Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-05-19
SMALL LOANS BILL
FOUGHT BY WOMEN
Representatives of Fedora
ton Appear Before Subcom-
mittee to Oppose Measure.

Both representatives Of the Fedora
ton of women's Clubs and Represen-
tative Lampert Of Wisconsin were sub
jected to sharp questioning today when
they presented their opposition to the
small loans bill, fostered by the Russell
Sage Foundation at o subcommittee
hearing today.
Mrs. Virginia White Speel, Republican
National committeewoman for the Dis
trict, the director Of the General Fed
Grafton Of Women's Clubs, In replying
to some of Mr.. Reds questions init
mated that she resented the interroga-
ton.
Repeatedly, Representative Lampert
was interrupted by the questions Of Mr..
Reid.
Presented Resolution.
Mrs. Speel presented o resolution
adopted by the Federation Of Women's
Clubs, speaking for some 1000 women
in the District, and called the bill under
consideration an ubiquitous measure. "
This resolution recited that similar
laws have been enacted in several
States and brought about the organi-
xation Of many loaning companies,
which have reaped great profits at the
expense Of those least able to pay. Leg
islatures Of several States have passed
leg1slation to curb the prof1ts Of such
companies by reducing the rate OF In
terest aS low 90 10 per cent and In
other States have sought to repeal the
law.
ITO authorize any company 70 charge
borrowers of small amounts a. per cent
interest or any other usurtous and eX-
tortionate rate Is not only subversive
of the welfare of all those whose ne
cessity may compel them to borrow ct
such rates, but detrimental to the well
fare of the community" Mrs. Speel said.
1.-The District of Columbia Federation
Of Women's Clubs Is uralterably op-
posed to the passage of this or any
other similar measure which will fasten
upon the people Of the District any such
system Of loan institutions and respect
fully petition the committee to reject
any such measure"
Another Protest Filed.
Acting Chairman Mcleod presented
O letter which he had received from
man of the department Of law and
legislation Of the District Federation Of
women's Clubs, in which, speaking for
her organization, she protested most
vigorously on behalf Of the federation
against the Bowman bill"
Representative Hull of Wisconsin, q
member Of the District committee, pre-
scented q letter from Mrs. Edgar B.
Merritt, president of the District Fed
Grafton Of Women's Clubs, and cited
the opposition Of a number of citizens
associations, including the Piney Branch
Citizens Association. which declared
this measure most Ubiquitous and
hypocritical," and the Columbia Heights
Citizens Association.
Representative Hull declared that the
proposed rate Is "unconscionable." He
pointed out that the merchant marine
is not paying S1a per cent o month. but
3h per cent o year, and that Govern
ment funds are being loaned generally
at the rate Of 9 per cent.
Thomas e. Lodge appeared for the
Citizens Advisory Council and the
American University Park Citizens As
ISOLATION, declaring that the people of
the District are unalterably opposed to
the bill. which he declared Is bad in
principle, bad in the rate Of interest and
bad in the manner Of operation.
Mrs. Mary Wright johnson, who said
that she has been o resident of Wash
ington for IS years and q leader In many
civic organizations, protested against
the Bowman bill on behalf Of the poor
people.