Evening star., 1946-04-08
BY the Associated 1ress


Discovery Of speeding clouds of
electrically charged gases which
hurtle from the sun into upper
layers Of the earths atmosphere and
seriously disturb radio communica-
lions was announced today by H.
w Wells. j. w. Watts and d. E.
George OF the Washington Carnegie
Institution staff.
The three scientists studied mag
netlc stornls-intervals when the
ionosphere, or electrically charged
region of the earth's outer at
mosphere, undergoes fluctuations
which result in fading or disappear
ance of radio signals. Utilizing a
new technique for recording phe-
nomena in the upper layers of the
earth's atmosphere. the scientists
found clouds of charged matter
rushing into the ionosphere and out
again in intervals OF few minutes.
These clouds are said by their dis
coverers to be the result of bonn
bardment OF the earths atmosphere
might well have been true. He added
that no matter how strong jail you
had, there was the human element
Of administration.
The commissioner was asked
whether it was policy of the police
department to assign policemen with
records like at least one of those who
was guarding the death cell last week
to such duty.
Il should think not" Mr. Young
replied. But this was the first time
We were asked to furnish metropol-
itan policemen as guards.
Divided Authority Blamed.
He said the request came from
the superintendent of police, who
had received il from the Welfare
Board.
DO You think" pressed MI
Hebert, that Jail breaks can be
traced to lack OF central respon-
sibility?"
Yes, I do, Mr. Young replied
DO you think if the Commls-
sioners had direct responsibility the
chances of Jail breaks would be
Mr.. Hebert asked.
Mr. Young replied indirectly He
pointed out that there were nine
members of the Welfare Board and
it was hard to get them together to
discuss even urgent matters, while
the three Commissioners or at least
two of them. we're always available
for instant decisions if necessary.
Suppose you had a riot at the
jail Nh. O'Hara suggested would
the authorities there have to go
through the Welfare Board to get
help"
Mr Young said he presumed in
that event the Metropolitan Police
would go into action
waiting for any request to
20 through channels.
Blames Welfare Board.
To sum up Your testimony .
Hebert said. you place
for conditions at the
District Jail directly on the We'll
fare Board?" +
L do" said M. Young.
The committee will not permit any
testimony IN the record regarding
friction of personalities. Representa-
tive Hebert said at the opening
Of the session.
Congress has waited too long TO
set up some good form of govern
ment' for the District, he asserted.
Until We have it. we cannot
avoid this maze Of confusion" he
commented We believe. however,
that We can provide beacon for
future guidance
Corporation Counsel Vernon E.
West. the first witness. urged pas
sage of a bill TO strip the Board |
Of Public Welfare of its powers and
to place control of the penal system
in the Commissioners.
Federal Control Discussed.
Questioned by Representative
Combs. Mr.. West said it would be
legally possible to place the prison
system under the Federal Bureau
If Prisons. but noted the District .
1f Columbia would have even less
control over its prisons.
The Government would operate
1ur institutions and We would pay
for it he said. The Commissioners
loW have no authority over the
actions of the Welfare Board. he
continued, and could not have placed
at the Jail without ap-
oyoyaI of the Welfare Board.
AIr. West pointed out that the
Commi ,&ionerS can appoint en-
0loyes of the Welfare Board only
On the recommendation of the board
The board cannot appoint without
approval of the Commissioners, he