Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-11-10
GUN SALE MEASURE
BACKED BY CROSBY
Passage of Proposed Law by
Congress Urged at
Meeting.

The proposed uniform law regulat-
ing sale of dangerous weapons should
be passed at the coming session of
Congress, Gen. Herbert B. Crosby. Po-
lice Commissioner, declared yesterday
before the Public Order Committee of
the Board of Trade.
Because of past difficulties in at
temptS to draft law meeting all prob
lens involved in the matter Commits
sioner Crosby urged public support for
adoption of the uniform law as pro-
posed by the National Rifle Associa-
ton
If this measure, after enactment, is
found not to meet all problems arising
out of the sale and possession of dan
gerous weapons, Gen. Crosby said, Con-
gresS could be petitioned to pass addi-
tional measures covering other details.
Endorsed by Reckord.
Brig. Gen. NJ A. Reckord, executive
vice president of the Rifle Association,
also recommended passage of the uni
form weapons measure. Explaining why
his organization had opposed passage
of the firearms measure before the
last Congress, Gen. Reckord declared
amendments attached to the uniform
bill made it foolish and ridiculous"
Tribute was paid by speakers to Maj.
Henry H. Pratt, retiring chief OF the
metropolitan police and to his sue
ceSsor, Brig. Gen. Pelham D. GlaSsford
who assumes Office next Monday.
Lieut.. Col. U. S. Grant, 3D., who as
director of public grounds and parks
supervises the park police force, pre-
dicted a highly successful career here
for Gen. GlaSsford. Declaring Washing
ton is fortunate in having man OF
such high caliber for its police chief.
Col. Grant said Gen. GlaSSford would
administer his Office without fear or
favor" for any one.
Gen. Crosby pictured the new chief
of police as hard worker and as one
who has fair for systematizing or
ganization work He said Gen. Glass
he was an Army officer" but also be-
cause of what he has done and is able
to do as an administrator.
Pratt Called Able Man.
Maj. Pratt proved himself to be "a
fine and able man." Gen. Crosby said.
He added that he believed there was
infinitely" less corruption in Wash
ington than in any city in the country
of comparable size.
Odell S. Smith, chairman of the pub
lie order committee, in introducing the
new chief of police, gave him a new
title of 'P. D. c." Glassford, in recog-
milton of the Generals reputation for
getting action. Gen. GlaSsford already
bears the nickname of Happy"
Chairman Smith reiterated that the
new chief of police has two important
tasks before him: ITO build up the
morale of the police force and to sell
the Metropolitan Police to the city
He pledged the support of the public
order committee.
Chairman Smith paid an eloquent
tribute to Maj. Pratt. A toast in water
was drunk to him.
Gen. Glassford Speaks.
Gen. Glassford. in a brief talk, said
he was glad to hear the tribute to Maj.
Pratt and said he hoped he could serve
the District in way to earn the same
token of respect.
Gen. Crosby knows--and I know even
better-that I haven't brains enough
to run the department by myself, he
said. but IL is gratifying to know that
will have the benefit of the counsel
and assistance from organized groups
OF responsible citizens Of the city"
Other talks were made by Frank Nor
rison. secretary of the American Fed
Grafton OF Labor, new member of the
public order committee. Maj, Donald A.
Dawson. Assistant Engineer Commits
sioner; Claude owen. vice president of
the Board of Trade. and Edmund F.
Jewell. publisher Of the Times Herald.