Evening Star Newspaper, December 30, 1928, Page 3

C., DECEMBER - 30, -1928—PART T. . THE - SUNDAY STAR, WASHINGTON, D. AIR LINES LINKING AMERICAS PLANNED South America Evinces In- terest in Hoover Proposal for Two Routes. (Continued From First Page.) practically barren stretches as aviators ‘would encounter on either coast. A Jolly shipboard New Year cele- bration was being planned today by members of Hoover's party, officers of the Utah and newspaper correspon- dents. One feature is to be a dinner and reception in nonor of Mr. and Mrs. Hoover, who are to be witnesses of the day's festivities. Tropical Weather Continues. While novelties were being concocted, | the vessel was four or five degrees north of the Equator, some 70 miles to the east of the French Guinea coast. Trop- ical weather was continuing with north- east trade winds, It was very hot be- low decks, but there was abundant ventilation, and on deck awnings pro- tected the Hoover party from the sun. The intermittent squalls and rain that prevail these days have made the pas- sage of the equatorial region agreeable for the President-elect and his wife. ‘The Utah's position Saturday noon Was 4:20 north latitude and 40:17 west longitude, 2,771 miles from Hampton Roads. In the early morning the ship ran through fog for about an hour and all day the skies were overcast. The sea was gray and choppy, flying fish and porpoises were sighted from time to time, and _occasionally schools of “Portuguese Men of War,” tropical fish with queer sail like appendages hoisted above the water, were seen. ‘Will Land January 6. The President-elect will land at ‘Hampton Roads before noon on the 6th, and according to present expec- tations will take a special train at 2 o'clock Sunday afternoon, arriving at ‘Washington about 7 o’'clock that night. ‘The trip then ended, Mr. Hoover will have traveled more than 18,200 miles. A little flurry of excitement occurred $his afternoon when a general alarm signal sounded, which unless done for drill means man overboard, abandon ship or some imminent danger such as @ collision. No drill had been ordered and Capt. fTrain rushed to the bridge, all officers ‘hurried to their posts and every sailor to his station. Nobody knew the cause for the alarm. No evidence of danger ‘was seen and no officer had ordered the signal sounded. An investigation that started at once vevealed that a Filipino mess boy hoist- ing a basket of provisions near one of the signal boxes had accidentally touched off the signal. —— NEW YEAR EVE DANCING OFFERED BY CITY CLUB Decorations in Ballroom to Offer Setting for Party Scheduled Until 2:30 A.M. Plans have been completed for the City Club’s annual New Year eve party. A dance will be held between 10:30 p.m. and 2:30 am., with the City Club Syn- copators, under joint direction of Davis &:Wfl‘llnuhmal and Phil O'Brien, giving m rogram. Members Enve been asked to make their reservations not later than noon tomorrow. The ballroom at the club is being decorated under supervision of Mrs. T. W. Barrett. Northam iron works, which were es- tablished at Southampton, England, 96 (Continued From First Page.) gestion of the Efficiency Bureau that the depreciation reserves be transferred to the new company is impracticable. “The new company is to have a rate base for the property ‘as s, ” the letter of the companies stated on this point. “If depreciation reserves are taken over by the new company, it would simply mean that the cost of the property as recorded by the books of the new com- pany would be increased by the amount of the depreciation reserve. This also is a matter to be properly passed upon by the Public Utilities Commission.” One section of the merger plan lists various general powers to be possessed by the new company, and concludes with the clause, “all subject to the ap- proval of the Public Utilities Commis- sion of the District of Columbia.” After pointing out that Dr. Maltbie ob- jected to this provision as being too broad, the companies suggest that the objects sought by the Utilities Commis- sion and Dr. Maltbic might be met by { substituting the following clause: “Subject to regulation by the Public Utilities Commission as provided by aw.” After outlining these specific modifi- cations the companies say that certain matters commented upon by Dr. Maltbie and the Efficiency Bureau are questions to be passed upon by the Utilities Commission. Review .Steps in Movement. In beginning their letter to Senator Capper the companies observed: “Your own statement and those of other members of the subcommittee of the Senate District committee at the $50.000,000 TRACTION VALUATION DEFENDED AS FAIR COMPROMISE Above: WILLIAM F. HAM. conference with representatives of the | transportation agencies of the District | of Columbia that a merger should be| effected because it holds great possi- bility of advantage to both public and | utilities, apparently finds favor every-| where and should suggest to all minds | that if the fundamentals of the present | merger effort are correct, all features | collateral thereto should be viewed broadly and in the light of equal re- spect for property rights and public obligations.” ‘The .companies recited the vlrlous‘ steps that led up to submission of the pending merger plan io Congress, and | then turned their attention to the specific request of the subcommittee for comment on the Maltbie and Efficiency Bureau reports. “We assume that the subcommittee desires some helpful suggestions from ns and not merely a reiteration of the terms and provisions of the unification agreement and the reasons in support ihereof,” the companies continued. “We consequently are led to remark that with one exception the summary of recommendations of Dr. Maltbie deals with either legislation or matters of regulation, or accounting practices which are now or which should be delegated to the Public Utilities Commission.” Turning attention first to the ques- tion of valuation, the companies stated: “The issues on this item appear to be: (a) Whether there shall be no specific rate base included n the unification agreement; (b) whether the $50,000,000 rate base is fair and reasonable, and (c) if such a rate base is to be included, whether it is to be continued for 10 years as provided in the unification umeement, or for some other specified me. Maltbie Differences Cited. “Dr. Maltbie’s difficulty appears to be one of reconciling his mind to a valuation for rate-making purposes as set forth in the unification agreement and approved both by the Public Utili- ties Commission and the Bureau of Effi- cien ‘The structure of his argument on the proposed $50,000,000 rate base is founded primarily upon his differ- ences with the conclusions of the Dis- trict .of Columbia Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals, rendered as re- cently as February 1, 1927, and fixing the valuation for rate-making purposes of the property of the Capital Traction Co. within the District of Columbia as of January 1, 1925, at $25,756,880. We see nothing to be ed in burdening the committee with a review of the facts and figures involved in this court de- wears ago, have just closed down perma- mently. SPECIAL NOTICES. AL MEETING OF THE STOCK- holders of the Georgetown Masonic Hall Association will be held at Masonic Hall, No. 3210 Wisconsin_ave. n.w., on, Tuesday eve- hing, January 1, 1829, ‘at 7 o'clock, for the urpose of the' election of directors and eoelVIng TeROrihe )\ po BIRCH, President. 3 lent Attest: B. W. SPILLE, Secretary. Y GIVEN THAT THE stockholders of The ny for the election the ensuing year ore the meeting, held a 5. e 361 1 be open from o'clock noon. grFeE N, Secretary. OFFICE_OF THE FIREMEN'S INSURANCE mpany of FSveRth sthect and Lasicians avonos sart West. The stoc) flent:. Cuv“p-ny' 0‘ wn will meet 2t the ofice on Mon- - @ay, January 7, Sav; Jamuary 7. "1930) for e a : Fear. Polls m. ST v HOWARD, Secretary: OF MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE Company of the District of Columbia, 1301 . H st. n.w., December 26, 1928. Policyholders are notified that policies expire_at noon on the last Monday in December, 31st instant. *Policies must be Dresented for indorsement ©of payments except where heid in_connec- tion with loans, in which case they should be brought in iater_to have duplicate pay- *ments entered. L. PIERCE B R, Sec- “retary. TVEN NOTICE 15 HEREBY G THAT THE American Security & Trust Co. has declared f,7osular dividend of § per cent on its capl- al stock of $3,400.000. paysble January 10, 1929. to the stockholders of record at_ the Slpss ot business on ember 31, 1928. Also an extra dividend of 2 per cent on said 82" e ahie1 eSting ot . The ng_ of the stockholders of said company for the election of directors for the ensuing year, {he presentation of the annual report of tne ai ! | sidered by it, at any stage of the hear- n. | ing before the cor cision. “This report before the committee specifically criticizes the courts for not final if sound, should in reality have been directed against the Congress rather than at the court, for the Congress in enacting the District of Columbia public utilities law laid down a very specific procedure _in public utility valuation matters. The Capital Traction valua- tion case was not appealed to the United States Supreme Court, because under exactly similar circumstances, the Supreme Court, Power valuation case, refused to take jurisdiction of an appeal from & decision of the Court of Appeals, and in the opinion Chief Justice Taft said: “‘Under the law, the the Districl SUBIZoe The sourt may vel T, berycm in to advise the commission as to the elements of value to be con- mmission. To modify or amend a valuation, or a rate, or a regulation of the commission as inade- quate, as the court is authorized to do, seems to us necessarily to impart the power to increase the valuation, or rate, or to make a regulation more compre- hensive and to consider the evidence before it for this purpose. The lan- guage of the act under discussion is much wider than that of the inter- state commerce act or the Federal Trade Commission provisions. It brings the court much more intimately into the legislative machinery for fixing rates than does the interstate com- merce act. We cannot escape the con- clusion that Congress intended that the court shall revise the legislative d the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the will be held at the office of a1 3 ), A o'cl n an the polls will be open until 12:30 o'clock Ppm. The iransfer s _of e company Wil be closed from January 1st to the 15th, Poth days inclusive, CORCORAN THOM. ent FREDERICK P. H. SIDDONS, Secretary. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE Beventh Street Savings Bank has declared the regular semi-annual dividend of 6% and an extra dividend of 1%, both pavable 1. 1928, to stockholders of rec- gpd, at the Close of business December 24. "MOVING TO SOME OTHER CITY? Get our return-load rates. Full and part ad shipments to Philadelphia, New York. ston, Pittsburgh, Richmond and way ;olnls, Special rates. Phone Main 1460. NATIONAL DELIVERY ASSOCIATION. Inc. I‘fDIA{! rsld’RI?O MfiM%E}fiHIF ;()R SALE B¢ real reduction. - M O'HANLON, 3983 or Ga. 714. after 7 p.m. o YOU MOVING ELSEWHERE? OUR fransportation system will serve you better. rge fleet of vans constantly operating be. ween all Eastern_ cities. Call Main 92 DAVIDSON TRANSFER & BTORAGE_CO. nnm‘;t:’dq'\!;yflz REEPONE]BYL.E POli,' Dfig;s ey ohe ek A - MAN D. MARDEN, 1230 Nc"é 1 ROOP REPAJRING, PAINTIN ing. spouting; furnaces repaired and cleant Toasonable prices. North 5314, day or nigl AJAX_ROOFING CO., 2038 18th_st. n.w. ny in 2, - zPECTAL SALE OF CHOICE APPLES DI ig December. Autumn Gold—Best Cider on rth. Open daily and Sunday until Jan- ry 1. THE CELEBRATED CIDE! - L. Prederick Pike—Hour Out. WANTED. To haul van loads of furniture to or from New York, Phila.. Boston, Richmond and points_south. Smith’s Transfer & Storage Co., 1313 You St. North_3343. {Tewish Community ‘Center Restaurant Strictly Kosher. HOFFMAN, anager. Banquets, Weddings, Our Specialty. 16th and @ Sts. N.W. _Decatur 1521 Furniture Repairing Upholstering, Chair Caneing 3 shops—same location for 21 Years, which assures reliability. Clay A. Armstron, Drop Postal 1235 10th St. N.§ Franklin 7483 imates and Samples. For M | sidering the evidence and full ‘record d | geems the commission ought to make, - | the Capital Traction and the Washing- discretion of the commission by con- of the case and entering the order it Calculations Are Outlined. “The various rate-base calculations which have been made in the course of the proceedings are as follows (Bureau of Efficiency report) : “Undepreciated value adopting the principles of the Court of Appeals’ de- cision in the Capital Traction case, $62,128,447. “Depreciated value (15 per cent de- preciation) as calculated by Col. Brand, vice chairman of Utilities Commission, $56,258,795. “Depreciated value (13 per cent de- preciation) as calculated by the Bureau of Efficiency, $54,051,749. “Public Utilities Commission valua- tions brought up to date, plus allow- ances for Maryland properties and bus, company, $48,380,960.” The letter of the companies explains that Col. Brand added in order to bring the property below $50,000,000 there would have to be deducted in ex- cess of 25 per cent depreciation on both ton Railway & Electric Co. Continu- ing their reply to Dr. Maltbie on the question of valuation, the companies sald: “Dr. Maltbie claims that 25 per cent depreciation should be deducted and objects to the total reproduction value of $62,000,000, but does not state his estimate of actual value. Both Dr. Maltbie and the Bureau of Efficiency state that comparisons of values of street railway systems in other cities are worthless, because of dfferent con- ditions, and primarily because Wash- ington, unlike other cities, has under- ground conduits rather than overhead trolleys, and the underground system is much more expensive both to con- struct and to operate. The Bureau of Efficiency sums up its conclusions on the rate base by stating that ‘the valua- tion of $50,000,000 is a compromise fig- ure, which falls midway between the reproduction cost new as computed by the companies on the basis of the court’s decision in the Capital Co. case Below: JOHN H. HANNA. lowest figure that the companies will voluntarily accept at the present time as a basis of a merger, and in view of the court decisions in the cases of the Potomac Electric Power Co. and the \Capital Co. there is good reason to doubt whether a revaluation at this time would result in a lower figure.” False Value Is Denied. “There seems to be a feeling that the companies in submitting the uni- fication agreement in its present form have attempted to establish a value greater than that to which they are legally entitled. This was not the in- tent of the parties to the agreement, and the amount of $50,000,000 was iit:ted as a compromise fair to all par- s. “The outstanding objection of Dr. Maltbie is directed to the necessity for having an initial rate base continued for a decade. Dr. Maltble, however, furnishes no substitute method for the determination of rates, even for a shorter period. It has taken the ex- isting street railway companies over 10 years to obtain their present sta- tus ‘as to rate bases and the object of the unification agreement in effect is merely to recognize the existing status for the period mentioned in the uni- fication agreement, and therefore dur- ing such period to avoid litigation and give stability which the companies be- lieve to be in the interests of the utilities and the public alike. “A valuation for rate-making pur- poses is written into the merger agree- ment for fundamental reasons. The companies involved in the merger now have rate bases and had it been con- templated that a merger as provided by law meant abandonment of rights without substitution therefor of like rights, there would have been no merger agreement. The report under discussion seeks to imply that the par- ties are taking advantage of necessary legislative approval to lug in some new advantage to themselves. Nothing can be further from the facts. “Without some established base upon which matters affecting rate structure may be approached, there is no logical way to operate a public utility under public regulation. Original Agreement Amended. “It must be bom;e‘tn mlntdhthnt the original agreement between the owners (dated February 10, 1928) was modified led by the Public Utilities Commission and the agreement of April 7, 1928, was substituted therefor. The original agreement provided for a fixed valuation as of the date thereof, for all time, with capital additions of ex- in | tensions, betterments and improvements, if, as and when authorized by the com- mission _constituting the future rate base. disfavor among organized citizenry and it was at the suggestion of official rep- resentatives of the Federation of Citizens' Associations, made during the hearings before the commission, that the ties to the lgreemenc accepted the Ya—ryen feature for revaluation. “This original agreement also pro- vided that the unified company should have the right (no guarantee of any kind or nature was written or implied) to earn 7 per cent annually on said rate base. This feature was struck out and a ‘fair return’ substituted, as a compromise in part, of the differences with the commission. “The companies very earnestly urge that to leave out any mention of a rate base would be very decidedly to the disadvantage of both the public and themselves. The parties to the agree- ment assume and respectfully submit that they have a right to assume that the decisions and findings of the Public Utilities Commission as modified in one case by the court of last resort are final and binding upon the parties until a new valuation shall have been made in accordance with law. Demand Definite Status. “If a merger without an agreed val- uation to continue at least until there is a revaluation is agreed to by the com- panies, what will be the situation? Without attempting to enter into a legal argument, the practicable situation which would arise if the companies went into a merger without an agreed rate base is clear. ger being consummated a new situa- tion would exist. The rearrangement of the tracks and other property of the companies will be very largely within the control of the Public Utilities Com~ mission and possibly of other regula- tory bodies. We venture to predict that the very persons who are now arguing that an agreed rate base is unnecessary would be the first to argue after unifi- cation that the existing valuations would have no status. What position the Public Utilities Commission and the courts would take on this question no one can predict. But at best the com- panies, if they went into a merger without an agreed rate base, would be merely inviting extensive litigation should any situation arise which might necessitate a change in fares before a revaluation for the unified company can be completed. “It appears to be conceded on all sides that as soon as unification is brought about a valuation of the street railway properties should be made. There is nothing in the present unifi- cation agreement to prevent such a re- valuation beginning imediately after the merger. The Bureau of Efficlency states that it would probably require a minimum of five years ty walue the lo- cal street railway propePties and carry the cases through the courts. Dr. Malt- bie says that ‘the estimate of time and money required for a revaluation is about three times what would be nec- essary with the co-operation of the companies.’ His estimate probably is, therefore, that it would require less and the orginal cost as found by the comumission, A$haD tWO years, Under the 1 agreement as written fares would not ! be changed for one year after merger. What the condition of their properties would be during the succeeding year or more which might be necessary to com- plete the revaluation the companies do not know, but past experiences have taught them that if, because of in- creased operating expenses or other considerations, they are forced after merger to ask for an adjustment in rates, such adjustment certainly would be opposed on the ground that they should wait for the completion of the revaluation. Foresce Unfair Advantage. “The companies very earnestly urge that. to bring about such a situation would be taking a decidedly unfair ad- vantage. Public utility corporations have stockholders, just as do other cor- porations. Such stockholders are en- titled at all umes to know the basis of their rates. They have such a basis at the present time. They will again have such a basis after a new valuation is made. What they require is a basis until a valuation can be made. If a valua- tion can be completed in less time, the most that could fairly be asked of the companies is to have the continuance ?‘( the rate base shortened to such lesser me. “Dr. Maltbie pleads that the public has certain rights and any plan of uni- fication which alters there rights would be open to criticism. This the compa- nies most heartily concede, but respect- fully suggest, as owners of the proper- ties involved, that they, too haverights which are bound to be respected. It should be borne in mind that merger can be accomplished only by the volun- tary initiation of the companies, and their most fundamental right is to guard against penalties in any way im- posed upon them merely as a result of their willingness in the public interest to so merge. “The issue in this matter, therefore, is entirely clear, The street car com- panies consider that today they respec- tively have rate bases duly and legally established on which they have 2 status before the regulatory body and the courts.- They believe just as strongly that if they agreed to a merger without a clear-cut recognition the existing status shall be maintained until revised through the orderly process of law, it would be contended that no such status exists until a new valuation is made. The opponents of such recognition ad- mit by their arguments that this is true. Under the merger agreement, present rates of fare are to be continued for one year. During that time important changes in the property of the com- such changes probably will be made in the general public interest without any relation to street car or bus earnings. Immediately after merger, the public will have present street car transfer charges eliminated and improvements in service ‘The companies hope that such changes will so attract traffic and reduce expenses that no rate changes will be necessary. But they cannot say with certainty that this will be true, partly because the changes after merger will be largely in the hands of representatives of the public. But primarily because they cannot forecast the future. They are willing to con- tinue operating on their present basis, but are unwilling to go into a merger without l]n telsub‘}slshe% rate base until a new valuation is made.” Answering another question raised by Dr. Maltbie the companies say they believe the intent of the clause dealing with the method of adjusting the rate base as property is added or retired is “perfectly clear,” and that undoubt- edly the interpretation of the terms used in this clause will be made by the Utilities Commission. The companies point out that the Bureau of Efficiency approves the House amendment to the merger resolution authorizing the commission to establish reduced fares for school children. The letter of the companies adds that Dr. Maltble does not mention the subject. The companies tell the subcommittee that the question raised by Dr. Maltbie as to how provision should be made for setttlement of injury and damage claims outstanding at the time of merger is not a serious one. “Generally speaking, it seems only per that the new com- pany should carry on and settle the liabilities of the old companies as pro- vided in the contract,” the letter of the companies stated. Agree Merger Is Important. The companies closed their commu- nication, as follows: “We feel it our duty to call attention of the subcommittee to the very definite statements made both by the Bureau of Efficlency and by Mr. Maltbie that a merger of the transportation facili- ties of the District of Columbia would very greatly benefit the public. We agree with those conclusions. We have worked steadily for the last year to bring about a merger in response to the demand of the public and of the ‘This feature appeared to find | g Immediately upon mer- | Congress and of President Coolidge in his message of December 6, 1927, to the Congress. We hope the Congress will authorize the merger.” In the early part of the letter, the companies emphasized that the present discussion does not involve the addi- tion to the local community of a new entity, but seeks in reality a change in form rather than in substance of oné of the oldest and easily the largest of community’s industries. $8,200 CONTRIBUTED T0 UNION MISSION Remaining $1,672 of Quota Is Sought Next Two Days to Clear Up Budget. Having received $8,200 of the $9,872 it set out to raise by New Year day, the Central Union Mission last night launched a final effort to obtain the re- maining $1,672 during the remaining two days of 1928. At the same time plans for the mis- slon’s annual New Year day reception ey g K e 0 . Bennett, su) - tendent, and Mrs. Bennett. Mr. Bennett explained last night that the final $1,672, which he hopes to receive by tomorrow night, will enable the mission to begin its work for 1929 with a clean budget. Among unpaid 1928 bills is an item for $573.52 for milk used in the Capital Children's Emergency Home, 624 Louisiana avenue, the superintendent said last night. Mr. Bennett explained that since many of thq children recelved by the home are undernourished, milk, fed to them in rg quantities to build up their weight, constitutes one of the largest single items on the mission’s budget. ‘The reception New Year day, to be held from 2 to 5 pm., is an annual function in the conduct of which the mission holds “open house” to the public. e POLICEMEN AID SICK. Will Run Errands for Families Stricken With Influenza. PITTSBURGH, Pa., December 29 (#), —Police of Braddock, a suburb, will run errands for residents unable to leave their homes because of sickness, the Burgess announced today in & procla- mation. “Any family needs will be immedi- ately attended to by our policemen,” the Burgess said. The proclamation will in force until illness due to the prevalence of influenza, grippe and colds has subsided. Absolute Divorce Asked. Absolute divorce is asked in a sult filed by Allen T. Eney, 1474 Chapin street, against Irene E. Eney, 73¢ Sev- enth street. They were married at Bal- timore December 14, 1907, and have three children. Misconduct is alleged and a con?ondent named in the husband’s petition, filed through At- torneys Mark Stearman and Henry .8learman, & panies undoubtedly will be made. Many | he: ADVENTURE AND FAME, COUPLED WITH HOPE FOR SERVICE, LEAD PUBLIC HEALTH SCIENTISTS TO SACRIFICE HEALTH AND EVEN LIFE FOR DUTY Seven Have Died Since 1912 in Succesful Fight on Fever. VICTORIES ARE GAINED Three Strange Diseases Have Taken Heavy Toll in LaBoratories. Adventure, danger and finally fame beset the path of the Government scientist who sets out to master some strange malady threatening the health of men. If his crusade be carried through to its ultimate goal, he must stand ready to sacrifice his own health, and on more rare occasions, even his life. His own peculiar knowledge and the customary medical safeguards avail him little for he is dealing with an unknown and perhaps deadly quantity. The thing he is seeking to master is likely to over- whelm him without his knowing why or_how. If he is successful, fame awaits him and the satisfaction of knowing he has contributed something material to human welfare. If he fails he may seek solace in this philosophy of the United States Public Health Service: “The sclentist doesn't matter—it's the public health that couhts.” Cost in Life Is Heavy. For more than a decade the Public Health Service has been seeking to con- trol three strange diseases — Rocky Mountain spotted fever, malta fever and tularemia—and their efforts have met with considergble success. But the cost in human life and health has been avy. ‘Twelve scientists contracted the spot- ted fever and seven died. Four were seized with’ malta or undulant fever. Though none of these cases was fatal, all of those afflicted four or five years ago still have symptoms of the disease and are liable to a recurrence of the fever at any time. There have been six cases of tularemia among the personnel of the service during the past 10 years, but this disease is less severe and can now be definitely controlled. All six recovered fully. Spotted fever is a peculiar disease infesting certain localities in the Rocky Mountain region. It is transmitted to men by wood ticks which have pre- viously bitten small animals, such as squirrels and chipmunks, infested with the disease. Stream Is Border Line. Spotted fever centers through West- ern Montana in Bittter Root Valley, which is bisected by a small stream. One of the strangest features of this malady is that while it literally infests one side of this stream, a case has never been known on the other. Back in 1912 Dr. T. B. McClintick contracted the disease while experi- menting and died. Similar fates were met by & Dr. McCrae in 1917, William E. Gettinger in 1922, Henry Cowan in 1924, Miss Elizabeth Brandt, who died in Berlin in 1927 after handling a spotted fever culture sent from this country, and, lastly, LeRoy Kerlee, a bacteriologist, who succumbed last February. Recently, however, Dr. R. R. Spencer of the United States Service and Dr. R. R. Parker of the Montana State Board of Health perfected a 'vaccine made from the crushed bodies of in- fected ticks. Before its discovery 80 per cent of persons contracting the dis- ease died. Now the percentage of deaths has become negligible. The undulant fever germ was first discovered on the Isfe of Malta about 60 years ago. It was supposedly found only in goats and received scant atten- tion until a few years ago, when it broke out in dairying regions of this country. Investigations disclosed that it could be contracted from the flesh and milk of cattle as well as from horses and pigs. Raw Milk Affected. 1t was first discovered that tha dis- ease is contracted from fresh milk which had not been pasteurized and was consequently most prevalent in farming districts. Later it was learned that cases resulted from handling meats and that care had to be exercised in this respect. But before these discoveries were made four Government scientists con- tracted the disease, and none of them has fully recovered. They are Miss Alice C. Evans, B. S. Stockrider, G. C. Lake and Dr. Edward Francis. None of these knows just how he con- tracted the®disease nor when. Malta fever takes the form of inter- mittent spells of fever which grow weaker over a period of years until they finally disappear altogether. All the men who fell victims to tula- remia made less exacting sacrifices; they nevertheless contributed important discoveries which have resulted in al- most complete control of the disease. 1t is known, for instance, that it oc- curs only in wild and never in tame rabbits; that it can be contracted from handling fresh meat, but never from that which has been properly cooked. ‘While the primary sources and causes of these maladies have not. perhaps, been definitely identifled. they have been so well isolated that by exercising slight precautions the average person can escape any of them with a reason- able degree of ‘The Public this represents not a heroic sacrifice, but only the dutiful performance of its mission. If the public health has been bettered, its members are satisfled to forego eulogies. TEST MADE ON CONVICTS. Pellagra Developed and Cured in Gold- berger Experiments. . JACKSON, Miss., December 29 (#).— It was on a Mississippi convict farm that Dr. Joseph Goldberger, whose life is now threatened at Washington by some strange malady, discovered the cause and cure of pellagra. During the administration of Gov. Earl Brewer, 1012 to 1916, a secret agreement was entered into with a group of white convicts at the Rankin farm to determine the truth of Dr. Goldberger’s theory that pellagra was caused by an unbalanced ration. In pursuance of this theory Dr. Gold- berger’ fed a group of convicts on un- balanced rations — chiefly cornbread and bacon—for several months, and positive cases of pellagra developed. He then, by feeding the same on 2 well balaniced diet, restored them to health. All members of the group then were pardoned by Gov. Brewer, e Radio School Opens January 7. COLUMBUS, Ohio, December 29 (#). —First cvlasses in Ohio’s new “school of the air” will start January 7, when the initial program will be broadcast from radio station WLW, Cincinnati, to more than 6,000 Ohio school rooms, as well as to cl in Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee. ‘The programs will include music by the music department of Ohio State University, talks by educators from the State's universities, Pplaylets for the lower grades, geography and history Leravelogues for the upper grades and lec- gfl on current events in science and Dr. | cusing murmur from me. f certainty. Health Service feels that | this I DR. EDWARD FRANCIS, Photographed in the laboratory of the Public Health Service, where he contracted Malta fever. : LINCOLN LOVE NOTES TO GIRL REJECTING PROPOSAL FOUND (Continued From First Page.) intention to do all in my power to make her happy and contented, and there is nothing I can imagine that would make it more unhappy than to fail in the effort. I know I should be much hap- pler with you than the way I am, pro- vided I saw no signs of discontent in you. What you have said to me may have been in jest, or I may have mis- understood it. If so, then let it be for- gotten; if otherwise, I much wish you would think seriously before you decide. For my part I have already decided. What I have said I will most positively abide by, provided you wish it. My opinion is that you had better not do it. You have not been accustomed to hard- ship, and it may be more severe than you now imagine. I know you are capa- ble of thinking correctly on any subject, and if you deliberate maturely upon | this before you decide, then I am will- ing to abide your decision.” Lincoln and Girl Meet. August 16 of the same year, 1837, Lincoln had a meeting with Miss Owens in New Salem, Ill, but it apparently resulted in nothing definite, for upon his return to Springfield the same day, he wrote asking for her to make a decision as to their future relations. The letter follows: Last Note to Girl. “Friend Mary: “You no doubt will think it rather strange that I should write you a letter on the same day on which we parted; and I can only account for it by supposing that seeing you lately makes me think of you more than usual, while at our late meeting we had but few expressions of thoughts. You must know that I cannot see you or think of you with entire in- difference; and yet it may “be that you are mistaken in regard to what my real feelings toward you are. If I knew you were not, I should not trouble you with this letter. Per- haps any other man would know enough without further information, but I consider it my peculiar right to plead ignorance and your bounden duty to allow the plea. “I want in all cases to do right; and most particularly so in all cases with women. I want, at this particular time, more than anything else, to do right with you, and if I knew it would b doing right, as I rather suspect it would, to let you alone, I would do it. And for the purpose of making the matter as plain as possible, I now say that you can now drop the subject, dismiss your thoughts (if you ever had any) from me more miserable, nothing more happy, answered, without calling forth one ac- And I will even go farther, and say that if it will add anything to your comfort or peace of mind to do so, it is my sincere wish that you should. “Do not understand by this that I wish to cut your acquaintance. I mean no such thing. What I do wish is that our further acquaintance shall depend upon yourself. If such further ac- quaintance would contribute nothing to your happiness, I am sure it would not to mine. If you feel yourself in any degree bound to me, I am now g to release you, provided you wish it; while, on the other hand, I am willing and even anxious to bind you faster if I can be convinced that it will in any considerable degree add to your happiness. ‘This, indeed, is the whole question with me. Nothing would make me more miserable; nothing more happy, than to know you were so. “In what I have now said, I think I cannot be misunderstood, and to make myself unders! is the sole object of etter. “If it suited you best to not answer this—farewell—a long life and a merry one attend you. But if you conclude to write back, speak as plainly as I do. There can be neither harm nor danger in saying to me anything you think, justM in the "'"‘“5,' you thm: it. “My respects your si T, “Your friend, LINCOLN.” Lincoln, in a letter to Mrs. O. H. Vita Exerciser and A splendid machine for home ex- ercise and scientific weight reduc- tion, Come in for free demonstration. Reasonable in Price 10 Months to Pay Get It at Browning, wife of his friend, told of the rejection, saying: Gives Up Marrying Thoughts. “I have come to the conclusion never again to think of marrying, and, for this reason, can never be satisfied with any one who would be blockhead enough to_have me.” Mary S. Owens was married to Jesse Vineyard of Kentucky, March 27, 1841, and settled on a farm between Weston and Platte City, Mo. treasured the letters. Writing_of the courtship to W. H. Herndon, Lincoln’s former law partner, who was preparing his biography, Mrs. Vineyard said: “My sister was very anxious for us to marry, but I thought Mr. Lincoln was deficient in those littie links which make up the chain of a woman's happiness. Not that I beileved it proceeded from a lack of kindness of heart, but his training had been different from mine.” MAN IS REARRESTED. Retired Merchant Held on Charge of Second-Degree Murder. DE SOTO, Mo., December 29 (#). Following dismissal of a charge of ond degree murder against Sol Hohen- thal, wealthy retired merchant, in the | however, She kept and FEDERAL SUIT AIMS AT SINCLAIR PROFIT Delaware Action Based on Demand for Accounting in Salt Creek. | By the Assoclated Pr The Department of Justice announces | last night it had instituted suit against the Sinclair Crude Ol Purchasing Co. and the Mammoth Ol Co. in the United States District Court at Wilmington, Del, to recover profits the wryornlnu 70} made out of the purchase of yalty oil in the Salt Creek, Wyo., field. The Government asks for accounting | of all “gains and profits” made from the sale of approximately 20,000,000 | barrels of oil, and that the contracts under which the oil was delivered be | canceled. Renewed Then Canceled. The contracts for the sale of the royalty oil in tne Salt Creek field were let to Harry F. Sinclair, organizer of | the Mammoth Oil Co., by former Secre- tary of the Interior Albert B. Fall The contracts were renewed last Febru- ary by Secretary Work, but were can- celed a short time ago by Secretary West, who acted on the opinion of At- | torney General Sargent that they were | invalid because of f a clause providing for their.renewal. In the sult filed at Wilmington the | Government did not name Sinclair or Fall because it is a suit in equity and neither of them lives in the district where the suit is brought. It charges, that Sinclair and Fall con- spired to defraud the Government of its royalty oil through the awarding of the contract to Sinclair and to defraud the Government of its rights to “honest and_conscientious services of its offi- cers” and of its right to have its busi- ness conducted honestly by the Sec- retary of the Interior. Contention in Brief. The Government's brief says Fall and Sinclair knew that the piracy required “a wilful and delibe: ate violation by Fall of the laws of the United States and of the trust and con- fidence reposed in him by virtue of his position of Secretary of the Interior.” FULL APPEAL ASKED. that con- T Opposition Noted to Action on Re- stricted Phase. By the Associated Press. The Supreme Court was asked to pass on all phases of the appeal of Harry F. Sinclair from his conviction of a misdemeanor for refusing to answer questions of a Senate committee in a motion filed yesterday by Owen J. Rob- erts and Atlee Pomerene, special Gov- ernment counsel. The motion asked the court to take this course instead of answering five questions asked by the District of Co- lumbia Court of Appeals, before which the Sinclair appeal is now pending, for its guidance in considering certain phases of the case. ‘The Government motion pointed out that speed in the administration of justice as well as economy of effort of both the highest court and of counsel would be served by passing on the en- tire case, instead of considering only certain phases of it. Predic that Sinclair would ulti- mately endeavor to bring the entire case before the Supreme Court should the Court of Appeals decide against him, the motion said it would “require but little more labor and search on the part of the court to take up and con- 917-19 G St. N.W. death of Miss Pearl Potoskey, St. Louis beauty shop owner, at a preliminary hearing here today, he was rearrested on & prosecuting attorney’s information and released on $10,000 bail. The new information also ' charges murder in the second degree. It was filed in the Circuit Court at Hillsboro by Prosecurting Attorney McCormack, who stated that Hohenthal will be held for trial there in the January or May term of court. THE AFTERMATH of influenza, bronchitis, cough, cold or other respiratory infection, is usually a period of great weakness. There is special need for well-selected vitamin-rich nourishment to rebuild resistance. Many people. . have found nothing quite so beneficial as SCOTT’S EMULSION OF PURE VITAMIN-RICH COD-LIVER OIL If you are now passing through a time of weakness, why not let it help nourish you back to strength and vigor. Scott’s Emulsion is cod-liver oil that is pleasant to take and digests easily. Scott & Bowne, Bloomfield, N. J. sider the entire record in this case.” Even should the Supreme Court answer the questions in & way favorable to the Government, there are other points on which Sinclair would a review by the highest tribunal, the mo- tion added. It contended that the rec- the Court of Appeals in ith its five questions was incomplete and did not contain all the facts upon which the case must eventually be decided. @he Forning SHtar ADVERTISENENTS B et RECEIVED HERE Garren’s Music Store—907 H St. NLE. Is a Star Branch Office It is for the convenience of patrons of The Star Classified Section that these Branch Of- fices are maintained in prac- tically every neighborhood in and around Wa gton. You can save considerable time and a trip to the Main Office by leaving copy for Classified Ads at any of these Branches. The Branch Offices render their service without fee; only regular rates are charged. THE ABOVE SIGN 1S DISPLAYED BY AUTHORIZED STAR BRANCH OFFICES The Star prints such an over~ whelmingly greater volume of Classified Advertising every day than any other Washing- ton paper, that there can be no question 4s to which will give you the best results. “Around the Corner” is a Star Branch Office