Evening star., 1932-01-08
Senator, in Explaining Curb
on Firearms by Radio,
Pictures Need.
DRAFTS BILL TO LIMIT
SALE OF WEAPONS HERE
Purchasers Would Be Required to
Wait at Least 48 Hours Until Po-
lice Could Check Records.

While outlining by radio today the
terms of his bill to control the sale OF
firearms here, Chairman Capper OF
the Senate District Committee also re-
minded his national audience that the
people of Washington are deprived OF
the franchise and voiced hope that they
will be given the right to vote.
Senator Capper, who spoke over the
Columbia BroadcaSting System through
the courtesy of the National Anti
Weapon Association, said the dangerous
weapon bill he introduced in the Senate
yesterday is modelled after the uniform
law drafted by the commissioners on
uniform State laws, and he urged State
authorities throughout the country to
give it careful study. Before launching
into details Senator Capper said:
Hopes for Franchise.
You know, of course that Congress
must legislate for the District, whose
people have no vote. I hope they will
have the right to vote some day"
Referring to his weapon bill for the
District, the Senator said If it becomes
law sit will no longer be possible for
any one to drop into flrearm store,
select gun and get possession OF it in
single brief transaction. Instead, q
purchaser applies to the dealer to buy a
gun, and gets 1t not sooner than 48
hours after the date of application"
Pointing out that this elapse of two
days would enable authorities to check
up on applications, Senator Capper pre-
dicted that no peaceful citizen buying a
gun for lawful purposes would object to
this safeguard. The Senator emphasized
that the need for this legislation is by
no means confined to Washington.
Discussing the addsd penalties pro-
vided in the bill for carrying a weapon
while committing some other crime,
Senator Capper said he regards the bill
as moderate in its regulatory provisions.
Says Measure Is FAX.
"The bill is not as strong as some
folks would like to see it." Senator
Capper said. ION the other hand, some
may think it too drastic. Personally, I
feel it is reasonable and fair measure,
which will work no undue inconvenience
to the public"
In concluding. the Senator said this
bill will probably suffer the fate Of
earlier firearms legislation if the public
is not aroused to the pressing necessity
for leg Station of this kind"
Touching on national questions, Sem
ator Capper said he could think of no
better place to beg in Government
economy than by holding down expen-
ditures for military and naval arma-
ment. He declared that in the last
fiscal year the United States spent more
than S700, 100000 for arms, armaments
and men. THAT Is more than any
other world power spent for the same
purpose in that period" he added.
"Other nations surpassed us in armed
man power and in the number of war
vessels, but Uncle Sam was the biggest
spender for war purposes by more than
$780, 900 900.
Scores Naval Program.
"Our Federal Treasury" he added
lis now being asked to bear the burden
Of a naval program that will cost GER
tainlv no less than $750,000 900. Why
should this be? Why should our coun
try be spending nearly billion dollars
on warships when stark want and
misery are present in our cities?"