Evening Star Newspaper, February 19, 1940, Page 2

Vigorous Policing 0f Election Promised By Senate Group Gillette Doesn’t Care ‘Who It Hits or Where It Hits’ By the Associated Press. ‘While ~the presidential races quickened following the selection of national convention dates, a vig- orous policing of 1940 elections by a special Senate committee was prom- 1sed today by Senator Gillette, Dem- ocrat, of Towa. He called an organization meeting of the four other Senators ap- pointed by Vice President Garner to the Campaign Investigating Com- mittee. “I don't care who it hits or where it hits, it's to the interest of all American citizens to keep elections clean,” Senator Gillette said. “I'm sure it’s the intention of this com- mittee to do a thorough job.” The group, he said, will keep a close watch on all primaries, elec- tions of convention delegates and the national nominating conven- tions, as well as the final elections in November. Won't Be Snoopers. A new factor this year, he pointed out, is the Hatch Act prohibiting political activity by the thousands of Government employes and bar- ring use of relief and other Federal funds for political purposes. Senator Gillette expressed the certainty that “this will not be a snoopers’ committee, although it will give fair consideration to all complaints.” “The most ardent party advocate should be the first to see that his own party is purged of those who would take unfair or illegal advan- tage of party machinery,” he said. None of the three Democrats named to the committee—Senators Gillette, Miller of Arkansas and Hill of Alabama—has publicly urged & third term for President Roose- velt. The Republican members are Senators Tobey of New Hampshire and Reed of Kansas. Gasoline (Continued From First Page.) who represents ofl-producing Okla- home and is a former service sta- tion operator. Of 83 purchases of purportedly high-test gasoline made last year, Mr. Roberts said 24 samples were found to be of regular or low grade, although in many instances they were sold at premium prices. One sample tested by the Bureau of Standards contained an octane rat- ing of 67, exceptionally poor. Mr. Roberts said he had been informed by the Bureau of Standards that high-test gasoline should have an octane rating of 76 or over. Most of the morning’s testimony was consumed by the reading into the subcommittee’s record of the names and addresses from which the purchases were made. When asked by Mr. Nichols if he considered the purchases” as representing a fair cross-section in -the District, Mr. Roberts replied, “we endeavored to make a fair cross test.” Asked by the chairman if the bill he had given the Commissioners would curb this misrepresentation, Mr. Roberts explained: “I do not want to urge any legis- lation on the District Committee, if it is opposed by my superiors. I am not permitted to ask for legislation.” However, on Mr. Nichols’ insistence, Mr. Roberts explained that the bill which is still with the Commission- ers would provide for the rating of gasoline. Compulsion in advertising octane rating at service stations, he said, “would be beneficial to con- sumers and producers.” He said eight States in the United States have rating laws. A demand that misrepresenting dealers be prosecuted for fraudu- lent advertising by the District United States attorney’s office was made today by the Consumers’ Conference on High Prices and Profiteering. It sent a letter to the District Commissioners saying it be- lieved the misrepresentation to be in violation of title 6, section 265, of the District Code, entitled, “Fraudulent Advertising.” Meeting Plans Changed The monthly meeting of the ‘Women'’s Auxiliary of the American Institute of Mining and Metallurgi- cal Engineers, which was to have been held at the home of Mrs. N. H. Darton, 6969 Brookville road, Chevy Chase, Md,, at 11:30 a.m. tomorrow, Wwill be held instead at that hour in the Highlands Apartments, it was announced today. Uncle Sam’s Almanac Handy Reference Book Everybody should have a copy of UNCLE SAM’S ALMA- NAC, 1940, because it contains a wealth of information on subjects of general interest and is a handy reference every day in the year. It covers over 100 subjects, including a ready reference calendar for 200 years, historical facts of each State, science in industry, facts about Federal relief, weights and measures, wedding anni- versaries, record of presiden- tial elections and much other timely information. It is an exceptional value for a dime. Send for your copy now. In- close ten cents to cover cost and handling. USE THIS COUPON. The Washington Evening Star Information Bureau, Frederic J. Haskin, Director, ‘Washington, D. C. I inclose herewith TEN CENTS in coin (carefully wrapped) for & copy of UNCLE SAM'S AL- MANAG, 1940. City State Reich Confiscafes Polish Factories, Farms and Forests Property Within Annexed Area to Be Managed By Nazi Government By the Associated Press. BERLIN, Feb, 19.—Field Marshal Hermann Wilhelm Goering, Ger- many’s economic dictator, today in effect decreed confiscation of all fac- tories, farms and forest lands in former Polish territory now incor- porated in the Reich. ‘The order exempted only prop- erty owned by German nationals be- fore September 1, when the German invasion of Poland started. To Be Managed by State. Such lands and forests, including those “confiscated by the Reich’s commissar for strengthening Ger- man nationality,; are to be managed by the state “to guarantee na- tional sustenance,” Marshal Goering ordered. Public operation applies to all be- longings, - rights, claims, interest and shares involved in such factories or lands. The decree does not apply, how- ever, to the “governor general's” section of Poland which has not been incorporated in the Reich though under German rule since partition of the republic by Russia and Germany! Scores of thousands of farmhands are being brought to various parts of Germany from German-occupied Poland to till German soil, it was announced today. Five Thousand Sent Daily. Five thousand agricultural labor- ers are being brought from Warsaw each day. Before many weeks elapse the Krakow area alone is ex- pected to supply 120,000 Polish farm- hands. The announcement said 10 trains, each carrying about 500 farmhands, have been leaving Warsaw each day since last Thursday, and that they will continue departing on this scale through March 2, The Poles are headed for Silesia, Pommerania, Mecklenburg, Saxony, Bavaria, the Rhineland, Austria, East Prussia, Thuringia and the Harz Mountains. Rain Here fo Continue; Flood Conditions Studied Although more rain was in the offing today, after a week end that brought more than an inch of pre- cipitation, the chance of flood condi- tions in the very near future, at least, seem remote. The River and Flood Division of the Weather Bureau here reported the Potomac River rising, following approximately an inch and a half of rainfall over its entire basin. Up to noon today, however, it still was slightly below normal. A fuller picture of the situation may be had later today, it was an- nounced, after the bureau had re< ceived additional .reports fr u) THE "EVENING “STAR, SAVAGE, MD.—REMAINS OF BLASTED HOME — Shattered remains of a two-story frame home that was wrecked today by a gas explosion which killed Mrs. Thomas Ridgeway, 69, Mrs. Effie Hackley, 43, who was rescued by her son Louis after she was knocked down by the force of the explagsion, —S8tar Staft Photo. p- stream. Despite the heavy l‘n’t;wfaf 1 here during part of December, the actual amount | of pregjpitation for the period is stili below average. The Weather Bureau at Baltiy| more likewise minimized any posy| sible danger of flood conditions i®-: Maryland, pointing out that pe< riods of mild" weather, which al- lowed gradual thaws,” have taken care of “the possibility of ice jams in the Potomac.” The forecast here was for cloudy weather with intermittent light rain this afternoon and tonight, the rain- fall probably ending by tomorrow morning. ‘The temperature had hung around 45 degrees today from 9 a.m. to 1 pm. Finnish Loan (Continued From First Page.) has created to increase this coun- try’s trade with South America. The committee recessed again this afternoon, however, without completing the hearings. ‘When Representative Monroney, Democrat, of Oklahoma asked when the committee expected to act on the bill, Acting Chairman Williams said he could not answer definitely, but suggested within a few days. He announced some official of the State Department would be called tomorrow. At the outset, Mr. Jones assured the committee the Export-Import Bank has not and will not make any loans in contravention of the Johnson Act, even though that act may not apply to public lending agencies. The Johnson Act forbids loans to countries in default of past debts. Finland has never been in default on its old debt to the United States. Mr. Jones told Acting Chairman Williams he felt the bank could cancel any authorized loan to Fin- land if war is formally declared by Russia after the credit is promised. A formal declaration would re- quire the President to invoke the Neutrality Act. Mr. Jones said the bank might have to pay for goods ordered in this country under loan authorization, but the goods would not necessarily have to be shipped out of the country, he said. Mr, Williams disagreed with Mr. Jones as to the scope of articles Fin- land.could buy in this country with- in the terms of international law, as defined in the Havana Conference, ratified by the Senate in 1928. Mr. Jones said he would consider his agency could advance credit for the export of anything not listed by the President in his neutrality proclamations. “We would assume we could finance anything ordinarily used by the civilian population,” the lending administrator said. Mr. Williams said Senate debate on the Havana Conference seemed to indicate that nothing but “food and raw materials” could be shipped by a neutral country to a belligerent. He pointed out that would leave a narrow fleld of possible aid to Fin- land, if that interpretation is fol- lowed. Mr. Jones pointed out he would be % Herbert Ridgway, 40, who Wi out of the back door..of the wreecked house.: | He is the son of Mrs. Thomas Ridgway. —Star Staff Photo. Finland (Continued From First Page.) of various types, 17 tractors, 32 field kitchens, 25 automobiles and 200 other vehicles were listed as booty of the battle. Russian bombers raided Viipuri, Lappeenranta, and Kakisalmi during a day which the Finns saw greater aerial activity than on any previous day. Helsinki had an air-raid alarm from 11 am. until 12:30 pm. Farther away from the battle zone the Kotka, Kouvola, Iisalmi and Pori districts also were raided and a number of civilians wounded. The Finnish air force carried out scouting and bombing flights over the battlefields and the enemy’s rear, resulting in “numerous air battles attended with success for us,” the Finns said. Russians Hammering At Viipuri Defenses MOSCOW, Feb. 19 (#).—Red Army troops hammered today almost at the doors of Viipuri, Finland’s sec- ond largest city, after isolating Fort Kolvisto, western anchor of the Mannerheim Line, a Soviet com- murniyue said. (In London a Reuters (British * News Agency) dispatch from Hel- sinki said Finland had called up for military service all men ex- empted in peacetime because of i1l health. Viiptri, center of Karelian Christi- anity for 700 years and a prime objective of Russian troops since the start of the war, appeared hard pressed as the Soviet reported cap- ture of Johannes, Maksalahti and the | Somme on the Finnish coastal rail- way. Occupation of the coastal railway towns apparently snapped Koivisto's overland communication with Vii- puri, for the three towns are north of the fort. a widow, and injured 13 persons. intact, lies in the foreground. (Story on page A-1) Japan's Planes Bomb |President Cruices Chinese Lifeline |Railway Again U. S. Envoy Was Reported Planning Trip Over Hanoi-Kunming Route -| By the Associated Press, HONG KONG, Feb. 19.—Japanese second and tunnel damaged severely. Both . the Prench and American Governments protested to Japan over previous air attacks on the rail- road, which connects Chunking with French Indo-China. The Japanese said the latest raid was made yesterday. At the same time Chinese authorities announced The roof, lifted almost ~—Star 8taff Photo. Among thase in the hause st the time of the blast were Mrs. Emory Swann, 35 (lett), who Hves near the scene; Richard E. Linder, 44, (center), m}l‘ Louis ‘Thomas Ridgeway. Estigarribia Decrees Himself = Virtual Dictator of Paraguay Takes All Political Power; Nation ‘on Edge of Anarchy’ By the Associated Press. * ASUNCION, Paraguay, Feb, 19.— A decree by President Gen. Jose Felix Estigarribia making himself virtual dictator of Paraguay because “Our nation has reached the edge of horrible. anarchy” was received with calm throughout the nation today. “I assume all political powers of the republic,” the 51-year-old Presi- dent decreed yesterday. Earlier, Gen. Estigarribia announced he had the full support of the army and navy. Both the congress and cabinet have resigned give the President a free hand. e appointed a new cabinet including most of the mem- bers of the old one. The decree promised a “complete truce of political activities of all parties and creeds” and to “call the people to elections for a national convention which will dictate a new constitution” as soon as “all an- archist factors are defeated.” The resigned Congress was com- posed of member of the Liberal party, but the oppositionist Colorado party abstained from participating in the last elections because of the lack of suitable guarantees. The 5 Lepke Charges Dismissed NEW YORK, Feb. 19 (#).—Judge John J. Freschi today dismissed, at the "State’s request, 5 of the 23 counts in the indictment against Louis (Lepke) Buchalter, He is on trial with two others in General Sessions Court on charges of ex- tortion in the flour trucking and bakery racket. Use your head, mot your horn while driving. \ GEN. JOSE FELIX ESTIGARRIBIA. Colorado party agreed to participate in new elections if Congress were totally renovated. Paraguay has been struggling tq reconstruct herself after the long Chaco War with Bolivia and the effects of the depression. American experts have been brought to this country to help settle economic problems. ’Olélest Doctor’ Dies * In Ohio at 104 By the Associated Press. BETHEL, Ohio, Feb. 19.—Dr, Wil- liam Eberle Thompson, known as the Nation’s oldest practicing phy- sician, died today. He wovld have been 105 years old July 6. Born and reared in this village 30 miles east .of Cincinnati, Dr. ‘Thompson resided here all his life, content in the simple but arduous role of “country doctor.”® Hackley, 22, grandson of Mrs. —Star Staff Photo. Congress (Continued From First Page.) sylvania, the Democratic whip, ex- pressed the view that Mr. Coffee’s amendment and all others would fail. He predicted the extension resolution would “go through clean” Jjust as Secretary Hull asked for it, with 25 or fewer Democratic votes against it. Some of those leading the Re- publican fight said there was no chance of killing the entire measure in the House. Their hope, they said, centered on the Senate ratification amendment and on arousing popular opposition to the point where the Senate would defeat the program. Mr. Coffee asserted that if his amendment were adopted he would vote for approval of the extension measure. Many advocates of the trade program, however, contend it would be nullified by a provision for Senate approval of each treaty. While the House turned.to the trade problem, the Senate was oc- cupied with minor legislation. Com- mittees in both chambers went ahead with their study of appropria- tion bills in an effort to cut Federal spending. House economy advocates are keeping one eye on the weather man and the other on the Senate farm bloc while calculating the chances for cutting budget estimates sufficiently to eliminate the need for $460,000,000 in new taxes. Officials Will Discuss Traffic Problems Here 185 ‘Three members of the House Dis- f" trict Qommittee and GeGrge M. Roberts, superintendent of weights and measures, will discuss traffc | over and motoring problems with the passenger service on the road had been resumed after a week’s hold- up while previous bombing damage was repaired. The Chinese said damage from a Japanese raid Satur- day was slight. United States Ambassador Nel- son T. Johnson was reported ready to use the railroad tomorrow or Wednesday for a trip to Kunming, en route to the Chinese provisional capital, Chungking. Japanese and Chinese sources re- ported Nipponese troops had effect- ed a landing near Amoy and were invading the southeast province of Pukien for the first time. Japanese military spakesmen flatly denied a Chinese report that Japanese troops were withdra: from Nanning, capital of Kwangsi Province, after occupying the city since last November 24. Chinese dispatches said the Jap- anese withdrawal resembled a rout in the face of advancing Chinese troops, but the Japanese military spokesman said the Nanning front was completely quiet with “not even a single shot breaking the stillness.” At Chungking, Chinese newspa- pers issued extras reporting “recap- ture of Nanning,” but Chinese mili- tary authorities made fiat denials. They said, however, fighting was underway on the northern outskirts. 80 Miles From Bay. The Japanese occupied Nanning, important highway center for trans- portation of supplies from French Indo-China, after a surprise land- ing on Tongking Bay and a march into the interior that took only a week. The city is about 80 miles north of the bay. It was the fastest Japanese advance of the war. Numerous offensives were launched from Nanning, the most important in a northeasterly direc- tion, only a few weeks ago. They were repulsed. Last Tuesday, the Japanese South China command issued a proclama- tion saying Japan did not plan to extend her operations further. The statement was interpreted widely in China as meaning Japan had gone as far as she could With- out having succeeded in forcing the Chinese to accept peace. Congress in Brief . TODAY. Senate: Considers minor bills. House: 5 : Considers minor bills; then_ de- bates reciprocal trade program. TOMORROW. Senate: Is not expected to be in session. Appropriations Subcommittee ex- ecutive, on State, Justice and Com- merce supply bill, 10:30 am. House: Continues debate on reciprocal trade agreements. Special subcommittee of District Committee begins open hearings on liquor situation, 10:30 am. Public Health Subcommittee of District Committee begins investiga- tion of Receiving Home for Chil« dren, 10:30 am. N Special subcommittee of District Committee continues investigation of gasoline situation, 10 a.m. Foreign Affairs Committee con- siders bill for classification of clerks in the foreign semwice, 10:30 a.m. In Pacific Waters After Canal Tour Is Believed Headed for Pearl or Cocos Islands " For Fishing Trip By the Associated Press. ABOARD THE U. 8. 8. LANG, Feb. 19.—President Roosevelt cruised calm Pacific waters today toward undisclosed fishing grounds after completing a Sunday inspec- tion tour of the Panama Canal Zone’s improved defenses, now oper= ating on a wartime basis. Amid the booming of 21-gun salutes, the President drove past lines of rigid soldiers along palm- fringed roads in a three-hour auto- mobile trip to inspect at first hand the progress made in developing the canal’s Atlantic coast defense sys- tem. The Canal Zone, garrisoned by 18,000 soldiers, has become—as a result of presidential orders—the United States’ second most heavily armed position. Hawaii has 22,000 Army regulars. After completing a 35-mile in- spection tour, during which he looked over secret work being done on the canal itself, the President entrained at the town of Gatun for a trip by rail across the isthmus. He waved cheery greetings to throngs of Canal Zone residents, who, despite extraordinary military restrictions surrounding his tour, swarmed behind a barricade of hur- rl&:ane wire to give a hearty send- off. Brig. Gen. Edwin M. Watson, his secretary and military aide, said the President discussed “contem- plated improvements and additions” to the canal's defenses with mili- tary, naval and civilian officials. Gen. Watson said the Chief Exec- utive talked about the “general con- dition of the canal and its de- fenses,” including plans for a third set of locks costing $277,000,000. He was impressed particularly, his aide said, by the canal's expanded air defenses, exemplified by a fleet of a dozen big new bombers at France Field which caught the pres- idential eye. Press Conference Planned. ‘The President’s ship, the U. S. 8. Tuscaloosa, and its destroyer es- corts, the Lang and Jouett, were believed headed for the Pegrl or Cocos Islands for several days of fishing. The President, although keeping the destination of his Pacific cruise secret, agreed to hold a press con- ference during the day aboard the Tuscaloosa. After completing his fishing trip, the President planned to inspect the defenses of the Pacific end of the Panama Canal on his return trip. He will be met and accom- panied across the isthmus by the Panamanian Président, Augusto Boyd, chairman of the recent Pan- American Conference which estab- lished a 300-mile neutrality belt off American coasts to keep the Eu- ropean war away from the Western Heniisphere. Suspended Safe Delays Fire Esfimate Damage The amount of damage caused by a two-alarm fire which yesterday damaged the Pearson & Crain jewelry shop. 1301 G street NW., remained in question tnday, since a giant safe containing the most valuable stones and metals hung unopened between two floors. At least $70,000 in jewelry rests in the charred safe, according to Clar- ence A. Pearson, owner of the estab- lishment. It stood in the heart of a blaze so intense that silver on nearby shelves was softened and melted, Fire apparently sprang from a basement furnace, which so heated the dry floor above, upon which the safe stood, that the first floor of the store was swept by flames shortly before noon. The safe crashed half- way through to the basement, with its door lying against a beam. Weather Report (Purnished by the United States Weather Bureau.) District of Columbia—Cloudy with intermittent light rain this after- noon and tonight, probably ending tomorrow morning; not much change in temperature; lowest tonight about 38 degrees; moderate northeast backing to north and northwest winds. Maryland-Intermittent light rain in east portion tonight, probably ending tomorrow morning, and light rain changing to snow tonight and light snow tomorrow in west portion; not much change in temperature. Virginia—Intermittent light rain in east and central portion tonight, probably ending tomorrow morning and light rain changing to snow to- night and light snow tomorrow in extreme west portion; slightly colder to- night and in south and central portions tomorrow. ‘West Virginia—Intermittent light rain changing to snow and slightly colder tonight; tomorrow light snow and slightly colder. The extensive southern disturbance has cofitinued to move siowly north-northeast- the QGrande Valley. X. 1009.5 milibars (29.81 inches. disturbances have caused precipation States, Heavy the greater part of the United saln 1ol 'n"Ule bl Valles. he Southers lachian region. riion: tes and Norih Oaro- Advisory Board of the Keystone | Ores. Automobile Club in the Willard Ho- tel tomorrow at 6 pm. The three House members are Representatives Randolph of West Virginia, Dirk- sen of Illinois and Representative Kennedy 8f Maryland, Gree ., 1. .1 mi 130 inches } e temperature has risen in the gw&r e reg Middle Atlantic and h Atlantic States. the northern Plains Siates. and portions'of the Rocks Mountain : *"Ribe emperatare - chan have been llllhl.‘ . e, - River Report. Potomae and Shenandosh Rivers muddy st 'S 5 Pof 1 Ty Tudds 2t Great Falls togayrs Tver Y Revert for Last 48 Hours, b gt o Canal Zone: 2 X Decemter Precipitation. Monthly precipitation in inches in the Capital (current month to date): Month. Weather in Various Cities. Stations. Bar. HIRE Low. Tall Weather 20 ___ Abilene___ Chicago Cincinnati Gleveland - 53855958 PEbEbiy 555! e o e e A FOREIGN STATIONS. (Noon, Greenwich time. todsy.) Temperature. Weather PR | Cloudy Horta (Payal). Asores (Current, observe; ) i