Evening star., 1934-01-14
House Military Affairs Com.
mittee Will Begin Hearings
on McSWain Bill.
P. w. A. TO GET REPORT
ON PROJECT SAME DAY
Two Activities Held Supplement.
tary, but Either Would In.
sure Terminal.

The battle to give the National Capi-
tai its sorely needed air terminal will
open on a double front Tuesday when
the House Military Affairs Committee
begins hearings on the McSwain airport
bill and the Public Works Administra-
ton receives report on the project
from its subcommittee on Federal
works.
A number Of witnesses headed by Eu-
gene L. Vidal, director of aeronautics,
Department of Commerce, will appear
before the House Committee to argue
for a modern civil air terminal for
Washington, the most backward, aero
nautically, of world capitals
The hearings will begin at 10 am.
Tuesday and probably will continue for
several days, it was indicated as the
committee began sending out notices to
prospective witnesses. This list. which
has not yet been made public. will in
clude Federal and civil aviation lead
ers. representatives of Washington civic
and business organizations, famous fy-
ers, military experts and airport Of
ficials.
Battle TO Submit Report.
At the same time Turner Battle. As
sistant Secretary of Labor, and chair
man Of the Public Works Administra-
tion subcommittee on Federal projects,
Will submit to the Public Works Board
preliminary report on the Washing
ton Airport proposal which has been
pending informally before his Subcom-
mittee for about a month.
The legislative and public works ac-
tivities in behalf of model airport for
the Capital will supplement each other,
1t was indicated. though favorable ac-
ton on either one probably would in
sure action on the airport project.
The McSwain bill. introduced in the
House January 5 and referred to the
Committee on Military Affairs, has for
its purpose Ito provide for the closing
OF Military road in the State of Vir-
ginla and to promote national defense
by establishing a public airport at or
near Washington"
The bill provides for the creation of
commission to establish and operate
public airport This commission
would consist of three persons. to be
appointed by the President for terms of
six years each.
Would Elect Officers.
The commission would have Dover IN
elect manager for the airport and all
other officers and agents necessary for
its operation and to make rules and
regulations. subject to the law and in
conformity to the rules of the Depart
ment OF Commerce regarding aviation.
The McSwain bill provides for the
closing OF Military road in order to en-
large and extend the area of the land
ing held and to make landing and
taking off of airplanes more safe" IT
also authorizes and directs the Secre-
tary OF Agriculture to execute a lease
Tor period Of net exceeding so wears
or Tor such period as the adjoining land
snail De used as an airport, to such
parts Of the Arlington Experimental
Farm as may be necessary to enlarge
the landing field.
Ihe commission is empowered to ac-
qulre the present Washington Airport
property. including the former Hoover
f1eId section, together with all rights.
privileges and easements incident to
same II. after private negotiation. a
satisfactory price cannot be agreed
upon for the property. the commission
is authorized to institute condemnation
proceedings in conformity with the
procedure employed by the Govern
project.
The bill authorizes the approximation
oi necessary funds for the purchase Of
land and for necessary Improvements
no limit being specified The costs are
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