Evening Star Newspaper, October 27, 1935, Page 38

D3 BUILDINGS SOUGHT BY LINCOLN PARK Association Would Like “Avenue of States” in Its Section. The erection of more beautiful and spacious public buildings along East Capitol street from the Capitol to the banks of the Anacostia river is being advocated and is the aim of the Lincoln Park Citizens’ Associa- tion. The latest aspiration of the group is to have the proposed $10,000,000 structure for the housing of the art collection of Andrew W. Mellon built there. A resolution asking that a site along East Capitol street be given consideration was adopted by the body last week. Want Avenue of States. The ascociation is also backing the suggestion of Col. Robert N. Harper to have a building constructed for each State in the Union to house | its own exhibits and the street be‘ known as the Avenue of States receive | consideration from the city officials. | ‘With the new Supreme Court Build- ing, the Congressional Library and the privately endowed Felger Shakespe- rean Library already on the wide shady East Capitol street, the citizens be- lieve it is ideally situated for more of the public buildings to be in the | shadow of the Capitol. For many years the Lincoln Park Citizens’ Association has been work- ing, not only for improvements in the eastern section of the city, but for all that would benefit the tax- payers and citizens of the city. In a radio speech some time ago Mrs. Helena D. Reed, secretary of the association, outlined some of the accomplishments of the body and some of the projects now sought, as follows: Aims Reviewed. “The Lincoln Park Citizens’ Asso- | ciation, since 1910, has had a part in | the development of many meritorious | said that in spite of the fact the Dis- civic movements. Its presidents have been substantial and honorable citi- znes. It was one of the first citi- zens’ associations to encourage mem- bership among women and to elect them to office, the first I believe in the city to elect a woman to the vice presidency. The late Mrs. Helen Nelson Doocy was the first to receive that honor. She organized Parent- ‘Teacher Associations in the eastern section of the city and brought in- creases in pay for park police and park employes. She also worked zeal- ously for Casualty Hospital and brought many members to the Lin- coln Park Citizens' Association. “As early as 1920 the Lincoln Park Citizens’ Association was at work on the problem of an equitable adjust- ment of gas rates. At that time the records shqw the Federal Government ¥as paying 70 cents per 1,000 cubic | feet for gas; the District government about 40 cents and the private con- sumers $1.32. The association went on record at that time as strongly condemning the unjust and inequita- ble discrimination against private consumers of gas and indorsed the efforts of the Federation of Citizens’ Associations to remedy the unfair dis- crimination. Eastern High Obtained. “The association worked for many DOt necessary and bordered on pro- | the project, which every one should | years to secure an initial appropria- tion of $150,000 from Congress for the erection of Eastern High School and for eight years afterward to get | 1t completed. We are now asking for a new white high school in the South- east section and for a primary white school to be located at Twelfth and D streets northeast. “The association helped to bring about half fares for school children; the establishment of civic centers; supported the present method of se- | lecting the Board of Education; in- crease in pay for principals of elemen- tary schols; installation of mail boxes | on the front doors to facilitate mail deliveries; merger of street car railway system as the solution of street car | problems, as far back as 1921, and has urged the utilization of Great Falls water power as is done in our Western country. This Year's Projects. “The projects the association has been chiefly interested in this year are | the stadium at the end of East Capi- tol street with the armory included; the widening of Twenty-first street from East Capitol street to the Ar- boretum; the erection of three bridges, one urgently needed at Seventeenth and Eighteenth at the junction of | West Virinia and New York avenues, | & bridge over the Aanacostia River ex- tended from the end of East Capitol | street and a new bridge to replace the Pennsylvania Avenue Bridge; im- provement of traffic conditions; im- provement of street car and bus serv- | ice and enactment of bills requiring | police and firemen to live within the District of Columbia and a District | of Columbia inheritance tax for estates over $25,000.” One of the chief objections a mem- | ber of the assoclation has to the building of new public buildings in the northwest is it is adding to the present traffic hazards. 0DD FELLOWS Covenant Lodge will confer the sec- ond degree Wednesday on several candidates. Covenant Lodge leads the | Jurisdiction in point of applications. Grand Chaplain Ashlan F. Harlan ‘will meet Tuesday evening representa- tives from the subordinate and Re- bekah Lodges to organize a committee to plan for a joint divine service this Fall at some prominent church. The grand master officially visited Amity Lodge Friday. The grand master with the presi- dent of the Rebekah Assembly has announced a pilgrimage to the Odd Fellows Home Saturday, November 23, 2 to 6 pm. Eastern Lodge met Wednesday and is preparing for visitation November 6. Grand Representative Wilfred E. Lawson has returned from Boston ‘where he visited some of the large lodges. Chief Patriarch Karl N. Bretzfelder of Fred D. Stuart Encampment in- vites all patriarchs of the several en- campments to attend the conferring of the Patriarchial degree November 12 on Joe Marshall of Friendship Lodge. The Ladies’ Auxiliary of Canton Washington Patriarch Militant met Saturday, October 19, with Beatrice Lampe presiding. Mrs. Hazel Hunter, Mrs. Laura Flammer and Mrs. Noalls were mustered in. The auxiliary celebrated its twenty-first birthday. Mrs. Lampe, Mrs. Amy V. Glasbeinner. Capt. W. Beker and Department | terest in civic affairs of the city and Cites Cost of Tube as Compared to That of Garage Space. Amelia MacFadyen to Talk Thursday on Child W elfare. ‘Washington's traffic problems should be solved by banning parking on the street and not by such fantastic pro- posals as subways, James G. Yaden, president, Federation of Citizens' As- sociations, believes. It is difficult and even unpopular to oppose projects which are worthy and desirable, however in every case the | cost of each proposal should be care- fully considered, he declared in an address Thursday evening over Sta- tion WMAL. Each Thursday night a speaker from one of Washington's organized civic bodies speaks over WMAL on District problems. The series is spon- sored by the Federation of Citizens' Associations and is under the direc- tion of its vice president, L. A. Car- ruthers. Miss MacFadyen to Speak Next Thursday's speaker will be Miss Amelia MacFayden, a member of the Washingtonians and delegate from that organization to the federa- tion for the past two years. Sheis a | native of North Carolina and came to Washington in 1923. Miss MacFadyen takes a keen in- is particularly interested in all phases of child welfare. Being a daughter of |a pioneer doctor in the mountains of | North Carolina, where he practiced | | for 50 years, she naturally inherits | her father’s interest in promoting | health. The subject of Miss MacFadyen' address will be “Child Conservation,” dealing with its relationship to the citizen of tomorrow. In his speech last Thursday Yaden | trict is almost free from debt and its taxable property has increased from year to year, the cost of running the municipal government has increased “by leaps and bounds.” District taxpayers might just as well bay at the moon, he said, as to protest increased taxation next year, because legislation already on the statute books makes it necessary for additional millions to carry on the | | necessary functions hereafter. | | “However, the same authority that | so justifiably reaches this conclusion should in all fairness take this factor into consideration in reaching a fair decision as to the Federal Govern- ment’s just share in determining the expenses of conducting the municipal government of Washington.” Factors in Fixing Share. Some of these factors are listed by Yaden as follows: Excessive street area; maintenance of streets; munici- pal center, the Federal Government deciding that the municipal buildings site should occupy four squares in- | stead of two with the cost raised | | | | | |from the estimated cost of $12,000,- | tained, so Congress declares, on a | THE SUNDAY STAR, WASHINGTON, D. C, OCTOBER 27, 1935—PART TWO., Subway Fantastic, Ban Parking, Yaden Says in Radio Address MISS AMELIA MacFADYEN. —Star Staff Photo. At the present time the subway is the one proposal which should draw strong opposition of District taxpay- ers, Yaden asserted. “Of all the use- less, fantastic fairy proposals thus far advanced this one takes the prize.” In the first place, he continued, 4 miles of subway would be of little benefit and would cost in excess of $7,000,000, which would be only the beginning of headlong indebtedness— “bonded indebtedness, if you please, with its insidious interest accumula- tion”—for the District. He asks, who is to pay the $7,000,~ 000 and why is the subway necessary at all? All that is necessary is to remove the cars from parking on the streets so that the streets may be used for traffic instead of parking space. “Why should the taxpayers be re- quired to put up $7,000,000 to provide for 4 miles of subway in order that 4 miles of streets above them may | be used for garage space? The cost | is too great to pay for the experi-| ment, especially when it is so abso- lutely unnecessary.” Fair Lump Sum Asked. Yaden believes that a fair and equitable lump sum contribution by | the Federal Government should be made in the District appropriation rather than a percentage. Also that the determination of what is fair and equitable should be approached from | Civic Problems, a different angle than heretofore. First, he believes the per capita ! basis of comparison should be used | instead of the different methods that have heretofore been followed. Second, allowances should be made for the taxable property that is taken away from the District by the Federal Government. | Third, he believes there is nearly a billion dollars of exempt property in the District—$750.000 to $300.000 of this property is owned by the Federal Government. This, together with other tax exempt property here, is upwards of 40 per cent of the total value of real estate in the District. Fourth, Washington must be main- /000 to $22,000,000; park and planning | grander scale than other cities because | commission development, which re- some projects which some believe were | fligate waste. M. E. Diehl Succeeds Havenner as Head of Civic Group. MAN nearing threescore and “younger generation” a chance to keep | the Anacostia Citizens' Association by young Diehl will make a success at made up his academic credits and examinations in 1932. in the Anacostia area, specifically the | of Anacostia for more than 20 years | tiquated buildings and the necessity schools in the section. part of the school is occupied now, Diehl was quoted as saying that “all have already been made, the hall and within the next year. Anacostia Park, met with Diehl’s in- ten who has actively headed a | the good name of the association in- | Milton E. Diehl, a 28-year-old at- his new position. He found high| qualified for entrance at National | Plans for Coming Year. Ketcham and Van Buren Elementary :md who attended the grammar of having an annex to relieve the Of the new Anacostia Junior-Senior however. The other wing of the build- that is needed to make it one of the gymnasium being included in the The recent decision by the National stant approval. The pool will be in Comdr. Gaines spoke. High School Glee Club sang. The McKinley ‘ Elementary Schools and Library Cited as Main Needs. A citizens' organization almost | continuously for half a cen-| ury, has stepped down to afford the | tact and invest it with “new blood.” | He is Dr. George C. Havenner, who has been succeeded as president of torney for Joseph B. Eastman, Fed-| eral co-ordinator of transportation. If perseverance is any criterion, school distasteful and quit. Later, | however, while a messenger in the | Interstate Commerce Commission, he University, where he received his| LL. B. degree in 1930. After three at- | tempts he passed the District Bar| Interviewed as to his civic plans for the coming year, Diehl imme- | diately attacked the school situation | Schools. | The dark-haired, stocky young| president, who has been a resident| | schools in the community, knows | whereof he speaks. Inadequate heat- |ing and plumbing facilities, an- overcrowdedness are a few of the reasons why the young attorney is so vehement in his request for better | High School, Diehl has high praise, declaring it was a project that Ana- costia had needed for years. Only ing will, in all probability, be finished within the next month or six weeks. Speaking further on the new school, finest school buildings in the city is the addition of an assembly hall and & gymnasium.” Provisions for this original plans that were drawn up. However, it is very unlikely that either one of these will be built Capital Park and Planning Commis- sion to build & swimming pool with P. W. A. money at the fleld house in operation next Summer. The lawyer-president declared that it is the Nation’s Capital financing, the Federal Government will pay for know is not true, he said. New President in Anacostia Gives Plans for Coming Year time was efforts of the association in securing a branch library that would serve the residents across the river. A request for the purchase of a site and | the drafting of plans for an Anacostia branch has already been made in the 1937 budget, the cost for this to be $25,000. As an argument to support their request for the library, the citi- zens point out that the community is cut off from other library facilities by the river and further that the nearest branch is located at Seventh street and Pennsylvania avénue, a distance of about 2 miles. This project will be given attention at an early date, Diehl stated. Aside from his civic activities and | nis position at the I. C. C., both of | which keep him “on the jump,” Diehl is strictly a home man, living with his wife and baby son at 1432 S street southeast, only a hop, skip, and jump from the association’s meeting place, the new Anacostia Junior-Senior High School at Sixteenth and R streets southeast. — MORE STREET LIGHTING IS ASKED BY CITIZENS Citizens’ Forum Says Economy Program of Several Years Ago Has Aided Crime in Community. Increased traffic hazards have led the Citizens’ Forum of Columbia Heights to petition the District Com- missioners and Congress for full restoration of the street lighting appropriation. This appropriation was cut approximately 40 per cent several years ago as an economy measure, it | was pointed out. Criminals are aided in their work by this reduced appropriation, it was declared and their escape is made easier. The resolution declared “the citizens suffer by this mistaken economy.” The District Commissioners, the Budget Bureau and the House and Senate District Committees were or- dered sent copies of the resolution adopted. sulted not only in giving the District | asserted Yaden. The proponents u'y§ parks beauty and splendor but also | to “fiim-flam” taxpayers into believing ! Civic Bodies Chevy Chase Bus Terminal, Communism in Schools and Anti-Crime Appeal of Federation of Churches Have Spotlight. BY JESSE C. SUTER. HEVY CHASE BUSSES, teaching of communism in the schools and the ap- peal by the Civic Affairs Committee of the Federation of Churches for an anti-crime, anti- gambling and anti-liquor drive were the outstanding civic matters of the past week. Another matter of importance was the invitation of Corporation Counsel Prettyman to the civic bodies to send in con- structive suggestions for inclusion in the rules and regulations .betng formulated to govern the operation of the unemployment insurance law. All the while the Safety Coun- cil Campaign of The Star has moved on accompanied by a lively discussion of traffic problems and various studies under way to make the streets more safe. In these studles and discusisons both ama- teurs and experts are participants, but the amateurs seem to be much more sure of their solutions than the experts. Civic leaders are con- fident the concentration of thought on these baffling traffic problems will be productive of practical benefits. Interest in the gift by Andrew W. Mellon of $10,000,000 for the erec- tion in Washington of a National Gallery of Art in which will be housed the priceless art treasures he is also giving to the people has stirred up an interest in some of the citizens’ associations. As usual local pride has manifest itself through suggestions that suitable sites may be found in several neighborhoods for this proposed buiding. Among such sites sug- gested are Henderson Castle, Six- teenth and Florida avenue; the Dean tract, Columbia road, Flor- ida avenue and Nineteenth street; the old Sixteenth street reservoir at Sixteenth and Kennedy streets and a site to be selected on East Capitol street. In connection with several of these sites advantages of location because of freedom from traffic congestion and ade- quate transportation facilities are pointed out. Chevy Chase and Her Bus Problem. 'HEVY CHASE bus terminal problem seems to have topped all of the civic problems before the public during the past week. From the great assemblage of the busses at Chevy Chase Circle there would appear to be substantial evi- dence of the attempt of the com- pany to supply frequent and ade- quate service. Some of the trolley cars which heretofore served that section, went through to the Chevy Chase Lake, where the Capital Transit Co. owns adequate terminal space. With the substitu- tion of the busses for the cars the route beyond the circle was con- tinued as a separate division to give more frequent service through the more populous section to the south, as was the case with the car operation. Consequently the busses whose run terminate at the circle continue their trip around and to the right, as did the trol- leys and exactly as any other ve- hicle would travel. The rub comes through the ap- parent monopolizing by the busses of the rcadway surrounding the circle. Substantial increase in the number of bus riders over car riders together with the smaller passenger capacity of the busses account for an increase in the number of vehicles rounding the circle for a return trip to the city. Naturally there is a massing of these busses as they must leave this point on a fixed schedule in to maintain the required This n.assing of these great ve- hicles, .t is claimed, creates a dan- gerous and unsightly condition wholly objectionable to the prop- erty owners and residents of that very attractive neizhborhood. It was only a short time ago that the Chevy Chase folk were re- joicing cver the beautification of the Chevy Chase Circle and dedi- cating the fine fountain with which it is adorned. This was to be one of the most attractive gateways to the National Capital and now to have this beauty-spot made a mere bus terminal is a backward step they are not ready to take. The numerous organizations of citizens of the Chevy Chase terri- tory are anxious to have and will insist on getting satisfactory mass transportation facilities, but they declare they are equally insistent on preserving the attractiveness of the section. Numerous suggestions have heen made for a solution of the problem, among which is that all of the busses be routed through to the lake. It is argued, in this connection, that this added service would build up the country be- yond the circle and thereby in- crease the business of the Capital Transit Co. The company is confronted by a most serious problem through the threatened imposition of heavy taxes on busses operating in Mary- land, whether they only travel the approximately 100 feet around the circle or continue out to the lake. It is understood that the com- pany s working on the problem with che intention of meeting the wishes of the citizens to the fullest possible extent. What this solu- tion will be cannot at this time be forecast. Advocating or Teaching Of Communism in Schools. TEMPEST of teapot propor- tions has been stirred up over the opinion of Corporation Counsel Prettyman interpreting the rider on the District of Columbia ap- propriation bill whichprovides for withholding the salary of any teacher of the public schools who “teaches or advocates” commun- ism. The opinion holds that “any teaching of communism which has for its purpose or its intended effect the nurture, the training or the indoctrination of the pupils in communist thought is forbidden by this statute.” “But,” he continues, “I am of the opinion that the mere informing of pupils concerning the history, existence or theories of communist government or parties is not prohibited. * * * There is a vital difference here between ‘teaching’ and ‘teaching about. To state that communism exists is not to ‘teach’ it. To state what communists believe is not to ‘teach communism’ within the meaning of the statute, provided the method or manner of statement does not imply approval.” ‘The opinion has had the ap- proval of the Board of Education 1 and of the District Commissioners. It is also interesting ‘that Repre- sentative Clarence Cannon of Missourl, chairman of the District Subcommittee of the House Com- mittee on Appropriations and who is responsible for the rider, is in complete agreement with the Prettyman opinion. Cannon has stated that he is strongly in favor of teaching what communism is, in the regular courses where it would be discussed, as in history, civics and philosophy. In his opinion, any child without knowl- edge of the single tax plan or the “16 to 1" free silver movement is uneducated. Similarly any child who does not know what socialism, nazism, shintoism and commu- nism is, is uneducated. Cannon believes the child should get his information from author- ized and supervised courses rather than from stréet corner discussions and radical literature. Some vigorous protests have been registered with the Board of Education by a few organizations and individuals and a hearing will doubtless be given by the board to those who protest. The president of the board has indicated a will- ingness to grant such hearing. This question has been dis- cussed with & number of the lead- ers in the ranks of organized civic ‘Washington and there is a general uniformity of agreement with the position taken by the learned cor= poration counsel. They all ex- press a desire to have their children educated. Some regard the atti- tude of the opponents of the ruling as akin to that of the Tennesseeans who prosecuted Scopes in the cele- brated “monkey law” case. Some say that in so large a body of people as our teaching force there may be found some who hold to the un-American doctrines of communism, but that these should be located and put out of the schools. Any teacher holding such views would be dangerous even though the mere mention of communism was barred. Expressions of faith were general in the Americanism, loyalty and patriotism of the officers, teachers and Board of Education. While in some sections of the country there has been strenuous objection on the part of teachers to taking an oath of allegiance, inquiry at the Franklin Building fails to de- velop a single instance of hesi- tancy on the part of any officer or teacher here to take the oath. The following oath is taken and subscribed to by every one in the school system on being appointed and also every time appointed to a new position: “I , do solemly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Con- stitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and alleigance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God. The 2d Division Memorial Wil Not Be on the Ellipse. IT WILL probably be a surprise to many to learn that despite many statements to the contrary, the memorial to the 2d Divi- sion of the American Expeditionary Forces will not be erected on the Ellipse. It will be a further sur- prise to learn there was never a suggestion or intention to place it on the Ellipse. This misunderstanding has caused the Park and Planning Commission, the Commission of Fine Arts and the office of the Na- tional Capital Parks to be the re- cipients of numerous letters of pro- test from well meaning ones who are jealous of any attempt to mar the beauty of this fair city. These gocd folks have been having their heartaches and heartbreaks all for nothing as they will discover when they visit the site selected. The 2d Division Memorial ~will be located in the White Lot a little to the north of Constitution avenue and exactly midway be- tween the line of Sixteenth and Seventeenth streets. It will about balance the 1st Division Memor- ial, which is just south of the State, War and Navy Building. The great Ellipse occupies the center of the White Lot and is so called because of its being a true ellipse. At a military review on the Ellipse some years ago a specta= tor was overheard to ask the per- son next to him, “Why do they call this large circular plot the Ellipse?” The person asked ad- mitted that he didn’t know. Tightening Gambling Laws And Also Liquor Laws. SENATOR KING'S assistance is asked by the Civic Affairs Committee of the Washington Federation of Churches to bring about the passage of the new gam- bling bill already passed by the Senate but marooned in the Judic- iary subcommittee of the House District Committee. The Civic Aflair; Committee also urges that provision be made for the treat- ment of habitual drunkards and that the District liquor law and regulations be improved. Indications are that the gambling and liquor problems will receive considerable attention by the civic bodies this Winter. The agitation for mocification and rigid enforce- ment of the liquor control law by the Federation of Churches and the more radical movement of the united dry forces for a “bone dry” law gives assurance that the sub- Ject will not be lost sight of. The campaign for an anti-gam- bling law that will get rid of the ursavory existing conditions has rather general civic organization support and is in a conspicuous place on the legislative program of the Federation of Citizens’ Asso- ciations. An important factor in the keeping of these questions to the fore in the civic bodies is the fact that some of the moving spirits in these reform groups are also active in the organized civic ranks. Get Eight New Members. Eight new members were admitted to the Lincoln Park Citizens’ Associa- tion last week. They are Mrs. W. J. Allen, Mrs. Isabelle S. Arnold, Mrs. 'W. T. Davis, Mrs. Egloff, E. A. Jarrett, James H. Leahy, Miss A. O. Wilson and Albert Litkus, Babp, Federation Secretary, At Home With Pencil or Hoe Gardening Is Favorite Hobby of Veteran Civic Leader. Principal Fight Now Is for Recreation Center at Taft. Give David Babp a pencil or a hoe and hell feel right at home with either one. the Federation of Citizens' Assocla- tions for 11 years—and he has used for a great many more years. I lived—for as long as I can remem- ber. my favorite flowers—dahlias roses.” Of old Pennsylvania Dutch stock, Babp came to Washington from Eas- ton, Pa., with his law books and hoe about 22 years ago. in the West End section, then over in Lincoln Park and at each place he continued to cultivate the hobby he had started in the Keystone State. Now he has a garden at his home at 3817 South Dakota avenue north- east. and Has Many Hobbles. Besides his civic affairs and gar- dening, Babp has several other fa- vorite hobbies—walking, reading and watching tennis and foot ball games. It was back in his college days at Lafayette, in Easton, that he -culti- vated his reading hobby. He says that one of his professors there taught him the “art of reading for both in- |formation and pleasure.” He likes to read fiction, he says, but prefers biog- | raphy, history and books of general "intormauon. Recently, he finished “Vincent Nolte"—and now he's im- mersed in Hervey Allen’s “Anthony | Adverse.” | When Babp came to the Capital !back in 1913 to take a law position with the Department of Justice, where he serveo for seven years, he imme- | diately became interested in local civic |affairs. He was a delegate to the |federation from the West End Citi- zens’ Association while he resided in that section and then later from the | Lincoln Park Citizens’ Association for 8 long period. Moving to his present home about The 60-year-old civic leader and | lawyer has recorded the minutes of | the hoe to pursue his favorite hobby | “It seems as though I've had 8| garden at my home—no matter where I love to raise vegetables and | First he lived | DAVID BABP. | three years ago, he joined the Bur- | roughs Citizens’ Association and is | now serving as its president as well as federation delegate. Fought for Clean-up, Babp's liking for beautiful and clean | surroundings was reflected in his long fight against the rubbish dump in the }normea.st section of the city. This | fight came during his 14 years' resi- | dence in the Lincoln Park area and for more than seven years Babp kept after the District government to re- move the unsightly dump. His efforts were rewarded a few years ago when the garbage transfer plant was con- | structed in Southeast Washington terests have been in public utility mat- | ters, schools and street improvements. | He fought for the construction of the present Eastern High School and the ‘Taft Junior High, and for the opening of South Dakota avenue | As chairman of the local suffrag | committee of the federation, he has | long been an advocate of national ‘!reprcscnlancn for Washington's vote- | less residents. His “nearest and dearest project for the next year or two,” he says, will park near the Taft School. projects during his civic career and has seen quite a few victories come | his way but, as he expressed it, “I can | take a licking as well as a victory.” He explained he got two of his lickings when he voted “wet” and in favor of in the face of overwhelming opposition For Civic Spirit Seat Pleasant Group Plan- ned to Revive Town's Interest. “Dead—for 15 years dead.” | With these words F. L. Watkins. | Seat Pleasant, Md., merchant, yester- day described the civic spirit of the | majority of the citizens of that | Maryland com- # munity adjacent to the National Capital. Watkins, with Leo Naughton, cashier of the Seat Pleasant Bank, and a number of other business men will attempt to form a citizens' asso- ciation in Seat leasant, Md., to revive the civic spirit of the resi- dents of the town to secure the long-sought improve- ments. Meceting To Be Called. Tentative plans for the association | are being formulated by the bu 3 leaders and a meeting is expected to be called shortly after the first | of November in Watkins' Hall | In elaborating on the spiritless at- titude of the citizens toward securing road improvements Watkins said | “this town is 15 years behind the time | as far as some of the roads are con- | cerned Roose- ——— s | velt avenue, for | example, is the main street in | the town and it is not even a first-class gravel |road, when it should be a con- crete highway. | The citizens seem to be satisfied with it. In the Wihter this read is a series of ruts and mud holes | and in the dry | seasons, ~ during | the Summer, one would think he was going through a Kansas duststorm to drive over it.” Under tentative plans of the busi- ness leaders, the citizens will seek | some relief from the State Roads Commission. Start Made Already. Last year the Parent-Teacher As- sociations of the Maryland Park High | School and the District Line School | made a concerted effort to secure ad- | ditions for the schools and succeeded. F. L. Watkins Leo Naughton | movement believe the improvements of the roads can be accomplished. The officials of the town recently sponsored the movement for the pav- ing of the discontinued Washington, Baltimore and Annapolis Railroad right-of-way, the opening of East Capitol street to the District Line fyom the Anacostia River; the build- ing of a bridge over the Anacostia River at East Capitol street and the opening of either Sixty-third street or Southern avenue from Eastern avenue to connect with new roadway in Maryland Park. WOODMEN OF WORLD Another camp of Woodmen has been organized here, named John T. Yates Camp, in honor of the surviv- ing co-founder of the association, | who has served as national secretary more than 45 years. Formal in- stitution exercises were held at | Thomson School. Field Manager Ernest A. Olsen officiated. The Boosters’ Club degree team conferred class and was supported by Company A of the Uniform Rank, under com- mand of Capt. Albert King. The first formal business session will be held next week, when officers will be elected. Ladies’ night was given by W. A. Fraser Camp. A program Wwas pre- sented under direction of William Dalkin. Consul Comdr. Couture acted &5 master of ceremonies. | With this as a spur the leaders of the | the Protection Degree upon a large | Civic Calendar Eight Mectings This Week. Mid-City to Act on Guyer Bill. MONDAY, OCTOBER 23. Georgetown Citizens’ Association, 8 pm., St. John's Church parish hall. AL the last meeting of this group in June a special committee was ap- pointed to study transportation mat- ters with emphasis given to bus trans- portation. A report from this body is expected, President John H. Small states. Dr. Valentine M. Hess of the Medi- ! cal Society of the District will out- line Dr. George G. Ruhland's cam- paign against the spread of tuber- culosis, Mid-City Citizens’ Association, 8 p.m., Thomson Community Center. The bill of Representative Guyer, Re- publican, of Kansas, to prohibit liquor in the be considered at t , President A. J on a request parks to bnal Capital sidewalks in i heard. The ascociation holds that the sidewalks, built with concrete and asphalt, are worn with holes and ruts and need improving. The annual election of officers is slated also, Driscoll says. | North Capitol Citizens’ Associa 8 pm, Room 130, School. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29. Southeast Citizens' Association, 8 p.m., Hine Junior High School. The necessity of a larger appropriation for Gallinger Hospital to enable the su- perintendent to add 60 more employes and reduce the working hours to eigQt hours a day, will be considered by this body, Orring J. Davy, secretary, states. A report from the Lezal Committee | CONVENTIONS SET - NEWWEEK'S MARK Record Year for Meetings Climaxed When Six Convene at Once. Through the efforts of the Greater ‘Nauonal Capital Committee of the | Washington Board of Trade, which has set a new record in bringing In civic activities, Babp’s chief in- | | be the development of a recreational | Babp has fought for a good many | legalization of racing in the District, | on proposed diversion of the gasoline tax into the general fund will also be made. Other business includes election of | officers’ action on resolution indors- ing Community Chest, report of spe- cial Halloween Committee, action against one-man street car operation. Dr. Henry Yeager of the Medical Society of the District will speak. | Logan Thomas Circle Citizens' Asso- | ciation, 8 pm, Logan Hotel. A de- | cision as to whether to make the hotel |a permanent meeting place is expected at tHis meeting, Mrs. Ella M. Thomp- son declares. Friday, November 1. Burroughs Citizens' Association, 8 p.m., John Burroughs School. Vitally interested in securing additional fa- cilities at the Taft Junior High School, this group will probably take 'action to rush the completion of a proposed two wing and gymnasium addition, Secretary Robert M. Furniss reveals. Recommendations for the 1937 District budget include an | amount covering cost of only a one- | wing addition. Awake to the mounting traffic fa- | tality rate, this group was one of the | first to pledge its members to safer driving by indorsement of The Star’s Traffic Safety Campaign. The appall- ing situation will be brought up again at this meeting for further considera- tion; other business will include ap- pointment of committee members and discussion of increase in bread prices. Chillum Heights Citizens’ Associa- tion, 8 p.m., Keene School. |of this association will discuss pro- posals for the widening of Blair road northeast, Vice President Cyrus T. | Bright reveals. Saturday, November 2. Federation of Citizens’ Associations, 8 p.m., board room, District Build- ing. The annual election of officers will be held by this organization. | President James G. Yaden has already made it known he is not a candidate for the office again this year. Yaden, who retains his vote in his native Kentucky, will not be at the meeting Saturday night, but will be in Ken- tucky exercising his privilege of a volce in the government, Members | new conventions to the National Capital, the previous high mark was | passed last week when six national | conventions were held at the same | time. | curtis Hodges, executive director of | the Greater National Capital Com- | mittee, pointed out the fact that, though month after month of 1935 produced more conventions than the corresponding month last year, at no time had as many as six been in session here at one time. October, he said, apparently is a popular month for conventions, al- though statistics for the year will not bear out the assertion that October is better than some of the earlier months. As a whole, the most popular months come earlier in the year, and a large number of organizations prefer January or February. From that date until today. how- ever, no month has fallen behind last year's record, and Washington in 1935 has handled more conventions than during any similar period. The record group of last week, with all of them functioning at one time, were the National Association of Commercial Organization Secreta: Universalist General Conference, tional Council of Jewish Society of Motion Picture Engineers, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite Masons, Supreme Council Thirty- third Degree Masons and the Volun- eers of America. | In addition to this group, a number of local organizations holding their annual meetings chose dcwntown hotels or assembly halls for their sessions at the same time, and the National Capital's convention facilities were found adequate, Rothschild Returns. Louis Rothschild, manager of the Better Business Bureau, returned early last week from Columbus, Ohio, where, as a member of the national board of directors, he attended the national meeting. Talks About “Bait.” Mrs. Sallie P. Muchmore, mer- chandising manager of the Better Business Bureau, last week discussed “bait” for unwary investors in her weekly radio talk on the activities of the organization. Cottrell Busy. Robert J. Cottrell, executive secre- tary of the Washington Board Trade, was forced last week to com- bine two jobs in one. Along with his usual duties of handling board of trade affairs, he was placed in the position of being chairman-host to the convention of the National Association of Commer- cial Organization §ecretaries. Reporters Defeated. During the excitement last week of selecting a queen for the annual Halloween pageant, the Greater Na- tional Capital Committee was thrown into pandimonium when its executive |officers were caught between the urgency of newspaper reporters to learn the winner and the restraint of Curtis Hodges, executive director, Hodges insisted that the preor- dained method of judging should be selected, while the reporters tried to push him into announcing the queen ahead of her court and ahead of the tabulation of averages required by the contest rules. a former editor, won newsy BIGGER PLANS BEGUN FOR SANTA CLAUS LANE A bigger and better Santa Claus Lane is the aim of the Columbi Heights Business Men's Associal this year This was revealed at t October meeting of the Citizens' Fo- rum of Columbia Heights recently. The lane will be opened over a greater period of time, under tentati plans. and will have a some: ferent lighting system. As community Christmas tree will placed on the old Park Savings Bank lawn. B. A. Levitan, c Santa Clsus Lane Committee of the association, said that without a doubt the lane this year will be the “best™ during the six-year period of its sponsorship. an of the SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF LIBERTY. A new council of the Sons and Daughters of Liberty, to be known as Monroe Council, No. 7, will be instis | tuted November 7 at the Phoenix Hall, with State Councilor, Mrs. S. lBeih: Gibson, as instituting officer. | Hope Council met Tuesday, councilor, Mrs. Marie Carne siding. Mrs. Pauline Auerha: secretary of the District of Columbia Public School Association, spoke. ‘Washington Council will meet at | 835 G place tomorrow. Columbia Council will hold a bir30 | game at the home of Mrs. Dreyer, 2504 Twenty-eighth street northeast, November 2. | _ At True Blue Council the councilor, | Mrs. Ella Burnley, welcomed the State vice councilor, Miss Madge Mills, who spoke. Mrs. Burnley ap= | pointed the following as representas | tives to the Public School Association: | Mrs. Louise W. McDonald, Mrs. Floda | Reagan and Mrs. Dora Fletcher. Potomac Council will hold a bingo game at the home of Mrs. Nannie | Riley, 1021 Eighth street northeast, November 1. The State councilor and her staff will make their first official visit for the year to Potomac Coun- | cit November 20. the Get Seven New Members. The Glover Park Citizens' Associa- tion gained seven new members at the | last meeting. They are Mr. and Mrs. |Leo N Aukerich, Fred H. Real, Mrs. | Frederick A. ‘Ray, Jack L. Menefel, James A. Hayes and Oscar Webb. PEEE The Maccabees. National Tent will give & masquer- ade dance October 29, for benefit of & hospital bed fund, at the Hayloft, 1326 Massachusetts avenue, from 10 pm. to 1 am. Prizes will be given for dances and costumes. Sir Knight Charles O'Nelll is chairman of the Committee on Arrangements. Y »