davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1925-02-20
Blunt Wording of Chamber
Speech Later Changed to
Especial Contribution"
USUAL TAX METHODS
DECLARED EXHAUSTED
Official Circles Concede Some Form
of Stringent Exaction Is
Under Consideration.
By the Associated Press.

By the Associated Press.
PARIS, February 2O.-Ofiicial cir
cles conceded today that capital
levy in some form or other was
among the plans the government was
studying for solution OF Frances
financial troubles. This was admit
ted in those circles to be the proper
Interpretation of declaration made
in the Chamber of Deputies yester
day by Finance Minister Clementel.
which first came to notice when the
printed sheets on the financial debate
were distributed to the press.
The discovery caused sensation
in the press gallery. Deputies of the
majority when consulted appeared
somewhat alarmed at the blunt way
in which the finance minister an
nounced that "a capital levy will
doubtless become necessary" The
proofs for the Journal Officiel were
consequently modified. the phrase be-
ing made to read special contribu-
ton" instead of capital levy"
Less Brutal Word Picked.
Whether the idea is presented in
one form or the other, the meaning
is that those who possess fortunes
would be called upon to give part Of
them to the state, it was said this
morning in Official circles.
Levy" is more brutal than con
tribution," it was pointed out. and
Frenchmen dislike the idea Of con-
straint and are less likely to be
alarmed by the use of contribution"
The few French newspapers that
caught the phrase ask whether the
Chamber realized the Importance of
it. Premier Herriot all along has
declared he wants no capital levy In
fact, his finance minister took the
contrary attitude in the Chamber de-
bate. 1t is remarked in the Chamber
lobbies that this shows just how
difficult is the solution of the French
financial problem.
NJ. Clementel is said to realize more
than any member of the cabinet that
French taxation has, to use his own
expression, reached the ceiling"
The annual tax burden he has de-
clared cannot be increased; the
money must be found some other.
way
The suggestion was made in the
chamber lobbies this morning that
NJ. Clementel had let the capital levy
idea slip into yesterdays speech
just to see what the reaction would
be and that the form of his state
ment was changed so as to render
it vague enough to be practically
too much opposition.
Evening star., 1925-02-20
Coolidge Plea for Ne,o Eraser Fails;
Economy Leaves ''Cupboard' Bare

instead of being put-out at the in
ability of the President of the
United States to substitute a worn
eraser for a sharp, new one, Calvin
Coolidge is likely to have been
we'll pleased that his desire to have
the White House set the pace in
governmental economy is being so
well fulfilled.
When those attaches in charge
OF such things as dealing out new
erasers were asked il they were
not fearful of rebuke at turning
down the Presidents request, they
replied in the negative, saying that
they are only following out the
boss orders for economy.
N. P. Webster. White House dis
bursting officer, who has been depu-
tized as the watchdog Of the White
House purse, and who offered $40
Of his own money for the best
suggestion for further reducing
the expenses of the executive
office, said today that he has not
made a decision az to the prize
winner.
Evening star., 1925-02-20

President Coolidge has felt the
first buffeting of the economy wave
that has swept over the White
House.
This happened today when the
Executive grew weary of wrestling
with an ancient and dull-edged
knife eraser, and made a request
for a new one. Instead of receiv-
ing the latter, he had the old one
returned to him with the sad news
that there are no more erasers in
the executive office stockroom, and
no authority has been given to re-
plenish the stock.
Just how greatly shocked or dis
pleased the Executive was when
his request was turned down is
not known. At least his face or
words gave no evidence of his
inner feelings. He received the
sting without comment, and went
silently about his work.
The idea has been ventured that
Evening star., 1925-02-20
RUNAWAY TROLLEY
KILLS 5 SOLDIERS
Lieut.. Col. Herring and Maj.
Hunter Among Victims in
ManiIa-14 Others Hurt.
By the Associated Press.


MANILA, February 20.-Lieut. Col
r. E. Herring, Maj. John H. Hunter
and three enlisted men of the Coast
Artillery were killed and Lieut.. F.
l.. Hayden and ten enlisted men were
injured when runaway trolley car
dashed out of control from the peak
of Corregidor Island, at the entrance
to Manila Bay. The car jumped and
overturned on a sharp curve, pinning
many of the dead and injured be-
meath. Three woman passengers also
were hurt.
After the car had reached an uncon-
trollable speed, number of panic
stricken woman passengers prepared
to jump, but Maj. John H. Hunter,
who was killed. stepped on the run
ming board with outstretched arms
and prevented passengers from leap
ing. He believed they might be dashed
over a cliff skirting the tracks.
List Of Killed and Hurt.
The following enlisted men were
killed:
Warrant Officer c. A. Carter. mine
planting service: Staff Sergt. Jane
T. Davidson, air service: Private
Leoncia Canesa, Philippine Scouts.
The injured enlisted men are:
Warrant Officer I. s. Hansen, mine
planting service; Master Sergt. Will
liam Russell. 59th Coast Artillery;
Sergt. Floriano Grandez, Philippine
Scouts; Pvts. Crispin Regnaro, s1st
Coast Artillery; Homer Askew, Medf-
cal Department.; A. H. Miller, Ord
nance Department.; William Pagan,
Quartermaster Corps; William w.
Briggs, Quartermaster Corps; Aber-
leno Lopez, Philippine Scouts; Ale
jandro Bendoy, Quartermaster Corps.
Mrs. Herring, wife of Lieut.. Col.
Herring: Mrs. Ellis. wife of Lieut.. H.
P. Ellis, and Mrs. Carter, wife Of
Warrant Officer Carter, were also in
jured making the total casualties 5
killed and IA injured. The incline
from the top Of Corregidor Island
down which the trolley line runs to
the water is very steep, probably 45
degrees.
1t Is unoficially stated that slippery
tracks caused the accident.
Maj. Hunter was killed instantly.
Lieut.. Col. Herring died in a hospital.
Evening star., 1925-02-20
RETIREMENT BILL
PASSAGE IS SEEN
Smoot, Who Blocked Vote
Last Night, Forecasts
Favorable Action.

Prediction that the bill liberalizing the
civil service retirement act would be
passed before the close of the present
session was made today by Senator
Smoot of Utah. who held up the meas
ure at last nights session. charging that
he had not been fairly dealt with in re-
gard to certain amendments. Senator
Sterling of South Dakota. a member of
the civil service committee. who has
been keenly interested in the proposed
measure. also predicted favorable action
on it, Notwithstanding the failure of the
Dill to reach vote last night
The bill max be called up in the SEN
ate again today or tonight il night ses-
sion is held
Two Questions in Dispute.
The two matters at issue which
aroused Senator Smoot have to do
with section 13 of the pending bill
which provides that the Civil Service
commission shall keep a record Of ap-
pointments, transfers, etc, and the
age OF retirement. Senator Smoot
proposed to strike out section 13
which he says would cause the build
ing up of a division with $50 en-
ployes.
The civil service committee, 1t was
learned today. designed to offer an
amendment making the voluntary age
OF retirement after 80 years service,
81 for the general run of employees
and go for some specified classes. 1t
was Senator Smoot's understanding
that there was to be a fiat horizontal
retirement age at So years.
When the bill is taken up in the
Senate again, these matters will be
disposed of.
Charges Agreement Broken.
Senator Smoot, in blocking action last
night, explained that faith had been
broken with him, after an agreement
had been reached by himself and
members of the civil service commit
tee and Representatives of the Gov
ernment employees.
A number of amendments submitted
by the Senate committee were consid-
cred and approved, however. Senator
Staffield of Oregon. in charge of the
bill, pleaded with Senator Smoot to let
the Senate take action on the measure,
and amendments proposed by Senator
Smoot as well as those offered by the
committee. But Senator Smoot stuck
to- it that he had not been fairly
treated.
He told the Senate that he had
talked over with Senator Stanfield,
Senator Dale of Vermont and the
Government actuary many times the
proposed legislation, and that they
had agreed there should be amend
ments, with which he would freely
support the bill.
Thought Issue Was Decided.
II never had any idea but that
these amendments were acceptable
continued Senator Smoot II had
them all made out and presented to
CONTINUED on Page 8. Column .
Evening star., 1925-02-20
RUSSIAN RECOGNITION LIKELY
IF SOVIET MODIFIES VIEWS
u. S. Government Prepared to Discuss Terms With
Soviet Similar Plan to Negotiations Formerly
Held With Me1ico-Borah Going to Moscop.

When Mexico and the United States
became deadlocked through diplo-
matte spondence Preside II
Harding determined to send a COM
mission which did not have the
power either to grant or promise rec
ognition, but to secure an agree
ment on what the essential points of
difference really were. with an out
line of how each country proposed to
resolve those differences. The report
was duly signed by the representa-
tives of each country constituting
an accurate record of their converse
tions and proceedings. but before it
could become an agreement between
the two governments it had to be
ratified by the President and Secre-
tary of state of each country.
The Russian problem can be ham
dlec by the same formula. 1t dis
poses OF the argument that recogni-
ton is extended on condition, and at
the same time it places each govern
ment definitely on record, so that
Continued on Page 5, Column 81
Evening star., 1925-02-20
MISSING D. C. MAN
IS FOUND IN INDIANA
Russell B. Cole Is in Indianapolis.
Believed Suffering From
Loss of Memory.

Russell B. Cole. reported missing
from his home at $50 Thirteenth
street southeast, by his wife early
this week. has been located in Indian
apolis, by his brother, who resides
there. according to information given
the police today by Mrs. Cole.
A telegram, it was stated, was re-
ceived last night oy the wife from
Harry o. Cole, brother-in-law,
stating that Russell Cole was found
walking aimlessly about the streets.
He disappeared from this city about
February 5, and had about $500 in
his pocket at the time.
The telegram indicated he was suf-
ferins from loss of memory.
Evening star., 1925-02-20
JUDGE AND ATTORNEY
IN PHYSICAL CLASH
By the Associated Press.

By the Associated Press.
CHICAGO, February 20.-A physical
clash between Chief Justice Harry Olson
of the Municipal Court and Edwin He'd
rick counsel for William P. Shepherd.
was the climax of the morning session
of the inquest into the death of Shep-
herds foster son, William n. McCln-
took. the millionaire orphan"
Judge Olson, instigator of the investi-
CATION into the death of the orphan. who
by will left the bulk of his $500, 900
estate to Shepherd was referred to by
Shepherds lawyer as "a dirty rat"
The ordinarily calm but bulky formed
juriSt struck out with one fist. The blow
was said by witnesses to have grazed
the chin and chest of the lawyer with
out damaging effects.
Lawyer Hedrick struck back but the
blow is said to have fallen short
Evening star., 1925-02-20
STUDENT DUELlST KILLED

BY the Associated Press.
FRANKFORT, Germany, February
2o.-Richard Hall. president of the
Nationalist Students Fraternity of
Frankfort University, was killed to-
day in a duel with swords fought on
behalf Of the honor of his fraternity.
He had considered the fraternity in
suited by his adversary.
Evening star., 1925-02-20
so Miners Trapped
By Blast IN, Indiana;
T,UO Bodies Rescued
By the Associated Press.

SULLIVAN, Ind, February 20
The fate of 80 miners entrapped by
q blast in the City Coal Co. mine
near here was unknown at o'clock
this afternoon.
Two unidentified dead had been
taken from the mine at that hour
and three men seriously injured had
been rescued.
Evening star., 1925-02-20
PRUSSIAN CABINET OUT.
By the Associated Press.

By the Associated Press.
BERLIN, February 20.-Wr Will
helm Marx, premier of Prussia, and
the cabinet which he headed resigned
today after failing to obtain a vote
of confidence in the Diet. The vote
stood 21S yes, 221 no.
Evening star., 1925-02-20
NAVY OFFICER. INJURED.
Lieut.. Comdr. e. B. Lapham Knock
ed Overheard at Manila.
By the Associated Press,

2a1V0CINVcV IfeSss
MANILA, February 20. - Lieut.
Comdr. E. B. Lapham, chief engineer
of the flagship U. s. S. Huron of the
Asiatic Fleet, was seriously injured
today, when he was struck by a coal
basket while the Huron was coaling
from a barge. He was Knocked over
board. His head struck the side of the
ship. Seaman Fox was injured also,
but not seriously. 1t was said at the
Cavite Hospital that LApham may
recover
Evening star., 1925-02-20
WEATHER.

&c. s. Weather Bureau Forecast)
Fair tonight; tomorrow increasing
cloudiness and warmer
Temperature-Highest, 81, at noon to-
day lowest, 80. at 4 80 am. today.
Fun report on page Z.
Evening star., 1925-02-20

CONTINUED on Page 3, Column 81
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-01-30
Berlin Newspapers
In Bitter Comment
On HerriOt Address

Berlin, Jan. @.-(By A. P) =
Premier Herriot's speech in the
chamber of deputies yesterday caus-
ed q tremendous sensation in Ger
man political and official circles
which do not conceal their disap-
pointment at hearing such "aggres-
sive" words from the lips Of states
men who had been regarded as an
advocate of Cancellation and peace
Chancellor Luther will not await
the reassembling of the Reichstag
Tuesday to reply to the foreign
premier, but proposes to make q
statement to the foreign Journalists
tomorrow evening.
The Berlin newspapers comment
bitterly on the Helriot address. Vor-
vaerts admits that the majority of
the French people live under the IL
fusion that Germany Is secretly
arming and may re-attack France.
It declares, however, that this Illus
ion is ludicrous although adding
that it cannot be got rid of simply
by declaring it so. Some papers fear
that Premier Herliot's speech may
add many recruits to the ranks of
the Nationalist who assert that 1T
is hopeless and impossible to come
to an understanding with France.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-01-30
Trotzky's Former
Aide Replaces
Him on War Com.

Moscow. Jan. 29--(By A. P)-The
central executive committee Of the
communist party today published its
decree dismissing Leon Trotsky from
his post as commissar for the army
and navy and appointing as his sue
cessor NJ. w. Frunse. formerly as
sistant commissar of war.
Dispatches from Moscow January
1 announced the decision of the COM
munist party to relieve Trotsky OF
his duties in the revolutionary war
council. 1t has been previously an
rounced that Trotsky, because Of his
differences with soviet leaders might
be subjected to severe disciplinary
measures. 1t had scarcely been an
ticipated, however. that he would be
dismissed from the war ministry.
The charges against the former
military leader were contained in a
lengthy document drawn up by the
committee. 1t was asserted that his
activities against the communist par
ty had encouraged the bourgeoisie
countries abroad to believe that the
Bolshevik regime was in danger OF
falling to pieces.
The once powerful war chief did
not attend the sessions Of the COM
mittee but wrote a letter giving ILL
ness as the reason for his non at
tendance. 1t has been known for
some time that Trotsxy's health has
been poor.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-01-30
Modern WOOdmen
And Royal Neighbors
In Joint Installation

In the presence of a big gathering
Of friends. the Modern Woodmen and
Royal Neighhors held an impressive
Joint installation in their hall Thurs
day evening. A pleasing feature of the
evening was the presentation OF a
purse of gold to Frances +. Farwell.
the retiring oracle of the Royal Neigh
bors. in behalf of both the Neighbors
and Woodmen.
For the faithful performance of du-
ties the past oracle presented the re-
corder with handsome flower stand
and jardinier. Gifts were also pre-
scented the installing officers. Deli
cious refreshments were served at the
close of the Woodmen installation,
followed by dancing until late hour.
Music was furnished By Eastman's
Melody Mixers.
The following Royal Neighbors Off
GERS We're installed by Past Oracle
Bertha NJ. Overlook assisted by Cere-
monial Marshal Effie Knight: Past
oracle, Mrs. Frances l.. Farwell; ora
Gle. Bertha l.. Sidney: vice oracle,
Helen j.. Trask: chancellor, lvah Has
kcll; recorder, Julia =. Robinson: re-
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-01-30
BILL PROPOSING
sc GASOLINE TAX
IS GIVEN TO HOUSE

An act relating to the excise tax
on railroads and providing for
new system of levy for this tax
based upon the relation Of the net
to the gross income was presented
in the Legislature Thursday morn
ing by Representative Burleigh
Martin Of Augusta.
a large number of bills were pre-
, sented at the days session at the
close of which a recess was taken
until 4:30 next Monday afternoon.
Among the measures offered yes
terdaN were those authorizing
tEree-cent tax on gasoline, and
omending the primary law making
compulsory the enrolment of voters
six months before each primary. The
provisions of the new primary
amendment bill introduced by Rep
'csentative Hamilton of Caribou,
oes not apply to new voters. No
'.iange is made in the voting hours.
ut this feature will be considered
IN committee, of which Mr.. Hamil-
ton is a member.
Excise Tax on Railroads
The act relating to the excise tax
on railroads introduced by Repre-
sentative Martin provides for a slid
Ing rate from three to five and one
half percent.
When the net income does not ex-
coed five percent of the total operat
ing revenues the tax shall be three
prcent of tn total operating reve-
nUes; between five and ten percent
the tax shall be three and "a quarter
percent: between ten and fifteen per-
, cent, three and a half percent: be-
TWEEN fifteen and twenty percent, four
percent; between 20 and % percent,
! four and half percent: between %
ana 80 percent, five percent; eX-
cecdinS 80 percent, five and Il half
percent of the total operating reve-
, nues, which shall be the maximum
| rate.
1t is further provided that in the
case OF railroads not operating more
than 90 miles. the tax shall not ex-
coed two percent of the total operat-
ing revenues; and when the net rail-
way operating income of any Suage
railroad does not exceed ten percent
OF its total operating revenues, the
tax shall be one half of one percent
OF It's total operating revenues. In
the case of narrow Suage railroad
! whose net railway operating income
Is between 10 and 20 percent, the
tax shall be one percent, and when
any narrow suagc railroad has no
/ net railway operating income. no eX-
else tax shall be assessed upon it.
| The sponsors of this bill propose,
! when it is heard in committee, to
| answer in detail the objections made
| to this particular measure and also
| to review and discuss all other mat
! tiers that have been advanced pub
hcly as having bearing upon the
| subject OF railroad taxation. The
rev bill follows the plan recon-
| mended by the special New York
| State tax commission. the United
States Chamber of Commerce. and
the National Tax Association.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-01-30
NORWAY AND
FREEPORT PLAY
C.. H. s. TONIGHT

Another doubleheader basketball
game for Gardiner high teams Ia
scheduled for tonight at 7.3O at the
High school gymnasium. The boys
will meet Norway High and the girls
F'reeport High. The boys nave
strong chances for a win for they de-
feated the Norway team with ease
at Norway, although not over-cor:..-
dent should repeat the trick tonight.
The girls will probably have to light
harder for a win. as Freeport always
has a strong team. and has nexed
several victories this season while
the locals have but one to their
credit. The Gardiner girls showed
their old time fight in the Brunswick
game and with every regular In = l.
dition they should offer . high
brand Of basketball tonight.
The boys lineup will probably be
Rose and Anketell, forwards; Ward,
center, and Captain Rogers and
Henderson, guards. The girls VII
probably start with Captain VIII
liams and -farson at forwards; NC
Donald and Weeks, centers: and "
Williams and Rose, guards. Inc
games will be called at 7.3O and Will
be followed by a dance.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-01-30
Select Winners in
Peter Pan Contest

Inc Peter Pan letter-writing contest
Ut the school children Of the city
s..oSed very popular, as was shown by
.aae huge piles Of letters that faced
sae judges Thursday afternoon and
it them reading many hours. The
sS.'ers were all very we'll written and
. snowed that the children appreciated
~ understood the picture. After
teIul consideration the selections
h.rowed down to four candidates, two
ss and two girls. AS the prizes
Are boys Peter Pan suits given by T..
- leighton, it looked rather doubtful
M the girl winners. but Sherman
s",,s of the d. w. Adams Co. came
Suantly forward and offered two
ny dresses for the girl winners.
- OF the further rules Of the con-
bss was. that each winner should read
eas own composition before the audi
49, at the Opera House Thursday
r.suns' after which tho awards were
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-01-30
Asks for State
Representation at
Hearings on Freight
Rate Re-adjustments

Representative Leland Of Sanger-
vile will present to the House next
Monday resolve providing for the
appointment of one or more persons
to represent the State in CERTAIN pro-
posed changes in freight rates af-
fecting the people of the State.
The resolve authorizes the Govern
or and Council to designate one or
more persons to attend hearings on
certain proposed establishments of
freight rates to inform so called
trunk line territory. G. T.. A. terri
tory and New England by various
railroads. These hearings will be be-
fore the Interstate Commerce Com
mission at Washington and will be-
gin Feb. 4. 1925. The resolve recites
that certain changes and increases
are involved in the proposal which in