davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1940-02-19
y. z =
EstigorHibio DEGREES Himself
Virtual Dictator of PARAGUAY
Takes All Political
Power; Nation on
Edge Of Anarchy
BY the Associated Press.

BY the Associated Press.
: ASUNCION, Paraguay, Feb. 19.-
A decree by President Gen. Jose
Felix Estigarribia making himself
virtual dictator Of Paraguay because
"Our nation has reached the edge
Of horrible. anarchy" was received
with calm throughout the nation
today.
II assume all political powers of
the republic" the 51-year-old Presi-
dent decreed yesterday. Earlier,
Gen. Estigarribia announced he had
the full support of the army and
navy.
Both the congress and cabinet
have resigned ta give the President
free hand. He appointed a new
cabinet including most of the men,
bers of the old one.
The decree promised a complete
truce of political activities of all
parties and creeds" and to "can the
people to elections for a national
convention which will dictate q new
constitution" as soon as "all an
archist factors are defeated"
The resigned Congress was COM
posed Of member of the Liberal
party, but the oppositionist Colorado
party abstained from participating
in the last elections because of the
lack of suitable guarantees. The
Evening star., 1940-02-19
Rain Here 10 Continue;
Flood Conditions Studied

Although more rain was In the
offing today, after week end that
brought more than an inch of pre-
cipitation, the chance Of flood condi-
tions in the very near future, at least,
seem remote.
The River and Flood Division of
the Weather Bureau here reported
the Potomac River rising, following
approximately an inch and a half
of rainfall over its entire basin. Up
to noon today, however, it still was
slightly below normal.
A fuller picture Of the situation
may be had later today, it was an
nounced, after the bureau had re-
ceiyed additional reports from up
stream. Despite the heavy snowfall
here during this year and the latter
part of December, the actual amount
Of precipitation for the period is stin
below average.
The Weather Bureau at Balti.
more likewise minimized any pos
sible danger OF hood conditions in
Maryland, pointing out that pe-
riods of mild weather, which al
lowed gradual thaws," have taken
care of "the possibility of ice jams
in the Potomac"
The forecast here was for cloudy
weather with intermittent light rain
this afternoon and tonight, the rain
fall probably ending by tomorrow
morning.
The temperature had hung
around As degrees today from 8 am.
to pm.
Evening star., 1940-02-19
Uncle Sons Almanac
Handy Reference Book

Everybody should have a
copy of UNCLE SANS ALMA
MAC, 1910, because 1t contains
a wealth of information on
subjects of general interest
and is a handy reference every
day in the year. It covers over
100 subjects, including a ready
reference calendar for 200
years, historical facts of each
State, science in industry, facts
about Federal relief, weights
and measures, wedding ami
versaries, record of presiden-
tial elections and much other
timely information. It is an
exceptional value for a dime.
Send for your copy now. In
close ten cents to cover cost
and handling.
Evening star., 1940-02-19
Congress
Continued From First Page.)

tCOntlnueo from F1rSt Page)
sylvania, the Democratic whip, ex-
pressed the view that Mr.. Cof1ee's
amendment and all others would
fail. He predicted the extension
resolution would "go through clean"
just as Secretary Hull asked for it,
with Is or fewer Democratic votes
against 1t.
Some Of those leading the Re-
publican fight said there was no
chance Of killing the entire measure
in the House. Their hope, they said,
centered on the Senate ratification
amendment and on arousing popular
opposition to the point where the
Senate would defeat the program.
Mr.. Conee asserted that If his
amendment were adopted he would
vote for approval Of the extension
measure. Many advocates Of the
trade program, however, contend 1t
would be nullified by a provision for
Senate approval Of each treaty.
While the House turned to the
trade problem, the Senate was oc-
cupied with minor legislation. Com
mittees in both chambers went
ahead with their study of appropria-
ton bills in an effort to cut Federal
spending.
House economy advocates are
keeping one eye on the weather
man and the other on the Senate
farm bloc while calculating the
chances for cutting budget estimates
sufficiently to eliminate the need
for $460, 900 900 in new taxes.
Evening star., 1940-02-19
Suspended Safe Delays
Fire Estimate DAMAGE

The amount of damage caused by
q two-alarm fire which yesterday
damaged the Pearson & Grain
jewelry shop. 1901 G street NV,
remained in question today, since a
giant safe containing the most
valuable stones and metals hung
unopened between two floors.
At least $4,000 in jewelry rests in
the charred safe, according to Clar-
ence A. Pearson, owner of the estab.
lishment. 1t stood in the heart of
a blaze so intense that silver on
nearby shelves was softened and
melted.
Fire apparently sprang from a
basement furnace, which so heated
the dry floor above, upon which the
safe stood, that the first floor of the
store was swept by flames shortly
before noon. The safe crashed half
way through to the basement, with
its door lying against beam.
Evening star., 1940-02-19
Russians Hommerinq
At Viipuri Defenses

MOSCOW, Feb. 10 R.-Red Army
troops hammered today almost at
the doors of Viipuri, Finland's Sec
ond largest city, after isolating Fort
Koivisto, western anchor of the
Mannerheim Line, Soviet COM
muni4ue said.
I'm London a Reuters British
: News Agency dispatch from Hell
sinki said Finland had called up
for military service all men ex-
empted in peacetime because of
Ill health.
Viipuri, center of Karelian Christi
anity for 700 years and q prime
objective Of Russian troops since
the start of the war, appeared hard
pressed as the Soviet reported cap
'ture Of Johannes, Maksalahti and
Somme on the Finnish coastal rail-
way.
Occupation of the coastal railway
towns apparently snapped Koivisto's
overland communication with Vii
puri, for the three towns are north
of the fort.
Evening star., 1940-02-19
Gasoline
Continued From First Page }

who represents producing Okla
home and is a former service sta
tion operator.
OF SO purchases of purportedly
high-test gasoline made last year,
Mr.. Roberts said "a samples were
found to be of regular or low grade,
although In many instances they
were sold at premium prices. One
sample tested by the Bureau of
Standards contained an octane rat
ing of 81, exceptionally poor. Mr..
Roberts said he had been informed
by the Bureau of Standards that
high-test gasoline should have an
octane rating of rs or over.
Most of the mornings testimony
was consumed by the reading into
the subcommittee's record of the
names and addresses from which the
purchases were made. When asked
by Mr.. Nichols if he considered the
purchases as representing a fair
cross-section in the District, Mr..
Roberts replied, Eve endeavored to
make fair cross test"
Asked by the chairman If the bill
he had given the Commissioners
would curb this Misrepresentation.
Mr.. Roberts explained: As
Il do not want to urge any legis-
lation on the District Committee. if
1t is opposed by my superiors. I am
not permitted to ask for legislation. :"
However, on Mr. Nichols insistence.
Mr.. Roberts explained that the bill
which is still with the Commission
ers would provide for the rating of
gasoline. Compulsion in advertising
octane rating at service stations, he
said, would be beneficial to con-
sumers and producers" He said
eight States in the United States
have rating laws.
A demand that misrepresentinp
dealers be prosecuted for fraudu-
lent advertising by the District
United States attorneys office was
made today by the Consumers
Conference on High Prices and
Prof1teering. 1t sent a letter to the
District Commissioners saying it be-
1ieved the Misrepresentation to be
In violation of title 6, section 265,
OF the District Code, entitled,
fraudulent Advertising"
Evening star., 1940-02-19
Vigorous Policing
0fElection Promised
By Senate Group
Gillette Doesn't Core
Who It Hits or
Where Il Hits
BY the Associated Press.

While the presidential races
quickened following the selection
Of national convention dates, a Wig
orous policing of 1910 elections by a
special Senate committee was prom
,sed today by Senator Gillette, DEM
ocrat, of Iowa.
He called an organization meeting
of the four other Senators ap-
pointed by Vice President Garner
to the Campaign Investigating Com
mittee.
It don't care who it hits or where
1t hits, it's to the interest of all
American citizens to keep elections
Clean" Senator Gillette said. I'm
sure it's the intention of this COM
mittee to do thorough job"
The group, he said, will keep a
close watch on all primaries, elec-
tions Of convention delegates and
the national nominating conven-
tions, as well as the final elections
in November.
Won't Be Shoppers.
A new factor this year, he pointed
out, is the Hatch Act prohibiting
political activity by the thousands
of Government employees and bar
ring use of relief and other Federal
funds for political purposes.
Senator Gillette expressed the
certainty that this will not be a
shoppers committee. although 1t
will give fair consideration to all
complaints"
'"The most ardent party advocate
should be the first to see that his
own party is purged of those who
would take unfair or illegal advan-
tage OF party machinery" he said
None of the three Democrats
named to the committee Senators
Gillette, Miller of Arkansas and
Hill of Alabama-has publicly urged
third term for President Roose-
welt. The Republican members are
Senators Tobey of New Hampshire
and Reed of Kansas.
Evening star., 1940-02-19
Reich Confiscafes
Polish Factories,
Farms and Forests
Property Within Annexed
Area to Be Managed
By Nuzi Government
BY the Associated Press,

BY the Associated Press.
BERLIN, Feb. 19.-Field Marshal
Hermann Wilhelm 0oering, Ger
many's economic dictator, today in
effect decreed conflscation of all fac
tories, farms and forest lands in
former Polish territory now incor-
porated in the Reich.
The order exempted only prop
erty owned by German nationals be-
fore September /, when the German
invasion of Poland started.
To Be Managed by State.
Such lands and forests, including
those "conf1scated by the Reich's
commissar for Strengthening Ger
man nationality are to be managed
by the state Ito guarantee ma
tional sustenance," Marshal Goering
ordered.
Public operation applies to all be-
longings, rights. claims, interest
and shares involved in such factories
or lands
The decree does not apply, how
ever, to the governor generals"
section of Poland which has not
been incorporated in the Reich
though under German rule since
partition of the republic by Russia
and Germany.
Scores of thousands Of farmhands
are being brought to various parts
of Germany from German occupied
Poland to till German soil, it was
announced today.
Five Thousand Sent Daily.
Five thousand agricultural labor
ers are being brought from Warsaw
each day. Before many weeks
elapse the Krakow area alone is ex-
pected to supply 10000 Polish farm
hands.
The announcement said 10 trains,
each carrying about 500 farmhands,
have been leaving Warsaw each day
since last Thursday, and that they
will continue departing on this scale
through March 2.
The Poles are headed for Silesia,
Pommerania, Mecklenburg. Saxony,
Bavaria. the Rhineland, Austria,
East Prussia, Thuringia and the
Harz Mountains.
Evening star., 1940-02-19
President Cruises
In Pacific Waters
After Canal Tour
Is Believed Headed for
Pearl or Cocos IsIunds
For Fishing Trip
Dy the Associated Press.

.
ABOARD THE U. s. 8. LANG,
Feb. 10. 9.-President Roosevelt
cruised calm Pacific waters today
toward undisclosed fishing grounds
after completing a Sunday inspec-
ton tour of the Panama Canal
Zones improved defenses, now oper-
ating on wartime basis.
Amid the booming of 21-gun
salutes, the President drove past
lines Of rigid soldiers along palm
fringed roads in a three-hour auto
mobile trip to inspect at first hand
the progress made in developing the
canals Atlantic coast defense sys-
tenn.
The Canal Zone, garrisoned by
$4,000 soldiers, has become-as a
result Of presidential orders-the
United States second most heavily
armed position. Hawaii has $4,000
Army regulars.
After completing a 35-mile in
spection tour, during which he
looked over secret work being done
on the canal itself, the President
entrained at the town Of Gatun for
a trip by rail across the isthmus.
He waved CHEEKY greetings to
throngs Of Canal Zone residents,
who, despite extraordinary military
restrictions surrounding his tour,
swarmed behind barricade Of hur-
ricane wire to give a hearty send
of.
Brig. Gen. Edwin M. Watson, his
secretary and military aide, said
the President discussed "contem-
plated Improvements and additions"
to the canals defenses with mill
tary, naval and civilian officials.
Gen. Watson said the Chief Exec
utive talked about the general con-
dition of the canal and its de-
fenses," including plans for a third
set of locks costing $277,O0O 900.
He was impressed particularly, his
aide said, by the canals expanded
air defenses, exemplified by a fleet
Of a dozen big new bombers at
France Field which caught the pres
idential eye.
Press Conference Planned.
The Presidents ship, the u. S. s.
Tuscaloosa, and its destroyer es-
corts. the Lang and Jouett, were
believed headed for the Pearl or
Cocos Islands for several days Of
fishing.
The President, although keeping
the destination of his Pacific cruise
secret, agreed to hold a press con-
ference during the day aboard the
Tuscaloosa.
After completing his fishing trip,
the President planned to inspect
the defenses of the Pacific end Of
the Panama Canal on his return
trip. He will be met and accom-
panied across the isthmus by the
Panamanian President, Augusta
Boyd, chairman bf the recent Pam
American Conference which estab-
ished a 300-mile neutrality belt on
American coasts to keep the Eu-
ropean war away from the Western
Hemisphere.
Evening star., 1940-02-19
Report
Furnished By the Ur

Furnished
District CoumbiaCoudy light
and tonight probably ending morning
temperature lowest tonight about So moderate northeast
backing to north and northwest winds.
MISREPRESENTATION light
ending light
light poron not much
VgnaInermittent light rain and
probably ending morning
night and in south and central portions tomorrow.
West VigniaInemttent light rain changing
colder tonight tomorrow light and slightly colder.
Evening star., 1940-02-19
Finnish Loan
(Cnntinl1ed From First Pare

has created to increase this coun-
try's trade with South America.
The committee recessed again
this afternoon, however, without
completing the hearings.
When Representative Monroney,
Democrat, of Oklahoma asked when
the committee expected to act on
the bill, Acting Chairman Williams
said he could not answer definitely,
but suggested within a few days.
He announced some official Of the
State Department would be called
tomorrow.
At the outset, Mr.. Jones assured
the committee the Export Import
Bank has not and will not make
any loans in contravention of the
johnson Act, even though that act
may not apply to public lending
agencies. The johnson Act forbids
loans to countries in default Of past
debts.
Finland has never been In default
on its old debt to the United States.
Mr., Jones told Acting Chairman
williams he felt the bank could
cancel any authorized loan to Fin
land If war is formally declared by
Russia after the credit is promised.
A formal declaration would re-
quire the President to invoke the
Neutrality Act. Mr.. Jones said the
bank might have to pay for goods
ordered in this country under the
loan authorization, but the goods
would not necessarily have to be
shipped out of the country, he said.
Mr.. Williams disagreed with Mr..
Jones as to the scope of articles Fin
land could buy In this country with
in the terms of international law, as
defined in the Havana Conference,
ratified by the Senate In 1928. :
Mr.. Jones said he would consider
his agency could advance credit for
the export of anything not listed by
the President in his neutrality
proclamations.
I'VE would assume we could
finance anything ordinarily used by
Vic C4VOAdA POPOAaeAO4As 14AS ASAANAAA8
administrator said.
Mr.. williams said Senate debate
on the Havana Conference seemed
to indicate that nothing but "food
and raw materials" could be shipped
by q neutral country to . bellgerent.
He pointed out that would leave .
narrow field of possible aid to Fin
land, If that Interpretation Is fol-
lowed.
Mr.. Jones pointed out he would be
guided by the opinion Of the State
Department as to what could be sold
to Finland without violating inter-
national law.
Representative Miller, Republican.
of Connecticut said. IT We knd
$40, 900 900 to Finland, / think we're
unneutral. I'm willing to do Il
under the circumstances, but I'm not
Kidding myself"
Evening star., 1940-02-19
Finland
Continued From First Page.)

Continued From First Page.)
Of various types, II tractors, 80 field
kitchens, IS automobiles and 200
other vehicles were listed as booty
of the battle.
Russian bombers raided Viipuri,
Lappeenranta, and Kakisalmi during
a day which the Firms saw greater
aerial activity than on any previous
day. HelsinH had an afraid alarm
from II am. until 1890 pm.
Farther away from the battle
zone the Kotka, ,Kouvola, Iisalmi and
Pori districts also were raided and q
number Of civilians wounded.
The Finnish air force carried out
scouting and bombing flights over
the battlefields and the enemy's rear,
resulting in numerous air battles
attended with success for U.s." the
Firms said.
Evening star., 1940-02-19
Officials Will Discuss
Truffic Problems Here

Three members Of the House Dis
trict Committee and George M.
Roberts, superintendent Of weights
and measures, will discuss trafic
and motoring problems with the
Advisory Board Of the Keystone
Automobile Club in the Willard Ho-
tel tomorrow at 8 pm. The three
House members are Representatives
Randolph Of West Virginia, Dirk
sen Of Illinois and Representative
Kennedy Of Maryland.
Evening star., 1940-02-19
Japan S Planes Bomb
Chinese Lifeline
Again
US. Envoy Was Reported
Planning Trip Over
Hanoi Running Route
By the Associated Press.

~ the Associated Press.
HONG KONG, Feb. 19-Japanese
dispatches reported today the
French-operated Hanoi Running
Railroad had been bombed for the
second successive day and q bridge
and tunnel damaged severely.
Both the French and American
Governments protested to Japan
over previous air attacks on the rail-
road, which connects Chunking with
French Indo-C China.
The japanese said the latest raid
was made yesterday. At the same
time Chinese authorities announced
passenger service on the road had
been resumed after q weeks hold
up while previous bombing damage
was repaired. The Chinese said
damage from q Japanese raid Satur-
day was slight.
United States Ambassador Mel
son T. johnson was reported ready
to use the railroad tomorrow or
Wednesday for q trip to Running,
en- route to the Chinese provisional
capital, Chungking.
japanese and Chinese sources re-
ported Nipponese troops had effect
ed landing near Annoy and were
invading the southeast province of
Fukien for the first time.
Japanese military spakesmen
flatly denied q Chinese report that
japanese troops were Withdrawing
from Manning, capital Of Kwangsi
Province, after occupying the city
since last November "A.
Chinese dispatches said the Jap
anese withdrawal resembled q rout
in the face Of advancing Chinese
troops, but the japanese military
spokesman said the Manning front
was completely quiet with mot even
a single shot breaking the stiffness. I"
At Chungking, Chinese newspa-
pers issued extras reporting recap
ture of Manning" but Chinese mill
tary authorities made fiat denials.
They said, however, fighting was
underway on the northern outskirts.
~ Miles from BAY.
The Japanese occupied Manning,
important highway center for trans
portation Of supplies from French
ndo-China, after q surprise land
ing on Tongking Bay and a march
into the interior that took only a
week. The city Is about 80 miles
north Of the bay. It was the fastest
Japanese advance of the war.
umerous offensives were
launched from Manning, the most
important in a northeasterly direc-
ton, only few weeks ago. They
were repulsed.
Last Tuesday, the Japanese South
China command issued a proclama-
ton saying Japan did not plan
to extend her operations further.
The statement was interpreted
widely in China as meaning Japan
had gone as far as she could With
out having succeeded in forcing the
Chinese to accept peace.
Evening star., 1940-02-19

Colorado party agreed to participate
IN new elections If Congress were
totally renovated.
Paraguay has been struggling to
reconstruct herself after the long
Chaco War with Bolivia and the
effects of the depression. American
experts have been brought to this
country to help settle economic
problems.
Evening star., 1940-02-19
Congress in Brief
TODAY.

Senate:
Z, Considers minor bills.
House:
Considers minor bills: then. de-
bates reciprocal trade program.
TOMORROW.
Senate:
Is not expected to be in session.
Appropriations Subcommittee ex-
ecutive, on State, Justice and Com
merce supply bill, 10:30 am.
House:
Continues debate on reciprocal
trade agreements.
Special subcommittee of District
Committee begins open hearings on
liquor situation, 1890 am.
Public Health Subcommittee of
District Committee begins investiga-
ton of Receiving Home for Chill
dren, 1890 am.
Special subcommittee of District
Committee continues investigation
Of gasoline situation, 10 am.
Foreign Affairs Committee con-
siders bill for classification of clerks
in the foreign service, 1890 am.
Evening star., 1940-02-19

The extensive southern disturbance has
continued to move slowly north-northeast-
ward and 1t now has two centers. Pikesville.
ky. toy sg9.7 millibers I'M (S262 inehesl and Nor
Another disturbance is movine. southeast
yard over the Hto 0rande Valley. Alpine.
Tex: l00s:6 miibars te9.s1 inches. These
the sreater part Of the United states. Heavy
rain fell in the Ohio Valley. the southern
Appalachian region. and portions Of the
Middle Mo Atlantic States ana North caro-.
AMOUNT. l; 81 inches. Hish pressure pre-
central and northern Plains States. and
over Minnesota. the northern Lake region,
and New England. Pembina. N. OAK.
1.031.1 mS,llibars 53o: :46 inchssl; Portland;
Greenville: Me. 1.O27.1 millibars i3O. .33
inchesl. The temperature has risen in the
lower Lake region. the Middle Atlantic and
States, and portions Of the Rocky Mountain
reEton. Elsewhere temperature changes
have been slight.
River Report.
Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers muddy
at HAfpers Ferry; Potomac River very
muddy at Great Falls today.
RADoPt for Last An Naupa
Evening star., 1940-02-19
Meeting Plans Chonoed

The monthly meeting of the
Women's Auxiliary of the American
Institute of Mining and Metallurgi-
cal Engineers, which was to have
been held at the home of Mrs. NH.
Darton, 1869 Brookville road, Chevy
Chase, Md, at 1870 am. tomorrow
will be held instead at that hour in
the Highlands Apartments, it was
announced today,
Evening star., 1940-02-19
5 Lepke Charges Dismissed

NEW YORK, Feb. 10 R.-Judge
John j. Freschi today dismissed, at
the States request, 5 Of the %
counts In the Indictment against
Louis Uepke) Buchalter. He is on
trial with, two others in General
Sessions Court on charges of ex-
tortion in the flour trucking and
bakery racket.
Evening star., 1940-02-19
Oldest Doctor Dies
In Ohio at 1O4
3 the Associated Press-

By tne ASS0clRted Pfe68.
BETHEL, Ohio, Feb. 19.-Dr. Will
liam Eberle Thompson. known as
the Nations oldest practicing ply
sician, died today. He would have
been los years old July 6.
Born and reared in this village
80 miles east of Cincinnati, DR..
Thompson resided here all his life,
content in the simple but arduous
role Of country doctor."s