Evening Star Newspaper, July 30, 1937, Page 4

A—4 *% ROOSEVELT SCANS FAR EAST REPORTS Tells Press Conference Sit- uation in China Is Very Disturbing. By the Associated Press. President Roosevelt said today that the Far Eastern situation was very disturbing and that he would keep in close touch with developments over the week end The President made this brief ob- servation on the Far Eastern situation at his regular Friday press conference. Just across the street at the State Department, coded wireless messages fiying halfway around the eorld brought latest reports on the safety ©of Americans in China. Basing his attitude on these mes- sages, Secretary Hull said late yester- day the situation nevertheless still eppeared serious. He added, however, he saw no occa- eion yet for any action by this Gov- ernment. The messages came through a 24- hour Government communications £ystem, centering in a battery of tele- graph wires and teletype machines atop the State Department Building. There, across the street from the White House, sits gray-haired David Salmon, chief of the Division of Com- munications and records. At the Navy Department, a short distance away, is bluff Rear Admiral Charles E. Courtney, director of com- munications, in direct contact by radio with the United States Marine sta- tion at Peiping. Just Another Job. To Salmon it is just another job. He has been at the State Department since 1906 and has been through this sort of thing many times, With Admiral Courtney it's differ- ent. He has been director of naval communications only about a year. It is the admiral's office that is actually keeping Washington officials informed of what is going on in China. From the radio station with- in the Marine compound of the em- bassy g0 messages to Shanghai There they are relayed to Cavite on the coast, thence to the Asiatic Fleet and to Honolulu and San Fran- cisco. The State Department has a direct wire to the Naval Division of Communications. Sel Courtne; still in a in the 1800 relief expedition of the Boxer rebellion. His ship, the| Newark, was the first arrival in the international armada sent to rescue | foreigners beleaguered in the Peiping | international settlement “The dry atmosphere and sun there is hard on a fighting man, he said. open steak.” One of the d force in that d. gafe drinking water, he said, “We got water from the river and were instructed to boil it, but some of the men didn't and became ill.” The Chinese, he said, threw the bodies of their dead into the river after engagements with the interna- tional troops. Courtney was & 23-year-old naval cadet at the time. Ore of his friends of the campaign was a young Marine named Smedley D. Butler. A youth- until they were like beef- culties of a fighting ful British officer who took part was | John R. Jellicoe, later commander of the British Grand Fleet in the battle of Jutland. One message of encouragement on the welfare of Americans in China came from Joseph A. McAndrew, com- mander of the 15th United States In- fantry at Tientsin, a scene of fighting. | McAndrew advised the War Depart- ment that he had no report of any danger to Ameritan citizens in that city. He said there had been no mob violence in the Tientsin area and that | all fighting had been between or- | ganized units of Chinese and Japanese. He reported quiet at the time his mes- sage was sent at 1:45 am. MRS. BROWN RITES HELD IN SYRACUSE Daughter of Late Alonzo Bliss, Sr., Seriously Ill Two Weeks at Spring Lake. Puneral services for Mrs. Bertha liss Brown, 2202 Kalorama road. who died yesterday at her Summer home at Spring Lake, N. J., were held today in Syracuse, N. Y. Burial also was at Syracuse. Mrs. Brown was the widow of Dean E. Brown and daughter of the late Alonzo O. Bliss. sr., large real estate cwner. Her father’s former holdings are operated by Bliss Properties, real estate firm. Although in failing health for about & year, Mrs. Brown did not become seriously ill until about two weeks ago. She went from here to Spring Lake to spend the Summer. Bhe is survived by a daughter, Miss Katherine Agnes Brown; two sons, Clarence Gillette Brown and Dean Edgar Brown, jr.; a sister, Mrs. Tracy Lay, and three brothers, Harry K., Ar- thur L. and Alonzo O. Bliss, jr., all of whom have been with her at Spring Lake. “Our faces and lips cracked | country is getting | In Tientsin Mrs. George William Lermon, Tientsin, China. attached to the 15th Infantry. born four weeks ago in Tientsin. Mrs. Lermond is the former William H. Lloyd. Her mother, u Charles County, Md., said she h Lermond. are among the Washington residents now in battle-besieged Mrs. Lermond’s husband is a first lieutenant THE EVENING STAR, Vi’ASHINGTOX, D. €, FRIDAY, JULY 30, 1937. War Zone d and her son, George W., jr., 3, . With them is another son, Edith Lloyd, daughter of Maj. who lives at Wycomoco Knoll in ad received no word from Mrs. —Hessler Photo. China (Continued From First Page) _ the coastal city of Tsingtao prepared | to escape to United States warships in case of eventualities. They divided themselves into six sections, based on their locations in the city. A leader was appointed for each section. In case of danger so serious that | they cannot -protect themselves the Nayy ships are to sound sirens and | fire red rockets. This will be the sig- | nal for all Americans to hurry to the hotel. There Marines and bluejackets will protect them and escort them to the ships. ‘The Americans comprise 200 per- manent residents, 250 on holidays and | 150 naval officers and their wives. Fighting was general once again all about the ancient walis of the Manchu capital. The Japanese army was be- lieved to be engaged in relentless “mopping up” operations against the remnants of the 29th Chinese army, the main body of which now holds positions across the Yungting River to the west. Firing was especially heavy west of | the city, indicating & major engage- ment might be in progress. Japanese troops were reported attempting to | force the crossing of the Yungting River at Wanpingshien and the Marco Polo bridge. To support the 37th and 132d divis- ions of the 29th army, which are | entrenched on the west bank, Gen- ! eralissimo Chiang was reported to have | | ordered up 50,000 highly-trained and | | well-equipped troops of the central | | army. Japanese sources declared they had learned an attack in force had been | ordered against their positions around Peiping with the main body of the | Chinese Army, supported by the Nan- king government's modernized air | force. The Japanese seemed to be pre- paring to meet such an offensive on| a major scale. Troops, tanks and armored cars were pouring into the western hills, just a few miles from | the city, in large numbers. A new airdrome was said to have been built in the vicinity of the old Summer palace of the Manchu em- | perors about midway between Peiping and the low-lying hills. Twenty | Japanese planes were reported to have | landed there today. | (The Japanese cabinet decided on & series of “second steps” in the un-| declared war. After a secret meeting | the proposals were placed before Em- peror Hirohito. Japanese reported the capture of Taku, one of Tientsin's two ports. (At Tokio Japanese officers said AT FOOD STORES | retreated rapidly | It | Province, If Constipated put on the nuptial yoke The day she fed kim OKEDOKE e e ———— “Japan must attack” if the central Chinese army moves into the so- called demilitarized zone.) While new fighting broke out at Peiping, a two-day Chinese attack on Tientsin, 70 miles east, ended in ap- parent complete failure, The Chinese did not follow up the advantage gained in their surprise as- sault, and a systematic Japanese aerial bombardment destroyed Chinese positions in parts of Tientsin yester- day. Two brigades of Chinese regulars there today from positions gained in the first attack. Within the city, members of the Chinese Peace Preservation Corps turned in their arms, abandoned the attack and asked assistance of foreign consulates in restoring Tientsin to normalcy. In 30 hours of fighting, Chinese cen- ters of resistance were destroyed. The extent of military casualties could not be determined immediately. Many civilians were killed and the property | loss was heavy. Japanese considered that their dras- tic bombardment was “fully justified.” brought major hostilities at Tientsin to an end, although hand- fuls of Chinese snipers and machine gun nests kept Japanese from restor- | ing telegraphic communications. Peip- | ing’s only communication with | Tientsin was by wireless. 130,000 Pledge Loyalty. Tsinanfu, capital of Hopeh 130,000 Chinese Christians | pledged loyalty, through their repre- sentatives, to Chiang Kai-shek in a | “defensive war” against Japan. The | annual conference of members of the | Church of Christ of China manifested | confidence that China’s leaders would Tesist “the aggressors.” They appealed to Christians of the world and to the world's political leaders to seek peace. At ADVERTISEMENT. Take This Tip Here's one of the friendliest tips one | can give another—how to really re- | lieve Constipation. It is simply this: One or two E-Z Tablets taken when | | bilious, due to Constipatton, are amaz- ingly effective . . . yet so mild and gentle. If you haven't felt good for | some time . . . have headaches, tired | feeling, no pep, you may be suffering | from Intestinal Fatigue, commonly called Constipation. If so0, E-Z Tab- lets are what you need. You get 60 little E-Z Tablets for 25c. At all good | drug stores. Try this new Cheese-Flavored Popcorn—today! Crispy-fresh popcorn with a rich cheese flavor—that’s O-ke-doke! Brand new . . . and a hit all over town for parties. Get a package today, pop a few of the fluffy golden kernels into your mouth, and see if you don't right away reach for another handful. Packed and distributed by Brewer-Snyder Co. 1229 D Street S.E. Washingten, D. C. CITIZENS OPPOSE REALTY TAX B0OOST North Randle Association Express Hope Proposed Increase Be Abandoned. Opposition to any increased real estate tax for the District was voiced by the North Randle Citizens' As- sociation in a letter to the Senate Dis- trict Committee, it was learned today. Addressed to Chairman King, the mes- sage expressed hope the proposed in- crease would be abandoned. | Basing their attitude on the belief present levies are in excess of actual land values, association members re- solved to oppose any increase in land taxation. The contemplated tax, it was 2ald, “would bring so great a burden upon the property owners at the present time that many would be forced either to sell or forfeit their homes for taxes.” Closing of the Pennsylvania Avenue Bridge because it is “unsafe for pedes- trian and vehicular traffic” was con- currently requested by the association in a letter to the District Commis- sioners. Taxes chfl{?u!d ,F,\r,m,“ First Page) uniform rate on property as a whole requires real estate to bear $3,125.000, or nearly half of the current deficit, the Senate land tax would have taken $4,800,000 from real estate owners. The rejected proposal was to adopt a separate rate of $2.50 per $100 on land | along with continuation of the $1.50 rate on buildings. The Senate amendment giving the Commissioners discretionary authority to install automobile parking meters at the curb was killed in conference. Like House Bill. ‘The conference agreement is sub- stantially the House bill as far as tax sources are concerned, with com- promises on the rates. As it passed the House the gross re- ceipts tax called for a rate of three- fifths of 1 per cent, and an examption of only $1,000. This form of tax met opposition in the Senate District Com- mittee, where it was regarded as in- equitable and burdensome, mainly be- cause in many cases concerns might have large gross receipts, but be®oper- ating on a narrow margin of net profit. The committee substituted a luxury sales tax, but this in turn was killed on the Senate floor in favor of the income tax. House conferees, how- ever, stood firmly against the income levy, and the Senate agreed to return to the gross receipts proposal, with | changes, and with the thought in mind that the city's whole tax structure will be subject to possible revision at the January session. The gross receipts tax applies to “the carrying on or exercising for gaIn or economic benefit, either direct or indirect. any trade, business, pro- fession, vocation or commercial activ- ity in or on privately owned property and in or on property owned by the SPECIAL FEATURE: Army’s Ex “F lying Trapezers” Now Under Chiang’s Banner By the Associated Press. MONTGOMERY, Ala, July 30— The Montgomery Advertiser said yes- | terday the famed “flying trapezers’ Army stunt aces formerly of Maxwell Fleld here, were reunited in China under the banner of Marshal Chiang Kal-shek, Chinese ruler. The trapezers were Maj. Claire Chennault and Sergt. Billy McDonald and John H. “Luke” Williamson, who gained national fame for their daring formation maneuvers at the outstand- ing air races of the country. McDonald and Williamson, accom- panied by Lieut. Sterling Tatum of the Alabama National Guard and his wife, left in August, 1935, for the Orfent, the paper sald, to instruct China’s flyers. Maj. Chennault, the leader, retired from the Army April 10, 1937, after & transfer to Barksdale Pield as ex- Famed Stunt Trio, Including Finest Pursuit Pilots in U. S.,” Join Chinese Forces. “Two ecutive officer of the 20th Pursuit group. The Advertiser said that while he ostensibly retired to his home, Lake St. John, “it was generally understood there that he was on his way to join his boys.” ‘When the team was broken up by the resignation of McDonald and Williamson in 1935, Maj. Chennault was quoted by the Advertiser as say- ing “America lost two of the finest pursuit pilots left in the service.” Friends attributed their resignation, the newspaper said, to their failure to receive their commissions as of- flcers, despite their acknowledged fly- ing ability. “If I were going into battle” it quoted Maj. Chennault as saying at that time, “I'd rather have those two boys flying on my wings than any two men I've known in the Air Corps— and that is a compliment it takes | & military fiyer to appreciate.” United States Government in the Dis- trict of Columbia not including, how- ever, labor or services rendered by any individual as an employe for wages, salary or commission.” In addition to the rate of two-fifths f 1 per cent on gross receipts, the bill requires those affected by the tax to obtain a license at & cost of $10, but no license would be required for any person selling newspapers, magazines | or periodicals, whose sales are not made from a fixed location and which sales do not exceed the annual sum of $2,000. There is another provision under which the $10 fee would not be re- quired of any person certifying that his or her gross receipts for the past year did not exceed $2,000. Every person subject to the gross re- ceipts tax would have to file with the assessor within 30 days after the bill becomes law a statement under oath | public of his or her gross receipts during the last calendar year and such other in- formation as the Commissioners may | deem necessary. If a person has not | been in business for an entire year, his | | gross receipts for a year would be esti- | | mated for a year on the basis of what they have been for the period he has | been ini business. | Amendments were made in confer- | ence specifically limiting the gross | receipts tax to one year to give Con- igress an opportunity to review the | question at the next seasion. | The gross receipts tax would be- | come due 30 days after the bill be-| | comes law but could be paid in semi- | | annual installments in September | | and March. | 1f any one fails to file a return the assessor would have authority to es- | timate the amount due A penalty of | 10 per cent of the tax due would be imposed for failure to file, plus 5 per cent for each month of delay. Certain Concerns Excluded. The District already collects gross Teceipts or gross earnings taxes from utilities, banks and certain other companies specifically covered by prior acts of Congress, and these concerns are excluded from the pro- posed new gross receipts levy. The conferees also modified the definition of the term “gross receipts” in its application to commission met- chants, attorneys or other agents, s0 a5 t0 mean gross commission or fees. In the case of stock and bond brokers the term would mean gross amount of | commissions or fees, the griss trading profit on securities bought and agld, and the gross interest income on mar- ginal accounts from business arising in the District. The motor vehicle weight tax would © ESTABLISHED 1865 @ SERVICE That Never Fails That's the foundation of Bar- ker success over a period of 72 years. 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The Senate Banking Committee belatedly discovered today that street car tokens, amall checks and millions of State sales tokens had been illegal for nearly 30 years. It hastily recommended legislation to legalize them. It urged Congress to repeal a 1909 law forbidding the issuance or circulation of s “note, check, memorandum, token or other obli- gation for a less sum than $1.” Committee members said the law was enacted to keep private token cofnage from competing with small United States coins. It has rarely been enforced. be paid when the tags are being ob- cars registered on or after August 1 the tax on the balance of this calendar year would be one half, SEVIERS D Texas IVORCED Democratic Committee Woman Granted Decree July 9. CORPUS CHRISTI, Tex., July 30| (#).—Mrs. Clara Driscoll Sevier, Demo- cratic national committeewoman from Texas, has been granted a divorce | from her husband, H. H. Sevier, for- | mer Ambassador to Chile, it was learned today. The divorce was granted July 9 The petition, filed here last May 20, | gave as grounds mental cruelty, re- | sulting in a nervous condition. Mrs. | Sevier was in a San Antonio hospital at the time. The Seviers were mar- | mier in 1907. SUPE M M tained annually, and in the case of | CALIFORNIA HOLDS LORTON FUGITIVE Weaver Was Serving Term for Housebreaking When He Escaped in 1934. Curtis Franklin Weaver, 37, who escaped from Lorton Reformatory on August 16, 1934, was in the Los Angeles County k777, il today, waite ¢ ing to be returne ed to Virginia. Weaver was captured Wednes« day by agents of the Federal Bu- reau of Investiga~ tion in Hollywood, Calif, where he was working as a chef. He is a barber by occupa- tion Weaver was serving & sen- tence of two to two and one-half years for house- breaking when he escaped. He was sent to Lorton March 28, 1934, but his criminal record dates back to December, 1924, when he was arrested here for robbery and assault. In May, 1925, he was sentenced to five vears in Lorton on the robbery charge. He completed the sentence and was free until October, 1932, when he was arrested for forgery. Released on bond he did not appear until eight months later, when he was picked up on another charge. Saddlery and TRUNK Loreate Repairing of Leather Goods G. W.King, jr., 511 11th St. N.W. 7 C. F. Weaver. AN TRADING CO. Sutwrday; SPEC L§ Final Clean Up! Men’s 69c, 79¢, 89¢, $1 POLO SHIRTS 25 Gaucho, mesh and others All sizes and colors Some irregulars Greatest polo shirt value we've seen Final Close Out! en's & Young Men’s Genuine SANFORIZED SLACKS Sizes 29 to 42 White Ducks Seersuckers Plaids, Stripes, Checks, Fancies Final Clean Up! Men's and Young Men's All-Wool Zipper Bathing Suits 1.45 Built-in Supporters ore than 8 different smart color combinations All sizes for men and young men Worth twice the price SATURDAY SUPER SPECIAL @ LADIES’ SLACKS & CULOTTES Of the better grade! 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