davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1941-03-09

which described some of the option
prices as grossly excessive" also re-
ferred to unsuccessful efforts "satis-
factorily to revise" Mr.. MCDOWELL s
commission.
LAS previously announced" the
statement continued, "the War De-
partment has succeeded In lowering
to approximately 312 per cent of the
gross cost of the land optioned
commissions payable to agents sim
ilarly engaged in obtaining options
on other defense projects.
Five Per Cent Commission.
"Mr. McDowell's arrangements
provided for payment of a 5 per
cent commission by the Landowner.
In addition the landowner was to
be charged Ia per cent for title
work"
Mr.. Mcdowell, after the depart
ment decision was announced. told
newsmen that of the options ne
said were signed by the War De-
partment and not yet paid for, ap-
proximately 80 per cent had result
ed in deeds being executed to the
Government by farmers. He as
serted approximately S1.500,000 was
due on the options he said had been
approved and added:
"I acquired the land under in
sJructions of the War Department
and the policies as laid down by
the Secretary of War and the Ma
Evening star., 1941-03-09

However acute the housing sit
uation may become in the Wash
ington area because of sudden pop
ulation increases due to the defense
program, Government authorities
are convinced that private builders
will play a major role in provid-
ing adequate dwelling facilities.
They point out that enough new
residences and apartments were
built in and near the District last
year to house at least 10000 per-
sons and that private construction
so far this year is much more ex-
tensive than in 1910, when an all
time record high was set.
To date about 2,100 dwelling units
have been authorized for this area
unrder the defense emergency hous-
ing program, and there have been
authoritative reports that additional
ALLEGATIONS shortly to be announced
do not include Washington projects
largely because defense housing Of
ficials are relying heavily on private
builders.
Reaction to the announced emer-
gency public housing program here
has been varied. Some maintain
that, at best, private building will be
far short of requirements and that
the public program should be en-
larged greatly. On the other hand,
there are real estate authorities who
contend the capacity of private en-
terprise is being underestimated and
the public program overdone.
Estimate as High as 100000.
The real answer is dependent on
an unknown factor-just how many
new persons will be brought in and
near Washington by the defense
program. Estimates run as high as
100000 more than the present pop
ulation, and a Board of Trade sur
vey has indicated an influx of 5000
or more since defense activities be-
gan here early last summer. But
these totals, based admittedly on
variable factors, are not so impor-
tant in the immediate problem as
the rate of population increase.
Local Civil Service rolls are grow
ing at the rate of about $500 per-
sons a month. And non-Civll Serv-
ice Government jobs and private
employment, it is believed, bring in
at least one person for each new
Government worker. If the latter
estimate is accurate, this would mean
that about $4,000 new wage earners
came to Washington in January and
February.
During these first two months of
1941 total of 985 apartment house
building permits and 288 residence
building permits were issued in
Washington While this, of course,
does not indicate the number of
housing units completed and avail
able in that time, it does show the
general private building rate. And
it should be remembered that the
figures do not include construction
permits in nearby Virginia and
Maryland.
Vacancy Rate Put at 1.9oc.
Recent surveys of the w. P. A.
have shown that fewer than 2 per
cent of the habitable dwelling units
in the Washington area are avail
able for rental purposes, the average
vacancy rate being 19 for the Dis
trlct and Is for nearby sections.
Evening star., 1941-03-09
Private Builders Seen Playing
Role in Defense Housing
Reaction to Public Construction Voried, With
Answer Lying in Total Influx of Workers

The w. P. A. figures probably are
every accurate" according to Rufus
S. Lusk, secretary of the District
Building Owners and Managers As
ISOLATION, who said reports of his
association showed an apartment
vacancy rate of only Isl in Wash
ington on March /. Only last July
the apartment vacancy rate here
was 8 per cent. he added.
Mr.. LuSk said that, because of
building costs, private concerns can
not construct dwelling units here to
rent for less than $12 to S13 room
And in this fact, defense housing
authorities say, probably lies the
primary reason why the Govern
ment must supplement the private
program. The main shortages, they
explain, are threatened in loW-rental
unit classification. Many of the
defense workers coming here simply
cannot afford to pay the high Wash
ington rents" is a statement fire.
quently heard by supporters of more
public housing.
Cites Average Wage.
To this argument Charles Rush
OF the Washington Real Estate Board
replies:
THE average wage of civil service
workers runs about $1,000 a year
according to recent reports That's
considerably more than the local
average for employees in private in
duStry. If anything, the new defense
workers should be better able to pay
rents than many Others"
Mr.. Rush foreSees possible diff
Guilty in caring for newcomers who
are neither potential apartment
renters nor home buyers.
And there are lot in that classi-
flcation," he added.
1t is primarily for this group that
the District defense housing registry
Is to be established this week at Asa
Indiana avenue NV. When the
registry begins listing available units
here a week from tomorrow it is
expected to have an initial backlog
OF about 1000 potential rooms for
rent-trom list compiled here in
connection with the presidential in
auguration.
Mr.. LuSk has cited census reports
which show less than 20 per cent
OF the families in Washington have
lodgers. And he has expressed the
opinion that in the event of a hous-
ing emergency 20 to 30 per cent
more of these families might be
able to take in one or two persons.
Following Situation Closely.
The defense housing co-ordinator's
Office reports that it is follow
ing the Washington situation CLOSELY
and that its recommendations will be
only for Supplementing facilities
made available by private concerns
Findings of the local registry will
have great weight in future public
housing developments here. If a
shortage of facilities for single per-
sons is found, for example, the CO.
ordinator will urge construction of
one or more dormitories, one for
women, perhaps, to be operated by
the Y. w. C. A.
Private builders are doing a good
job here" said a defense housing
official. The main question is, can
they handle the unexpected and un-
usual demands of the defense emer-
gency?"
Evening star., 1941-03-09

secrecy on information supplied at
the Senator's request on the state
Of the Air Corps and Navy.
Senator Walsh, his voice booming
from the rear of the chamber, urged
his amendment prohibiting trans
fers of naval vessels or planes that
could not be replaced In three
months, with a statement that un-
less his proposal was included the
bill would say to the President:
Here is the Navy, not only for
you to command and operate as
you see At, but also for you to loan
or sell or give away as you see At. If"
ITO give away our Navy or any
substantial part of It," he said,
"is to my mind like the owner of a
store or house giving the key and
removing thereby from the thief,
the robber or the gangster, the first
barrier to his destructive objectives.
Opposes Reduction in Strength.
Every vessel in the Navy is a
strong barricade and contributing
fortress surrounding our country.
We cannot afford to weaken it. I do
not know of any of our naval off,
GERS who believe that we should give
up any of our Navy and lessen our
naval strength by transferring any
Of our ships to any other power"
1t was true, he said, that If
Britain should fall and the British
fleet should go to Germany, that the
position of the United States would
become precarious. But sit is
speculation. it is an argument based
upon many uncertainties" he said,
and controlled by "a series of ifs 4"
1T seems to me-" he added, that
those who profess to fear that Eng
land is going to fall; that England's S
navy may fall into the hands of the
Germans, that the Germans are
going to attack us; should oppose
the weakening of our defenses by
giving away portions OF our Navy"
Evening star., 1941-03-09
Special Officer Acquitted

DENVER, March 8 (P).-A District
Court jury acquitted David Charles,
26, special officer, of charge Of
Staying Thomas Valentine, jr., 33, a
union picket. Mr. Valentine was
shot last May 81 during labor dis
pute at an underpass construction
DrOiect.
Evening star., 1941-03-09
Roosevelt DiscIoses
Passage of Aid Bill
During Broadcast
Py the Associated Press.

Ey buC HOoOSlnbCu flcobs
President Roosevelt departed
from the prepared text of a
broadcast to farmers last night
to report the Senate's passage
of the British-aid bill, but re-
Trained from any comment. ap-
parently because congressional
action is not yet complete.
1T may interest you to know
that only a few hours ago the
Senate passed by a vote of
about two to one the lend
lease bill for aid to the democ-
racies of the world" was all
the President said.
Evening star., 1941-03-09
Roosevelt
Continued From First Page.)

but Mr.. Hopkins put in full day
on the job yesterday and presumably
kept the Chief Executive informed
of progress. Senate leaders also
were in touch with the White House
to report the bills advance toward
enactment.
Tomorrow, the President Is ex-
pected to confer with the so-called
big four Congressional leaders, clear
ing the way for an anticipated quick
acceptance by the House of Senate
changes in the legislation. At the
same White House meeting there
probably will be for the first time
in several weeks some consideration
Evening star., 1941-03-09

Roosevelt sharply to task for, he
said, implying that he was friendly
to Hitler. Senator Tobey, Repubn-
can, of New Hampshire took a slap
at the White House, too, upbraiding
Mr.. Roosevelt for holding him to
Evening star., 1941-03-09

tional Defense Commission. If the
War Department wishes to repudi-
ate those things that is beyond my
control"
Evening star., 1941-03-09

Silk production is being reduced
in japan.
Jackson advocate. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1939-current, 1941-08-02
Negro Musician
Is New Magazine

CHICAGO (ANP)-"The Negro
Musicians" a magazine devoted 10
the interest or musicians every
where, made its appearance here
this week. The Magazines sponsors
declared that the publication would
strive for ''the general uplift OF
all phases of musical activity ano
IN the allied arts
Among those associated with
publisher Herman Billingsly, an
active officer in the National Ne
gro Musicians association, is Grace
W Thompkins, coach. accompanist,
public school teacher, author and
critic; Constance Jane Hinton
speech specialist, drama recitalist
and authority ON charm, poise and
personality; Walter E. Gossette,
nationally known organist; Blanche
Smith Walton teacher, conductor,
James A. 4 Mundy, famed conduct
or and Elmur A. Simpson, president
of the R. Nathaniel Dett Club. The
magazine will issue every two
weeks.
Jackson advocate. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1939-current, 1941-08-02

LEONARD HARPER has been
turning out some high class work
for ''ELKS RENDEZVOUS and
were glad to see droves of fun low
ing nordlcS from the main stem
pouring into Harlem again; for
while, it looks as if the boys in
blue and we don't mean sailors,
were hell bent for heaven in their
crazy desire to keep the best people
out OF Harlem. -. We for one, are
willing to help them keep the. =.
moral misfits you get me-, cut
OF the area in which most of us are
consigned until the UNDERTAKE
Err backs up his unpopular bag
gage-Wagon, as well as the swarm
of flesh pot seeks who one day, will
cause blood to flow. +. but people
out for laugh and God knows
nothing is better for ones soul
-. WHY KEEP THEM AWAY.
Or even try too. they'll come des-
pite all the Negrophobe propagan-
Ola extant. /. . Reports of LOUIS
COLE, doing a fairly good turn out
California way, makes Harlemites
OF the 1888 vintage recall how
he got his first start Gas did hun
oreds) under the management Of
the late lamented. JEFF (Jethro)
BLOUNT, operator of the colorful
-. .LENOX AVENUE CLUB next
door Or some 40 feet. from the
COTTON CLUB (Owney Madden
use to run it in Harlem. not down.
town, in those days. here to sang;
Miss WEIGH, who starred in English
movie productions with PAUL.
ROBSON, Edith and Lena Wilson
Sisters; GEORGE DEWEY
WASHINGTON, and many others
the mighty dancing trio Tip,
TAP AND TOE earned their first
$50 at the LenoX club. and we could
go on calling big names in show
business who got their break here
until more than three pages of
copy paper would be consumed:
oh pez-of yez, that lii Gle Lenox
club was a killer -diller with it's
weekly Monday morning breakfast
to everyone who asked a favor of
him. .--Jeff's name will live so
long as the soul of music, and the
voice of laughter reigns in the
hearts Of New Workers, regar dless
of race, color or creed.
Jackson advocate. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1939-current, 1941-08-02
Pau, Slim And
Eddie Trio Cited
As An Example
"Acts Must Stick
Together" Young
Men Tell Nell
BY NELL DODSON

NEW YCRK-(ANP) - Patience
and hard wo-k have given SHOW
dom new top notch comedy TITO,
one destined to brighten the mar
uuees for long time if present
success in any criterion, Paul, Slim
and Eddie came into the Apollo
closing week end stopped every
show with a fast, terrifically paceu
act. They'd Just closed five-week
theatse tour with RNN G. osby's
bard and were in fine form.
Slim. known off stage as Melvin
Marvin, ard EDDIE West have been
PARTNERS for nine years. They have
been an inseparable t1osome ever
since their Introduction by mu-
tual friend at ! a. m. in front OF
the Grey shop on Seventh Avenue
in 1882 Paul Black was formerly
a member of the famous Chocli-
teers, originators Of 'Peckin, and
the "Hickey-Rickey," also one of
the ranking comedy teams. When
Paul split with the Chocliteers
during the past winter, he tried un-
successfully to find a new partner.
One evening in the Bradoock
grill, the meeting place for most Of
the theatrical acts in New York, he
was talking to Slim and Eddie. At
the time they were also thinking of
breaking a new man into their act,
in fact had even tried out two Or
three fellows, but hadn't been able
to find anyone TO fit in. 1t was
Sims idea to give Paul chance.
Both he and Eddie knew Black was
capable, having watched him with
the Chocliteers for some years.
At the end of the fifth week they
contacted Sammy Burke of the
Mills booking Office and told him
they were ready to show the act,
even hiring a hall and a piano
player out of their own pockets.
Burke liked the act, but told the
boys they needed more rehearsal,
so back to the grind they went.
New Years day they opened in
Binghamton, New York, and went
over as Slim describes it, "just-so-
so", but it was good enough to get
them a job later at Dawes night
club in Chicago. It was in the VIM
dy City that Cab Galloway saw
them, and put the final stamp OF
approval on the routine.
From now en-, Paul, Slim and
Eddie will be one of Cab Galloway
show favorites On the road.
Acts have to have CUTS enough
to stick together or they won't get
but SO far" Slim said. Constantly
breaking in new routineS doesn't
make for smoothness or coopera-
ton. Eddie and I stayed together
as a duo for nine years because We
didn't let personal differences in
terfere with our professional rela-
tionship"
Time and patience are the two
vital factors, the boys believe. Even
the enthusiastic applause the act
is receiving now hasn't satisfied
them; they want a fool-proof act
that won't let down for a minute,
and the only way to achieve that
end is constantly to build, rehearse,
criticize frankly.
Jackson advocate. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1939-current, 1941-08-02
Buckaroos Dress
The Part When
They Go to Town
last week.

last week.
Nearly half of the "Buckaroos"
claim as their home town the title
of the greatest jazz number ever
written-"The ST. Louis Blues"
The cowboy costumes complete
to the bucking bronco on the solver
belt buckle were presented by their
regimental commander, Major
Leonard Smith, who was a cow
hand and trick rider with the
world famous 101 ranch that
brought fame and fortune to the
Miller brothers.
The five Selectees from st. Louis
are: Theodore Bibbs, drummer;
Frank Bess, bass viol; James Logan
and Geo. j. Duncan, trumpets; and
Clip Bell, tenor sax Bell toured for
two years with Don Clifton's or
cheStra.
Grand Rapids, Mich, is the home
of trumpet soloist Jimmy Luckett,
who under the name of Jimmy
Lucky was well-known in Club
Seville circles. The same town claims
Bert Benton, trombonist He was
a staff arranger with Al Sherman'S
band.
Two of the four sax men came
from Los Angeles and are Corne-
Illus Walker and Alystan Campbell.
The latter was selected for service
out of Eddie Evans New York band
while ontour in L. A.
The leader of the band, Staff
Sgt. Robert r. Brown, Wherefore,
O., studied social administration at
Ohio State and received a bachelor
OF science in music from WILDER
force university. He is a saxophon-
lst doubling en- a clarinet.
Featured tromboniSt of the band
is La Mer Norman, Cary, Ind, who
was with emperor Green's band
and was studying physical educa-
ton and history at 'Bama State
Teachers college when he volunteer
ed for selective service When he
leaves jazz for the classics he goes
back to the euphonium with which
he was soloist with the so piece
Roosevelt High band during two
successive annual performances at
the Chicago Worlds Fair.
Pianist and arranger is Edwin
Perkins of Indianapolis.
The 4th regiment "Buckaroosn
have adopted for their theme sons
the current Ride Tenderfoof
Ride" from a late Dick Powell pic
ture.
Jackson advocate. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1939-current, 1941-08-02
FOOTLiTE FLICKERS
By ALVIN MOSES

NEW YORK-In reply to a query
We failed to answer in our
Theatrical Question Box last
month, due to lack of space. we
say to E. r. White, Greensboro,
N c., that. THE name of the
corporation who operated the fam
Gus Lafayette Players back in the
Gays of Clarence Muse, Andrew
Bishop, ct al, was The Elite
Amusement Corporation y. Three
of the cleverest musicians in the
country were shared by TEDDY
WILSON, Benny GOodman's eX-
pianist, namely George James,
baritone saxist, jim Hamilton,
clarinet, and Billy Coleman, trum-
pet: HAZEL SCOTT again
triumphed over the airlanes, APP
pearing with columtist DAILY
News Ed Sullivan over station
WABC two weeks ago Sunday -.
MARIE BRYANT, the lass about
whom we raved last winter (has
more curves than Bob Teller can
throw. arises from the ashes Of
the DUKE ELLINGTON, flop on
West Coast c"Jump for Joy'o with
a prospective bid from the felix
who expect to run. NEW YORKiS
NEW UBANGI CLUB. probably on
account of her peaches and
cream" complexion; to be used in
a number of "Old Mexico" gosh
fellas, che has but to look at this
lady's shapeliness, and wonder how
ANY SHOW ON EARTH, could be
tapped a flop. :. honest injunl!
Jackson advocate. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1939-current, 1941-08-02
TEDDY AND BILLY

Beginning around six Or sever
years ago, before the tickle public
had become swing conscious and
prior to the advent of that great
menace, the jitterbug, Teddy Will
son and Billy Holiday aided by the
best musicians available, waxed a
number of grand platters that
have since become collectors items.
Originally available on the rs
cent Brunswick label, eight sides
have been reissue in special
Columbia album.
The tunes are MISS BROWN TO
YOU and I WISHED ON THE
MOON: WHAT A LITTLE MOON
LIGHT COULD DO and IF YOU
WE'RE MINE; [ MUST HAVE
THAT MAN and FOOLIN MY
SELF: EASY LIVING and WHEN
YOU'RE SMILING. In edition to
Billy and Teddy, such musicians as
Benny Goodman, Ben Webster,
Buster Baily, Coy Cole, Roy Ed
ridge. ester Yough John Kirby,
uck Clayton and several others are
heard
I have long had a. weakness for
Teddy's light and brilliant key
board rambling as well as Billie's
UNIQUE singing gifts, so naturally
anything I have to say about this
anthology may be considered
preiudiced. In that case, best
thing to do is hear it yourself. And
it's nv definite opinion that if you
care one little bit for the righteous
stuff, you'll thank this column for
telling you to grab this collection.
SOLID SINGLES
One of the oldest and weirdest
plstters Duke Ellington has ever
cut and you know he's waxed
mess of them. is Bakiff on Victor.
Written by Juan Tizol, the Cara
van" author. it is exotic and fea-
lures snatches of the Tizol valve
trombone: Ray Nance has a long
stint on violin and blows some un-
worldly music. This is a tune
that'll chill you these hot DAYS.
Coupled is GIDDYBUG GALLOP,
fast Ellingtonia and very complex
with the bows bubbling over with
terrific stuff :. WOODY Herman
takes two from the hit parade.
IOVELTNFSc AND LOVE and
DON'T CRY CHERIE. for Decca
ride. Both are smooth. sweet stuff
with the best performance on
"Cherie"
All. those Andrew Sisters! This
time no Decca they've oot a lowell
ty version of SONNY BOY Jhapl
knock the ears of anybody caring
the least for satire. The sisters
Jackson advocate. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1939-current, 1941-08-02
Cabin In Sky"
P|eases Coast
Klieg Followers
Makes A Return
Engagement At
L. A. Theatre
BY LAWRENCE F. LAMAR

BY LAWRENCE F. LAMAR
LOS ANGELES, Calf. Cabin in
the Sky" is just about the finest
piece of real theatre entertainment
to come this way in long time.
1t is a fine thing that it is all-sepia
cast light opera piece. The writer
neglected to view it when it first
played here a month earlier, but
has since its return engagement at
the Biltmore theatre, had occasion
to view it On two occasions.
The production is of the lighter
vein; a serio-comic endeavor, that
is infectious DellY laugh provoking
The singing ana dancing move
ments surrounding the comic
theme, are indeed eye opening and
par excellent
Starting from afar, the play gets
off with the spirits of good and
evil battling for The almost ready
to exit sould of Little joe played
excellently by Dooley Wilson. 1t
easily takes on shape as the spirit
conscious, 'Lucifer, Jr" played
by Rex Ingram, and the Lords
General" played by Todd Duncan,
get down to some clever machina
tons, in an endeavor to keep the
recovering Little Joe'' in their re-
Spective power
Ethel Waters, the regal first lady
of the stage, playing the wife of
the ficle joe is easily the moving
dominent personality On the splen-
did cast stage. Her matchless
singing style, shares honors with
her finely edged acting At every
department, she was marvellous,
even at, of all things, dancing
Katherine Durham, with her
marvellous dancers, however, re :
manned to be the real something"
in Cabin in the Sky that dis
tinguished this all-sepia cast show,
from the run of the mine show ex-
tant featuring Negro casts These
dancers are the nth word in per-
lection. They perform with natural
eclat. This writer has never wit
messed so much hip shaking, done
in artistic style by this group, since
the Shimmy-Sha -Wabble dance
was in its zenith. Cabin in the
Sky" is a Negro show. done in
class. That means extra class.
Very, very, very fine entertain
ment.