Washington News Society and General f4

___ W 'w

__WASHINGTON, D. C., TUESDAY, APRIL 2, 1940. *** B—1

Pine Sworn In As Justice of District Court

Curran to Take Oath As U. S. Attorney This Afternoon

David A. Pine was sworn in today as a Justice of the District Court and was succeeded as United States Attorney by Edward M. Curran, whose swearing in ceremony was scheduled this afternoon.

Chief Justice Alfred A. Wheat of District Court administered the oath of office to Mr. Pine before a

distinguished group of jurists, law- yers and Government officials who gathered in a flower-banked court- room at the District Court Building.

Jackson Attends Ceremony. Attorney General Jackson was

among those attending the cere- monies and handed to Chief Justice Wheat the certificates for Mr. Pine's appointment. During the ceremony Mr. Pine donned a new judicial robe of black silk, which was given to him by his associates in the District Attorney's office.

The new justice's mother, Mrs. David Emory Pine; his wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Pine, and his daughter, Betty, attended the ceremonies.

Chief Justice Wheat, in welcoming Mr. Pine to the bench, wished him many years of service. Then court was adjourned and Mr. Pine re- ceived the congratulations of the Chief Justice and others.

Others Present. Among those present were Justice

Justin Miller of the United States Court of Appeals; Assistant to the Attorney General Matthew F. Mc- Guire; Francis W. Hill, jr., president of the Bar Association of the Dis- trict and formerly a law partner of Mr. Pine; Godfrey L. Munter, former president of the local Bar Associa- tion and president of the Chevy Chase Citizens’ Association; Francis C. Heigle, Clyde D. Garrett and David A Hart, representing that as- sociation; Robert H. Hunter of the Hampshire Heights Citizens’ Asso- ciation. and Leo A. Rover and John E. Laskey, former District attorneys.

The swearing in ceremonies for Mr. Curran, who leaves the Police Court bench to take over as United States Attorney, were scheduled at 3 p.m. Associate Justice Harold M. Stephens of the United States Court of Appeals, who swore Mr. Curran in as a judge, was to perform the ceremony today.

Spanish War Veterans Celebrate Anniversary

More than 100 Spanish-American War veterans last night attended the 40th anniversary ceremonies of the Henry w. Lawton Camp, No. 4, United Spanish War Veterans, at Pythian Hall, 1012 Ninth street N.W.

The organization's first com- mander, William S. Hodges, 1707 Irving street N.W., and William C. Ryan, a charter member from New York City, attended.

On the program were selections by the Boys’ Band of Holy Com- forter Church, a solo by Randolph Myers and a recitation of “The Star Spangled Banner" by John M Kline.

James E. Smith, present com- mander of the camp, presided, as- sisted by Mrs. Eugenie Renow, head of the Ladies’ Auxiliary.

Members of the Ladies’ Auxiliary and representatives of Washington's six other United Spanish War Vet- erans’ camps attended.

Decision Due Tomorrow On Cherry Fete Date

The Cherry Blossom Festival Committee will decide tomorrow on the date of the pageant heralding the crown of blooms over the Tidal Basin.

Although Frank T. Gartside, as- sistant superintendent of the office of National Capital Parks, has pre- dicted the blossoms will appear the week end of April 12 to 14, commit- tees for the festival are going ahead with their plans according to the original schedule, April 5 and 6.

A definite announcement, how- ever, as to the final date for the annual festival, which includes the coronation of the cherry blossom queen, will be made after the meet- ing in the District Building at 3 p.m. tomorrow.

Editor Forgot To Ask About Third Term Mr. Perlmutter forgot to ask

President Roosevelt if he is to be a candidate for a third term.

Publisher, star reporter and gen- eral factotum of the District Leader, Southeast Washington’s “own news- paper.” Victor Perlmutter had a

first-hand, private interview with Mr. Roosevelt at the White House Saturday. Specifically, it was to make up for the fact the President’s unexpected Friday afternoon ap- pointment of John Russell Young to be District Commissioner had upset Mr. Perlmutter’s front-page in- dorsement of another candidate.

So as an ex-publisher to a present one, Mr. Roosevelt called Mr. Perl- mutter to the White House to dis- cuss ways and means. The results were demonstrated when the Dis- trict Leader appeared yesterday.

On the first page readers are in- formed the President “didn't talk about the third term.” Mr. Perl- mutter devoted a whole inside page to a “direct quote” report (a viola- tion of White House press ethics) of his conversation with file Chief Executive. Briefly, Mr. Roosevelt was quoted as complimenting Southeast Washington and describing as “swell” Mr. Perlmutter's plans for some last-minute changes in his paper.

It took Mrs. Perlmutter, however, to think of the third-term question and when she asked it of the pub- lisher on his return home he Just fainted. He forgot to ask.

CONGRATULATIONS—District Court Justice Bolitha Laws (left) shakes the hand of a new justice, David A. Pine, former United States attorney. —Star Staff Photo.

Snake-Bite Cocktail Uncoiled in Patents Dinner Preview

13 Guests Try 1888 Cure, Without One Dissenting Voice

Up to a certain hour last night the odds were all against anybody being bitten by a snake in the Jef- ferson room of the Mayflower Hotel. But some there in a special dinner party expressed an off-the-record willingness to engage in catch-as- catch-can with any top-flight poi- sonous reptile—even the straight- shooting horned viper—providing a

jug of Joe Smith's antidote was still handy.

Josh, who is known to his close friends as Joshua T. Smith, esq., patented a snake-bite neutralizer in 1888, the ingredients being: One quart of alcohol, 2 ounces of gall of the earth (Nabulus fraseri). 1 ounce mohawk, also known as rattlesnake weed tHieracium venosum), one- fourth ounce alum and 32 drops of iodine.

oo iar as Known Josh was never very successful in getting people to sample his concoction, either in his native Coffee County, Ga„ or else- where. And thus his contribution to society came down through the years untried and untested,‘because, perhaps, it was unappetizing.

On Banquet Menu. For some reason, however, this an-

tidote was selected for the chief liquid refreshment—the quench-all —for the April 10 banquet the United States Patent Office will stage for 1.200 guests to commemo- rate the 150th anniversary of the date on which George Washington signed the first national patent leg- islation.

Such a gala occasion demanded a rehearsal, and nothing, it was de- cided, could be more fitting than a preview at which a select gathering would play the role of human guinea pigs and share Josh Smith’s se- cret-later to condemn or laud his cobra cocktail.

Thus 13 men sat down to dinner on the United States Patent Sesqui- centennial Committee last night, several of them being ringers^ in the form of Patent Office officials. They made faces over their first sips of the Smith Stinger, but it harmed them not. In fact they grew to like it. At any rate it van- ished to a drop. Just how much of a defense it would offer against a good, stiff snake bite was not proved. But the comments were in- teresting.

Testimonial From Allen. District Commissioner George E.

Allen arose, cleared his throat' smiled and offered a toast to Josh Smith. Then, in his best oratorical manner, he said: “Mmmmm-”

E. Willard Johnson, prominent busines consultant, heartily indorsed the product with, ‘This is great business.”

Dr. Thomas Ridgeley, jr., chair- man of the board of the American Chemical Society, said the ingredi- ents seemed excellent from a chemi- cal viewpoint, as well as any other. His motion was seconded by Alton Emery, the society’s secretary.

Conway P. Coe, United States commissioner of patents, had a bad cold and couldn’t be sure of his ground, but he in no way libeled Josh Smith.

Judge Finis J. Garrett of the Court of Customs and Patent Appeals, was noncommittal, and Representative Kramer of California stood on his constitutional rights and refused to testify.

“Worth the Trip.” Watson Davis, director of Science

Service, arrived for the test by plane. He said it was worth the trip.

Others attending, but not dissent- ing, were Ralph Champlin, Ethyl Gas. Corp. executive, and four rep- resentatives of the Commerce De- partment, Walter White, assistant to the chairman of the Business Ad- visory Council; Frederick N. Polan- gin, director. Current Information Division; William J. Tate and Jack Evans of the same division.

Today the patent office revealed the owner of a snake farm at St. Petersburg, Fla., has requested a bottle of the antidote for his medi- cine chest. It will be dispatched with speed, and while the patent office hopes the gentleman will not be bitten,, should such an event come to pass—the internal applica- tions of Josh Smith’s remedy will be awaited with interest.

Miner Dies in Fail MULLA, Idaho, April 2 UP))—

Charles Johnson, 46, had worked in the mines several years as a mucker. Then he changed to a shaft Job. His first night on the new shift he fell 40 feet to his death.

Auxiliary Sewer Section Inspected

•

For Acceptance $425,000 Unit to Be Linked With Another Now Under Construction

Designed to help carry the heavy load of sewage from all the District of Columbia and nearby Maryland toward the District sewage treat- ment plant at Blue Plains, the first completed section of a new auxiliary sewer in Anacostia was inspected by P. W. A. and District officials yes- terday and found acceptable. Dis- trict Commissioners are expected to take final action this week to assume

ownership of the project, take it over from the contractor and author- ize final payment.

This section is the south part of the new auxiliary sewer and is to be put into use when the northern sec- tion, now under construction, is completed under a separate contract in about two months

Taps Poplar Point Station. When connected, the two sections

will help carry sewage from the Poplar Point pumping station on Howard avenue in Anacostia parallel to the present sewer, under old Boll- ing Field, to the junction with the larger sewer beneath new Bolling Field. From this Junction, the sewage goes for about a mile to the sewage disposal plant of the District at Blue Plains.

The section completed yesterday is 8 feet 4 inches high and 9 feet 4 inches wide, of brick and reinforced concrete, more than a mile long, and costing $425,000. The north section, under construction, will cost $295,000 and will be 6,000 feet long.

Tansey Conducts Inspection. Maj. P. H. Tansey, assistant Engi-

neer Commissioner, headed the in- spection party which walked the length of the new sewer yesterday. Emerging he expressed satisfaction with it, on behalf of the Commis- sioners.

Others in the party included Harold Kemp, chief engineer, De- partment of Sanitary Engineering; David Auld, associate engineer; J. B. Gordon, director of sanitary engi- neering; J. J. Drouillard, District resident engineer; John F. Gleason, chief inspector of sewers; Y. D. Har- baugh, associate maintenance engi- neer; A. W. Crossley, chief negineer, District of Columbia P. W. A.; W. Quigley, engineer-inspector for the Federal P. W. A., and these repre- sentatives of the contractor, Dia- mond Construction Co.—Bernard F. Diamond, G. B. Cromlein, Bert Cromlein and D. W. Martin.

Autoisf Burned in Crash At Laurel Dies

Howard Crigger, 21, of Baltimore, burned when his car overturned and caught fire at Laurel yesterday, died in St. Agnes’ Hospital at Baltimore last night.

Mr. Crigger and Lindsay Bowling, 24, also of Baltimore, were riding along the Washington-Baltimore boulevard in Mr. Crigger’s machine when, according to police, it left the road, struck a tree, overturned and burst into flames.

Mr. Bowling was thrown clear of the machine, but.suffered a broken leg and was unable to help Mr. Crig- ger, trapped in the burning car.

Maryland State Policeman Nor- man W. Scarboro arrived on the scene within a few minutes and, with motorists who stopped to help, jacked up the machine and freed Mr. Crigger.

A collision between a bus and an

automobile at First and K streets N.W. this morning sent one man

to Sibley Hospital. The injured man, Robert Spencer, 22, colored, of 15 D street S.E., was transferred to Casualty Hospital after treatment for cuts, bruises and brain concus- sion.

73 Naturalized Here, Most Since World War

Described as the largest group of new citizens admitted since World War days, 73 applicants today took the oath of allegiance to the United States before Justice Jennings Bailey in District Court. »

Holding a naturalization term, the Jurist heard Eugene E. Cole, examiner in the Immigration and Naturalization Service of the Labor Department, urge that the 73 as-

pirants to citizenship be admitted. They then filed out of the court- room to make final arrangements before Mrs. Helen T. McGraw, the naturalization clerk, to get their certificates. The cases of some who failed to answer when their names were called were continued to next month

Bishop Corrigan Consecrated in Stately Rite

1,000 Persons Attend Ceremony on Campus Of Catholic U.

In stately ceremony in the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on the campus of the university whose destinies he has guided for the last four years, the Most Rev. Jos- eph M. Corrigan, rector of Catho- lic University, today became titular Bishop of Bilta.

More than 1,000 persons, includ- ing diplomats and Federal officials, watched as a cardinal and two archbishops placed their hands on his head and murmured in Latin “Receive the Holy Ghost.”

Six tapers burned on the altar, and candlelight flickered across the pages as Dennis Cardinal Dough- erty of Philadelphia read the con- secration ritual, assisted by Arch- bishop Michael J. Curley of Balti- more and Washington and Arch- bishop Edward Mooney of Detroit.

The new bishop of a long-aban- doned see in North Africa assumed his pontifical vestments for the first time in the shadow of the historic Carroll altar—the simple wooden altar used for many years by John Carroll, first Catholic bishop of the United States. He then went to the main altar for the consecra- tion proper. He was accompanied throughout by Archbishops. Curley and Mooney,

Archbishop McNicholas Speaks. Archbishop John T. McNicholas of

Cincinnati, who delivered the ser- mon, declared that the appoint- ment of the rector of the university as a bishop within the first year of the pontificate of Pius XII “must be interpreted as a special mark of approval of this center of learn- ing.”

He said he had never known a

priest more loyal to the see than Bishop Corrigan.

Referring to troubled conditions among nations. Archbishop Mc-

i Nicholas declared that these nations are “morally bankrupt" and “are starving for lack of religious truth and fix id moral principles.”

The flourishing condition of the Catholic Church in this country, he said, is in large measure due to the insistence of the bishops of the

I United States on the teaching of re- i ligion in the grade and high schools J and in colleges. They also have fos-

| tered a plan by which religion is taught at all parochial masses on

Sunday and by which religious in- struction is given every week by the Catholic presl, he indicated, as well as hundreds of other agencies teaching religion and works of char- ity.

Superior Power Cited. Referring to the consecration.

Archbishop McNicholas said that a

bishop alone "can renew the life of the church by communicating his priestly and episcopal powers to others.” Bishops, he said, have a

“superior power” to that of a priest. Sitting in a pontifical throne to

the right of the main altar. Arch- bishop Amleto G. Cicognani, apos- tolic- delegate to the United States, observed the ceremonies, his scarlet vestments standing out against the black pillar which hose behind him.

After putting on the vestments of his office and with the pectoral cross

suspended from his neck, Bishop Corrigan, accompanied by the co-

consecrators. went to the main altar where the bishop-designate pros- trated himself on the altar steps and the litany of the saints was chanted.

When this was completed, the open book of the Gospels was placed on the head and shoulders of the candidate and the three consecrators placed their hands on his head, say- ing “accipe spiritum sanctum.”

Anointed with Oil. After a prayer, Cardinal Dougherty

removed his gloves and anointed the newly-consecrated bishop with oil. A linen band was bound around the head of Bishop Corrigan to prevent the oil from flowing.

Bishop Corrigan then received the crozier, or pastoral staff and the episcopal ring was placed on the third finger of his right hand. The Book of Gospels was placed in his hands with the injunction to receive it and "go preach to the people in- trusted to thee.”

From the consecrators Bishop Corrigan received the kiss of peace.

During the sermon the conse- crators retired to the left of the shrine, Cardinal Dougherty sitting on a throne opposite the apostolic delegate and Bishop Corrigan and the two archbishops seated close by.

According to ancient custom, Bishop Corrigan was presented two lighted candles, two loaves of bread and two small casks of wine. The ceremonies concluded as the consecrators together placed the mitre on the head of the new bishop.

Bishop Corrigan is the fifth suc- cessive rector to be made bishop of a titular see during his term of office. The first rector, Bishop Keane of Richmond, already was a

bishop when he assumed office. But Bishop Corrigan is the first to be elevated to the episcopacy during his initial term of office. Pope Pius XII, then Eugenio Cardinal Pacelli, visited the university in October, 1936, and was entertained by Msgr. Corrigan. The Pope also broadcast a message to the university’s golden jubilee celebration last year.

Nine archbishops and 38 bishops joined irr the ceremonies. Also present were numerous monsignori, clergy from Baltimore, Washington and Philadelphia; priests from the houses of religious study affiliated with the university and the univer- sity faculty.

Others who accepted invitations included Archbishops Francis J. L. Beckman < of Dubuque, John A. Floersh of Louisville, John J. Glen- non of St. Louis, Francis J. Spell- man of New York, John G. Murray of St. Paul and Samuel J. Stritch of Chicago.

Xrlington Firm Gets Order The Navy yesterday awarded a

$11,819.40 order for hydrogen gas to the Southern Oxygen Co., Inc., Arlington, Va.

CATHOLIC DIGNITARIES ATTEND CONSECRATION—Catholic prelates of 50 dioceses gathered at Catholic University today for the consecration of the Most Rev. Joseph M. Corrigan, rector of the university, as titular Bishop of Bilta in the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Shown before the ceremony are (left to right) Archbishop Michael J. Curley of Baltimore and Washington, Bishop Corrigan and Archbishop Edward Mooney of Detroit. In the background, to the right of Bishop Corrigan, can be seen Dennis Cardinal Dougherty of Philadelphia.

'—Associated Press Photo.

President and Family To Inspect Kenwood Cherry Blossoms

Bethesda Chamber Told Of Roosevelts' Plans; Officers Elected

By JACK ALLEN. President Roosevelt and members

of his family will inspect the cherry blossoms in nearby Kenwood, Md„ when the blooms reach the height of their beauty, Bethesda Cherry Blossom Festival officials have been notified.

G. Wady Imirie, general chair- man, who invited the President to attend tne festival, told the Be- thesda Chamber of Commerce last night Mr. Roosevelts duties would not permit him to take part in any stated program.

‘The White House has said, how- ever,” Mr. Imirie declared, “that the President and his family will come here while the blossoms are out and inspect them. That is definite.”

Meanwhile, a motorcade made up of chamber members and headed bv Miss Anne Hagner, festival queen, and Mr. Imirie left Bethesda today for Annapolis, where Gov. O'Conor is to be invited to crown Miss Hagner as the climactic fea- ture of the fete.

Hiser Heads Chamber. The festival, first in the history

of the Bethesda area, is expected to be held on April 20 and 21, but the dates depend on the appear-

Mr. Riser.

a n c e of the blooms.

J. Henry Hiser was elected president of the chamber by ac-

clamation. John L. Imirie was

named first vice president, Clar- ence C. Keiser, second vice pres- ident; Ralph Terhune, secre-

tary; S. Walter Bogley, jr., and Harry Richards, first and second

assistant secretaries, ana jonn ! Reeves, treasurer. j Leslie B .Bell, J. Harry Welch, I A. J. Bargagni, Harry Wolfe, Bur- rell H. Marsh, jr„ the retiring presi- dent; Thomas W. Pyle, D. C. Sim- mons, William K. Brecht and H. Sherboume Roame were elected to serve as directors, along with 15 holdover members of the board.

Samuel E. Stonebraker, chairman of the Roads, Streets and Bridges Committee, reported Democratic leaders informed him a number of long-advocated road projects in the Bethesda-Chevy Chase area will be carried out by the State Roads Commission, despite reports to the contrary, and that "it is believed the majority of them will be de-

veloped this summer.” Connecticut Avenue First.

He said the projects and the order in which they reportedly are

marked for completion are as fol- lows: Improvement of Connecticut avenue from the District of Co- lumbia-Maryland line northward, widening and improvement of Old Georgetown road, River road sur- facing, improvement of Seven Locks road and widening of Wisconsin avenue from the East-West high- way northward to Glenbrook, elim- inating the “bottleneck” at the Bank of Bethesda.

G. Wady Imirie said the Civic Development Committee has studied the possibility of having regula- tions adopted to control the type of real estate development in the Bethesda area, but has been in- formed enactment of new legisla- tion by the Maryland Assembly is required.

He was granted an extension of time, for this work, authorized under a resolution adopted at the March meeting.

The chamber received a, certifi- cate from Gov. O’Conor lauding it for participation in the Governor’s traffic safety campaign, and it in- dorsed the Bethesda Junior Cham- ber of Commerce’s application for membership in the United States Junior Chamber of Commerce.

It was decided to meet again April 29 to determine the winner of the Oliver Owen Kuhn Memorial Cup, offered for outstanding service, and to plan for the chamber’s an- nual banquet in May.

British Observer Pessimistic On Outlook for Peace

Sir Stafford Cripps Here After Tour Of Far East

The present muddle of world politics offers little prospect of peace from any point of view.

Circling the globe to look things! over, Sir Stafford Cripps, British i

observer and political leader, was! forced to admit as much today, al- j though he seemed determined to be optimistic, even cheerful.

For one thing, he believes the Japanese invaders have bogged down in the interior of China; for another, he feels sure that Russia eventually will turn away frorh Germany in favor of closer trade relations with the democratic powers, principally Britain.

Sir Stafford, a member of the House of Commons, who was dropped from the Labor Party last year because of his popular front activities, arrived here today after visiting Russia. India. China and the Philippines in the past few months. He landed in San Francisco Sunday from a trans-Pacific clipper. | and plans to spend two weeks lecturing in the East before re-

turning to England. Chinese Girls Present Bouquet.

Affable and smiling, the visitor received a score of newspaper men this morning at an interview ar-

ranged by representatives of the Chinese Industrial Co-operatives, an

organization whose activities he re-

cently studied behind the lines in the interior of China. During the interview, Sir Stafford was pre- sented with a bouquet of roses by two pretty Chinese girls because of his “contributions to the Chinese cause.”

Of the co-operatives, he said they already are strengthening Chinese resistance. Thousands of refugees are being organized into small groups for the manufacture of vari- ous articles—uniforms for the army, blankets, textiles, paper, etc. The co-operatives are educating the masses through exhibits, schools and public meetings.

Sir Stafford said the co-operative work is demonstrating to the Chi- nese the value of democratic ideas as well as bolstering their military and economic status.

Finds Japanese Losing. The Japanese now are suffering

large daily losses, he said, because

| Two Gasoline Stations Held Up During Night

Two holdups, apparently by the same two colored men, occurred on New York avenue early today, ac-

cording to reports to police. Earle Thompson of Clinton, Md.,

operator of a gasoline station at Third street and New York avenue

N.W., said two colored men, one armed with a pistol, accosted him in his station about 12:45 a.m. and took an undisclosed amount of money.

Fifteen minutes earlier, William S. McBreen of Cottage City, Md., night manager of a gasoline station at 1301 New York avenue N.E., had reported that two colored men entered his establishment and robbed him of $15.

Police said descriptions of the holdup men tallied closely.

Water Tender Awarded Navy Cross for Heroism

Thomas Chapman Smith, a water tender aboard the destroyer Leary, yesterday was awarded the Navy Cross for heroism in saving the lives of five shipmates in an oil fire aboard the destroyer, anchored off Chesapeake Beach, Md., last July 14.

The furnaces were being lighted preparatory to getting under way when a broken fuel line sprayed burning oil over the boiler front. Mr. Smith, senior petty officer in the flreroom, reached through the flames to close a master oil valve.

Although severely burned about his right arm, he directed the aban- donment of the smoke-filled fire- room by the remainder of the watch.

Smith’s home is Miami, Fla.

SIR STAFFORD CRIPPS. —Star Staff Photo.

of the activities of experienced guerrillas.

The Chinese, he believes, have plenty of small arms and ammuni- tion. Other supplies are more plen- tiful than in Japan, where coal and other shortages have hampered pro- duction.

Sir Stafford expressed the opinion that a very strong liberal group in Japan would be glad to pull out of China if a face-saving formula could be found.

He advocated “parallel action” between Britain. Russia and the United States in maintaining- the “integrity and stability of the Chi- nese government.” Sir Stafford said the British support should be financial rather than military.

Sir Stafford, who had been ac- cused by the radical press of being an agent for Chamberlain and Brit- ish imperialism and by the anti- Soviet press with seeking a British- Russian rapprochement, made it clear that his recent travels were a

“perfectly private tour,” not con- nected with any organization or government.

Benefit Adds $2,200 To Children’s Milk Fund

Twenty-two hundred dollars to provide milk for undernourished children of pre-school age was raised last night at the milk fund benefit sponsored by the city-wide group of the Ladies of Charity at the May- flower Hotel.

About 2,500 persons attended the benefit.

The Ladies of Charity staged the play recently presented at the ban- quet of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick. Other features on the pro- gram included solos by Miss Hazel Arth, two humorous monologues by Miss Grace Mary Colliflower and musical selections by Sidney’s May- flower Orchestra.

Frederick Stohlman was master of ceremonies.

The newly designated District Commissioner, J. Russell Young, and Mrs. Young attended.

Services to Honor Founder of G. A. R.

The Department of the Potomac, Ladles of the Grand Army of the Republic and the Relief Corps will conduct patriotic services at the statue of Dr. Benjamin F. Stephen- son, founder of the G. A. R. at 12:30 p.m. Saturday. Mrs. Blanche Covert, president of the department, will place a wreath on the statue in behalf of William McKinley Circle, Ladies of the G. A. R. The statue is at Seventh street and Pennsyl- vania avenue N.W.

Mrs. Covert, members of her staff and other members of the Ladies of the G. A. R. also will march in the Army Day parade on Saturday.

Bill to Revise D.C. Parole Code Requested

Commissioners Seek Broadening of Federal Authority Over Setup

Chairman Randolph of the House District Committee today consid- ered introducing a bill at the re-

quest of the Commissioners to re- vise the local indeterminate sen- tence and parole law.

The principal change proposed by the Commissioners would give the Federal Board of Parole jurisdiction over prisoners who have violated their parole and have been trans- ferred to a penal or correctional institution designated by the Attor- ney General.

When a parole violator, by order of the Attorney General, is confined in some other penal institution than those of the District of Columbia, the Federal Parole Board would have the power to revoke the parole granted by the local board.

Primarily, it is the desire of the Commissioners to bring the District indeterminate sentence and parole law closer in conformity with Fed- eral law.

Curtails Police Judge Authority. The proposed legislation would re-

move from Police Court judges their present authority to determine the good-time allowance for a prisoner and provides that all persons con-

victed in the District for any of- fense, including violations of mu-

nicipal regulations, shall be com- mitted to the custody of the Attor- ney General.

In addition, the local Parole Board would be given authority to permit a prisoner on parole to go to some

place other than his home, but he would remain in custody of the Attorney General instead of the in- stitution from which he is paroled. The parole period also would con- tinue until expiration of the maxi- mum term without regard to good- time allowance. Governs Minimum Sentence Ratio.

Courts under the proposed plan could not impose a minimum sen- tence in excess of one-third of the maximum actually imposed. This change, the Comissioners explained, would bring the District law more

nearly in accord with the Federal parole law since the maximum sen- tence imposed would be exactly one-third of the maximum the pris- oner would be eligible for parole.

The Comissioners pointed out it has “happened frequently” under existing law that the time elapsing

! between the expiration of the mini- mum and maximum sentence im- posed is too short to permit proper application of the parole law. “In fact," the Commissioners declared, “there are instances where the maximum sentence, when reduced by the allowance pf good time, ex- pires before the prisoner has served his minimum sentence.”

Fire-Prevention Awards Sought by 300 Cities

The Grading Committee of the National Fire Waste Council, affiil-

; iated with the United States Cham- her of Commerce, today was consid- ering entries in the annual flre- prevention contest preparatory to announcing the winners at the meet- ing of the council Friday.

More than 300 cities, including Washington, have entered the con- test. Consideration is given to fire losses, permanent improvements looking toward fire prevention and types of fire-prevention educational programs in force. Bronze plaques and certificates are awarded in six population classes.

Members of the Grading Commit- tee. which will deliberate until the 60 delegates gather Friday, are George Booth of New York City, chairman of the engineering divi- sion of the National Board of Fire Underwriters; Percy Bugbee of Bos- ton, general manager of the Na- tional Fire Prevention Association, and Eugene Arms of Chicago, man-

ager of the Mutual Fire Prevention Bureau.

Twenty-four fire-prevention or- ganizations and four Federal Gov- ernment bureaus are affiliated with the council. Included on the pro- gram Friday will be talks by Repre- sentative Cliff Davis of Tennessee, former vice mayor of Memphis, a winner of several fire-prevention awards, and W. F. Hickey, head of the fire-prevention section of the Association of American Railroads.

Families of Miners Sent Benefit Checks By the Associated Press.

Monthly benefit checks averaging about $39 for each family will be sent to 140 survivors of the 72 miners who lost their lives in the Willow Grove mine explosion near St. Clairsville, Ohio, last month.

In making this announcement to- day, Paul V. McNutt, Federal security administrator, said the miners were insured under the old- age insurance and survivor benefit program of the Social Security Act.

There are 95 children among the survivors who will receive one half the amount of the annuity to which their fathers were entitled at the time they died. Mr. McNutt said checks would be sent to them until they became 16 years of age or until they were 18 in event they remained in school.

The widows with minor children in their care will receive three- fourths of their husband’s ac- cumulated annuity payments.

Traffic Record The traffic record, as revealed

at police headquarters for 24- hour period ending at 8 am. today:

Fatalities, none. Accidents, 34. Motorists injured, 8. Motorists arrested, 534. Pedestrians injured 8. Pedestrians arrested for vio-

lation of pedestrlai control regulations, 10.