Evening Star Newspaper, April 16, 1935, Page 19

Washington News F.H.A.TO APPROVE TWO ADDITIONAL HOUSING PROJECTS Apartment in Fashionable District and One in North- east Due for Sanction, OTHER APPLICATIONS ON FILE WITH BODY Sabath to Ask Roosevelt for Funds to Build Units for Federal Workers. Close on the heels of published re- ports that Representative A. T. Sabath of Illinois plans to recommend to President Roosevelt that Federal funds be used to build several apartments in Washington to house Government workers because of existing high rentals here, it was revealed today that the Federal Housing Administra- tion expects to announce shortly ap- proval of mortgage insurance on two more low-cost housing projects in the District of Columbia. With the Clarendon, Va. apart- ment house group already approved by the Housing Administration, these new projects will house approximately 1,100 families, it is estimated. In Fashionable Section. ©One of those about to be approved is understood to be a project consist- ing of 300 apartments in a fashionable section of the city. Final commitment to insure a mortgage on this group is expected within a week, it was learned on reliable authority. The other pending project will be the largest thus far proposed in the Capital and vicinity, with a total of 550 family units contemplated. It will be located in the Northeast section of the city and is in no wise identified with the P. W. A. project planned for Rhode Island avenue northeast. Other Applications Filed. In addition several other applica- tions are on file for low-cost housing projects of the type expected to attract Government employes;“it was learned. The Clarendon apartment group, known as Colonial Village, will be ready for occupancy by the Fall, work having commenced this wzek. The other two should be ready by next Spring. All of these projects are financed with private capital, the Housing Ad- ministration simply insuring the mortgages on them. MARITAL JOB RULE QUESTIONNAIRE SENT Congressional Members Are Asked Stand on Celler Bill to Remove Curb. ‘The Government Workers’ Council, composed of representatives of various groups opposed to the marital status law, is sending a questionnaire to members of Congress to determine their attitude on this legislation, which requires dismissal of husband or wife in reductions of force. ‘The council is being aided by the American Federation of Government Employes, and the questionnaire asks if the members will support the Celler bill to do away with the marital restriction. In the council are listed the Na- tional Women's Trade Union League, National League of Women Voters, National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, National Education Association, ~American Federation of Teachers, Women's Homeopathic Medical Sociefy, Wom- en’s Bar Association, American Asso- ciation of University Women, Na- tional Woman’s Party and the Wash- ington Chapter of the American Asso- | ciation of Social Workers. ’36 INTERIOR BILL REPORTED IN SENATE Amendment Carries $432,900 for Public Buildings, Grounds in District. ‘The Senate Appropriations Commit- tee late yesterday reported out the Interior supply bill for 1936, with an amendment carrying the $432,900 needed by the National Park Service for general expenses of public build- ings and grounds in the District for the remaining weeks of the present fiscal year. As reported the bill contains a total for all branches of the Interior De- partment for next year of $61,336,608, a met increase of $2,570,000 over the House bill. The increases were largely in the Indian Bureau, Geological Sur- vey, Bureau of Mines and General Land Office. The Senate committee made no changes in the items allowed by the House for several institutions in ‘Washington, namely: St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, $1,185840; Howard Uni- versity, $665,000; Freedmen's Hospital, $304,400, and Columbia Institution for the Deaf, $135,850. NAVY YARD WORKER FOUND DEAD OF GAS ‘Wall of Baltiomre Home Crum- bled as if by Explosion. Stove Jets Open. Special Dispatch to The Star. BALTIMORE, April 16—John H. Hoy, an employe of the Washington Navy Yard, was found dead on the floor of the kitchen of his home here yesteray by his wife. A wall of the kitchen was crumbled as if by explo- sion, and the gas range jets were open. Employed Here for Year. John H. Hoy had been employed as a machinist at the Washington Navy Yard for a little more than a year, offici there said today. Hoy uted between the Mary- land city and the yard during his em- ployment. he Zhe ening \Y MORNING EDITION Control of New Equipment Urged to End Smoke Evil Mine Bureau Chief Fa- vors Neither of Two Meéasures. Education in Firing Boilers Advised as Quickest Remedy. Eradication of the smoke nuisance here depends primarily on rigid and proper control of new furnace equip- ment, O. P. Hood, chief of the Bureau of Mines, told the Public Health Sub- committee of the House District Com- mittee during hearings today on two pending smoke control bills. Hood said he did not favor either of the two bills and was particularly critical of the one sponsored by the Commissioners, which includes a boiler inspection section. “We shouldn’t mix smoke abate- ment with boiler inspection,” he de- clared. “The boiler inspection feature is merely a red herring to dodge the issue.” After outlining various smoke abate- ment movements in different sec- tions, Hood declared his greatest hope for elmination of the smoke evil is in control of all new equipment. He pointed out it would take at least 20 years to dispose of existing old equip- ment and said “that is the reason why you must be patient with this problem.” Would Ban Monopoly. Hood explained any fuel can be burned smokelessly and said it would be unfair to give any particular fuel a monopoly. “Intelligent and skilled operation and management of plants, coupled with proper combustion,” he declared, “are essential for the reduction of smoke.” Education of all coal users in the proper methods of firing boilers, tech- nical studies and more co-operative | research in the field of smoke abate- ment, were cited by Hood as some practical methods of remedying exist- ing conditions. “Keeping the air clean,” he said, “is similar to the problem of keep- ing the streets clean.” Henry I. Quinn, representing the Federation of Citizens’ Associations, told the subcommittee the smoke situ- ation in Washington could be con- trolled effectively by amending the existing smoke law and providing an adequate staff of smoke inspectors. He said the smoke control bill drafted by William A. Roberts, people’s counsel, probably would be held un- constitutional by the courts, and be- cause of its provision repealing exist- | carbon in a fire box, COMMITIEE GETS CRIVE TRANSCRIT Complete Record to Be Made Available to District Inquiry Group. ‘The complete transcript of testimony before the Special House Crime In- vestigating Committee will be made available to the committee of District officials named to study conditions in the Police Department, Chairman Randolph has informed Corpaoration Counsel Prettyman. This will be done after the House Committee has completed its study and made recommendations to the House. Prettyman said. The District officials also will review any sugges- tions made to the House by the Ran- dolph committee. Meanwhile, the District investigators will devote attention to the report of Inspector Thaddeus R. Bean on the alleged “tip-off” on a gambling raid in the fifth precinct. One member of the group, George W. Offutt, chair- man of the Alcoholic Beverage Con- trol Board, already has read this docu- ment and it now is in the hands of Assistant Engineer Commissioner How- | call ard F. Clark. Prettyman will take it over later this week. A report and recommendations on this phase of the police situation will be presented to the Commissioners be- fore other conditions are studied, it was said. CATHOLIC CONFERENCE TO BE WELL ATTENDED Delegates of Leading Universities Be Here Monday and Tuesday. Delegates to the annual meeting of the Catholic Association for In- ternational Peace, to be held at the Mayflower Hotel Monday and Tues- day, will represent many of the lead- ing Catholic universities and colleges of the country, Several important topics are slated for discussion at the general sessions and at the international dinner to be held at the hotel Monday. Some of the subjects will be: League of Nations symposium from the Committee on Europe, Latin America, international law, interna- tional ethics, the League of Nations and Catholic action, morality and neutrality in international relations, trends in international labor legisla- tion, international economic adjust- ments, present-day conflicts in the Far East, the United States in the Far East, Mexico and international relations and Mexico—the solution of the present situation. and Colleges to Taxicabs, 3 Pect. ARTHUR LOVELL. —Star Staff Photo. ing law the District would be left without any statute on the subject of smoke control. “The only trouble with the present act is the lack of inspectors to en- force it,” declared Quinn. “Give the Commissioners an adequate corps of inspectors and you will get results.” Educational Drive Urged. While Quinn was testifying, Repre- sentative Virginia Jenckes, Democrat, of Indiana, chairman of the subcom- mittee, said she believed the civic or- ganizations of the District could aid materially in eliminating the smoke nuisance by waging an educational campaign on the proper methods of firing a furnace and urging their in- dividual members to follow the in- structions. New smoke control legislation for the District of Columbia was indorsed | by Arthur Lovell and John T. Corbett, national legislative representatives of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Fire- men and Engine Men. Lovell, however, declared that even with the best mechanical devices and the proper control of boilers, rail- roads had found it impossible at times to prevent black smoke from emitting from a locomotive. Proper equipment and an efficlent control of boilers, Corbett said, would go a long way in eliminating smoke. He explained that smoke scientifically is the unconsumed N.R.A. EMPLOYES KEEP 0LD HOURS Hazen Pleased by Results of Stagger Plan for First Day. Employes of the N. R. A. hgve been exempted for the time being MANWHO LOANED SHOREHAN FUNDS KEPT ANONYMOUS Bralove Resists Efforts to Find From Whom He Got $300,000. CREDIT TIMID, HE SAYS AS INQUIRY RECESSES Hearings to Resume in Week or Ten Days, With Court Jus- tices Summoned. ‘Temporarily completing its inquiry, the special House committee investi- gating mortgage refinancing recessed yesterday after Harry M. Bralove, local builder, had successfully re- sisted efforts of committee members to identify the man from whom he obtained $300,000 used in refinancing the Shoreham Hotel. Committee Chairman Sabath an- nounced the hearings will be resumed within a week or 10 days, when Dis- trict Supreme Court Justices F. Dick- inson Letts, Joseph W. Cox, Peyton Gordon and several lawyers will be asked to appear as witnesses. Mr. Sabath “said the committee desired some time to go over the evidence al- ready taken and decide what matters it will take up next. Edward F. Colladay, Washington attorney, told the committee yester- day that Bralove obtained the $300,000 from Henry L. Doherty, utili- ties operator. Desiriog to go further into this transaction, the committee recalled Bralove, who had testified earlier. Bralove Objects to Answering. “Did you get that money from Mr. Doherty?” Representative O'Malley of Wisconsin, asked. Bralove objected to answering the question. He explained that “credit is timid” and said he couldn't see why his sources should be embarrassed un- less an answer would be material to the investigation, After some discus- sion, in which O'Malley said he couldn't see why this “man of mys- tery” should be shielded, Chairman | Sabath announced he would take the matter under consideration and rule on the question at the next session. O'Malley then asked the witness if he had obtained the money through Edmund D. Rheem, former head of Swartzell, Rheem & Hensey Co., now serving a seven-year penitentiary sen- tence in connection with the failure of his firm. Bralove said he did not get it from Rheem. He added that it was a personal loan, for which no col- lateral was required, and that it has been repaid with interest. Colladay was questioned at length concerning the compromise of a lease with Dulin & Martin while he was serving as receiver for the La Salle Apartments. Dulin & Martin owed approximately $26,000 under a 20- year lease, which was compromised for $7,500 and the lease canceled. Contending this action was unfair to the note holders, the committee asked Colladay if his allegiance was divided between the La Salle and Dulin & Martin. This was denied by the witness. “Are you sure that at every stage from the program of “staggered” hours of work at the request of re- covery officials, Traffic Director Wil- liam A. Van Duzer said The 1,560 N, R. A. workers housed in the Commerce Building are work- ing the old shift of 9 a.m. to 4:30, in- stead of the planned new schedule of ; 9:15 to 4:45. N. R. A. officials said they were willing to order a change, if found advisable, but asked the present schedule continue for a while to await results of the new program. One rea- son was that the regular employes of the Commerce Building were placed on 2 9:15 to 4:45 schedule. Van Duzer accepted the request, Meanwhile, Commissioner Melvin C. Hazen, who fostered the idea of “staggering” hours of work for Gov- ernment employes and business houses, ed on Van Duzer to study the ef- fects of the changed schedules, plan- ned to break up the congestion of the old rush-hour periods. He is to sub- mit his findings to the Commissioner in a day or two. Hazen expressed gratification this morning over the apparent effects of the broadening of the morning rush hour in trafic on north and south arterles. He said he noted much less congestion on Sixteenth street and through the downtown business area at the period just before 9 a.m. D. C. BILL PUSHED NEAR CONFERENCE Cannon to Seek Motion to Ap- point House Group to Meet Senators. Chairman Oannon of the subcom- mittee in charge of the District appro- priation bill in the House, hopes to have that measure go to confer2nce tomorrow to iron out the differences between the bill as it passed the House and as it was increased in the Senate. Cannon said today ‘he will make the motion in the House tomorrow morning for appointment of conferees and will then endeavor to arrange with Senator Thomas, Democrat, of Oklahoma, in charge of the Senate conferees, for a eonference tomorrow afternoon, of Motor Total, Figure in 21 Pect. of Accidents Taxicabs, which number less than 3 per cent of the District’s total number of registered motor vehicles, were involved in nearly 21 per cent of all traffic accidents here up to April 1 of this year, according to figures estimated from statistics at the Traffic Department. Records show a total of 1,878 traffic accidents from January 1 to April 1. Of these taxicabs were involved in 393. And in 197 of the accidents, or slightly more than 10 per eent |day. of the total, taxicabs were listed as the striking vehicles. Trafic Director Willlam A. Van Duzer said today there is & total of 150,492 motor vehicles registered in the District, 4,289 of which are taxi- cabs. Of the total there lre 126,459 privately owned passenger The traffic director qflmted that approximately 37,000 automobiles bearing other fihln District of Co- lumbia tags are operated here daily, making, in round numbers, 187,000 motor vehicles in the District each 4 of the proceedings you were absolutely loyal to the La Salle note holders?” Colladay replied that he had been entirely so, and suggested the ques- tions were getting close to accusa- tions, but that he was willing to answer them. Deal Might Have Failed. He then explained the compromise was made because the receivers con- sidered it the best means of getting Dulin & Martin out of the building so the space they occupied could be rented to the Government for more money. Unless they had eompro- mised, he said, Dulin & Martin, by refusing to vacate, could have ruined the chances of leasing to the Gov- ernment. Zarlier, Colladay told of negotiations for a loan by the Shoreham Hotel Noteholders’ Committee, of which he was a member, for the purpose of re- organizing that property. It had been suggested the committee should have bought out Bralove’s claim, to- gether with some $500,000 in other claims, to give the noteholders clear title to the hotel. “The committee,” Colladay said, “had tried for a long while to get money. Every one who came .along had no money to offer. We also tried the Reconstruction Finance Corp. Then Bralove came along with an offer to lend $300,000, and he was the only one who could produce. We borrowed the money and felt we were lucky to get it.” Denies Anything Wrong. He also denied there was anything wrong in the fact that the committee did not inform the noteholders of a contract with Bralove, especially in view of the fact that the contract was never consummated. “The commit- tee,” he declared, “had been given full power to act for the noteholders. We did not disclose the fact of the con- tract because we were dealing with various hostile interests and we did not want them to know about it.” He expressed the belief the Shore- ham reorganization was one of the best in the country and that the note- holders, if they hold on to their se- curities, will realize dollar for dollar on their investment. Rush L. Holland, former Mayflower Hotel receiver, told the committee several prominent men, including Post- master General Farley and former Vice President Curtis, had been given pre- ferred rates at the hotel. He said the loss of revenue to the hotel was more than made up by the increase in business, which resulted from hav- ing them there. Renis Here Scored. Chairman Sabath, digressing from the main purpose of the investiga- tion, asserted that rents in Washing- ton are “disgracefully high,” and asked William L. Beale, vice president of the American Security & Trust Co., if this was due to over-capitalization. Beale said he didn't think so, that rental rates are regulated by supply and demand. Mr. Sabath then said he intended to recommend to the President that 19 apartments be constructed here with Government funds as a means of forcing rents down and improving living conditions. He said he pro- posed to have two of these set aside for members of Congress “who can't find decent places to live now.” P.W.A. R i SENATE PASSES 3 DISTRICT BILLS Homlmde, Convention and Baby Measures Now Go to House. A new traffic offense, known as neg- ligent homicide, to expedite trial of fatal accident cases, will be added 'Di the District code if the House approves 8 bill passed by the Senate yesterday afternoon. The Senate also gave its approval yesterday to the joint resolution au- thorizing the Commissioners to make necessary arrangements for handling crowds during the Shrine convention in June, at an estimated cost of $54,« 000. The committee report pointed out the ‘convention is expected to bring more than 100,000 visitors to the city. The resolution is to cover the usual public order plans for large gatherings, such as at inauguration time. A third bill passed by the Senate is the Copeland measure to prevent blindness in infants born in the Dis- trict, by authorizing the Health De- partment to prepare and distribute a suitable prophylactic treatment, to be applied to the eyes of new-born babies. All three bills still require House ac- tion. Michigan Law Copied. ‘The negligent homicide bill is copied from a Michigan law. It was recom- mended by the Commissioners, who told the Senate District Committee it takes too long to dispose.of fatal auto- mobile cases under the manslaughter charge, which requires indictment, be- cause it is a felony. Negligent homi- cide would be a misdemeanor, and the coroner could certify such cases either to Police Court or District Supreme Court for trial. District officials also reported that it is hard to get juries to convict driv- ers of manslaughter because of the high maximum penalty which is pos- sible on that charge. Negligent homi- cide would be punishable by a jail term of one year or a fine of not to exceed $1,000, or both. Prosecu- tors could still use the manslaughter charge in cases where the circum- stances indicated wanton carelessness. It would also be possible for a jury hearing a manslaughter case to bring in a verdict of negligent homicide, if it felt the facts did not justify man- slaughter, ‘The Senate also considered the new small-loan regulation bill yesterday, but action was postponed when Sena- tor Norris, Republican of Nebraska, said it was too important to pass under the unanimous consent rule. Opposes Interest Rate. Norris voiced opposition to the main feature of the bill, raising the rate of interest on small loans from 1 to 2 per cent a month. Chairman King of the District Committee said 20 years of experience with the 1 per cent law has shown loan agencies will not operate here at that rate, and that District residents are cross- ing into Maryland and Virginia to make loans. Previously, Senator sdml, Republi- can of Minnesota, had urged post- ponement of the bill, citing the argu- ments advanced by the department (& of remedial loans of the Russell Sage Foundation. One of these arguments was that on loans below $35 for 30 days or less, the pending bill would allow too great a charge. Senator King replied that, while it is true that a loan of $5 for a few weeks would carry a high rate, he expressed doubt such loans would be made. On loans of $100, or up to $300, Senator King said the pending bill requires lower interest payments than the plan advocated by the Russell Sage Foundation, [J Workers’ Health Guarded. British India has s new law pro- tecting the health of workers, Stap WASHINGTON, D. C, TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 1935. ‘Mountain’ Makes Wild Sheep Wilder SECOND HERD AT THE ZOO HIDES UNDER ARTIFICIAL CRAG INSTEAD OF CLIMBING IT. FXR ' BY W. H. SHIPPEN, Jr. OOLOGISTS can lead a wild | | mountain sheep toaP. W. A/ mountain, but they can't make him climb it. The second batch of pros- pective mountain climbers was shun- ning the public works crags at the Zoo today, despite the fact the moun- tain was constructed for their pleas- ure and convenience. The sheep just won't climb. They need have no fear of trusting them- selves to the mountain, however. It is solidly ribbed with steel and cov~ ered with cement. Perhaps it is the color which the sheep object to, a dull brick red. Too, the sheep in both instances, while springing from wild families of Sardinia and Barbary, were born in the District of Columbia and never saw a mountain before. When the runway and the new mountain were completed a few weeks ago, Dr. William M. Mann, Zoo di- rector, gaVe a prize flock of Sardinian mouflon first chance at the Alpine sport. If the moufion chose they would make a striking display on the moun- tain, with their athletic build and great horns curved almost in a com- plete circle. But the mouflons hung back, one and all. Yesterday Dr. Mana had four Bar- bary sheep turned mnto the inclosure. ‘They spring also from s mountain- climbing stock, and while their horns are somewhat less spectacular than those of the moufion, they have & reputation among the hill dwe] of the Barbary Coast of Africa. ‘These sheep not only had uever seen a mountain, but very few auto- mobiles. The new runway flanks the main drive. This morning they took refuge from passing motorists, not on the mountain, but under it. “If this batch won’t climb that mountain,” vowed Dr, Mann today, “I'll keep trying others until I find one that will!” ‘Westerners believe the Rocky Moun- tain variety would take the P. W, A. crags in their stride. However, Dr. Mann still has hopes. If just one sheep climbs the moun- tain, by ancient tradition, the others are bound to follow. —_— CELLER BILL HEARINGS TO BEGIN THURSDAY Hearings on the Celler bill to repeal the married persons’ clause in the economy act will begin Thursday at 10:30 a.m. before the House Civil Serv- ice Committee. Chairman Ramspeck said consider- ation also may be given to the pro- posal of Representative Randolph, Democrat, of West Virginia that the ban against the employment of both man and wife in the Government serv- ice be restricted to the higher-salaried brackets. HAZEN SEES NEED Asks Clear Revelation of Faets—Per Capita Tax Load Above 20 Cities. ‘Hopes that a comprehensive and unbiased study may be made of all pertinent phases of the question of | District and Federal fiscal relations | was voiced today by Commissioner Melvin C. Hazen. Commenting on the study made by ‘Treasury Department officials, Com- missioner Hazen pointed to the frank admission in the report that it was not thorough enough to produce con- clusions which ‘might not be open to_question. Figures gathered by District As- sessor William P, Richards, the Com- missioner said, show that the per capita property assessment here is higher than in 20 other cities, being exceeded only by that of New York. The Commissioner found satisfac- tion in the recommendation by the Treasury experts that a more com- prehensive study should be made by experts both in and out of the Dis- trict government. ‘The District Government and the District ' taxpayers, he said, should be amply represented on any grou named to make a final study of the problem. He emphasized there were many pertinent phases of the local taxation lmxmon not covered in the taxation and assessment figures mentioned in the report of the Treasury Depart- ment experts. Mr. Hazen found the Treasury study did not agree in its findings with those contained in the survey made some years ago by the Bureau of Effi- clency, which found the Federal con- tribution to the upkeep of the Na- | tional Capital should be $10,000,000 a year, Soe e Four Couples Licensed. UPPER MARLBORO, Md. April 16.—Marriage licenses have been is- sued here to the following: John Cooper McCelland, 24, Washington, and Mildred Catherine Payne, 22, Hyattsville, Md.; Stephen John Boyle, 20, and Catherine Belle Dick, 18, both of Laurel, Md; Edwin Lorneye Purschwitz, 25, Brentwood, Md., and Daisey Louise McNalley, 17, River- dale, Md.; Gilbert Gustive Pursch- witz, 22, Brentwood, Md., and Mary Helen Owens, 18, Ritchie, Md. Rossdhu Castle Furniture Saved From Block by Court Furniture which once graced the stately Rossdhu Castle, Montgomery County. home.of Mrs. Daisy B.. Cal- houn, Washington -socialite, was tem- porarily saved from the auction block by District Supreme -Court Justice James M. Proctor. Public sale of the furniture had been arderedtorm a.m. tomorrow to satisfy Municipal Court judgment entered January 31 in the alleged failure of Mrs. Calhoun to pay a bill to the Palais Royal department store. On petition of Mrs. Calhoun’s three grandchfidren, who claim they some day may inherit the furniture, Justice Proctor filed a rule to show cause why the sale should not be enjoined. Since preliminary hearing on the rule is scheduled for tomorrow, which also is the date of the sale, United States Marshal John B. Colpoys, postponed the auction until the court decides what should be done. Plaintiffs in the injunction proceed- ings are Peter Drury, 3d, 13 years old; Andrew S. Drury, 11, and Charles W. Waring, jr., 5, sons of Mrs. Margaret | 8. Waring, 2038 Twenty-eighth street. [} | Since they are minors, suit is brought through Charles W. Waring, father of the youngest child and stepfather of the older two. ‘The court was told that the fur- niture belonged to Andrew Simonds, former husband of Mrs. Calhoun, and was located on his Charleston, 8. C., estate, Villa Magherita, when he died in 1905, leaving his wife, the present Mrs. Calhoun, a life estate in all his According to the will, the m was to descend to his dnuchm, Mrs. Waring, or, if she was not living upon Mrs. Calhoun’s death, to Mrs. Waring's children. Mrs. Calhoun was named executress of the will. Her three grandchildren now contend that sale of the property would destroy the possibility of their ever coming into possession of it. In addition to the plea that its sale be enjoined, the plaintiffs ask that & trustee or guardian be ap- pointed to protect their rights in the property. The suit was brought through at- torneys Joseph P. Rafferty, Mark P. Friediander and Robert L Silverman, 4 { measures. Society and General PAGE B—1 U..5. WORKERS ASK J0VEAR OPTIONAL RETIREMENT PLAN Copeland Bill to Establish Annuity Payments to Widows Favored. DELEGATION APPEARS BEFORE SENATE GROUP Only Small Number of Employes ‘Would Want to Quit at Once, Babcock Says. BY J. A. O'LEARY. A plea that Government employes be given the option of retiring after 30 years’ service was made to a Sen- ate subcommittee today by spokesmen for various groups of Federal workers here and throughout the country. Two bills to accomplish this change in the law are pending, one by Sen- ator Gibson, Republican, of Vermont and the other by Senator Neely, Democrat, of West Virginia. A delegation also appealed to the subcommittee for action on the Cope- land bill to establish a system of annuity payments to widows of Gov- ernment employes. The subcommittee, composed of Senators McKellar of Tennessee, Byrd of Virginia, Democrats, and Gibson, | also heard testimony on several other Civil Service bills, including the meas- | ure to extend the retirement law to | employes in the legislative service at the Capitol. Alcorn Outlines Bills. Robert H. Alcorn, chairman of the Joint Conference on Retirement of Civil Service Employes, outlined the purposes of the various pending Among other witnesses who testified in support of the pro- gram were: Joseph P. O'Lone of the Typo- graphical Union, speaking for Gov- ernment Printing Office employes; E. Claude Babcock and Charles I. | Stengle of the American Federation of Government Employes; N. P. Alifas, District Local, 44, Interna- tional Association of Machinists; Gilbert E. Hyatt, National Federation of Post Office Clerks, and Francis | Black, speaking for groups of me- FOR FISGAL STUDY chanics in navy yards and arsenals. Other postal groups also were repre- sented. Under existing law there are three age limits for compulsory retirement, depending on the class of work being performed—namely, 70 years, 65 years or 62 years, The present law allows an employe to exercise the option of retiring two years before the com- pulsory age for his class of service. Many Avoid Retirement. Babcock and other witnesses told the subcommittee that, while there are 18,000 Government workers who have put in 30 years’ service, expe- rience and studies indicate not more than 5 or 6 per cent of them would want to exercise the option to retire before the compulsory age. For that reason, the witnesses said, the addi- tional cost of allowing optional re- tirement ac the end of 30 years would not exceed $1,200,000 a year. Most of the retirements since the system began, Babcock said, have been of the compulsory kind and, therefore, for the benefit of the Gov- ernment rether than the individual. In view of that fact, the subcommit- tee was told, Government workers feel justified ir asking for the 30-year optional privilege for those who would want to exercise it. Chesley W. Jurney, sergeant at arms of the Senate, suggested an amendment to the bill relating to the legislative service, under which em- ployes who are only employed at the Capitol during a session of Congress would not be included. The amend- ment would bring into the retirement system those legislative employes who serve five years or longer. Retirement D | benefits cannot start, however, until after 15 years of service, except in certain cases of disability. No action will be taken on the sev- eral bills until the subcommittee re- ports to the entire Civil Service Com- mittee. MAN STABBED IN CHEST BY 2 IN WOMEN’S GARB Colored Masqueraders Hop on Running Board of Car in Hold-up Attempt. William J. Owens, 38, of 1332 I street, was stabbed in the right chest aad slightly wounded about 10:30 o'clock st night when two colored men dressed in women's clothing at- tempted to hold him up at Connecti~ cut avenue and Kalorama road. Owens reported to police that he | stopped his car for a traffic danger signal and the men hopped on the running board of his automobile. When he resisted, one of them struck him with a knife and the pair fled in an automobile. 33% Traffic Toll Among Children Forecast in U. S. Last Year’s Increase of 189, Pointed Out by A. A. A. Man, If the present increase in traffic accidents continues, one of every three children born ‘in the United States is destined to be either killed or seri- ously injured in traffic, according to Ernest N. Smith, executive vice pres- ident of the American Automobile Association. Smith pointed out that 4,200 school children were killed and more than 140,000 injured by automobiles last year, an increase of 18 per cent over the preceding year. The statement was issued as part of an appeal for better safety edu- cation in the class rooms and further protective work on the part of school safety patrols. “But,” he added, “the problem will not be solved until motorists recog= nize their responsibility in saving child lives.”