Evening Star Newspaper, December 22, 1937, Page 1

WEATHER. (U. 8. Weather Bureau Forecast.) Rain and slightly warmer; lowest tem- perature about 40 degrees tonight; tomor- row rain; probably turning to snow and The evenin, in Wg:lhyington vgx colder. Temperatures 56, at 3 p.m.; lowest, 32, Full report on page A-2. Closing New York Markets, Page 22 _86th YEAR. No. 34,203. " 1S, SHIPS READY 10 EVACUATE 300 INTSINGTAQ PORT Japanese Bombers Roar Over City as Fear of New Attack Grows. AMERICANS ADVISED BY OFFICIALS TO LEAVE Outer Mongolian Dispatches Say Soviet-Influenced Government Will Aid China. BACKGROUND— Japanese, having extended their conquest to Nanking and south to Hangchow Bay, are now engaged in cleaning up spots in morth which had mot been captured during northern drive. Sunday the pros- pect of a Japanese attempt to en- ter Tsingtao caused two American warships to be dispatched to north- ern port to protect 300 Americans in Tsingtao consular district. Chinese had threatened to destroy $300,000,000 of Japanese property there. By the Assoclated Press. SHANGHAI, Dec. 22. — Japanese bombers roared today over the indus- trial seaport of Tsingtao, where three United States warships stood by to evacuate the 300 Americans there, if necessary. United States consular authorities advised Americans to leave as fears increased that Japanese would attack the city in retaliation for destruction of Japanese cotton mills by Chinese troops. The United States cruiser Marblehead, the destroyer Pope and the gunboat Sacramento were in the harbor of the city, which is 390 miles north of Shanghai. Reports that 30,000 Japanese troops had left Shanghai for an unknown destination and that 80 transports were ready for additional troops gave | impetus to fears that Tsingtao, as well | as other of China's coastal cities, would be attacked. ‘The Japanese planes. apparently | making a reconnoitering flight, dis- appeared shortly and had not returned later in the day. Tension caused by their appearance, however, remained high. Chinese Plan Resistance. Chinese set fire to dormitories con- nected with the cotton mills. Authori- ties repeated that they intended to | resist Japanese to the utmost in case | of an attack. A Japanese Army spokesman an- nounced that he “hoped” Japanese would capture Hangchow, seaport south of Shanghai, before New Year Day, and expressed the wish that Chinese would withdraw from the city to prevent possible destruction of its famous religious structures. United States authorities at Shang- hai and Tokio notified Japanese that a flag-decorated train carrying 300 foreign refugees, some of whom were Americans, would leave Hankow for Canton tomorrow. The train was due at Canton from the interior city on Christmas Day. There were persistent Chinese press reports of impending aid for China from Soviet Russia. One report said 800,000 laborers were building a new highway through Chinese Turkestan to permit China to bring in military supplies from Russia despite severance of old caravan routes through Japa- nese occupation of North China. In Hankow, one of the three Chinese terhporary capitals, newspapers pub- lished Outer Mongolian dispatches saying the Soviet-influenced govern- ment there had decided to assist China because Japanese operations in Inner Mongolia menaced Soviet in- terests. Tokio to Issue Statements. After describing their version of the role played by the Japanese Army in the Japanese attacks December 12 on the United States gunboat Panay and three Standard Oil vessels, Japanese officials said that henceforth state- ments on the incident would be issued only at Tokio. The army, navy and Embassy spokesmen said army general head- quarters still was conducting an in- vestigation, but that findings would be disclosed at the Japanese capital. ‘The army spokesman said that be- fore the bombing of the Panay on the ‘Yangtze River above Nanking, army guthorities had notified the navy that Chinese vessels were fleeing upstream from Nanking and requested that navy planes strafe them. American sources reported that Col. Kingoro Hashimoto had been replaced as commander of Japanese forces at ‘Wuhu, but it was not known where he had been transferred. ‘The Japanese Army spokesman said he had no information as to whether Hashimoto or any other officer had been recalled as a result of the Panay incident. U. S. Probe Near End. Sources on the U. 8. flagship Au- gusta said the United States inquiry on the Panay bombing was nearly finished. It was understood the find- ings would be messaged to Wash- ington. Chinese survivors of the bombings, most of them suffering from exposure, arrived in Shanghai. One - of three Japanese columns today—Highest, at 7 am, Entered as second class post office, Washington, Held in Tokio (Story on Page A-2.) matter D. C. BARONESS SHIZUE ISHIMOTO, Who was seized in Tokio in what police declared was a Communist plot against the government, shown while she was in Boston last February on a lecture tour. —Copyright, A. P. Wirephoto. HONG ONG FORCE TOBEREIFOREED | Great Britain Sends Battal- ion and 16th Note of Protest to Japan. By the Associated Press. LONDON, Dec. 22—The war office announced today that the British gar- rison at Hong Kong would be strength- ened as the government dispatched the sixteenth protest it has made to Japan since the outbreak of the Far Eastern conflict. Sir Robert Leslie Craigie, British Ambassador to Tokio, was instructed to protest a Japanese attack on and seizure of a Chinese customs vessel in territorial waters off the British col- ony of Hong Kong, December 11. The double action followed a 2%- hour review of the Oriental situation by the cabinet this morning, and yes- terday’s assertion from Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain in the House of Commons that Japan should not be deceived by British patience. The troopship Dunera prepared to leave Southampton to take aboard the second battalion of Royal Scots at Bombay who will go to Hong Kong, lying off Canton in South China, which reports have indicated the Japanese will attack shortly with a major offensive. The Royal Scots were scheduled to reach their new post January 28. Note Demands Respect. The protest also requested assur- ances that Japan would respect Hong Kong and its territorial waters in the future. A Japanese vessel was reported to have fired on a Chinese boat frofn outside the territorial waters. When the boat was beached, Japanese sailors entered the territorial waters by motor boats and towed the vessel away. The Ambassador was told to ask that Japan’s naval forces be instructed strictly to respect the British port henceforth. The government is apprehensive over the southward turn of the Chinese-Japanese hostilities which en- danger the rich crown colony. ‘The government announced in April it planned to spend $40,000,000 to strengthen Hong Kong's defenses. The cabinet also was believed to have approved preliminary plans for sending more warships to the Far East if developments should warrant such a move. The admiralty was un- derstood to have advised that mini- mum defense requirements in the Orient demanded dispatch of six cap- ital ships to Chinese waters, Britain already has 34 naval units in the Far East. Cabinet Reaches Decision. At its last session before the Christ- mas holidays the cabinet was under- stood to have. decided what steps should be taken in the event of further incidents in China. Meanwhile, the government’s atti- tude was to await proof of Japan's “determination and ability” to prevent these incidents in the Orient and at the same time to keep in close contact with Washington. Fresh from the cabinet meeting, Foreign Secretary Anthony Eden told the House of Commons that the pos- sible spread of hostilities in Kwang- tung Province, in South China, was “being carefully watched.” He gave assurance that “all possible protection is being and will be afforded to our trade interests in South China.” First Lord of the Admiralty Alfred Duff Cooper indicated, in response to & questipn, that the British Navy was re:sdy for whatever contingency might arise. Consider Defense Methods. Meanwhile, the British cabinet, re- assured by President Roosevelt’s new statement on foreign policy, considered possible strong defense measures for the empire’s Far East interests and Ppossessions. The President’s message to former Gov. Alf M. Landon of Kansas saying the United States owed “some measure of co-operation and even leadership” in world affairs took precedence in the approaching Hangchow, seaport south of Shanghai, broke through Chinese lines at & point only 30 miles from the ‘The British cruiser Capetown, pro- ceeding down the Yangtze from Han- kow, reported it had on board 1 man, 21 women and 26 children refugees. It was believed here that all were British. Text of former Secretary of State s letter expressing concern * about the Ludlow war referendum resolution on page A-f. mons. Britain’s desire for friendship and co-operation with the United States cabinet that French ranean WASHINGTON, D. C., WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1937—FORTY-EIGHT PAGES. #¥% GONGRESS HEADED HOME WITH LITTLE DONE IN 5 WEEKS Adjournment Comes Quickly After Senate Passes Housing Bill. AUTHORITY IS RESTORED FOR REPAIR MORTGAGES Prevailing Wage Amendment Also | Is Made in Final Hours of Debate. By J. A. O’LEARY. Members of Congress today were heading home for Christmas after a five-week special session in which no major legislation was completed, al- though the farm and housing bills | reached conference stage. Democratic Leader Barkley asserted the session had clipped from six weeks to two months off the regular 1938 session. The Republican leader, Sen- ator McNary of Oregon, predicted the regular session would end in May “if the President doesn’t keep sending new recommendations to Congress.” Senator McNary, however, asserted the special session was a failure and that it “did not in any way carry out the program of the President.” Adjournment came unexpectedly at 5:12 p.m. yesterday following swift Senat passage of the housing meas- ure, on which there was less than five hours of debate. During that brief period, however, the Senate reversed its Banking Com- mittee by restoring Federal Housing Administration authority to insure repair and modernization mortgages as well as new home construction. The committee had knocked repair work from the House bill. Other Last-Minute Changes. Other last-minute Senate changes | in the bill were: | Inclusion of a requirement that prevalling wages in the community be paid to workers on housing porjects insured by F. H. A. This was adopt- ed, 50 to 17, on motion of Senator Lodge, Republican, of Massachusetts. Adoption of an amendment by Sena- tor La Follette, Progressive, of Wis- consin definitely 1aking farm prop- erty eligible for F. H. A. mortgage in- surance under specified terms. An amendment by Senator Ship- stead, Farmer-Laborite, of Minnesota | making co-operative croups eligible, the same as limited-dividend cor- | porations or.other private applicants for insured mortgages. Some supporters of the bill pre- dicted today the prevailing-wage re- quirement would be eliminated in con- | ference. They expressed fear building construction to create employment would be delayed if the prevailing wage in every community where F. H. A. insures a mortgage had to be ascer- tained and approved by the President. There was little trace of the cus- tomary adjournmeent day rush and excitement at the Capitol. In fact, up to the hour of convening yester- day it had been indicated the two houses might remain in session until (See CONGRESS, Page A-5.) — D. C. POLICEMAN FINDS BROTHER SHOT DEAD Body of William Orendes Discov- ered in Bedroom of His Southeast Home. William F. Arendes, 48, was found shot to death this afternoon in a second-floor bedroom of his home at 610 G street S.E. Shot in the right side of his head, and with a .44-caliber revolver lying nearby, Mr. Arendes was discovered by his brother, Joseph G. Arendes, a policeman attached to the seventh precinct. Friends of the family said Mr. Arendes had been despondent since the recent death of his mother, Mrs. Delia Arendes, active in charity work in the Southeast section. Policeman Arendes said he found his brother when he returned home at 12:15 pm. after about an hour’s absence. He summoned a Casualty WITH SUNDAY MORNING EDITION ¢ Foening Star T T AFTER AN ENTHUSIASTIC REPORT TO THE PRESIDENT ON THE ACCOMPLISH- MENTS OF THE EXTRA SESSION! WRETAPVERDCT 5 SEENLINTE Evidence May Still Be Used in D. C. Cases, Belief of Cummings. Attorney General Cummings, ex- pressing doubt the Supreme Court's wire-tapping decision is as sweeping as some persons at first thought, de- clared today it is possible wire-tap- ping evidence is still admissible in intra-State criminal cases in the Dis- trict of Columbia. Mr. Cummings told reporters at a court’s opinion applied to Federal in- terstate cases only.” Moreover, he said, he is doubtful | that the court intended by its decision | to ban completely tapping of wires by Federal officers exclusively for inves- tigative purposes. He indicated there would be no change in the present policy of special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in employing wire-tapping to obtain clues in kid- naping and other major crimes. It always has been the policy of the Department of Justice not to present wire-tapping evidence in court. Fed- eral agencies outside the Department of Justice have not been under such a restriction, however. The Attorney General said a cursory survey has shown that less than one- half of 1 per cent of criminal cases have involved the use of wire-tapping technique and that only 5 per cent of such cases have required presenta- tion in court of evidence obtained through wire tapping. Most of these court cases, he pointed out, involve narcotic, kidnaping and other ‘re- volting cases.” Mr. Cummings said he does not be- lieve the court was attempting to lay down a general policy against wire tapping, but was considering only the particular case in hand, which orig- inated in the Treasury Department. “There is, it is true, a prejudice,” Mr. Cummings said. “The criticism, however, is not of its use but of the possibility of its misuse at some time in the future. In fact, we frequently refrain from from doing useful things in this country for fear that by so doing we might set a precedent for some future wrong-doing.” DAMAGED LINER IN PORT BALTIMORE, Dec. 22 (#).—The Baltimore Mail Line announced to- day word had been received from Hamburg, Germany, of the return there of the liner City of Hamburg, damaged in a collision in the North Sea yesterday. Officials of the company expressed Hospital physician, who pronounced his brother dead. Summary of L P Lost & Found C-3 Financial _._A FOREIGN. Britain sends new troops to Hong Kong; 16th protest sent. Page A-1 Chinese fear attack on Tsingtao, as U. 8. warships stand by. Page A-1 ‘Teruel falls before assault of Spanish government_troops. Page A-2 Conimunist plot held bared by arrests in Tokio. Page A-2 NATIONAL. Special session ends with no major legislation completed. Page A-1 President to make bid for confidence in January Page A-1 ‘Woman's Pg. B-15 the opinion the ship would be in dock there for at least two weeks for ex- tensive repairs. Today's Star 'age. | EDITORIAL AND COMMENT. ‘Washington Observations. Editorials. This and That. Answers to Questions. David Lawrence. ‘The Capital Parade. Dorothy Thompson. Constantine Brown. Lemuel Porton. SPORTS. Bears go lightly training for 'Bama bowl battle. Page C-1 Peathers top charity ring card here tonight. Page C-1 “Cash in,” parents urge Amateur Tennis Champion Budge. Page C-1 Rookies cop most National League pitching honors. Page C-2 Lucky Strike sets goal of 500 for Star pin tourney. Page C-2 Page A-10 Page A-12 Page A-12 Page A-12 Page A-13 Page A-13 Page A-13 Page A-13 Page A-13 message. Labor warfare heads into new phase of recriminations. Page A-2 Autopsy ordered in Ted Healy's death. Page A-9 FINANCIAL. Narrow movements characterize bond market. Page A-21 Leaders slip noticeably after slow start on Wall Street. Page A-22 Bank call approach stirs interest in deposits. Page A-22 Oub list gains about balance losses in early deals. Page A-28 MISCELLANY. Bedtime Stories. Nature’s Children. Vital Statistics. Page B-6 Page A-15 Page A-19 Page B-10 Page B-13 " Page B-15 Page B-15 Page C-8 Page C-8 Page C-71 Shipping News. City News in Brief, Dorothy Dix. Betsy Caswell. press conference that “apparently the | President Puts Holiday Cards Into Collection President Roosevelt was revealed as a collector of Christmas cards, as well as stamps and things nautical, at Mrs. Roosevelt's press conference today. His interest in cards dates many years back, Mrs. Roosevelt declared, and each holiday season he selects for preservation a few of the cards he thinks are representative of the period. Many of the cards sent to the White House are later distributed among hospitals, after the names have been taken off, she said. Mrs. Roosevelt also disclosed at her conference that the presentation of the “Big Apple” planned by Eddie Duchin for the White House dance December 30 will be her first intro- duction to the dance. She declined to promise that she | will take part in the dance herself. ROSS SENTENGED T0 10-YEAR TERW Ex-Marine Withdraws Plea for New Trial for Slay- ing Davidson. By the Associated Press. FREDERICKSBURG, Va., Dec. 22. —Walter L. Ross, 17, former member of the U. 8. Marine Corps, was sen- tenced to 10 years in the State Peni- tentiary by Judge Frederick W. Cole- man today for the murder of Elmer J. Davidson, Washington attorney, after Frank P. Moncure, counsel for Ross, withdrew his motion to have the jury’s verdict of guilty set aside. In pronouncing sentence, Judge Coleman termed the crime for which Ross was convicted at Stafford on December 4 as a “diabolical murder,” and said: “It is perfectly obvious that your youthful age in no little degree influenced the jury in fixing your punishment.” Judge Coleman reminded the youth that with good behavior his prison term would be cut to five years, and expressed the hope that upon his re- lease Ross would “take a new lease on life and follow the straight and nar- row path.” Ross made no statement, but his mother, Mrs. Walter J. Ross of Aber- deen, Md,, told the court that she con- curred in dropping the motion for a new trial and agreed that judgment be entered as prescribed by the jury. Mr. Moncure was indisposed at his home and conveyed his views to Judge Coleman by letter. His request that Ross be paroled was refused by Judge Coleman. Ross was returned to the Predericks- burg Jail after sentence. He will be transferred to the State Penitentiary as soon as commitment papers are completed. NEW KANSAS CITY VOTE FRAUD PROBED Apparent Attempt to Pad Regis- tration Rolls Reported by Prosecutor. By the Associated Press. KANSAS CITY, Dec. 22.—Apparent attempts to pad Kansas City's vote registmation rolls—discovered in the midst of a new procedure designed to end such frauds—brought the im- mediate prospect of & grand jury in- vestigation today. Fining 20 in one ward giv- ing identical WM piaces of birth and the same period of residence in Kansas City, Prosecutor W. W. Graves said it could mean nothing but padding. “There’s no question that some- thing is wrong,” he said, and added that the numerous coincidences obvi- ously called for & county grand jury general election last November, for which more than 100 persons were indicted. Fy BY-PASS HIGHWAY PLANNED FORD.C. 1939 Bill to Include Funds for Survey of Elevated Toll Road. The 1939 District appropriation bill will provide funds looking toward con- struction of a high-speed elevated highway through the District as a by- pass for through North and South bound traffic, it was disclosed today by Chairman Collins of the House Sub- committee on District Appropriations. The funds, according to Mr. Collins, will provide for an extensive engineer- ing survey to determine the location, design and cost of the highway. The proposed elevated highway would start in the vicinity of Highway Bridge and connect with U. 8. Route No. 1 near Bladensburg road and the District line. It is Mr. Collins’ plan to have the elevated road similar in design to the famous Pulaski Skyway leading into New York City from Jersey City. He said such a project is urgently needed in Washington to alleviate traffic con- gestion. “I believe an elevated highway which would keep through traffic from the North and South out of the congested section of the District would be one of the greatest contributions to solution of the present traffic problem,” he said. ‘The highway, according to Mr. Col- lins, should be financed by a bond issue. A nominal toll fee not in ex- cess of 25 cents, he said, should be charged to retire the bonds. “I don't think any person who is now forced to travel through Wash- ington’s traffic-congested streets would object to paying a 25-cent toll fee to escape this condition,” he declared. Mr. Collins said the elevated high- way should have sufficient ramp con- nections to enable residents of Wash- ington to ‘use it if they desired. BARE GHANCE OF SNOW SEEN FOR CHRISTMAS Forecaster Says Day Probably ‘Will Be Moderately Cold—Rain and Warmer Tonight. ‘The possibility of & “slightly white” Christmas was seen today by the weather forecaster, who consented, in view of the approaching holiday, to peer a bit further into the future than usual. The immediate prospect, however, is for “rain and slightly warmer weather tondght, with a low of about 40 de- grees; tomorrow rain, probably turning to snow and colder, with the wind shifting from southwest to northwest.” ‘The temperature got down to a low of 32 degrees early today, but was mounting high into the 40s under a bright sun early this afternoon. The high yesterday was 42 degrees. As to Christmas weather, the fore- caster said: “The chances are it will be moderately cold, and there is a bare possibility that snow will be on the ground Saturday.” UP) Means Associated 3,490,000 Letters In Day Set All-Time Record for District An gll-time letter record for the Washington City Post Office was established yesterday, ac- cording to Postmaster Vincent Burke. The Post Office handled 3,400, 000 letters during the day, Mr. Burke said today. This ex- ceeded by more than 400,000 the previous record for a single day, established a year ago. Today’s total was expected to approach the 3,000,000 mark, and the flood of Christmas mail to recede after midnight tonight. Postmaster Burke issued this warning to Washingtonians:* “If you haven’t mailed your Christ- mas cards yet, be sure to get them in a mail box before mid- night tonight.” Collections will be made from every letter box in the District at midnight or later tonight. SEVEN COUNCILMEN INDICTED BY JURY Inquiry Into Buffalo’s Municipal Affairs May Be Prolonged by Panel. B> the Associated Press. BUFFALO, N. Y, Dec. 22—The possibility of a prolonged inquiry into the municipal affairs by a special grand jury loomed today as the result of recommendations by a grand jury which indicted seven of the 15 mem- bers of the City Council. The councilmen and six other men were indicted on charges ranging from forgery to perjury, falsification of rec- ords and obtaining proceeds from fraudulent vouchers. The grand jury’s final report, urg- ing appointment of a special prose- cutor and impeneling of a special grand jury to carry on the “gigantic task,” recommended the inquiry be extended to the county government. Supreme Court Justice James E. Norton ordered the report of the grand Jjury, which indicted 13 persons in all, forwarded to Gov. Herbert Lehman “to take any action as he sees fit.” LIQUOR “FLOOR TAX” FIGHT LED BY DAVIS Candidate Against Coolidge Argues Pennsylvania Law Is Unconstitutional. BY the Assoclated Press. HARRISBURG, Pa., Dec. 22—John | ‘W. Davis, Calvin Coolidge’s opponent | for the presidency, was aligned against | the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania | today in its suit to collect a liquor | “floor tax” from several major distil- lers. Davis argued yesterday in Dauphin County Oourt that the law, which im- posed a levy of $2 a gallon on liquor in storage in Pennsylvania at the time of prohibition repeal, was unconstitu- tional. The white-haired Democratic leader of the 20s appeared in court as counsel for one of the distilling companies. Subject to a constitutional test, Judge Willlam Hargest a week ago awarded the State $9,117,886 against the A. Overholt Co., Inc., successor to the large distilling company, and Joseph 8. Finch & Co., subsidiary of the Schenley Distillers’ Corp. PEACE PARLEY IS CALLED IN NEW YORK CAB STRIKE Drivers Prepare to Picket Hack Stands in Downtown Area. Clashes Reported. By the Associated Press. NEW YORK, Dec. 22.—A peace conference, the first official move to restore tranquillity to New York’s taxi- cab operations, was called today while striking cab drivers prepared to picket hack stands in the Times Square and shopping districts. ‘The strike, called by the Transport ‘Workers Union, spread to the last eight companies of the 24 associated with the Sunshine Radio System yes- terday. There were scattered reports of fist fights in garages between strik- ers and non-strikers. ‘The union figured that 2,285 cabs and 4,345 were idle. Otto Gut- freund, general manager of the cab company, said “only a couple hun- running. Democratic dred” cabs were RED PLOT FOILED ASUNCION, Paraguay, Dec. 22 (#).— The government announced today that & group of Communists, headed by for- mer Maj. Joel Estigarribia, made an unsuccessful attempt last night to overthrow the military guard at Campo Grande. Maj. Estigarribia was killed, the an- nouncement said, and Lt. Rogelio Piore, commander of the guard, was seriously injured. Police Cars Rush on Mission Of Mercy for Christmas Needy Eleventh-Hour Effort Being Made to Collect Sufficient Food, Clothing and Toys for Cheerless Families. Police badges sparkled through last- ps, to go to at once to the home Mrs. Blank, who says she has a and an attic full of clothing Associated Press News and Wirephoto Services. Press. TWO. CENTS. NAN SLAYS WIFE AND THEN HIMGELF WITH GUN IN HOME Daughter, 22, Hears Shot, Finds Parents’ Bodies on Floor. MAN’S HAND CLUTCHES .32-CALIBER REVOLVER Father Suffered Nervous Break- down Some Time Ago, Offi- cers Are Informed. Fatally wounded and grasping & re- volver, Edgar L. Clites, 39, manager of & chain grocery meat department, was found this morning lying partially across the body of his dying wife, Florence, 37, who also had been shot through the head, in their apartment at 1635 R street N.W. Mr. Clites died at 9:20 am. in Emergency Hospital, while his wifz died almost immediately after she arrived there in the same ambulance. A certificate of murder and suicide was issued by Coroner A. Magruder MacDonald this afternoon. Police had learned that Mr. Clites had suffered & nervous breakdown after an acci- dent some weeks ago and frequently had threatened suicide. Investigators said Mr. Clites obvi- ously shot his wife before turning his gun on himself. The weapon, a long- barreled .32-caliber revolver, was found clasped in the right hand of the i dying man, police were told. Shots Awaken Daughter. The daughter of the couple, Mis Louise Clites, 22, was asleep in an ad- Joining room about 8 a.m. when awak- ened by two shots in the bedroom of her parents. She ran into the room and found her mother and father lying on the floor, both shot. The frantic girl summoned assistance. The couple apparently had risen and dressed about 7:30 am. A tenant in &n apartment on the floor above said she heard loud talking shortly before the two shots came. Neither Miss Clites nor a girl roomer, who had lived with the family for several weeks, heard anything unusual, they told Ppolice, until the shots awakened them. Another Hears Woman's Cries. One occupant of a nearby apartment said that after the shots aroused him he heard a woman’s voice exclaim, “Oh, my baby—my baby!” The mother apparently had referred to her daugh- ter shortly before losing consciousness. ‘The daughter told Detective Sergt. John Wise that on one occasion she had heard her father urge her mother to agree to a suicide pact. Mr. Clites was quoted as having said to his wife: “If T kill myself, will you kill your- self?” Mrs. Clites was said to have replied indignantly: “You're crazy! Of course, I won't kill myself, and neither will you.” Detectives were told that Mr. Clites had been in failing health and ex- tremely despondent since the acci- dent, in which he injured his arm. After that time, it was said, he often walked the floor at night, or discussed suicide with his family. The Clites family moved to Wash- ington about 18 months ago from Johnstown, Pa. . WEAPONS REPORTED GIVEN FORD WORKERS Striker Testifies at N. L. R. B. Hearing That Blackjacks Were Made at Plant. Br the Associated Press. ST. LOUIS, Dec. 22.—A striking member of the United Automobile Workers of America testified today at a National Labor Relations Board hearing that blackjacks were made and distributed to “loyal” employes in the Ford Motor Co.s St. Louis plant. A Louis Jarvis, who signed a Ford “loyalty” pledge, said he was handed a lead-filled blackjack last month by an inspector, who told him, “I'll give you $2.50 for each union man you knock on the head with this.” The witness said he joined the strike called November 24 by the union and turned the blackjack over to Delmond Garst, union leader. The weapon was admitted as an exhibit in the hearing. ‘The union’s application cards and dues records were produced by Frank Gruswitz, its financial secretary. The union claimed 800 members. Gruswitz testified there never was any threat of a sit-down strike at the plant. He asserted Milton N. Johnson, the manager, told members of a union committee they were “housebreakers™” and that “the Ford company does not need this plant.” ‘The company, which has denied the charges, was accused of refusal to bare gain collectively, interference with em= ploye self-organization, discrimina« tion against union members and fore mation of & “company” union. —_— FIVE DIE IN FIRE Blaze at Pennsylvania Farm Home Follows Blast. CONNELLSVILLE, Pa., Dec. 22 (/). —Five persons perished today in flames which destroyed their isolated farm home 12 miles east of this South western Pennsylvania coal town while they slept. The dead: William Yothers, 71; his sister, Annie Yothers, 69; Wilmer D. Crow, Jean Crow and Annabelle Crow, all under 16 years old. Frank Crow, 45, father of the chil- dren, and another son, Melvin, 10, were burned seriously. Neither could give a coherent story of the tragedy. The fire followed an explosion due B