Evening Star Newspaper, December 14, 1930, Page 5

GENERAL ECONOMIC, SITUATION' BETTER E] Money Reported Plentiful for Legitimate Purposes. Frozen Credits Few. BY DAVID LAWRENCE. Although very little is being said Ppublicly about the efforts of the Govern- ment here to restore confidence and stabilize Musiness, there is no doubt that much is going on in the way of in- formal cffort to accelerate an economic Tecovery. Events of the past week gave many officials a good deal to be nervous about, particularly with reference to the bank merger in New York which failed to materialize and which it was thought here would relieve much of the tension in the metropolis. Every encourage- ment was given the New York bankers who tried to reconstruct a tangled situatioh and certainly, if a lesson was learned throtigh the negotiations, it was that. rumors and reports about the con- dition of any financial institution once they are circulated make it difficult to prevent runs and conserve deposits. Practically No Repercussion. ‘The significant thing about the epi- sode in New York is that it had practi- cally no repercussion in other parts of the country. As each institution with frozen credits solves its problems, either by mergers or consolidations, the rest of the finan- cial world feels much better about it and a corresponding amount of confi- dence is restored. The general situa- tion reflected by reports from all parts of the United States in the matter of bank finances is very good. Money is reported plentiful for legitimate pur- poses and, while there is a certain amount of “slow loans” and “frozen credits,” the proportion which this bears to the total amount of liquid credit is said to be negligible. The full effect of the stabilization process which has been going on for several weeks probably will not be felt immediately, but there is a feeling here that business has girded itself for the task energetically. The problem of how to absorb the number of unemployed still remains un- solved, however, and for the moment the work of the Emergency Employment Committee here is directed toward pre- venting an increase in unemployment. ‘The tendency of many companies to cur- tail employment rather than pay losses from reserves, but efforts are being jmade to persuade these same business- es either to retain their employes or %o care for them. Situation Considered Improved. There is no doubt that the situation ¥oday is considered much improved over that of several weeks ago. The psy- ehology of the public is sometimes dif- ficult to analyze, particularly in view of conflicting reports. In this connec- tion a quotation from a magazine ar- ticle written in 1922, just after the de- ion of that period, by Eugene , Jr, who was then managing di- rector of the War Finance Corporation and who is now the new governor of the Federal Reserve Board, is well worth reproducing. “In general, pessimism follows and does not precede untoward events. Pes- simism is rampant after a disaster; op- timism precedes it. But to listen to the pessimists, one would think that the prophet of evil was anticipating events instead of merely recording them by his emotional reactions. If one could plot the curves of optimism and pes- simism as exactly as one.can plot the curves of prices and the volume of pro- duction and consumption, one would find that they follow considerably be- hind the material conditions. Only the few anticipate events; the many stop, look and listen after the event is passed.” (Copyright, 1930.) GLEE CLUB COMING Cornell University Graduatés In- vited to Concert and Dance. The Cornell University Giee Club will appear in concert at the Shore- ham Hotel the evening of December 29 under auspices of the Cornell Alumni Bociety of Washington. About 500 Cor- nell graduates living in and near Wash- ington have been invited to attend the concert and a dance which will follow. The organization is visiting the Capi- tal for the first time since 1924. W. S. Graham, a graduate of the class of 1816, is chairman of the local Com- mittee on Arrangements. THE WEATHER District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia—Cloudy, possibly light rain to- day. Tomorrow cloudy. West. Virginia—Cloudy, possibly snow flurries today. Tomorrow cloudy. Temperature for the Past 24 Hours. Temperature—Midnight, 42; 41, 4 am, 41; 6 am. 40; 8 a 10 a.m., 46; 12 noon, 40; 2 pm., 42; 4 pm. 42; 6 pm, 41; 8 pm., 40; 10 pm., 8. Highest, 44; lowest, 38. Relative humidity—8 a.m., 56; 2 p.m., 82; 8 pm,, 55 Rainfall (8 p.m. to 8 pm9, none. Hours of sunshine, 4.2 Per cent of possible sunshine, 46. Bunrise, 7:19; sunset, 4:46 Temperature same date last year— Highest, 43; lowest, 28. Tide Tables. (Purnished by United States Coast and Geodetic Survey.) Today—Low tide, 9:36 a.m. and 10:15 pm.: high tide, 2:53 am. and 3:35 pm, Tomorrow—Low tide, 10:33 a.m. and 11:14 pm.; 4:28 pm. The Sun and Moon, Today—Sun rose €:46 pm. ‘Tomorrow—Sun rises 7:19 am. sun sets 4:46 pm Moon rises 1:28 a.m., sets 1:19 pm. Automobile lamps to be lighted one- half hour after sunset Weather in Various Cities. Precipt. tation. 8 t.p.m. to m.8p.m. high tide, 3:55 am. and 7:18 am., sun sets ~Temperature. — Max. Mi night.8p Birmingham, Ala_'. ] 88 Bismarck N. Dak.... ton, Mass.. S Louisville. Marquette, Memphis. Tenn. G : ow Fom . % SFin Piaise: Nebr. . BN NI RRRERENERsRBRBRB SNLATITILITUNBLVLVRVRINLLRLE BILLBOARDS Capi Lower: A little nearer Wi catch this glimpse of the roadside across Two typical reasons why the civic forces of ital. THE SUNDAY STAR, WASHINGTON, Washington from beautiful Fort Lincoln Cemetery. HEDGE CROSS HONORING WAR DEAD are anxious to clean up the "front door” entrances to the Upper: Peace Cross at the intersection of the Bladensburg and Annapolis Highways, surrounded by billboards, shows | bee; how histori ts along the tourist-traveled roads to Washin gton have been commercialized. * A Tite o m, on this same sign- cluttered Bladensburg road, tourists and permanent residents —Star Staft Photos. WOMEN TO WAGE WAR ON BILLBOARDS NEAR HISTORIC MONUMENTS (Continued From First Page.) the roads to Baltimore, Washington and Annapolis intersect, Mrs. Allen declared that the women of that section would | not cease their efforts until commercial signs surrounding the monument are removed. But that spot is only one of many similar scenes along the Bladens- burg road, with Cottage City and Bla- densburg perhaps the worst examples, Mrs. Allen said. Some of the signs around the Bladensburg Memorial Cross were re- moved a few years ago when it was | demonstrated they constituted a traffic | hazard, but they have since been rebuilt | in other locations which do not direct- ly interfere with motorists’ vision. “Although they do not now hinder traflic.” Mrs. Allen said, “they are a terrible background for that beautiful memorial.” Historic Spots Spoiled. The Memorial Cross is highly signifi- cant to every mother in the county, Mrs. Allen said, and for that reason she expects the Federation will be | heartily in favor of having its setting | made more appropriate. The cross was erected by the Snyder-Farmer Post of the American Legion of Hyattsville. “From a patriotic as well as from a public welfare motive we are lnxioul| to rid that particular spot on the high- way from the spirit of commercialism that now prevails there,” Mrs. Allen said. A photographer of The Star vis- ited the scene yesterday and took pic- tures of the billboards which sur- round it. Not only is the Bladensburg Memorial Cross the victim of commercialized activity, Mrs. Sheriff pointed out, but signboards clutter the scenery about every historic marker on the roads. These historic spots appeal particularly to the outdoor advertiser because of the number of tourists who pause to read the markers. Drastic Action Possible. Mrs. Sheriff declared that her com- mittee is preparing to make a study of the laws and zoning regulations af- fecting billboards with a view to de- termining its course of action. Some of the townships, she said, are receiving revenues from the billboard people. This is another matter into which her com- mittee will investigate. The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission and other Prince Georges County organizations of | power and influence will be asked to co-operate with the Women’s Pedera- tion in their campaign. Mrs. Sheriff said the effect of the billboards in marring the landscape were brought directly home to her re- cently when a large sign was erected directly across from her residence on the Annapolis-Landover road. “It is bad enough for tourists coming to Wash- ington to realize that such conditions | exist in the suburbs of the National Capital, she said, “but it is harder still for permanent residents who are com- pelled to see these signs year in and year out. The residents are particularly sensitive about the conditions around the Bladensburg Memorial, which really could be made an attractive intersec- tion if the signs could only be taken down.” DOG STEALS CALF’S OATS Airedale Discovered Feeding Reg- ularly From Manger Contents. NORTH GENEVA, Ohio (N.AANA). —Capt. 1. D. Howard owns a dog in the manger. But this dog has a right there. He likes oats. Capt. Howard's 4-month-old calf, Peter, has been getting thinner and thinner, while Pal, an Airedale, has been swelling alarmingly. After feed- ing time Peter occasionally could be heard mooing mournfully, though Pal was there to keep him company. The captain investigated and found that Pal had been stealing most of Peter's ground oats. Now there are two feed boxes in the stall. (Copyright, 1930, by North American News- paper Alliance.) Shop at the friendly store— you're always greeted with a smile—with no obligation to buy. O TS s Specializing in Perfect Diamonds and American Watch. Complete Line of Gifts A small deposit will reserve your Durehase. Charge Accounts Invited M. Wurtzburger Co. POLICE COMMENDED AT CIVIC MEETING Mount Pleasant Association Also Praises Work of Traffic Director. A resolution commending the all- around good record of the Metropolitan Police force, particularly its work in ap- prehending criminals, was adopted by the Mount Pleasant Citizens' Assocla- tion meeting in the Mount Pleasant branch of the Public Library last night. It was moved to send letters of com~ mendation on the work both to District Commissioner Herbert B. Crosby and Maj. Henry G. Pratt, superintendent of police. Another resolution was adopted com- mending the work of Director of Traffic William H. Harland. Charles P. Consaul, a former ptesi- dent of the association, delivered an ad- dress on a trip he and Mrs. Consaul took to various European cities this year, giving descriptions of many interesting things seen. Earl E. Dillon, president of the asso- ciation, presided. Lives 94 Years in One- “Ho\ue. PEEKSKILL, N. Y. (NANA)— Mrs. J. Marsden Curry celebrated her ninety-fourth birthday anniversary re- cently in the home in which she has lived since she was born. (Copyright, 1930, by North American News- paper Alliance.) _— Many of the flowers that adorn our gardens have been procured from plants which originally grew wild. They have been changed or improved by the pa- tient art of the professional gardener. $1.00 Per Guarantees $3000.00— MONDAY EVENING CLUB . WILL DISCUSS RELIEF George B. Wilson Will Speak on “Public Relief in Washington.” Dr. Perkins Will Talk. A round-table discussion of the sub- ject, “Public Versus Private Responsi- bility in the Relief of Distress,” will be participated in by members of the Monday Evening Club tomorrow at 8 o'clock at a_meeting in the Gridiron room of the Wiilard Hotel. George B. Wilson, director of the Board of Public Welfare, will speak on “Public Relief in Washington,” and Dr. Frederic W. Perkins, minister of the Universalist National Memorial Church, will discuss the subject, ‘“Private Benevolence and Its Limitations.” Oscar Leonard, executive director of the Jewish Welfare Federation, and Dr. Charles P. Neill, former United States commissioner of labor, will de- liver addresses, the former on the sub- ject, “Unemployment _Relief—Whose Business?” Dr. Neill, who is chairman of the Ways and Means Committee of the Council of Social Agencies, will comment on the work being done by public and private agencies during the period of unemployment. Walter A. Ufford, general secretary of the Associated Charities, is chair- man of the Program Committee for the | meeting, and has arranged for a gen- | eral discussion after the speakers are | heard. e ISSUE DIRECTORIES Telephone Company Speeds Distri- bution to Subscribers. The new Winter issue of the Wash- ington telephone directory is being made to 190,000 telephone users in Washington and nearby Maryland and Virginia. Since the new directory contains many changes every effort is being made to_secure the old issues in making the deliveries, otherwise, as is obvious, many persons will be constantly getting wrong numbers. day D. C.,, DECEMBER 14, 1930—PART ONE. MORE FIRMS SEEK BUSINESS OF NAVY Admiral Cheatham Shows Saving in Fuel Costs by Use of Own Ships. Explaining that the average cost of the Navy ration during the past fiscal year was $0.5346, Rear Admiral J. J. Cheatham, paymaster general of the Navy, in his annual report to Secretary Adams, made public yesterday, said that an increase in 20 per cent of bids re- ceived by the Bureau of Supplies and Accounts indicates “a wider interest in Navy business on the part of the com- mercial world.” * Purchases centralized in the bureau amounted to some $75,000,000 for the fiscal year, representing an increase of about 18 per cent over the previous year, Admiral Cheatham asserted. Dur- ing the year 21 eagle boats, 1 submarine and 15 other vessels were soid, he said. Supply Strength Lost. The Navy is now almost exclusively oil-burning, the admiral said, and as a result “the naval coal depots at Melville and Hampton Roads are being aban- doned and the quantities to be kept in storage at other points materially re- duced.” The scope of fuel oil and gaso- line contracts entered into for the fiscal year has been broadened to include re- quirements for other Government de- partments, Admiral Cheatham said, adding that this was done at their re- quest. The use of Navy tankers to transport fuel has materially reduced the price of fuel oil for ships operating in the Far East. “With the idea of bringing the per- sonnel of the Supply Corps up to re- quired strength it was planned to make 20 appointments during the fiscal year 1930, but the expected sources of supply yiels only six acceptable replace- ments,” the report sald. “This, in itself a matter of grave concern, was aggra- vated by the fact that there were 16 separations from the corps during the same period, creating a net loss of 10 instead of the increase sought. This situation is regarded as serlous and has n made the subject of separate cor- respondence, recommending the use of additional sources of supply. “Close adherence to the approved policy of admitting a fixed number of officers each year rather than attempt- ing to fill all vacancies in any one year is id&gnin recommended,” the admiral said. Cease Antiquated Methods. Admiral Cheatham asserted that “the clothing and small stores fund is in a satisfactory condition as to its cash capital and the condition of the stock on hand,” adding that “on June 30, 1929, the value of the fund was $23,- 005,640.53, while on June 30, 1930, it was $23,132,411.48." In concluding his report, the admiral sald: “The Navy in fransacting its busi- ness is entitled to all the advantages that experience, skill, study and re- search can bring to bear on the subject. There can be no justification for the re- tention of antiquated methods, with only the halo of tradition to_justify thelr existence. This is said ~while holding tradition in profound respect and admiration, and in full recognition of its high value to the Navy, but the typewriter, many years ago, replaced longhand 'in_business, just as calcu- lating machines have crowded the old, time-honored bookkeeper from his high stool and big ledgers. It is with these ideas and ideals in view that this re- port 1s respectfully submitted.” SLAYER OF S.CHOO[ GIRL TO DIE JANUARY 19 New Trial Denied Paul H. Kauff- man of Kansas City, but Appeal May Give Delay. By the Associated Press. KANSAS CITY, “December 13.—Paul H. Kauffman, confessed slayer of Miss Avis Woolery, 17-year-old Webb City, Mo., schoolgir], today was denied a new trial and formally sentenced to be hanged here January 19. Circuit Judge Allen C. Southern granted a defense moticn for permis- sion to file an afdavit of appeal with the Missouri Supreme Court. Lawyers said the appeal would stay execution of the sentence about 18 months. Kauffman, a 31-year-old former con- vict, whose parents live in Columbia, Pa, was found guilty of first-degree murder October 31. under the COLONIAL PLAN in the shortest possible time consistent with absolute safety. (Larger and smaller amounts in proportion.) 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DRI 0 S N e WASHINCTON BUILDING INCORPORATED INVESTMENT BANKERS Telephone NAtional 3571 WASHINGTON, D. C. JUNIOR LEAGUE OPENS TOY SHOP Miss Mary Bradley of the Junior League is showing little Corrin Strong a unique set of colored blocks, part of the stock of the toy shop being conducted by the young women, at 1529 Connecticut avenue, for charity. ~—Star Staff Photo. Skipper Believes Quake Dug Hole In Ocean “Shelf” Capt. Bone of Cunard Ad- vised by Geodetic Survey of Depths Off New England By the Associated Press, NEW YORK, December 13.—Capt. David W. Bone recelved new support today for his belief that an earthquake last year along the North Atlantic Sea- board dug & deep hole in the gigantic “continental shelf” that puts into the | ocean bed along the New England and Newtoundland coasts. It cames in the form of a letter he received from the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey. Capt. Bone, commander of the Cunard liner Transylvania, reported last December he was unable to touch bot- tom with 200 fathom leads in an area where he had anticipated a depth of 55 to 85 fathoms. The section is off Georges Bank, east of the New England coast. Harold A. Cotton, inspector of the New York fleld station of the Federal Survey, wrote him that a recently re- vised chart for the area shows depths ranging from 160 fathoms at the north of the depressed section to 420 fathoms at the southern extreme. The position, Cotton said, is approximately latitude 41.20 west and longitude 66.10 north. e 5 A 9-foot python was treated for gastric trouble at a London animal hospital recently. GROSNER’S . Fraternity Has Supper. The Washington chapter of Sigma Lamba Mu Fraternity held a buffet supper at the Hay-Adams house last night. The supper was supplemented by a vaudeville act. The next meeting will |man who trod the cloth in the dye be held during Christmas week. URGES RESIDENTS 10 B0OST CAPITAL C. of C. Executive Advocates Campaign to Inspire Visits to City. Urging that Washingtonians become increasingly the hosts to the Nation, William J. Hobbs, associate secretary of the Washington Chamber of Com- merce, in an address delivered last eve- ning over Station WMAL advocated that the citizens and business women and men particularly, in view of the ap- proaching 1932 George Washington Bi- frnhn;flll celebration, take full advan- age of “a most extraordinary ov%vnu- nity for making Washington, both the founder and the city, better known to the people of America.” Recalling that Washington ranks fourteenth in size among Amer- ican cities, Mr. Hobbs sketched the growth of the city from its inception and gauged its stature today. He sug- gested that “there should be organised publicity—publicity that will create a desire on the part of every American to see his National Capital.” The or- ganized effort of the Washington cor- respondents of out of town newspapers should be secured, he said. “and the placement in periodicals all over the country of carefully written -articles, photographs, etc., descriptive of Wash- ington.” " Information centers should be set up, he asserted, and a city welcom- ing committee should be launched. Some obsolete names of trades sur- vive as surnames, such as Webster, Lis- ter, Walker. In the fourteenth eean the weaver was known as “the we » the dyer was “the lyster” and the vt was “the walker. Quaker City RADIATOR COVERS Will Add Charm - - and Distinction to Your Home! Quaker City Gabinots are all made to order as preper fitting t be obtained from steck ecabinets. Highest quality furnitare metal of sturdy gauge used throughout. Several ooats of color finishes are baked applied by an oxclusive precess. Many med- ois and prices with terms fo suit your conveniencs. E. Terrell Faotory Representative 1706 Connecticut Ave. Phone Potomac 2048 For Information ¢ oo oo 1325 F STREEX - - every December! Semi- Annual Clearance Sale! Our —lots of men who know GROS- NER'S for quality and value, also know that every year early in December we start a housecleaning of OVERCOATS —and this year we have a real treat in storee. EXTRA VALUES—based on reductions from the new lower price levels —YOU'LL MARVEL AT GROSNER’S 1930-31 Semi-An- nual Sale OVERCOAT PRICES!! Entire Stock of KUPPENHEIMER and GROSNER OVERCOATS Reduced! —two o f the most important groups— others i proportion n 39