Evening star., 1935-01-30
MAR|HUANA WEED
HELDPER|L TOD.C.
SCHOOL CHILDREN
Representative Fenerty
Says He May Draft Law
if Curb Is Lacking.
0USTING TRANSMITS
SCORED AT HEARING
House Committee Told Constitu-
ton Entities Hearing for
''Pick-ups" by Police.


Charges that Washington school
children are being exposed to the
vicious effects Of the marihuana weed
were made today before the House
District Committee, which referred
them to the Crime Investigating
Committee, headed by Representative
Randolph of West Virginia. The
latter group also was authorized to
seek an appropriation to continue
its work
The marihuana charges we're made
by new member.
Representative Claire G.. Fenerty,
Republican, Of Pennsylvania drafted
the Pennsylvania law to stamp out
marihuana. He discussed the danger
of the narcotic habit in the District,
pointing out that the marihuana
weed can be grown in any back yard
He said that if those in charge Of
narcotic enforcement can find no
existing law to protect the school
children against this danger, he will
draft specific legislation on the sub
ject.
"Pick-up" Activities Hit.
Protest was also voiced at the COM
mittee meeting against activities Of
the newly organized police pickup
squad. Representatives Ellenbogcn
and Patman emphasized their con-
viction that the practice of arresting
transients here and escorting them
out of town without a hearing is a
violation of constitutional rights. This
subject also was referred to the Crime
Investigating Subcommittee.
The committee voted unanimously
for the chairman to ask the Rules
Committee to speed action upon the
pending resolution granting the Crime
Investigation Subcommittee authority
to subpoena witnesses. hold their hear
ings while Congress is in session and
obtain an indefinite amount to cover
expenses Of the crime investigation.
While the amount needed has not
been determined. Randolph is ex-
pected to ask for about $500. A sum
of 5000 was first suggested, but if
the Department of Justice grants
Randolph's request for assistance the
committee believes it can complete its
program with smaller amount.
Investigators Requested.
Randolph asked Attorney General
Cummings several days ago to detail
several Department of Justice agents
to serve as Investigators for the COM
mittee. Cummings. however, has not
yet acted on the request, and If he
turns it down the committee will be
required to employ private investl-
gators.
The committees hearings have been
postponed until Friday because of
other duties demanding attention of
the members. In the meantime the
House Rules Committee is expected 10
act on Randolph's resolution author
izing the inquiry. AS appropriation
probably Will be carried in this reso-
luton when it is returned to the
House for consideration. The Rules
Committee plans to pass on the reso-
luton tomorrow and House action is
probable before the end of the week.
The committees first two hearings
had to be confined to morning ses-
Sions. and the two witnesses called
thus far-Commissioner Melvin c.
Hazen and Police Supt. Ernest w.
Brown-were not placed under oath.
Mai. Brown will be called back to
the witness stand when the hearings
are resumed Friday. He will be fol-
lowed by Inspector L. 1. H. Edwards,
assistant superintendent and personnel
officer, and Inspector Frank 5. W.
Burke, chief of detectives.
The House District Committee today
also indorsed the efforts Of the Victory
Legion Post. American Legion, to Sc
cure a $4,000 P. w. A. loan with
which to erect and operate a soft ball
field on Federal property near Union
Station.
Bill Urged by ElIenbogen.
Representative Ellenbogen endeav-
ored to get the committee to report
favorably his bill giving pensions for
the blind which passed the Congress
in the last session. but which was We
toed by the President, Representative
Ellenbogen explained, because no
funds were available.
The committee, however, delayed ac-
ton so that new members OF the COM
mittee could study the bill.
Jack Dalton, president OF the Blue
Light Taxicab Co., protested against
certain provisions of the auto liability
law, which has already passed the Sem
ate. and has been promised hearing
before a subcommittee headed by Rep
reSentative Patman.
A hearing tomorrow at 1890 am.
on the bill to amend the public util-
tiles act providing for procedure on
appeal from decisions of the board was
announced by Representative Ran
dolph Carpenter tDemocraD of Kan
sas, chairman of the Public Utilities
Subcommittee.
Chairman Norton again called upon
chairmen of all subcommittee to
bring in reports as soon as possible on
the measures referred to them which
have already passed the Senate and
which the District Commissioners have
recommended as urgently necessary.
The committee ordered a favorable
report on the bill which would permit
the Greyhound Transit Co. to lay a
pipeline across New York avenue to
"A