Evening star., 1933-04-18
ID, A. R. SET TO ACT
| ON DEFENSE CUTS
Delegates Expected to Open
Fight for Strong Army
/ and Navy.

With today's deliberations of the
d. A. r. Congress restricted mainly tc
financial reports and necessary action
looking toward recovery from the de-
preston, the powerful machinery of the
National Defense Committee was be-
ing set in motion to exert its inf1u-
ence for strong Army and Navy.
Resolutions reaffirming the national
defense act and urging building up the
Navy in the face Of economy slashes
by the Roosevelt administration are
expected to be brought before the Con-
gress at an early date.
Threatened loss of 1000 Army Of
ficers, a reduction of the enlisted
strength and elimination of the C. M
T. c. and r. o. 7. c. activities are like
ly to bring forth sharp protests from
the D. A. R. Congress.
Mrs. Becker Opens Discussions.
clair, N. j., opened these discussions at
tional Defense Committee, Of which
she is the chairman.
The national defense issue overshad-
owed for the time being the vital in
terest of the d. A. r. in the question
of Soviet Russia the body having
adopted strong non-recOgnitlon reso-
luton yesterday.
At the national defense meeting this
afternoon the speakers will include DR.
Thomas H. Healy, assistant dean Of the
Georgetown University Foreign Service
School; DR.. Leonid Strovhsky, profess
sor of history at the same school: Col:
Ross Parker. Maj. William H. Gil and
Mrs E. P. Pendleton.
The delegates adjourned shortly be-
fore noon today to take part in annual
pilgrimages to Mount Vernon and Ar
lington, where they will pay tributes
before the tombs of George Washington
and the Unknown Soldier.
Reception Tonight.
This evening Mrs Russell William
Magma, president general, and the ma
tional officers will hold their formal
reception to delegates and later in the
evening will be hosteSses to the 200
pages at ball in the Willard Hotel.
Beginning with the 1884 congress. a
registration fee of 81 was ordered paid
by all national officers, State regents,
chapter regents. delegates and alter
mates to the congress This will help
defray the expenses of the congress.
Another resolution empowered the
president general and the Executive
Committee ito use their discretion in
all matters relating to delinquent men,
bers and chapters"
Message From Roosevelt.
A message from President Roosevelt,
a plea by Secretary of Agriculture
Henry A. Wallace that America cult
vate sense OF social justice" and an
ovation for Ruth Bryan Owen, intro
duced as Nine. Minister" because OF
her recent diplomatic appointment to
Denmark and Iceland, were the high
lights of last nights session. Senator
Tom Connally of Texas also spoke.
Up to o'clock in the evening. the
President had expected to attend the
session but an important conference at
the White House made it impossible, u
he informed Mrs Magma by letter.
will you convey to all the delegates
a greeting from me and express to them
my deep appreciation of the loyal and
patriotic service they are constantly
rendering?" the letter said. 'Particu-
larly in a time like this the country
needs the fine ideals. the loyalty to our
national institutions and the willing
ness to serve which your organization
always manifestS."
Mrs. Magma asked the audience to
stand while the Presidents message was
being read and as she explained: Il
have asked you to stand at this par
ticular time that We may in unison ex-
press our regret that the President can
Eo 1r-it hIlt a q ar 70 q
gathered together in the National Cap
ital as a patriotic body. know that
you stand with me in paying tribute to
the President of the United States and
in pledging our loyal support to him
as he transacts the business Of the
Nation.
Prominent Guests Attend.
with a complete understanding OF
the situation We can make no finer
gesture in these critical times than to