Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-04-13
Testimony of Some One Who
Has Studied Foreign Ter
minaIs Recently Wanted.
COMMISSION MAY ASK !.
LINDBERGH FOR ADVICE
Merchants and Manufacturers Gov.
errors Board Favors Gravelly
Point for Site.

s,lmes its study of where to locate
Washington's air terminal 1t will seek
the latest available data on how the
principal European capitals are meet
ing this modern phase of transporta-
ton,
The commission has obtained from
the Department of Commerce some
statistics as to the size and method of
financing the main airports in Paris,
London, Berlin and Rome, but Senator
Bingham, Republican of Connecticut,
chairman, said he wants to get the
testimony of some student of aviation
who has seen these foreign develop
ments recently.
did not stop long enough in Washington
yesterday for the Airport Commission
to consult with him regarding estab-
lishment of the Washington air term
inal, Senator Bingham may seek his
views on later occasion before recon-
mendationS are ready to be made To
Congress. Members Of the Airport Com
mission knew that Col. Lindberph was
IN hurry to get to New York for
the arrival OF the body of Ambassador
Herrick from France and were not sur
prised that the distinguished airnnan
was unable to stop here more than a
few minutes. .
Data on Sites Awaited.
Senator Bingham, who returned yes-
terday from a trip to Connecticut. said
the Airport Commission would not meet
again until the Government engineers
are ready to submit detailed estimates
and data on the several inland sites
that have been suggested in the
suburban area to the north and east
OF the District. Two of these inland
locations. one at Chillum. Md. and the
other near CaSnp Springs, Md, were
given considerable attention at the
hearings.
The commission has exact cost figures
Tor the development of an airport at
Gravelly Point, on the banks of the
Potomac, south Of Hams Point. 1t is
waiting now to get comparable statistics
regarding the inland sites.
1t has been made clear that the COM
mission has come to no conclusion on
the question Of location, but wants to
compare the length of time 1t would
take to prepare an air field at one Of
the inland sites, what the fog condi-
tons would be, how the cost would
compare with Gravelly Point and how
long 1t would take to get to the center
Of the city.
The commission is known to be thor
oughly convinced that the National
Capital needs an airport without delay,
and questions asked during the hear
1ngs indicated that the members are
looking ahead with a view to eStab-
fishing an air terminal that will make
provision for the rapid growth in air
travel which all witnesses agreed will
occur In Washington once an airport
is available.
Senator Bingham said yesterday that
some of the inland sites suggested to
the commission are wooded areas at
present, and the report now being
awaited from the engineers is expected
to show more, in detail how available
the topography of the land would be
for landing field purposes.
Development Of municipal airport
on the Gravelly Point site, with the
cost to be divided equally between the
local and Federal Governments. was
urged In resolution adopted by the
board Of governors Of the Merchants
and Manufacturers Association meeting
yesterday afternoon.
The board also went on record vigor-
ously opposing the proposed increase in
the gasoline tax for Washington from
2 to cents per gallon, as has been
suggested by Representative zihlman
of Maryland. chairman of the House
District committee, for the announced
purpose of extending the parks system
of the National Capital.
GraveIly Point Favored.
The merchants governors reiterated
its former approval of the Gravelly
Point site for the projected municipal
airport, members believing that it was
the most advantageous site. due to the
possibility of future expansion of the
pert there by filling in additional land
along the Potomac River and because
the site on the river would have facil-
tiles for both land and water planes.
An additional suggestion, that the
Washington airport be developed in the
nature of a memorial for those OUT
standing leaders of aviation. its
pioneers and present aces, including
those who gave their lives in further
ance of the new method of transporta-
ton. was made and approved by the
directors Of the merchants organiza-
ton.
The airport thus would commemorate
the achievements of such aviation lead
ers as DR.. Langley. the Wright brothers.
Col. Lindbergh. Walter Hinton, Floyd
Bennett. Comdr. Richard E. Byrd and
many others. The board felt that
Washington should have an airport that
would be a model for the rest of the
country and that in creating this field
it would be well to give it the nature
of memorial to those who deserve spe-
aviation.
Holds Tax Boost Unnecessary.
In opposing the proposed boost in the
gasoline tax the board was of the
opinion that such an increase was un-
necessary as well as being of q dis
eliminating nature. It was pointed out
that such an increase in the gasoline
tax would be an additional burden on
one class of citizens, automobile own
ers and operators, for the benefit of
the National Capital as whole, In the
extension of the park system. It was
brought out also that the increased
gasoline tax would rebound to the
financial benefit of the gasoline station
operators In nearby Maryland, where
the gasoline tax is higher than in
Washington.
The board also went on record urg-
ing that provision be made in the FIVE
year District budget now being prepared
by the District auditor for consideration
of the Commissioners for the construc-
ton or purchase of an adequate armory
for the District National Guard. Gen.
Anton Stephan, president of the M. &
NJ, who made the suggestion, also dis
cussed the possibility Of the combina-
ton Of the proposed union bus terminal
for washington with the projected new
arrnory.
Gen. Stephan announced that meet
ing Of the entire membership of the
ton, the first In several years, would be
held April rs.
Woman Hurt Sounding Alarm.
Mrs. w. II. Rowland sustained minor