Evening Star Newspaper, January 31, 1940, Page 1

Weather Forecast Fair and continued cold, with lowest abdut 15 tonight; tomorrow increasing cloudiness and somewhat warmer. Tem- peratures today—Highest, 34, at 2 p.m.; lowest, 13, at 8:15 a.m. Trom the United States Wea Full details on Page A-2. Cl 88th YEAR. No. 34,9 ing New York Markets, Page 20. ther Bureau report. 73. ah WITH SUNDAY MORNING EDITION England Hopes To Ease Friction With Neutrals Chamberlain Regrets Trouble With U.S., Lauds Trade Pact JAPAN'S INDUSTRIES FACE huge losses as self-imposed power “fam- ine” is extended to conserve coal. Page A-2 ALLIES WILL GET “fight they asked for,” Hitler warns, stressing value to Reich of Russian and Ttalian pact. Page A-3 By the Associated Press. LONDON, Jan. 31.—Prime Min- ister Chamberlain assured the United States and Japan today that Britain was anxious to avoid fric- tion or disturbance in her trade and other relations with them and with other neutrals in the war egainst Germany. Addressing a luncheon of the Na- tional Defense Committee, the Prime Minister expressed regret that the ccncentration of dollar resources in America for munitions and other war supplies had forced curtailment of purchases of other products there. Mr. Chamberlain announced the destruction yesterday of a German _ submarine which attempted to at- tack a British convoy and in a sum- mary of Britain’s war efforts said “prodigious results” had been achieved and the empire had a mil- lion and a quarter men under arms. Best Customer in Past. Of trade relations with the United States he said: “We have been in the past the largest customer of the United States for their agricultural pro- duce As soon as the war began we were compelled to curtail our imports of things which were not essential to use that we may concen- | trate our dollar resources upon the purchase from the United States of those enormous masses of muni- tions and equipment which it is necessary for us to have in order to carry on the struggle. “But let no one suppose that we want to use the measures we | have taken for anv purpose other than the prosecution of the war; nor that we are indifferent to the | losses which neutrals may thereby sustain.” Lauds Reciprocal Pacts. Mr. Chamberlain praised Brit- | , ain’s reciprocal trade treaty with the United States, which he said “pointed the way to better things in international trade.” He asserted that the “policy we have in mind when the time comes to turn once more from war to peace” will be restoration of inter- | national trade. | ‘Series of Miracles’ Impossible, Minister Tells Newsmen By the Associated Press. PARIS, Jan. 31.—Dr. Harri Hol- ma, Finland's minister to France, told newspapermen today that Field Marshal Baron Mannerheim’s Fin- nish Army “is condemned to death” if it does not receive sufficient aid in its fight against Russta. “An army can perform one miracle, but never a series of miracles,” the minister told the weekly Anglo-American Press Club luncheon. Dr. Holma acknowledged effective aid was coming from countries all over the world, particularly France, England and the United States, but emphasized that if Finland is to hold out against Russia’s™ over- whelming numbers more help must come quickly. France moved to give Finland ad- ditional aid besides the shipment of munitions when President Lebrun and Premier Daladier announced they would be patrons of a benefit opera February 8 to provide medi- cine, food and clothing for the Finns. The Pasteur Institute of Paris has organized a 100-bed hospital, which is leaving soon for Finland with a number of ambulances, some of which have been provided by the Paris post of the American Legion. It was also announced that the gambling tables at Monte Carlo soon will contribute to Finnish re- lief a percentage of the receipts for several evenings. Foreign Relations Unit |Also fo Hear Jones \On Finnish Aid Apparently to Go Over Ground Covered by Banking Committee BACKGROUND— President Roosevelt asked Con- gress to pave way for Export- Import Bank loan to Finland for purchase here of non-military supplies. Finnish-loan backers voiced some disappointment be- cause authority to make military credits was not considered. Sen- ate Banking and Currency Com- mittee has approved the non- military loan bill presented by Seriator Brownm, Democrat, of Michigan.+ By J. A. O'LEARY. After a preliminary discussion this morning of the bill to enable Of the British-Japanese dispute | over the seizure by a British war- | ship of 21 Germans from the Japa-’ nese steamer Asama Maru January | 20. Mr. Chamberlain said: | “Nothing could more distress us| than that the Japanese government | or the people should feel that we have exercised our belligerent rights | with any want of courtesy or re- spect for them.” Japan has formally protested to | Britain over the incident and the‘ subject now is under diplomatic | discussion in Tokio. | No Neutral Threatened. | Giving a detailed picture of the many phases of Britain’s war ef- fort, Mr. Chamberlain declared “Not a single non-belligerent coun- | try feels itself threatened by this | enormous power.” | Mr Chamberlain asked neutrals | to consider that though the exer- | cise of belligerent rights causes them inconvenience and loss, “we | have never sunk a neutral ship. | And we have never wittingly sacri- ficed a single neutral life.” The United States has protested | against delays to its shipping caused by the British contraband control system. Fighting for Small Nations. “It is becoming clearer every day from .the actions of the Germans themselves,” said Mr. Chamberlain, “that we are fighting not only for ourselves, but for every country that feels itself oppressed by the fear that some day they may find themselves in a position successively occupied by Czecho-Slovakia, Po- land and now by Finland.” Mr. Chamberlain said that yes- terday’s submarine attack was the first such assault in a long time. His audience recalled that Win- ston Churchill, the first lord of the admiralty, had stated at Manchester Saturday that the odds were @00 to 1 against the Germans successfully attacking a convoy. The leader of the Liberal opposi- tion, Sir Archibald Sinclair, ad- dressing another meeting, said that he shared Mr. Churchill’s hope that the neutral nations would see the necessity of “uniting” for the de- fense of their liberties. The North Sea continued to cast up new, casualties of the quickening war in the air and on the waves. Sixteen survivors from the sunken British steamer Giralda, 2,178 tens, "(See CHAMBERLAIN, Page A-4) U. S. Warned to Speed Capone Income Tax Case By the Associated Press. CHICAGO, Jan. 31.—The Federal Court warned Government attorneys today that unless they were pre- pared to try a civil income tax suit against Al Capone by April 1 the case would be dropped. Federal Judge John P. Barnes, be- fore whom the suit repeatedly has been continued, said “I don’t think the Attorney General has exercised the necessary diligence in prosecut- ing this case. The Government alleges Capone owes $350,000 in income taxes, plus interest and penalties, for the pe- riod from 1924 to 1929. Capone on November 16 was re- Jeased from Federal custody at Lewisburg, Pa., after serving a term for income tax evasion. He now is living in Baltimore, where he has 4 the Export-Import Bank to make a further loan to Finland, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee de- cided to call in Federal Loan Ad- ministrator Jesse Jones and later of- ficials of the State Department, be- fore taking any action. Mr. Jones was scheduled to go be- fore the committee this afternoon, doubted the group would reach a conclusion today. He thought, how- ever, the decision would come before the end of the week. Although the Senate Banking Committee heard Mr. Jones and rep- resentatives of the State Depart- ment at length before approving the | bill last week by a vote of 18 to 2, | the Foreign Relations group ap- parently plans to go over the ground again. Senator Pittman said the com- mittee decided, without a formal vote, that the financial and legal phases of the question are so inter- mixed they could not well be con- sidered separately. Discretion Left to Bank. Without any direct reference to Finland, the bill merely increases by $100,000,000 the credit of the Export-Import Bank, leaving to the bank’s discretion the question of extending an additional $20,000,000 loan to the Finnish Republic for non-military purposes. As it came from the Banking Committee, the bill also provides that no loan shall be made that would violate international law, as interpreted by the State Depart- ment. Senator Pittman said the discus- sion this morning related mainly to procedure, with no indication how committee members would decide the question. Chairman Pittman announced that the committee would dispose of the Finnish loan matter before going into the problem created by cancellation of the long-standing trade treaty between the United States and Japan on January 26. Gillette Resolution Considered. Meanwhile, however, the chairman appointed a subcommittee to con- sider the resolution of Senator Gil- lette, Democrat, of Iowa, proposing to declare a state of war to exist between Japan and China, which would bring into force this coun- try's Neutrality Act in the Pa- cific. The subcommittee is composed of Senators George, Democrat, of Georgia, chairman; Van Nuys, Democrat, of Indiana and Johnson, Republican, of California. The broader subject of the future (See FOREIGN AFFAIRS, Pg. A-8.) Dominicans to Admit 100,000 Refugees By the Assoclated Press. CIUDAD TRUJILLO, Jan. 31—A contract signed here between the Dominican government and the Do- minican Republic Settlement Asso- ciation provides for the immediate admisison of some 500 European po- litical refugee families and aims at the establishment of 100,000 refugees over a period of years. Most of the first group are Ger- man Jewish refugees, but the con- tract does not specify nationalities. The settlement association will pay for establishing them and is to be reimbursed by income from their lands once they have regained their been under medical treatment. $ financial feet. 7 Finnish Army Facing Death Unless Aid Comes Quickly BARON MANNERHEIM. DR. HARRI HOLMA. Reds Reported Driven From Finnish City 0f Pitkaranta New Russian Assaults Are Smashed, Nine Tanks Destroyed By the Associated Press. : HELSINKI, Jan. 31.—The smash- ing ot renewed Russian assaults | at several points northeast of Lake Ladoga with the destruction of niné Russian tanks was reported to- nique. Five Russian planes were said to have been downed in fighting yes- terday. | _About 50 Russians were killed at Y'I‘flirmle as Soviet thrusts along the | Karelian Isthmus front were turned back. ‘The communique reported little other action, but unofficial reports |but Chairman Pittman said he | 8sserted that the Finns had recap- | tured Pitkaranta, an important city north of Lake Ladoga about 20 miles from the Soviet frontier. Air activity was confined largely to the battle zones, the communique | said, remarking that Soviet aerial forays consisted of only a few raids | against Finnish territory. Pitkgranta was occupied by the | Red Army early in the invasion of | Finland. Its recapture was de- scribed as a step in the encircling move against Russian divisions | trapped in the Kitela sector. Russians Without Food. An observer. from the Lake La- doga front reported two of the Soviet divisions there had been without food more than a week, al- though they still had ammunition. According to this source, the Fin- nish scmtegy now is one of waiting (See FINNS, Page A-4) Britain to Take Over Private Shipbuilding B) the Associated Press. LONDON, Jan. 31.—Prime Min- ister Chamberlain announced in the House of Commons today that the admiralty will become responsible for all Britain’s merchant ship- building and repairs effective to- morrow. In announcing an arrangement similar to the one adopted in the later stages of the World War, Mr. Chamberlain said Sir James Lith- gow would be controller of merchant shipbuilding and Sir Amos Ayres director of merchant shipping. Summary of Page. Amuse- ments ___ B-20 Comics _ B-18-19 Editorials . A-10 Finance . .:A-19 Lost, Found B-12 Sports ___A-16-18 Woman’s Page B-8 Foreign Finns seen facing death unless help comes quickly. Page A-1 Reds reported driven from Pinnish city. Page A-1 Britain hopes to ease friction with neutrals. Page A-1 in embargo proposal. Page A-! Japan’s industries face huge losses in power “famine.” Page A-2 Hitler warns allies will get fight “they asked for.” Page A-3 National Senators study Finnish aid, Japa- nese embargo bills. Page A-1 Fanet bloc shifts funds fight from House to Senate. Page A-2 Dies, Pelley linked by forged letters, committee says. Page A-2 Justice Department gets “many com- plaints” on Coughlin. Page A-5 Washington and Nearby. Bill to tax U. 8. employes in Virginia advances. . Page B-1 b W day by the Finnish Army commu- .| Probe of Home for Aged asked by Tokio official sees “serious lflmnt; House Orders Inquiry Info Blue Plains Mrs. Roosevelt Invited to Give Information Chairman Randolph of the House District Committee today directed the Subcommittee on Public Health to make an immediate investigation of conditions at the Home for the Aged and Infirm at Blue Plafns. At the same time, he anncunced he would invite Mrg Franklin D. Roosevelt, who recently visited the institution and criticized conditions, to give the subcommittee any infor- mation she cares to with respect to her observations at the home. Representative D’Alessandro, Dem- ocrat, of Maryland, who yesterday introduced a resolution calling for a sweeping investigation by the Dis- trict Committee on conditions at the institution, will be placed in charge of the inquiry. 5 Mrs Roosevelt today made an- other surprise inspection trip when she visited the District Receiving Home for Children and the Indus- ‘trial Home School. When the group visited the Re- ceiving Home workmen were found repairing a torn screen. It was dam- aged, the group was informed, when three girls attempted to escape last, night. Although Representative Bates, | Democrat, of Kentucky is chairman | of the Public Health Subcommit- tee, he told Representative Ran- dolph he would rather have Mr. D’Alessandro take charge of the Blue Plains investigation since the Maryland Congressman apparently is intensely interested in the insti- tution. Mr. D'Alessandro is a mem- ber of the Public Health Subcom- mittee. Mrs. Roosevelt's appearance be- | fore the subcommittee would estab- lish 'a precedent since a wife of a President has never before testified | before a congressional committee. | Mrs. Roosevelt has attended Dies Committee hearings, but merely as a spectator. Representative D'Alessandro’s res- olution asking the House to direct the District Committee or a “proper” subcommittee to make an investiga- | tion at the Blue Plains home is pending before the Rules Commit- tee. Representative Randolph said it would not be necessary for the Rules | Committee or the House to act on | the D’Alessandro resolution because | he helieved such an inquiry should be made without delay and for that | reason ordered the Public Health | Subcommittee to make it. Mr. Randolph also expressed the | hope that the subcommittee as the | first step in the investigation would visit the home and learn at first | itself is regarded in many sections | hand conditions existing there. In addition to Mr. Bates and Mr. | | D Alessandro the public health sub- | committee is composed of Repre- sentatives Schulte, Democrat, of Indiana, and Shafer of Michigan and Vreeland of New Jersey, both | Republicans. The children at the Receiving| | Home, she was informed, are housed |in the home sometimes for weeks awaiting hearing in the Juvenile | | Court. Both white and colored chil dren are held at the home. District welfare officials tor some | | yeers have urged appropriation of | funds for the construction of a new ann adequate building to house Dis- | trict wards who are now cared for | in the rented quarters on 816 Poto- | mac avenue S.E. used by the Re- ceiving Home. At the Industrial Home School for White Children, 2453 Wisconsin | avenue N.W., she said condi- tions were “pretty good.” No Segregation Facilities. Mrs. Roosevelt, who was accom- panied on the Receiving Home and Industrial Home trip today by Mrs. David Gray, a relative, and one rep- resentative of the press, was par- ticularly critical of the lack of fa- cilities for segregation, according to | types and ages, of the District's wards seni to the Receiving Home. | She noted that underaged persons who are accused of offenses against the law are housed along with chil- dren who are at the home only be- cause of family or other circum- stances. It was also noted particularly by Mrs. Roosevelt that there was no immediate medical examination possible for all children sent to the home, there being a physician for girls who visited the place only twice a week and physician for ex- amination of boys at more frequent intervals. The following direct quotation re- (See MRS. ROOSEVELT, Pg. A-4) Today’s Star D'Alesandro. Page B-1 Hanrahan will reveal police plans today. Page B-1 13 firms bid on A. D. A. project in Nayy place. Page B-1 Editorial and Comment This and That. Answers. to Questions. Letters to The Star. David Lawrence. Alsop and Kintner. Frederic William Wile. Charles G. Ross. Jay Franklin. Sports Big Ten leaders pay smallest sums in subsidies. Page A-16 Columbus eims to beat C. U. boxers by shuffling lineup. Page A-17 Teammates big rivals as Blakeney defends pin title. Page A-18 Miu:-elhny Service Orders. Vital Statistics. Nature’s Children. Page A-10 Page A-10 Page A-10 Page A-11 Page A-11 Page A-11 Page A-11 Page A-11 Page A-15 Page B-7 Page B-12 Page B-18 Page B-18 Page B-18 Page B-19 Page B-19 a | grounds it is rash and unnecessary | | efforts to ameliorate the situation in | | China and elsewhere.” ¢ Foening Star Established in 1852 Most people in Washington have The Star delivered to their homes every Captain John and Priscilla Tokio Official Sees "Serious Affront’ In Embargo Bill Spokesman Cites Efforts To Improve Relations With United States By the Associated Press. TOKIO, Jan. 31.—Passage of the | Pittman proposal to give the Presi- | dent of the United States discre- tionary power to apply an embargoi against Japan would be a “serious | -affront,” the foreign office spokes- | man declared today. “Termination of the trade treaty | of this country as an unpleasant | and regrettable incident,” said the | spokesman, Yakichiro Suma, of the | treaty which expired January 26. “Shoufi Congress follow with an embargo bill—even though it only potentially authorizes an embargo— I am frank to say it would be re- garded by the Japanese people as & serious affront. “Fortunately I understand three influential Senators on the For- eign Relations Committee are op- posed to Pittman's bill on thei at this juncture.” (Senator Key Pittman, Demo- crat, of Nevada, chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee and author of the plan to give the Chief Executive power to cut off shipment of American raw materials to Japan, has said the measure is needed to assure bet- ter treatment for Americans in China.) o Restrictions Being Eased. Apparently referring to reserva- | tions expressed by Senators Wagner, Democrat, of New York; Nye, Re- publican, of North Dakota, and | Wheeler, Democrat, of Montana, Suma added: “I believe they recognize Japan’s | Asked what these efforts by Japan had produced, the spokesman said that “undeniably” bombing and | allegations of personal indignities | had virtually disappeared and that the Japanese are examining means of removing trade restrictions, al- though the last factor naturally is developing more slowly. Suma at the same time confirmed that a Japanese-Soviet Russian Demarcation Commission appointed to settle long-standing disagreements over the mutual boundaries of Jap- anese-protected Manchukuo, Soviet Siberia and Soviet-protected outer Mongolia, had disbanded. A telegram, arriving at the foreign office during Suma’s press confer- ence, merely said that both sides had signed a declaration of their intention to abandon the talks. The commission was ofganized after the disastrous Nomonhan clash on the Outer Mongolian-Manchukuo border in which Japan admitted the loss of 18,000 men in dead, wounded and ill, and said Soviet casualties were even greater. Fail to Reach Compromise. The Nomonhan area was one of the focal points of the commission’s attention. It was understood both sides produced maps supporting their respective territorial claims and failed to reach a compromise. The strategic importance which Japan attaches to Inner Mongolia and which Russia attaches to Outer Mongolia made a settlement diffi- cult. Japan’s interest in a rapproche- ment with Russia diminished rap- idly after the invasion of Finland, and Soviet military prestige now has fallen almost to the zerp point in Japanese eyes because of the success of the Finnish resistance. Fighting in the area was ended1 last September 16 by a truce be- tween Japan and Russia, and con- ferences over the poundary stemmed from that armistice. The conferees first met at Chita, Siveria, where progress was re- ported, and then at Harbin, Man- chukuo. At that time there was considerable hope a Japanese-Rus- sian understanding—perhaps the equivalent of a non-aggression pact —would result. Veteran, 101, Is Worried MONESSEN, Pa., Jan. 31 (®— Wwilliam Hite, Civil War veteran, who will be 101 years old Friday, has only one worry—that the United | the National Labor Relations Board. President Urged to Move | Birthday Up Few Months By the Associated Press. WARM SPRINGS, Ga., Jan. 31— Editor Edward Stout of the Warm Springs Mirror says January 30 is too cold to celebrate President Roosevelt’s birthday, so he suggests that the Chief Executive change it to a warmer month. “Move it up a few months, until June, maybe,” the editor said he wrote the President. “I don't believe | it would be any more trouble than | the Thanksgiving shift.” Mr. Stout contended a “Fight Paralysis Week” in the summer would bring in more money. Presi- dent Roosevelt advanced Thanks- | giving a week in 1939 in a move to| aid business. The President frequently visits| Warm Springs, where he maintgins | a “little white house.” Manufacturers Tried To Sabotage Wagner Act, Madden Asserts Blames Nation’s Industry For Troubles N. L. R. B. Has Encountered BACKGROUND— Special House committee, head- ed by Representative Smith, Democrat, of Virginia, has been investigating enforcement of Wagner Act at hearings that started in December. Evidence has developed dissension on board and alleged partiality of field employes toward C. I. O. By CARTER BROOKE JONES. J. Warren Madden, chairman of testifying today before the House committee investigating that agency. charged the manufacturers of the country with trying to sabotage the ‘Wagner Act. | Mr. Madden quoted a report from the National Association of Manu- facturers which said: “We are opposed to the establish- ment of agencies such as the Na- tional Labor Relations Board, and we recommend a continuing cam- paign for repeal of the Wagner | Labor Relations Act under which that agency was created. We believe the elimination of the Federal Labor Board system.” Blames Industry for Troubles. Chairman Madden, launching the board’s defense against charges that it has not enforced the law impar- tially and favored employes, espe- cially C. I. O. organizations, blamed industry for difficulties which en- forcement of the act has encaun- tered. This attitude, he said, “created an enormous problem for the board.” The manufacturers, he added, re- garded ‘“obedience or acquiescence to the act as unpatriotic.” Courts sometimes enjoined the board from even holding hearings in labor dis- putes, Mr. Madden said. Before the Supreme Court upheld the validity of the act, he pointed common sense and justice dictate| U. M. W. Sidetracks Resolufions Urging Roosevelt Third Term Matter Referred to Executive Board for Action at ‘Proper Time' By the Associated Press. COLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 31.—The United Mine Workers of America convention today sidetracked reso- lutions indorsing a third term for President Roosevelt. It agreed to refer the matter to its powerful International Executive Board for action. President John L. Lewis, who six days ago predicted renomination of President Roosevelt would result in his “ignominious defeat,” said the majority was “overwhelming.” There were 11, hours of hot floor Committee substituted for 47 reso- luctions backing Mr. Roosevelt for a third term. The substitute resolution recom- mended that any action of the Executive Board be “predicated on the basis of the (Democratic) party being united on liberal candidates, on liberal principles, on a liberal platform for the consummation of the New Deal legislative pro- gram * * *. Considerable Opposition. Considerable opposition to the eral delegates declared their locals were not in sympathy with Mr. Lewis’ attitude toward the President. The debate was the liveliest of the convention, which has been featured by Mr. Lewis' attacks on the New |Deal. He also charged that the | Democratic party had been “unfaith- ; ful” to labor. The committee said in the sub- stitute: sensible, sane and proper course is | to refer the entire subject matter to the international executive board for appropriate action and such rea- sonable finance support as circum- stances may warrant at the proper time in support of the program that may be agreed upon and worked in co-operation with labor’'s Non- Partisan League.” The committee also said that “the New Deal social and democratic program of the present administra- tion has not been consummated.” “During the period from 1933 to 1937 headway was made, for which this organization was and is grate- ful, as evidenced by the tactful and effective action of our convention of 1936 when we pledged our moral and gave substantial financial support to the Democratic campaign of that year,” it added. . Reasons Given. In the 1938-39 session of Congress, the Resolutions Committee added, “a coalition clique put not only a stop to New Deal legislation, but weakened and destroyed many of the New Deal legislative acts, such as W. P. A. wages and appropria- tions, which were reduced. out, the legal department of the “This campaign is still under way. (See LABOR BOARD, Page A-12) (See MINERS, Page A-9.) (Full page of pictures on page A-7.) Festive Washington _ struggled back to normal today with the sat- isfaction of a record-breaking role in the Nation’s fight against infan- tile paralysis. Visions of Hollywood stars, the so- cial whirl of gay parties, the Presi- dent’s own message concerning & “magnificent task,” all lingered in the Capital’s memory of the most successful of the Roosevelt birthday celebrations. Thousands danced at hotel balls, jammed downtown theaters for spe- cial shows and joined movieland @riists last night to wish President Roosevelt & happy birthday and in so doing, contribute a part in the country’s battle against the paraly- sis scourge. States might enter the European > : The President addressed the Na- tion from the White House while » Capital’s Record Birthday Role Nets $55,000 Paralysis Fund Thousands Dance, Attend Late Shows, Crowd Around Visiting Movie Stars Mrs. Roosevelt joined the stars in their colorful rounds of the city’s crowded birthday balls. “I think I am safe in saying that no nation in the world has ever put a larger volunteer-army into the field on any given date than the army of Americans which tonight is taking part in the defense of Amer- ican childhood,” said Mr. Roosevelt in his Nation-wide radio greeting. the 5,000,000 men the United States had under arms during the World War and added that at least “four or five times as many Americans, men, women and children, are en- rolled in this new army which has joined the march to save life and not to take it.” Washington’s celebration of the President’s 58th birthday netted more than $55,000, & part of the ex- (Sé¢ CELEBRATION, Page A-5) A The vote appeared to be close, but | discussion over a resolution whicn | the powerful convention Resolutions substitute resolution developed. Sev- | “We hold and believe the only | The President called attention to |’ evening and Sunday morning. THREE CENTS. 655Million Navy Plan Favored By House Group ‘Two-Year Plan Provides 43 Vessels And 4,500 Planes BULLETIN. The Senate Appropriations Committee reported out the $1,138,693,000 independent offices bill this afternoon after adding $38,500,000 to the House total. By the Associated Press. The House Naval Affairs Com- mittee tentatively approved today a two-year building program, to cost approximately $655,000,000. The revamped program, described by Chairman Vnson as “all the Navy can build in two years,” would au- thorize construction of 21 additional warships, 22 auxiliary vessels and boost the - Navy’s minimum air strength to 4,500 planes. When the fleet expansion progfi-n'x first was presented it called for eventual appropriaton of $1,300,000,- 000 to provide for 77 warships and the same number of aircraft and auxiliaries. The committee adopted an amendment giving the Navy specific authority to provide additional ship= building ways and docks at the Nore folk, Va.: Philadelphia and Portse mouth, N. H, navy yards, if neces- sary to carry out the program. It refused, however, to include the Bremerton, Wash., and Mare Island, Calif., navy yards despite a vigorous fight by Representatives Magnuson, Democrat, of Washington, and Havenner, Democrat, of California. ‘The group also overwhelmingly rejected a proposal by Represent= ative Maas of Minnesota, senior minority member, to authorize the Navy to lend navy yard equipment to private shipbuilders in the inter= est of expediting the program. Army Doesn’'t Want Men. The Army, sidetracking proposals for mcreasing its manpower, is going | to concentrate or completing sea- coast defenses, establishing a na- tional air-raid warning system, and getting additional modern equip- ment for its troops. Members of the House Military Affairs Committee said that Gen. George C. Marshall, Army Chief of Staff, told them yesterday a $40.- 000,000 item, chiefly for creation of an air-raid warning system, was of the “first priority” among Army needs. Details of the system were with- held, but members said it would in- clude a radio set-up and sirens. Testifying behind closed doors, Gen. Marshall told the committee, members said, that the Army want- ed $300,000,000 for construction and completion of seacoast defenses and $240,000,000 for so-called “critical” equipment needs. One committee- man said that all of these funds would be sought in the forthcoming War Department appropriation bill. Army Increase Opposed. Committee members said Gen. Marshall told them he was opposed to increasing the Army and Na- tional Guard beyond 480,000 men at this time, although there has been talk of recruiting both forces to their authorized strength of 600,000. The Regular Army now has about 227,000 enlisted men and the Na- tional Guard about 265,000. Gen. Marshall was quoted as say- | ing he might ask funds for an ad- ditional 15,000 men to fill out cer- tain units to provide six Regular Army divisions, exclusive of troops in Panama and in territorial posses- sions. Although Secrétary Edison told the House Naval Committee yesterday that a 25 per cent increase in the Navy, costing about $1,300.000,000, was neces- sary to give the United States “a fair degree of security” against pos- sible combinations of foes, Chair- man Vinson held out for the smaller program as “all the Navy can handle in two years.” | The committee served notice that it would not act finally on the legislation until it gets formal ap- proval from President Roosevelt, but Representative Vinson said the revamped measure was on the Chief Executive's desk. Isaac Gans Taken Il On Birthday Eve Isaac Gans, civic leader and re- tiring member of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, was taken il early today and preparations were made to remove him to Emer- gency Hospital. It was believed that he had suf- fered a heart attack. His 80th birth- day anniversary comes tomoriow, at which time he was scheduled to attend a testimonial luncheoen at the National Press Club, tend- ered by District officials. Mr. Gans announced some weeks ago that he was retiring from public life and his resignation from the A. B. C. Board was effective as of today. Bids Rejected for Four Once Luxurious Liners By the Associated Press. The Maritime Commission an- nounced today it had rejected all bids recently submitted for the purchase of four obsolete passenger vessels of its “ghost fleet.” Reasons for the action were not given. The vessels are the George Wash- ington, Monticello, Mount Vernon and America, once luxurious liners which for years have been rusting ::dmehonge off Solomons Island, Sir Herbert Marler Dies MONTREAL, Jan. 31 (@) —Sir Herbert Marler, 63, former Canadian Minister to the United States and to Japan, died here today after a long illness. ¢ a