Evening Star Newspaper, July 17, 1937, Page 1

WEATHER. (U 8. Weather Bureau Forecast.) Local thundershowers late this after- noon or tonight; tomorrow fair and cooler. Temperatures today—Highest, 91, at noon; lowest, 71, at 5:45 a.m. Temperature at 1 p.m, 8. Full report on Page A-8. Closing N.Y. Markets—Sales—Page 10 34,045. 85th YEAR. No. Entered as second class matter post office, Washington, D. C. ch WASHINGTON, THREE DIE IN FLAMES, FOURTH FATALLY HURT, AS CAR HITS OIL TRUCK Roosevelt Calls Hull to Confer OnU.S. Role in Crisis in China Parley F. ollows Secrelary s Espousal of “National and International Self- Restraint” as America’s Policy. ’ Woman Is Tossed: Clear of Blaze but Dies Later. GASOLINE FIRE RAGES 5 HOURS Firemen Helpless, as Trapped Men Perish. Three men were burned to death, a ‘woman was fatally injured and three others hurt early today in a head-on eollision between a coupe and an oil- laden truck and trailer on Richmond Highway south of Triangle, Va, about 35 miles south of Washington. The driver of the truck, trapped in She eab with a helper, was burned beyond recognition. He is believed to be Johnny Long of McOoll, 8. C. The J. P. McLauren Co., owners of the truck, said that Long was driving the truck when it left on the trip. The heiper was identified by a metal tag as Reggie Gillespie, 23, of McColl, 8. C. The tractor of the truck bore license number 1F233 and the trailer number 83269, both of South Carolina. The driver of the coupe was Pvt. N. L. Goodwin, 29, of the United States Marine Corps base at Quantico. He ‘Wwas pinned under the blazing trailer and burned to death. Thrown Clear of Flames. Miss Hectorine Morin, 30, of Water- bury, Conn., one of three passengers in Goodwin's car, was thrown clear of the blazing wreckage by impact of the eollision but suffered fatal injuries. She died several hours later in the Marine base hospital. Pvt. V. J. Platte, also of the Marine Corps base, and Mrs. Alice Ouellette, 24, of Waterbury, the other passengers in Goodwin's car, escaped without se- rious injury, Platte suffered cuts and bruises and was taken to the Marine base hospital, and Mrs. Oulett, cut on the face, arms and legs by flving glass, was brought to the Alexandria Hos- pital. The accident occurred when Good- win, going north on a downgrade, pulled out into the middle of the road to pass another coupe driven by Etta Koles of Quantico. Goodwin's car struck the rear bumper of the other coupe in passing and swerved to the left into the path of the southbound truck. o Imprisoned in Machines. An instant after the crash the truck was a mass of flames with Goodwin imprisoned in his car and the truck driver and his helper, Gillespie, trapped in the oab of their truck. Goodman's home was at Whitman, Mass. The sound of roaring flames was punctured at sporadic intervals by exploding oil cans, each adding fresh fuel to the blaze. The fire lasted for nearly five hours. An ambulance and fire apparatus ‘were summoned from the Marine base and water and chemicals were poured into the blaze for several hours, but without much effect. It was im- possible to remove the bodies until the flames died out. None of the occupants of the other ®oupe, which was owned by Ernest Coffell of Quantico were injured. Pvt. Rayford William of the Marine base, another passenger in Coffell's car, tided in removing victims of the ac- eident to the base hospital. State Police Officers R. A. Sims and H. L. Robertson arrived on the scene shortly after the crash and directed the rescue work, which was hampered by the streams of burning oil flowing from the truck. THREE POWERS ENTER BI-LATERAL NAVAL PACT Britain Signs Agreement With Reich and Soviet—Treaty Limits Warships' Size. Br the Associated Press. LONDON, July 17.—Great Britain signed bi-lateral naval agreements today with Germany and Soviet Rua- sia. bringing them within the scope ©f the 1936 London naval treaty. The treaty limits the size of war- ships, but not their number, and pro- vides for the interchange of naval building data. Both France and the United Statee have ratified the 1936 treaty and it was expected the iwo bi-lateral agree- ments would lead Britain to take sim- flar action. Japan refused to adhere %0 any such Mmitation at the London eonference. Toward Peace! ‘With the flames of war menac- ing Burope and threatening the Far East, Secretary of State Cordell Hull, in an ex- clusive interview with Lucy Salamanca, aspecial feature writer for The Star, outlines his theories, plans and pro- posals for the restoration ef international good will and points the way to world peace. Read This Interesting and Important Article n Today’s Star ©ON PAGE B-1. | Henkel, By the Assoctated Press. President Roosevelt summoned Sec- retary of State Hull to a luncheon con- ference today to discuss the troubled Far Eastern situation, with particular reference to the United States neu- trality law. The White House aide, who said neutrality would be an important phase of the President’s talk with his chief diplomatic adviser, added, how- ever, that the United States Govern- ment was called on at the moment to take no direct action beyond exploring | all possibilities which may be involved | if the Chinese-Japanese clash in North China develops into an open conflict. Hull went to the White House after urging, in a general declaration of ! American foreign policy, “‘national and international self-restraint.” Without mentioning Japan or China, the Sec- retary added that American interests cannot but be affected by an conflagra- tion in any part of the world. Shortly before joining the Chiel Executive, Hull expressed to his press conference the opinion that his pro- nouncement of American foreign pol- | icy had the whole-hearted support of the 20 other American republics. The major points expressed in that policy, he nld hnd been echoed and | re-echoed throughout the recent Inter- American Conference at Buenos Aires and the principles enunciated were embodied in the pacts and resolutions adopted at that conference. The pleas for sanctity of treaties, peaceful solution of international dis- putes, promotion of economic security and other major tenets, he added, were embodied in the ‘“eight pillars of peace” speech he made at Buenos Aires. That was an attempt, Hull empha- sized, to draw the line between “inter- national anarchy” on one hand and “international order” on the other. In his foreign policy pronouncement Hull said: “We advocate abstinence by all nations from the use of force in pursuit of policy and from interference in the internal affairs of other nations. “We advocate adjustment of prob- lems in international reiations by proc- agreement. “We advocate faithful observance of | international agreements, upholding the principle of the sanctity of treaties.” The neutrality sct provides that (See HULL, Page A-3.) BUDGE I3 VICTOR BUT GRANT BOWS Californian and Baron Win First Matches in Cup Play in Straight Sets. Bs the Associated Press. WIMBLEDON, England, July 17.— Sorrel-topped Don Budge gave the United States an even break in the opening singles matches of the Davis Cup interzone finals with Germany today, trouncing Heinrich Jenkel, 6—2,6—1,6—3, after Bryan M. (Bitsy) Grant of Atlanta had bowed to Baron Gottfried von Cramm, 6—3, 6—4, 6—2. The top-ranking players of the rival teams thus fully lived up to advance calculations. Von Cramm had very little more trouble wit': the tiny Grant than Budge did with the stolid Henkel. After a lay-off over Sunday, the series will be resumed Monday with the doubles, pitting Budge and Gene Mako against Von Cramm and Henkel. Final Singles Tuesday. On Tuesday Grant will play Henkel and Budge will meet Von Cramm in the final two singles matches. The survivor of the series will face Great Britain in the challenge round here July 24-26-27. Where Von Cramm used up 1 hour and 7 minutes is disposing of Grant in the opening match, the surpris- ingly small crowd of 5,000 saw Budge whip Henkel in 52 minutes. In neither match was there ever any question as to the eventual victor. United States Rules Faverite. With the end of the first day’s play, the United States continued to rule the favorite to take the series and then beat Great Britain in the chal- lenge round. [Experts figure the American doubles pair of Budge and Mako slightly superior to the Teuton combination and rate Grant no worse than an even money bet against They already have conceded Budge two singles victories, for the Oakland, Calif., ace thoroughly trounced Von Cramm in the finals of the all-England championships at Wimbledon. As 8 matier of fact, critics thought the red-head was in even greater form today than against Von Cramm in the all-England championships. Henkel was virtually helpless in the face of magnificent passing shots from Budge’s backhand. ‘Though the opening matches were one-sided, most experts agreed Henkel had showed better form than Grant, who admitted he was “so nervous I eouldn’t see out there at first.” Grant paid tribute to Von Cramm 8% the “second best player in the world.” Despite the German chsmpion’s form, however, nobody conceded him much chance against Budge Tuesday if the American plays as he did today. RIOT MOVIE SHOWN T0 CORONER'S JURY Paramount Cameraman Testifies Strikers Provoked Police by Hurling Rocks. By the Assoclated Press. CHICAGO, July 17.—The movie camera’s version of the Memorial day asteel strike riot was added today to the record compiled by a coroner’s jury seeking to fix responsibility for the deaths of 10 men killed in the battle between atrikers and police. A Paramount company newsree] taken by Orlando Lippert was shown to the six-man jury after the photog- rapher testified the rioting was “un- doubtedly precipitated by rocks thrown into police lines by strikers.” Coroner Frank Walsh adjourned the inquest yesterday until Monday. The newsreel—banned from Chicago theaters by the police censor- most of the brief clash in the vicinity of Republic Steel Corp.’s South Chi- eago plant. MURPHY SEES END OF TRUCK STRIKE {Union and Operators Agree to Attend Governor’s Conference. Bv the Associated Press. Frank Murphy, predicting a “speedy settlement,” and negotiators for both sides sought an end of the State-wide truck strike today amid eonflicting re- ports of a truce aiready in effect. Both union leaders and operators | agreed to send representatives to a noon conference here called by Gov. Murphy while & company apokesman disputed a union announcement of & 30-day truce. The truce announcement was branded by J. L. Heath, chairman of the Employers’ Negotiating Com- mittee at Lansing, as “just a face- saving gesture on the part of union organizers.” “The atrike,” Heath said. “is ended —broken through the demand of our employes to return to their jobs. If the union wants to take up the matter of negotiations again, it will have to start all over.” Earlier, R. J. Bennett, spokesman for the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Chauffeurs, Stablemen and Helpers which called an intrastate truck strike at midnight Wednesday, said operators had agreed to a truce. “The union,” Bennett said, “feels that the public and the shippers have suffered enough. We have showed that the State can be tied up. Now we going to work this out peace- tully.” Nonetheless, Heath said he had ad- vised all truck owners to resume oper- ations directly. He said he expected all drivers to be at work by noon today. Contributing to the seeming. uncer- tainty was the statement in Grand Rapids of Claude O. Taylor, secre- tary of the American Federation of Labor Union, that drivers in that city were “still on atrike and would re- main so at least until Monday.” ‘The strike has affected between 3.000 and 8,000 trucks in the union's demands for inereased wages. Summary of esses of peaceful negotiations and | when the President shall find a state | = T |consider such action “s violation of MUSKEGON, Mich., July 17.—Gov. | ¢ Fheninng WITH SUNDAY MORNING EDITION D. C, IAPANESE WARN CHINESE 10 KEEP| - ARMY FROM HOPEl Tokio Determined War Showdown Shall Be Seon, Officials Reveal. FOREIGNERS COMMAND TIENTSIN RAIL STATION Nanking Soldiers Push Toward Peiping Area as Foes Send New Divisions to Trouble Zone. BACKGROUND— Tension between Japanese and Chinese has been growing in North China for many years. Japanese troops stationed there under terms of the Boxer protocol have been accused of attempting to seize Chi- mese territory. Latest outbreak occurred July 9. when wighte maneuvering Japanese were ac- cused of trying to force “incident” a2 excuse 10 seize territory. Chinese answered and doth sides have been marshaling forces for heavy Aght. Bs the Associated Press. ‘ NANKING, July 17.—The Japanese | Embassy announced its assistant mili- | tary attache, Col. Sanji Ohkido, today | warned the Chinese minister of war, Gen. Ho Ying-ching, that “Japan ! { will not tolerate the entry of military ‘or aviation units into Hopei Province” in North China. The Embassy declared the Nanking government was informed Japan would the Houmetsu agreement.” Dispatches from North China indi- cated the vanguard of Central Chinese troops already have reached the south- ern edge of Hopei Province, about 200 miles south of Peiping, near which Chinese and Japanese troops have clashed repeatedly. Prepared te Take Actien. ‘The Japanese Army “is prepared to take firm measures against any viola- tion of this agreement,” Gen. Ho was informed by the assistant attache. who “advised that such activities in Hopei cease.” From Tientsin came news the Japan- ese military command took over the Jast of three railway stations there | today, staked out two airports and be- gan installation of an army communi- cations system. Barbed .wire barricades were erected asround Jspanese mills and warehouses designated for military stores and for | troop occupation. ‘The Japanese cabinet appropriated ten million yen. about $2,890,000, to finance the initial cost of transport- ing reinforcements to North China. An estimate of later military expenses was to be submitted to the diet for approval on July 25, aaid dispatches from Tokio. In Tokio the Japanese government also announced determination to “ac- celerate negotiations” in North China crisis, since the situation “does not permit procrastination.” ‘The semi-official Central Daily News warned Japan that withdrawal of Japanese troops from North China is necessary “to avert possible war.” “China wants only internal unity and external peace, but she will fight when that hope is crushed,” the newspaper declared. Urges Mobilisation. The Nanking organ featured s speech by former Premier Wang Ching-Wei at Kuling before an as- sembly of national civil leaders in which he urged “a mobilization of spiritual and material resources to resist aggression and prevent national extinction.” ‘The consensus of Nanking obeervers Dnven Fingerprints Urged. ALBANY, N. Y, July 17 (®— Pingerprinting of applicants for automobile operators’ licenses as an aid to crime detection was urged to- day by Motor Vehicle Commissioner Charles A. Harnett. .| Interior officials plan discussion of Sports - Lost & Found C-11 | Woman’s Pg. C-10 FOREIGN. Japanese warn Ohins to stay out of Hopei sone. Page A-1 Loyalists strike at rear guard of Ma- drid besiegers. Page A-1 NATIONAL. Oourt bill foes mcline to back Harrison for leader. Page A-1 Hull confers with President on neu- trality law. A-1 Three burn to death, woman fatally hurt in auto crash. Page A-1 Murphy predicts end of Michigan truck strike. Page A-1 @Girl, 19, “linked” to case ot slain doctor. 'age A-1 U. 8. and Germany divide nnghl in cup tennis. Page A-1 Pord employes voice resentment at company unions. A-2 Advocates of farm legislation split into three camps. Page A-3 Rev. R, Anderson Jardine to talk in Baltimore despite rebuffs. Page A-4 WASHINGTON AND VICINITY. Myatery ahrouds death of writer found unconscious in park. Page A-1 Institute toid eitisens must have eco- nomic protection. Page A-2 D. C. seeks U. 8. aid in supplementing Telief funds. PageA-12 ! slaughter house situation. Page A-1%8 Air Buresu drafts safety code for D. C. Airport landings. Page A-1: Bonding trial resumes Tuesday aftes' State rests case. Page A-§ EDITORIAL AND COMMENT. Editorials. This and That. Stars, Men and Atoms. Answers to Questions. David Lawrence. H. R. Baukhage. Mark Sullivan, Jay Pranklin. Lemuel F. Parton. SPORTS. .l foot. and mx hitter, Myer, slow a! Page C.6 A-1 ful for 1987. Oochrane, back on #et, pumled by Rowe's weakness. / Page C-8 bination. GM,::', rated nf 'man of U. 8. Davis Cup hopes. / Page C-9 Vital Bta Service Shippin, Nature's Croas- Bed! Lett Yo h lmn d Pussle. Story. Out. ‘Washington. hy Dix. Oaswell. Slar SATURDAY, JULY 17, 1937—THIRTY-SIX PAGES. ##% The only evening paper n Washington with the Assoclated Press News Yesterday's UP) Means Associated Press. —AND ALL S8ET TO GO, TOO! CLUES ARE HUNTED IN WEBSTER CASE ! Secretary of Slain Physician and Her Roommate Are Questioned. BACKGROUND— Dr. George W. Webster, promi- nent obstetrician of Providence, R. 1., was mortally wounded by two bullets as he was entering his home early yesterday morning. Rushed to a hospital, the physi- cian died on the operating tabls without giving any clue to ths identity of his assailant. By the Associated Press. - PROVIDENCE, R. I, July 1"— Two ocomely women were the cester of interest today in the mystesous murder of Dr, George W. Welster, fashionable physician. The physician was shot to des.h in the doorway of his home here early Yesterday. Questioned by police vesterdw and released to appear when vanted, pretty Dorothea Gilligan, aeretary for eight years of the siain ®-year- old homeopathic obstetrician in an Interview today ssid the murler was “horrible.” She refused to discuss 'he case further, saying police warnel her not to. “More than you'll know" she re- sponded to a question as .0 Whether the case was more horible than when she first heard abou it. Elizabeth Prince, 25, vommate of | Miss Gilligan, also was qeestioned. Neither woman has jeen charged with any crime and Deputy Supt. James Cusick of the ddective division would not indicate defhitely the exact course of the investigition. Miss Prince was giestioned yester- day by police, who ept her identity secret. Released, sk again was taken into custody last ght, and held in the lock-up. Csick revealed her identity today. ‘Whether she rould be questioned about the doctor! patients—whom she would know beguse of her friendship for the Gilligs girl—or whether po- lice expected ¢ learn from her some- thing abeut ;he physician's private life the poli¢ would not indicate. Cusick latsyesterday said police had traced Dr. ¥ebster's movements dur- ing the 13 hours prior to his being killed by g person who fired two .45- caliber billets into his body ss he came hofe after 1 a.m. yesterday. He d*d st Homeopathic Hospital on theoperating table, his last words being ‘I don't know who eould have doneshis to me.” Manwhile, the family of the slain Mricim comprising his wife and 7-yar-old daughter, and his father, Dy Samuel Webster of Westerly, R. 1., pepu-ed to attend funeral services pmorrow afternoon in fashionabie Central Congregational Church. Miss Giilizan Interviewed. ‘The New Bedford, Mass., Standard Times today said in an exclusive in- terview, Miss Gilligan asserted she eouldn’t think of “any lving soul who would have wanted to kil Dr. ‘Websf “Dr. Webster was s wonderfully fine man,” the paper quoted her as saying. “It doesn’t seem possible any one eould have had & grudge sgainst him.” Miss Gilligan related, the paper said, she worked for Dr. Webster “al- most ever since I left New Bedford eight years ago. I lost my father in 1932. He (Dr. Webster) was so good to all of us then. He took care of my mother, then, and my brother. He was & fine man and he had a lovely family.” ‘The interview, the paper said, was given at her Providence home after she had returned yesterday from po- lice headquarters where she checked names of the physician’s patients with Ppolice. ‘The paper said the young woman, shocked by the death of her employer, declared she wanted to give the po- loe “any assistance I possibly can.” Japanese Storms Kill 45. TOKIO, July 17 (#)—Forty-five persons were killed today by violent rain and wind storms sweeping Kanawags and Gumms prefectures. Thoussnds of homes were washed awey or ficoded. L Map West Told Pay Costs of H usband’s Suit y the Associated Pre: 108 ANGELES, July 17.—The judge | finally said yes to Frank Wallace's appeal for recognition as Mae wmx; husband, but now that Wallace has| it, everybody was wondering: “What has he got?” ‘True, Superior Judge Robert Kenny | ordered “Diamond Lil” to pay eosts of | Wallace's suit, but he declined to| decide whether they had ever lived together as man and wife. That, he said, might be a matter of “historical interest,” but it was not pertinent to the suit. Wallace's lawyer's protested, but didn't reveal what their next step would be. Wallace’s purpose in establishing the marriage has never been disclosed. Miss West denied it for some time. “It's just one of those things you do in your spare time in Milwaukee,” she said, but finally sdmitted ahe and Wallace were married in the Wiscon- sin city in 1911, PICCARD IS READY FOR BALLOON HOP Stratosphere Test May Be Undertaken Today in Minnesota. BY the Assoctated Press. ROCHESTER, Minn. July 17— Dr. Jean Piccard of the University of Minnesota watched development today of & high-pressure area which may enable him to make a stratosphere test, flight in his multi-balloon craft late today or early Sunday morning. Piccard hopes to demonstrate the feasibility of his craft of two elusters of 80 rubber balloons, each about four feet in diameter, for scientific observations in the upper layers of the stratosphere. Although the low-pressure storm area was moving out eastward, it was going slowly and leaving clouds and comparatively high winds in its wake, Mac Emerson of the St. Paul Airport Weather Bureau said. He pre- dicted the atmosphere would not elear until tonight or Sunday morning. Heavy night air would give the strange craft more bouyancy, enabling it to rise farther. Piccard planned to ascend only two or three miles. If the test bears out his theory that his 80 sounding bal- loons have a greater lifting power than the large one-bag fabric bal- loons previously used, he will build a craft of 2,000 balloons for & stratos- phere flight. Only three or four minutes will be required to inflate the entire series of balloons with hydrogen gas and take off, Piccard said. The ground crew had been divided into 10 teams, each of which simultaneously will in- flate balloons assigned to it. Picoard will ride in an open gondola weighing 65 pounds. In the gondola will be a radio receiver .and trans- mitter, a barometer and rate-of-climb indicator. No other instruments will be taken. CLIPPER OF'F FOR BASE Leaves Newfoundland After Two Trans-Atlentie Flights. BOTWOOD, Newfoundland, July 17 (Canadian Press).—Two trans-Atlan- tic flights successtully completed, the Pan-American Clipper III took off at 7:01 a.m. Eastern standard time today for 8hediac, New Brunswick, en route to her home base at Porf Washington, N. Y. AUTOPSY TODAY # INTO PARK DEATH W. P. A. Writer Found Dying Behind State, War and Navy Building. BULLETIN. Coroner A. Magruder MacDon- ald announced at 1 p.m. today he would issue a certificate of death from natural causes in the case of Anthanasius Econom, An autopsy showed the man had a bad heart, liver, kidney and a congested brain, No marks of violence, either ex- ternal or internal. were found. An autopsy was to be conducted to- day by Coroner A. Magruder McDonald in an effort to clear up the mystery surrounding the death of Anthanasi- us P. Econom, 48. of 120 C street southeast, & W. P. A. writer, who was found unconscious Ilast night on the park Iawn behind the State, War and Navy Building. He had been tobbed, police my, but despite reports that he had been at- tacked by three men, his body bore no signs of any blows. Suspecting s poesible murder after three youths told of having seen three other young men running from the acene as Pthey approached to investi- gate “what sounded like a fight,” police 1ast night arrested eight men for questioning. All were still being held this morning. Beveral victims have reported being beaten by three young men in that vicinity during the last several weeks. Wallet Found Empty. Econom was believed to have had with him most of his pay and a sum of money drawn from a bank. His empty wallet was found near the scene, and his watch apparently had been pulled from its chain. Econom had been whistling and singing by himself, according to the story told police by the three youths, when they heard some one ask the man for a cigarette. Shortly after- ward, the three said, they heard what seemed to be a blow and decided to investigate. They found Econom lying on the grass “gasping for breath,” and saw the men running. Harry Jones, 18, of 1733 K street, one of the three, summoned a park policeman, who took Econom to Emer- gency Hospital. He died there a short time later. The two youths with Jones were Edley Grayson, 17, of the K street address, ang Raymond Cox, 25, of Sprice Pine. N. C. The latter told po- lice he lived at the Y. M. C. A. Cox was held at the first precinct last night on an open charge. The two boys were released. ‘The seven others arrested for ques- tioning have been frequenting the perk in that vicinity, police said. All but one are from out of the city. Econom, s World War veteran, was certified as a District relief elient in July, 1985, and assigned to the His- torical Records Survey of the W. P. A., 816 Independence avenue southwest. He was to have left with a friend for Valley Stream, N. Y., on a 10-day vacation this morning, Econom's landiady, Mrs. M. Acton, said. He gave up his room temporarily Thursday night, and had remarked he would try for a Civil Service job on return here. AU the records division it was re- ported Econom had made no appli- cation for a vacation. ESTIMATED 281 DIE ON TRAIN IN INDI Caleutta Express Derailed Near Patna—Authorities Suspect Sabotage. By the Associated Press. Weather reports said there was fog over Newfoundland and occasional showers in the Maritime Provinces, but the 22%-ton flying boat was ex- pected to complete the hop in five hours. ‘The United States ship, pioneering & commercial air route across the ocean in co-operation with the Im- Pperisl Airways’ 18-ton flying boat Oal- edonis, arrived at Botwood yesterday after s flight from Foynes, Ireland. The Caledonia flew from Botwood to the other side at the same time. ‘The clipper ahip will stop overnight at the New Brunswick point and con- tinue her fiight to Port Washington Sunday. & Y PATNA, Indis, July 17.—An eeti- mated 281 persons died and 250 were injured todsy when the Calcutta Ex- press was derailed 15 miles from Patnas. Earlier advices placed the dead at 100, but the Exchange Telegraph (British) News Agency listed the death toll at 281. Authorities suspected sabotage be- cause upturned rails indicated prob- able tampering with the tracks. All the European passengers were reported safe. The train left the rails near Bihta station. The locomotive burtled down an embankment and thres eoaches overturned. ! and Wirephoto Services. ircalation, 136,180. (8ome returns not yet received.) TWO CENTS. (COURT BILL FOES FAVORHARRISON FOR LEADERSHIP {Senators Going to Little Rock Are Silent on Party Chief. NEUTRALITY IN RACE HINTED BY PRESIDENT, Caucus Wednesday Decided Upon to Settle Issue as Soon as Possible. BACKGROUND— Bitter controversy over Presi- dent's plan to reorganize Federal judiciary was complicated last Wednesday by sudden death of Senate Majority Leader Robinson. Az speculation boiled over, ques- tions of who would succeed to leadership and whether President would insist upon action this year, Chief Executive settled latter by letter to Semator Barkley to eflect his position had not ehanged: message also was construed as epi- dence of favor for Barkley as suc- cessor to Robinson. By the Associatea Press. ABOARD ROBINSON FUNERAL TRAIN, En Route to Little Rock, Ark.. July 17.—Thirty-eight Senators eacort - ing the body of Senator Joseph T. Robinson to his home State took note today of three developments in the close contest for Senate Democratic ; leader: 1. President Roosevelt indicated his | neutrality by conferring with Senator Harrison of Mississippi. one of the candidates. The other, Senator Bark= ley of Kentucky, previously had been at the White House. 2. Senator Byrnes of South Caro- lina withdrew from the race and was reported backing Harrison. 3. Harrison and Barkley agreed on 8 Democratic caucus next Wednes- day, in order to settle the issue as soon as possible. Both the candidates for Robinson's old post were on the train. Besides the Senate delegation, there were more than & acore of House members, Postmaster General Farley and other administration leaders. Ceourt Fight Chiefs in Party. s The dominant figures on both sides of the court bill eontroversy also were in the party. Senators Wheeler, Demoerat, of Montana; Burke, Democrat, of Nee braska, and Clark, Democrat, of Mie~ souri, headed the opposition, while Barkley and Senator Hatch, Democrat, of New Mexico, were regarded as Roosevelt spokesmen on that issue. Hatch and Parley called at the White House yesterday. although both. said they discussed other problems. Out of respect for their dead leader, most Senators were reluctant to eam- ment publicly on either the court or leadership fights. Privately, they econ- ceded that the battle lines on both questions were being ever more tightly drawn. Nearly all the Demoeratic foes of the eourt bill were inclined %o support Harrison for the leadership. Both he and Barkley have pledged their support to the measure, but the Ken- tuckian has been more active in #s behalf. Harrison and Byrnes were called to the White House yesterday, less than a day after President Roosevelt had written to Barkley urging passage of a court reorganization bill at this session. “The President had heard,” Harrison said afterward, “that some had in- terpreted the letter to mean that he was thereby injecting himaself mto the leadership contest. “He wanted to give me the ab- solute assurance that neither he mor the administration in any way was | taking sides; that was a matter entirely for the Democratic mem- | bership to decide.” A few hours before the funeral train left Washington last night, Es?e'nomfié"?fi. Page A3) MERCURY RISES; SHOWERS HINTED Heat Record May Fall Today Unless Rain Brings Relief. ‘The mercury started soaring into the upper 80's again this morning, indi- cating another day of sweltering heat. Hope for relief was held out by the Weather Bureau, however, with ®» forecast of “local thundershowers late’ this afternoon or tonight, Sunday fair and cooler, moderate southwest winds shifting o northwest by tonight.” Yesterday’s highest temperature and the season’s record to date was 95.7 degrees at 4:20 p.m. This was 3/10 of a degree higher than the previous season’s high, 954, rolled up last Saturday. From 71 at 6 a.m. today, the meroury rose to 81 at 8 a.m. and shot to 90 at noon. ‘The northeast and northwest sec- tions of the city were visited by a thunderstorm late yesterday. Many trees were blown down. One crashed in the 7900 block of Cathedral avenue against live wires and broke into flames. Another fell against a house at 1926 U street. The damage was not serious. 8ix prostrations were reported yes- terday during the heat of the day. NINE DIE IN BLAST LONDON, July 17 (#).—Nine per- sons, mostly women, who were stand- ing in a breadline at Villanueva de Cordoba, Spain, were killed in a powder magazine explosion, the Span- ish Preas Agency reported today from Valencia. Excessive heat was believed 0 have caused the biast yesterdsy.