Evening star., 1939-01-14
Anew Members
Named 10 House
Dc. Committee
Byron and Schwert
Pledge Interest in
Capitals Welfare
By WILL P. KENNEDY.

the House District Committee late
yesterday by action of Democratic
members of the Ways and Means
Committee.
Those appointed are Representa-
tives William D. Byron of Maryland,
whose constituents include residents
of adjacent Montgomery County;
Plus L. Schwert of New York,
Charles Kramer of California and
Joseph A. McArdle of Pennsylvania.
At the same time Representative
Albert j. Engel of Michigan an
nounced he is leaving the subcom-
mittee on District appropriations.
Repres essential tives Byron and
Schwert, whose appointments were
first announced, promptly stated
that they would cooperate earnestly
with Representative Jennings Ran
dolph of West Virginia, prospective
chairman of the District Commit
tee, in furthering development of
the National Capital and improving
the welfare of District residents.
D'Alesandro Satisfied.
Mr.. Byron's assignment came after
a contest for the place with Repre-
sentative Thomas D'Alesandro, jr.,
of Baltimore, who defeated Repre-
sentative Vincent L. Palmisano, also
of Baltimore, and chairman of the
District Committee in the last Con-
gress. Mr.. D'Alesandro said today
he is satisfied with the result as he
has been assured he will be given
place on three other committees
Labor, Education and Pensions-on
which he can be of larger service to
his constituents.
Party leaders said Mr.. Byron was
chosen for the post because his dis
trict is adjacent to Washington and
includes among its residents, par
ticularly in Montgomery County,
thousands of Government employees
and others directly interested in the
welfare of Washington.
Both Mr.. Byron and Mr.. SchWert
favor suffrage rights for District
residents. Mr.. Byron, who formerly
was Mayor of Williamsport, said he
favors the Randolph suffrage reso-
luton, which has been reintroduced
this session, and will cooperate with
Mr.. Randolph toward its passage.
He declared sit is the inalienable
right of every man to participate in
self-government,-not only privi-
lege, but a responsibility" ana that
residents OF the National Capital
should no longer be denied this
right. He said he favors a. voice
and vote for the people of the
District, with equal rights before the
courts
Mr.. Randolph emphasized that
this sentiment expressed by Mr..
Byron reflects the gradually grow
ing support of members of the House
for District suffrage legislation"
Favcrs Stadium.
Mr.. Byron also declared he will
support legislation for erection of
municipal stadium in the District.
Flood control on the Potomac
River and safeguards to prevent
river pollution also will have his
support, Mr.. Byron said. AS his
district adjoins that of Represen-
tative Randolph, they will work
together for the Savage River dam
In the upper Potomac River Valley,
which he said will be of great benefit
to industry in Cumberland, assuring
an adequate flow of water which will
enable many large plants to expand
thus giving increased employment.
Representative Schwert succeeds
to the place in the House vacated
by Senator James M. Mead. Re-
garding District suffrage, he said
"every one assumes that every Amer
lean citizen should have a right
to participate in the making of the
laws under which we govern our
selves-that each man should be
allowed to vote" He explained that
he has received much literature and
pamphlets regarding various pro-
posals for District suffrage, but has
not yet had an opportunity to study
them and form positive opinion.
He promised, however, that he will
give earnest consideration to what
ever legislation seems desirable for
the residents of the National Capt.
tai and for it's adequate support
and development.
Mr.. Schwert also has been ap-
pointed to the Civil Service Com
mittee and the World War Veterans
Legislative Committee. He said he
would take special interest in help
ing to build up and maintain the
merit system" for Government en-
ployes.
Mr.. Schwert is former catcher
on the New York Yankees-in 1914.
1915 and 1916 He is a graduate
of the Wharton School of Commerce
of the University of Pennsylvania,
where he specialized in science and
economics. He operates a chain
store, is a bank official and man.
ager of an employment and service
Office. He was a member of the
first Salary Survey Committee of
Erie County, served on President
Roosevelt's special review for vet
erans' compensation cases and two
terms as county clerk. He was a
yoeman, first class, in the Navy
during the World War.
Came on Special Train.
Mr.. McArdle is the new member
who came from Pittsburgh in a
special train with $50 members of
his family, friends and business and
civic leaders. His father is City
Councilman and was president of
the Amalgamated Association of
Iron, Steel and Tin Workers. He
is in the insurance business, and
two years ago was elected to the
State Legislature. He has inter-
ested himself particularly in hous-
ing, labor and social security legis-