Evening Star Newspaper, February 6, 1930, Page 4

EDSON AND NOYES - ARE PAID TRIBUTE| Board of Trade Honors TWO |head wires, particularly of the troliey Civic Leaders “or Great Work for Capital. Voicing the gratitude of an appre- ciative citizenry for “outstanding serv- fce” in behalf of a Greater Washington, the Board of Trade yesterday afternoon paid formal and impressive honor 1o jing the establishment of a park com- two of its pioncer members, John Joy Edson and Theodore W. Noyes, in ded:- cating the spacious new headquarters ©f the board in The Star Building. The two veteran civic leaders, both former presidents of the board, were lauded by speakers and presented with engrossed resolutions - of esteem _at unique ceremonies attended by the Dis- trict Commissioners, officers and mem- bers of the Trade Board and many other persons prominent in public and private life of the Capital Reverence Is Extended. Recognizing the half century and more of constructive public service ren- ered by Mr. Edson and Mr. Noyes, offi- clals of the organization announced their desire to render in life honors usually reserved until after death, so that the two might know personally how much they are revered by t.hetr{ fellow citizens. ‘The resolution of praise for Mr. Ed- Sson was presented by William Butter- worth, president of the United States Chamber of Commerce, and that for Mr. Noyes by Right Rev. James E. Freeman, Bishop of Washington. Mr. Butterworth and Bishop Freeman ads ed their own encomiums to those con- tained in the documents. Mr. Edson and Mr. Noyes, both deeply tonched, responded feelingly, pledging themselves to continued zeal in the cause of civic advancement. By an unscheduled vote the assembly also authorized Bishop Freeman to pre- sent to former Chief Justice Taft a brief resolution of concern in his iliness and of hope for his early recovery. Following the meeting the rooms the board were thrown open to visitors for the evening. Regrets for Inattendance. In calling the audience to order, W. ‘W. Everett, immediate past president of the board, read letters from Cuno Ru- dolph, Senator Jones of Washington and Senator Capper of Kansas express- ing regret at their inability to be pres- ent and ying individual homage to the special guests of the occasion. E. J. Murphy, president of the Board of Trade, presided. He introduced E. C. Brandenburg, who recounted the re- markable growth of the organization during its more than twoscore years of civic activity in Washington. = Mr. Biandenberg declared the history of the Capital's progress during that pe- riod is virtually the history of the board’s achievements. R. J. Beresford, architect, who, with Arthur Carr and Frank Hight, served on a committee supervising alteration and furnishing of the new quarters, was presented with a gold watch in appre- ciation of his efforts. The watch S inscribed “From the Washington Board of Trade in acknowledgment of out- standing services in designing its new quarters.” Tribute to Edson. The text of the Edson resolution follows: “In tribute to outstanding public service for more than half a century, the Washington Board of Trade affec- tionately presents these resolutions to a most beloved member—John Joy Edson. “As a distinguished citizen who has served this organization since its found- ing, as a director, chairman of commit- tees, and twice president, and who has served the people of Washington in an outstanding manner, you have won a high place in the community and the gratified affection of its citizens. “The record of the achievements of | every greal movement in the National | Capital has found you numbered in the forefront of its leaders, and many of the successes gained have been due solely to your untiring and generous efforts. ‘The Board of Trade and the city as a whole look with pride upon the honor- able record you have attained. replete as it is with many notable achievements. | “Particularly outstanding is your work in that field which is so dear to you— charity. As president and a member of the Board of Charities since it was or- ganized, in 1900, you have accomplished a real service to the community and to its poor and needy. Largely due to your service as a member of the Prison Com- mittee of the District, appointed by President Roosevelt, the District devel- oped 2 higher grade of penal institution at Occoquan, and as a member of the Board of Charities the creation of the Gallinger Municipal Hospital. “Due to your able and influential in- terest, the much-needed codification of the laws of the District of Columbia was pessed. Uniform Assessments. “To you all business interests are most | grateful for the abolition of the ward boards of assessment and the substit: tion of our present single Board of As- sessment, assessment basis. “Named by the Board of Trade as its Tepresentative to a conference called by President Taft in 1912 for the creation of the Chamber of Commerce of the United States, your work was of such & distinguished character that you were elected and have served ever since as| treasurer of that distinguished body. “Your great efforts in co-operation with other distinguished men resulted in the erection of the present magnifi- cent Chamber of Commerce of the| United States Building at its present site, an achievement for which the en- tire city is profoundly indebted. “A confidant of Presidents in matters relating to the District of Columbia since the time of Garfield, your wise and sound judgment was of valuable assist- ance to our Chief Executives. “An active leader in all things of a civic nature, you did much toward ac- quiring the present modern filtration plant, and in scores of instances quietly used your influence to pave the way for needed improvements for the city. “An ardent advocate of equitable fis- cal relations and national representa- tion, your constant aim throughout your long and distinguished career has been the welfare of Washington. “The Board of Trade dedicates this resolution as an appreciative tribute to one of its most beloved and outstanding citizens, who has served the people of the District of Columbia and who has written for all time a splendid record of gracious service in the pages of its his- tory.” Resolution Praising Mr. Noyes. ‘The text of the resolution for Mr. Noyes follows: “In grateful appreciation of outstand- ing service to the citizens of the National Capital and_over 42 years of leadership in the Board of Trade, that have seen it grow from its incor- poration to a body of 3,500 men, this resolution is affectionately dedicated to ‘Theodore W. Noyes. “As one of the original members of the Washington Board of Trade, as a director almost continually since 1889 to date, as twice president, you have gained the lasting esteem not only of your fellow members, but of every citizen of the community, for your noble and inspiring example of true citizenship, vigorous and militant courage for civic betterment that has resulted in out- standing achlevements for the welfare &fovh Im‘i' tlhe development of of the the National with standard and uniform | your splendid lcu;‘lrty on every phase oll the community's life. “To you our citizens a;fchm:r:p for many blessings, among W! 3 “n'l'yhe cre-t':on of public. sentiment which resulted in the elimination of de crossings. 'r!’x'ne removal of railroad tracks from the beautiful Mall. “The building of the magnificent Union Station. “A leading part in preventing over-: system, from getting possession of the streets of Washington. “The establishment and maintenance of a tax-sustained Public Library for Washington. “The outstanding work in the estab- lishment and protection of our park areas. “Your splendid report during your last term as president of the Board of Trade regarding the park system of the Na- tional Capital, which resulted in a resolution by the Board of Trade urg- mission, and which did much toward the establishment of the present Na- tional Capital Park and Planning Com- mission. Work Toward Allotments. “Your conspicuous work in the de- fense of the half-and-half principle in fiscal relations. which did so much to | build up the Nation's Federal City. | “The vigorous fight against the aboli- | | tion of this for the 60-40 principle, nnd. your present vigorous fight against the $9,000,000 lump-sum principle “And the organizing of the entire city into the Citizens’ Joint Committee on Fiscal Relations, which has stocd so| valiantly for the proportionate fiscal re- | {lations between the Federal and local governments. “Your advocacy of national repre- sentation for the vciceless and un- Americanized Washingtonian, for which | you have so tirelessly labored. “‘And the organization of the Citizens’ Joint Committee on National Represen- tation, thus presenting a united front of all local organizations in this most im- portant cause. i “Your continuous and generous edi- | torial and personal activity in defense of Washington and its people. “The Board of Trade presents this resolution to remind you of the affec- tion of its membership for a great and Inob]e sentleman, whose achievements and generous manhood are the pride of every member.” Mr. Butterworth was lavish in his praisz of Mr. Edson for his 61 years of unselfish work for the good of the city, pointing out he was privileged to serve with Mr. Edson on the board of directors of the United States Chamber of Commerce, the speaker said: Quiet and Persistent. “I have seen you there carrying into the consideration of national and in- ternational questions the same quick perception of fundamentals, the same devotion to ideals which can be trans- formed into practical accomplishments, and the same quiet and persistent courage that have given you a notable career in developing business institu- tions and have brought you a distinc- tion of which you in your modesty and {in your absorption in the needs and problems of others are scarcely aware— the distinction of making philanthropic and charitable efforts more truly effec- tive toward realizing the high purposes | for which they are designed. “We who know you doubt very much | that you ever cease long enough in your caring for the interests of others to look backward. If you could be induced to review the course which you have followed in business and in serving the public, your trained mind would recog- lnlze that in all of your activities you | have always been a trustee. 1 Devotes Whole Energy. “Whether you have been a trustee of property or a trustee of plans, you have | always devoted your wgole energy to the advancement of the trust, to making whom, a trusteeship is committed. | _“That is the way we know you in the Chamber of Commerce of the United States. As a delegate of the Washing- | ton Board of Trade named in response j to an invitation of President Taft, you : participated in the conference out of ! which the chamber grew. | the first treasurer and a member of | the first board of directors, offices which you have held continuously ever since, thus being now the officer and director with the longest period of service, * * * “In the middle period of the cham- ber’s. history you came forward with clear ideas for the chamber's building. You obtained the site from owners who were reluctant to sell, and you obtained it on generous terms “Desiring to accord sdme recognition for what you have done for the United States Chamber, the board of directors has recently authorized me to employ | the best American artist whom we can find, and who can undertake an imme- diate commission, to paint your por- | trait, in order that we may place it in the bullding. We are hopeful this i portrait can be executed in time to be |on exhibition at our next annual meeting. Community Work Ts Cited. “Even though some of us now live jat a distance, we know the extent of services you have performed for your own community, and the value which { has been placed upon them. A whole !line of Presidents of the United States, i beginning with Garfield, have sought your advice as to the development of the National Capital and its institutions. “Repeatedly they have requested you to accept public office, but you have persisted in keeping your position as a private citizen. As private citizen you took a prominent part in arranging for the inaugurals of Presidents and as pri- vate citizen you were chairman of a committee responsible for receiving, entertaining and speeding on their way home the 400,000 people who came for the great G. A. R. encampment, doing it all without deficit. Carrying through undertakings of great size and consequence without a deficit is one of your settled characteristics. * * * “A mere enumeration of the institu- tions and agencies which have for their purpose the amelioration of distress and advancement of human welfare and to | which you have lent your aid would itself make an eloquent address. It was only natural that you should be a president of the Board of Trade and that you should signal your adminis- tration of that office by leadership in | the solution, once for all, of the prob~ |lems of a healthful water supply. Prison Reform Is Recalled. “In 1908 you turned your attention to prison reform, in that year being ap- pointed by President Roosevelt as a {member of & commission of three to imake recommendations for the penal | institutions of the District. Notwith- | standing the widespread personal in- | vestigations which this commission car- | ried out, the report was rendered within | seven months and so appealed to Presi- {dent Roosevelt that he made it a sub- | ject for a special message to Congress. “Your fellow commissioners have given you credit for significant phases of the report, out of which have come striking departures in the conduct of penal institutions as worked out in practice at Occoquan and Lorton, with recognition both at home and abroad. “I have said enough, I hope, to sug- gest to you why the Board of Trade | wishes this afternoon to make a formal presentation to you and why I deem it a great honor to bz their spokesman.” Mr. Edson, quite overwhelmed by the citation, had difficulty in collecting him- self for a response. Visibly affected, the philanthropist said he could wish for no greater reward than the compliments of his fellow citizens and the satisfac- tion of having contributed to the well being of the community. Praises His Co-workers. “Too much credit has been given me,” Mr. Edson said slowly. “I won't be so proud that I won't be the same man I've always been, however. I do not forget that many of you here have been co-workers with me. Your co- ration and your enthusiasm have ‘The Washington Board of Trade formally opened its new quarters in The Star Building yesterday with ceremonies The library in the board’s new quarters. it yield Tessivel; b honoring John Joy Edson and Theodore W. Noyes, pioneer members of the board. In the photo above, left to right: E. J. those forp:vogom 1?\¥umfx:f4n;:;_ ‘“’Yo‘fi Murphy, president of the board; Robert J. Cottrell, executive secretary; Right Rev. James E. Freeman, Ben T. Webster, are an exemplar for all of those to|Mr. Noyes, George W. Offutt, Mr. Edson, William Butterworth, president of the Chamber of Commerce of the United States; E. C. Brandenburg and W. W. Everett. Belo, ~Star Staff Photos. memory back to the days of old. My only wish'is that I may give more years to join with you in giving service in the future.” Recalling_past achievements of the board, Mr. Edson spoke a word of ad- vice regarding its future program. “The board has a delicate duty to perform,” he explained. “We are dif- ferent from other cities, for we have no vote, no officers in Congress to make our laws and no representatives to say how we shall be assessed. What in- fluence can we have in such a com- munity? ~ We must put in some real, practical work to aid in making this city the greatest Capital of the greatest Republic. Our officials need the ad- vice and counsel of the people in at- taining this end. “We can’t demand, but we can go to them in a constructive, co-operative way to lend assistance. The prestige of the board can be enhanced if we thoroughly discuss and investigate every matter before taking action. Then our opinions will bear weight and meet with respect. We can accomplish more if we are not combative.” Bishop Freeman sald that while it seemed a superfluous gesture to tell Mr. Edson and Mr. Noyes of the city's gratitude for their services, the re- hearsal of their achievements should stimulate others to emulate them. He spoke approvingly of the plan to honor men while yet in active service rather than to pay them homage after they are gone. All too frequently, he pointed out, public servants are rewarded “too late.” Motive of Journalism. Turning direct to Mr. Noyes, bishop said: “It is not always that men of jour- nalism display the interest in their community that you have done. You have been motivated not by any thought of material gain or personal advance- ment, but by a deep, spiritual realiza- tion of & commission to contribute something morally fine to the life of men."” He referred to Mr. Noyes as a “dis- tinguished editor, world traveler and outstanding_citizen,” who_ has devoted his life to the upbuilding and advance- ment of the Nation's Capital. Replying briefly, Mr. Noyes expressed his deepappreciation of honorsconferred. He said he was extremely proud to have participated with the board in such projects as the tax-sustained public library, elimination of grade crossings, abolishment of the flood-threatening Long Bridge dam, removal of railroad tracks from the parks, establishment of the Union Station, banning of over- head wires, development of the under- ground troiley system, partial codifica- tion of the laws, park and boulevard development, financial equity for the District and Americanization of the city by giving its citizens voting par- ticipation in Congress and the elec- toral college. Greater City Is Objective. ‘The activities of the board, Mr. Noyes explained, have been directed toward the sole objective of creating a ‘“‘city beautiful, healthy, prosperous, intellec- tual and Americanized.” Reflecting on the expansion of the board’s membership since he served as its president in 1898 and 1899, Mr. Noyes declared that “today the board is more representative, its roots have pushed deeper and spread wider, its g:esuge. usefulness and influence have en augmented.” “As a patriarch,” he said, “I wish to pay tribute to young Washingtonians, who are rapidly filling our offices and moving forward with clear vision. The greater Washington of the future will achieve its destiny through the labors of these young Washingtonians, Whether we are the oldest or the youngest in- habitants, we all are fighting side by side to make a glorious reality of the city of our dreams.” % President Murphy announced that arrangements for the ceremonies had been made by a special committee com- posed of former presidents of the board. He introduced Past Presidents Arthur C. Moses, Edward H. Droop, E. C. ope: “In your capacity as an exemplary|helped me in anything I've accom-|Graham., J. Harry Cunningham and vrivate citizen, as an official and mem- ber of the board, and as a. be associaf ‘editer, you have left the impm ression of to attend your meetings. v lished. It has been a real pleasure ted with such men; I like It carries my, W. W. Everett. who were present. The other comm! ‘were Ma). Gen. George H. Harrles, Cuno Rudolph, Sam- \ the | | quest of the House District committee, uel J. Prescott, Walter Brown and E. F. Colladay. Three Original Direetors Alive. Golng back to the founding of the board 42 years ago, Mr. Brandenburg read a list of the original directors and said that of these only three sur- vive—Charles C. Glover, Samuel Ross and Isadore Saks. “It is difficult in & short space of time to outline all of the civic enter- prises which this board has originated, or which it has promoted,” he stated, “but I may safely say that the history of the Board of Trade in its_ more than twoscore of years is the history of the progress of the City of Wash- ington. “Through its effort, as well as that of its committees and members, we think, without egotism, it can safely take to its credit (1) the abolition of raflroad crossings; (2) the reclamation of Anacostia flats; (3) creation of Poto- mac Park; (4) the bill for the establish- ment of the National Park and Plan- ning Commission was prepared by one of our committees: (5) worked un- ceasingly for the abolition of the over- nead trolley and the establishment of the underground street conduit system; (6) was instrumentad in bringing about the establishment of the new filtration plant and conduit for our water sup- Ply; (7) took active part in bringing about the codification of the laws of the District of Columbia and partici | pated in ‘the compilation of the Cod (8) nearly 40 years ago, took the com- mittee of Congress an the first trip to survey a site for the Memorial Bridge; (9) the original street exterision plan was formulated by the board at the re- resulting in many of the city’s beauti- ful boulevards and wide streets; (10) it advocated and supported the re- tirement law for the public school teachers, as well as the five-year school building plan; (11) it actively partici- pated in the creation of the Juvenile Court, the Municipal Tuberculosis Hoy- pital, the erection of the Municipal Building, Gallinger Hospital and others. Active in Vote Fight. “Through its committees, it has been active in urging the extension of the right of franchise to the people of the District of Columbia, on the theory that taxation without representation is obnoxious to the American principles of government, and of all places such condition should not be permitted to exist in the Nation's Capital, which condltion differs from that prevailing in the capitals of every other republic in the world, and we believe that sub- stantial progress has been made. At the same time, it has on more than one occasion placed itself upon record as being opposed to any change in the form of the local government, belleving that the United States should have ex- clusive jurisdiction over the District, as now provided in the Constitution. Through its committee on finance, it has made a study of tax problems throughout the United States, and ac- complished much in the interest of the taxpayers of this District. It has dis- tributed throughout the country a ‘Book of Washington,’ a handsomely bound volume of nearly 500 pages; it has com- piled valuable statistical information in regard to all of the activities of the Natlonal Capital and has distributed thousands of pamphlets affecting the city. It is today earnestly advocating the establishment of an airport and a number of other projects in the interest of the city.” ENGLISH NOVELIST DIES. Edwin William Pugh Was Prolific British Writer. LONDON,' February 6 (#).—Edwin William Pugh, novelist, died last night. He was one of the most prolific of mod- ern English writers and had averaged better than one book a year since his first success, “A Street ‘n Suburbia,” came out in 1895. Some of his most noted works in- cluded “Fruit of the Vine, “Blography of Charles Dickens,” “The Proof of the Pudding” and “The Quick and the Dead.” in Lon- L He was don on January 23, 1874, HELD NOT S0 BAD' |Police Commissioner Cites Lack of Adequate Force and Salaries. By the Assoclated Press. CHICAGO, February 6.—FPolice Com- missioner William Russell does not re- gard Chicago’s present crime situation as bad, “when it is considered that the police are not being pald and 5,000 more men are needed to properly pro= tect the community.” The commissioner commented last night in conncction with the seven gang slaylngs and two gang attacks within the last week. Blames Prohibition. He blamed lawlessness in Chicago, “as in the Nation,” on prohibition, ex- plaining that bootleggers and racketeers, having no recourse to the established law, “settle their differences with guns and bombs.” “I haven't heard of any decent per- sons being killed,” he said. “As for bombings, there have been two convic- tions and 14 arrests under State's At- torney Swanson, and that's more than there were for 20 years previous to his incumbency. “We can’t stop bombings because the victims refuse to co-operate with us. Most of those people know, just as do the hoodlum and gangster who is shot down, why they ‘got it,’ but they won't tell police.” Business Men Move. Business men today were taking an active interest in the effort to halt the latest crime -outbreak. The Landis Award Employers’ Association an- nounced it had employed a law firm in an attempt to bring to justice the men who shot down Phillip H. Meagher, a superintendent of construction, yes- terday while he was directing work in the new lying-in hospital. ‘The shooting, done on land owned by the University of Chicago, was at- tributed to labor troubles. Samuel Madonia, who operated a fruit store in a West'Side building that was bombed early this week, has been booked on charges of murder and arson, The body of Vito Russo was found in the wreckage of the building. Police belleve Russo was hired by Madonia to bomb the building and that he was the victim of a premature explosion, Ma- donia carried insurance on his stock, police said. HONOR PAID DEAD SON. John C. Shaffer, Publisher, Estab- lishes Divinity School Foundation. NEW HAVEN, Conn., February 6 (). —In memory of his son, John C, Shaffer, editor and publisher of a group of newspapers, including the Chicago Evening Post and the Indianapolis Star, has established a foundation in the Yale Divinity School. The income is fo be used each year for & course of lectures on “The Life, Character and Teaching of Jesus.” ‘The son, Kent Shaffer, was a gradu-, ate of the Sheffield Scientific School at Yale. After his health failed, in 1919, he lived in Denver and Los Angeles, dying in 1925, VRPN Resignations Accepted. The President has accepted the resig- nations of three officers of the Army— Capt. Frederick T. Grundry, Field Artil- lery, in Hawall; Pirst Lieut. Wil W, White, Air Corps, at Dayton, Ohio, and First Lieut. Carl A. Cover, Alr C Honolulu, Hawall, {in our eity. CHIGAGO'S CRIME BRUARY 6, 1930, Almost 42 years ago a small group of | business and professional men met in the old Ebbitt House and formed the Wash- ington Board of Trade, which, by the | time of its incorporation, a month later, | boasted of 200 members. the same or- ganization, with 3,500 names on its rolls, yesterday formally moved into new and spacious offices on the second floor of | | The Star Bullding. In the time that has elapsed between these two events the history of the | Board of Trade has been of steady growth and unceasing endeavor for the creation of a Greater Washington, Organization Call Is Cited. On the list of its accomplishments are many of the most notable improvements and civic reforms during the period of its existence. The board had its beginning at the meeting in the old hotel. The following is a copy of the letter that brought its organizers together: “Dear Sir: A few of the representa- tive business men will meet at the Eb- bitt House (the red parlor) on Wed- nesday evening, November 27, at 8 o'clock for the purpose of organizing a Board of Trade for the City of Wash- ington. “You are invited to be present and join in what promises to be a very im- portant and influential organization \'n'.é'y truly, “BERIAH WILKINS.” Beriah Wilkins later became one of the incorporators and first directors. Achievements of Body. A few of the organization's achieve- ments between then and now include: Abolition of railroad crossings in the urban area, reclamation of the Anacos- tia flats, creation of Potomac Park; un- der the chairmanship of Fred G. Coldren, the committee on parks and reservations drafted a bill for the establishment of the National Capi- tal Park and Planning Commission; worked unceasingly for the aboli- tion of the overhead trolley and the installment of the underground system; was instrumental in bring- ing about the establishment of the filtration plant and conduit for the city water supply; took active part in bring- ing about the codification of the laws of the District and participated in the compilation of the code; 36 years ago took a congressional committee on the first trip to survey a site for a pro- posed memorial bridge; formulated the original street-extension plan, on the request of the House District commit- tee; advocated the public school teach- ers’ retirement law and the five-year building program, and was instrumental in the creation of the Juvenile Court tal and in the erection of the Munici- pal Building and Gallinger Hospital. Parker Was First President. The first president of the board was Myron M. Parker, who served from 1890 to 1893. During his term the board took up the problem of eliminating grade crossings, and also began a fight for the removal of railroad tracks from the Mall. The erection of Union Sta- tion on its present site was advocated and a petition containing 13,000 names was presented to Congress. At the request of the House District committee, the streets and avenues committee of the board prepared a com- rehensive bill for the extension of highways, which has been the basis of street development here until recent years. During the first year of its existence the board n the movement for a national park for Washington, out of which grew Rock Creek Park. Two years later the trade body inaugurated & vigorous fight for a new city post office and submitted a report to Con- gress that did much to influence sub- sequent legislation. Library Campaign Waged. Washington's Public Library and the present uniform system of tax assess- ment resulted from campaigns set in motion during 1894. Assessments for- merly had been made by several differ- ent boards. Due to the trade body's ef- forts a group of three assessors was ap- UNCEASING WORK FOR CAPITAL ‘MARKS TRE)E BOARD'S GROWTH Great Record of Achievement in Further- ing Civic Welfare Is Recalled as Group Moves to New Offices. pointed and made a complete revalua- tion of all taxable real property in the District. A year later the board began a fight for the razing of the old Long Bridge, | urging separate causeways for railroad and vehicular traffic. About the same time a partial water famine started a determined effort for the construction of an adequate reservoir system and filtration plant. Just 34 years ago—1896—the Board of Trade made an exhaustive survey of sites for the varlous District courts and municipal buildings. ~Strangely enough the place selected was the tract now being purchased for the proposed new $14,000,000 municipal center. 1898 and 1899 Drives. ones. Within this period the board fought for a codification of District laws, going so far as to have a code compiled, printed and submitted to Congress. . It also strongly urged a mu- nicipal hospital, now realized in Gal- linger Hospital; sought more books for the recently established Public Library; published the first handbook of Wash- ington, and started a struggle, which continued for mar, years, for the 50-50 principle of fiscal relationship between the Federal and District governments. The first year of the present century saw the beginning of real work on the problem of local taxation and a tax survey was made and used in r fight to keep the taxes at a reasonable figure. This same year the parks committee of the board made recommendations that gave birth to the National Capital Park and Planning Commission. ‘The next few years found the board struggling for betterment of housing conditions and particularly for the elimination of alley dwellings. Open Armory Fight in 1908. In 1908 the attention of the Board of Trade was turned toward obtaining an armory for the District National Guard,"and since then the organization has stood consistently behind the proj- ect. An investigation into the entire local prison and reformatory system was launched at the board’s instigation by a committee appointed by President ‘Taft. The outcome of the inquiry was the establishment of the workhouse at Occoquan, Va., and numerous prison reforms. Various projects sponsored during the The years 1898 and 1899 were busy | TWO PACTS BASIS OF FRENCH WANTS Mediterranean Aid and Treaty to Confer in Case of Breach Crux of Stand. By PAUL SCOTT MOWRER. By Radio to The Star and Chicago Dally News. Copyright, 1930, LONDON, England, February 6.— The time has now come when the Naval Conference must face squarely the French tonnage figures and the French point of view, The French building program providing for a 740,~ 000-ton navy by 1943 was circulated to the various delegations here last week, ‘The French point of view, in addi- tion, has been expressed within the last few days to the British and Ameri- can delegations in no unmistakable terms. This point of view can ke summed up thus: If nothing is done here in the way of pacts to increase the general security, France sees no reason whatever why in the five-year treaty now contem- plated, it should lessen its building pro- gram in any respect. As this program includes a minimum of 12 big cruisers and 124,000 tons in submarines, to ac- cept the French figures as presented, would apparently make agreement here impossible, for neither Great Britain nor Italy could possibly sign a treaty on this basis. Hold Pacts Sufficient. ‘The Americans and British are both extremely reluctant to enter into new security pacts. They consider the Lo- carno treaties, the Kellogg pact and the covenant of the League of Nations sufficient. But in the face of the obvious French determination to continue building and of the excellent condition of the French budget which will easily promote this building, both the British and the American delegates grudgingly admit that, if necessary to “save the confer- ence.” they are willing to consider the French pact proposals provided tonnage reductions obtained thereby are really drastic. Exactly what, then, do the French want, and what is their argument? It can be stated positively that con- versations of an informal character have already taken place here between the French and the British regarding what tonnage France might accept if some such combined fleet arrangement as existed prior to 1914 could be re- newed. The French seem to have de- clared that in this case they could next five years by the trade organi- zation included a high-pressure water system for fire protection, new bridges over the Rock Creek gorge at Connecti~ cut avenue and over Klingle Ford, cre- ation of a public utilities commission, lower freight rates, a muncipal code to supplement the District code of laws mdk the enlargement of Rock Creek rk. and the Municipal Tuberculosis Hospi- | pg; It was a few years later that the fight for national representatiori for the people of the District was begun. From this time to the beginning of the World War the board occupled itself principally in pressing this issue; bringing about a suitable adjustment of the fiscal relations between the Dis- trict and eral Government, and working for needed building develop- ments. Seek Street Railway Merger. With the war, the resources of the trade body were turned toward assist- ing the Government in all . possible ways. Many of the members served in France, while many others engaged in civil war-time work. The five years following the war witnessed activity for a business man~ ager of the public school system, higher pay for teachers and a teachers’ re- tirement fund, rehabilitation of Chain Bridge, establishment of Americaniza- tion ~ schools, ‘& traction company merger and the promotion of local business. Since then the interests of the or- ganization have been too numerous to catalogue, Outstanding among them has been its continued fight for na- tional representation, for a model air- port, for freight rate reduction and for a Roosevelt memorial stadium. In addition, committees of the board have made numerous statistical sur- veys in the interest of local business as u well as on related subjects. COMPROMISE SEEN ON JAPAN'S DEMAND Cruiser Settlement on 66 2-3 Per Cent Ratio May Be Made With U. S. By the Associated Press. LONDON, February 6.—Compromise settlement of Japan's demand for a cruiser_strength 70 per cent of that of Great Britain and the United States was believed in usually well informed Na- val Conference quarters today to be imminent. It was understood that the Japanese government might be willing to accept at 66 2-3 per cent ratio instead of 10—10—7 demanded and that these fig- ures now are being studied by delega- tions from the three countries with like- lihood that there will be a final agree- ment at that level or thereabout. Simultaneously the submarine phase of the naval limitation negotiations has been brought sharply to the fore with announcement that the five powers will be given an.opportunity to state their positions with regard to that class of craft at a plenary session of the con- aexence at St. James' Palace next Tues- ay. Almost over night it seemed that the conference had traversel the distances from the general to the specific and that the theory of disarmament and limita- tion was being replaced with discussion of putting the theory into practice. Developments Heartening. ‘Tentative figures on three classes of warships, battleships, cruisers and sub- doubtedly will be subject to revision, but the appearance of the concrete in the discussions has been heartening in some quarters. In discussions of the Anglo-American heavy-cruiser problem it was unders! today that the following tonnage figures were being considered. America—180,000 tons. Great Britain—150,000 tons. Japan—120,000 tons. At present Japan has a cruiser tol nage of 108,400, comprising 10 heayy cruisers with two more under construc- tign. Of these four are 7,100-ton craft, each mounted with six 8-inch guns. These are the lightest heavy cruisers in the world—unless the new German craft be included—and are considered a real feat of naval engineering. the suggested compromise per- centage is adopted Japan would ha the right to 12,600 tons additional in the cruiser category. It was l;_l;'!ver, !-hl’t she would hfiefi thledwun- 's economic program and would agree not to bulld, or would not bulld to the allowable limit unless necessary. Will Ald Adjustment. It was felt in the source from which this information was obtained that this prospective settlement, if effected, would do much toward adjustment of other conference problems. The total cruiser tonnage of the five powers may marines, have been advanced. They un- | low that of the big three, but it was ex- pected the American-Japanese compro- mise ratio would follow any reduction. The proposal for a reduction in cap- ital ships, which is being dealt with in- formally by the Americans, British and Japanese, may bring an agreement in a few days, but at present the prob- lem is in only its tentative stage. ‘The plan is to scrap five British three American, and one Japanese capital ships, leaving America and Great Britain 15 each, and Japan 9, and also declare a battleship building holiday for the next five years. ‘The conference program today in- cluded ‘various conferences between two or more of the chief delegates and continuation of the committeé meetings of experts and advisers of the “five powers with view to harmonizing the global and categorical tonnage propo- sals of the British and the French. PREMIER PRESENTED WOMEN’S ARMS PLEA Representatives of Four Nations Urge Actual Reduction at London Parley. BY MARTHA DALRYMPLE, Associated Press Staff Writer. LONDON, February 6—Representa- tives of the women of four nations— the United States, Great Britain, France and Japan—today presented to Ramsay Macdonald, chairman of the Five-Power Naval Conference, petitions asking the conference to achieve actual armament reduction which would aid in bringing about a lasting peace. 2 Premier Macdonald, Col. Henry L. Stimson, Reljiro Wakatsuki of Japan and M. Mathieu of France received the women in the conference room at St. James Palace and accepted from them large brief cases full of signatures to their petition: After speeches by the women, par- ticularly Mrs, Edgerton Parsons, repre- senting the Conference of Cause and Cure of War, and by representatives of cease building immediately and stand on their present 425,000 tons. ‘The British, after due consideration, seem to have replied that any such arrangement would be virtually an alliance and out of the question for the time being. The French now, therefore, have re- turned to their original proposal of two separate pacts—one, a Mediter- ranean mutual aid pact signed by Great Britain, Prance, Italy and Spain; the other a general convention providing that signatories will confer in case of a threatened or actual breach of the Kellogg pact. ‘The French argument, as presented to the Americans, is as follows: “You in the United States have un- consciously and doubtless with the best intentions done us great injury., By your great naval and financial strength and your reluctance to say in advance how you intend to use this strength in case peace is broken, you have actually paralyzed our battleship security, which was article 16 of the covenant of the League of Nations providing for block~ ade against an aggressor. For a block- ade implies a big navy and the only European power with a big navy is Great Britain, “But Great Britain now admits frankly that it will nevér be able to undertake a blockade against an ag- gressor as long as the United States insists on maintaining complete neu- trality, for to do so would almost in- evitably mean a clash between the British and the American navies and the end of the British Empire, ‘““Thus the United States now actyally holds the power of veto, through Great Britain, on the League of Ni | ese sential function as & peace organization. Obliged to Bulld. TN U e, being from the Locarné ment, which cencerns only land, tiers anyway, or under th covenant, are obliged to of our own. This navy in no i directed against the United States or Great Britain, but against a possible alliance of Germany and Italy against us. “So long as the present international political situation continues, we intend to go right on building this' navy. If, however, you in the United States can see your way clear.to agreeing and con- ferring under the Kellogg pact some- what as you have agreed to confer un- der the four-power Pacific this would doubtléss' relieve the tish of much anxiety and enable Great. Britain to enter into the proposed Mediter- n%‘an pnct.""s X ese words, en by the French to the American dmnm.’m \md-mgmd to have made a considerable im lon. In some circles it is now admitted that it is scarcely conceivable that the con- ference should come to a happy ending unless it includes one or both of these pacts. The British and Americans hope, ACCORD ‘REPORTED REACHED TO CURB USE OF SUBMARINE (Continued From First Page.) he will contend, it is most necessary {f‘: the defense of the French coast- e. The French position is that coast defense guns are immobile and of short range and therefore mobile submarines are vitally necessary to protect ports from attack. Another French - ment is that submarines are essential to guard convoys and are more val- unhl: even than cruisers in this re- spect. With this issue before it, next Tues- day's plenary session promised to be one of the outstanding sessions of the conference. ‘The nations will be aligned about as follows: America and Great Britain for total abolition of the craft, France and Japan insistent n retention, while Italy probably il adopt a rather non-committal attitide. Ttaly is willing to abolish submarines the other three petitioning countries, Mr. Macdonald spoke. He thanked the women for taking the trouble to show the members of the conference how strong public opinion is in the countries they represent. Mr. Macdonald pointed out to his vis- itors that one of the greatest problems facing the conference was not only of reducing the number of ships afloat, but of reducing the programs and con- templated projects, which he character- ized as “most important.” Scrapping of superfluous ships and superfluous programs, he sald, would uous “in the minds of the is serve feeling of national security more gen- e “The great problem is that of peace 1.m.h mfity,"phe sald. — U. 8. Ship Captain Dies. ‘WELLINGTON, New Zealand, Febru- ary 6 (#).—Capt. Forsythe of the United States Shipping Board steamer West Loquassock, which was en route to New York, died when the ship put in at New orps, at be reduced below the foregoing figures | Plymouth owing to the captain's with the Italian and French ratia be. it . here, o S if France will do so, but insists that Itallans must have submersibles if her northern neighbors have them. us the Italian action will be governed by the French attitude. % The conference, sitting as & com- mittee of the whole, went into ses§ion this afternoon and continued the gis- cussion of the cruiser situation as gut- lined in the French and British com- promise proposal. V. Alexander, location = for _ physieis Physi T 3 SUnilar omees fx b “from ihe . interaection feenth Street, Columbia fu-% Vard . Street and Mount P Blreet. ne’ of the ° chol ihLS pare ‘ot Wash fion. e attuation emselves in ian’s & Dentist’s Office