Evening star., 1932-08-04
GRAND Jury HEARS |
TWO D. c. HEADSI
ReicheIderfer and Crosby
Testify in Riot Probe, Now
Nearing Conclusion.

The District grand jury investigation
OF the bonus riots was nearing compile
ton today as two Of the Commissioners
and several police officials were called
before the inquisitorial body to present
their versions of the disorders preced-
ing the evacuation of the bonus march
erS from lower Pennsylvania avenue.
Commissioner Luther c. Reichelderfer
was the first witness, being followed by
Commissioner Herbert B. Crosby. They
We're secluded in the Office Of United
States Attorney Leo A. Rover before
going to the grand jury room and re-
turned there Immediately after tes-
tifying.
Although the nature of their testi-
nlony was not known, it was said they
could not testify as to any facts con-
corning the first brick-throwing or the
subsequent disorder in which two mem
bers of the bonus army were fatally
shot and number of policemen in
jured. The Commissioners went to the
scene during the interval between the
two disorders. but did not actually wit
ness either disturbance.
Police to Testify.
It was understood, however, the in
quiry today would be directed toward
alleged violations of Federal laws.
Among these, mention has already been
made OF the alleged forcible occupancy
of Government property by the B. E. F.
and the forceful resistance of Federal
officers.
1t is not believed the grand jury will
return a report commenting upon the
advisability of the use of troops to quell
the riots, District Supreme Court Jus
tice James NJ. Proctor having previously
ruled that the jury has no authority
to take such action.
Other witnesses waiting to testify to-
day included Daniel Garges, secretary
to the Commissioners; Police Inspectors
Brown, Edwards, Bean and Davis; Po-
lice Lieut.. Ira Keck, aide to Crosby;
Lieut.. Harvey Callahan, in charge of
the Police School, and H. G. Crawford,
chief clerk of the Police Department.
Brig. Gen. Pelham D. Glassford, chief
of police, was not present while his Su-
,nGfors, the Commissioners, and the po-
lice officials were giving their testimony
Ia
according to Mr.. Rover, the grand jury
investigated only assaults made on po-
licemen by veterans. It could not be
learned whether he would be called to
supplement the testimony of the Com
miSsloners and other police officials
concerning the alleged violations of
Federal statutes.
After the grand jury had adjourned
for the day, Rover announced the in
vestigation probably would be resumed
early next week. He said he expected
to call several additional witnesses, but
could not reveal their identity now
Although Rover and Assistant Attor-
ney General Nugent Dodds were with
the grand jury for some time after the
last witness had been excused it was
said no steps leading to the return of
any indictments were taken.
The inquiry was started at the re-
quest of Attorney General Mitchell.
Three bonus marchers are now being
held for the action of the grand jury
on assault charges.
Waters In Conference.
Meanwhile Walter w. Waters, appar-
emily still the national leader Of the
bonus marchers, was in conference
today with members of "a national
organization, which is highly thought
Of" according to his aides at B. E. F.
headquarters, 1341 North Capitol street.
The name of the national organiza
ton" would not be revealed by bonus
army headquarters.
The subject of the conference was
said to be the establishment of the
48 State camps to house veterans and
their families.