Evening Star Newspaper, April 4, 1925, Page 1

WEATHER. (U. 8. Weather Bureau Forec Fair tonight; cooler, probably showers. Temperatures: Highest, today; Full report on page 7. Closing N. Y. Stocks and Bonds, Page 14 tomorrow cloudy and lowest, 38, at 6 a.m. today. t.) 63, at noon No. 29,558. post_office, Entered as second class malter Washington, D, C: ch WASHINGTON, D. C, ¢ Foeni WITH SUNDAY MORNING EDITION CAPITAL LEVY PLAN FACING DEFEAT BY FRENCH SENATORS Premier Making Confiscation Keystone of Financial Pol- icy, Say Friends. RETAINS HIS OPTIMISM DESPITE STORM AHEAD Conservative Upper Chamber Like- ly to Defeat Scheme Due to Socialist Tinge. Ry the Associated Pr PARIS, April this morning continued his ¢ tlans with political leaders regarding +he proposed capital levy. Tt erally understood that this proposi- tion the key to the plan of the radicals by which the government hopes ta put French finances on a colid basis. While details of made fortunes in this scheme be carried through re- mains to be worked out, it is said by high authorities at the foreign office that it will be substantial enough to i Herriot nsulta- Premier is gen- is the call to be on France should £lve real relief for the existing dif- | culties and against the crisis, afford recurrence of ample assurance the present In Excellent Spirits. Premier Herriot seemed lent spirits. - Comment in circles, however, shows much uncertainty outside net as to the possibility the Senate to pass favorabiy upon the capital levy. Some political ob- servers take the view that this meas- wre comes before the conservative Senate too much as a piece of social- ist doctrine to find favor with it even in a crisis which demands rad- feal action. Deflation in exceld political there is the cabi- of getting Ian Drops. The question of the issuance of more bank bills to provide the money urgently needed by business was mo- mentarily dropped out of sight in the discussion of the capital levy, but it understood it remains part of thej government's program. 1 The government’s program on all questions now before the Parllament will be presented to the Chamber of Deputies next Tuesday. Foremost on this program will be the capital levy, the premier’s collab- tors say, adding that the.intention push this measure through. Vatican Isvue in Al It is announced at the foreign office that the entrance of Senator de Mon- zie into the cabinet as finance minister | does not mean that a French ambassa- dor will be maintained at the Vatican. A high authority said that M. de Mon- | ie's views on that subject would be considered on the same footing as those of the other members of the gov- ernment, but that a _compromise solu- tion would more likely be adopted— something between the maintenance of an ambassador and the appointment of a simple commissfoner for Alsace. PROSPECTS GROW BLACK. Opposition to Herriot Seems Grow- ing in Senate. ! Ry the Associated Press. PARIS. April 4—There is a Tull in the political atmosphere pending re- sumption of parliamentary activities in the Chamber of Deputies Tuesday, but the prospects of Premier Herriot do not seem to improve. His capital eme, which, he explained to meeting of the radical group, should be spread over a number of vears and fall as much as possible on existing wealth and nbt on wealth in the course of formation does not appear to find much more favor with the Senate than the idea of currency inflation, and it is even doubtful if the scheme will succeed with the chamber The opposition to the Premier the Senate seemed even stronger to- day than it was after Thursday's sit- ting, which M. Clementel, as finance minister, played the principal part. End Not Far Of. The confused situation ing French finances, with nation of M. Clementel speedy appolntment of Monzie as his successor, rivalled opportunities speculation. Though it is generally agreed that the end of M. Herriot ministry canhot be far off, there are different views as to the manner of its passing and what will succeed it. Many observers maintain that the only way out is dissolution at a more or less early date and new elections. Others foresee a series of what they describe as ephermeral administra- tions, supported by patchwork ma- jorities, of which there have been many examples in recent French po- 1itical history, leading up to the re- appearance of Premier Briand at the head of a ministry modern in its principles, though strong in composi- tion Leon Daudet, the rovalist leader, turally advoeates summoning a ieeting of the States General, for, he dissolution of Parliament and elections would only bring back the Left bloc or National bloc, and, In his opinion, one ix as- bad the other. n v surround- the resig- and the Anatole de offers un- for political new the crisis, special im- portance attaches to the election on Sunday of a Senator for the depart- ment of the Seine to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Senator Magny. Former President Millerand is the principal candidate, and his re- turn Is generally considered assured. BRIAND MAY COME BACK. Probably Will Eventually Succeed Herriot as Premier. By Cable o The Star and Chicago Daily News. PPARIS, April 4—A member of the cabinet outlined to the writer the position of the government, as fol- Tows: “We are certain to be defeated in the Senate. If the chamber upholds our plan, which, in the government's opinion, is essential to save France from financial confusion, there will be open conflict : between the two legislative bodles. Parliament then must be dis€olved and new elections will take -place. __“Some of the members of our leg- “(Continued op Page f, Column 3.) in} ! which _over-subscription Chapman Guilty, Must Hang In June for Murder of Skelly Noted Bandit Calin- ly Hears Fate. Expected It. Appeal to Be Taken. Defense Attorney Breaks Down. By the Associated Press. HARTFORD, Conn., April 4.— Gerald Chapman, spectacular mail andit, jail breaker and criminal ex- traordinary, today sentenced to hang in the Connecticut State Prison, June 25, in payment for-the life of a New Britain patrolman, of whose murder last October 12, a jury had convicted him less than an hour be- fore. The jury had been out a few min- utes more than 11 hours when it an- nounced it had arrived at a verdict. Chapman, standing in the bleak prisener’s dock in tae courtroom, gave no evidence of emotion as the court clerk read the verdict handed him by the jury foreman. Frederick J. Groehl, chief defense SEEKS INJUNCTION T0BAN DODGE SALE Heir Loses Plea for Tempo- rary Writ, But Hearing Is Set for Next Week. By the Associated Press. DETROIT, Mich,, April 4—Judge Harry Dingeman in the Wayne County Circuit Court today refused to grant a temporary injunction sought by at- torneys for John Duval Dodge, re- straining Mrs. Matilda R. Dodge from selling, transferring or incumbering any of the assets of the estate of Anna Margaret Dodge, posthumous daughter of John F. Dodge and half sister of John Duval Dodge. Judge Dingeman, however, ordered that Mrs. Dodge appear before him next Wednesday to show cause why an injunction should not be issued. was Huge Sum Involved. John Duval Dodge in his bill avers that he is an heir-at-law of Anna | Margaret Dodge who died April 13, 1924, at the age of four years The bill declares that Mrs. Matilda | Dodge was appointed administratrix| of the estate of Anna Margaret Dodge last June, but that thus far she haw not caused any Inventory or appraisal of the estate to be filed in probate court. This estate, the petition explains consists of the child’s proportionate share as an heir at law of the estate of her father, John F. Dodge. In addition the Anna Margaret Dodge estate is said to include one- ninth of all the shares of the capital stock of several other corporations organized and owned by her father, the approximate value of the entire estate of the child, including accumu- lations and dividends and income therefrom, being estimated at be- tween fourteen and twenty million dollars. Of this amount, the bill of complaint says, there now remains on hand “under the control and custody” of Mrs. Matilda R. Dodge approximately $12,500,000 after payment of inheri- itance and estate taxes. HEIRS TO BUY. STOCK. | By the Associated Press. NEW YORK. April 4.—Although control of the $175,000,000 Dodge au- tomobile busine had passed to bankers, who will shortly open it to public investment, members of the Dodge family will still retain a sub- stantial interest in the property, it was learned yesterday. Having received almost $175,000,000 in cash for their holdings, the heirs of John and Horace Dodge indicated that they would reinvest a large share of it in the new company, now in process of formation by Dillon, Read & Co., the new banker-owners. Meanwhile investment interest in the huge transaction and the prospective refinancing of the company was re- flected in the large number of in- quirtes received from banking houses in Europe and various parts of the United States. Members of the banking firm were busy today on plans for recapitaliz- irg the concern and making a public offering of securities. Banking circles heard that the new company would be capitalized at approximatel times its net earning capacity, w would be around $170,000,000. Most of this will be represented in stock and bond issues, which probably will be offered within a week, and for is already assured. Find Launch and Liquor. HAVANA, Cuba, April 4—When the | | | | | 1aunch 24 hour steamer San Bruno arrived here Thursday from Boston her captain re- ported picking up an abandoned north of Havana, off the coast of Florida. The launch, which was numbered B-1, 3106, had on board 900 bottles of liquor. The {only identifying mark to be found was a towel bearing the name of a Jack- sonville hotel. “War” im Pacific It Takes Place This Month The American Battle Fleet will attempt to recapture the Hawaiian Islands from “the enemy.’ Maj. Gen. John L. Hines, Army chief of staff, explains the vital significance of these maneuvers in a series of five articles. The First Will Appear in The Sunday Star Tomorrow SRALD € announced it Chapman counsel, previously had he would file an appeal was convicted. The verdict means death on the gal- lows for the colorful bandit, the man who had the police of a dozen coun- tries searching for him when the State of Connecticut sought him on (Continued on Page 4, Column 4) ‘36 VESSELS START PARADE UP GOAST Coming Into San Francisco on Way.to Maneuvers at Hawaii. By the Associated Press SAN PEDRO, Calif., April 4.—Amer- ica’s armanda was steaming up the Californfa coast today force of fighting ships concentrated in the Pacific, moving toward San Francisco on the first leg of its 20,000~ mile cruise to Hawaii and the anti- podes. The fleet of 96 vessels left southern California yesterday. For 4 hours the gray sea fighters passed Point Firmin, the squat dreadnaughts, with their mighty batteries of 16, 14 and 12 inch guns, the speedy secout cruisers, the destroyers, the subma- rines and auxiliaties. -Aboard them some thirty thousand officers and men swung into the routine of the Sea—six months of maneuvers, sham Dbattles and*sea spectacles ahead of them. After the long gras by Admiral Robert E. Coontx's flag- ship, the cruiser Seattle, passed be- yond the horizon of the Santa Monica Bay cities, a_course was taken. west- ward, beyond the steamer lanes, and the fleet’ prepzred to separate into two forces for strategic maneuvers. These maneuvers . occupied all of today, and were afranged on a course calculated to bring the two forces together off San Francisco early to- morrow. After 2 nine-day Francisco Bay, the fleet will leave April 14 for the Hawaiian Islands, where Army and Navy forces will strive for “possession” of the island. column, hegded sojourn in San ARMED BANDITS ROB CLUBMEN. OF $20,000 Hold Up Meeting and Relieve| Members of Their Purses and Jewelry. By the Associated Press. CHICAGO, April 4—Forty members of the Showmen's League of America, meeting in their clubroom in the heart of the business district, were held up last night by six men, two of them armed with shotguns, and robbed of money and jewelry valued at $20,000. The robbers worked so quietly they failed to attract the attention of wives of the members, meeting on the floor below. They escaped ‘after herding their victims into a small adjoining room and threatening them with death if they stirred for five minutes. Most of the loot was diamond studs and stickpins and sums of money ranging from $2 to $1,500. Edward P. Newman, club treasurer, saved $460 of the league’'s money by tossing it be- hind a radiator. As the men passed the women's eeting on their way upstairs one of he women endeavored to sell him tickets to a party. “Wait a minute,” the robber re- sponded. “I'm going upstairs to get some money. I'li’ stop on the way down.” On the way out one robber told an- other woman the meeting upstairs was over and the mémbers would “be down | in a minute.” “So you're Barnes, eh?! the robbers grested Fred M. Barnes, president of the league. “You carry a lot of money and jewelry. Shell it out.” Barnes lost a diamond ring valued at $6,000, a scarfpin valued at $800, cuff links valued at $600, a $750 watch and $112 in cash. POLAND SENDS APOLOGY ,FOR MURDER OF REDS Note of B‘Iegret Presented to Mos- cow Government for Act of Police Sergeant. By the Associated Press. MOSCOW, April 4.—The Polish min- ister has presented a note to the So- viet foreign commissariat, in which regret is expressed over the murder of Bakinski and Wierzorkiewicz, These two Communist agitators were fired at by a Polish police sergeant while being taken to the Russian border, where they were to have been ex- changed for two Poles, held prisoner by the Sovieta. | vote all of the greatest | | vestigation Justice all his records, files, diaries, | operates would result SHERRILL RELIEVED AS SENIOR MILITARY AIDE TO PRESIDENT Will Be Free From Cere- monials to Direct Work on Memorial Bridge. KEEPS HONORARY STATUS IN WHITE HOUSE POST Col. Sherwood Cheney, Back From Peking, Is Named as Successor. Clarence O. Sherrill, the President and new Lieut. Col. military aide director of the buildings and public parks of the National Capital, today was relieved of his duty as senior White House aide. Hhe will be succeeded by Col. Sherwood Cheéney, United States Army Engineer Corps, at the present time commandant at Fort Humphreys, Va. However, Col Sherrill will have a status as assistant | military alde to the President. to chief | office of publie | SATURDAY, APRIL His relief as chief military aide was | made in order to permit him to de- his time to the exacting office of ~which he is director. In| addition to this position, he is also executive officer of the Arlington Me- morial Bridge Commission, the con- struction of which will soon begin under his direction and will require a great deal of his time and atten- tion. He is also executive officer of the Natfonal Capital Park Commis- sion, which has for its duty the car- rying out of plans for the beautifica- tion of the National Capital and in- volving the purchase of many tracts ot land. He also is executive officer of many other commissions and me- morials. One of Busiest Officiala. Ho is one of the busiest Government officials in the National Capital, and his work necessarily detafled attention. The duty of chief military aide also required much time in the arrangement of White House social functions for the reception of{ foreign envoys, etc It was to let Col. Sherrill devote all | of his time 1o the .mportant work | under his office and the jurisdiction of various commissions that he was re- lieved of his special duty at the White House. The matter of this relter has been under consideration for some (Continued on Page 2, Column 1) MEANS S INDICTED ONFORGING CHARGE Star Witness in Daugherty Probe Accused of Signing B:uokhart’s Name. Gaston B. Means, star witness before the Wheeler-Brookhart committee in its mvestigation into the administra- tion of Harry M. Daugherty as At- torney General and recently convicted of conspiracy in New York and sen- tenced to serve two years in penitentiary and fined $10,000, was indicted by the grand jury today on a charge of forgery. It is claimed he forged the name of Smith W. Brookhart, Senator from Iowa, letter purporting to direct Means to| deliver to the select committee on in- of the Department of reports and copies of reports and all| papers in his possession in connec- tion with the Department of Justice to be impounded. This letter, it is alleged, he pub- lished and delivered to Roy H. Ran- kin, clerk of the committee. as gen- uine when he knew it to be false and forced. The letter is dated March 31, 1924, and is said to have Been de- requires much | | 1 | to a|visions held illegal by | first 1Orient Line, | violate the merchant marine act, the that the Shipping Board's actlon in {had |that if the injunction is iny Star. 1925 — THIRTY-TWO PAGES. PROMISE HOT FIGHT (ONSHIPBOARD SALE Pacific Mail Company Case Expected to Go Before U. S. Supreme Court. Prospects of a legal battle that may be carried to the Supreme Court of the United States and subject the en- |tire Government ship sales policy under the merchant marine act to court review and construction for the time have been raised in the injunction proceedings brought by the Pacific Mail Steamship Co. against a ship sales decision of the Shipping Board The heated controversy which ha arisen over the board's decision to sell its five ships in the California- now operated by the to the Dollar interests rested today in the hands of Justice Hitz of the District of Columbia Supreme Court. who issued an in- junction yesterday temporarily hlock- ing the sale. Hearings on making permanent the temporary injunction against the board have been set for April 13. Term Board “Arbitrary.” ‘Whatever the outcome of that hear- ing, however, the case is expected eventually to bring before the United States Supreme Court the whole policy and purpose involved in the ship sales clauses of the merchant marine act, designed to build up a American merchant marine under private operation by transfer of the Government fleet. Bringing suit both as a party di- rectly concerned and as a taxpayver, the Pacific Mail declared in its pe- tition that the sale not only would but Pacific Mail, regard to its bid for the five vessels been an “arbitrary refusal” to consider it after the company had ffered to modify the bid as to pro- board counsel May Cancel Comtract. In face of the company's represen- tation that sale of the ships it now in “irreparable " to it, Chair- board declared made perma- nent he personally would favor can- celing the company's operating con- tract. Former Senator George E. Chamberlain of Oregon interpreted the chairman’s statement as a willing- ness to drive the Pacific Mail out of business in any case, but would not loss, injury and damag; man O'Connor of the livered to Mr. Rankin April 15, 1924./;ngicate what legal steps, if any, the The records in question were claim- ed by Means to have been stolen from his automobile when he was testify- ing before the committee and when he was tried in New York Means re- pudiated the story of the hold-up and robbery of his records. Held in $1,000 Bail. The letter involved in the new in- dictment was written on a letterhead of the committee on military affairs the United States Senate and ad- alessed to Gaston B. Means, 903 Six- teenth street northwest, and reads: “You are heresby commanded to de- liver to the select committee on in- vestigation of the Department of Jus- tice all your records, files, diaries, re- ports and copies of reports and all papers in your possession in connec- tion with the Department of Justice, to be impounded.” Signed Smith W. Brookhart, chairman, select commit- tee on investigation of the Depart- ment of Justice. The alleged sign- ing of Brookhart's name and the al- leging publishing of the letter as gen- uine are declared to have been “against the form of the statute in such case made and provided and against the peace and dignity of the United States.” Means came into court today, was arralgned, pleadea not gullty and leased on $1,000 bail. ESLGEOR TR FACE BLACKMAIL 'CHARGE Two Men Demanded $10,000 or Her Life, Actress Declares. NEW YORK, April 4—Willlam Ma- loney and Edward Pink were arrested here today on charges of attempting to blackmail Miss Frances Nelson, an actress, who said that her life had been threatened unless she forfeited $10,000. Frank Roske, who police said had been used as a dupe in the scheme, was held as a material wit- ness. Several days ago Miss Nelson re- ported to police that she had received a letter threatening her with death unless she sent the money to a cer- tain addrese. A boy sent with a dummy package was followed by de- jectives -and the arrests followed. . ! company might take if the .board adapted such a course, GETS 40-YEAR TERM FOR ‘RED’ PREACHING Soldier Sentenced for Spreading Communist Propaganda in Army. By the Associated Press. HONOLULU, April 4.—Private Paul Crouch, 21st Infantry, stationed at Schofield Baracks, was sentenced to 40 years imprisonment and given & dishonorable discharge after a gen- eral court martial found him guilty of attempting to organize the revolu- tionary communist league among soldiers stationed at the barracks. Grouch was charged with being the leader of a self-styled ring of com munists and was charged with hav- ing issued propaganda under the pre- text of being a teacher of Esperanto at Army school: The plot was nipped by the authori- ties when Private Crouch openly de- fended communism through a. local newspaper. It is reported that sev- eral others will be court martialed. EARTHQUAKES IN MEXICO. Extensive Zone Shaken in Past Three Weeks. MEXICO CITY, April 4.—Since March 15 violent earthquakes have been shaking an extensive zone in the State of Durango, almost destroying the town of Chalchihuites. On Thurs- day morning a shock destroyed th church, while other buildings were severely damaged. Canutillo, Zuchil and other towns also suffered considerable damage. Radio Programs—Page 24 stabllized | Weeks Improving Rapidly; Regains Use of Left Hand Secretary Weeks, who is ill with cerebral thrombosis, passed such a restful night that .attending phy- sicians did not find it necessary to call at the sick room until well Into the morning. The situation was not regarded by the doctors as serious enough to warrant the issu.nce of regu- iar bulletins. Mr. Weeks is rapidly regaining use of the fingers of the left hand, which had been affected by the :llzm stroke suffered last Wednes- ny A statement issued by the physi- clans shortly before noon satd: “Secretary Weeks shows steady and continued improvement.” They predicted. that he would be able to retugn to his desk in-the War Departulent within a week or 10 aa, Blabd pressure remained near nor- mAL ‘and treatment of the partiali; paralyzed left arm was said to show steady strengthening of the mus- cles. As a whole, his condition was regarded as better than at any time since his illness. PRINGE REACHES WESTERN AFRICA Wales Makes First Stop of Trip—Finds Weather Extremely Hot. By the Associated BATHURST, Press. Gambia, West Africa, April 4—The Prince of Wales has completed the first leg of his tour to Africa and South America. He ar- rived here this morning pn board the battle crusier Repulse. After a week's vovage through health-giving sunshine the Repulse anchored at § o'clock a few miles off the port, being unable to approach nearer because of the shallow water. Capt. Cecil H. Armitage, Governor of Gambia Settlement, put off in his own yacht to convey the prince and his party to Bathurst. The yacht left the cruiser at 3 o'clock, landing here shortly afterward. The weather was extremely hot during the last two days of the voy- age. The Prince of Wales sailed from Portsmouth, Engl -d, on board H. M. S. Repulse on the . ‘ernoon of March 28 for his lengthy a..d long projected visit: to Africa and South America. While in:Africa the prince will be taken among the Zulu chiefs, and will see all the interesting places of the vast continent. His South American itinerary will include visits to Uru- guay, yarious parts of Argentina and a probable crossing of the Andes to Santiago, Chile. During a greater part of the jour- ney the Repulse will be the prince’s home. AP R MARTIAL LAW ORDERED IN COLONY-IN AFRICA Tribe In Mandated : Territory Re- volts; Land ‘Rights Claims Basis' of Disorders. By the Associated Press, CAPE TOWN, Union of South Africa, April 4—It"was reported here’ tod: that martial law had been proclaimed in the territory of the Rahoboth tribe; In the mandated.-territory of Southwest Africa, in which disorder: among the natives ‘have recently as. sumed s serious aspect. Cape Town _dispatches Friday re- ported a revolt among the natives in this district, who had demanded in- dependence, " and appealed to _the League ot Nations for support. Lon- don dispatches ‘' declared reports re- ceived by British officials. there did not indicate a revolt, saying the trou- bles were riots among the native sec- tions of the protectorate. The dis- turbances, it was declared, had arisen over the claims of rival sections to rights to certain lands. It was stated the British authorities had complete {control of the situatien. The Star” every city b tion is delive “From Press to Home Within the Hour> s carrier system covers lock and the regular edi- red to Washington homes as fast as the papers are printed, Yesterday's Circulation, 102,189 TWO CENTS e = ETIN pric BULL s ymfronEwm ; JAIL FOR DRUNKEN DRIVERS PAPER AND PAINT CRAFTS QUIT WORK Virtually All Union Men Leave ' Jobs on Eve of Official Strike Monday. Practically all painting and paper- hanging done by union men in the District ceased today at 11:30 and the master painters carry out their intention of importing men to con- tinue .the work. At. a full meeting of the local painters’ and paperhangers’ union last night no action was taken to alter the previous decision of ihe men fo walk out Monday, scheduled ‘strike certain. Tt is point- ed out that there would be no time to In face of a letter received vester- day from the union, again demanding a raise from $9 to $10 per day, the Master Painters' Association also held a meeting last night at which they re- fterated their intention to stand firm against the demand. Today the master painters endeav- ored to finish all their jobs, Some cases worked their men over- time. According to E. L. Smith, sec- | retary of the Master Painters, mem- bers of that organization expect to be fdle on Monday and Tuesday to give the unfons a chance of reconsidering | their decision and go back to work. 1t this falls, new men will be im ported to continue the work, he said. Some May Grant Raise. Indications are that the Master Painters’ Association bers will not grant the raise. will, smal grant the increase, with the result that some of the union men may be retained after Monday. A conference will be called between the general contractors and master plumbers and steamfitters for Mon- day, in order to outline the support entire mem- There it ix predicted, be some of the ter plumbers and steamfitters if they refuse the increase demanded. The| Master Painters will aiso hold a meet- ing the early part of next week. Conversation with a large number of the local painters who attended the meeting of their union last night indicated that, despite the closeness of the strike date, there was a grow- ing disposition to stand by their de- mands. A large number of men who declared they had been inclined to stay at the present wage sald last night that they were now ready to fight the matter out on a $10 Lacis. [Many of the men expressed their opinion that the action on the par: of the builders, contractors and the fair wage committee was “bunk” and | “a lot of .talk.”” None of the men seemed at all worried at the prospect | of the stirke, some of them declaring | that if the strike is in effect two weeks it would give the union men a chance to find out tI their companions who are kneed.” Navy Officer Hurt in Fall MANILA, April 4.—Commander James Parker of the U. S. 8. destroyer Rizal was seriously injured today in a fall over an embankment, while ashore on Corregidor Island. Parker was taken to a hospital in Cavite, were it was said he was in a serious condition. The Finest Photographs Ever Taken of the* Cherry Blossoms are contained in the Enlarged Gravure Section of Tomorrow’s Star But the beauty of Potomac Park is only one feature of this 12-page pictorial section. All the photographs are selected for . their excellence and special news value. Order your copy of The Sunday’ Star from your mewsdealer today [will not be continued until the wage | dispute with employers is settled or | call ‘a- special meeting of the union | before Monday, the date of the strike. | and in| the contractors will give to the mas- | for | GUT IN GAS RATES ASKED FOLLOWING REPORT ON INCOME Clayton Declares Companies Have Earned in Excess of 9 Per Cent. SAYS REVENUE GROWS WITH EACH REDUCTION rCites Figures of Washington and Georgetown Utilities in Plea to Commission. Asserting that the Washington and Light Companies earned a return of approximately 9 per cent in 1924, the Federation of | Citizens' Associations today applied | the utilities commission for a reduc- |tion in the price of gas. In the | federation's petition William McK. | Clayton contends a return of 6 per | cent would be fair. | Mr. Clayton attacks as discrimina- | tory the sale of gas to the United States and District Governments at a |lower price-than s fixed for private consumers. | The present price for gas sold to | households is $1 per thousand cubic | feet, with a sliding scale downward | for large private consumers. There iis an act of Congress fixing a rate of 70 cents for the Federal and District U'n\unmtnn Asks Public Hearing. The gas companies also should have {a “ready to serve” charge as an item ‘o( revenue, Mr. Clayton tells the | commissidn. The federation asks that a public hearing be called as soon as possibie to take up gas rates The ‘p'(\(mn read in part as follows: “As a matter of practical business operation, the companies should wel- ! come every reduction in the price of | gas—for with the reductions de by the commission in 1922 and 1923 higher irates of return were enjoved by the companies Georgetown Gas for the companies in his | opening statement to the commission at the hearing on October 22, 1¥. said: ‘During the vear 1922 we have bad a fair return, something over 7 per cent. This vear, 1923, I think it is 8 per cent and over—a little over ¥ | per cent’ The commission’s figures in both cases being higher. Counsel { could row add to this statement of 11823 that the companies during 1% {earned a return of ¥ per cent and over hich makes the | ! Increase Comes With Cut. ! “It appears from the record thal every time the commission cits down the price of gas the rate of return to the companies goes up. % “The federation believes that a rate of return of 6 per cent is fair, just and equitable as between the people |and the companies. and that every argument adduced in Support of a & i per cent rate cf return in former | vears has added power ana poten | when applied to the current year. | 1925, The companies sold 5,019.118,000 | cubic feet of gas in 1373 6,233,000 [in 1924, an increase of 200,000,000 feet, { or 4 per cent, in the past year | “The Washington Gas Light Ce.'s net- operating income for 1923 was ,820.31, with added ~ rent and st revenues $1.126,915.02. For the comparable figures were | 0 and $1,308.147 28 | Surplus Is Increased. “In 1923, after paying dividends on $2,600,000 stock at the rate of 18 per cent and interest amounting to $488,- | 840, the company carried to surplus. | $88,371 | “For 1924, after paying dividends | of $465.000 and interest of $507,066, the company carried to surplus §2 | 897.24, an increase of surplus of 1924 over 192 Mr. Cla also gave | the overations of the company, owned and operated by FWashington company. | The federation’s spokesman | expresses belief that the price | which the local companies sell to the companies of nearby Maryland |and Virginia is lower “than to do | complete justice to the gas consum- ers of the District of Columbia.” | Earl V. Fisher, secretary to |commission, said - today that ac- countants of the commission have been at work for several weeks on a study of the financial condition of the | gas company, with a view to deter- | mining whether there should be a rate hearing at this time. figures of Georgetown the also at the /RED REVOLUTION PLOT i DISCLOSED IN BULGARIA Assassinations and Sabotage Plans Are Declared Engineered From Moscow. By tha Associated Press. SOFIA, Bulgaria, April 4 —The au- thorities announced the seizure today of communistic documents, which, they say, tend to prove that an armed revolt was planned for tnis ing. The revolution was to start in North- western Bulgaria April 15. Concur- rently, acts of botage directed against' railroads, bridges, buildings and telegraph and telephone lines, were to be carried out. A campaign of assassination was arranged for and, according to the authorities, no stone was left unturned in an effort 1o set up a soviet republic. The government, which appears master of the situation, declares that a letter from the Third Moscow In- ternationale, among the documénts seized, shows that the Russian Soviet .government was cognizant of the conspiracy. —_ PLANE IN FREAK FALL. {Crashes on Deck of Carrier Ship in Practice. An accident new in the annals ef {aircraft was reported to the Navy De- | partment teday from the fleet in the Pacific. The dispatch said that an airplane, while making a practice landinx. came down a complete wresk ou the deck of the airplane ‘carrier Lan, off San Pedro. - Beyond saving tRe plane was cow manded by Lieut. J. B. Price and thas | there was no fnjury to persennsl, no details were given. 5 «