Evening Star Newspaper, December 11, 1930, Page 2

SWANSON FAVORS | " DELAYON COURT Prospects for Action Protocols Believed Less- ened in Senate. By the Associated h”‘x‘mfld e nement of col leration e W;“ldmovurt issue, submitted to the Senate yesterday by President Hoover, until the next session, a year hence, was advocated today by Senator Swanson, Democrat,, Virginia, a leader of the court advocates. The announcement by Swanson, cou- pled with the demand of Senator Wat- son, the Republican leader, that the Court issue not become involved in the legislative jam of the short session, was baefl:ved at the Senate to end any slight spect still remaining for final ac- flf)cn at this session. o The Virginian said it was “obvious’ that the Senate could not reach a vote on the court in the limited session ending March 4. He feared the in- terests of adherence would be jeopard- ized by attempting to press for a vote now. Court Foes Active. Meanwhile it developed today that the court foes privately claim at least 28 votes against American adher_.ece. This total is 8 more than previously counted upon by the opposition and 11 more than voted against American entry & years ago. The question of adherence will be brought up in the Foreign Relations Committee of the Senate at the regular meeting next Wednesday by Chairman Borah and he believes the committee will report on the matter to the Senate shortly after the holidays. ‘The subject reached the Senate in the midst of a bitter speech against Mr. Hoover for his criticism of those seeking relief legislation above that recommended by him and as it went to the Foreign Relations Committee the ranking Republican of that organiza- tion, Senator Johnson of California, de- nounced the injection of the issue at this time. Mr. Hoover took the opportunity in his message to the Senate to indorse the revised protocols which were modi- fied to meet one of the Senate's reser- vations which never was accepted by T powers. w’.l‘hoglhdeht‘s communication ac- companying the protocol follows: Reviews Senate Action. “I have the honor to transmit to the Senate for its consideration and action three documents concerning adherence of the United States to the Court of International Justice. I inclose also a THE ENING STAR. WASHINGTON, ! SEND ORDERS TO SANTA CLAUS Peggy ‘Ann and little Herbert Hoover, 3d, children of the President’s son, turned Santa Claus problems over to their mother and grandmother at the White House this morning. In the photo, taken in the rear grounds of the White House, left to right, Mrs. Herbert Hoover, jr.; little Herbert, 3-year-old grandson of the President; Peggy Ann, Herbert's 4-year-old sister; Mrs. Hoover and Shamrock, the Irish wolf hound at the White House. Joan, Herbert and Peggy Ann’s little sister, still an infant, was not photographed with the group. PAPER IMPORTERS OPPOSE NEW TAX Consular Invoice Resumption Held Burden and Cause possible after the emergency relief “lnd appro] on legislation has been “It will be recalled that on January 27, 1926, following extended considera- tion, the Senate advised and gave consent to adherence to the court with five reservations, and it gave authoriza- tion - to effect acceptance by :znhml! tocols permit our withdrawal 'gowun at any time without reproach or il will. U. S. Bole in Court. “The movement for the establish- means in settlement of all con- . Our great Nation, so de- voted to peace and justice, should lend its this h pacific settlements.” -uafum Jo.l:.lucn in a statement later asked “what kind of a ‘Court’ thus characterized storm of criticlsm from our interna- that withdrawal Some le may be distracted by it and mucng&nuon’mly be diverted from our domestic problems and our lack of let have unfortunately in this country some whose thoughts are ever abroad, whose hearts throb with sympathy for the distress of other nations, and who are to the suffering of our own ohnson said he was opposed to giv- | the “slightest heed” to the Court| this luaio;:. semmrm Reed, R;pug; | Hean, Pennsylvania, another member Forelgn Relations Committee, urged that it not be considered at this | tHm Prom snother quarter, Frederick J. executive secretary of the Na- tional Councll for Prevention of War, said in a statement that the “reported inability of the President to secure within his_party a suitable leader to the Senate fight for the World protocols” was “disgraceful to rty.” Checks Off Leaders. statement said Senator Watson of Indiana, the Republican llud;r.l"m- fused nsor this peace plank of his " Senator Borah of Ldano. For: eign Relations Committee chairman, * idered bécause he is ‘Ir- ; Senator llomho( New ‘declares against the court Senator - Reed of Pennsyl- not available on - that Senator Van- “There may be, and doubtless are, other potential leaders for this admin- istration measure,” the statement added, “but could there be a better illustration the confusion and division among ican Senate leaders on a funda- issue? * * * With such divided expressed itself, can any one doubt that the !mbuu.n party is riding for a o is the second time the World been before the Sen- ago. reservation which was the other powers stipulated Court should ren- der no advisory opinion in which this country has, or claims to have, an in- p in solving them. We | ell of Irritation. Arguments for and against the re- sumption, of copsular invoices on two classes of merchandise were begun to- day at @ hearing at the Bureau of Cus- Yoo BeTore Capt. F. X. A. Eble, com- missioner-of customs, and other officials O ppongne ot the al to place the Dpponents of Propos: ce €eonsular invoice again on free mer- chandise and merchandise subject to & specific rate of duty first orous objection to what they considered not only & tax, but a cause of “irrita- tion,” especially between the United States and Canada. Capt. Eble explained, however, that the Bureau of Customs was sympatheti- cally disposed to leave Canada and Mex- ico in théir present status, exempt from consular in free yet been made on the matter, and before a deci- sion was reached he would submit the question to the Attorney General of the United States. . Following a series of objections to the proposed resumption of the in- voice, the ents, including repre- ununv;s e’;fl ‘Treasury Department, began their arguments. Opposition cante strongly from lum- Congress, who represented their con- stituents on objection, filing letters and telegrams. Commissioner Eble explained that the complete elimination of consular involces on these two of merchandise since last August, under the new tariff act, had resulted in communications from several depart- ments of Government. The State De- partment, he said, was “neutral,” but submitted a list of figures to show the loss in consular fees. He explained that the Department of Agriculture pro~ tested that it needed the consular in- voice in its program to protect the country from imj ns of impure foods. The Bureau of Narcotics, he said, had use for the consular in- voice, and the Department of Com- merce had made representations con- cerning - the value of the consular invoice. Claims. United States Pays. Con Canada, Commissioner Eble said, he was not sure yet whether the Attorney General would permit the imination of Canada in the wflm of putting back the invoice, t, he added, “we are in favor of our friendly neighbor Canada,” he said, explaining that there was also a disposition to leave the present regulation in force concern- ing Mexico, if possible. James L. Gerry, attorney, of New York, representing lumber companies, and also the Canadian Lumber Asso- clation was the first witness. He stren- uously objected to rescinding the regu- lations of last August, which exempted free and s duty merchandise from the cos ir_invoice, ‘To put it back, he declared, would be “purposeless, vain and useless.” He insisted that the fee of $2.50 an invoice was not a burden on the Canadian shipper. “It's a bur- den on the American consumer,” he de. clared. The consular fee if imposed, as is proposed, he said, would increase the burden from about $400,000 at present, to nearly a million dollars. Irritation Said Caused, A. C. Dutton of Springfleld, Mass., differed with Gerry, declaring that the tax was paid by the Canadian producer, “the man who wants the trade the worst.” But he said it was considered by the Canadians as an “arbitrary tax” and was the cause of “very considerable irritation” between the two countries. He said the tariff law was “a great fir- ritation to the Canadian people, espe- clally on lumber,” but the August regu- lation exempting the two classes of merchandjse from the consular invoice had been interpreted as @ more liberal interpretation of the tariff act. A step backward, he said, would increase the irritation” between the United States and Canada. Wilbur La Roe, jr., of the International Paper Co. protested against the resump- tion of the invoice, speaking for the newsprint industry. He emphasized that newsprint and pape: ing Industry in Canada, and that the American market took a large mrcent‘ age of the product. Out of the total Canadian production of about 2,000,- 000 tons, he said, the American news- papers were tal 1,775,572 tons, or close to 80,000 cars a year. ‘The speaker said he could not believe that the Government would impose upon newspapers of this country “this the consent of this e | said, should avoid adding this burden |special, geservatica on 8 basis accc] ‘The rcvised rules are now be- . Senate. » annoyange.” With indus -4 he declll‘:z ment to the recovery of the United States.” The , on Mll? and this added “frritation’ to the good ralations betwoen the United States and Cansda. Flaming Newbold, business m:nager —Associated Press Photo. Young Hoovers Tell Mother What They Want From Santa Peggy Anne Asks Big Doll; Herbert, Jr., Orders Police Uniform. . If Santa Claus had been within ear- shot in the rear grounds of the White House today while Peggy Anne and Herbert Hoover, 3d, were telling thelr mother and grandmothe? what they wanted for Christmas his problem re- garding these two youngsters would have been solved. Peggy Anne, who is 41, years old, wants & very big doll. Of course, she wants some smaller ones, too, but. she must have & very big one. She wants a wagon, too. Little Herbert, who is not yet 3 years old, has greater ideas about Christmas. He has been living at the White House Just long enough to have been impressed with the sight of the numerous uni- formed policemen on duty in the house and about the grounds and just must be a meemln himself. That’s his real ambi now. Therefore, he wants a complete police uniform and a police- man’s stick and shi dge. Of course, he wants a Iot of other things, but he couldn’t think of them all today. He did mention “Injuns” and engines and cars. These two Hoover grandchildren voiced their Christmas wants while motion pictures and sound pictures, as well as still pictures,“were taken. It was really their debut as national figures. —_— of The Evening Star, joined Mr. La Roe in protesting against the burden which he said would fall cither directly or indirectly on American newspapers. ‘The newspapers of the country and the newsprint industry, generally speaking, were in no condition, he said, to accept this additional burden and would re- sent the imposition that the consular invoice would impose. He figured, roughly, that it would cost the news- papers importing paper from Canada or Canadian shippets _approximately $300,000 a year. He declared that the Pproposal was an unnecessary burden to industry and an frritant in doing such a large business with Canada. * Louis E. Caldwell, representing the Chicago Tribune, the Ontario Paper Co. and the Tonawanda Paper Co., in- dorsed Mr. Newbold's statement, and entered protest on behalf of his clients to_the proposal. Representative M. K. Riley of Wis- consin, filed a telegram of protest from the Kimberly-Clark Paper Co. of Neenah, Wis. Representative Edmund F. Cooke and Representative Francis D. Culkin of New York State filed several letters of protest from their constituents. Among others who appeared in pro- test were Carl E. Whitney of New York, for the American Paper and Pulp Asso- ciation; Otto Pix of the National Coun- cil of Importers and Traders, and Carl Stern of New York. European Invoice Defended. M. J. Flynn, speaking for America's Wage Earners' Protective Conference, declared his group was not interested in Canadian regulations and was in favor of leaving the situation as it was there. But he insisted they would like to see the consular invoice resumed in Europe and Asia. He said his organiza- tion was especially eager to keep out convict-made , impure foods and R:rcouce. and felt the invoice would 1p. Charles McNabb, chief of the legal division of the United States Tariff Commission, sald he sympathized with the problems presented importers and businessmen, but he hoped there would be worked out a regulation which would give to the Tariff Commission full in- formation which it needed in adminis- tering the flexible provision of the tariff law. He considered the consular invoice helpful in this. James F. O'Neill, Treasury attache at Paris, France, began his testimony with & strong defense of the consular invoice as “very essential in market value in- vestigations” in foreign lands ‘The “moral effect” of the invoice, Mr. O'Neill said, tended to restrict the ex- porter to the extent that his statements are considered very exact. invoice, he championed as a very important and helpful “ent Wi by which Treasury aftaches could approach for- eign manufacturers. FLORIDA TRAINS IMPROVED ‘Washington now has improved train service to Florida, over both the Sea- filrd Air Line and the Atlantic Coast ne, The new train of the Seaboard Air e The Adiantis ghe Miamian started Decem- ber 1, leaves Washington at 2:55 p.m. arriving at Jacksonville et 8:25 o'c the next morning and reaching Miami at 5:25 pm ( IPUBLIC AID ASKED IN BILLBOARD WAR iInformation on Roadside Con- ditions Within 20 Miles of Capital Sought. (Continued From First Page.) of the landscape familiar to all motor- ists. Further encouragement to the cam- paign was given last night in the ac- tion of the American University Park Citizens’ Association. On motion of President D. S. Burch, that body took action looking to the “cleaning up” of its own immediate section by the re- moval of unnecessary signboards, Names Are Solicited. It is the suggestion of the American Civic Association, which has the back- ing of the National Capital Park and Planning Commission and other offi- clals, that persons send in the names of friends who live along the high- ways leading into Washington who might be interested in improving the appearance of the roadside. A further appeal was made to get residents and assoclations to furnish the locations wnd descriptions of billboards recently erected on private property without per- mission of the owner or in violation of existing regulations. . Dr. Frances Foye, chairman of the Business and Professional Women's Section, presided at last night's dinner | meeting, which was attended by Mrs. William Lee Corbin, president of the ‘Women’s City Club, and a large number of enthusiastic members. Judge Mary O'Toole, at the conclusion of the meet- ing, -moved that a resolution pledging fullest co-operation with the sponsors of the campaign be acted upon at the next business meeting of the club, Jan- uary 7. The effectiveness of a “sticker” cam- paign, also was urged by Miss James in explaining the situation which wom- en, more than any other group, may help by ‘usging business coneerns to enter the “privileged class” of those who are not using billboards to clutter up the highways and make them un- safe as well as unsightly for the thou- fands of motorist visitors to Wash- ington. Personal Stickers Urged. Stickers bearing the words: “I favor products not advertised on the land- scape” were urged for personal use. The American Civic Association has thou- sands of these on hand, which will be circulated at cost to any who wish them. Miss James praised the District of Columbia regulations which forbid the erection of any more billboards within the District limits. But since the law is non-retroactive, the only hope of removing any of the existing signs, she explained, is either to wait until they rot away or persuade their owners to remove them. - “For once,” she said, “we are not | asking Congress to do anything. “You all know what was done lbout‘ our ‘back doors in Washington'—the alleys,” Miss James said. “What is the use of putting on style for the George ‘Washington Bicentennial Celebration | if our front door entrances are not | made to look right?” In revealing the real situation that exists along these highways within a radius of 20 miles of the District line, Mrs. Lawton, who, with her husband made an extensive survey of con- ditions, explained that one of the diffi- culties to be encountered is in the atti- tude of the courts, which take the position that beauty has no part in State welfare activities and consequent- ly it cannot be regulated under po- lice laws. “But the day is coming when the American courts will make this dis- tinction,” she said, referring to the re- cent decision of the Indiana Supreme Court upholding the constitutionality of an Indianapolis ordinance imposing cer- tain restrictions on roadside billboard advertising. Mrs. Lawton declared that if the women could convince advertisers that they cannot gain good will through the use of billboards marring the landscape, they would soon see that such advertis- g eventually would result in a loss of usiness. “Billboards are the only form of ad- vertising that gives you nothing in re- turn,” she sald. “The newspapers furnish news with their advertise- ments, the radio furnishes music and the magazines furnish stories. In all three you can_take or leave the ads as you like. Bat the billboards force their advertisements on you at a time when you least want them. They offer you nothing, but instead rob you of the beauty of the highways.” Mrs. Lawton said the District of Columbia 1s doing a very fine thing in trying to enforce strictly its present regulations and getting rid of unsightly signs. Alexandria, she said, could take the same course and profit by it. “There are a good many signs between Alex- andria and Washington advertising the city and helping to ruin the roads for motorists,” she added. Virginia Co-Operation, But on the other hand, she pointed out, the Virginia Highway Commission is co-operating in enforcement by going around and tearing down illegal signs that have no business on the rights of way. She urged that public co-opera- tion with these authorities would do much to help in the campaign. Four States, including Virginia, she explained, are using their highway de- partments to take down these unlaw- ful signs and are even going to the farmers to ask their co-operation. D. Pennsylvania took down 33,000 during the past year, she sald, nearly 8,000 a., GIRL TAKES STAND AGAINST SHEPARD Former Sweetheart of Army Officqr Testifies at His Trial in Wife’s Death. By the Associated Pre: KANSAS CITY, Kans, December 11. —Miss Grace Brandon, 24, San An- tonlo stenographer, took the stand as a Government witness in Federal court here today against her former sweet- heart, Maj. Charles A. Shepard, who is on trial for the alleged poison mur- der of his second wife, Mrs. Zenana Shepard. After listening to witnesses relate in open court yesterday how he showered Miss Brandon with flowers, motor car, a canary bird and expr A:onx of love, the major himself took the stand. Evidence Is Attacked. With the jury excluded, counsel argued the admissibility as evidence a | statement he made to Department of Justice agents in Denver March 17, 1930, concerning the death of his wife in Fort Riley, Kans, 10 months pre- viously. The Denver interview preceded his arrest on a fugitive warrant. The 59-year-old Medical Corps of- ficer, a calm witness, asserted he made the statement without, considering the possibility he might be accused of mur- der. He added that an agent, §. J. Mc- Afee, observed: “Well, major, she (Miss Brandon) turned you down, just as they all do when you get in a jam.” May Admit Statement. Judge Richard J. Hopkins, presiding, | intimated he would permit introduction | of the statement unless additional evi- dence was presented, despite the asser- tion of defense counsel their client’s constitutional rights were violated. Mrs. Shepard, depicted by the defense as a morose alcoholic addict, was por- trayed in a difTerent light yesterday by Mrs. Thomas MacDonald, wife of an Army captain who lived in en apart- ment_above the Shepard quarters at Fort Riley. The major's wife, Mrs. MacDonald sald, was “a very good looking woman, well dressed, weil groomed and fastid- ious about her personal appearanc of which were on private property. “Let us see if we can't bring pressure on the Maryland authorities to do as the Virginia authorities are doing,” Mrs. Lawton urged. The hardest question is how to get rid of the signs that pay rent, she re- minded, and were erected before ordi- nances were put into effect. Public opinion has been used effectively and many responsible businesses and organ- izations are responding to it voluntarily, she_explained. Her survey of the roads about Wash- ington showed 36 hotels advertising on signs. Thirteen per cent of all the signs in the Washington area are ho- tel signs, she declared. Nearly 50 per cent of these are the signs of three in- dividual hotels which cater largely to tourist trade. Most of those are of the small variety stuck almost anywhere along the road. The Willard, Mayflower, Washington and Dodge Hotels, she stressed, are co- opérating fully in the anti-billboard campaign and are refusing to use this medium of advertising. Practically none of the department stores in Wash- ington is guilty of mutilating highway landscape either, she declared. Alexandria Road Spots. Perhaps the worst spots around Wash- ington, the survey reveals, are on the Alexandria road, the Baltimore-Bladens- burg pike and the Marlboro road. The scene on_the Bladensburg road near beautiful Fort Lincoln Cemetery she de- scribed as “an awful mess.” “There is Ffi“ & minute on the road from Bal- ore to Washington that the motor- ist is out of sight of & billboard,” Mrs. Lawton said. ‘The absurdity of the Baltimore Safety Council in using billboards to adver- tise its safety n, she said, serves as an {llustration of inviting motorists to take their eyes from the road. Mrs. Lawton urged the public par- ticularly to keep an eye on the Lang- ley road, a three-mile stretch in Vir- ginia leading to Chain Bridge. This roadway, one of the most beautiful of the many about Washington, has re- cently been the victim of miscellaneous billboard and other roadside mutila- tions and threatens to become ruined if such conditions are allowed to con- tinue. Mrs. Lawton will renew her illustrated campaign talks before the civic section of the Twentieth Century Club today. Mrs. Charles T. Watson, chairman of the section, will preside, and Coleman Jennings also will speak about the ef- forts in behalf of removing ugliness from the highway enirances to the National Capital. BAND CONCERT. By the United States Soldiers’ Home Band this evening at Stanley Hall at| 5:30 o'clock. John Zimmermann, band- master; Anton Pointner, assistant. March, “The Emperor’s Body Guard,” Meinecke Overture, “William Tell” Rossini Entr'acte, “Sanctus from Mass in G,” Mozart “Harken Unto Me, My People,” Sullivan Excerpts from musical comedy, “The Fortune Teller”..... Hi Fox trot, “Golden San Waltz suite, “Once Upon Finale, “Echoes of Seville” “The Star Spangled Banner. MRS. A. D. COURT, Whe =7ll take part in the Riding and Hunt Club skow tomerrow night. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1930. Mrs. E. N. Nichols, mother of Miss Ruth Nichols, society aviatrix of Rye, N. Y., was among the thousands of well-wishers who greeted Miss Nichols when she landed at Roosevelt Field, record for women. Although h was the fastest ever made, utes and 43 seconds from Los Angeles, by Capt. Frank M. Hawks. She is shown . Y., after setting a new tra; flying Miss Nichols’' total flying time of 13 hours 21 min. continental flight time from Wichita, ns., to New York Calif., was slightly less than the time set here being greeted by her mother (right). —A. P. Photo. TAX OVERHAULING FOR CAPITAL URGED BY NOTED EXPERT (Continued From First Page.) RAIL UNIONS PLAN CONCERTED DRIVE FOR JOBLESS AID =5 He said he doubted whether the street railway companies in Washington have had any net receipts in some years and that in justice to them perhaps it might be advisable to reduce the pres- ent_taxes. “If those companies are not com- plaining about the tax, would you still favor a revision?” asked Chairman Mapes. “I don't think the companies would complain,” Dr. Page replied. “Their rates are fixed by law and the people who pay the tax are really the street car riders and it may be wise to make a revision.” Discussing Dr. Page's proposal for an inheritance tax, Representative Frear of Wisconsin puinted out that many people complained that when they pay two taxes on personal in- come it amounts to double taxation. Dz Page said that it was not dual taxation at all, but the payment of taxes to two different governments—the national and municipal. Dr. Page explained that in the States that have an inherit2nce tax, the Fed- eral Government collects 20 per cent of the tax while the rest of it is left to the locality. In the District, however, he said, the entire yield goes to the Federal Government, because the Dis- trict dces not have an inherjtance tax. “This is an_unfortunate thing for the adjoining States,” said Dr. Page. “Some men of wealth establish a resi- dence in the District in order to avoid peying an inheritance and income tax. I know of one wealthy man who did this. It resulted in long and difficult litigation between the State and the heirs and I don't know whether the case has yet been settled.” Dr. Page said he favored an in- heritance tax for the District based on the same principle as that in the States. He said, however, he did not believe there should be a separate in- heritance tax collected by the United States and another by the District, but that the inheritance tax law should be brought into conformity with sim- ilar laws in the States. “We don't need more taxes im in the District,” declared Dr. Page. “If the committee contemplates an in- come tax it ought to be imposed as a substitute in full for the tax on in- tangibles. “The tax on tangible personal prop- erty should b: discontinued. Tangible property in the District is made up chiefly of the stocks of merchants and automobiles, and it probably does not exceed more than $5,000,000 in total value. The income derived from its taxation is negligible—it hardly justifies the cost of assessment. “The mercantile tax should be im- posed as a business tax, and the auto- mobile tax should be regarded as a consumption tax, as is the gasoline tax. In effect, it would be the same as a tax an tangible personal property.” Dr. Page told the committee that he did not belleve it was the intention of the framers of the Constitution or Con- gress that residents of the District should escape taxation or pay an un- reasonable amount, and pointed out that he believed the first and most necessary step in settling the recurring controversy over the fiscal relations question would be a revision in the District’s tax system. “After that is done,” he declared, “the Federal Government should meet the additional expenses due to the fact that Washington is the Nation's Capital.” In reply to & question by Chairman Mapes, Dr. Page said it was possible under this plan for the people of the District to raise its entire budget under reasonable taxation without aid from | the Federal Government, but that such a situation likely would not happen. Dr. Page, in amplifying his proposal for a fixed real estate tax, said that the country toe long had followed the prac- tice of relying on a tax on real estate to meet its expenses. “This is having & rather serious effect on the social con- ditions of the country as a whole,” he said. “It is an autgrowth of old con- ditions when real estate was the only source of wealth that could be found.” ‘Would Have To Make Study. Representative Beers of Pennsylvania, ukefr Dr. Page 2t this point what he considered -a reasonable tax. He re- plied that he would have to make a study to determine what people are paying in comparable cities before he could answer that question. Chairman M;res said he thought that with a fixed real estate tax there might be a tendency on the part of the assessor to keep assessments down. This condition, he pointed out, would force the leral Government to con- tribute more and more toward the ex- penses of the District. Dr. Page said he did not think that such-a condition would be so likely to arise in the District as in the States, because the tax assessor here is exempt from political alliances. “The District assessor as well as other District officials,” said Chairman Mapes, “live here and want to be thought well of by their neighbors and there would be a natural tendency to keep the as- sessment down:” Dr. Page, “but the Yes in District tax is responsible to opposite assessor men whose interest lies in direction.” “Your statement on the fixed real estate tax would not be complete, Dr. Page,” said Chairman Maj ‘‘unless you tell us what you think the fixed tax rate would be.” “I would want to make & closer study of rates that prevail in other cities before I expressed on apinion on that point,” answered Dr. Page. “I believe, however, that the real estate in Washington is assessed higher than in other cities.” ek T AR 12,203 o e at he represen an ition ha delegates from 54 hborhood and 8 city-wide senting 40,000 taxpayers. Asks Equal Distribution. “The question of fiscal relationship, between k Federal Government and” the government of the District of Co- (Continued From First Page.) | men. His attitude on the six-hour day | has rot been made public, however. It is understood the railroad corporations will oppose the plan vigorously, since | the exira shift would involve shorten- ing of operating divisions and location of new division headquarters. ‘The railroad labor interests will seek to advance their ambitious program in | & series of conferences with corporation executive, it was stated. Among those who took part in the discussions here were A. Jobnson, grand chief engineer, Brotherhc)d of Locomotive Engineers: E. P. Curtis, president, Order of Railway Conductors; A. F. Whitney, president, Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen; E. J. Manion, president, Order of Railroad Telegraph~ T, C. Cashen, president, Switch- men's Union of North America; D. W. Helt, president, Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen; G. M. Harrison, president, Brotherhood of Railway and Steamship Clerks, Freight Handlers, Express and Station Employes; J. A. Franklin, presi- dent, International Brotherhood of Boi- lermakers; J. J. Hynes, Sheet Metal Workers’ International Association: A. O. Wharton, president, International Association of Machinists; Martin ¥. Ryan, president, Brotherhood of Rail- way Carmen of American; F. H. Fljozdal, president, Brothernood of Maintenance of Way Employes: John F. McNamara, president, International Brotherhood of Piremen and Oilers; H. H. Broach, presi- dent, International Brotherhood of El- ectrical Workers; Roy Horn, president, International Brotherhood of Black- smiths; B. M. Jewell, president, Railway Employes’ Department, American Feder- ation of Labor; J. G. Luhrsen, presi- dent, American Train Dispatchers’ Asso- clation; Willam F. Yates, president, National Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association; Joseph P. Ryan, president, International Longshoremen's Associa- tion; Fred C. Boyer, president, National Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots, and M. S. Warfield, president, Order of Sleeping Car Conductors. lumbia involves two important factors,” sald Dr. Havenner. “First, that the combined revenue from both sources be ample to meet the needs of the District, and, second, that this amount be dis- tributed equitably between the two Gov- ernments. With respect to the first point, the duty and responsibility rest with the Commissioners in requesting adequate appropriations and with Con- gress in granting them. The amount of the Federal contribution is determined by the Congress. “‘As president of the Federation of Citizens’ Associations, I wish to say that the taxpayers represent by our or- ganization, numbering nearly 40,000, do not ask the Federal Government to contribute any more money than is necessary to meet a budget providing for ouf needs after the taxpayers have contributed an amount equal to the average tax burden borne by the citi- 2zens of comparable cities. “To compare our tax burdens, we be- lieve it necessary to compare per capita total tax revenues, rather than rates and their different kinds. For example, in Washington we have a higher assess- ment value than the average of com- parable _cities, but a lower nominal tax rate. However, the tax burden from the general property tax, we believe, is as heavy as the average of similar cities. Reports have been made on a per capita basis in proof of this state- ment. Moreover, some cities have an income tax in lieu of an intangible property tax and as between these forms of taxation there is no method of com- gmflm!d n except from the revenue de- ve gress calling for additional and in- creased forms of taxation in trict, such as an income tax and an increase in our gasoline tax. The non- existence of either of these classes of taxes does not mean that we have a less tax burden than in other cities for 8 comparison of our revenue from ex- isting taxes with the tax revenue of comparable cities on a per capita basis proves the opposite. Taxable Area Decreases, “The area of the District of Colum- bia is definite and fixed. As the Gov- ernments take over property and other property becomes exempt, our taxable area decreases, while in other cities it increases, as their boundaries may be and are extended. Largely because of this fact, as the Federal and District governments here develop their proper- ::la, the taxable property increases in value. & constant relationship between the values of Government property and tax- able property. Any fiscal policy be- tween the taxpayers and the Federal Government should, therefore, be based of their property values and adjustment of excessive exempt pi 3 “It is not our pi to recommend what amount we think the Federal Government uld contribute, but merely augzut e factors that should be considered in determining that amount, knowing full well that a plan adopted along this line by the commit- tee will be fair to both the taxpayers and the Federal Government.” After hearing Dr. Havenner, the committee adjourned until 9:45 o'clock Saturday morning. At that time the committee will hear two members of Congress who have asked for the priv- ]le‘se of testifying, and several other clvic representatives. HERBERT HDOVER,—JR.’S, HOUSE THEFT ADMITTED By the Associated Press. “A’bill has been introduced tn'Con- |} the Dis- | 20 Therefore, we believe there is | g on a plan involving the relationship | g IEXHIBIT T0 BE OPEN , . 10 PUBLIC TONIGHT Corcoran Gallery to Have Second Evening Showing of Contemporary Paintings. For the second time since the exhi- bition opened 10 days ago, the Cor- coran Gallery of Art will hold open house tonight for all who wish to visit the Twelfth Biennial Exhibition of Contemporary American Ofl Paintings. ‘The night showin ington So- Wi clety of the Fine Arts, is for the spe- clal benefit of those who have found it inconvenient to attend during the day. The first of the night showings was held last Thursday, with a response that ruery officlals characterized as grati- ying. In view of the great public in- terest being shown in the exhibition an even larger turnout is expected tonight. The gallery will be open this evening from 8 until 10:30 o'clock. The ex= hibition also is open to the public every weekday from 9 to 4:30 o'clock, except on Monday, when the hours are noon to 5 o'clock, and on Sunday from 2 to 5 o'clock. The institution will be closed on Christmas day, but will* be open New Year day from 2 to' 5 o'clock. There is no charge for admission. Fourth Picture Bought. ‘The Corcoran Gallery has purchased another picture in the exhibition, it was learned today. This s Bryson Bur~ roughs’ painting “Demeter and Perse~ hone.” Three other pictures previous- ly had been acquired for the perma- nent collection of the gallery. They are Maurice Sterne’s “After Lunch,” winner of first prize in the W. A. Clark ly Morn! awards; John Noble's and John R. Grabach's “River Barges.” Praise of the exhibition continues to reach the gallery from varled sources, including art circles and the press. It is noted that the art critic of the New York Times, Edward Alden Jewell, re- ported to his paper that, “taken all in all, it (the exhibition) is the best big group show of contemporary American painting the present writer has ever seen.” Quoting from the foreword in the catalogue of the exhibition, Mr, Jewell points out that “it has been the aim of the trustees, through the close and sympathetic co-operation of the jury of selection, to present to the public an exhibition of ofl paintings that accu- rately reflects the trend of contem- porary painting in America; that illus- trates as completely as possible what American painters of today are doing; that is broad and fully representative in its scope and character, and that includes the best avallable works exem- plifying the different schools and phases of painting as they now exist in this country.” Says Aim Realized. “Inspection of the work placed on view,” the critic wrote, “* * * prompts one to affirm that this aim has been admirably realized. * * ¢ Walking through the several rooms in which these 395 canvases have been hun? one experiences a genlal warming of the heart; confesses a very definite sense of encouragement. ““We have our ups and downs, certain- ly, in watching the development of American art; an exhibition such as this gives welcome impetus to the per- suasion that American artists have al- ready accomplished fine things and to the persuasion, likewise, that, given an opportunity to bring forth our best, we need not in the least adopt a dep- recatory tonme in recommending the work of native artists to ‘he attention of the world at large.” Sl ] STANDS FOR VETER_ANS TO SELL PAPERS URGED | Senator Robinson Introduces Bill to Authorize Sales, With Ex- Soldiers Preferred for Jobs. (Prom the 5:30 Edition of Yesterday's Star) Authority to erect. news stands on the streets in Washington, with a pref- erence for ex-service men in the oper ation of such stands, was proposed in & bill introduced in the Senate this aft- ernoon by Senator Robinson, Republi- can, of Indiana. The bill would enable the Commis- sloners to grant authority to individuals or corporations to erect and operate such stands, provided that preference be given to those employing ex-service men in the operation of the stands. The bill was referred to District Affairs Committee for report. Senator Overman Better. ‘The condition of Senator Overman of North Carolina, who s suffering from a cold and indigestion, was reported to- day to be improved. He spent a restiul night and physicians have ordered that he be kept quiet for several days. 12,286 IN CAPITAL LISTED AFFECTED BY UNEMPLOYMENT (Continued From First Page.) ' , 1; housemen, 75; iron worker, 13 tors, 84; kitchen helpers, 15; kitch- 2n workers, 41; laboratory worker, 1; boru;;’ l,!w;k lut.h;rs. 15: ;;r:dre-m. 4 un; workers, 29; lan pe garden- ers, 27, lawyer, 1; librarians, linen room workers, 39; lithographers, 3; lum- ber inspector, 1; man-and-wife combi- nations for maid and butler, 4; machin- ists and helpers, 138; masons, 12; ma- trons, 58; mechanics’ helpers, 2; mes- sengers, 19;° mimeographers, 18; min- er, 1; molders, 10; mulf ph operators, 13; musicians, 15; miscellaneous, 115. kee] paperhangers, 16; airplane pilots, 1; p! tographers, 2; pipe fitters, 7; 37, poultry men, 2; printing and bin ing workers, 27; punch arn'on. 8; radio operators, 3; riggers, 11; rodme: ; saleswomen, 408; salesmen, 408; seamstresses, 155; secretaries and social ‘workers, sheet metal workers, 25; shoemakers, 5; ing' clerks, 1;- soda lispensers, 111 tters and plt 47; 5 tle sef 133; tinners, 8; typists, 192; undertakers, 3; uphol ushers, 12; walters and wal watchmen, 26, and wood- Shoppingdays till Chrisimas operators, stes P, .O#Il., December 11.— John C. , 214 night told po- lice he ‘Ffobbed 20 homeS“here, among | thcm #hat of Mr., and M Herbart | ' Hoover, ir, Grable was unable to give a lis ticles taken from home f of the President’s son. )