davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1940-03-08
Youth Gets 10 Years
In Bank Robbery

A 10-year sentence in the House
of Correction was imposed in Balti-
more today on Mack Lloyd Wilt, 18,
whose mother, Mrs. Thelma Wilt of
Washington, was said to have per-
suaded him to give himself up fol-
lowing the 81 500 robbery of the
Westport Branch of the Union
Trust Co. in Baltimore February 10.
Mrs. Wilt became hysterical to-
day when sentence was pronounced
on her son and had to be led from
the courtroom.
Wilt pleaded guilty yesterday, and
sentence was pronounced by Judge
Edwin T. Dickerson, who released
two other youths convicted on lesser
charges in connection with the
holdup, the Associated Press re-
ported
Wilt, a former quarterback on
Baltimore City Colleges junior var
sity football team, and his COM
panions decided to come to Wash
ington after the holdup, according
to the testimony of William Julian
De Bullet, 10, who was acquitted
by q jury yesterday of being an
accessory.
De Bullet said the youths took a
taxicab to the Baltimore city limits
and there hired a truck driver to
bring them to Washington for $3.50.
In this city, De Bullet testified,
Willis mother insisted that her son
give himself up and persuaded the
youths to return to Baltimore on
the train the next day.
Back in Baltimore, De Bullet
said, they went to the home of Wits
sister and from there notified the
police.
Evening star., 1940-03-08
Ickes Hit in House
After Broadcast

Secretary of the Interior Ickes suf-
fered a verbal attack in the House
yesterday for permitting the In
terror Department to present at
Government expense radio programs
designed to influence public opinion
on pending legislation. At the sug-
gestion Of Representative Gossett,
Democrat, of Texas, the House
adopted resolution prohibiting the
Secretary's sponsorships of such
programs after Mr.. Gossett re-
marked:
mo department of our Govern
ment has any right to spend the
peoples money in trying to sell the
people anything. To present by
radio at Government expense an ar
gument in behalf of pending legis-
lation Is bad; to use misinformation
in such an argument and for such
a purpose Is intolerable."
Mr.. Gossett complained specifl-
cally about program that would
rival Orson Welles' melodrama on
The Men From Mars" to influence
favorable congressional action on
the Cole oil-control bill. Repre-
sentative Cole, Democrat, of Mary
land, the author Of the bill, said:
Il found that some young man as
ISOLATED with the oil problem, over
ly Jealous as to his interest in the
petroleum conservation proposition
and the prevention of waste thereof,
had gone beyond what the Secre-
tary of the Interior himself de-
sired"
Just before the House adopted the
Gossett amendment to the Interior
Department appropriation bill, Rep
resentative johnson, Democrat, of
West Virginia, in charge of debate
on the bill, said:
The amendment really does not
amount to anything. The present
law is a good deal stronger than
the amendment and, to be perfectly
frank, that is the reason I am will
ms to accept 1t. OF course, the
General Accounting Once has the
final say on what could or could
not be used"
Evening star., 1940-03-08
Witness Will: View
Two New Suspects
In Ho|dup Staying
Acting Detective Chief
Says lutest Arrests
Look Like q Breuk'

Two suspects in the murder Of
Herman Sirkis, Northeast liquor
store proprietor, were to be viewed
today by q witness Of the robbery
Staying as police continued picking
up suspicious characters In their
drive on crime.
Capt. Ira E.>Keck, acting chief Of
| detectives, described arrest of the
latest suspects in the Sirkis murder
as looking like a break" and said
Calvin Pendleton, colored witness,
would be called to police headquar-
ters during the day.
The witness was taken to Balti-
more late yesterday to view a man
arrested there and held In connec-
ton with several Washington rob-
berries. Pendleton failed to recognize
the man .: either of the two bandits
wanted in the Sirkis case.
One Of the men held here was ar
rested yesterday and the other last
night.
Three Of the dead mans brothers,
David L., Harry and Michael Sirkis,
parking lot operators, posted s4OO
additional reward for the capture Of
the slayers, boosting the total re-
ward money to $700. A liquor dis
tributor already had put up $100 and
the Police Department 5000.
Holdup victims appearing at q
lineup at headquarters last night
failed to identify any of the % sus-
poets paraded under the lights.
Detectives, meanwhile, were inyes.
tigating two incidents last night in
which women put marauders to
flight by screaming.
Miss Mae Mclaughlin, 10, fright.
ened away large colored man who
entered her home, at GOT Third
street NE, by cutting the screen on
the rear porch and forcing a door
lock.
Miss Mclaughlin screamed for aid
from a second-floor window after
She saw the man walking up the
steps. The man fled before the ar.
rival Of police, summoned by neigh.
bors who heard the girls cries.
Darilla Bickings OF 1924 F. street
NE. fought of three youths who at
tempted to snatch her pocketbook In
the 1000 block of D street NE. They
fled when she began calling for help.
Police also were investigating the
theft OF five rings valued at S400
from the home of William A. Baum.
bach, at 1905 Forty-fourth place Sc.
Evening star., 1940-03-08
RuhIond Asked to Name
CoIored Doctors

The Midway Citizens Association
last night directed a request to
Health Offlcer George c. Rutland
asking that colored dentists, phy-
sicians and hygienists be appointed
to positions in new health centers to
be erected in the city.
Meeting last night In the Nor
gan School, the civic group also in
itiated plans for a cleanup block
campaign. 1t was decided to hold
joint meeting of the association
with the Morgan Parent-Teachers
Association on March 10, to hear a
delegate from the Midway organiza-
ton explain the procedure to be fol.
lowed.
1t was also voted to authorize the
association to sell tags to finance the
campaign. George w. johnson,
president of the association, pre-.
sided.
Evening star., 1940-03-08
American U. Dean
To Speak at Frederick
Special Dispatch to The Star.

Srecial Dispatch to The Star.
FREDERICK, Md, March g.
Dean Ernest F. Grihths Of the
graduate school Of American Uni
versity will give the principal ad-
dress at meeting here tomorrow OF
the National Capital In-and-Out
Club. His subject was announced
as "The Next Peace Treaty."
The Washington educator will
speak at luncheon meeting which
follows the opening sessions in the
morning at Hood College. Also
scheduled to speak was Mrs. Eveline
Burgess, supervisor of Junior high
school music in Washington.
The club is composed of teachers
and supervisors Of music in public
schools and college in Maryland, Vir-
ginia and Washington.
c. w. Wilkins, director of music
education in Norfolk schools, will
preside
Evening star., 1940-03-08
Roosevelt Supports
Wheeler in Battle
Over Transport Bill
7s> "a
Sides With Senator
Against Two Members
OF Cabinet
By JOHN C. HENRY.

President Roosevelt rallied to the
support of Chairman Wheeler of the
Senate Interstate Commerce Com
mittee today in the latter's battle
with two cabinet officers over pend
ing legislation for greater coordi-
nation and regulation of the Ma
tons transportation systems.
Known as the Wheeler-Lea bill,
the transportation measure has
been passed by both House and
Senate, but has been snagged in
conference for six weeks.
With many conflicting interests
and pressures apparently being
brought on the conferees to block
agreement or force revision in the
legislation, Chairman Wheeler, one
Of the sponsors and head of the
Senate conferees, visited the White
House for a consultation with Mr..
Roosevelt yesterday.
Greater Good for Greater Number.
Among those opposing the meas
ure in its present form are Secre-
tary of Agriculture Wallace, Secre-
tary of War Woodring and Mari
time Commission Chairman Emory
S. Land, their objections being con-
tanned in letter recently submitted
to congressional leaders.
Asked at his press conference to-
day about his discussions with Sen
ator Wheeler, the President said
he had not previously heard of the
Wallace Woodring Land objections
since they were made known dur
ing his recent absence on vacation
cruise, but that he felt the question
Of greater good for the greater num-
Der should control congressional de-
cisions rather than the restricted
interests of the department heads
involved.
Consequently, he said, he joined
with Senator Wheeler in hoping
very much that conference agree
ment will be reached and the legis-
lation enacted at the present session.
Favors Transport Consolidation.
Questioned specifically about his
attitude toward bringing water COM
merce under regulation of the In
terstate Commerce Commission, for
which provision is included in the
pending bill and over which much of
the controversy has ragged, Mr..
Roosevelt referred his press confer
ence to speech he made several
years ago in support of consolidating
Government regulation of all trans
port systems. Today, he said, he
hopes the pending bill will be an i'm
portant step toward this end.
The legislation was introduced at
the specific request of President
Roosevelt after he had received de-
tailed recommendations from a spe-
cial advisory group.
Blaming the opposition of the cab
inet officers for much of the delay
thus far, Chairman Wheeler yester-
day predicted enactment of the bill
and added caustically about Mr..
Wallace and Mr.. Woodring:
They don't know what's in the
bill, what will be in it. or anything
about it."
Evening star., 1940-03-08
Texas Legislators
Condition Improved
By the Associated Press.

By the Associated Press.
The condition of Representative
Mansfield, Democrat, of Texas, TAX
ing q. rest treatment in Naval Hos
pital in expectation of undergoing
an operation, today was reported
improved considerably.
Bruce Mansfield, son of the House
member and War Department
employe, said physicians believed a
bladder operation was necessary,
and when this was done his father
should show immediate and marked
improvement.
Mr.. Mansfield, chairman of the
House Rivers and Harbors Commit
tee, went to the hospital several
days ago, suffering cold and gener-
ally in weakened condition.
Evening star., 1940-03-08

nigh taxes upon beer and light
wine, is considered by some as
sound legislative policy.
Excluding wine from the discus
sion, comparison Of the District beer
and liquor tax rates-50 cents bar
rel and 30 cents a gallon, respective
ly-discloses an interesting situa-
ton. There was no tax on beer
here until few years ago.
The local beer tax compares with
rates of SO per barrel in New Hamp-
shire; $3.50 per barrel for stronger
than 80 per cent and $3.50 for less
than 80 per cent strength in Ohio;
$160 per barrel of 80 or greater
strength and 80 cents for 80 or less
strength beer in Utah; $l30 per bar
rel in Oregon; 81 per barrel for 80
or more strength and 81 for less
than 80 strength beer In Michigan;
$1.25 in South Dakota; $124 in
Texas, and ST per barrel in Arkansas,
Delaware, Montana, Rhode Island,
West Virginia and the beer -produc-
ing State of Wisconsin. In Florida
the rate is .06 gallon, .05 a gallon
in Arizona and Mississippi, .04 a
gallon in Maine, .0325 a gallon in
Vermont, 08 a gallon in North Da-
kota, .0887 gallon in Virginia and
2 cents per gallon in California,
1lliois and Wyoming. Missouri's S
rate is So a barrel.
Trend to Tax More.
The Distilled Spirits Institute, in
resume of 1889 legislation affect
ing distilled spirits, said:
Probably the most outstanding
trend in legislation during 1899 was
that toward higher liquor taxes"
The institutes summary of liquor
tax changes showed an average in
crease Of about IS per cent in 10
States:
Evening star., 1940-03-08
HOn imports
tSales tax

Typical tax rates on spirits in
clude $l.20 per gallon in Florida,
s1.04 IN Kentucky, $208 in Maine,
81 in Minnesota, 80 cents in Ne
braska, etc.
The District ranks first among the
As wet States in the per capita con-
sumption of distilled spirits, con-
suming approximately three times
the national" average. This is in
terpreted as at least q partial re.
Election of the A. B. c. Boards
emphasis upon revenue rather than
control. In this connection, how
ever, liquor statisticians point out
that States with many metropolitan
areas show a greater per capita
consumption, and it is the lower
average of rural areas which pulls
down per capita figures for States.
The District, of course. is a 100 per
cent metropolitan area.
Despite the Districts national
leadership in per capita consump-
tion-3.74 gallons in 1887, 1858 gall
Ions in 1888 and 3120 gallons dur
ing the first 10 months in 1939-the
per capita revenue return from all
alcoholic beverages, $299, is only 40
cents above the average realized by
26 license States consuming lbs
gallons per capita.
1t is interesting to observe as to
alcohol and spirits that the District
of Columbia gallonage tax is on a
wine-gallon, or volume basis, as
distinguished from a proof gallon
basis whereby high-proof or low
proof alcohol and spirits pay a cor
respondingly higher or lower tax.
A proof-gallon is a gallon of 100
proof. Alcohol runs 180 to 100
proof; bottled bond whisky 100
proof and blended whisky about 80
proof. Most States use the wine
gallon. Carefully drawn laws word
this section so as to tax high proof
spirits and alcohol at higher rates.
This is the case In Maryland, a
whisky manufacturing State, and
in Massachusetts,, New York and
Delaware. The Federal Govern
ment uses the proof gallon basis.
Nevada Revenue $3.75.
This per capital revenue of $299
IN the District compares with 1884
in New York, 1928 in Maryland,
1886 in Illinois and 1896 in Con-
necticut, where per capita con-
sumption averages about one-half
the local consumption.
The State of Nevada, runnerup
against the District with 294 gal
Ions per capita consumption of
liquor, receives $3.75 per person in
revenue from alcoholic beverages.
In the II monopoly States with
a per capita consumption of gal
lon of spirits, receipts from alco-
holic beverages averaged $337 per
person.
A typical years fiscal operations
of the board will show total re-
ceipts of about 81 800, 900, including
81, 100000 from taxes and 100000
from license fees. Expenses of ad-
ministration average around $500
"a matter of pride with the A. B.
c. Board.
Opinions vary as to the reasons
underlying the unusually high per
capita consumption Of spirits here.
Unanimity is noted on the view
that the large transient population
of sightseers, Virginia and Mary
land buyers, convention delegations,
those coming to the Capital on Of
fetal business, the extensive society
Evening star., 1940-03-08
The Washington
Evening Star Offers
Booklet on Astronomy

To acquaint yourself with
the marvels of astronomy,
send today for the booklet
ASTRONOMY. In question
and answer form, this publica-
ton surveys the field of as
tronomy from the earliest
times. It is illustrated and in
dexed, and is authoritative.
The layman, as we'll as the
astronomy enthusiast, will find
this publication stimulating,
interesting and instructive.
Order your copy of this fasci-
mating booklet today. Only 10
cents, postpaid.
Evening star., 1940-03-08

The disturbance that was central over,
Arkansas Thursday morning moved east
ward to Northern Mississippi where it dis
Thursday. afternoon over Southern Ala
eastward OF the South Atlantic Coast,
Savannah. Ga. 9a4;2 millibars GO: 3s
inches). Another disturbance has moved
inland from the Pacific. being central this
morning over Montana. Helena. 1004.4
millibars t29.66 inches). Pressure remains
low over the Middle Atlantic and North
Atlantic States. Portland. Me. 1859 milli
bars (29.41 inchesD. Pressure is high over
Northern Alaska and It is relatively hiRh
sofa southwark to the lower Rio Grande
Valley, Barrow. Alaska. 1024.7 millibars
t30.26 inchesl; Eureka, Calf. 1O2O.3
millibars (30.13 inches): International
Falls. Mimi, 101s.6 ,millibars t3O.OS
inches). and San Antonio. Tex 1O1S.O
millibars (30.06 inchesl. Precipitation has
occurred over the Northwestern States and
over narrow belt from the Dakotas
southeastward to the South Atlantic States.
Light SHOWS have occurred in the Northern
Appalachian region and the Northern New
England States. The weather has become
warmer in the Northern Rocky Mountain
States, the Plateau region, and the South
Atlantic States. while cooler weather has
overspread the west Gulf States.
River Report
Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers muddy
It Harpers Ferry: Potomac muddy At Great
Falls today.
Evening star., 1940-03-08
Buby's Death Held Accident

The death of 5-month -old Doug
las M. Wolfe, found suffocated in
his crib at At Twelfth street Sc.
yesterday, was declared accidental
last night by Coroner A. Magruder
Macdonald. The child's nfeless
body was found by his mother, Mrs.
Margaret Wolfe. His breath had
been cut OF when he turned On his
1aco.
Evening star., 1940-03-08
Congress in Brief
TODAY,

Senate:
Final Senate vote expected on bill
broadening the Hatch "Anti-poli-
tics" Act.
Finance Committee votes on ex-
tension Of trade agreements pro-
gram.
Appropriations Subc ommittee
votes on funds in annual farm ap-
preparations bill.
House:
In recess.
TOMORROW.
Senate:
Program uncertain, but may be
In session If Hatch bill action is un-
finished.
Senate Appropriations Committee
may meet on farm appropriation
House:
Will not be in session.
Evening star., 1940-03-08
THE EVENING STAR, WASHINGTON D. G., FRIDAY MARCH o
DC. Liquor Figures Call
Attention to Revenue Question
Capitol, With Highest Per Copito Use in U. S.,
Gets Comparatively Low Tax Return
fSirth of a series OF articles.J
BY OLIVER b. LERCH,

Comparison Of alcoholic beverages with
the receipts OF other license States raises question
the liquor ac providing the cost Of local
men Much emphasis has been to the
District OF revenues from liquor taxaionmore emphasis
matter OF act than has been placed LIQUOR
industry But when capita consumption liquor in the
Dstrictthe highest the coun compared with per capita
tax receipts the possibility Of increasing liquor
nues substantially The question becomes timely view Of the
second half OF the real estate taxes at the higher
and the District Of Columbia income tax returns
Admittedly, diminishing returns s invoked ato
maticay at the level Of excessive liquor avoiding
Evening star., 1940-03-08
81 Unuccounted For
In Coal Mine BIost
BY the Associated Press,

BY the Associated Press
CORONEL, Chile, March 8.-Ffty.
seven of the 500 workers who were
in the Schwager coal mines yester-
day when gas explosion wrecked q
gallery are still unaccounted for,
officials of the mine announced.
Rescue crews brought up dead
and SO injured. The explosion
presumably was touched of by an
electric spark.
Evening star., 1940-03-08
Organ Concert Tonight

An organ concert by D. Sterling
Wheelwright, assisted by Edna c.
Wheelwright, soprano, will be pre-
sented at the Washington Chapel,
Sixteenth ard Columbia road NV,
tonight at o'clock.
Evening star., 1940-03-08

Injuries to pedestrians last, year
in the District from March, when
pedestrian control regulations were
placed into effect, to December,
showed decrease Of 118 from the
total pedestrian injuries during .
similar period in 1898.
Evening star., 1940-03-08
Workers Return

Frances busy cotton factories are
manned by workmen who had
moved away from cotton manufac-
turing centers In slack periods, but
returned because Of the boom caused
~ government eFdees.
Evening star., 1940-03-08
Report
FURNISHED by the United States Weather Bureau J

Columbia-Fair tonight little
temperature lowest tonight degrees moderate northwest winds
tonight
In extreme west portion tonight little change in temperature
tonight tomorrow
northwest portion tonight little change temperature
West VirgniaGeneay fair tonight and
tonight; slightly
tonight slowly rising temperature
Evening star., 1940-03-08
Boliviun Form DispIuy

BOLIVIA will spend $4,000 for the
latest agricultural equipment. dis
play it throughout the country,
then sell it to farmers.
Evening star., 1940-03-08

Because of the electric power
shortage large factories in Japan are
operating three days out Of four
and small factories must shut down
a* night.
Evening star., 1940-03-08
Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers muddy
1t Harpers Ferry: Potomac muddy at Great
Report for Last "A Hsurs.

Record fer Last "A HouFs.
(Efom noon Yesterday to noon todayb
Highest. ~. 2:30 Pm. yesterday. Year
ago. A.
Lowest. 30. = am. today. Year aso. %.
Record Temperatsres This Year.
Hishest. a. on February IT,
Lowest. z. on January 90
Humidity for Last "a Heurs.
rrom noon yesterday to noon today.)
Highest, 5s Der cent, at 1:3O an. today,
Lowest. 43 Per cent. At 3 pm. yesterday.
Tide Tables.
FURNISHED BY United States Coast and
CeOdetic 6urveyl
Evening star., 1940-03-08
Precipitation.

Monthly Precipitation in inches in the
Capital tcurrent month to date):
Evening star., 1940-03-08

y, Soc per 31-gallon barrel: spirits.
, II over 14% alcohol by volume:
5c per vine-sallon.
10 from license fees are not covered. |
iso sad 100 sssss. 4 vtns-salsa Il
Evening star., 1940-03-08

Furnished By United States Coast IN
Geodetic Survey
Evening star., 1940-01-28
New Public Relations
Course Offered by A. u.

Training III Government writing,
proofreading, photograph editing,
planning printing and techniques in
information work will be offered in
a new group of public relations
courses at the school of public af-
fairs, American University, Begin
ming Thursday.
Newest addition to the public re-
lations work at American Univer-
sity is a course by Robert Huse, as
sociate director of the Social Sc
curity Board International Service.
Its title is public Relations as an
Administrative Technique" 1t will
cover techniques and policies used
in the management of radio, pub
locations, releases, motion pictures,
speeches and other public relations
media. The course will be given
Thursday, 7:35 to 9:15 pm.
Two new courses not offered last
semester are Photography for Gov
eminent International Services" of =
fered by Roy E. Stryker, chief of the
Historical Section, Farm Security
Administration, Wednesday at 7::35
pm, and Preparation Of Layouts
and Dummies for Planning Print.
ing" offered by Frank H. Mortimer,
director to Typography, Government
Printing ONCE, meeting Mondays at
7:35 pm.
Evening star., 1940-01-28
Washington Law College
Opens New Semester

Dean Grace Hays Riley Of WASH
ington College Of Law announces
that the college win begin It's 45th'
academic year with the opening Of
the second semester tomorrow, when
new subjects will start in all classes
with the exception OF the freshman
year.
This class. which entered last Sep
tember for the four-year course in
conformity with the requirements Of
the American Bar Association and
rule 71a Of the United States Court
Of Appeals for the District will con-
tinue with subjects given during
the first semester. They will, how
ever, take up the new subject Of
criminal law and procedure which
is to be given by Prof. Helen b. Ar
thur, member Of the full-time
stan.
The large classes in the Junior
year will be divided into two sec
tions again during the coming
semester.
The subject Of conflict Of laws is
being added to the curriculum of
the senior year during the coming
semester. This subject, formerly
given as part Of the postgraduate
course. is to be taught by DR.. Ham
ilton Vreeland, jr., a member of the
full time staff.