davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1944-12-08
President Commutes Death
Sentence Given Deserter
BY the Associated Press

6S the Associated FreSS.
President Roosevelt has commuted
death sentence given Army Pvt
Dale Maple after a court-martial
on charges of desertion and helping
two German prisoners of war escape
The White House said yesterday
that the court had sentenced Maple
to death by hanging and that Mr.
Roosevelt on November 18 commuted
1t to dishonorable discharge, forfeit
ure of all pay and allowances and
hard labor for the rest of his
natural life"
The warden at LeavenWorth
Penitentiary disclosed earlier that
Maple, whose home is in Middleton
R. l., had been received there to
serve life term.
Testimony was presented that
Maple and two German prisoners
from Camp Hale. Colo, were seized
by Mexican officials miles south
OF the border after the Germans
escaped from the camp last Feb
ruary.
The charge against Maple, the
White House said, was "desertion
aiding the enemy by furnishing
transportation to two escaped Ger
man prisoners of war and harbor-
ing and protecting the same
prisoners"
Evening star., 1944-12-08
Sergi, Bratcher's Friend, !,
Held for Hitting Witness

United States Commissioner Need
ham C. Turnage today ordered
Thompson Carver Sergi, 80, of 1735
I street NV, held for removal to
Alexandria where he faces charges
OF assaulting prosecution witness
during the draft-evasion trial of
his friend, Everett M. (Washie)
Bratcher.
According to the FBI, Sergi hit
Jack Endler, a radio announcer, in
the witness room during the trial
OF the Washington band leader
after an argument.
Bratcher was later convicted of
draft evasion charges by an Alex
andria jury.
Sergi was indicted Monday In the
assault, which allegedly took place
on a Government reservation. the
Post Of1ce Building in Alexandria.
The defendant, who was employed
as a clerk in the Office of Chief
of Army Chaplains, was released
under $500 bond for appearance in
Alexandria Monday.
Evening star., 1944-12-08
ST. Pau|'s Considers
Offers Of Several
Sites for Rebuilding
BY HAROLD B. ROGERS.

ST., Paul's Episcopal Church, GIT
TWenty-third street NV, is con-
sidering several sites for a possible
location to rebuild. pending appeal
of District Court decision which
authorized the Government to ac-
quire the present site for hospital.
Among the many offers of a new
location is one on K street between
Twenty-fourth and Twenty-ffth
streets NV, it was learned, but no
decision has been reached.
Facing a court order to vacate by
January 2. the church vestry and its
counsel, Roger j. Whiteford, are
looking into many possibilities to
assure continuance of the church.
No agreement has been reached
with the Government to sell the
present church, Mr.. Whiteford en-
phasized. The Government has not
yet offered price high enough to
justify its sale, he said. Nor has
the church been offered another
site at price it can afford to pay,
he added.
IN appealing the decision OF DIS
trict Court Justice Jesse c. Atkins
Mr.. Whiteford said he would apply
to the Court of Appeals for stay
of the order.
Some members of the congrega.
ton are known to favor reconstruc.
ton on the K street site, which L
within boundaries of the parish.
Experts have been at work OF
scientific appralsals of the cost O
reproducing the present church
property. Some members insist tht
Government should help Obtain
critical materials if the church il
rebuilt.
Meantime, arrangements have
been completed for the congregation
TO worship at st. Thomas Episcopal
Church.
Evening star., 1944-12-08
Senate Is Expected
To Act Today on
II District Bills

The Senate is expected to act to-
day on II District bills, now on the
Senate calendar. Most of these al
ready have been passed by the
House and with Senate approval will
be sent to the White House to be
signed into law.
Chairman Bilbo of the Senate Dis
trict Committee sought to bring up
the bills for action late yesterday
but Senator White, Republican, of
Maine. the minority leader, inter-
posed the objection that it was very
late in the day and only a few Sem
ators were on the floor.
Senator White said he had can
vassed some of the minority men,
bers of the District Committee, in
Guiding Senator Burton of Ohio, who
had made painstaking check of
the pending legislation. and had
found no objection, but he thought
it should go over until a larger rep
resentation was present. Senator
White added he could aid in passage
of the bills.
OvertOn Asks Time Limit.
| Senator Overton, Democrat, OF
Louisiana, suggested there be an
agreement to vote on the District
bills not later than pm. today,
but Senator Hill, Democrat, of Ala
bama acting majority leader, per-
suaded the District minded legisla-
tors to let it stand with notice to
the Senate it was the intention to
take up and act on all the District
measures before the end of today's
session.
Among the more important Dis
trict measures awaiting action are
those to broaden the administrative
powers of the Commissioners, to
make all government restaurants in
Washington subject to District
Health Department inspection and
regulation; to revamp the tax and
financial systems of the District
Boxing Commission and to create a
commission to have plans drafted
for a "self-liquidating" Washington
National Stadium.
Meanwhile, Chairman Randolph
of the House District Committee
planned to bring before the House
on Monday, or as soon as the Iegis-
lative situation will permit, a bill
approved yesterday by the commit
tee to authorize the use of city funds
to support the Metropolitan Police
Department Band, under certain
restrictions.
Action on Stadium Doubted.
Representative Harris, Democrat,
OF Arkansas, said last night he
thought there was little hope" OF
action at this session on bills au-
thorizing an actual start as soon
as priorities permit on construc-
tion of the proposed war memorial
stadium, since so few days are left
in the Seventy eighth Congress.
! However, Mr.. Harris said, If the
Senate should pass the pending
Bilbo measure for a commission
study of plans. he was prepared to
call for immediate consideration of
this measure by the Recreation
Committee of the House District
| Committee which he heads
Evening star., 1944-12-08

There's sign hanging on the
wall behind Howard's bed that
says. Your War Bonds Are a Stake
in the Future" Howard thinks that
sign Is just about right. He's going
to put himself through Harvard
University (as plans go now with
the bonds he buys from money
earned delivering The Star every
day.
Howar d-who is Howard H.
Mcclure, jr.. 13 years old, the son
of an assistant to the Secretary
of Commerce, and Mrs. Mcclure, an
art teacher-buys bonds with every
penny he makes from his paper
route Yesterday he bought another
500 bond. making total of $1,000
worth he's bought since Pearl
Harbor
His room at home, 1901 Columbia
road NV, is papered with patriotic
posterS-'Back the Attack" The
-Four Freedoms and others de-
picting the soldiers and sailors a
few years Older than Howard who
are firing the guns his bonds buy.
Every day for more than a year,
Howard. accompanied by his dog
Boots" has delivered about 14O
Evening star., 1944-12-08
Rotary and Kiwanis Aid
In Postwar Job Survey

To assist the Postwar Planning
Committee of the Washington Board
OF Trade in obtaining informat ton
relative to job availability in Metro
polltan Washington after the war
the Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs have
organized 50-man teams to canvass
employers who so far have failed
to return questionnaires sent to
them.
Members of these flying squadrons
will help in filling out the forms
when necessary. When the ques-
tionnaires are in, an analysis and
report will be made under the
boards timetable for peace" pro-
gram
Evening star., 1944-12-08
Meat Dealers Face
I0PA Prosecution for
Misleading Buyers

The District Office of Price Ad-
ministration is preparing to take
legal action against a number of
meat retailers involving, among
other things, charges that they sold
point free utility meat to consumers
for the better grades of meat which
require points, 1t was learned today.
A drive against black-market deal
ings on the part of some retailers
has been under way for some time,
and results can be expected within
week, an OPA official said.
Action will take the form of Grim
ihal suits, injunction suits and the
service of notices to appear for
formal suspension hearings, it was
learned.
Grocer Accused.
| Opening gun in a related drive
aimed at the retail grocery trade
was fired yesterday when the agency
filed suit in District Court asking
that Louis Deckelbaum, trading as
the Belvedere Market, 1900 block of
M street NV, be enjoined from
selling at above ceiling prices.
The suit, filed by Chief Enforce
ment Attorney John L. Laskey
charged Deckelbaum with selling
groceries above the ceilings, of fail
ing to post ceiling prices and of
drawing checks on his ration ac-
count without having sufficient
points on deposit.
| Deckelbaum figured in the Stables
Restaurant case last summer when
he testified that the OPA had prom
ised him immunity If he supplied
the agency with information on
alleged blackmarket dealings he
had with the restaurant.
Final Hearing Set.
Justice Matthew F. MCGUIRE OF
District Court yesterday set Decem-
Der 13 as the date for final hearing
in the Stables case. Counsel fol
the restaurant is seeking a court
injunction to prevent the OPA from
SuSpenolng Ine right OF the eStab-
lishment to deal in rationed foods
The restaurant was charged orig
inally with acquiring meat without
ration points.
Through restraining order is
sued by Justice Mcclure on No.
vember 81, the OPA was prevented
from enforcing the suspension order
until yesterday. In setting the triaI
date for December 13, Justice Nc
Guire signed an order extending
the restraining order against the
OPA until then.
The OPA reported yesterday that
it had received hundreds" of calls
from housewives in the past few
months that they had been sole
utility meat for the better grades
Evening star., 1944-12-08
Amnesiu Victim Remains
Unidentified at GuIIinoer

Gallinger Hospital officials today
were seeking to identify a 19-year-
old victim of amnesia who has been
at the institution since November
25, when he was found in Union
Station.
The youth speaks with a British
accent and carried visitors pass
to the House and Senate galleries
made out in the name of Lord Davis
Ashley, according to Dr. Amino Per-
retti, psychiatrist at the hospital.
The British Embassy said it had
no listing of Lord Davis Ashley
but was checking the possibility the
youth might be related to Lord
AshleY.Cooper.
Evening star., 1944-12-08
Baptist Home Boord
Will Meet on Monday

A meeting of the Board of Lady
Managers of the Baptist Home will
be held at 10:30 am. Monday at
Calvary Baptist Church.
At a recent meeting officers were
elected, as follows: Mrs. H. B. Hoof-
nagle, president; Mrs. Richard
Sauer, first vice president; Mrs.
John D. Robinet. second vice presi-
dent: Mrs w. N. Keyser, third vice
president; Mrs. L. H. Fisher, treas
urer; Mrs. L. M. Rice, recording Sec
retary: Miss Nina Urner, corre-
spending secretary; Mrs. A. w. Cum
mings, pianist: Mrs. T. l.. Green,
Mrs. Eugene Fugitt and Mrs. Will
liam Prohaska. Committee at Large.
Evening star., 1944-12-08

| papers. When he collects from his
patrons each week, he carefully
slows the money away until he has
enough for bond. Before he de-
Ivered papers he was a magazine
salesman and he put the money he
made doing that in bonds too.
Besides buying bonds, Howard
helps collect scrap paper, and in
the days of blackout practice he
was chief messenger for his OCD
area. He's a Boy Scout and has a
9.4 average in the eighth grade at
Powell Junior High School,
Howard likes football a lot. It's
his favorite sport, and he plays
with gang of the fellows" every
Saturday. There isn't any other
time for it because his paper route
keeps him busy from the time he
comes home from school until almost
suppertime
However, he says, "There1l be time
for that later'-when he goes to
Central High, or in between his
study of law or medicine Che hasn't
decided which, later on. His dad
was sergeant in the last war
and Howard says he's doing his best
to do his part in this one.
Evening star., 1944-12-08
Building Board
Asks for Court
On CodeCases
Detailed Regulations
Often Are Faulty,
Commissioners Told

The Washington Building Con-
gress today called for the creation
of building code board of appeals,
to free architects from the "straight-
Jacket" OF detailed regulations:
meanwhile, the Washington Guest
House Association charged that pro-
posed changes in the building codes
definition of place of assembly
would cost housing operators S.
100000 and drive 5000 operators into
bankruptcy.
Spokesman for the two organiza-
tions made their statements before
the Commissioners at public hear
ing on changes in the building and
electrical codes.
Louis Justement. chairman of the
Committee on Building Codes of the
Building Congress, said that, while
his organization realized the need
of protecting the public, he felt
some means must be found to re-
Ieve restrictions which are often
unwarranted by the condition af-
fecting particular cases"
10 ASSIST inspector.
Mr.. Justement said that in prac-
tice architects find that they are
being placed in straitjacket of
regulations and sometimes pre-
vented from achieving rational and
effective planning which would meet
the spirit of the law because the
logical design for given problem
Is in violation of one or more reg
ulations"
The proposed board would consist
of practicing architect, struc-
tural engineer, two mechanical en-
glneers and contractor appointed
by the Commissioners from nomina
tions made by local chapters of
national architectural, engineering
and building associations. 1t was
emphasized that the board was not
intended to reflect upon the build
Ing inspector, but to strengthen his
position by giving to the board far
greater discretionary power than
could rightly be allowed to any one
Individual"
Both Mr.. JuStement and Paul j.
Miller, president OF the guest house
group, opposed 2 code provision
which would define a place of public
assembly as room seating so per-
sons. Under existing regulations.
only places seating more than 200
are places of public assembly.
Jurisdiction Duplicated.
Mr.. Miller, who charged that the
proposed code would bankrupt thou
sands of operators, pleaded with
the Commissioners to exempt board
ing house dining rooms from the
definition. He claimed that it would
require new exits and installation of
flre-alarm systems.
Mr.. Miller also charged overlap
ping jurisdiction between inspectors
of the Health and Building De-
partments. Mr. Miller urged hous-
ing co-ordinator to act on licenses
for rooming and boarding houses,
with authority to settle disputes
among inspectors. The co-ordinator
would have power to recommend ap-
plications to the superintendent of
licenses.
Evening star., 1944-12-08
.'Nucky' Johnson Loses
Application for Parole

By the Associated Press.
The Federal Parole Board said
yesterday that Enoch L. (Nucky)
johnson, former New Jersey Re-
publican leader, and political boss
of Atlantic City, who was sentenced
in 194l to 10 years on an income ia,
violation, had been denied an appli-
cation for parole.
johnson became eligible for parole
on November 80.
1t Is Parole Board policy not to
make public its reasons for a denia
of parole.
Evening star., 1944-12-08
Kefouver to Address
Koppo Siqmo Dinner

Representative Kefauver, Demo-
crat, of Tennessee, will speak at
the 18th annual Kappa Sigma din
ner at I pm. tomorrow at the Hotel
Statler.
Other members of Congress in this
fraternity will be guests along with
members of the armed forces. Roy
st. Lewis, president, will preside.
Evening star., 1944-12-08

MODEL OF LUXURY HOTEL PLANNED FOR DISTRICT AREA
view of the model of proposed hotel
The Diplomat which hackers will be land
purchased from the Corby estate in Garrett
miles from the downtown area, materials avail
able CASTOR Yauyssen former the Regis
in New York vice president and managing
hotel concern said the financing of the structure will
be private He said the already purchased
will provide space for 8hoe golf courts
theater and ballroom that will accommodate 1000 couples
Evening star., 1944-12-08
State Nominees
Are Condemned
|At Clio Session
Clayton Is Called
One of Greatest
Reuctionaries in U. S.

Two national CIO officials, ad-
dressing the Maryland and District
OF Columbia Industrial Union Coun-
Gil Convention. today condemned
the Presidents reorganization of the
State Department.
Van A. Bittner. executive vice
president of the United Steel Work
ers, characterized the newly appoint
ed personnel of the State Depart
ment as forming Just about the
worst State Department this coun-
try ever had" Will Clayton, NOM
mated as Assistant Secretary. is
"one OF the greatest reactionaries in
America" Mr.. Bittner said.
There is not more reactionary
outfit in America than the cotton
association which Clayton heads,
Mr.. Bittner said.
Does Not Reflect People.
James B. Carey, secretary treas
urer of the national CIO, told the
200 delegates at the meeting at the
Willard Hotel that the type of State
Department now awaiting Senate
approval does not reflect the express
sion of the peoples will in the last
election.
Mr.. Bittner, member of the War
Labor Board, urged a revision in
the Little Steel formula in line with
what he called the rising costs of
living. He said even If higher wages
meant that prices would be pushed
upward further, the Government
could subsidize these prices.
That would be far better than
the Government substituting human
beings after the war" he declared.
Representative Eberharter, DEM
ocrat, of Pennsylvania warned the
delegates that if the social security
tax is frozen now it may mean that
the wage earners later will have to
pay such high tax there is danger
that the country won't be able to
stand it to meet the benefit pay-
ments.
The convention adopted the fol-
lowing resolutions:
Condemning the War Labor Board
for refusing to recommend a revis-
ion of the Little Steel formula.
Supporting reconversion policies
designed to make available 10000, ,oOC
jobs after the war.
Asking protection of Negroes dur
ing the layoff procedure when wal
production declines.
Gov. O'Conor of Maryland was
scheduled to address the delegates
at their final session this after
noon.
A resolution to continue anG
strengthen the Political Action Com
mlttee in Maryland was approved
yesterday soon after Tom Connor
State CIO political director. told the
20 delegates that the PAC had dis
trlbuted more than 1000, 900 pieces
Of literature throughout the State
during the last election campaign
and that the organization was pri-
marily responsible for overcoming
the lethargy of voters in the State.
Wants Active -Organiza ton.
He urged that the PAC be con-
tlnued, mot as a static committee
setup," but as an active organizat tior
penetrating into every ward ano
precinct.
Besides guaranteeing the rights OF
returning veterans to their old Jobs
the resolution pledging seniority
protection to veterans would pro-
vide seniority equivalent to the
length of service in the armed forces
to veterans entering industry for the
first time. The convention further
pledged itself to continue the pol.
icy of waving initiation fees fol
such veterans and to help former
servicemen obtain jobs, retrainine
and rehabilita ton.
Evening star., 1944-12-08
DR.. Rutland Orders
Precautions Against
Spread Of Ringworm

Announcing slight increase
not of epidemic proportions" in scalp
ringWorm in the District, DR.. George
c. Rutland, health officer, today
ordered BARRIERS to refuse to cut the
hair of any person showing signs
suggesting ringworm"-a rash or
scaling skin-to prevent spread of
infection.
DR.. Rutland made the announce
ment after the Board of Education
had expressed concern over out
breaks of ringworm in other cities
and asked him for figures on Incl
dence here. While he has as yet
no figures, DR. Rutland said, a pre-
liminary survey of school doctors
showed a few more" cases than
usual in about half the 200 public
and private schools in the District
Childrens Hospital treated ST cases
in October and November, however,
compared to 20 in the same period
last year.
Order to Be Issued Today.
But this is not an epidemic" DR..
Melvin Isaminger of the Health De-
partment said He said the official
| order from DR.. Rutland to the bar
bers would be sent out late this
afternoon.
Meanwhile the boards inquiry into
thu 1ao1tl, rot,rN1
children brought disclosure today of
26 vacancies-about 18 per cent
among the 142 nurses assigned by
the Health Department to care for
the 10000 students in this area.
The inquiry was first begun when
DR.. James A. Cannon, physician
member. quoted an article in The
Star reporting three vacancies on
the staff of 20 school doctors and
asked for further informa ton. A
QUESTIONABLE will be sent next week
to all public school principals asking
them if they have noticed any bad
effects from the shortages of doc
tors and nurses who are supposed
to examine pupils at regular inter-
walls, prescribe and carry out treat
ment for them.
| More Scarlet Fever Cases.
The replies of principals will be
reported to the next board meeting
December 20, Robert L. Haycock, su-
perintendent of schools. said.
Scarlet fever has also appeared
with greater frequency in the Dis
trict during the past few weeks, the
Health Department added. Parents
were warned to watch for sore
throats or vomiting. This has been
year of high scarlet fever Incl
dence, 3,400 cases appearing since
January l. in contrast to 686 cases
the year before, DR.. Ruhland added
Evening star., 1944-12-08
Envoy to Be Speaker

Speaker at the weekly luncheon of
the Harvard Club scheduled for 10
am. tomorrow at the Annapolis
Hotel. will be L. B. Pearson, Cana
dian Minister Plenipotentiary. His
subject will be Canada During and
After the War"
Evening star., 1944-12-08
Speech on Lunquuoes

Francisco Aguilera. Spanish lee
turer at National University, will
speak on Languages and Int r.
Americanism" at 10 am. tomorrow
at Howard University.
Evening star., 1944-12-08
Gets Bur Group Post

Miss Sophronia j. Lasica, 1898
North Upland street, Arlington. in
structor in legal research at South
eastern University Law School, has
been named director for the State
of Virginia in the National Asso-
citation of Women Lawyers.
Evening star., 1944-12-08
II District Men Report
Ito Armed Forces TODAY

Another group Of II District mer
have been ordered to report for in
duction into the armed forces il
Baltimore today. They are:
Arnone, James Harley, Henry z.
Root, Henry E. Pare, Richard
Speakes, Ralph r. Van Storey, Thad.
Mackenzie, Victor c. Walker, John T.
Henderson, Fred 8. Gales, Arthur n
Mead. Rollin P. Wallace, Edward
Rogers, Paul B. Bundy Steven H.
Brown, John Price, Elmer
GalloWav nuyer