow Cab Co., testified that Roderiok’s car was going well over 30 miles an hour heading east when it struck the platform. He sald it seemed to swerve toward the street car tracks just before reaching Twelfth street and as it was passing a milk truck. Several other witnesses testified that Rod- erick's car was exceeding the speed limit and that it gave no indication of halting after the tragedy. Police- man David McCutcheon, who was standing on the northeast corner of Eleventh and the Avenue at the time, told how he chased the fleeing car and was forced to jam it to the curb back of the Museum to make it stop. Willlam H. Collins, an assistant District attorney, is the Government prosecutor. Charges placed by the police against Roderick are man- slaughter, driving while drunk and leaving the scene of the accident. ‘The prisoner sat through the hearing in a dejected manner, but with no outward display of emotion. Lieut. L. J. Jacobi Resigns. The resignation of Lieut. Leon J. Jacobi, attached to the U. S. 8. S-1i has been acceptad to taka effect Ayefd 30, SENATE TRAFFIC BILL WINS POINT House Committee Votes to Substitute it for Consid- eration Monday. The House District committee, by a vote of 7 to §, today directed that the Senate traffic bill be substituted for the House trafic bill, which is the firgt measure to be called up on Dis- trict day in she House Monday. The five-year school building pro- gram, which already has passed the Senate, is also on the program for consideration Monday, when it is ex- pected the bill that has passed the Senate will be substituted for the House measure. Representative Rathbone of Illi- nois, chairman of the House sub- committee on traffic legislation, ex- plained that he believed the only way to get traffc relief through at this session of Congress is to take the measure as {t has passed the Senate. “Do you want your own traffic bill, or 4o you want the Senate bill?” questioned Representative Blanton, who had been explaining to the House committee that by substituting the Senate bill they would shut off any features of the House measurs from consideration. want the best traffic legislation that it is possible to get under pres- ent conditions,” replied Representa- tive Rathbone. REPARATION GROUP STILL HELD RULING Barthou Says Commission Even Has New Powers Un- der London Pact. By the Associated Press. PARIS, February 21.—The Repara- tlons Commission remains the prin- cipal juridical body set up under the treaty’ of Versallles, retaining its power of decision, appeal and super- vision, said Jean Louis Barthou after he had been re-elected chairman of the commission at its general meet- ing vesterday. The commission previously had heard the farewell address of Baron Bradbury (formerly Sir John Brad- bury) and received the credentlals of Baron Blanesburgh, who officfally sumed his duities as Lord Bradbury's successor as British member of the commission. M. Barthou's remarks concerning the powers and prerogatives of the commission came after he had re- called that the bringing into opera tion of the Dawes plan had taken certain duties out of its hands and transferred them to the Dawes ‘or- ganizations in Berlin. Nevertheles he mdded, the commission remaine. integral. As a matter of fact, it had been vested with new authority through the London agreement, he said. James States, marks. $5,000 GIFT ALLEGED TO SOLDIER LEAGUE A. Logan of the United seconded M. Barthou's re- Witness Says “Mr. Chadbourne” Paid Sum to Body in Campaign of James M. Cox. Testimony that “a Mr. Chadbourne ot New York” turned over $5.000 to. the National Disabled Soldlers’ League in 1920 in the belief that it would further the presidential candidacy of James M. Cox was given before a House investi- gating committee yesterday by Willlam J. Dodd of Jersey City. As a matter of fact, Dodd said, he had learned that the money was expended by league officlals “for joy rides and boose.” The witness described & 1921 conven- tion of the league in Washington, at which, he said, John T. Nolan ‘“voted himself” a $5,000 salary. WOMAN TO BE HANGED. Georgian to Pay Supreme Penalty for Killing Mother-in-Law. ATLANTA, Ga., February 21.—Mrs. Ida Hughes must hang for the mur- der of her mother-in-law, Mrs. M. C. Hughes, the Georgia Supreme Court decided today in afirming the verdict of a jury in Fulton Superior Court. Prosecution officials were unable to say just when she would be resen- tenced. Mrs. Hughes w charged with having slain her husband’'s mother when the latter visited her son's home on December 31, 1923, with a search warrant seeking personal be- longings she alleged were there. It was alleged that the elder Mrs. Hughes was shot as she stooped over & trunk. —_— DELAYS OFFICIAL ACTION. No Move by Argentina for De- positing Gold in United States. ‘The Argentine embassy has not yet taken official steps to carry out the Ar- gentine finance minister's decree to de- posit gold in American institutions, it was stated yesterday at the embassy, 1806 Corcoran strest. The decres was issued a short time 4go to relieve the stringent money conditions in Argentine ‘markets, according to an announcement made at the embassy. Only the text of the decres has been received by the embaassy, and further in- structions from the Argentine finance minister are awaited before proceeding with the plan. MRS. YETTA YOUNG DIES. Former Washington Woman, fid~ fare Worker, Expires in Baltimore. Mrs. Yetta Young, widow of M. J. Young, formerly for many years a resident of Georgetown and promi- nently {dentified with welfare work here, died in Baltimore yesterday. Funeral services and interment will be in Baltimore tomorrow aftesnoon. Mrs. Young was a sister of the late Mrs. W. Nordlinger and Mrs. M. Blumenthal. he is survived by a sister, Mrs. Fannle Goodman, and a granddaughter, Mrs. Helen L. Baum. Composer-Playwright Dies. RED BANK, N. J,, February 21.—A Baldwin Sloan, 52, musical composer and well lway play- wright, dled here today after am at-- |eral other Senators lined up to extend | was appointed tack of heart dlscase, 3 Food Prices Here Continue to Gain, U. S. Figures Show Food prices in Washington are still on the upgrade. They rose 1 per cent from December 15 to January 15, continuing the Increass which has been steady since last Fall. The Government's statisticians, who are accustomed to Aguring these things right down to the last decimal point, add that food here on January 15, 1936, was 5 per cent higher in price that it was on the same date in 1924 The increase in the price of food in Washington, however, was not confined to this city, for 47 out of 51 cities showed increase in the pri of food, while decreascs were show in the other 4. Forty-nine of the 5l cities showed increases in food prices for the year period ended January 15, ranging from 11 per cent in Hous- toh, Tex., down to 1 per cent in Prov- tdenee ‘Washington has one consolation, however. Food prices here are not the highest in the country, as com- pared with prices in 1913, the pre- war base on which the Burcau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor bases its comparative figures. Food prices here are only 62 per cent above the 1913 level, while down in Richmond, Va, and Birmingham, Ala., they are 64 per cent higher than the year preceding the war ORATORY CONTEST VALUED HEHLY Eastern Home and School Association Praises Re- sults of Event. Strong indorsement of the 1925 na- tional oratorical contest, of which The Evening Star is one of the spon- sors, is contained in a resolution unanimously voted at the meeting last night of the executive committee of the Home and School Association of the Eastern High School. The in- dorsement, forwarded on behalf of the committee by Arthur Robb, fol- lows: “The exscutive committee of the Home and School Assoclation of Eastern High School (Dr. Raymond A. Fisher, president), of which com- mittee I have the honor to be a member, at its regular committee meeting last evening indorsed with a unanimous vote the 1925 national oratorical contest, now under way. “I was appointed a committee of one and directed to convey the com- mittee's appreciation of the interest aroused by the last oratorical con- test in the history of the formative period of our American republic, and given expression in splendid effects in public speaking, and to voice pleasure that a like contest is be- ginning. Citex Bases of Approval. “Our committe ebelieves that the contest merits approval for at least two reasons. First, there is develop- ed through research and study a knowledge of history, men and af- fairs, cowpled with logical thinking, given expression in well chosen words, phrases and sentences in con- centrated written effort. To all of which may be added the kindled zest of search. Second, we believe the art of good speaking—oratory in its best sense—is of great value, the splendid vehicle to convey the fitting words of informing address and convincing argument, compelling listening inter- es “Furthermore, we belleve that young men and young women should acquire the faculty of expressing themselves readily in appropriate speech and in good voice; to be pre- pared at all fmes to stand on thelr feet and spefk with authority in cenvincing manner. Benefit to Parents. “Permit me to add my personal observation that these oratorical con- tests are quite as good and as in- forming for us who are older. Cer- tainly, it seems to me that any man or woman who has the privilege of listening to the addresses in these contests cannot but be impressed with the importance of good citizen- ship and love of country, be made a bit wiser concerning the history of the early period of our Nation, and made known in words fitly spoken in choice language with good voice, presenting the viewpoints of fresh, young minds. “And then, too, we must feel—can- not but feel—a greater respect for our splendid youth, in whom I re- pose my faith, from whom must come the future good things for our country. You are doing good work —keep on; a hundred thousand flint- and-fire speeches by the finest young men and women in the world cannot but produce happy results.” NURMI IS RECEIVED AT WHITE HOUSE “Converses’ With President, Though He Speaks No English and Coolidge Speaks No Finnish. Paavo Nurmi, the flying Finn, has under consideration a trip to the Pacific coast late in April to engage in outdoor meets at Los Angeles, San Francisco and Pasadena, Hugo Quist, his manager, announced today on ar- rival here of the Olympic champion to take part in tonight's Georgetown University games. No definite decision has been reach- ed on invitations from the Pacific Coast, Quist sald, explaining that Nurmi was anxious to compete in France and Germany early in the Summer and would have to arrange his stay in America accordingly. Should the trip to the Pacific Coast be made, the Finn runner, Quist said, probably would spend the week eof April 25 there. Nurmi, along with Joie Ray and several other Olymplc stars, was presented to President Coolidge to- day and posed for the photographers with the Executive. While the pic- tures were being taken Mr. Coolidge turned to the Finn and made some remark, not heard by onlookers, to which Nurmi replied. Inasmuch as Nurmi speaks no English and the President does not speak Finnish, thers was some speculation as to the exact nature of the conversation. STERLING 74 TODAY. Senator Holds Impromptu Recep- tion on Birthday. Senator Thomas Sterling of South Dakota today celebrated his 74th birthday with an impromvtu recep- tion on the Senate floor. ‘When the Senate convened Senator Bingham, Connecticut, the “baby” member in point of service, presented Senator Sterling with a single spray of white blossoms and then cordially shook hands. Noticing the act, sev- thelr congratulations. PRODUCERSDEFY SPEY PLAYS FOES Brady Changes Mind, Re- fuses to Withdraw “Good Bad Woman.” By the Associated NEW YORK, February plications have developed in Broad- way's spicy play epidemic, which D trict Attorney aBnton and numerous civilians are trying to stamp out Producers of ‘“Desire Under Elms,” by Eugene O'Neill, have re- fused to consider Mr. Banton's tructions to withdraw the pl next Wednesday, and say they invite prosecution. After David Belasco had promised 1o rewrite his two productions under fire, “The Harem” and “Ladies of the Evening,” and to present the ex- purgated versions next Tuesday, Wil- liam A. Brady, whose “A Good E Woman” brought the first rain in th present storm of public disapproval and whose voluntary offer to with- draw the play after tonight's formances had apparently calmed the waters, stirred up a fresh commotion by declar e would with- draw it. in- Will Not Be Gont. “I do not propose to ba a goat Brady said. “I started out something for the American but if others are allowed by the a) thorities to present filthy plavs I, as a taxpayer, claim the same privilage. If the New York stage is to be mada clean 1 will go the limit to bring it about, but, I will not submit to fairness. Mr. Brady said he would rewrite “A Good Bad Woman" and continue its run next Monday. Meanwhile the proponents of cen- sorship by a jury of playgoers ara trying to get it in operation in tima to prevent serious casualties by court action. ZIEGFELD OFFERS PLAN. Mr. do theater, |Says Public Could Easily Bring Stage Clean-Up. By the Associated Press. BALTIMORE, Md., February 21 In a telegram to District Attorney Banton of New York, sent from hers yesterday, lorenz Ziegfeld, theatri- cal producer, offered suggestions as to methods for eliminating objection able plays. He declared, first, that the situation could be easily con- trolled “If the public would stay a from such plays, but the curiosity | them, created by newspapers, makes that method an impossibility “At no time in the history American stage,” the message “has there been so much smut, fi and dirt as in the New York theaters now.” Mr. Ziegfeld suggested selection of three members each of the Actors Equity Association, the Producing Managers' Association. the Auth 4 Society and the New York judici; to act as a jury to pass upon que tionable plays, “but the quickest wa and the surest way,” the telegram de- clared, “is for the Actors’ Equity As- soclation to prevent its members from playing such plays.” Mr. Ziegfeld invites Mr. Banton to send a representative to see his pro- duction, promising to eliminate any- thing “the least bit objectionable. NOTED ASTRONOMER DIES AT MAINE HOME Rev. Joel H. Metcal? Was Credited With the Discovery of Many Celestial Bodies. By the Aseociated Press. PORTLAND, Me., Rev. Joel Hastings ly known as and credited with the disco ery of many celes tial bodies, died suddenly here today of angina pec- toris. He was 59 years old and sinca 1920 had been pastor of the First Parish Unitarian Church of Portland. More than 40 minor planets, sev- eral variable stars and 5 comets are among the astronomical discoveries attributed to him. He made several telescopes as a recreation, his latest being one of the largest at Harvard Observatory. He was a member of several learned societies and was awarded many medals and honors for his work as an astronomer. During the war he served in France with the Y. M. C. A, and was cited for his work with the 3rd Division at Chateau Thierry. He was born at Meadville, Pa, in 1866, and prepared at Meadvills Theological School and Harvard Di- vinity School for the unitarian min~ istry, which he entered in 1830 TWO SHOT IN RUM CHASE. Coast Guard Fires on Boat—One Victim Under Knife. GLOUCESTER, Miss., February 21. —John Madruga, one of two alleged rum runners shot by coast guardsmen in a wild chase off Cape Ann last night, was discharged from hospital today, and immediately arrested, charged with violation of the Fed#ral laws. The second man, John Grace, was to be operated upon today for the removal of a bullet under a rib on the right side. Madruga and Grace were wounded when a Coast Guard motor patrol boat pumped more than 100 shots at their speeding craft when they refused to stop. Coast guardsmen reported th the two men had just received a cargo from the French schooner Beatrice, lying 26 miles off Cape Anr when the chase began. — COOLIDGE GETS GAVEL. Made From Timbers in Lincoln's 01d Home in Springfield. President Coolidge was given hv Senator McKinley, Republican, 11 nois, today a gavel made from tim- bers from the old home of Abraham Lincoln, at Springfleld. It was pre- sented on behalf of Celinda K. Mc- Cullough of Urbana. Senator McKinley also introduced to the President the officers of the Chi- cago Trades' Live Stock Exchange. of the a February 2 Metcalf, an astronomer wide- Vermont Rejects Child Toil Ban. MONTPELIER, Vt, February 21 The Federal child labor amendment was definitely rejected by the Vermont Legis- lature yesterday when the State Senate adopted a resolution in concurrence with the action taken by the House of Repre- sentatives last week. Of the 32 Senators 27 voted against the amendment. - Panaretoff Asked to Stay. Minister Panaretoff of Bulgaris, whose resignation was to have been eftective March 1, has been requested by his government to remain here bhe- yond that date and until & new min- ister is appointed. Nikola Mileff, who to the po assassinated several days age.