Evening Star Newspaper, November 24, 1931, Page 17

DISTRICT WORKERS WO FAL T0 GIE JARNED BY GORDON 7 Says Those Who to Sign Lists Will Be “Marked Men.” OINTS OUT MANY WAYS ¢ OF SHOWING IRRITATION | « ounty Charities to Share in Funds DPonated to Washington Chest. Sanitary Engineer J. B, Gordon said | today he had told his employes who re- " fused to sign the pay-roll lists used in soliciting subscriptions for the Com- munity Chest that while “officially” the | contribution was to be voluntary, “un- ! officially” it was quite evident that those who did not contribute would be *marked men” in Government circles. He said he pointed out to them many Aways in which official displeasure could be made known without the employe ever having a chance to prove that the reason for the disciplinary acts was the employe’s failure to subscribe. Among . them, he said, were loss of annual leave, ; Jay-offs, reduced efficlency ratings and refusal of appeals for step-ups and re- ! classifications. 1 Cites Make-up of System. “When I saw the make-up of the present system of collection,” said Mr. Gordon, “I was quite sure that, how: ever voluntary the system might be officially, the wise employe would con- tribute to avold what might happes We are to make up three pay rolls. I was told that one copy would be sent to the Personnel Classification Board and one would be kept by the District Personnel Board. Obviously, the future whenever one of these lists showed that 99 men in an office contributed and 1 had not, it very hard for the one who not to get any favors. collection is being made as no that I have ever had anything to with. Our instructions come from President through the Civil Service Commission. This makes me believe that the system intended to be used in the District government is the same as that which has been used in industrial establishments in the past Community Chest drives, where the subscriptions have not been voluntary. 20 Per Cent Fail to Sign. “About 20 of my men did not sign n the list was taken around. I each of them in and told them 1 have just stated. Most of them signed, but some of them still re- One of the men who refused asked me for two days’ leave. He e leave.” ition to the principle of having school officer, whose duties include rating of teachers’ efficiency, ap- to those teachers for funds for un- loyment relief, was voiced today by . F. 1. A. Bennett, member of the rd of Education. Dr. Bennett questioned. he said, the propriety of Dr. Frank W. Ballou, su- perintendent of schools, in calling the meeting this afternoon of supervisory and administrative officers to formulate the plan under which the school system el 'l‘lll1 eenlrl’huh three days’ y for unemployment. p.“'l'hl! business should be entirely vol- | untarily,” Dr. Bennétt said. “When a teacher is asked by her supervisor to y—or any amount is going to hesitate a long while before she would decline + the aid, no matter what personal finan- cial emergency might be confronting her. i ghei gise 't Four welfare agencies in nearby com- munities wili be designated to receive | the contributions of Government work- ers residing in those sections who par- ticipate in the movement here to raise $1,000,000 as a part of the $2.601,000 campaign of the Washington Commu- nity Chest. They will be, respectively, the Arling- ton County Board of Public Welfare, Fairfax County Board of Public Welfare, United Oharities of Alexandria and the Social Service League of Montgomery County. | __'This plan was announced today by | Thomss E. Campbell, president of the | Civil Service Commission, who is head | of the Government committee directing the fund raising, after a survey of the ! neighboring territory where contact was made with the officials. While the Ex- ecutive Committee of the General Com- mittee must give its approval, this was exbected to be forthcoming at a meet- ing in Mr. Campbell’s office this after- noon. Prince Georged Asks Share, ‘With this set-up, there remains only Prince Georges County, where arrange- ments for disbursing the money must be_made. Several community groups there have asked that they share in the funds to the extent of gifts by their own resi- dents, but Mr. Campbell says it is hoped that a central clearing house may be designated, as in the other lo- calities. For that reason the views of ! the Board of County Commissioners have been solicited. In the end, it may be necessary to make & specific distribution, it was said. In regard to the Virginia and Mont- gomery County agencies, Mr. Campbell said the sentiment in those sections was favorable to the four groups named. In Arlington County, he said, it _had been suggested the Boy Scouts might be made particular designees but he thought they would have to get their funds through the central agency. ‘Whether the subscription of the suburbanites will automatically go to their homes, as was urged at & meeting here last week by their spokesmen, still must be determined. Under the present plan, the money would be diverted from the Washing- ton Community Chest only at the specific request of the donor, but dele- gates from the other communities Wanted this procedure reversed, saying that in many instances givers might overlook the necessity for asking the diversion. 100 Per Cent Donated. The first large Government agency to report in the campaign, the Civil Service Commission, has subscribed more than 100 per cent to the fund, it ‘was announced last night by Miss Jessie Dell, a member of the commis- sion, who is divisional chairman there. Ninety-four per cent of the commis- #lon employes are contributing and their total gift amounted to more than $7,000, which is more than would have been obtained had every one of the 400 employes in the commission given just the straight three days’ pay. An appeal in behalf of the fund will be made by radio over Station WMAL at 6:50 o'clock Friday night. speaker will be Luther C. Steward, pr’ldzntloéntl'll: National Federation Federal es. % GI t’he Office of Public Bu! and Public Parks, who failed %o contribute three days’ pay to aid in alleviating distress during the depres- he Foening Star WITH SUNDAY MORNING EDITION WASHINGTON, D. C, ‘Flowers of Old Mexico SENORA PUIG AND FAMILY ARRIVE IN CAPITAL. BY GRETCHEN SMITH. HILDREN'S voices and feminine laughter again resound in the stately home of the Mexican Ambassador. Silent and lonely since the departure of Senora de Tellez and her charming little family several months ago, the handsome building on Six- teenth street gladly opened its doors & few days ago to welcome its new chate- laine, the young and beautiful Senora | Dona Maria Elena Reyes-Spindola de | Puig Casauranc, her 4-year-old daugh- ter, Maria Christina; 2-month-old Jose Manuel, jr., and Senora de Puig's sister, Senorita Reyes-Spindola. Senora de Puig not only brings youth and striking Spanish beauty to the diplomatic circle, but a love of outdoor sports, which should prove a genuine acquisition to the tennis-playing, eques- trian-loving set of the foreign colony. Educated in New Orleans and in an American school in Mexico City, the senora speaks fluent English with a most delightful accent, lending a| strangely musical Castilian softness to | familiarly harsh Anglo-Saxon words. Interested in Sports. Graclously interested throughout s conversation which touched many sub- jects—music, art, travel and politics— Senora de Puig’s face brightened en- thusiastically at the word sports. “Yes, that is my real hobby,” she re- marked. “I like all outdoor sports, | particularly tennis and golf. Tennis is very popular among the women and girls of my country, and I am looking forward to playing here in Washing- ton.” Senora de Pulg also expressed her fondness for horseback riding and motoring, and in her own home is fre- quently to be seen upon the bridle paths and the motor highways. “It will be some time before I drive a car in Washington,” she added. “The | traffic rules are so different—particu- larly the signal lights. In Mexico we have police at the intersections and I am afraid the difference in many of the traffic rules will be rether difficult at first.” Distikes Bullfighting. Although Senora de Puig is an se- knowledged sportswoman, she does not enjoy the great Sunday sport of Mex- ico and 8 bullfighting. “Yes, they still have many bull fights in Mexico,” she responded, “‘but I never enjoyed them. I always feel so sorry for the poor animals.’ ‘The Ambassador’s wife manifested great interest in the rapidly growing musical endeavors of Washington, the symphony orchestra and the opera sea- | son_receiving particular comment. “I love music,” she’ remarked, “but | in recent years we have not had the | opportunities for opera and concerts in | Mexico which were offered some time | ago. I am sure I will greatly enjoy the | symphony concerts and the opera which I am told Washington now presents during the Winter season.” Senora de Puig's most absorbing in- terest is her family. In addition to her | own little son and daughter, the family circle includes two sons of Ambassador de_Puig by a former marriage, Carlos, | a handsome lad of 16, and his 15-year- | old brother Ganzalo. An 8-year-old | daughter, Lupe, remains in Mexico with her grandparents, Likes to See Movies. Moving picture theaters will bassador and his young wife, who smil- ingly admitted that since her arrival in the Capital three days ago, she had al- ready been to two “movies.” At present Senora de Puig is coneen- trating her attention upon finding & suitable school for little Maria Christina. “She is only 4,” explained the Senora, “but I am anxious to have her learn to speak Engl! is the best place for her Hugging a doll tightly, little Christina came smilingly into the room, sion will have the reason noted op- posite their names. This was learned today, following & conference between Lieut. Col. U. S. Grant, 3d, the director, and his diyision chiefs, at which the problem wa# out- lined to them. _Col. Grant is directly responsible to President Hoover, who has sanctioned the three days’ pay do- nations among Federal employes. Cites Incentive to Give. The example of plate printers, who do not work a full week, but are giv- ing, was cited by the colonel as an in- centive to his employes to donate. He made it clear, ver, there was no compulsion to contribute, but said every effort should be made to raise the funds desired. Col. Grant told his division chiefs that, of course, his employey were not limited to giving three days’ pay, if they felt so disposed, but tht give almost. amount. Under the be | greatly patronized by the Mexican Am- | bers, M s outling money from the donor’s pay en: uary, February and " L, | James O'Connell, and it is not difficult to prophesy that the Mexican Ambassador’s little daugh- ter is going to prove popular among her playmates. Friendly and si ly ex- posing two very fascinating dimples, the little girl posed amiably for her m- ture, then turning to the photographer, proved her linguistic ability. “Thank you—good-by,” she lisped. CITIZENS OPPOSED T0 METERED TAXIS North Capitol Association Ex- presses Belief Return Would Be Hardship on Hackers. Strong opposition to the proposed return to a metered taxicab system was expressed by resolution and vig- orous speeches by the North Capitol Citizens’ Association, at its annual meeting in McKinley High School last night, on the ground that it would im- pose a hardship on countless independ- ent taxicab drivers. ‘The campaign to have traffic signal lights and other safeguards installed at dangerous corners, especially in school neighborhoods, was continued. e association recorded its deter- mination to prevent the sale of gaso- line from tank wagons in the streets. Lighting System Commended. Proposals for safeguarding jobs in the District paid for by District taxes for District people and to bar business delivery wagons from the congested trafic “streets during the rush hours were referred to the Executive Commit- tee for study. A resolution of appreciation for the new lighting system being installed in that section of the city, expressed to the Engineering Department through the eld)lltflct Commissioners, was ap- proved. Continued work for adequate school facilities was promised by Henry Gil- mn legislative representative of the lct Board of Education and retir- ing president of the association. Gilligan Paid Tributes. ‘Tributes of appreciation of the work done by Mr, Gilligan as president of the association since 1925 were a fea- ture of the meeting, with more than & dozen speeches on this subject. ‘The constitution and by-laws of the association were amended to include past presidents as members of the Ex- ecutive Committee. The new officers elected last night, who will take office at the January | meeting, are: President, Will P, Ken- nedy; first vice president, B, J. Mc- Guirl; second vice president, Miss Ada Payne; secretary-treasurer, Jesse W. Morgan; financial secretary, Charles McMurray; delegates to the Federation of Citizens' Associations, Willlam G. Henderson and Seldon M. Ely; Execu- tive Committee, Past Presidents Henry Gilligan, Washington Topham, Yost, Seldon M. Ely and Wiiliam G. Richardson, and the six elected mem- s, 1:{.:};& rh,‘n. h!ul;en, . K. Murphy, Guy W. Numbers and Ernest Ruebsan. S DR. PERGLER TO SPEAK ON POLITICAL LIBERTY National U. Dean Will Be Meard at Jewish Community Center on European Minorities. A discussion of minority rights among the smaller nations of Europe will be presented at the Jewish Community Center tonight in an address on “Civil and Political Liberty in Central Europe —Its Theory and Practice,” by Dr. Charles Pergler, former Minister from Czechoslovakia to the United States and now dean of the 'rldu:fi depart- ment of National University. Although educated in this_country and a practicing attorney in Iowa for some time, Dr. Pergler returned to his native country at the outbreak of the World War. * He was prominent in Cechoslovakia’s movement for inde- pendence and was one of the signers of its Declaration of Independence. Later he was designated as the repre- sentative of Crechoslovakia to the United States and subsequently repre- sented his country in Japan. Lawrence Heller, Washington attor: ney, will be the guest chairman of the Jewish Community Center's weekly round table tonight, POLICEMEN URGED 10 BE CAUTIOUS IN HANDLING CRODKS Texas Pistol Expert Tells Officers Prudence Is Best Guard. STUDY OF GUNMEN’S METHODS SUGGESTED » Tricks Used to Conceal Weapons Explained—AQuick Draw Es- sential to Safety. Caution is the best insurance against injury by gunfire, “Texas Jack” Sulli- van, known as the virtuoso of the pistol, told the Police Training School today. ‘The wiry Texan demonstrated several trick shots with an old-fashioned six- shooter to the enlightenment of his audi- ence, ranging from more than a score of green “rookies” to Gen. Pelham D. Glassford, newly appointed police chief. After Sullivan finished his lecture on gun psychology, Gen. Glassford warned the future policemen to take the West- erner’s advice to heart. The police chief said too many policemen had lost “their lives because of carelessness. “A law enforcement officer,” Sullivan declared, “to be 100 per cent proficient must be 100 per cent cautious and sus- picious. Carelessness Blamed for Deaths. “A great percentage of mortalities in American police work has been caused directly by lack of caution on the part of the officers who fell—im- prudent handling of suspects, careless search for concealed weapons, failure in training the subconscious mind, failure to develop the instipctive sense that should warn an officer of danger around every corner, in every unseen angle met in the routine course of the performance of duty. “The crook is always studying in an effort to discover new positions about the person to conceal weapons where they will escape detection by the searching officer. If the officer will mentally place himself in the crook’s position and work out positions of concealment for weapons such as guns and knives that will defy his own buddies’ search, he will soon know all the tricks the crook may try. “Crooks often carry a small gun in the peak of their cap or in a hat. ‘They also may carry a holstered weap- on high on their back between the shoulder blades, hold up their hands and after being ‘frisked’ scratch the back of their head with the right hand, draw and shoot. Stresses Shooting Skill. “The greatest gift I can give to you is to impress on your mind the genuine value you will get from time spent on the shooting range. Practice accuracy and speed as much as possible. “Let your mind occasionally dwell on possible desperate situations and re- action to them. Be cautious at all times while on duty. A “Speed on the ‘draw’ is as important as accuracy, but the point is that the one who s expert in both is safe. Most revolver battles are one-shot affairs at close range, and the advantage lies with the one firing the first shot. “Aim with both eyes open with either revolver or rifle. At first you will be bothered with the bilurred sight, but ignore this and persevere and you will gain speed and accuracy. “Never point & gu nge or anything at any one in fun or play.” HEADS HORTICULTURISTS J. W. Wellington was elected presi- dent of the Takoma Horticultural Club at the annual meeting, held in the Ta- koma Park Branch of the Washington Public Library, Pifth and Cedar streets. Other officers elected were as follows: Vice president, Fred C. Duehring; sec- retary, C. G. Carr; treasurer, W. H. Youngman, and landscape gardener, Homer C. Skeels. CITY NEWS IN BRIEF. TODAY. Meeting, Washington Civic Opers, Mayflower Hotel, 8 p.m. St. James' torfum, Mount Catholic Card Church Au )ld.‘ 8 pm. Meeting, Vivisection Investigation znm. Inc, 106 Stoneleigh &urt. pm. Meeting and social night H Lodge, No. 7, Order of Shepherds of Bethlehem, Masonic Mall, irteenth and U streets southeast. Buffet supper and entertainment. Samuel Gompers Lodge, No. 45, F. A, A. M, 9:30 pm., Hamilton Hotel. Meeting, Beta Gamma Phi Sorority, 9:30 p.m., Hamilton Hotel. | __Current events lecture, Dr. Walter | H. Rastall, Women's City Club, 736 Jackson place, 4:45 p.m, Meeting, Logan-Thomas Circle Citi- zens' Association, Northm! Presby- terian Church, 8 p.m. Meeting and dance, Kentucky State Soclety, Willard Hotel, 8 p.m. ‘TOMORROW. Luncheon, Rotary Club, Hotel, 12:30 p.m. Luncheon, District of Columbia Bankers' Association, Willard Hotel, 12:45 pm. Elks Oharity Ball, Willard Hotel, ‘Willard 9 pm. ‘Meeting, Executive Board, American ‘Women's Legion, Willard Hotel, 11 a.m, Dance, New England States Society, Meridian Mansions Hotel, 9:30 p.m. Meeting, Anacostia Citizens’ As- TUESDAY, NOVEMBER oPS | Dr. 24, HAVENNER EXPECTS HUGE CROWDS HERE FOR BIGENTENNIAL Executive Vice President of Commission Outlines Plans to Trade Board Group. 135 CONVENTIONS TO BE HELD IN CAPITAL IN 1932 300,000 Visitors Foreseen at Ma- sonic Memorial Dedication. - 120,000 Delegates to Come. Representatives from all States will come to Washington next year to a long chain of functions and pageantry planned in honor of George Washington as a part of the protracted Bicenten- nial program, it was revealed by Dr. George C. Havenner, executive vice chiarman of the District Bicentennial Commission. Detailing some of the programs al- ready mapped out for the celebration next, year, to run from February 22, the ‘200th birthday anniversary of ‘Washington, to the subsequent Thanks- giving day, Dr. Havenner promised that shortly an outline would be given of the entire general program. » Addressing a largely attended meet- ing of the Community Affairs Commit- tee of the Washington Board of Trade at the Raleigh Hotel, Dr. Havenner declared also there is existing a fine spirit of co-operation bétween the Dis- trict and the United States George Washington Bicentennial commissions. The national body has volunteered to lend any possible assistance to the local organization in completing plans for the program here, he sald. Plans Made for Caravan. A. K. Shipe, chairman of the trade body committee, pledged full co-opera- tion of the Board of Trade in carrying out the programs. Outlining some of the special events on the Bicentennial program which are expected to bring thousands of visitors to Washington, Dr. Havenner said ar- rangements are being made for a great caravan, forming in three points in West Virginia, which would wend its way by slow march to Washington, ar- riving in time for a n-5 day celebra- tion, June 14. This delegation plans to place a decorative float in & gigantic parade down Pennsylvania avenue to the east front of the Capitol. ‘The plan calls for floats to be entered by delegations from every State. The idea of the caravan terminating in the Flag day parade here is to present both the pioneer days of 1732, with which ‘Washington was familiar, and the pres- ent development of the National Capi- tal, which the first President visioned. The extended Bicentennial program of 1932, Dr. Havenner explained, is to have an artistic prelude in the produc- tion here February 21 of a masque tten by Percy MacKaye, dramatist. Begins on February 22. The program is to be opened formally next February 22, with the President speaking before a joint session of the House and Senate and the staging of a colonial ball. July 4 next will be devoted to the customary Independence day commu- nity and city celebrations, but enlarged in keeping with the 1932 celebration spirit. In addition there is-to be a speaking program at the Sylvan Thea- ter and a fireworks display at the Washington Monument Grounds. ‘This is to be made a Washington “home-coming day,” with the idea of bringing to Washington thousands of its former natives or residents for par- ticipation in local events, Dr. Havenner lans also call for a Juvenile day celebration in August, with the hope that representatives of the Boy Scouts and 4-H clubs from each State in the Union might be sent here to join in festival programs. Then there are arrangements for an Army day, Navy day, Memorial day, Armistice day and Thanksgiving day programs, details of which are to be announced later. 135 National Conventions. Dr. Havenner said tentative plans were considered for a Mother's day event here, with the thought of bring- ing here the “oldest nfother” country, but that this has been aban- doned, due to fear of possible harm to the mother in all the excitement and travel which might result. The plan now is to show by other forms of pro- grams the esteem in which Gen. Wash- ington held his mother. As an in':lcnlon n& fllve’ nl;e hor throngs zxnocted come ‘ashington an: this area for the Bicentennial evem.-d, Havenner sald reports by the Greater National Capital Committee of the Board of Trade showed that 135 organizations have planned to hold their national conventions here next year. The total number of delegates to these meetings was estimated at 120,000. The dedication of the Masonic George Washington Memorial in Alexandria next May, Dr. Havenner said, is ex- pected to bring & minimum of 300,000 visitors here. Dr. Cloyd Heck Marvin, president of George Washington University and chairman of the District Bicenterhial Commission, gave an inspirational talk on the objectives of the Bicentennial commissions. The program is being designed to show the significance of the life of George Washington as applied to the present day, he said. Lauds Two Leaders. E. C. Graham, member of the local Bicentennial Commission and chairman of the District of Columbia Committee on Employment, lauded the executive activities of Dr. Marvin and Dr. Haven- ner in connection with the 1932 pro- grams. Mr. Graham also petitioned for pub- lic support for the program of the gfl- ployment. Committee, whose activities this Winter are to be supported in the Community Chest campaign, starting December 1. sociation, Masonic Temple, Fourteenth and U streets southeast, 8 pm. Luncheon, Lions Club, Mayflower Hotel, 12:30 p.m. Dance, Star Point Association, Joseph :.l’lun'n Chapter, Hamilton Hotel, pm. Meeting, Outboard Association, Hamil- ton Hotel, 7 p.m. Lun Hotel, 12:30 p.m. Mo German Beneficial Union, No. 40, iton Hotel, 7:30 p.m. Ball, Chi Sigma Sorority, grand ball room, Mayflower Hotel. Meeting, Geological Society Washington, Cosmos Club, 8 p.m. ‘Meeting. Wuhl.n"nn Philatelic - ety, lfl“lux street, 8 pm. o Dinner, lxen? Club, Carlton Hotel, 7 pm. of cheon, Optimist Club, Hamilton | ¢, Claude W. Owen, head of a special committee which in the past year con- ducted movement seeking creation lant stadium, declared this ORT! not be halted by the deci- sion of the Roosevelt Memorial Com- mission not to have the Roosevelt memorial take the form of tadium, J. Sterling Moran rej 'd another move would be made at the forthcoming session of Congress for e of an dellings Of Washinglon. Referring 13 iwellings of Was| n, to e two bills before, the last be brought forward this year in some- what different form. Percy J. Burrell of Boston, pageant authority of the United States ‘Washington Bicentennial Commission, will co-operate with the District com- mission in the work of planning plays, pageants and masques to be presented during the 1932 celebration. Dr. Havenner, executive vice chair- man of the t group, in making this anfiouncement today, explajned Mr. Burrell will be associated with he sald it was likely the project would e 1931. | Society and More Elms Coming Down | WHOLE ROW TO GO DOWN PPER photograph shows work- men cutting down two trees at the corner of First and B streets southeast today to make way for & steam tunnel sewer, electric cables and water pipes in the extension of utilities for new buildings, including the new Botanic Gardens, the new House Office Building and others, The row of large elms in the background will be cut down when B street southwest is widened under pro- posed plans. In tne background is seen the steam tunnel which will run under the new sidewalk. Below is a picture of workmen in the ‘WHEN STREET IS WIDENED. new District wood yard cutting up one of the smaller limbs of a 50-year-old elm tree which was cut down on East Capitol street between First and Second streets. This large tree was one of two cut down yesterday because their roots had been damaged fatally in digging a steam tunnel along East Capitol street and because they were dangerous to passersby. One of the trees had been undermined by a manhole. Destruc- tion of a whole row of these old trees on the south side of East Capitol street by the steam tuanel will ruin the vista gummfllll street t¢ the Capitol dome, it said. HOTELS SOLDOUT FORFEB.2, 199 Dr. Havenner Tells Citizens Traffic Expert for Fete May Be Appointed. ‘The first eontingent of the 8,000,000 visitors Dr. George C. Havenner, execu- tive vice president of the District George Washington Bicentennial Com- mission, expects here during 1932 al- ready has reserved every hotel room in the city for the opening of the celebra- tion on Washington's birthday, Dr. Havenner told members of the George- town Citizens' Association last night. He said the parking situation, expect- ed to develop during the Bicentennial, probably will be solved by the appoint- ment of a traffic expert to work out a method to handle the great number of vehicles expected in the city in 1932. He did not indicate, however, the iden- tity of the expert to be appointed. All Officers Re-elected. ‘The Citizens’ Association re-elected all its officers for another vear. They include B. A. Bowles, president; John H. Small, first vice president: Rear Ad- miral Spencer Wood, second vice presi- dent; Willlam Dougall, treasurer, and John Paul Jones, secretary. A resolution was adopted felicitating Justice Daniel W. O'Donoghue on his appointment to the District Supreme Court bench, Asks Aid for Boys’ Club. 'A canvass of the entire territory cov- ered by the Georgetown Citizens’ Asso- ciation to secure new members was de- cided upon. President Bowles called on the mem- bers of the association to render all possible aid to the Georgetown Boys’ Club, since present conditions preclude its receiving financial assistance from the Community Chest this year. WILL CDNFEE ON REPAIRS District and School Officials to Air Shop Problems Weekly. Weekly conferences between Dis- upon as a means of settling the by the District repair shop for the public schools. The repair shop is not responsible to the school system, al- though most of the work it is called on to do has to do with public schools. ‘The meetings will take place Satur- days. Jere J. Crane, school business manager, will outline the weekly needs of the system to Assistant Municipal Architect S. B) Walsh, L. C. Worming- ton, engineer in charge of the repair shop, and Lieut. K. B. Schilling, aide to Assistant Engineer Commissioner JH. Marle Moore Forrest, chairman of the commission’s Committee on Plays and George | Pageants, Three major events on which Mr. Burrell and Mrs. Forrest will start work immediately are the masque by Percy Mackaye, to be presented in Constitu- tion Hall February 21 and one other mw the Flag day celebration, June 14, the ‘ashington pageant play at th@§ Monumen m”‘“m:‘: t Grounds on trict - and school officials have been | constant discord relating to work done | TREE DESTRUCTION ASSALED BY GROUP Mid-City Citizens’ Associa- tion Indorses Plea of Mrs. Frank B. Noyes. Lack of co-ordination of Govern- ment agencies involved in the laying of a new steam tunnel on Capitol Hill, which may result in the destruction of many elm trees there, was condemned last night by the Midcity Citizens’ As- sociation. The statement by Mrs. Frank B. Noyes bf the Garden Club of America that the cutting of the roots of the trees was “absolute, ruthless destruc- tion of one of the great avenues lead- ing to the Capitol” was unanimously indorsed by the association. A. J. Driscoll, president, pointed out the detriment to the beauty of the Capitol grounds that would be caused by the loss of these trees and expressed the belief that co-ordination on the part of the Government agencies con- nected with the construction of the tunnel would eliminate the possibility of their destruction. Proposes New Agency. Mrs. Noyes' suggestion to eliminate such lack of co-ordination, if neces- sary, by setting up a new agency in the Government which would be in charge of “all growing things” in the Nation’s Capitol, was highly commend- ed as a means of preserving the beau- ty of Washington. The associaticn, which has already gone on record fgvoring the retention of the present zone taxi system, was told by Leon Brill, president of the Bell Taxicab Co., that, including drivers and other employes, 3,000 persons would be deprived of their meens of liveli- hood if the meter system was rein- stated in the city. The association was informed by the Board of Education that the Abbott School, at Sixth and New York avenue, would be abandoned soon. Safety Measure Urged. Resolutions requesting the Bureau to “keep clear at all times” the lines around safety zones, and approv- ing_extension of the traffic light system in Washington were adopted. Commending Capt. Hugh H. Groves of the second precinct for his fine serv- ice rendered the community, the asso- ciation requested that he be retained in that section, Mr. Driscoll presided at the meeting, held in the Thompson School, Fifth and L streets, and announced the next meeting would be held on the fourth Ml;:‘ldlty in December. eut. J. E. Bobo and Sergt. B, F. McAllister of the Police Depnrtme:t were accepted by the group as new members. —_— HOUSE BELLS TESTED House bell signals were tested ter- day for the first time for the g‘:flnl session. The bells, by different rings, sum- mons members to session, roll calls and B by Chief Engineer e was made f Charles Tarbut. He rang fivé bells, which the members like best, meaning recess. Traffic | General PAGE B—1 RLEY CSESTARTS CAPPER STUDY OF 0. . CHLD LAWS Senate District Committee Head Determining Need for New Legislation. KANSAN URGES STRICTER FIREARMS RESTRICTIONS “Faulty Enforcement” of Liquor and Gambling Laws Also to Be Acted On, He Says. Revelations in the case of little Edith Riley, alleged to have been incarcerated !in a closet in her hcme for long pe- riods, have started Senator Arthur Capper, chairman of the Senate Dis- trict Committee, studying the laws of the District to determine whether any new legislation relating to child wel- ware is needed. He said toda: “I have kept myself informed through the newspapers concerning the case of little Edith Riley, who is said to have been locked in a dark closet in her home for several years until rescued by a representative of the Woman's Bureau of the Police partment. Will Act on Information. “There has been some discussion of the part played by agents of the Board of Public Welfare in this case. I do not pretend to know at this time all the details of the sordid story, but if there has been any negligence on the part of any worker, I am sure the ‘Welfare Board will deal summarily with the offender. If further legislation is required to protect the helpless of the City of Washington from cowardly and devilish cruelty, I want to know it. I act on the informa- tion I obtain.” = ‘The committee chairman said he was glad the number of portable school buildings is diminishing as new perma- l‘lsgt buildings are completed, but he “In my opinion one portable is just one too many for/ Washington. Further- more, in the cénstruction of modern, well lighted school buildings, the Dis- trict government should exercise every care. Last Spring there were two as cidents in school construction work, when certain parts of uncompleted structures colla) . Those accidents, 1 hope, will be the last we hear of in the building of our schools.” Urges Firearms Regulation. Urging the importance of a law plac- ing closer check on the sale of fire- arms, Senator Capper said that earlier this year he printed a story in one of his publications on the subject which produced an immediate and widespread Tesponse of letters, some commending the proposal, some suggesting es. and others opposing the movement. “It is my honest conviction, however,” he said, “that the District would be greatly benefited by a law regulating adequately the sale of firearms. “It is not my purpose to drive the firearms dealers out of business. It is not my intention to cause any incon- venience to law-abiding citizens, but I do mean to introduce a bill to stop this unrestricted traffic in small arms, and I will urge its enactment at the com= ing session.” Senator Capper declared that, in his opinion, another condition open to cor- rection “is the faulty enforcement of the laws relating to prohibition and gambling.” Speaks on Howell Bill. “During the Seventy-first Congress the District Committee considered Sen- ator Howell’s bill to provide for suitable legal machinery for the enforcement of prohibition,” Chairman Capper ob- served. “I understand Senator Howell will re- introduce his bill. As for gambling, there were two bills introduced by former Senator Robsion and reported favorably by the committee which failed of enactment at the last Con- gress. As these bills were carefully Grafted after consultation with the District Attorney, the corporation coun- zel and the Police Department, I be- lieve they should be reintroduced and enacted.” Renewing his belief in the advisa- bility of a street railway merger, pro- vided the terms are fair to the public, Senator Capper expressed hog of favorable action, but does not know at this time what proposal may come to the committee. Referring to the reappointment of Harleigh H. Hartman for another term on the Public Utilitles Commission, Senator Capper said: Hartman to Have Hearing. “Certain serious charges have been made 'ding Mr. Hartman's record as a public servant. Before the Senate can confirm this nomination, it will probably be necessary for the District Committee to hold a fair and impartial hearing on these allegations. Mr. Hart- man will be given full opportunity to answer the charges.” . Senator Capper also mentioned the credit union and the small-loans bill as measures to be considered by the committee again at the coming session. The Senator also announced he would co-operate in putting forward legisla- tion to eliminate alley dwellings, de- claring that “the time has come when Congress should take a hand in help- ing the District to rid itself of these undesirable homes. U. S. PAY ROLL GAINS 7,922 WITHIN YEAR 3,183 of Increase Represented in D. C.—Veterans’ Administration Leads in Staff Additions. The Government ended the fiscal year with 616,837 workers on :ts pay roil in the executive departments, an increas> of 7,922 over June 30, 1930, according to a tabulation today at the Civil Serv- OF these e g0 . 71,698 were employed in the District, an increase of 3,183 for the 12 months. ‘The branches showing principal gains in the year werg: - Veterans' Adminis- tration, 3,926; ~Justice, 3702; War, 3,067; Agriculture, 2,439; Interior, 1,204, and Navy, 1,086. Decreases : were: Panama Canal, 376; Commerce, 3,275, and Treasury, 1,156. The Justice and Treasury figures are related, the shift representing fizm merce - now 468,050 positions sub- titive examinations wt,.nlnoll.filc There are Joct to the i the ye