Evening star., 1928-11-21
DEATH PENALTY
: ! BAN IS DEFEATED
Resolution Is Tabled by
Chamber of Commerce by
| Close Vote.

The movement for abolition of capi-
kal punishment in the District suffered
8 reverse last night when the Chamber
OF Commerce by close vote tabled a
resolution submitted by its law and leg
islation committee urging an end to the
death penalty.
The report of the committee, sub
initted by its chairman, Judge Mary
O'Toole of Municipal Court, was sup
ported by a paper on the subject read
by Mrs. Caroline B. Stevens, chairman
of a subcommittee which made a
study Of the proposal Vigorous oppoSi-
ton developed. however, when Robert
N. Harper, past president Of the cham
ber. launched an attack on the move
ment and urged postponement OF final
decision.
The chamber also heard q report on
che Nationwide movement for grant
ing representation in Congress and the
right to vote in presidential elections to
citizens of the District from Thomas
p. Iittlepage of the committee on ma
tional representation who declared the
growing number of supporters of the
movement would continue the fight un-
til victory was attained.
Wage Appeal Endorsed.
dDDGdI
Yard here for upward revision of per
diem wages to place them on a COM
parable scale with similar employees in
other Government departments, was
indorsed by the chamber in approving
a report by John Eckert, chairman OF
the committee on manufactures.
The organization also was addressed
bv DR.. Cloyd II. Marvin. president OF
George Washington University; ElWood
street. director of the Community
Chest of washington, and Gen. John A.
johnson, director of the roll call OF the
local chapter of the American Red
Cross.
After reviewing study made by her
committee Of capital punishment
Judge O'Toole turned presentation OF
the case over to Mrs. Stevens, VINO as
serted that imposition OF the oeatn
nanaltv was tantamount to murder
by the state. ...,
Listing several States and foreign
countries which have abolished capltal
punishment, Mrs Stevens declared thaE
in those Jurisdictions the percentage OF
murders was less than in sections Where
the death penalty is imposed.
Mr.. Harper countered by warning OF
hardening of convicted murderers after
public wrath over their deeds has passed
and asserted, that persons convicted 81
premeditated murder should be removed
from society.
first appearance before the chamber,
discussed the purpose of education ana
described opportunities for higher edu-
cation in Washington, due to library
facilities, and availability OF research
data and expert advice.
DR.. Marvin pointed out that $4,000
students, registered here in four uni
versities having liberal arts courses.
spend on an average Of $4,000 each
annually, or a total of about $28. 600 900,
which is directed into local business
channels.
Chest Plan Praised.
Director Street of the Community
Chest declared the cooperative plan
for financing local charities would
prove q boon to the city and to or
eanizations included in the chest.
Seated on the platform were officials
Of the Community Chest, including
Charles j. Bell, Rudolph Jose. DR..
George G. Havenner, president OF the
Federation Of Citizens Associations; =:
G. Graham, president Of the Board OF
Trade: Mrs. John j. O'Connor and
Ivan C. Weld, chamber president.
Mai. William o. Tufts, chairman OF
the committee on universities, colleges
and private schools, told of progress
in the movement for passage OF the
diploma milf bill which is designed
to prevent operation here of schools
fraudulently awarding degrees. The
bill has passed the Senate and has
been favorably reported to the House:
G. Manson Foote of the membership
committee reported that 109 new men,
bers had been admitted since June. A
report on retail trade was submitted by
Isaac Cans, committee chairman.