Evening Star Newspaper, February 5, 1930, Page 1

¢ 7nmig % WITH SUNDAY MORNING EDITION WEATHER. (U. 8. Weather Bureau Forecast.) Party cloudy; slightly colder tonight; minimum temperature about 30 degrees; partly cloudy ‘Temperatures—Highest, 43, at noon today; lowest, 37, at 6 a.m. today. Full report on page 9. Closing N. Y. Markets, Pages 10,11 & 12 31,326.- “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 as fast as the papers are printed. @b WASHINGTON, Yesterday’s Circulation, 112,848 TWO Entered_as second class matte post office, Washington, D. HOOVER ANNOUNGES * CHOICE OF CROSBY “No. r CENTS. TAFT 1S, INPROVED AFTER 600D SLEFP. () Means Associated Press. D. C, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1930_ THIRTY-SIX PAGES PRESIDENT URGES SUPPORT BE GIVEN NEwsg FOR COMMISINER INGHARGEOFPOLE Cavalry Chief Will Be Named as City Official When He' Retires to Private Life on March 21, President Says. | FORMAL STATEMENT 1 MAKES VIEWS CLEAR‘ Acceptance of Army Officer Follows Chief Executive's Personal Re- quest—White House Sees Selec- tion as Guarantee Crime Will Be Held Down. BY J. RUSSELL YOUNG. President Hoover formally an- nounced today that when Maj. Gen. Herbert B. Crosby, chief of Cavalry, U. S. A, retires to civilian life March 21 next he will be ap- pointed as one of the civilian Commissioners of the District of Columbia to have personal super- vision of the police, fire and traffic departments. In making this announcement the Presigent made it clear that the chief of Cavalry accepted this post at his personal request and that he felt that the people of the District will be glad to have the services of a man of such out- standing nationa! distinction in the service of their local govern- ment. The President said regarding Gen. Crosby’s acceptance of the commissionership: ‘“After Maj. Gen. Crosby has re- tired, and has become a civilian, I shall nominate him as one of the Commissioners of the District of Columbia. He has been a resident of the District for the past seven years and has been much inter- ested in its progress. He accepts only at my urgent request. Says City Leaders Approve. “I have-consulted 3 number of lead- ing citizens who consider with me that han o Sich outstancing national dis: man of such ou na tinction in its service. Gen. Crosby will have under his direction the police, fire and traffic services. He does not wish to become presiding Commissioner, and prefers to devote himself to these par- ticular branches. His headship of those departments will be assurance of just ! kip to the men in be a_guarantee official and unofficial resi- | dents ot the District and w!eectllly 3 the Nation at large, that i%e o of the Nation shall b free of wr. crime.” The President’s stateme:’ = his selection of Gen. Cros':; sented afterward as 3 as a defense of his taking & © ficer for a civilian post in . ernment—which has been crititized by citizens’ bodies—but as = tribute to the qualities of Gen. Crosby and as an as- surance to the peopl: of this eity that their government, especially the Polics Department, will be in stroug and capa- ble hands. President Is Pleased. Although _the President expressed ‘himself briefly upon this subject in his formal statement it ir known by those ‘who have talked with him that he was pleased upon receipt of definite word yesterday afternoon from the Cavalry chief that he would accept. The President wes represented as having complete conficence in the abil- ity of Gen. Crosby to hendle the office to which he is appoining him. The President looked well into Gen. Crosby’s | Army record before having him come to him to talk matters over. _From what the President learned, (Continued on Page 2, Column 4.) ANNABEL MATTHEWS’ [ APPOINTMENT IS O.K.'Df Senate Finance Committee O.K.'s' | Georgia Woman as Member of Tax Appeal Board. By the Associated Press. The nomination of Matthews of Georgia tc member of | the Board of Tax Appeals was unani- | mously approved today by the Senate committee. | nomination of Miss Matthevs, an attorney in the Bureau of Ia 2] Revenie, once was confirmed by Scnate, but on reconsideration it ent back to committee to detcr- e whether the appointment was in with a_resolution previously by the Senate stipulating an ¢ of the bureau should not be | to the board inside of two years | esignation. ! Miss Annab ned MAJ. GEN. HERBERT B. CROSBY. CROSBY CONSIDERS NO ABRUPT CHANGE IN' POLICE AFFAIRS Appointee Wants Time to “Size Up” Conditions Be- fore Making Revisions. Maj. Gen. Herbert Crosby, pleasant- spoken, genial Army officer, who was today selected to be District Commis- sioner in charge of the Police and Fire Departments, has no intention. of intro- ducing any radical changes when he assumes his new duties. On the contrary, Gen. Crosby in an informal interview with & vepresenta- tive of The Star today gave the im- pression that he intends to wait until he has had ample e ‘o “size up” his new job before deciding on any course of action. Persons who visualize Army officers as brusque individuals with a penchant for eutting their words short and brisk- commands will be ;ls’unua in Gen, Crosby. He is the an- tithesis of this conceytion. one of v lacking in any n of what it generally known as militarism. Sees Room for Coustruction. Gen. Crosi» bas er held a civil post comparzi. ‘o his new position, but e bellevss it 'n theory the organiza- tion o e Puli and Fire Departments 15 wiong the sar: lncs as that of the Army. He sald e tas followed the trials {and tribulntions of he Police Depart- ment &S 1:pOricd in the newspapers, but refrawed from ¢xpressing any con- clusions he may huve formed. He may, however, rave indicated his general atfitude, +hen. in response to a ques- tien, he nted that there are some undesiiasie istures to every organiza- tion. Gen. Cresby apprared to feel that there f5 ample opportunity for con- structive work In his new position, Discussing some of the difficulties and undesirable features of the post, he sald. “Any job that is worth having is bound to present some difficulties. If there were no problems to be overcome there would be no job.” Ger. Crosby was not willing to com- mit fimself at this time to any definite program, explaining that his only knowledge of District affairs has re- sulted from his reading of newspapers " (Continued on Page 2, Column 3.) SCHOOL GAMBLING FOUGHT BY POLICE Officers Arrest Chicagoan Suspected of Taking Lunch Money From Children. By the Associated Press. CHICAGO, February 5.—School au- thorities today renewed efforts to pre- vent gambling in the vicinity of schools. Acting on the complaint of parents, police yesterday arrested a man, who, | they charged, was taking the bets of | school children on horse races. Wagers of 50 and 75 cents, the sums represent- ing the children's lunch money, were accepted, police charged. The man later was freed by Judge Alfred Erickson, who declared there was no evidence to show gambling. Judge Erickson today was to pass on the evidence against Deinese Durak, charged with operating a speakeasy op- Pposite a school building. SUCCESSFUi SLOT-MACHINE DRIVE PLEASES CHICAGO PROSECUTOR Two Are Convicted in Bombings, Out of 771 Blasts, Since 1922, Report Reveals. B¢ the Astociated Press CHICAGO, Februacy 5.—John A.| Swanson, State’s attorney for Cook County, has given a report of his first vear in office to the Citizens' Associa- | tion of Chicago. The report notes the acomplishments of the prosecutor's of- fice, especially against syndicate gam- biing, and calls attention to two con- victions obtained in bomb cases. Terroristic bombs are n matter dif- | it to handle,” the report states, “for | #he reason that most victim: sre un- .1 willing to disclose prior threats or motives.” The convictions in bombing cases during the year are the first obtained since 1922. During, the intervening period the total number of bombings has been 771. The report says there should be “gen- eral public satisfaction that the wide and flagrant use of slot machines and other gambling devices has bzen effec- tively suppressed.” The number of convictions obtained during the year was given as 2,774, compared with 2,154 during the pre- vious 12 months, DRASTIC NAVY CUT REVEALED ASPLAN MADE AT RAPIDAN Scrapping Capital Ships and . Abolition of Submarines Parts of Agreement. (In the following dispatch is pre- sented the first account of the agree- ment on navies reached by President Hoover and Prime Minister Mac- donald while Mr. Macdonald was in the United States.) BY PAUL SCOTT MOWRER. By Radio to The Star and the Chicago Daily News. Copyright, 1930. LONDON, England, February 5.—It is now possible to indicate what appears to be the broad lines of the so-called Rapidan agreement between Prime Min- ister Macdonald and President Hoover, which is really the basis and starting point of the present five-power Naval Conference. The concrete terms of this tentative Anglo-American accord ‘Were néver an< nounced, but Mr. Macdonald since his return to London seems little by little to have informed his cabinet regarding most of the points touched on. Of course, the most important point of those Rapidan conversations was the conviction both statesmen seemed to have derived from them—namely, that Anglo-American naval understanding in one way or another was a certainty. However, they were obliged to cover the ground of technical questions also, and in a tentative and provisional manner, always with the reservation that the British and American navies depend to some extent on the Japanese, French and Italian. They seem to have har- monized their views roughly as follows: Capital Ships Limited, Of capital ships by 1936, under the Washington treaty, Great Britain and the United States should have 15 each and Japan 9. It was suggested that the lifetime of battleships be prolonged from 20 to 25 years, so that no replacements would be necessary before 1936. It was also suggested that it might be gnod economy and a friendly gesture for the United States to scrap in the near future three old battleships, Great Britain to eliminate five and Japan one or_two. Mr. Macdonald seems to have indi- cated that as compensation for the superiority of the British ships Rodney and Nelson Great Britain would have no objection if the United States de- sired to elevate the guns and straighten the decks of our three West Virginia and two Tennessee type battleships. It was agreed that cruisers should be considered in two classes, according to (Continued on Page 4, Column 5.) HOOVER TOLBOF AUTO MANUFACTURER’S PLANS Willys Reports Industry Expects to Produce 5,000,000 Cars in 1930. By the Assoclated Press. John N. Willys, president of the ‘Willys-Knight Motor Co., told President Hoover today the automobile industry now expects to produce 5,000,000 auto- ' mobiles in 1930, or an increase of 500, 1000 over last year's husiness. ‘Willys was accompanied to the White House by Senator Fess of Ohio. The manufacturer said the automobile busi- ness this year would be as good, from the standpoint of profits, as it was last year, because the depression which fol- lowed the stock market decline had !cnused drastic cuts in overhead charges. The sale of automobiles, he said, has been picking up rapidly within the last 30 days and the production of all auto- mobile plants in the country should reach capacity within two months, SCHOOL CHILDREN HURT. Cincinnati Township Bus and Truck Crash Near Service Station. CINCINNATL. Ohio, February 5 (). —Eighteen_children, riding in a town- ship school bus near here today, suf- fered bruises and slight cuts when the bus was struck by a truck. ‘The accident occurred just after the bus left a gasoline filling station. ‘The truck hit the bus broadside, it was reported. Marvin Woods, Shelby- ville, Ind., truck driver, was arrested on a reckless driving charge. COMMUNITY GHEST Asks Every District Citizen to Give Evidence of Devotion to Charity. $603,000 SUM REMAINS TO BE COLLECTED IN DAY Address at White House Broadcast Over Two Stations This Afternoon. President Hoover, in a stirring appeal in behalf of the Washington Communi- |ty Chest, whose 1930 campaign is fac- | ing a serious crisis, declared today “the (time has come in this appeal when ; every citizen in the District should give | some evidence of his devotion to char- | itable purpose.” | The President's address, the first ap- peal ever made by a Chief Executive of the Nation for a Community Chest during its campaign, was broadcast through the city over Stations WMAL and WRC, when he addressed a group of 150 leading citizens who met in the east room of the White House at 2:15 o'clock to devise ways and means of overcoming the emergency that exists in the affairs of the local Chest. Declaring that the Community Chest idea “represents our greatest advance in the administration of charity,” President Hoover, in urging citizens to increase their gifts to the utmost they can afford, said: “The Capital City of the Nation should lead both in the evidence of acceptance of its obliga- tions to the less fortunate and in de- votion to spiritual development.” President Hoover told the delegation which met at the White House that he was speaking as a citizen of the District. Guarantee of Integrity. While the Community Chest stands as a guarantee of the integrity and effi- clent conduct of charitable administra- tion, he said, the Chest has come to stand for the spiritual development of a community. Headed by Newbold Noyes, chairman of the special gifts committee of the Chest campaign, the delegation in- cluded not only the heads of a number of the leading institutions affiliated with the Chest, but also a representa- tion of some of the largest contributors to_the 1930 campaign. President Hoover, a stanch sup- porter and gontributor to the Washing- ton Community Chest, readily agreed to —;'}fi"‘ ,wmm appeal..in . its._behalf en was acquainted with the serious situation that confronts the campaign in raising $603,000 by to- morrow night, Balance, $603,000. Little or no improvement was shown in today’s report of $73,297.45 in con- tributions since yesterday. While these additional gifts served to cut down the remaining objective to $603,000, the amount was still too large, in the opin- Jon of most Chest officials, to be over- come by tomorrow night. Today’s contributions were received as follows: Special Gifts committee, $11,- 210; Group Solicitation Unit, $8,903,53; Metropolitan Unit, $53,183.92. Included in the Metropolitan figures is $3,408 re- |ported by Division 5, which embraces the colored population. “We will carry on, win or lose, until tomorrow night,” John Poole, general chairman of the campaign, announced at the end of the meeting. There will be no noonday report to- morrow, the campaign ending officially at the 7 o'clock meeting in the M flower Hotel. Look for Old Givers. Announcement that President Hoover ‘was to address an appeal to the citizens of Washington in behalf of the Chest served today to hearten the workers who face the necessity of rounding up some 20,000 givers of last year who have not as yet contributed to the 1930 cam- paign. “I believe you will go out tomorrow to find that Washington is opening its heart and its pocketbooks to you,” Mr. Noyes, chairman of the Special Gifts (Continued on Page 3, Golumn 1.) CRABTREE CONVICTED IN TRIPLE SLAYING West Virginia Man Who Killed Judge Inskeep and Two Others to Pay With Life. Special Dispatch to The Star. ROMNEY, W. Va,, February 5.—Wal- ter Crabtree was found guilty by & jury in Circuit Court hpre this morning of the slaying of Justice of the Peace H. | Carter Inskeep. The finding was for first-degree murdef as charged, without recommendation for mercy. The find- ing automatically sentences him to hang, ‘The verdict was returned at 10:10 this morning. e case went to the jury at 5:10 Tuesday afternoon. The jJury had not rrached a decision last night and was recessed until this morn- ing, returning the finding immediately upon the reconvéning of court. Crabtree’s defense was insanity. Jus- tice of the Peade Inskeep was one of three men shot by Crabtree the morn- ing of December 18. He was indicted for the slaying jof all three, but tried only on the Ingkeep indictment. The other two victilns were Edward Wol- ford and Jailer [Ben B. Miller. A crowd of 100 was present in the court room this morning to hear the verdict, in confrast to 500 who have followed the hearing through its eight days of evidence taking. Crabtree, denied the killings. His counsel asked mercy. The defendant’s mother and others testified to his pecul- larities, | Freighter Grew Is Rescued. HELSINGFORS, Finland, February 5 Steck to Run Again. Senator Steck, Democrat, Towa, an- nounced today his candidacy for re- nomination at the Iowa primary in June, with the promise of an “‘aggres- Vsive” if selected by his party, (). — Finnish pilot boats today suc- ceeded in rescuirjg all of the crew of 20 of the Danish freighter Nelly, wreck- ed Sunday during| a storm in the Guit of Finland. Storrhs and gales hitherto have prevented regcue boats epproach- ing. The Nelly s covered with ice when they finally hed . BULLET| NEW Uiggrap PARTY PROPos- ED AT BANQuET IN NEW YoRrg- To Be RECRuITe FROM L\BERAL THINKERS IN OLD PoLIMcaL Bgfl\a‘n ES HOOVER T0 CONFER ONRETIREMENT ACT Lehlbach Has Appointment to Discuss Measure With President Tomorrow. civil service committee is going to see President Hoover by appointment at the ‘White House tomorrow to discuss legis- lation to liberalize the civil service re- tirement act. Chairman Lehlbach declared today that while the drive has been made to get the Dale bill, which has already passed the Senate, passed as is in the House, without any changes, he belleves emphatically that the entire subject should be carefully gone over in com- mittee and a new bill drafted which would take care of the various proposals made to enact retirement legislation that will be as nearly perfect as possible. Provide for Injustices. Because the Dale-Lehlbach bill repre- sents the minimum that the repre- of the civil service are asking for and has repeatedly been approved in the House or Senate, those directing the campaign concentrated durh the present session in having that bill passed without change with the understanding that other sugges- tions for relief and to wipe out com- parative injustices might be taken care of in subsequent legislation. During the one-day hearing before the: House civil service committee, Chairman Lehlbach suggested that as he saw it the committee might see fit to favorably report the Dale bill with- out change and then work into a sep- arate bill the various amendments sug- gested and in this way the prospects of getting the minimum ative relier through the Dale bill would not be endangered. No Need to Become Panicky. ‘Today Chairman Lehlbach declared that there is no need for friends of the Government employes to become pan- icky on the subject. “There is no opposition in any quar- ter that I know of to giving the Fede: workers the needed retirement relief, he said. “This legislation should be treated as other important measures. All sugges- tlons for amendments should be care- fully considered. We should get out the best retirement measure possible in the light of all information that is now available. There is no sense in our put- ting through a measure that we know is imperfect with the promise of later correcting injustices and inequalities, As I see it, it is our duty to work out now the most perfect measure that we can in one finished job. We have plenty of time, and I know of no objection to the enactment of a proper retirement measure.” Young Plan Laws Approved. BERLIN, February 5 (#). — The Reichsrat today approved the laws for giving effect to the Young plan for the payment of reparations. The vote was 48 to 6, with 12 abstentions. The measures now will go to the Reichstag. Day After Day | i In season and out, The Star is the Shopping Guide in over 100,000 of the best homes in Washington and the nearby counties. The value of The Star to advertisers is proved day after day, month a}ter month, year after year, by the measure of the space they buy. Yesterday’s Advertising. (Local Display) Tinas | The Evening Star,.40,699 ..16,039 sos 9,388 3,494 . 3,020 31,704 Star Excess.. 8,995 Washington’s most success- ful merchants have special at- tractions to offer the public each day, and it is their daily announcements that interest the shoppers, 2nd Newspaper. 3rd Newspaper. 4th Newspaper. 5th Newspaper. Chairman Lehlbach of the House | Land Arms Parley After Naval Talks Seen by Macdonald By the Assoclated Press. NDON, February 5.—An in- ternational disarmament confer- ence dealing with Jand as well as sea forces after the five-power conference has been completed was predicted by Prime Minister Macdonald today. ‘The prime minister, replying to a question as to whether he would consider calling a conference of the great powers with a view to a reduction of military forces, pointed out that the disarmament | g:ob]em, including land forces, | d been under careful considera- tion by the League of Nations for some time. “I hope that at the conclusion of the five-power conference a | | further meeting of the Prepara- | | tory Commission on Disarmament will be held which will enable the | next assembly of the League to arrange for summoning an in | | ternational disarmament confer- | | ence” ORTIZ RUBIO PLANS 222 JOLIFT PEON CLASS |Workers Are the Hope of Mexico, He Says in In- augural Address. By the Assoclated Press. MEXICO CITY, February 5.—Presi- dent Pascual Ortiz Rublo of Mexico, in his inauguration speech today, prom- ised above all to work for the people, terming the workers and peasants the “hope” of Mexico. * He said he would endeavor to remove all boundaries between the government and the people, seeking to establish a “social government” of common under- standing and interest with the masses. ‘The address was brief, consisting of but 10 typewritten pages. It set forth in general the lines and purposes of new administration which is to out the 4 years, 9 minths and 25 days remaining unexpired of the term of President-elect Alvaro Obregon, who was assassinated July 17, 1928. Revolutionary Policies to Rule. ‘The new President said that the ideals of the revolution—justice and welfare for all—had been accepted by the nation as exemplified in his elec- tion by popular vote, adding that his government would never lose sight of the work it was pledged to carry out. Restoration of conservative or even moderate men and systems, he declared, was impossible, because the country was heart and soul intent on the radical work of restoring to the race its herit- age. The revolution had brought its own morals, its own justice, its own policles, in short, its own conception of life, he explained, promising that his the Al olutionary.” Asks Co-operation of AlL Pointing out that Mexico enjoys cordial relations with the outside world and “particularly with the United States,” the new President termed it an auspicious occasion for getting down to the solid work of reconstruction. In this he asks the help of all Mexi- cons, at home and abroad, co-operating with whatever means were within their power toward the progress and prosper- ity of the nation. Properly prepared scientific men will be given preference in his government, he stated, but they will be obliged to place all their efforts at the service of the revolutionary ideals, “to build up a better country in which all Mexicans | will enjoy the privilege of being con- sidered men.” | ""He promised to attack immediately | such outstanding problems as infant { mortality now equaling almost half the | birth rate; unemployment by aiding the agricultural industry, and illiteracy by an intense educational campaign among the working classes. _The right to property, he sald, was (Continued on Page 2, Column 2.) CHINA TO VOID PACT. Air Mail Contract With U. S. Firm Will Be Repudiated. SHANGHAL, February § (#).—Al- though their action has not been made public, it was learned authoritatively today that the state council of the Na- tionalist government at Nanking has made a decision to repudiate the gov- ernment’s 10-year contract with the American Co. of Aviation & Explora- tion, Inc. The contract covered airmail service from Shanghai to Hankow by way of Nanking. The service was inaugurated last October, 1 ——— - | Radio !’ro[nm on Pue_c-3'. & ] | sai government would be “elminently rev- | HERBERT CLEARED BYDRY OFFICIALS Doran Says Charges Made by Borah and Wheeler Are Baseless. | Col. John F. J. Herbert, formerly | prohibition administrator at Baltimore, | for this area, formally was cleared of iclul'm made in the Senate by Sena- | tors Borah of Idaho and Wheeler of | Montana when Prohibition Commis- | sloner James M. Doran issued a formal | statement today declaring the charges | to be “elther frivolous or without basis | in fact.” Dr. Doran pronounced the matter “closed,” and it was stated by both Dr. Doran and Assistant Secretary of the Treasury Lowman, who approved the action taken, that Col. Herbert would be returned to his post as prohibition delay. Eyes Turn on Senators, Much interest now attaches to the attitude of the two Western Senators, who raised criticism on the floor of the Ses against Herbert being sent nate to their States as prohibition adminis- trator, in view of the complete exoner- ation accorded by the executive branch of the Government. Senator Borah personally met Herbert in conference yesterday, but Senator \ghmeeler, it is known, refused to see ‘What took place at the Borah confer- ence was not disclosed, but it was inui- |mated that the Idaho Senator was waiting to see what kind of formal statement would be issued at prohibi- tion headquarters, The Doran statement, which was ap- proved and made public by Assistant Secretary of the Treasury Lowman, opened by saying that Herbert had con- ferred with the commissioner concern- ing the prohibition work in the Idaho- Montana district and with Mr. Low- man with respect to border matters. “There are no charges of any kind or geunpllon pending against Herbert,” reau is clear. In fairness to him it should be stated that all charges and allegations with respect to his conduct of the office of administrator in Mary- land and the District of Columbia have been thoroughly and painstakingly in- quired into and found to be either friv- olous or without basis in fact and the matter has been closed. He conducted his office honestly and uprightly. Malice, disloyalty and a certain degree of irre- (Continued on Page 2, Column 1) NEW YORK LEGISLATOR DRAFTS NEW WINE BILL Not Bar State From Becom- ing Liquor Dealer. By the Assoclated Press. ALBANY, N. Y. February 5—Sale of light wines and beer by the State would be provided for under the terms of a legislative bill drafted by Assem- blyman Langdon W. Post, New York, Democrat. ' A maximum alcoholie con- tent of 15 per cent for wine and 6 per cent for beer would be allowed, the legislator said, in explaining his meas- ure last night. \ The measure would create a board of control in the State Department of Health “to buy, sell, import, store and transport, light wines and beer.” Authorities on constitutional law, the Assemblyman said, had agreed with him that this plan would not be in violation of the eighteenth amendment. administrator at Helena, Mont., without | h Doran, “and his record in the bu- | Declares Federal Constitution Does | 10 REGEIVE HOOVER DURING AFTERNOON Bulletin Issued by Physicians Describes Former Chief Justice’s Condition as Bet- ter Than Yesterday. FRIENDS ENCOURAGED BY REPORT OF DOCTORS Many Keep in Close Touch With Ex-President’s Residence—White House “rranges to Be Notified of Any Yiange—Justice Holmes Among First Callers. A slight improvement in the condition of William Howard Taft today prompted Herbert Hoover to take advantage of this oppor- tunity to call on his old friend who nearly a score of years ago held the office of President of the Unitgd States. Hardly had Mr. Taft’s physi- clans issued a bulletin at 11:30 a.m,, saying the former Chief Jus- tice was “slightly better” after a “quiet night” and a “comfortable” morning, than Mr. Hoover an- nounced at the White House that he would call at the Taft home, on Wyoming avenue, at 3:30 o'clock. Ever since Mr. Taft returned here yesterday from Asheville, N. C, Mr. Hoover has kept in close touch with the condition of the patient. About the time the physicians’ bulletin was made public—and it was given to the press both at the White House and the Taft home—word reached the Chief Execu- tive that Mr. Taft was able to leave his bed and sit in an easy chair. Mrs. Taft also informed:the Presi- mfi that Mr. Taft would be glad to see Still Regarded Serious. Although physicians still regard Mr. Taft as a seriously ill man, the r1:30 am. bulletin was the most encourag- ing word since he tendered his resigna- tion Monday as Chief Justice of the United States and returned to his home ere. The bulletin read: . ... ““The Chief Justice is slightly better than yesterday. He spent a quiet night and is comfortable this morning.” An indication that apprehension had lightened a little was seen in the de- cision of Mrs. Taft to take a short automobile ride. The scenes about she Taft home pictured tranquility today. The neigh- borhood is quiet and little of the city's heavy traffic flows over W g ave- nue. Homes near that of Taft's are pretentious, but for the exception of an automobile stopping 2ceulnnuly to take passengers from oné of these houses there was little sign of the busy gotng about which was taking place on Con- necticut avenue, a block away, which h;s &ecome one of the city’s busiest streets. Few Persons Admitted. Newspaper men and others waiting outside the home of the former Chief Justice for some word of his condition sought shelter from the cold in auto- mobiles parked there. Photographers now and then set up their cameras in (Continued on Page 2, Column 7.) . PAROLE OF COOK URGED BY BOARD Recommendation Yet Has to Be Passed on by Mitchell and Then Hoover. By the Associated Press. Dr. Frederick A. Cook, Arctic explorer, serving a 15-year sentence at Leaven- worth Federal Penitentiary, today was recommended for parole by the Federal Parole Board. Attorney General Mitchell has yet to pass upon the parole board’s recom- mendation, and there was no intimation from the Department of Justice today what action would be taken. Should Mitchell approve the recommendation, it .will be submitted to President Hoo- ver for his approval, Cook was convicted of using the mails to defraud in connection with the sale of petroleum stock. He becomes eligible for parole March 5 Cook began his sentence April 6, 1925, after he had been convicted at Fort Worth, Tex., before Federal Judge John M. Killitts, who was sent there from the northern district of Ohio. Cook was charged with receiving about $375,000 from sales of fraudulent stock. He was sentenced to serve 14 years and 9 months and pay a fine of $12,000. Customer Foils Bandit as By the Assoclated Press. TORONTO, February 5.— A youth who said he turned bank robber to ob~ tain funds to get a divorce was in jail today after being trapped as he tried to lock his victims in a vault. Arnott Peters, 21, walked into a branch of the Dominion Bank yester- day and handed a note to the teller on which was written: “I want $1,000 and no monkey business.” He then dis- played a pistol. The teller picked up $811 and handed it to Peters, whereupon the robber Jumped onto the counter, pointed his < YOUTH’S ATTEMPT TO ROB BANK TO GET FUNDS FOR DIVORCE FAILS He Tries to Lock Cowed Employes Into Vault. gun at the other employes and ordered them into the vauit. While he was trying to manipulate the lock of the outer vault door W. C. Wells, a customer, entered the bank, took in the situation and rushed to the street, closing the bank door after him. A policeman responded to Wells' call for help and arrested Peters, who of- fered no resistance, The robber, who lived a short dis- tance from the bank, told police he planned the robbery to obtain money for a divorce. He said he had been married two years and was the father of : chgd‘ ]'gh; pistol he had was empty. He said he had stolen it from his brother-in-law, { A~