davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1939-12-12
Some Assessments
Face Big Increase

New assessments of business prop
critics in suburban Montgomery
County may range up to 20 times
the "ridiculously low assessments
of 1927" according to report sub
mitted to the Montgomery County
Civic Federation last night by Fred
eric P. Lee, chairman of the Pub
lie Finance and Budget Committee.
Estimates of the proposed increase
in the business areas of Bethesda
and Silver Spring range up to 81
a square foot. In the 1927 assess
ment, the last made in the county,
properties fronting on Wisconsin
avenue in Bethesda were in gen.
eral assessed from 6 to 10 cents
with a few instances Of 40 cents .
square foot recorded. In the Sill
yer Spring area, values were as.
sessed somewhat lower, Mr.. Lee
pointed out.
S2.0O0,0O0 Increase Possible
The total increase may reach
So 900 900, not because of any in
crease in market value of the prop
critics this year as compared to
1927, which was a year of high VAL
ues, but rather to the ridiculously
low assessments of 1927, he ex-
planned.
The new assessment for the pub
lie utilities also is expected to show
very great increase" the report
stated, the present assessable value
being between 100000 and 5000 900.
The present valuation was made in
1927 by local assessors not skilled
in the engineering problems and
valuation of public utilities, and
largely from data received from
the public utility companies them
selves, Mr.. Lee said. A Baltimore
engineering firm specializing in pub
lie utility assessments has been en-
ployed to make utility assessments
this year. he pointed out.
Evening star., 1939-12-12
BY JOHN D. LEONARD,

UPPER MARLBORO, Md, Dec.
12.-The stage is set. The curtain is
up and the spectators chat in muf-
fed undertones. Suddenly silence
prevails in the large auditorium Of
the Upper Marlboro High School.
This court is now in session."
Sergt. Elon Turner of the Prince
Georges County police calls out from
the stage. Trial Magistrate Alan
Bowie confirms the announcement
with a rap of his gavel on the desk
at which he is seated. Police Court
has opened
While students in the quiet of the
classroom across the hall learn that
respect for law is the essence Of
good citizenship. Judge Bowie metes
out justice to its violators.
With Holiday Decorations.
The schools auditorium, fes-
tooned with green and red paper
streamers In a holiday motif, is only
a temporary headquarters for Police
Court, pending the remodeling OF
the courthouse itself. The stage
provides makeshift bench for Judge
Bowie. along with his clerical assist
ant, Miss Loretta Ridgely, and Mrs.
Hilda Boice, Police Court clerk.
A defendant is called up by Miss
Ridgely. He makes his way to a
table on the floor below the stage.
Here sits States Attorney H. Winship
Wheatley. jr., and the defense coun-
sci.
The charges are driving under the
influence of liquor and reckless driv-
ing. Judge Bowie hears the evil
dence put forward by the State and
the defense attorney.
Guilty of the reckless driving
charge, innocent of the other is the
verdict of Judge Bowie
Evening star., 1939-12-12
u. 5. Should Avoid War,
D. T.. Guard Chief Saws

The United States should avoid
war as long as possible and provide
security to the fullest extent Of its
power, Brig. Gen. Albert L. Cox,
commander of the District National
Guard and Episcopal layman, said
last night in an address before the
Mems Club of st. Johns Episcopal
Church.
Associate Justice Roberts of the
Supreme Court presided over the
club meeting held at the home of
DR.. Philip Marshall Brown, retired,
professor Of international law of
Princeton University, at 3061
Whitehaven street NV.
Gen. Cox expressed the opinion
that there is not as much pacifism,
nor as many parlor pinks today as
there were IS years ago" He pre-
dicted that in case of another war,
the percentage of conscientious OBJ
jectors would be very small" and
the test applied by the Govern
ment would be the sincerity of the
professed objectors.
AN unwise peace may be more
disastrous than war ITSELF" Gen.
Cox continued. mo nation ever
admitted it was the aggressor. A
warning nation always is on the de-
fensive. Recent wars are examples
OF the inconsistency of humanity
and mans inhumanity to man. If
we had complete disarmament. clubs
and stones would remain. An ex-
pert gunner would become an ex-
pert stone thrower. War is bred in
the mind OF man and not in the
blade Of the sword"
DR.. Oliver ]. Hart, rector of st.
johns, and members of the club
participated in a forum discussion
that followed Gen. Cox's address.
Evening star., 1939-12-12
Afternoon Sessions
0fCourt for Tenancy
Cases Urged
Social Agencies Council
Hears Mrs. Hoffman:
IhIder Speaks

Afternoon sessions in which judges
may devote more time to tenancy
cases was urged yesterday for the
landlord and tenant branch of Mu-
nicipal Court by Mrs. Helen Duey
Hoffman, director of the Washing
ton Housing Association, at the
monthly meeting of the Washington
Council of Social Agencies.
The speaker, head Of the group
whose survey of tenant problems
brought about recent changes in this
branch of the court, pointed out
afternoon sessions would enable
larger numbers of housewives to at
tend, as we'll as permit judges addi-
tional time to hold hearings in spe-
cial cases.
Critics of the existing arrange
ment say that since judges must 60
into the small claims branch at 10: 80
m, after devoting only an hour to
tenancy claims, little opportunity is
afforded for hearings on rent cases.
Urges Letters to Jurists.
At the same time Mrs. Hoffman
asked representatives of agencies to
write jurists praising their pro-
gressive action"
She also took occasion to compli-
ment The Evening Star on its series
relating to this branch of the
Municipal Court. Five articles on
the landlord and tenant branch were
published in The Star early last
month, urging decrease in fees,
which shortly afterward was
granted.
On the same program, John MI
der, head of the Alley Dwelling Au-
thority. declared lawmakers, both
Federal and local, are mot yet clear
in their own minds as to what the
laws should provide" for the estab-
lishment of adequate housing facili-
ties for "all classes in the United
States"
Differences exist, he said, even
among social agencies as to the
treatment Of slum reclamation and
provision of decent housing.
Subsidy Bridge Held Needed.
To bridge the gap between future
income levels and present housing
costa lag that brings about slums
"a subsidy is needed, Mr.. Ihlder
stated. The A. D. A. has secured
such an agreement with the United
States Housing Authority. This aid,
he pointed out, will enable the local
authority to cooperate more effec-
lively with case work and relief
agencies.
Mr.. 1hlder also pointed out that
governmental building of low-cost
homes was mot soaring way" private
builders. His talk was illustrated by
motion pictures taken by the local
authority and the U. S. H. A.
DR.. Joseph M. Dalla-Valle of the
National Institute of Health, the
third speaker at the luncheon meet
ing, revealed the District had re-
quested the institute to make a sur
vey of health problems in local hous-
ing, and that from the findings was
expected to come an increased ap-
preparation for housing projects.
The meeting was held in the Y. w.
G. A. Building, Seventeenth and K
streets NV.
Evening star., 1939-12-12
False Teeth
For Rent Sign
Brings Orders
By the Associated Press.

NORFOLK, Va, Dec. IA. ].
Hollngsworth, director of the Nor
folk Goodwill Industries, has proof
for his belief that everything has
some potential salvage value if you
know how to handle it,"
The proof came when he placed
q neat sign in his play window
bearing the words, False Teeth for
Rent" and beside it a shoe box full
OF discarded artificial crunchers
that had accumulated in his sal
wage store.
1t was only "a joke" he said, but
the customers didn't take it that
way. The next day set was rented
for Is cents a month and soon SO
or more sets were in service again
but that wasn't all. Mounting pub
ncity brought stacks of mail asking
more Information and fittings by
mail, as well as Offering old teeth
for sale.
Evening star., 1939-12-12
Transatlantic Airmoit
Hos Jumped Since War

BY the Associated Press.
Post Office Department officials
said today the volume of trans
Atlantic airmail had increased
steadily since the European war
started.
Charles P. Graddick. superintend-
ent of airmail, said Pan American
Airways carried 1927 pounds of
mail to Europe in November, COM
pared with 4,57O pounds in July.
With the increasing volume the
cost of the service to the Govern
ment has decreased. In November
the cost approximated $172,000, while
revenues totaled about $114,00O.
Evening star., 1939-12-12
Fire Survey
Report Endorsed
By McCoach
Commissioners Seen
Likely to Request
Congress o. K.

Engineer Commissioner David Nc
Coach, jr, today voiced general ap-
proval Of the report of the Commis-
sioner's special fire survey board,
published Sunday, which set out
the possibilities of capital savings
amounting to nearly 100000 and
annual savings Of some SAL 500, from
long-range plan for reorganization
Of the fiscal plant of the District
Fire Department.
Commissioner Melvin c. Hazen,
chairman of the Board Of the Com
missioners, yesterday commended
the committees report, and indica-
tions were today that the Commits
sioners would ask Congress to ap-
prove the plan in general. AS yet,
however, the Commissioners have
not committed themselves on the
details of the extensive proposed
program for changes in fire fighting
facilities.
The plan would entail the elm
ination of eight fire stations, the sale
Of fire station site at Sixteenth and
Webster streets NV. and the future
construction of several new stations
IN accord with plans for consolida-
tions and relocations of some OF the
stations.
Col. McCoach indicated that he
felt Congress should be asked to
give authority and make appropria-
tions for at least some of the
changes in action on the District
budget for the next fiscal year.
Meanwhile, the Commissioners re-
ceived the statement from Refus S.
Lusk, president of the Washington
Taxpayers Association, promising to
support adoption of the Survey
Boards plans.
Evening star., 1939-12-12
Planning Commission
Moves 10 Acquire
Additional Lands
Property Extensions
Sought for Piney
Branch Parkway

The National Capital Park and
Planning Commission at its first ses-
sion Of the monthly meeting acted
today to acquire additional lands in
the Piney Branch Parkway.
Norman c. Brown, appraiser and
associate land-purchasing officer,
said the lands are located in the
parkway area near Sixteenth street
NV. He said the move by the COM
mission today was to prevent fur
ther encroachment by building de-
velopment and was designed to
straighten out existing park lines"
The extent of the acquisitions, the
locations and the prices expected to
be paid were not revealed by the
commission.
Mr. Brown also said the commits
sion had acted on other acquisitions
in different sections of the city, but
that details are not available at this
time. He said this move was in ac-
cordance with the established pro-
gram of the commission.
A number of land-purchasing
projects were left over from the
November meeting, but whether
these were among those acted upon
at the morning session was uncer-
tain. Among those hanging fire
are the Southwest Recreation Gen.
ter, the Congress Heights play
grounds and others.
Frederic A. Delano, chairman,
presided at the first of the two days
meetings. Among those attending
were, in addition to Mr.. Delano
and Mr.. Brown, were Col. David
McCoach, jr., District Engineer
Commissioner; Thomas s. Settle,
secretary of the commission, and
John Nolan, jr., director of planning.
Others at the meeting were Henry
v. Hubbard, architect and Harvard
University professor; William A.
Delano, New York architect, and a
representative of the Forest Service.
Evening star., 1939-12-12
Author Co||apses
On Stand; Is Fifth
Casually in Suit
Joel Soyre Foints During
Testimony in 81 900, 900
Film Plagiarism Case

Collapsing on the witness stand
today, as he had yesterday in a
courtroom corridor, Joel Sayre, au-
thor and newspaperman, was forced
to retire as witness in the ST.
100000 film plagiarism suit being
heard in District Court.
Defense Attorney William B: Wolf
stated that Mr.. Sayre was the fifth
casualty" since the suit began.
Shortly after the court convened
at 10 am. Mr.. Sayre was testifying
as to what portions of the contro-
verted scenario, Road to Glory"
he had written, when he slumped
unconscious in the chair. He re-
vived within a few minutes and
wanted to continue, but Justice
James w. Morris asked him to re-
tire to the Justices private chamber
until physician could be sum-
moned.
After examining Mr.. Sayre, DR..
Melville Fischer advised absolute
rest, preferably in hospital. He
said that Mr.. Sayre was physically
exhausted" With the courts ap-
proval, Mr.. Sayre left for his home
in Philadelphia. He is subject to
recall as witness, however, coun-
sci and judge agreed.
To fill in until the next witness
Novelist William Faulkner, could be
called, Motion Picture Director
Howard Hawks was called to the
stand to answer questions regarding
defense dispositions.
Mr.. Sayre and Mr.. Faulkner are
witnesses for Twentieth Century.
Fox Film Corp. defendants in a
$l,0OO,0O0 damage suit filed by Rob-
bert Sheets, young Army Air Corps
soldier. Mr.. Sheets charges that
scenes, dialogue, characters and
plot Of Road to Glory" were stolen
from scenarios he submitted.
The defense contends that Mr.
Sheets wrote his scenario after see-
ing the motion picture.
The film, released in 1896, starred
warner Baxter, Fredric March
Lionel Barrymore and June Lang
Other casualties" in the lawsuit
according to Mr.. Wolf, have been :
Jack B. Bechdolt. New York au-
thor, who suffered a slight heart
attack while a witness earlier this
month; Miss Dorothy McBrayer,
secretary to Nunnally johnson, who.
the defense claims. was collabora-
tor In the Twentieth Century see
mario. Miss McBrayer tainted on
the witness stand during hearing
OF part of the cast at Beverly Hills,
Calf. Also Mrs. Viola Hudson of
Dexter, Mo-, who suffered a ner-
vous breakdown shortly after testi-
Tying last week, and George Was
son, Los Angeles attorney, who is
confined to his hotel room here with
an infected throat.
Prior to opening of the case here
nearly six weeks ago, testimony had
been taken in Tennessee for one
week ard Beverly Hills for three
weeks.
Evening star., 1939-12-12
Board 10 Review
Redssessments
In Chevy Chase
Action Is Planned
After Request Of
Citizens Committee

At the request Of representatives
Of the Citizens Committee of Sec.
tions / and 2, Chevy Chase (Md),
the Montgomery County Board Of
Commissioners yesterday promised
to review assessments in the entire
area.
r. Duncan Clark, secretary of the
committee, and Edward S. Northrop,
manager, said Improvements on
properties in that area had been
reduced approximately $4,000, but
that assessments on land had been
increased $2O4 900, leaving a net de-
crease of about $4,000.
The land assessments already are
the highest in the county, he pointed
out, and on Connecticut avenue av-
erage about 40 cents square foot,
graduating down. to IS cents
Square foot toward Wisconsin ave-
nue. and 80 cents toward Brookeville
road. Mr.. Clark explained there
were only few protests over assess
ments on improvements, but that
protests over land valuation were
general, and rather than have each
property owner appear individually
it was thought better to have the
Citizens Committee request re-
view Of the area.
Thomas E. Hampton, board presi-
dent, said the protest would be taken
under advisement, but promised the
assessments would be reviewed in
accordance with the general policy
whenever protests were registered.
About 40 residents of the Rock
vile district living outside of the
town limits appeared to protest at
hearings yesterday morning. The
board took their protests under ad-
visement and promised investigation
in each case
Evening star., 1939-12-12
Court Takes Justice Lessons
Into Halls of School
Auditorium Of Upper Marlboro High Serves
As Courthouse Undergoes Repairs

Not all reckless drivers are
drunken ones nor all all drunken
drivers reckless. This court has seen
drunken drivers who have never
crossed tho center line while good
many sober drivers often drive all
over the road In this second cata-
CORY are several prominent persons
in this area, in fact some who are
in this room"
The audience explores its con-
science as Judge Bowie drives home
his point.
Into the court are brought vio-
lators of the laws which govern the
lives of the communicative hunts
man who shoots out of season: the
motorist who fails to stop while a
school-bus unloads or takes on its
youthful passengers; the man who
made of with q farmers chickens,
or the motorist who drives with
dead tags"
Enrfches School Learning.
At the same time, scholastic life
at the school goes placidly forward.
In fact it is almost enhanced by the
proximity of the court, according to
G. G. Shugart, school principal.
I'VE like to have the children at
tend court proceedings in their spare
time" he says. TT gives them a
practical laboratory in which they
may see what they learn at school,
They realize the necessity of respect
for the law and see for themselves
what happens to its violators."
Occasionally school asse bly,
schedules must be altered when the
auditorium is in use as police court.
However, there is always the inter-
room loudspeaker system which can
be used as substitute.
On the whole. as Mr.. Shugart puts
it. we hardly know the court is In
session."
Evening star., 1939-12-12
Band Concert

BY the United States Army Band
in the Army Band auditorium
today at 2:30 Capt. Thomas F.
Darcy, leader; Karl Hubner, as
sistant leader.
PROGRAM.
March, "Bombasto," Farrar
Modern rhapsody, Mood Mauve,"
Rowland
Cancion, "Adios," -Carrasco
Rhythm classic, Easy to Say"
Shaw
Piccolo solo, Little Sweetheart"
Brockenshire
Robert E. Cary. soloist.
Waltz, "Jeunesse Doree,"
Waldteufel
March, "Colt's Armory," Smith
Evening star., 1939-12-12
Catlett to Address Bur

Fred w. Catlett, member Of the
Federal Home Loan Bank Board,
will be the speaker at a luncheon
meeting Of the Federal Bar Asso-
ciation tomorrow at 1880 pm. at the
Army and Navy Club.
Evening star., 1939-12-12
Dr.. Brunuuer to Talk

DR.. Stephen Brunauer, Division of
Fertilizer Research, Agriculture De-
partment, will speak on "Chemi-
Sorption of Gases on Iron Catalysts"
tomorrow at pm. In the Chemistry
Auditorium Of Howard University.
Evening star., 1939-12-12

The Christmas Heart Fund gives
you opportunity to, spread the sea-
sons Joy to some one needing aid.
Send your cash contxibution to The
Stas-t VIII 70 . lang WY.
The Valley settler., 1939-09-08

TO BE LAUNCHED AT ONCE Fairbanks, Sept, ,6----Majo Edward M George, constructing Quanter- master in Alaska in charge of UoSo army project throughout the terri tory, was scheduled to leave for Anchorage to day with two engineers from his office here. Major George said he would estab- fish an off ce in Anchorage and begin cbn8truction of the Anchor- age unit of the army air defenses. Major George expects to have 20 men engaged in surveys and other preliminary work, which will be carried forward a long as it is seas onably possible this falls The work to be undertak will be on the new mi Ii tary reserve whi ch was es established a few months ago over 50 900 acres between Anchorage and the Chugach mountains Later, Major George will go to Washingt ton, DC. to complete planS for Alaska proje cts, several of whi ch he says, constitute the Alaska air defense work.
 Surveys are now under way for the experimental station at Fairbanks and three mi les of new railroad trick to connect with the army site. While definite inf ormation was Ia cking on the first work to be undertaken by 10 jor George in Anchorage, 1t WGs 'rpcollod horo* today that he said that more than $4, 500 1000 would be spent here erecting an army post. The army plans to move troops now at Chil- koot Barrac6 to the new post adjacent to Anchorage, turning over the old ehi1koot buildings to the Indian serVi ce.
The Valley settler., 1939-09-08
4 NEW GOVERNO OR

hnchorageS--- Resignation of Governor Troy and the appointment of Dr. Ernest H.Gruening as his successor, came as 9 surprise for most hlaskans last Saturday. The change in the office of the chief excutivc is to come Oct Is. An Alaskan Of many years standing will turn over his duties to the man who has been dire ctor of tor- ritorial and inSular affairs under Secretary Ickeso
 Aloskons are sorry to sec Governor Troy retire. He camo to the ter- ritory in 1899, during the stom- pedo days. During the years since he has gained invaluable first hand information on the problems of the torrit tory and of it's resi- dents. Admi ration for Governor Troy may be centored on his persistent faith in t he Democratic party, oxtonding through many years of consc cutive Republican admin tra- tions.
 Grovornor Troy has the distinction of having opposed his superior in Washingto on when it came to Q pro- posal for an eight per cent gross tax on gold production. It is unique distinction --- one that all Alaskans appro ciate. This da1- ing stand showed his interest and concern for the welfare of Alaska. :. .": Secretary Ickes advised Governor Troy that he was not in agro oement with the governors annual report and thct he had taken the liberty of changing a part of it relative
 { continued on page 9
Evening star., 1939-08-05
REAL ESTATE SALE OR EXCHANGE.
COUNTRY PROPERTY FOR SALE.

BUNGALOW, R.. GARAGE, CELLAR;
half square bus, stores, etc., 500 cash.
OWNER, North 6176. -
Evening star., 1939-08-05
THOs. J. OWEN & SON. AUcTIoNEERs
143l Eye st. NV.
TRUSTEES SALE OF VALUABLE THREE
STORY BRICK AND FRAME DWELL
ING KNOWN AS PREMISES I247 NEW

TRUSTEES SALE OF VALUABLE THREE
STORY BRICK AND FRAME DWELL
ING N KNOWN AS PREMISES I247 NEW
Liber No. 1853 at folio IS Of the Iand m
records of the District of Columbia, we
shall sell in front of the premises ON FRI
pay THE ELEVENTH DAY OF AUGUST.
Pm; part Of original lot numbered Ave
beginning for the same al the southwest
corner OF said lot. and running thence
northeasterly along New Hampshire ave-
nue.. q feet INCHES; thence southeasterly
said lot to intersect the S0H' soat6 line line 81
said lot and the north line Of original lot
3; thence west on said south line of lot &.
70 an angle. of said lot, thence north.
westerly 91 feet to the point Of beginning.
TERMS OF SALE: One, fourth cash. ball
interest at SIX per cent per annum payable
semi annually; or il. monthly terms de-
sired, S1,50000 cash. balance monthly,
or al cash at the option of purchaser.
deposit OF $500 90 required at time of sale.
Terms Of sale to be complied with within
the trustees reserve the right to resell the
property at the risk and cost of the default-
ing purchaser after five days ADVERTISE
ment OF such resale in some newspaper
published in the District Of Columbia. or
deposit may be forfeited, or without for
selves OF any legal or equitable rights
against defaulting purchaser. Further par
ticulars at time of sale. All conveyancing
recording and revenue stamps, ETC.. at
cost OF purchaser.
W @. SCHAFHIRT.
JOHN c. SCOFIELD
SAMUEL SCRIVENER. Jr.
aul 3 5,S.10. Trustees.
Evening star., 1939-08-05
LEGAL NOTICES


DISTRICT COURT OF THE UNITED
~ States for the District Of Columbia:
Holding Probate Court-Estate Of Harold
Allen. Deceased.-No. 65.295. Administra-
tion Docket 11S.-Application having been
made herein for probate of the last will
and testament Of said deceased. and for
letters OF administration, Cts. to the
Union Trust Company OF the District of
Columbia on said estate by Mary- Lucy
Alien, It u ordered this oath day OF July,
AID. 1889, that Wilson Allen, infant. 500
s5sfs absFs Msm and al al
Tuesday, the 9TH day Of September. AID
1888, at 10 O'Clock AM. to show cause
why such applica ton should not be grant
ed: Let notice hereof be published in the
.Wasbington Law Reporter" and "The
Evening Star" once In each Of three sue
cessiye weeks before the return day herein
mentioned. the nrst publication to be not
less than thirty days before said return
day. Witness. the Honorable ALFRED A.
WHEAT, Chief Justice Of said Court. this
24th day Of July, AD: 1899. tseaD
Attest: VICTOR 8. MERscH, Deputy Reg
lister Of Wills for the District Of Columbia,
Clerk Of the Probate Court.