Evening Star Newspaper, November 16, 1937, Page 2

ISTIES TOWERGH WRETPPIVGEASE Legality of Evidence Ob- tained by “Listening-In” to Be Considered. By JOHN H. CLINE. The legality of evidence obtained by wire tapping in criminal eases—sanc- tioned once by the Supreme Court— was up for consideration again today, with many observers believing the jus- tices will reverse the position taken by the court during prohibition days. Local prosecuting authorities will await the court's decision with inter- est since an adverse ruling would in- validate their case against Abe Plisco, alias Jewboy Dietz, reputed boss of Washington's lucrative horse race gambling business. Dietz is awaiting trial on an indictment charging him Wwith conspiring to violate the gambling laws. The decision also will bear on the conviction of Sam Beard, erstwhile boss of Washington's gambling fra- ternity. While the Supreme Court's decision could not affect his convic- tion, a ruling that he was found guilty on evidence illegally obtained might open the way for a pardon for him. Sanctioned by 5-to-4 Vote. By a vote of five to four the high court in 1928 sanctioned evidence ob- tained by wire tapping in the widely discussed “Olmstead case.” The case arose in the State of Washington, which made the tapping of telephone wires a misdemeanor. Despite the State statute, the court followed a rule of common law to the effect that the admissability of evi- dence is not affected by the illegality of the means by which is was obtained. The present case, in which argu- ments were complejed yesterday, is based on a sectioX of the Federal Communications Act. This section forbids the interception or divulging of telephone messages and makes a violation a felony, punishable by two years' imprisonment or $10,000 fine or both. Appealing on the strength of this section are four men convicted in New York on wire-tapping evidence of a conspiracy to smuggle alcohol into the city. Their counsel contends the evi- dence should have been excluded and that the agents who tapped their wires and testified against them are guilty of a felony under the Federal statute. Reply of Government. ‘The Government's reply is that the tection of the Communications Act ‘was aimed at protection against revela- | tions “for purposes of private gain or benefit,” and was not intended to ap- ply to law enforcement officers. The only members of the court now on the bench who voted with the ma- jority in the Olmstead case are Jus- tices McReynolds and Sutherland. Justices Brandeis, Stone and Butler voted with the minority. Chief Jus- tice Hughes and Justices Roberts, Cardozo and Black were appointed to the bench after the Olmstead decision was delivered in 1928, and if two of | these now vote against it the case will be overthrow FLORIDA NIGHT CLUB IS RAIDED BY K. K. K. Entertainers Reported Assaulted, Property Damaged and Sums of Money Stolen. By the Assoctated Press. MIAMI, Fla., Nov. 16.—Authorities | nvestigated today a raid by men and women in Ku Klux Klan regalia on the La Paloma Night Club. The pro- prietor said the place was ransacked, ertertainers were assaulted and a sum of money stolen. Al Youst, operator of the resort on the outskirts of town, reported to the sheriff's office the hooded raiders descended last night following a public initiation of 150 new Klansmen at a | city playground, ordered his partons to leave and forced the club to close. He charged $360 in cash and a $7 watch was stolen from him during the raid and that the club was badly damaged. Some one kicked a hole in & $125 bass drum, Virginia Daw, an entertainer, re- ported she was choked unconscious and $10 was taken from her, The Klan initiation was held at city-owned Moore Park by the light of three flery crosses. JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Nov. 16 ().— Capt. George J. Garcia, grand dragon of the Florida Ku Klux Klan, said he would investigate charges that persons dressed in Klan regalia raided a night club at Miami last night, stole & sum ©f money and ransacked the property. “Ku Klux Klans do not steal” he #aid. “Some of the best people in Miami are members of the Klan.” “It may have been,” he added, “that People who are not members used the Klan dress as a mask during a raid on the club.” WAIVES EXTRADITION Thomas H. Hook, 32, former District policeman, waived extradition when arraigned in Police Court today and agreed to return to Prince Georges County, where he is under indictment with two other men for the slaying of Sam Jefterees, colored “numbers” run- ner, at Camp Springs September 30. Hook surrendered last week after being sought for some time. The others under indictment are Fred Schinman, 39, and Frank Guy, colored. L /@) 418\ ii/@\ii /8N /@\IT@\ @\ i/@\iI 78\ i 78V i/ “Star of Artaban” $35,000 SAPPHIRE SHOWN HERE. Dug by natives from alluvial gravels in Ceylon, this 316.85- carat star sapphire, named “Star of Artaban” and valued at 835,000, is on display at Galt & Co. Not for sale, it is owned by a New York corpo- ration and will be shown at jewelry stores throughout the country. In the picture be- side it is a reqular-size sap- phire. —Star Staff Photo. |‘UN-AMERICAN’ DRIVE {LAUNCHED BY UNION | Army and Navy Unit Sponsors Anti-Communist, Anti-Fascist Meeting Here. Following up the introduction of two bills in the House yesterday to purge the country of “un-American” | doctrines, the Army and Navy Union ! last night sponsored a meeting at the | Rialto Theater to launch a Nation- | wide drive to carry out the purpose of {the proposed legislation. Senator Claude Pepper, Democrat, of Florida | was among the speakers. | The bills, introduced yesterday by | Representative Zebulon Weaver, Demo- |crat, of North Carolina are designed | to cancel the citizenship of aliens ad- vocating principles such as commu- nism, fascism and nazism and subject ‘nau\-e-bflrn citizens advocating such {principles to a fine of $2,000 or im- | prisonment for two years or both. | Both bills are being sponsored by |the Army and Navy Union through J. Crim Senator Pepper last night admitted “Abuses have crept into the economic order and political life of America.” AUTOMATIC RAISES INU. S. PAY SOUGHT | Survey of Increases in Department of Labor Shows Five-Year Waits. Citing automatic salary for Federal workers as its objective, Local 12 of the United Federal Work- ers. a C. I. O. affiliate, today made public a survey of wage increases in the Department of Labor, showing an average wait of .five years for wage raises The study was made, the union said, with permission of Secretary Perkins, and information was obtained by cir- culation of questionnaires. Compiling statistics back to 1827, the union found that no adminis- trative raises had been granted in 1932 and 1933; 5 out of each 100 em- ploves uncer the $2.000 scale received increases in 1934: 13 out of 100 in 1935, and 11 out of 100 in 1936. ‘The survey also showed variations between different bureaus within the department, some benefiting more than others through spasmodic increases. “It should be noted,” the announce- ment closes, “that the Department has tried repeatedly and unsuccessfully to secure appropriations to cover such (automatic) increases.” o 50 MORE SEEK BONDS TO HELP LUNCH DRIVE Wide Interest Also Shown in Other Benefit Programs Planned During Winter. Fifty more Washingtonians have applied for health bonds to finance the school free lunch program, the Citizens' Permanent Committee an- nounced today. The bonds, the first of which was sold to Joan Bennett, actress, entitle the holder to a year’s subscription to the children’s magazine to be pub- lished by the committee as a fund- raising project. At the same time, Mrs. John Boyle, jr., the committee chairman, an- nounced that $1,000 came in to the fund from various city groups yes- terday. Reservations also are going fast for the Velvet Ball at the Mayflower Jan- uary 6, Mrs. Boyle said, more than 200 having already been taken. Other benefits include a dance program in the Roosevelt High School auditorium November 23 by the Julia Cunning- ham Dancing School and a play at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, also at Roosevelt, by the Youths’ Drama Guild, the or- ganization which sold the first health bond to Miss Bennett. oViTa\i ART PICTURES Sets Number 1, Now A 2,34, 5and 6 llable oAN’Y one is entitled to one week’s set of Four Pictures in the Art Appreciation campai, of The Star upon pa; Counter in the Bus Star. By mail—inclose 46¢c ent of only 39c at the Agr!: ess Office of The Evening (stamps not acceptable), addressed to the Art Apgreciatlon Counter, The Evening Star. Indicate desired set—No. 1—2—3—4—5—6 Name._........... ceeedemeanen: Address.......... increases | TRUCK DRIVERS AID SANITARY STRIKE Cripple Delivery of '/Bread by Refusing to Cross Picket Lines. A sympathy strike of truck drivers and warehousemen today crippled the delivery of bread from tne Sanico Bakery, owned and operated by the Sanitary Grocery Co., but officials said bread would be delivered to Sanitary stores in transfer company trucks. “We will make deliveries as best we can,” one of the officials of the bakery said. The dtivers and warehousemen, it was explained, have not called a strike of their own, but refused this morning to pass through picket lines thrown around the bakery by striking fbutch- ers and clerks, regularly employed in the retail stores. About 1,300 men are on strike. Thomas O'Brien, representative of the International Teamsters' Union, told the men at a meeting at the Cen- tral Labor Union last night that they would win the strike. He predicted the truck drivers and warehousemen would walk out “100 per cent.” Mr. O'Brien said the company had made the “impossible” demand that the unions organize 51 per cent of the entire grocery business before it would negotiate with them. This, he said, would include the small, independent groceries run by families and employ- inz no labor. Officials said about 40 drivers and ing when they reached the picket line maintained at the bakery by about 50 strikers. There was no disorder. Mrs. Richard Stokes of the League of Women Shoppers announced today that the league, after conferring with officials of the company and the union, had decided the demands of the em- ! ployes were “fair” and that the league | would take “direct action” to support | them. The nature of the action to be taken will be announced later, but it was | understood the league members con- | template a house-to-house canvass to enlist support for the strikers, | RS 'MRS. J. M. NICKLES " DIES IN HOME AT 68 | Wie of Bibliographer Was Active in Church and Temperance Activities, Mrs. Lillie Eiker Nickles, 68, wife | of John M. Nickles, bibliographer, its national legislative chairman, John | died Sunday night in her home, 3009 & JOh0 | Rodman street N.W. after a long ill- | | ness “ Mrs, Nickles, for 34 years a resident | of this city, was active in church and temperance work, being treasurer of the Aid Society of the Eckington Presbyterian Church, a member of the Ladies’ Missionary Society and a mem- ber of the Women's Christian Tem- perance Union. She was a native of Sparta, Il Mr. Nickles. since retiring in 1932 as bibliographer of the United States Geological Survey, has been bibliog- rapher of foreign geological literature for the Geological Society of America. Besides her husband, Mrs. Nickles leaves a son, Edward B. Nickles, an engineer with the Manitowoc (Wis.) Shipbuilding Corp.; three daughters, Mrs. James W. Burch, Mrs. W. W. | Griffith, jr., and Mrs. Harry L. Thomp- i son of this city, and a sister, Mrs. | H. C. Gault, St. Clair, Mo. She also | leaves 11 grandchildren. Funeral services are being held this afternoon at the Nevius funeral home, 924 New York avenue N.W. with { burial in Washington Memorial Park | Cemetery. | 'MOTOR CYCLE POLICEMAN | SUFFERS LEG INJURY lision With Gasoline Truck. Other Accidents Reported. | Motor Cycle Officer Joseph Proctor, 32, suffered a leg injury, perhaps a fracture, in a collision with a gasoline York avenue N.W. The policeman, who lives at 1659 U stret NW., was taken to Emergency Hos- pital. The truck, . police said, was driven by James H. Keefe, 1226 Raum street N.E. Several other accidents were re- ported during the last 24 hours, but all resulted in minor injuries. At an inquest yesterday, & coroner’s jury held for Police Court action under the Negli- gent Homicide Act two drivers in- volved in a collision which resulted in the District’s 90th traffic death this ear. i@ The drivers were Hugh F. Queen, 22, colored, of Pomonkey, Md., and Herbert Parker, 38, also colored, 90z Fenton street N.E. Mrs. Loia Swann, 22, colored, 1415 First street NW,, a passenger in the automobile operated by Queen, was fatally injured in the collision, which occurred at Third and Q streets N.W. Saturday morning. 10,000 ASK PASSAGE OF ANTI-LYNCH BILL Petition Urges President to Help Measure—Church Groups Join in Plea. A petition signed by nearly 10,000 persons urging the President to pre- vail upon the Senate to pass the perid- ing anti-lynching bill was left at the White House yesterday. The petition, which stated early passage of the measure “would be in the interest of law and order and good government” and that “some affirma- tive expression by the President” would insure its passage, was spon- sored by the following groups: The Ministers’ Interdenominational Alliance of Washington and Vicinity, Race Relations Commission of the Federation of Churches, Federal Council of Churches of Christ in America, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Na- tional Negro Congress and the Na- tional Sunday School and B. Y. P. U. Congress of the National Baptist Con- vention. The committee presenting the peti- tion was composed of the Rev. R. W. Brooks, chairman; Dr. Willam H. Jernagin and Dr, Marshall A. Talley. o Officer Proctor. warehousemen turned back this morn- | Joseph Proctor Figures in Col- | truck today at Fifth street and New | MARGARITA SALVI. {NOTED COLORATURA TO APPEAR HERE Margarita Salvi Will Sing Role of Rosina in ‘“Barber of Seville.” Margarita Salvi, one of an illustrious company of Spanish artists driven from their homeland by war, will arrive in Washington this week to sing the leading role of Rosina in the ‘Barber of Seville,” which the Washington Popular Opera Associa- tion will present in Constitution Hall | Monday, November 22. This widely known coloratura so- prano went to France when hostili- ties cut short her career in Spain. For a time she sang in Paris and later in Italy, but the restrictions | which most foreign capitals have im- posed on foreign singers led her to | the United States, where she has received a warm welcome. She al- ready was known in this country through several successful seasons with the Chicago Civic Opera, which included appearances as Rosina with Tito Schipa Miss Salvi plans to spend at least the next few months in the United States singing in opera and concert. . JELLEFF IS HONORED ON ‘APPRECIATION NIGHT' of Several Hundred Employes Store Attend Annual Pro- gram, See Newsreel. | R. Jelleff, Inc., last night celebrated their annual “appreciation night” at the Willard Hotel at which Mr. Jelleft was presented with an inscribed key. Miss Margaret L. Gollan, vice presi- dent of the store, was also presented a token of appreciation, and she made a brief speech describing the develop- ment of the store from the time it was opened. A composite newsreel of historical events during the last quarter century was shown and a varied entertainment including dancing the Susy Q and the Big Apple was staged by employe talent. Mrs. Ida Simpson was mistress of ceremonies. The committee in charge included Mrs. Marie Tedrow, Carl T. Knapp, Miss Beatrice Engelting and Miss Ruth ©Ohlson. o DR. TAO TO SPEAK AT CHINESE DINNER Prof. Hsien Chi Tao, leader of the mass education movement in China, will be the principal speaker at a dinner of the Provisional Committee for Aid to China at 6:30 p.m. today in the Admiral Club, 1640 Rhode Island avenue N.W. Fritz Silber, Washington newspaper man, also will speak, devoting his talk to a discussion of actual conditions in Japan. Discussing the situation in China before the staft of the Chinese Em- bassy yeSterday, Dr. Tao said the United States has an obligation to support the nine-power treaty, which guarantees the territorial and political integrity of China. Dr. Tao said Japan could not carry on the war with China without re- ceiving oil, ammunition, scrap iron and credit from the United States. He said exports of actual and poten- tial war materials to Japan from this country should be stopped, asserting the war in China, if allowed to con- tinue, may lead to a catastrophic, world-wide engagement. o- ORNITHOLOGISTS OPEN ANNUAL CONVENTION Dr. Herbert Friedmann Chosen President—W. L. Macates Is Elected Treasurer. B the Associated Press. CHARLESTON, 8. C, Nov. 16— Approximately 200 authorities on birds opened the annual convention of the American Ornithologists’ Union today. At an Executive Council meeting last night Dr. Herbert Friedmann, biologist and ornitholegist of the Unitea States National Museum in Washington, was elected president. The Brewster medal for outstand- ing ornithological achievement during the year was won by Dr. Robert Cushman Murphy, naturalist of the American Museum of Natural History in New York, for his work on “Oceanic Birds of South America.” Dr. Ernst Mayr of the American Museum of Natural History in New York and Mrs. Margaret Niece of Chi- cago were named fellows. Lawrence M. Hicks of Columbus, Ohio, was named secretary, succeeding Dr. T. 8. Palmer of Washington, who served 20 years, and W. L. MacAtee of the United States Biological Survey, ‘Washington, was elected treasurer. Several hundred emploves of Frank | D. C, TUESDAY, N SHEPPARD T0 AID DR SCHULZ IN ROW Will Introduce Resolution for Reinstatement to Job in Library. A battle was launched in the Sen- ate today for reinstatement of Dr. George J. Schulz, who said he was dis- missed as acting director of the Legis- lative Reference Service of the Library of Congress becausc he was “too zealous” in performing his duties. Senator Sheppard, Democrat, of Texas, planned a resolution declaring that Dr. Schulz should be reinstated, given the full title and salary of director of the service and vested with full authority over its work and personnel, This move came after Dr. Herbert Putnam, librarian of Congress, had refused, in response to numerous re- quests from Senators and Representa- tives, to reconsider his action in dis- missing Dr. Schulz on September 17, assertedly because of an “abusive and insolent” annual report submitted by Dr. 8chulz. Dr. Putnam declined to comment on the controversy today, declaring that the dismissal was a matter of internal | administration and that it “stands.” Dr. Schulz, however, said the con- troversy resulting in his dismissal arose over a conflict between his en- deavors to improve the library's serv- ice to members of Congress and a policy he attributed to Dr. Putnam that this service should be restricted and efforts concentrated on maintain- ing the library as a great national institution. The Senate resolution, to be re- ferred to the library committee, would not have any compulsory effect if passed. The 800 employes of the Library of Congress are divorced from Civil Service and patronage, under full authority of Dr. Putnam. How- ever, some Senators said it would serve as the groundwork for “man- datory legislation,” if necessary. Dr. Schulz, working in the library's legislative reference service for 20 years, was put in charge of the serv- ice in November, 1935, and became acting director the next month. CHILD, 5, IS STRANGLED IN CAR WINDOW OPENING Daughter of Regional Director of U. 8. Park Service Dies in Richmond Accident. RICHMOND, Nov. 16.—Joanne Rus- sell, 5-year-old daughter of Dr. Cart P. Russell, regional director of the National Park Service, and Mrs. Rus- sell was strangled to death yesterday when her head became wedged in the partly lowered window of an automo- bile parked in front of her home. Dr. J. H. Scherer, coroner, said death was due to strangulation. The child, playing alone, apparently climbed on the left door hinge of the car in order to put her head through the narrow opening in the window, slipped and fell. She was dangling by her neck when her mother found her. WIDOW OF WAR HERO DIES IN CALIFORNIA | Funeral Rites for Mrs. Hamilton Allen Smith Will Be Held in Arlington. Mrs. Hamilton Allen Smith, widow of Col. Smith, who was killed in ac- tion at Soissons, France, in July, 1918, while leading the 26th Infantry of the First Division, died last Friday in Letterman General Hospital. San Francisco, Calif., according to word received here. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.n. tomorrow in the Fort Myer Chapel. Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery. Mrs. Smith was the daughter of the late Capt. Joseph Hale of the 3d Infantry. She is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Charles E. Purviance and Miss Emily Bryan Smith of Palo Alto, Calif.. and Mrs. William H. Bartlett of West Point, N. Y., and two sons, Joseph Hale Smith of Detroit, and Hamilton Allen Smith of Sanish, N. Dak. COMPLETION'OF BRIDGE PORTAL STATUES URGED ‘The Fine Arts Commission today. in & report to Arno B. Cammerer, direc- tor of the National Park Service, urged that ways and means be found to com- plete the proposed equestrian statues at the Washifigton end of the Arling- ton Memorial Bridge Project. H. P. Caemmerer, the commission’s execu- tive secretary, declared the group has no objection to the use of marble rather than granite in harmony with the bridge proper, as was originally in- tended. ‘Two equestrian groups, symbolic of war, are to be placed on the Washing- ton bridge-head proper, while two other equestrian groups, representing Peace and the Arts of Peace, are des- tined to be located at the Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway approach, just northwest of the Lincoln Memorial. VEMBER 16, 1937, Where Kidnaper Escgped (Story on First Page.) s Jail Supt. H. H, Paddoc k points to holes sawed through cell door of penitentiary at Jamesville, N. Y., by Geary, one of the kidnapers of Lt. John J. O’Connell. Geary then captured the entire staff of guards and freed fellow convicts Oley and Crowley. PERCY GEARY 10 W. P. A. OFFICIALS INDICTED IN CHICAGO Former Building Inspector Also Cited on Charges of Bribery and Extortion. By the Associated Press. CHICAGO, Nov. 16.—Ten Works Progress Administration officials and a former building inspector were un- der indictment today on charges of bribery and extortion. Assistant United States Attorney Martin Ward said the indictments were based on allegations that the men accepted sums ranging from $25 to $200 on promises to place workers in higher wage groups. Ward said the paying workers, of whom 17 were named. placed their donations in envelopes each pay day and turned them over. The indictments were returned by the Federal grand jury yesterday and bench warrants were turned over to deputy United States marshals for | service. | Ward said the workers. who were | put on the relief rolls at $55 a month and soon given jobs paying from $175 to $200 a month, had surrendered ap- proximately $4,000 to their bosses One of the men indicted was Wil- | liam Claus, former building inspector | of suburban Park Ridge. whom Ward accused of acting as a go-between in | arranging the deals. FILIPINO FREEDOM RUMORED PLANNED ‘Economist Says He Has Been | Told Three U. S. Units Are Draft- ing Text of Document. By the Assoctated Press. Vicente Villamin, Filipino economist, said today he learned through “trust- worthy channels” that three depart- ments of the United States Govern- ment were “co-operating on the draft of a text to give the Philippines im- mediate independence in accordance with President Quezon's demands."” State, War and Interior Department officials promptly denied all knowledge of the drafting of any such document. Mr. Villamin insisted he learned from a “confidential source” the Gov- ernment “has decided it would be a gracious gesture to give President Que- zon the immediate independence he has been asking.” The Far Eastern situation, Mr. Vil- lamin said, has heightened United States public opinion and made the Government more eager than ever to get out of _the Philippines. JOHN Dr. Mann Will Talk. Dr. William M. Mann, director of the Zoo. will ke the speaker and honor guest at a dinner to be given by the Washington Club at 7 p.m. Thurs- day in the organization's clubhouse, 1701 K street N.W. Carries Job Fight to Senate Dr. George J. Schulz (right), dismissed director of the leg- islative reference service of the Library of Congress, talks with Senator Gerald P. Nye, Republican, of North Dakota about a Senate move to demand his reinstatement. » —Star Staff Photo. A —Copyright, A. P. Wirephotos. OLEY. HAROLD CROWLEY. Colored Youths Taken in Auto Of Legislator Among Congressmen distinguished by being “firsts” during the current special session, Representative Usher L. Burdick, Republican, of North Da- kota is believed to be the first victim of robbery. Unknown to him. while he was on the floor of the House today, Mr. Bur- dick’s car, parked near the Capitol, was stolen. Detective Sergts. Elmer F. Lewis, E. E. Thompson and J. J. Tolson of the robbery squad spotted a car with congressional tags carrying four col- ored youths while patrolling on Fourth street SW. The officers overtook the car and notified Mr. Burdick's secretary, after learning the owner. One of the youths is being held at the fourth precinct station, while the others were taken to | the Receiving Home. . TWO MARINES DIE IN AIRPLANE CRASH Quantico Sergeants Plunge Into Thickly Wooded Section in Prince William County. By the Assoctated Press. FREDERICKSBURG, Va. Nov. —Staff Sergt. Herman L. Williams Sergt. Cleo S. Bower, United States marines stationed at Quantico, were instantly killed shortly before noon today when the plane in which they | were engaged in practice instrument flying crashed into a thickly wooded section near Chopawamsic, in Prince William County. about 6 miles from their base at Brown Field Both men were instantly killed, and the plane was completely wrecked. It did not burn. Cause of the accident could not be assigned by Quantico officials who in- spected the wreckage. The two men, both of whom were married and lived at Quantico. were described by Maj. L. G. Merritt, op- erations officer, as being experienced | fiyers and “very capable men.” Witnesses to the accident said the plane was flying “quite high" when it nosed down and dived into the woods. The actual crash was not observed. DR. WILLSON’S HOME ROBBED OF JEWELS Articles Valued at $900 Taken From Bed Room of Physi- cian's House. A $900 jewelry robbery at the home of Dr. Prentiss Willson, prominent local physician and professor * at Georgetown University, was reported to police today by his wife, Mr¥. Edith E. Willson. According to the report, the articles stolen from a second-story bedroom of the Willson home at 2940 Albemarle street N.W., included a platinum ring set with a large diamond encircled with smaller ones, a yellow gold ring| with a similar setting, an oval-shaped pearl ring set with .three diamonds and a diamond and emerald studded brooch. A youthful calored bandit, who police say has confessed nine hold-ups in Washington in the last three weeks, will be among 15 robbery suspects in a lige-up at police headquarters to- night. More than 100 victims are ex- pected to attempt identification. Returned from Alexandria, where he was arrested Saturday night as a bandit suspect along with his com- panion, Leo McClee, also colored, David E. Johnson, 21, of the first block of N street S.E, is said by Detective Sergt. Paul Ambrose to have admitted the nine robberies at the first precinct last night and commented, “I have had the high life and will take my sentence with a smile, even if it’s 40 years.” McClee is in jail at Alexandria, with- out bond, charged with robbery and assault with intent to kill in connec- tion with a hold-up of an Alexandria grocery store Saturday night when a customer was shot in the arm. McCiee, police said, staged the hold-up alone. Pt s Every tramp ship in South Wales 15 busy, earning the highest rates in eight years. { PERMIT REVOKING ATTACKED IN PLEA Supreme Court Asked to Pass on Legality of Com- missioners’ Power, BACKGROUND— Designed as a curb on dangerous automobile driving, the Board of Revocations was established some #iz years ago by the District Com- missioners. The board does not de- rive its powers from specific legis= lation by Congress, and tiis has been the subject of criticism 1n the past. Attacks on the authority of the board to revoke or suspend permits have been unsuccessful in the past, however. By the Assoctated Press. The Suprem. Court reccived a chal- lenge today of the constitutionality of the statute giving the District Come missioners or their agents power to revoke automobile drivers’ permits for any cause they deem sufficient. Alfred M. Laforest of 1737 W street SE. filed the attack following sus- pension of his permit for 15 days after a policeman had testified he had driven 36 miles per hour in a 22-mile zone, Declared Unconstitutional, His petition contended that statute was unconstitutional— “For the reason that it embraces an unconstitutional delegation of power to the Commissioners of the District of Columbia or their designated agents “For the reason that it deprives petitioner of his property and rights without due process of law. “That a cruel and unusual punish- ment is inflicted, based upon the con- viction of a misdemeanor.” “Petitioner,” the brief said, quests the court to take judic: of the long list of suspensi revocations by the board (of revoca- tions) published daily in the local newspapers, and the common public knowledge in the District of Colume bia that even where motor vshicle operators are charged and acquitted of traffic offenses in the Police Court, the Board of Revocations customarily suspends or revokes such operators’ permits, giving as their reason the same facts upon which an acquital was obtained in court. “The same is true even where no charges have been actually made in court. “The records of the Board of Revo- cations will clearly show this situation as a fact. “Petitioner points to the great ex- pense involved in appeal from I abuses and to the financial inabi! of the greater part of those pe aflected, such as taxi drivers, truck drivers and the like. Not Declared Traffic Cure. “Petitioner grants that the traffic situaton in the District of Columl is a very poor state of control, but does not believe that an abusive power, un- restricted and unlimited in scope, is a cure for such situation.” The petition said Mr. Laforest pleaded guilty in Police Court to a charge “exceeding the speed limit of 22 miles per hour” and paid a $7 fine. He added that when he was notified of the suspension of his per- mit he “had not been afforded any hearing, nor had any court, board or other person or body made a finding” that he had been convicted for speed= ing 36 miles per hour. Mr. Laforest contended that he had | had no traffic charges against him for | more than 10 years. that he “needed and used his car constantly in his business, that he supported his wife, three children and himself.” HUGHES WITHDRAWS FROM PRESS SOCIETY | By the Associated Press. | Chief Justice Hughes withdrew his acceptance of an honorary member- ship in the American Press Society sterday after the W gton News- paper Guild had urged him to re- consider. The guild had asked the Chief Justice and President Roosevelt to reconsider their acceptances of hon- orary membership and indicated, in Mr. Hughes' case, the possibility of legal controversies which might come before the Supreme Court' at some time. Oliver Holden, chairman of the Board of Governors of the socie:: telegraphed the Chief Justice that such a suggestion was irrelevant, since the society was not a union. Mr. Hughes replied he had made it a “rule to abstain from associa- tions which in any sense would be incompatible with judicial responsi- bilities, and while I am not persuaded that there would be any such incom- patibility in this instance I think I should leave no room for misunder- estanding upon that point.” President Roosevelt declined to with- draw from the society. CHURCH ACTION URGED IN MINISTERS’ LOW PAY £y the Assoclated Press. | CHICAGO. Nov. 16.—Dr. E. D. Kohl- stedt, executive secretary, today told the annual meeting of the M. E Church Board of Home Missions and _ Church Extension that soctal pro- nouncements by the church on eco- nomic justice were meaningless until some action was taken to relieve un- derpaid ministers. “Methodism has 3,469 pastors whose salaries are less than $1,000,” he said in his annual report at the opening sesston of the board's three-day meet- ing in suburban Evanston. “‘About 2,500 of this group are in missionary territory. We are obliged to get the case of our underpaid ministry before the church.” the “re- Congress in Brief ¥ Today. Farm—Senate Agriculture Commit- tee meets to begin drafting bill, House Committee still at work. ‘Tax revision—House subcommittee seeks aids for smaller corporations. Wage-hour—Petition circulated #o bring bill up for House debate. Gouernment reorganization—Senate considers whether to debate this or anti-lynching bill. TOMORROW. Senate: Program uncertain, House: Program uncertain. Ways and Means Committee resumeg consideration of tax legislation, 10 a.u Agriculture Committes resumes svieratiop of nationsl farm bill, nz