Evening Star Newspaper, March 9, 1940, Page 1

Weather Forecast Fair tonight and tomorrow; little change in temperature; lowest tonight about 36; moderate northwest winds. Tempera- tures today—Highest, 39, at noon; low- est, 33, at 5:30 a.m. Prom the Unt States Weather Bureau raport. details on Page A-2. Closing New York Markets—Sales, Page 18 88th YEAR. No. 35,011. he WASHINGTON, D. C, SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 1940—THIRTY-FOUR PAGES. #x b - henin WITH SUNDAY MORNING EDITION Peace Parleys Shift to Moscow: Reds Win Hold on Viipuri Shore; Pope Pius to Receive Ribbentrop * American Embassy Is Center of Intense Activity By the Associated Press. STOCKHOLM, March 9.—Nego- tiations toward a Russian-Finnish peace appeared today to have shift- ed to Moscow, with Sweden's role in the matter more or less finished. (Reuter’s dispatch to London reported intense diplomatic ac- tivity centeripg around the United States Embassy and the Swedish Legation in Moscow. (Nearly every foreign Ambas- sador and Minister in Moscow was said to be calling at or tele- phoning the Embassy or the Legation. (Reuters reported yesterday that United States Ambassador Laurence A. Steinhardt had con- ferred with the Swedish Minister and later with Russian Premier- Foreign Commissar Vyacheslaff Molotoff. ’ (Secretary of State Hull said today that Mr. Steinhardt called at the Russian foreign office merely to seek information on developments and possible devel- opments in the situation there, and so far as he knew had not received any suggestion for United States action. (Meanwhile, White House Press Becretary Stephen T. Early made it clear to reporters that Presi- dent Roosevelt had neither closed nor opened the door to possible participation by this country in the reported peace negotiations. Attention was centered on the whereabouts of Dr. Juhu Justi Paasikivi, Finnish negotiator who ‘was reported to have left Stockholm and was believed already in Berlin, or en route to Moscow. Paastkivi led the Finnish delega- tion which unsuccessfully nego- tiated in Moscow before the war began last November 30. Peace May Be Made at Riga. There were rumors that Riga, Latvia, might be the center of final negotiations and that a Finnish delegation already was en route there to meet Soviet representatives. These reports developed as efforts to settle the undeclared war in Fin- land drew speedily toward a climactic stage with the probable outcome still shrouded by indecision and offi- eial secrecy. It became known here that Rus- sia had demanded fulfillment of her terms before even acceptihg an armstice, however. Although officially confirmed here that Sweden had acted as go-be- tween for Russia and Finland in preliminary negotiations, there was strong insistence that the Stockholm government was in no way acting as mediator. It was stated further that the ini- tiative toward negotiations came from Russia and not Sweden; that this Scandinavian country did no more, in effect, than l‘l:h :;d its *front parlor” for establ con=- tacts and for the presentation of Moscow’s terms. With the Russians and Finns.now n touch with each other, it is be- Meved any actual decision toward settlement will be made in Moscow or, possibly, Riga. There was no evidence today that negotiations were continuing here, and Sweden, in common with Nor- way and Denmark, now look to Ber- 1in and Moscow for further develop- ments. In some quarters here Germany is regarded as the actual “behind-the- scenes” mediator, and increasing at- tention is being directed to the ques- tion of to what extent Germany may make diplomatic capital in Northern Europe, if the Finnish war is settled. If some agreement can be reached, it is assumed Germany will try to extend her influence in Scandinavia by arguing she had safeguarded this region's neutrality. The extent of the Soviet demands for peace continued to attract at- tention, which still was confined to the realms of conjecture for the most part. Reds May Cut Terms. 1t was taken for granted that the Boviets' first demands were severey but this was believed to be in keep- ing with the apparent desire of both the Russians and Finns not to show weakness in seeking a settlement. It was rumored that Moscow might be satisfled with only a sec- tion of the Karelian Isthmus and & naval base near the mouth of the Gulf of Finland, dropping any elaims on Viipuri, Hanko and Arctic Finnish territory—but these rumors were without confirmation. The desire of both sides not to give any indication of knuckling under was reported to be responsible for the failure to secure an armistice #n advance of direct negotiations. The Scandinavian press editorial- tzeg widely on the negotiations to- day with the hope that a settlement would be achieved and that Fin- land’s national integrity would be preserved. Hitler to Address Reich Tomorrow In Memorial Rites By the Associated Press. BERLIN, March 9.—Adolf Hitler will address the German nation at noon (6 am,, E. 8. T) tomorrow — memorial day — it was announced officially today. The ceremony will be held in the Berlin Armory, after which the Fuehrer will lay a wreath on the Cenotaph in memory of Germany’s dead in this war and the. World War. Continued Non-Belligerency Predicted as Italy’s Policy Nazi Foreign Minister to Have Private Audience With Pontiff on Monday By the Associated Press. ROME, March 9.—An informed Italian source said today Italy prob- ably will retain her policy of non- belligerency after the visit here of German Foreign Minister Joachim von Ribbentrop. This informant said the visit, while “important,” is not regarded by Italians as an occasion for alarm. Adolf Hitler was belleved in Italian circles to have taken the initiative in sending von Ribbentrop, and dip- lomatic sources suspected he might be seeking Italy’s aid in case of war in Scandinavia as a result of British- PFrench help to Finland. Vatican authorities, meanwhile, announced Pope Pius XII would re- ceive the German foreign minister in private audience Monday. Italians assumed that Von Rib- bentrop’s conversations with Pre- mier Mussolini and Count Galeazzo Ciano, Italian foreign minister, would cover the entire international situation, including the Finnish- Russian conflict, the Italian-British coal controversy and the possibility of war spreading to Scandinavia, the Balkans or the Near East. Von Ribbentrop is due in Rome tomorrow at 10 am. Mote Aid fo Finns Hinted by Allies if Peace Efforts Fail British Press Demands Largest Possible Help Be Sent Against Reds By the Associated Press. LONDON, March 9.—The govern- ments of Britain and France gave increasing indications todsy that they are considering greater aid to Finland if current peace negotia- tions fail to end the Russian inva- sion, The controlled press in Paris pre- dicted thé allies would agree to send an expeditionary force if Fin- land gave the word. High British quarters made it apparent that the London govern- nent wanted no Finnish “surrender.” The French cabinet devoted a two-and-a-half-hour session largely to the Finnish-Russian war and the accompanying diplomatic struggle of the great powers, most crucial of Europe’s two interwoven wars, ‘While official secrecy cloaked de- liberations known to have been held in London—meetings of the war cabinet are secret—it was known that the British government was giving the situation similar con- sideration. Almost with one voice, the British press demanded that British and French aid be given to Finland on the largest possible scale if Finland should find Russia’s peace terms unreasonable and unacceptable, Halifax Sees Italian Envoy. As the German foreign minister, Joachim von Ribbentrop, sped to Rome on a mission which British diplomatic commentators interpre- ted as & move to make Italy a more active partner in the Western war and perhaps in striving to settle the Russian-Finnish struggle, it was announced here that Lord Halifax, British foreign minister, had con- ferred yesterday with Giuseppe Bastiannini, Italian Ambassador. The conference, first since the Italian Ambassador’s return from a recent visit to Rome, was at the invitation of Lord Halifax and was said to be concerned mainly with the dispute over Britain’s blockade of Italian coal purchases from Germany. It was indicated, however, the talks extended beyond this to the entire sphere of British-Italian relations. The meeting was described as friendly and tending to improve the situation on the coal controversy, but it was not disclosed whether any settlement formula was found. The British reply to Italy’s pro- test over seizure of Italian ships German-mined coal will be presented in a day or two, informed sources said. Compromise Held Possible. It was expected to reafirm Brit- ain’s determination to all Ger- man coal exports to Italy and offer to substitute British coal. A com- promise was held possible on the type of Italian products to be ex- changed for coal by taking some agricultural produce, as Italy wants, and some heavy industrial goods, such as arms upon which Britain has been insistent. Von Ribbentrop’s visit produced few signs of concern in high British quarters. Informed sources ex- pressed skepticism that Italy would (See LONDON, Page A-7) |21 French Sailors Drown After Collision By the Associated Press. BORDEAUX, France, March 9.— Twenty-one French sailors, the en- tire crew of the 275-ton patrol boat Italians said the German foreign minister was accompanied by four or five foreign office experts, includ- ing Dr. Karl Clodius, who recently negotiated the Italian-German trade agreement. Von Ribbentrop was expected to remain two days. Italian newspapers predicted that during his visit he would apologize for the bombing of the Italian merchant vessel Amelia Lauro off the British coast this week. The report that Von Ribbentrop was bringing a delegation puzzled diplomats, as a staff usually accom- panies a foreign minister only when there is some formal agreement to negotiate. Well-informed Fascists -expressed belief Germany was inclined to ex- ert pressure on Russia to moderate her peace terms to Finland. They also thought Britain and France had informed the Finns of aid they were prepared to furnish. Copenhagen dispatches to Italian newspapers reported the allies were pressing Sweden for permission to send troops through Swedish terri- tory to Finland. The Fascist press charged the al- (S8ee ROME, Page A-7.) Duryea Held Sane, Faces Trial in Death Of Father in 1914 ‘Clouds Lifted’ Few Years Ago, Says Slayer of Civil War General By the Associated Press. ‘WHITE PLAINS, N. Y., March 9.— Chester B. Duryea, who slew his wealthy father in Brooklyn a quar- ter ceptury ago, was declared sane today by Supreme Court Justice Lee Parsons Davis, ‘The court ordered his rélease from Matteawan State Hospital to stand trial for the killing. Duryea, who is 69, was committed to the institution after the slaying of Gen. Hiram Duryea. He began his fight for release two months ago. The court ordered Duryea re- turned to Kings County for trial and ruled that if he is acquitted of the 26-year-old first-degree murder charge by reason of insanity, the jury verdict must state this fact. Duryea testified at the habeas corpus hearing that “the cloud passed away” & few years ago, and he was willing to stand trial. Em- inent psychiatrists testified for and against his release. Gen. Duryea, who commanded a regiment of Zouaves in the Civil War and grew wealthy in the starch manufacturing business, was a dis- tinguished figure in New York so- ciety. He had been brevetted a bril:adler general by President Lin- coln. Shortly after dawn on May 5, 1914, police were summoned to his Brooklyn mansion. They found the 81-year-old general shot many times, his 43-year-old son giving voice to strange gibberish, » “I got a message from Washington to do it,” the son said. He was a tall, weakly handsome man, big- nosed and with a receding chin, a pouting lower lip. “We were whirling about in the air when it happened,” he mumbled, “and the bullet went through my chest and through father * * * He was whirling high when he fell * * * I kissed him before I shot him * * * Angels told meto do it.” But Chester was unwounded, and his_ father apparently had been shot as he slept. So they trussed the son up in a straitjacket after & brief stay in the Raymond Street Jail in Brooklyn and in the psy- chopathic ward of Bellevue Hospital. Summary of Garden Page_A-8 4 B- Finance. A-18-19 Foreign Y Reds win hold on bay shore near Viipuri. Page A-1 Pope to receive Von Ribben - vately Monday. P?:e Tl Allies hint greater aid to Finns if peace effort fails. Page A-1 Expeditionary force predicted by controlled French press. Page A-7 Germans deny direct role in Finnish peace move. Page A-7 National 2 Senate group due to report billion- dollar farm bill. Page A-1 Barkley presses for vote today on Hatch bill Page A-1 Overwork blamed in death of Detroit graft prosecutor. Page A-2 High Navy officer tells House fleet weut h::tmk. E Page A-2 'agner amendment supporters predict House passage. Page A-3 col- | Washington and Vicinity Invaders Capture Isles; Now Able To Ring Helsinki EXPEDITIONARY FORCE for Fin- land seen by French press; opin- fon hardening against Scandina- vian neutrals; Welles sees Rey- naud. Page A-7 szasm SOURCES DENY Ger- many takes direct role in Finnish peace moves; Reich watching from sidelines, say authorized persons. Page A-7 By the Associated Press. INKI, March 9.—Russia’s d Army, beating across the ice, has gained “a restricted foothold” on the northwest shore of the Bay of Viipuri, from which it can threaten complete encirclement of beleaguered Viipuri and outflanking of Finland’s vital Mannerheim Line. Despite punishing Finnish air at- tacks against the troops, trucks, tanks and sledges driving over frozen bay, the high command ad- mitted the invaders had forced a landing and captured “some islands” from which to base further drives on Finland’s third city. The great battle of Viipuri con- tinued with undiminished intensity, in the midst of efforts from outside to find a basis for Finnish-Russian Ppeace. Grave Threat to Viipuri. ‘The advance of the Russians on the northwest shore of Viipuri Bay produced a grave threat to Viipuri’s coastal communications with the rest of Finland, menacing the Fin- ish defenders of the city: from behind. To the east of Viipuri, the army announced, “all enemy attacks were repulsed,” with the Russians suffer- ing loss of men and “at least 18 tanks and several guns.” Extensive Finnish successes along the eastern front were reported at the same time. The army said a Russian detach- ment, whose size was not given, was “completely annihilated” at Lava- jarvi, that the Russians again lost “a large number of men” in furious but fruitless attacks throughout yes- terday at Kollaanjoki, and that at Kuhmo, below the nation’s narrow “wasp waist,” the Finns captured some Russian positions, “much booty and 125 prisoners.” Six Russian planes were reported shot down yesterday. No Comment on Peace Move. There was no official comment to- day on the reported peace negotia- tions but the communique showed clearly that the overtures brougnt no letup in the fighting. Helsinki was flooded.with all sorts of rumors from abroad, some going to the extent that fighting haa ceased on the Karelian Isthmus. But most of the reports were utterly without foundation. According to best information available here, the situation is thus: ‘The Finnish government re- ceived certain peace proposals from Moscow by way of Stock- holm several days ago. They were more far-reaching than Soviet Russia’s demands last autumn, before the war started, November 30. It is not known whether a Finnish reply has been sent or whether there has been any fur- ther communication as to pos- sible modification of the Russian proposals. Helsinki Has Raid Alarm. For the first time since Tuesday, Helsinki had an air raid alarm this morning, and workmen con- (See FINLAND, Page A-7) British Meat Rationing i Will Begin Monday By the Associated Press. LONDON, March 9.—Butcher shops were piled high with extra supplies today to meet’ Britons’ de- mands for their last unrationed week-end beef. Beginning Monday, meat will go on the food ration list, started nine weeks ago with bacon, butter and sugar. At present average prices the weekly individual allowance of about 36 cents’ worth will buy 1% pounds of meat. Today's Star Demoted policemen named in Brown bribery charges. Page A-20 Suffrage, reorganization issues sepa- ration seen by leaders. Page A-20 Editorial and Comment Page A-10 Page A-10 ‘Tech gym. Page Unheralded teams clash in $3,000 four-ball golf final, Page A-17 == x SN Senate Group Meets On Farm Bill Today; Approval Seen Funds Are Increased to $958,000,000 in Fight Led by Bi-partisan Bloc BULLETIN. The 8Senate Appropriations Committee approved today in- creases of more than $300,000,000 in next year’s farm funds as it sent to the Senate for action Monday a farm supply bill total- ing $922,864,688. With a bipartisan farm State bloc carrying the fight, the Senate Ap- propriations Committee wag to meet today for expected approval of a $1,000,000,000 farm bill, raised by nearly $300,000,000 over the figure recommended by President Roose- velt and later reduced slightly by the House. In a subcommittee meeting yes- terday, the farm group jacked up the appropriation to a totat Of 88000000, 48 compared with $749,000,000 voted by the House and $789,000000 recommended in the President’s budget. In addition, the controlling bloc inserted a sec- tion directing that the Reconstruc- tion Pinance Corp. lend an addi- tional $100,000,000 to farm agencies had | and that $60,000,000 of benefit pay- ments be shifted to this year's funds from next year's. Approval by the full committee today would send the bill to the Senate on Monday. And its even- tual enactment in this form would offset nearly all of the $300,000,000 in economy cuts made by the House as a means of avoiding new taxes this year. Russell to Direct Action. Senator Russell, Democrat, of Georgia, who presided at closed Senate hearings on the agriculture appropriation and will direct action in the Senate chamber, told news- | men the bill and other measures would provide more than $1,/00,- 000,000 for the diverse farm pro- grams under Secretary Wallace’s direction. The Republican leader, Senator McNary of Oregon, joined farm State Democrats in predicting Sen- ate passage of the expanded ap- propriation. Mindful that this is an election year, and estimating that 6,000,000 or more farmers would benefit from the various programs, advocates of the bill said economy would not be at the expense of the farmers. If appropriations must be cut to avoid new taxes or an increase in the public debt limit, a number of (See FARM BILL, Page A-7.) Collision and Mine Blast Sink 2 Allied Ships B the Associated Press. LONDON, March 9.—S8inking of the 3,072-ton British steamer Thurs- ton by a mine after it had acci- dentally rammed and sunk the French vessel Snai, was announced today in an official report which said only four crewmen from the two ships had been rescued. The survivors included three Thurston seamen, who were found clinging to a raft, and an 18-year- old sailor from the Snai, who was taken to & hospital seriously ill. The Thurston, which collided with the French vessel on Monday, res- cued her crew, but was in turn sunk on Tuesday by the mine. The Thurs- ton carried & crew of about 20. ‘Complement of the French ship was not known. The admiralty announced yester- day that the 5088-ton British steamer Counsellor had been sunk by “enemy action” off the northwest coast and that four British seamen fishing boats. The crew of the Counsellor was landed at an undisclosed port. More thon 100 German seamen, reported to be the crews of Nazi ves- sels captured or scuttled on the high seas, were landed at & northern port today by a British naval vessel. They entrained for an internment camp. g Staf NI Auto Fatality Is First For Clarksburg in Nearly 3 Years By the Associated Press. CLARKSBURG, W. Va, March 9.—Clarksburg's record of not having a traffic fatality since May 26, 1937—almost three years in a city of 30,000— was broken yesterday by a hit- run accident which killed 87- year-old Frank Anthony. Barkley Presses For Hatch Bill Vofe Today Beats Down Efforts for Party Caucus and Week-End Adjournment BACKGROUND— The bill to extend the Hatch Act would place all State em- ployes paid in whole or part Jrom Federal funds under present ban on political activity applying to U. S. workers. President Roosevelt has said it should be passed, but majority of Senate Democrats have displayed hos- tility. By J. A. O'LEARY. The battle over the Hatch bill for State employes, driving a deep wedge into Democratic ranks, forced the Senate into an unusual Satur- day session today, but with no cer- tainty of when the showdown will come. The split among Democrats over the issue was emphasized late yes- terday when Majority Leader Bark- ley's effort to hold the Senate in session today was challenged with | Senator McKellar, | a motion by Democrat, of Tennessee to adjourn until Monday. The move for delay was beaten, however, 34 to 30, just as three attempts to alter the Hatch plan also were defeated during the week—by a coalition of Repub- licans and Barkley supporters. Earlier in the afternoon a group of Democratic opponents of the bill tried without success to per- suade Senator Barkley to call a party caucus on the measure, in the course of what is said to have been a lively impromptu cloakroom POW-WOW. Brown Amendment Up. As the Senate prepared to recon- vene, the pending question was a far-reaching amendment by Senator Brown, Democrat, of Michigan to bar from active participation in politics the stockholders and officers of every corporation that benefits from Federal loans, tariffs, excise taxes or quota limitations on im- rts. In a sharply worded debate late yesterday, Senator Brown charged that the pending bill of Senator Hatch, Democrat, of New Mexico is aimed at the “little fellow” on the public pay roll, while leaving wealthy men free to contribute to the Republican party. Taking issue with the author of the amendment, Senator Hatch in- sisted there is nothing in the law to prevent voluntary campaign contri- butions by public employes. “I will point out,” said Senator Brown, “that, the amendment will take care of Mr. Weir, who, I un- derstand. is to be the principal col- lector for the Republican party in (See HATCH, Page A-3) Established in 1852 Most people in Washington have The Divorcee Balks Quiz On Slaying of Second Wife of Ex-Husband Mirs. Burleson Is Held Without Charges in Cafeteria Shooting (Pi‘cturea on Page A-3.) By the Associated Press. COLUMBIA, 8. C., March 9.—An- | swering all questions with “I don’t remember” or “I can't tell you,” Mrs. Mae (Masie) Walker Burleson, 51- year-old artist and one-time suffra- gette leader, was detained by police today after she shot and killed her former husband's second wife. ‘The matronly Galveston, Tex., divorcee, hiding an old rusty re- volver in a black bag which matched her modish apparel, walked into a hotel cafeteria at the lunch hour yesterday and shot Mrs. Richard C. Burleson, wife of a U. 8. Army colonel stationed here, in the back. Mrs. Burleson, who before her harriage to Col. Burleson in 1938 was the widow of Frank W. Knowl- ton, Boston lawyer, was sitting alone at a table in the crowded cafeteria. The divorcee quickly walked around in front of the table and fired again, while patrons gasped in astonish- ment. (Mrs. Burleson is the mother of Robert A. Knowlton, corre- spondent in Washington for the United Press. Mr. Knowlton lives at the Valley Vista Apartments.) Coolly Awaits Police. Cooly, without a word, the first Mrs. Burleson followed a hotel offi- cial who escorted her to an office, where she waited until police ar- rived. Then, for hours, she refused to divulge her name, and kept mum- bling something about wanting to see her mother, who died two years ago. Late last night, when told the questioning was over and that she could retire, Mrs. Burleson said, “I shall sleep well tonight.” She was held in the woman’s section of the city jail with a matron in atten- dance. Officers repeatedly asked Mrs. Burleson where she had been prior to Thursday when, according to Po- lice Chief W. H. Rawlinson, she reg- istered at the hotel under an as- sumed name. “I cannot tell you where I was,” Mrs. Burleson said, puffing on a cig- arette she lighted from another, chain fashion . Telegram Exhibited. Police exhibited a telegram the second Mrs. Burleson received De- cember 9 last, which read as fol- lows: ¢ “Mrs. Richard Burleson. ‘Name for purpose of dly. (de- livery) only. ‘Jefferson Hotel. “Mrs. Knowlton, with all you took because I was too sick to defend my home against you and even tho you sent my mother to her grave in grief, you could not take the many years this day gave to me. You can never take them. The wicked flourt#h like the green bay tree. May God have mercy on your soul.” In divorce litigation in the Texas courts a few years ago Mrs, Burle- son named as co-respondent the woman who became her husband’s second wife. Col. Burleson is artillery adviser of the 6th Division, which is hold- ing winter maneuvers at Camj Jackson near here. An inquest was tentatively set for Tuesday. No formal charges have been placed against Mrs. Burleson. Barber Hunted as Wife-Beater, Flogged, Found Dead at Atlanta By the Associated Preis. ATLANTA, Ga., March 9.—Search for'a 6-foot barber accused of wife- beating ended yesterday with the finding of his- leather-lashed body near & pine knoll that has been the scene of o series of floggings by night riders in the last year. Star delivered to their homes every evening and Sundsy morning. (P) Meads Associated Press. THREE CENTS. Crime Parley Urges Stronger Vagrancy Law Hazen Comes Out For More Police, Citing Recent Record BACKGROUND— Recent outbreak of series of violent robberies, one marked by slaying of liquor merchant, re- sulted in double duty for many detectives and increase in uni- formed force in areas more seri- ously affected. Crime wave later drew fire from Capitol Hill, and Maj. Ernest W. Brown, police su- perintendent, pointed to his oft= repeated request for more men. Commissioners later were asked to call a conference to discuss means of combating criminal ele- ment in Washington. Need for an increase in the Metro- politan Police force and for adop- tion of a new and stronger vagrancy law were cited today by high District officials attending the con- ference of police and prosecution officials on means of improving law enforcement machinery. Commissioner Melvin C. Hazen, who called the conference, declared that the lessening of crimes com- mitted since 125 extra police were detailed to after-dark vigil, as over- time service, was “clear proof” of the need for an enlarged police force. He reported that police officials had made real progress in the past several days in their attack on crime. “These men assigned to night duty already were in service during the day, but their detail to the extra duty convinces me of the improve- ment that would come from en- largement of our force.” Police officials announced they would continue for an indefinite period to assign the 125 policemen to extra duty at night. “More Teeth” in Law Urged. An outspoken declaration that Washington needs a vagrancy law with “more teeth” in it came from Corporation Counsel Elwood H. Seal after Capt. Ira E. Keck, acting chief of detectives, reported that nearly 78 per cent of persons who were photo- graphed and fingerprinted during the past six months, in the course of police investigations, had identi- fied themselves as natives of other Jjurisdictions. The report by Capt. Keck showed that 2,243 persons in all were finger- printed by the police Bureau of In- vestigation in the past 6 months and that of this number 265 said they had spent less than 30 days in the District. > He added: “Of the total, 495 or 22.06 per cent stated they. had lived all their lives in Washington. A total of 1,748 gave various States in the United States, or a foreign country, as their place of birth, or 77.93 per cent. No. 2 Precinct Difficult. The conference was told that one of the most difficult sections of the District to police properly was No. 2 precinct, and arrangements were made to assign two more policemen to that precinct beginning Monday. This was done at the request of Capt. Jeremiah Sullivan of No. 2. United States Attorney David A. Pine, who attended the session with John J. Wilson, an assistant prose~ cutor, suggested that some means of closer co-operation between prose~ cution officials and police might prove helpful. For one thing he suggested that when the prosecutors are going to nolle prosse a case, his office would be willing to call in the policeman involved. It was thought that sometimes the policeman, not knowing why a case was dropped, might become discouraged and that the new plan might help to main- tain morale. Prosecutions Speeded Up. Mr. Pine submitted a statistical report on convictions obtained by his office since the fall term of court and the percentage of cases disposed of .within three or four weeks "after indictment. He con- cluded with the report that at the close of business March 4 there was (See CRIME, Page A-7.) Kansas City Police Chief Indicted for ‘Oppression’ By the Associated Press. KANSAS CITY, Mo., March 9.— Police Chief Lear B. Reed was in- dicted by a Jackson County (Kansas City) grand jury today on charges of oppression in office. Reed, a former Federal Bureau of Investigation agent, became the head of Kansas City’s reorganized Police Department recently after its control had been wrested from “Boss” Tom Prendergast’s Demo- cratic city organization and taken over by the State. The change had been demanded by Gov. Lloyd C. Stark. Paul Barnett, lawyer, and Walter Bliss, former investigator for Gov. Stark, also were indicted on charges of attempting to influence a grand Jury. y Fall of the House Of Usher The Cross Roads Theater Players will be featured in a radio dramatization of Edgar Allan Poe’s great classic, “The Fall of the House of Usher.” ‘The Broadcast will be heard over WMAL at 7:30 p.m. This will be another in the series of educational broad- casts designed for student list- ening and sponsored by The Star with the co-operation of the Board of Education and the National Broadcasting Co.