Evening star., 1931-12-04
D. c. SEEKS HOUSING
FOR JOBLESS ARMY
GIassford Studies u. S. Build
inqs as Comfortable Quar-
ters for Marchers.

The problem Of finding housing ac-
commodations for the army of unem-
ployment protestants en- route to Wash
ington was placed squarely up to the
District Commissioners today by Brig
Gen. Pelham D Glassford, major and
superintendent of police.
After an intensive survey, Gen. Glass
ford said the Police Department had
been unable to find a suitable place
available for accommodation of the
marchers, and suggested the United
States Marines or other Federal troops
be called upon to build tent camp
either at Camp Meigs or in the exten-
sion Of the present tourist camp in East
Potomac Park.
In the meantime, however. Gen
Glassford proposes to continue his
search for building in which the
demonstrators might be housed. Ar
unoccupied wing in the new Depart
ment Of Commerce Building has beer
suggested as one place large enough
to accommodate the delegation, and g
survey is now being made at the direc-
ton of the police superintendent TO de-
termine the feasibility of such plan
Camps Are Suggested.
If the Commissioners find 1t I'M
practicable to arrange housing facilities
for the marchers, Gen. Glassford sue-
gested as all alternative that site bl
provided for parking the trucks In
which they are coming to Washington
and furnish them upon arrival with q
list of facilities available at the tourist
camp, welfare organizations and cheap
er hotels, thus placing the demonstra-
tors In a position of taking care OF
themselves as any other tourists visit
ing the city.
Herbert Benjamin, in charge of ar
rangements for the marchers, however
has informed police officials that the
visitors will be without funds. He also
has told them the funds of his organi-
zation, available for housing the dele
CATION, do not exceed $120.
Although the housing problem is still
unsolved Gen. Glassford put finishing
touches on the Police Department
plans for protecting the marchers. Only
one major change has been made in the
original plans-the demonstrators arc
to be permitted to carry their banners
into the Capitol grounds when they 60
to petition Congress Monday for unem-
ployment relief. Previously police Of
ficials had announced the placards
would have to be discarded before
entering the Capitol grounds, but feared
that the enforcement of such rule
might lead to trouble which they are
endeavoring to the utmost to avoid.
Police Fully Prepared.
Assurance was given the police are
fully prepared for any eventualty. a
number of the officers will be equipped
with tear gas bombs, and instruction
In their use was given TO squaa OF
about Is men today at police mead
quarters. r -.
Gen. Glassford said the Police. De
partment, with the assistance OF tns
Capitol and park police forces, WouIo
be capable of handling any SITUATION
and he did not propose to can on sne
military authorities for AID. NeVelthe
less, week end leave Of troops stationed
at Fort Myer, Va, and Fort Humphrey
has been Cancelled, and it is understood
troops will be kept in readiness IN tne
event of serious disorder
Secretary of War Hurley also an
nounced that there Is no prospect OF
troops being called out In connection
with possible demonstrations OF the
marchers. He expressed the belief, in
cidentally, that the march Is suosi-
died" and 'nebulous.
The number of marchers, accoroing
to information furnished by BENJAMIN
will approximate 1900. BENJAMIN pre-, pre-
viously estimated there would be l'ooo
In the delegation. Twenty-Five per
cent, he said, will be women.
Quarters Considered.
Buildings which Gen. Glassford sur
veyed in the hope of finding sultapie
accommodations for the marchers IN
cluded huts in the Potomac Park
Continued on Page 2, Column 81 d.