Evening Star Newspaper, December 2, 1927, Page 1

“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 WEATHLER. 10 8 Weather Bureav Farecast.) Rain this afternoon and tonight; | cloudy tomorrow; not much change in temperature: minimum 28 degrees. Temperature—Highest, 46, at 11:30 p.m. yesterday: lowest, 34, at 8 a.m. today. Full report of page 9. Closing N. Y. Markets, Pages 14 and 15 ch —_— —_— No. 30,530 post office. THREE INDICTED OF ‘DIPLOMA MILL Gilbert Patten Brown, For- mer Associate of Dr. Haller, Is Accused. CONSPIRACY TO DEFRAUD THROUGH MAILS CHARGED Officials of Company Said to Have Offered to Get D. C. Charters for Schools. Gilbert Patten Brown M., Litt. D., LL. D, Ph. C.. president of the Central Chiropractic College, 1914 Sev- enth street. was indicted today by the grand jury of conspiracy to use mails to defraud. Included Brown in the indict- ment were Ethel G. Wood, a member of the faculty of Central Chiropractic College, and Edwin B. Henderson. a physical director in the colored schools of the District Brown and the others, the indict- ment alleges, were guilty of conspir- acy to use the mails to defraud when they solicited the securing of charters for institutions of learning under the corporation laws of the District of Co- Jumbia, said institutions to operate in other states. Accused of Posing as Attorney. Brown. it is stated, represented him- self to various prospective clients as an attorney and asserted that he could charter here sanitariums, hos- pitals and institutions of learning which could operate in all States and all foreign countries. He also is al- lexed to have represented that consid- erable sums of money were required to obtain such charters. Letters were incorporated in the in- dictment allegedly sent by Brown to “Prof, C. Braganza, G. D, P. 0..” in regard to obtaining a charter for the “National Occult College” to be op- erated by Braganza in Massachusetts and offering to attend to all the de- tails for $90. Other Letters Included. “You will have a field which will make you rich and famous.” one letter states, and urges Braganza to make tais provision for his old age. Other letters were included in the indictment allegedly sent by Brown to Homer C. Bennett of Lima. Ohio, in regard to incorporating a medical school to operate in that State. He first expressed some doubt as to whether he would be able to obtain such a charter. but later wrote Ben nett, according to the indictment: “In the words of the immortal Perry. ‘We have met the enemy and they aré our.” The papers were ob- tamed,” he continted, “without a whimper from the powers that are.” Brown for several years has been associated with various educational activities in Washington and else- where, -mostly coneerned with the teaching of thearapeutic cults. Letters Are Quoted. In a letter to Prof. Bennett under date of December 26. 1924, Brown wrote: “Most State charters are weak things and have mo academic value and 1 am again reminded that there are -in these United States several me# in your position. that is to say. if they knew me, they would at once proceed to secure articles of incorpora- tion under an act of Congress.” Brown suggested the organization of.a class of chiropractors in Brook- jvn and New York City in his letter. You could circularize these profes mional people.” he wrote. “and when a sufficient number is zathered to gether to form a class, take the train for Brooklyn and conduct the class. doing a good service for humanity and puttihng a few thousand dollars in yonr pocket.” Brown mentioned names of people with whom he could communicate. and added: “Tell them that you have recently secured through me congressional ar- ticles of incorporation. that you also hold a State charter. and are fully prepared to teach all that you say you can There is no reason, my friend. why you cannot launch out bigger than ever in this line of business. Yours is not a diploma mill. There are men running around the country selling diploma Feared Passage of Bills. At another point in his letter Brown mid he would be unable to procure more articles of incorporation should either of the two bills then hefore Con- gress pass. Brown suggested to Bennett that “should you care for your spouse or vour son to have an honorarv degree similar to the one you received, as Ben Franklin told the Englishman, ‘please hint it to me." Give me the full name of the person or persons that it might be properly engrossed. for, as Keats sayvs, thing of beauty is a joy forever.’ In a letter to “Dr. Bennett,” under date of January 1. 1925, Brown wrote: “I will see that your son received a degree that will look well upon the I, and place him in a unique cate- among the salesmen of the coun- i “Broth- the and Aays later Brown wro er Bennet” about circularizing Brooklyn drugless physicians added “Wish to ald you in every possible way, as 1 find you worthy and one who carries on a game clean and above hoard.” Son Becomes “Doctor.” Another paragraph said: “Relative to your son the matter will be attended to in a few days.” On January 26 Brown wrote Bennett: “Inclosed is something cheer him (Bennett's son) thway. As you will ving this he will be Bennett. Tell him most any fool might be Mister, Please address him after this as Dr. Bennett, to that wili long life’s after re- or. Brown wrote Dr. Joseph Kammermayer of Milwau- . with respect to purchasing . and said: “You are to understand. doctor, that with such a charter you can open branch _institutions anywhere, and confer degrees on the subjects men- tioned, and then some. This provi- sion is made:in the law under which this charter is written In many ways you will have more liberty than you would through a. State charter. he only thing the Government bothers about in these charters is that you do not use ‘the for a #dipioma_mill.” and of ¢ vou are ontinued on Page 7, Column §.) Entered as second class matter Washington D C. By the Associated Press. Frank L. Smith of Illinois wandered leisurely into the Senate chamber to- found the seat assigned to him ! zed on it for | brief period and then sauntered out to await the contest to be waged over { his right to occup { Mr. Smith found his seat easily. Not only was it the last seat on the last row, but it was nearest the rear door by which he entered the chamber. Glancing over his prospective neigh- bors, the Illinois Senator-elect noticed that William S. Vare of Pennsylvania, also facing a contest, was assigned im- mediately in front of him on the last seat of the next-to-the-last row. “How do you like your seat?" Mr. Smith was asked as he strolled from the empty chamber. **Well, 1 found one marked for me, all right.” he replied smilingly. Both Mr. Smith and Mr. Vare, around whose rights to seats in the Senate will be waged a bitter fight during the next few weeks, attended WASHINGTON SMITH FINDS SEAT IN SENATE: PREPARES TO FIGHT FOR IT . ,N INVES"GAHGN ;Hlinoisan Assigned_to Pl;.:e Behind Vai'eI in Last Row of Chamber-—Both | Attend Conference. the pre-session Republican party con- ference today by invitation. Smith, who arrived here today from his home in Illinois, was accompanied to the conference room, off the Sen ate chamber, by his colleague, Sena tor Deneen of Lilincis. while Vare was taken to the conference by Senator Reed of Pennsylvania. Both took part in the deliberations of the conference and were warmly greeted after adjourntent by indi vidual Republican Senators, Including many of those who will vote against permitting either to take the oath of office when the Senate convenes nex! Monday. Vare already had Issued a public statement expressing his confidence that he would be seated and to that he_had nothing to add. Smith made this brief statement: “I am sent here by the people of Illinois, duly elected by them. I have no more to say unless f am called be fore the bar of the Senate.” When the names of Smith and Vare are called on the Senate roll next Mon day_immediately after the Seventieth (Continued on Page 5, Column 5.) TREATY REVSON SEE GERMAN A Bernstorff Proposal at Ge- neva Held Blow at Versailles Pact. By the Associated Press. GENEVA, December 2.—Germany today made what is generally regard- ed here as an opening step in a cam- paign for eventual revision of the treaty of Versailles. Speaking before the security com- mittee of the Preparatory Disarma- ment Conference at today’'s session, Count von Bernstorff, the German delegate, declared that any study of the means of promoting international peace through the strengthening of international security should give im- portance to, article 19 of the League covenant. Study of Treaties. ‘This article declares that the League assembly may from time to time ad- vise consideration by members of the League of treaties which become in- applicable, and consideration of inter- national conditions whose continuance might endanger the peace of the world. Although the German delegate did not mention any specific treaties, his remarks were generally taken to be the first official reference to revision made by the German government. The committee then adjourned at the call of the chair. and probably will hold its next meeting Febru- ary 20. A commotion was caused among the delegates by Von Bernstorff's ref- erence and comment among them as they left the meeting. indicating the existence of a general conviction that Germany had made an opening of a drive for the alteration of the Ver- sailles document. Urges End to Wars. Huaving quietly launched his bomb concerning the revision of treaties, the count emphasized that everything should be done to prevent war and to find means to settle peacefully every conceivable international dispute. He said he was convinced that the cove- nant of the League does not furnish sufficient security to the nations and should be revamped or strengthened. Latin America, through Valdes de Mandeville of Chile, took issue with Count von Bernstorffl. The Chilean delegate said that he was in agree- ment that there should be study of the articles of the covenant, but as contained in the original document handed the delegates as a basis for examination of the question of secur- ity. These articles did not include article 19. The Chilean speaker urged that a careful study of treaties of arbitra- tion concluded in Latin America be made, believing that these treaties offered much that was helpful. He remarked that the peaceful situation of Latin America did not make the security problem a vital one there, but assured the delegates that Latin America would collaborate earnestly in_the security negotiations. The program_of future T(Continued on Page 5. Column 1) MEXICAN TROOPS NEARLY TAKE REBEL Gen. Hector Almada, Who Fled After Gomez Capture, Abandons Arms, ! By the Associated Press MEXICO CITY, December 2.—Fed- | eral forces under Gen. Beltran almost succeeded in capturing the rebel Gen Hector Almada, ut Corral Nuevo, near Acayucan. special dispatches from Vera Cruz state. Almada, the rebel chieftain, Bertani. and two followers fled afoot after a battle last Saturday. In which the rebels were dispersed. Although they abandoned their horses and arms. the | rough terrain aided them to escape. After the late Gen. Arnulfo Gomez was captured. Almada joined the rebel hieftains, Aleman and Bertani. They intended to reach the Oaxaca Moun- tains. and to evade the federal forces they divided in two groups. The one headed hy Almada and Bertani was dispersed. BUTLER SHOOTS WOMAN. Maga Kills Self When Employer's Screams Bring Aid. A negro butler yesterday shot and seriously wounded Mrs. Margarel Pumphrey. 29, after he unsuccessfully attempted to overnower her in the Pumphrey home in the exclusive Whitley Helghts section. ‘The butler, Richard Ewelle, 39, killed himself .when neighbors wre. spondad to the \\uln«ll', cries for help. LOS ANGELES, December 2 (#).— | NEW MEXICO STONE PUT IN MONUMENT President Makes Address as Forty-Seventh State Is Rep- resented in Shaft. A warning against sectional an- tagonism, coupled with a reminder to the States that they are bound to respect the rights of each other, was sounded by President Coolidge this afternoon in a brief speech incident to placing a memorial stone of New Mexico in the Washington Monument. While each State has its own dis- tinctive characteristics and individ- uality, each is bound to the others, not alone by the Constitution, but by sentiments of mutual respect and re- gard, the President added, declaring that while each State must maintain its own peculiar functions and sovereignty, each must observe the rights of the others to the extent that each has consented to abide by the general charter under which they exist. He said in this connection that the integrity of every State must be pi served and its prosperity e but that each community a must oot fail to remember that the welfare of the Nation as a whole de. pends upon co-operation and mutual helpfulness. Ceremonies Are Brief. “This is New Mexico's aay,” the President remarked, “and her sisier States extend hearty congratulations and fervent good wishes for her fu- ture prosperity, ih which the Nation most heartily joins.” The ceremonies attending this oc- casion were brief and simple. but | bighly impressive. In addition to the President's address there were brief speeches by Senator Brat- ton, who presided, and Represent- ative Morrow of New Mexico, Mrs. Alfred Brosseau, president general of the National Society, Daugh- ters of the American Revolution, and Mrs. William H., Pope, who repre- sented R. C. Dillon, Governor of New Mexico, on whose behalf she made the formal presentation of the stone. Miss Emma Lee Bratton, daughter of the junior Senator from New Mexico. pulled the strings unvelling the stone. The invocation was offered by Mrs. Rhett Goode, past chaplain, National (Continued on Page 7, Column 1.) MORROW STARTS TOUR WITH CALLES President Expected to Dis- cuss Mexican Finances With Envoy, By the Associated Press. MEXICO CITY, December Inaugurating what is regarded as an- other step forward in Mexican-Ameri- can relations, Dwight’ W. Morrow. American Ambassador. and President Calles were traveling today on the presidentia) train on an inspection tour of Mexico. This is the first time that I !a Mexican executive has invited an American envoy to accompany him on such a trip. Observers helievé that the trip will redound to the better understanding of both governments and consolidate the friendly relations between the Am- bassador and the President, which were started on a ham and eggs break- fast at Calles’ ranch a few days after Morrow assumed his post. To Discuss Finances. Calles may find a_way out of the Mexican government’s difficulties in meeting international obligations next year, owing to decreased revenues and arrangements with bankers. He is ex- pected 10 talk over the situation with Morrow during the weeks they will be together. Because of the Ambassador's finan cial training with J. P. Morgan & Co.. it is suggested that he may be able to point out a solution to the difficulty Dam to Be Opened. The tour will include a visit to the states of Aguascalientes, Nuevo Leon. Durango and Tamaulipas. The first where Calles will Calles Dam for the irrigation of an ex- tensive area. After a visit at Monterey, where « large reception is to be held, Calles will take his guests on an inspection tour of the Agricultural School in Du rango. From there they will go to ramaulipas to inaugurate the Xicoten ~at) Railway. |stop will be made at Aguascalientes, | inaugurate the | WITH SUNDAY MORNING EDITION D. C., FRIDAY, POLIGE ACCUSED OF PLOTTING WITH BANGS IN CHICAGD Reports Say Federal Investi- | gation Links Officials With Vice Chiefs. “PHOTEC'_I'ION" AND RUM WHOLESALING INVOLVED Ward Politicians and High Men in | Department May Face Con- spiracy Charges. DECEMBER 9 1927 - FIFTY By the Associated Press. CHICAGO, December 2.—The Herald | and Examiner today said that “amaz- ing evidence” of collusion between Chicago police officials and politicians and the operators of liquor and gam- | bling resorts has been obtained by the | United States Government in a secret investigation during the last month. Every police captain, said the news- | paper, has been continually shadowed | by Federal operatives during the past few weeks. Ward and precinct com mitteemen and their “lesser lieuten- ants” have been under surveillance. | Indictments Reported Ready. The newspaper said it had been indi- cated that a number of indictments already have been prepared, but were being withheld until the Government's case is completed. If indictments are to be returned, the Herald and Exam- iner’s information has it, they prob- ably will charge conspiracy to violate the Volstead act. Government men have learged, the newspaper said, that saloons and gam- bling resorts have operated only upon the payment of “protection money.” which in some precincts went to “high | ranking police officers.” George E. Q. Johnson, United States district attorney, declined to comment on the reported (Government investiga- tion, except to reiterate the comment he made two days ago that the Gov- ernment was “naturally interested” in recent gang killings, which seemed Irelakcd to violation of the prohibition law. Politicians Are Acgused. The Herald and Exaniiner said that 4 mass of evidence has been stacked on Mr. Johnson's desk, the evidence for the most part being concerned with collection activities of ward and pre- cipet politicians. Among the things the Federal agents have learned, the newspaper said, was that alliances have been made between some politicians and gang leaders who control whisky and beer distribution. Unless the saloan owner makes A he | “sources continue operation, even thoug his “tribute” payment. said the start of the Federal investiga: tion was ascribed to E. C. Yellowley, prohibition director. The district torney’'s office is understood to have taken over the investigation later. with the co-operation of the prohibi- tion department here and at Wash- ington. New Bombing and Slaying. A bombing, a series of raids, 40 arrests and the slaying of one man were the recent crime developments shown on police records today. The bombing, raids and arrests, to- gether with the accidental shooting to death of a gunsmith at Springfield. I, were linked, directly or indirectly. with Chicago’s gang warfare, The killing of Fred A. Drullard, 32, how- ever, was believed to have had no gang connection. Drullard wag shot down by three men who wrecked their automobile in a wild flight two blocks from the murder scene. All escaped,-but license plates on the motor car provided. a clue which police prophesied would lead to arrests. Drullard was stepping into his own car when he was dropped by a volley from the passing machine. Two bul- lets entered his body just below the heart. Two revolvers, believed to have been the weapons used in taking Drullard’s life, were found In a nearby alley. Four shots had heen fired from one and three‘from the other. Blamed on Union Fight. The slaying of Drullard was ascribed | to friction existing between two fac- | tions of the Electrical Workers' Union, | Drullard having been active in a group | seeking the overthrow of the one now | in control. Fred Drullard, an uncle of the slain man, is a member of the union’s executive council. ! Three men, all armed, were arrested for questioning. One of them was Joseph Williams, scce®ary of the union: The bombing:~the ¢leventh in a fort- night of spasmodic gang skirmishing —was blamed by police_ on the under- world fight for control of gambling and vice. An untenanted pool hall on West-Madison street was the place bombed, the explosive being pushed through the “lookout's” win dow in an armored front door. The ex ‘losion frightened tenants of the build ing. but did little damage. Five police raids were made during the night, all against places credited with membership in a syndicate the police say Frank Zuta heads. Zuta is presumably aligned with the Aiello- Skidmore group, pitted in the gang conflict against’ Al Capone and his supporters, Shooting Held Accidental. Mike Aiello, a cousin of the Afello brothers of Chicago, was arrested in 1 Springfield gun store yesterday fol- lowing the discharge of an automatic pistol and the resultant death of the proprietor, J. S. Fishman, Alello was released. however, when authorities lecided the shooting accidental Chicago police were of the opinion that Mike Alello's effort to obtain fire- irms in Springfleld was an indication that the Chicago groups were getting ready to shoot out their diffecence if peace moves fuiled. The Federal Government also found itself taking part in the gang investi- gations when Government officials, in open court. charged that two of their principal witnesses in the Capone- Cicero liquor conspiracy case had been slain. The killings thus reported to | ludge James H. Wilkerson were those of Santo Celebron and John Caste naro, | Deaths of other witnesses also have occurred during the past several months, it was sald, some of the vig: tims having ‘been “secret witnesses™ | through whom the Government hoped to bufld “conviction cases.” CONVENTION CiTY V) THE » i LOWDEN BOOM -EIGHT PAGES. e AN ! \ ) \ I ) SMOKES UP IN L ) I A | WASHINGTON. PUZZLING G. 0.P Must Provide Facilities for Careful Work Rather Than Entertainment. BY WILL P. KENNEDY. The sobering - conviction that the next Republican national convention | is not to be one of acclamation. but of serious, earnest work to pick a can- didate rhat can win, is growing upon the 100 members of the Republican national committee who are gathering here tor their meeting the first three days of next week. For this reason the paity leaders are defermined that it must be a convention of real dele- gates, the first choice men of ‘most mature judgment, rather than one of proxies. This will have a very impor- tant bearing on the selection of the convention city, which is the outstand- ing task before the session-here. A lively contest is being made among the members of the national commit- tee as they arrive by large delegations representing eight or more large cities that kave invited the convention and are restive for an opportunity to present their inducements to the na- tlonal committee in session. These in- | clude San Francisco. Detroit, Kansas City. Cleveland. Philadelphia, Chicago, San Antonic and Seattle. - Situation Held Serious. But the thoughtful bellwethers of the flock are looking behind the en- | tertainment features to the serious- | ness of ‘the situation and, though | they are reluctant to admit it, they have a growing conviction that the job is serious and that extreme care must be exercised. They look upon the attempts that have been made to “smoke out” President Coolidge as so crude that instead of accomplish- ing their purpose they have still fur- ther complicated the situation “What is best for the party” is to be the slogan of the national com- mittee gathering, and to this prime purpose all other considerations must (Continued on Page 4, Column 2.) GIVEN TO DROP CASE INVOLVING PAINTING District Attorney to Leave Dispute Between Women to Civil Court. Assistant United States Att Ralph Given has decided to qua warrant issued against M Porter Hopkins on.a”charge growink out of the digappearance of a_painting of Mrs. Lucy W. Crawford’s grand father following institution of civil proceedings hy Mrs. Crawford in the District Supreme Court vasterday. Mr. Given today advised the polics of his intention to let the two promi- nent women settle their dispute in th- civil courts rather than proceed with the criminal case instituied recently with th~ arrest of )rs. Hopkins on complaint of Mrs. Crawford. At the time it was charged that Mrs. Hop- kins had failed to return a_valuahle oil painting of Dr. Carter W. Worm- | ley. mrandfather of the complainant. Mre. Hopkins has declared _the painting, left in her keeping by Mrs. Crawford, -disappeared in the course of moving. | In the suit filed In the District Su- | preme Court Mrs. Crawford asks for £5,000 damages. She states the paint. | ing was_intrusted to Mrs. Hopkins’| care on January 2, 1927. | EDISON NSF;I..AYS RUBBER| MADE FROM DANDELIONS | Railway Officials Visit Inventor, | ‘Who Recalls Being “Fired” | From Road. By the Associated Press | NEW YORK, December 2.—Thomas | A. Edison, who has been extracting rubber from dandelions. golden rD«l.l asters and a variety of other native plants at his laboratory at East Orange, N. J., exhibited the results of his research yesterday to a party of Erie Railroad officials, headed by John J. Rernet, president. They had journeyed to Edison’s laboratories to pay their respects to the inventor as an old-time telegrapher and colleague. “Bernet,” queried Edison of the railroad president, “on what rallroad did you learn to telegraph? “The old Lake Shore & Michigan Southern.” replied the president of the Radio Pro, Erie. “Ah, ha," rejoined Mr. Kdison, dry- at's the railroad § got fired [Mark Antony Bows To Woman’s Offer Of $2,500 for Ear By the Associated Press. CHICAGO, December 2. — The “personal” column of the Tribune today carried this advertisemen! “Attorney representing non-res dent society woman will pay $2,500 for one left ear to be romoved and grafted on my client; operation will be performed by competent su geon and will keep matter strictly confidential. Applicant must be voung, not over 25 years of age, light skinned. Applicant will sub- mit name, photograph to attorney.” It was understood that the client mentioned is a former Chicago so- ciety woman, who lost part of her left ear in an automobile accident in Europe two years ago. The woman hopes to have the operation performed in Chicago so that her friends in New York, where she now lives, will have no knowledge of it. MOSES IS CHOSEN BY G. 0. P. CAUCUS siding Officer—Curtis Again Named Floor Leader. "One of the preliminary steps in the organization of the Senate was taken today when Republican Senators held a caucus at which they selected offi- cers for the Republican conference and appointed the committee on com- mittees. Senator Curtis of Kansas, who was his party’s floor leader in the last Con- gress, was named chairman of the conference, with Senator Watson of Indiana as vice chairman and Senator Hale of Maine as secretar: Named for President Pro Tem. Senator Moses of New Hampshire again was nominated for the office of president pro tempore of the Senate. The selection of Senator Moses for this position has been the subject of some discnssion among the Western independents, some of whom oppose him because of the part he took in the filibuster in the Senate last March against the resolution to continue the life of the Reed fund committee. The caucus did not take final action on the nomination of a new chaplain for the Senate, but authorized Chair- man Curtis to appoint a committee of five Senaiors to recommend a choice to succeed the late Dr. J. J. Muir. Senator Curtis also was au thorized to appoint committees on order of business and on patronage. Watson Heads Committee on Slate. Senator Watson of Indiana again heads the committee on committee: which will map out a slate of com mittee assignments. Others on fhis committee are Senators McNary of Oregon. Moses of New Hampshire, Smoot of Utah. Reed of Pennsylvanfa, Fdge of New Jersey. Gooding of Idaho. Oddie of Nevada and Nye of North Dakota. The Democrats have not yet held a conference, and it was said today they may not get together until Monday. FIRE ROUTS 100 N NIGHTCLOTHES { Families Flee Blaze in Oc- tavia Apartments—Ap- paratus in Crash. Roused by smoke and cries of “fire” | after the automatic fire alarms bhad failed to work, tenants of the Octavia Apartments, 1669 Columbia road, | were forced to flee shortly after 6 o'clock this morning into the chilly | rain as fire apparatus responded to | the first of three alarms. No one was hurt during the fire, but two firemen and the colored dri- ver of a passenger automobile were injured when both vehicles attempted to cross Sixteenth street at U street on the yellow traffic light, the passen- ger car crashing into the side of the apparatus of No. 7 Engine Company, which was returning from the fire, These injured were Lieut. B. J. Mc- Nerhany, dislocated right shoulder, sprains to the back and left hand; Private M. F. Keane, two broken ribs and a cut on the face, and David T. Robinson, colored, 28 years old, 1920 | Eighth street, bruised about the shoul- der. Both machines were badly dam- aged. Fire Causes Cave-in. Originating in some awning stored in the bottom of an abandoned eleva- tor shaft, the flames shot to the eaves of the four-story building occupied by 35 families, and then spread, causing | sections of the roof to cave in on two apartments. Other apartments escaped fire loss, but many were dam- aged by smoke and water, which filled the building. Several persons had narrow escapes as more than 100 ran from the build- ing, most of them in their night | clothes. Families on the fourth floor climbed to safety down the fire escape, while those on the lower floors groped their way down the smokechoked stairways. Huddled in the rain in sketchy attire, men, women and chil- dren watched the arrival of the fire apparatus, believing at first that the flames had spread through the build- ing and expressing anxiety for their belongings. which they did not have time to_rescue. The fire was discovered by Robert Lewis, colored elevator operator, who smashed the glass on the automatic alarms in the building, designed to ring gongs on every floor. The alarms failed to tunction and he telephoned the Fire Department. Accompanied by George Tennille, colored switch- board operator. he ran through the building. shouting to arouse the tenants, many of whom were still asleep. Several of those who fled stated that their first intimation of the fire cam« when the sirens of the arriving engines awakened them. Fire Marshal Seib stated that the inspection yesterday was a semi- weekly routine inspection of places | where rubbish might accumulate and | had nothing to do with the building’s fire alarm system, which is inspected | every six months. Examination of the system, how ever, disclosed that the alarms are dependent on dry batteries, which have a tendency to dry up when ex- posed to heat, Marshall Seib stated. He said that the fire escape law in | the District provides for an alarm op- {erated by dry_hatteries, but that he | T{Continued on Page 2. Column 5. That Cat Burglar! Two special investigators—an -artist and a re- porter—traveled to the scene of his recent activities, and they have made a thorough report. They write and pen-sketch the story of A Much Worri ed Community! They show, graphically, how thousands of Wash- ington residents—and som: ing to unravel e policemen—are attempt- as fast as the papers are printed. Yesterday’s Circulation, 102,208 TWO CENTS. TEMPERANCE BODY | OPENS WAR ON ALL WET CANDIDATES |Council Demands Positive Prohibition Planks From Both Parties. {DRY FORCES TO GATHER | INCAPITAL NEXT MONTH | 1 | Huge Convention Is Called to Lay Campaign Plans—Drive Seen Launched on Smith. Dry forces of the nation will fight any presidential candidate “not out- spokenly committed to the elghteenth amendment and its enforcement,” and will demand “positive declara- | tions” in party platforms of both parties’ stand on prohibition. This policy, decided upon by the | National Temperance Council at the end of a two-day meeting at the Raleigh Hotel, was indorsed today by the National Legislative Confer= ence, representing the 31 chief tem< perance and reform organizations of the country. The conference called a convention of all temperance forces to meet here next month, to lay strategic plans for getting the desired declarations into the platforms and to decide on the procedure to fight the nomination or election of a wet candidate. Ends Faction Dispute. This flat stand was regarded as settling the dispute which had been raging within the temperance forces between the faction which held that prohibition was a closed issue, and should be left out of the presidential campaign, and the faction which in- sisted that more stringent demands be made on the political parties than in the past. It also was regarded as marking the beginning of the drive against the nomination or -election of Gov. Smith. Although no names were mentioned, the call for next month's gathering pointed out that “the first duty” of the dry forces is “to unite for the defeat of a wet man or a loose plank. The resolution, passed unanimously by the council, pointing out that’*the Nation is approaching its great pericd of political discussion and decision.” declared that “the crisis in constitu- tional government démands a national offensive.” “The friends of prohibition and law enforcement demand positive declara: tions in party platforms,” it declared. “They will strive to defeat office seeks ers who are either negative or silent. Representative leaders of 25,000, women who have been added to electorate since the. h amend- ment came into force, have joined in the declaration of 3,000,000 people that ‘no candidate not out- spokenly committed to the eighteenth amendment and its enforcément can have our support or votes. To Oppose All Wets, ““We call upon the American people to repudiate all State and National party platforms that deal only in glit tering generalities with law enforce- ment. We will oppose and vote against candidates in both parties whose promise is fair and dry but whose official performance s wet.” A committee of 25 was named to make plans for the convention next month, which is expected to be the most important single. gathering of dry forces ever held in this country. Although the exact date has not yet been decided, it probably will be the first week in January. Resolutions of the council's commits tee on findings, reported to the cone ference today, declared that prohibi- tionists would not be bound by the re- sults of referenda. declared against the proposition to call a Federal con- stitutional convention, praised the passage of the reorganization bill and the appointments made under it, and urged a concerted effort to have dry delegates elected to State and National conventions. The referendum resolution declared that “wherever the wets propose a non-effective referendum which has no binding effect and is extra-constitu- tional, we are not bound to recognize it as even expressive of public senti- ment. Newspaper votes and straw votes are not expressive of American determination, but the balloting for Senators. Representatives and all ex- ecutives and judges is. We will not bg deviated from real tests to partigh {pate #w strawe votes.” Drive on New Voters® One challenge immediately confront- {Ing the drys, the committee emphasiz- {ed. is that of t-e 15,000,000 vaters that have been | .dded to the life of the Nation since the passage of the eighteenth amendment.” Suggested methods of educating new voters in. cluded citizenship meetings, oratorical and essay contests and * a proposition to secure the writing of an ‘Uncle Tom’s Cabin’ for the prohibition re« form.” The committee urged that states which have passed resolutions calling for a Federal constitutional conven- tion, should have such resolutions rescinded at the next session of thel) Legislatures. January 16 was decided upon as the day on which a concerted effort will be made to reach the people on the | prohibition question. It was declared that “vast neglected areas of popula- tion, negro, foreign and the generally unchurched,” was an immediate chal- lenge. s The report said that “‘despite propa- ganda and much press misrepresenta- tion. our cause has marched trium- phantly through the years.” The passage of the reorganization bill, it declared, “eliminated the divided re- sponsibility which existed within the Treasury Department and took the ap- pointment of agents out of the hands of politicians, and made them Clvil Service matters. The appointments of Assistant Sec- retary Seymour Lowman of the Treas- ury and Prohibition Commissioner James M. Doran were described as The City’s Big Mystery! Read these remarkable revelations. See these on-the- The Magazine of spot drawings in The Sunday Star And order your copy from your newsdealer today.' ‘“cases which meet the approval of all our forces.” List of Organizations. Organizations represented at the conference, which will also be repre. sented at the convention next month, include: ‘The Anti-Saloon League of America, Association of Catholics Favoring Pro- hibition, Association in Support of Na- tional Prohibition, Board of Temper- ance, Prohibition and Public Morals of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Board of Temperance and Social Welfare the of Christ, Catholic Prohfhition League,