Evening star., 1941-12-09
D. {. Heads Redraft
Defense Fund Plan
For Budget Bureau
Cut in 81 500, 900 Asked;
VitoI Sum May Be Sought
By Young From Congress

District officials today were busy
re-drafting their 1,500 900 defense
program at the direction of the
Budget Bureau which asked that
cuts be made where possible and a
revised program submitted.
The request for $500 .O0O from
0ie Presidents emergency fund of
$3.50 900 900 was taken to Budget
Director Harold Smith yesterday
by Commissioner John Russell
Young and city budget offcials. The
money was to 60 for additional
water facilities and fire protection
and air raid apparatus.
On his return from the bureau,
Commissioner Young announced he
had been asked to trim the request,
but added he was extremely hope
ful Of getting something for the
program.
May Turn to Congress.
Mr.. Young pointed out, however,
that If the Federal money could not
be obtained, appropriation would
have to be sought from Congress
because the money was absolutely
necessary.
Meanwhile $4,000 deficiency ap-
preparation item is pending, the
Commissioners announced, to A.
nance the operation of the civilian
defense office in the District Build
ing, which heretofore has been al
most entirely dependent on volun-
teer service and supplies. Chair
man Randolph of the House District
Committee and Renah F. Camalier,
counsel for the Senate District Com
mittee, were said to be ready to
push any necessary legislation.
Commissioner Young said it was
his opinion that some of the items
covered in the defense equipment
and personnel program might be
assumed by the Federal Govern
ment.
At the same time he said he
planned to confer with Brig. Gen.
Albert L. Cox, commanding general
Of the Washington Provisional Bri-
gade, to see if that officer, through
the War Department, could detail
guards for vital District services.
Possible Cuts Studied.
During the afternoon close study
was given to possible cuts in the
defense fund request. Officials hint
ed they regarded as essential the
proposed l8 water reservoirs of 100,-
000-gallon capacity suggested for
various sections of the city, and the
requested fire equipment.
Whether any attempts will be
made to construct AFRAID shelters
here has not yet been decided, it
was disclosed. According to Col.
Lemuel Bolles, executive director of
civilian defense, British and other,
continental experience under bombs
has yet to demonstrate that the
shelters are satisfactorily effective.
Announcement was made that the
mass meeting planned for Decem-
Der Is in celebration of Bill of
Rights Day has been Cancelled to
avoid gathering large crowd in a
single locality. Asked if this meant
q ban was in prospect on theater
attendance and sports events, off,
cias said it did not. Private groups,
1t was hoped. would still plan cele-
brations of the Bill Of Rights an
niversary.
Asks Dim YuIe Tree Lights.
In connection with Christmas tree
lightings, Col. Bolles suggested L.
Illumination of the lowest possible
candle power.
Spokesman for 13 veterans organ
tzations visited the Commissioners
late yesterday and pledged support
to the city's defense effort. Organ
izations represented included the
United Spanish War Veterans, Order
of the Purple Heart, Legion of Valor,
Veterans of Foreign Wars, District
Department of the American Legion,
Regular Veterans Association, Mill
tary Order of the World War, I'd
Division Association, 29th Division
Association, Jewish War Veterans,
Disabled American War Veterans,
Catholic War Veterans and the
Arny and Navy Union.