davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1949-12-15
Taxing Of Utility Bills
Fought by Alexandra
Woman Voters Grour

A proposed tax on utility bills
today was criticized by the Alex
andria League of Women Voters
which termed the tariff "a spe-
cialized sales tax"
In a letter to city councilmen
the league said little opportunity
has been given the public to dis
cuss the tax on which the 1850
budget is based. City Manager
Guy Ancell last week proposed q
10 per cent utility tax for the 1850
budget which takes effect Jan
uary !. The city council would
have authority to levy the tax
under provisions of the proposed
city charter now being studied.
This type of tax seems to be
a regressive one, which hits
hardest on those least able to pay"
said the league. while it is called
a utility tax, it is nothing less than
q specialized sales tax"
A league spokesman said a fam
lily that could not afford to send
clothes to the laundry would be
taxed for the extra water and elec-
tricity used by washing and IRON
ing at home.
Before we add a regressive tax
such as this to our patchwork
quilt local and State tax struc-
ture," the league declared, "citi-
zers need to satisfy themselves
that all the basic tax resources
are now being explored and uti-
lized."
Complaining that the public will
have little chance to object to the
tax before the budget takes effect
the. league recalled that 1t re-
peatedly has urged City Council.
to make budget proposals public
far in advance Of its adoption.
The proposed 1850 budget was
presented to City Council last week
by MIR. Ancell and public hearing
is to be held December ~. The
budget must be adopted before
January /. Mr.. Ancell has esti-
mated the 10 per cent utility tax
would bring In. about $4,000
Evening star., 1949-12-15
Alexandra Woman S Death
Attributed 10 Heart AiImenf

The death Of Mrs. Lena Mer-
chant, 40, after an alteration at
her home Tuesday resulted from
a heart condition, according to
DR.. John A. Sims, Alexandria
coroner.
After the coroner's report, po-
lice yesterday dropped a man
slaughter investigation against
Donald Rainey, Il, Of 211 West
Glebe road, Alexandria. Rainey
was accused Of striking Mrs. Mer-
chant, his mother-in-law. Police
said the coroner's report showed
the blows did not cause her death.
Rainey YVES arrested Tuesday
after the death Of Mrs. Merchant
at her home. 225 Lynhaven drive
Alexandria. AS a result Of the
alteration, Rainey was fined $51
and given a 30-day suspended jail
sentence on assault and battery
charges brought by his wife
Dorothy. Mrs. Merchant was said
to have been struck when she
tried to break up a dispute be-
tween her daughter and son-in-
law. She died an hour later.
Evening star., 1949-12-15
Nine al Maryland u. Get
Regular Army Commissions

The Army announced yesterday
that nine ROTC students from
the class Of 1850 at the University
LOT Maryland had been appointed
second lieutenants IN the Regular
Army.
The men were selected on the
basis of distinguished records In
military science and tactics
courses. The students are:
James M. Henderson, Chevy
| Chase, to the Transportation
Corps; James H. johnson, Berwyn,
to the Infantry; Joseph L. Mccoy.
Baltimore, to the Cavalry: Harold
Is. McGay, Greenbelt, to the
Transportation Corps: George A.
Millener, jr., Williamsport, to the
Infantry; Russell Perry, Green
belt, to the Transportation Corps;
Alfred G. Sapp. Fort Meade, to
the Infantry: Oryille M. Weston,
jr., Hagerstown. to the Trans
portation Corps, and William E.
White. Washington. to the In
fantry.
Evening star., 1949-12-15
Faith Lutheran Choirs
Will Present Concert

The four choirs Of Faith Lu-
Htheran Church will present theil
annual :hristmas concert at pm
Sunday In the church, Lee boule-
ward and jackson street, Airing.
ton.
On December "a at 8 and II
pm, candlelight services will be
held with the Rev. Robert w
Long, pastor, preaching on The
Christmas Pilgrimage"
Evening star., 1949-12-15

The work Of putting In new
underpinning for the weakened
outer walls, which are to be pre-
served, Is being done by Spencer,
White and Prentis Of New York.
Masterminds of underpinning, they
did similar work for most Of the
buildings along the New York sub
ways. The firm was given the con-
tract by John McShain, Inc, the
construction firm that was warded
the work of renovating the White
House from top to bottom.
Mr.. Winslow said the foundation
work will take about six or seven
months. Holes are being dug now
at every corner of the mansion.
The present White House founda-
tions extend only five feet below
the surface. The underpinning was
sagging under the weight imposed
on the outer walls during different
periods of White House recon-
struction.
To 25-foot Depth.
The new underpinnings will 60
down IS feet to a hard terrain Of
clay and gravel. The additional
depth of the foundations will per-
NIT installation of..a basement for
the first time.
Workmen will dig under the old
foundations, putting in the new
underpinning without removing
the outer walls. It is a delicate
but none too difficult engineering
LOB.
When drills and picks exposed
some Of the stone and brick in
side the White House. after its
condition became known. they
found marks Of the fire started
by the British on August "a. 1914.
Throughout the job that must
now be done, q vigilant watch will
be kept for other such signs or
indications of structural weak
ness.
The main building Of what now
constitutes the White House is the
only structure that Is to be reno
vated. It is about ITO feet long
by IS feet wide. indicating the
extent of the work that must be
done to make it safe for 100 years
ior longer.
The earliest time estimated for
completion Of the whole job Is
THANKSGIVING Day of 1851.
Evening star., 1949-12-15
.zoning Change Urged
In Wheaton Hills Area

Approval by the Montgomery
County officials Of a request for a
change in zoning to permit erec-
ton of semidetached homes at
Georgia and Blue Ridge avenues,
Wheaton Hills, was urged last
night by the Wheaton Chamber Of
Commerce. 49,
The resolution. addressed to the
Maryland-National Capital Park
and Planning Commission, asked
that the land involved be rezoned
from residential A to B.
Such change, the chamber
said, would permit the Simon
Construction Co. to build about
rs semidetached homes there.
The group contended the project
would serve as a buffer between
the community's residential and
commercial areas. -.. --
In addition, 1t was pointed out,
that the site is not proper" for
single-family homes because it Is
opposite a Hing station.
Philip Hauser, acting director Of
the Census Bureau, informed the
chamber in a letter that while no
separate census of the Wheaton
trading area would be published.
the results would be made avail
able to the organization. -
The area is bounded by Ken
sington on the west, Forest Glen
road on the south, Sligo Creek and
Camp Mill road on the east and
Aspen Hill road on the north.
Ceremonies marking the light
ing of a giant candle at Wheaton
and about SO smaller candles along
Georgia avenue will be held De-
|cember %, it was announced at
the chambers meeting in Glen
mont School.
Evening star., 1949-12-15
Two Prince Georges Men
Hurt Critically in Crash

Two Prince Georges County
men were hurt critically early to-
day when their car hit a culvert
and a tree on Edmonston road,
county police reported.
Jack c. Parsons. 80, Of 1926
Baltimore boulevard, Berwyn, and
Edward F. Suit, "a, Of 17-F Ridge
road, Greenbelt, were admitted to
Prince Georges General Hospital
with head injuries described by
attendants as critical"
The accident occurred about
- am,
Evening star., 1949-12-15
Counties Take Steps
To Recoup Any Losses
Due 10 Tax Decision
BY q Staff Correspondent Of The ssar

FREDERICK, Md. Dec. 15.-Pre-
iminary steps aimed at recouping
any financial losses Maryland
counties might suffer as the result
of a court decision throwing out
the plan under which, real estate
is assessed, were taken yesterday
by the Western Shore County Com
missioners' Association. :.
The commissioners acted at the
semi annual meeting in the Fran
els Scott Key Hotel. All but
three of the States counties were
represented by the so persons in
attendance. most Of them COM
missioners.
Montgomery County was repre-
sented by Frederic P. Lee; Mrs.
Dorothy Himstead; A. S. Selby and
Thomas c. Kelley. Prince Georges
County was represented by Attor-
ney Jerrold v. Powers. commits
sioners' counsel. Prince Georges
School Supt. G. Gardner Shugart
also was present.
The meeting instructed its Leg
islative Committee to prepare
basic legislation to be presented at
the Maryland General Assembly's
regular session in February. De-
tails Of the proposal were left to
the committee, which was asked
to report at a special meeting to
be held later.
Any action, 1t was pointed out,
hinges on the outcome of an ap-
peal to the State Court of Appeals
from a decision last week in CAL
vert County by Circuit Judge John
Gray. ,jr.
Judge Gray ruled that the plan
under which the property Of some
Maryland residents is reassessed
every year is invalid. While up
holding the validity Of the con-
tinuous reassessment law, the
jurist asserted the method devel-
oped by the State Tax Commis-
sion to implement 1t is illegal.
Evening star., 1949-12-15
| Parking Meter
Penalties Eosed
In Mortinsburq
Special Di,poteh 10 The siar

MARTINSBURG, w. Va, Dec
15.-Violators of the parking
meters here will get break-if
they are punctual in responding
Heretofore the minimum pen
atty for any violation has been 81
Under a plan announced today by
traffic officers a violator who re-
ports to headquarters within a
few minutes of the time he was
tagged will be permitted to de-
tposit a nickel in special meter at
headquarters. and not be fined;
it he reports within two days he
will be fined 81; If he delays longer
than that the penalty will be
from 50 to SO.
Evening star., 1949-12-15
By Nelson M. Shepard

BY Nelson m. ShePord
Workmen were digging today
to unearth the cornerstone Of the
White House. laid October l3,
1892.
Discovery of the historic stone,
believed to be located in the
southwest corner, was expected in
a day or so. as work started late
yesterday on the underpinning for
the outer wall at that point.
!. squad of shovelmen labored
for news pictures, digging a trench
extending eastward from the
southwest corner along the outer
wall. Interest in the official start
of the foundation work was
heightened when Lorenzo s.
Winslow, architect Of the White
House, said the cornerstone GER
tainly ought to be found at that
point If mine detectors know
their business.
About two years ago q mine
detector was used in an effort to
locate the brass plate affixed to
the White. House cornerstone on
the day it was laid In the pres
ence of President George WASH
ington. Mr.. Winslow explained
the detector had indicated the
stone was located in that par
ticular corner.
"It may require some digging
inside, but we ought to find 1t
very shortly" he added.
Rusty Pipe Unearthed.
When work stopped yesterday
the excavation was a couple OF
feet deep In the trench. Exposed
was a rusty water main, which
will be taken out.
The exterior wall showed light
gray sandstone originally taken
from quarries on Aqua Creek. Va.
Crusted with dirt, it was difficult
to tell what the blocks Of stone
looked like. ..-
Sesquicentennial officials are
hoping to arrange a new laying OF
a White House cornerstone as a
highlight of next years celebra-
tion. Being one Of the most pre-
cious associations with the White
House, the stone will be carefully
preserved when it is discovered
and eventually replaced where 1t
was found.
Evening star., 1949-12-15
.BrodIey Boulevard Unit
TO Heur Frederic Lee

Frederic P. Lee, president OF
the Montgomery County Council,
will explain the functions OF
county government under the
charter system at meeting of
the Bradley Boulevard Citizens
Association at 8 pm. tomorrow in
the Congressional Country Club.
The recently elected officers will
preside. They are John Bozievich.
president: Mrs. j. o. Stuart, vice
president; Mrs. Kenneth H. Meyer,
secretary, and Mrs. William H.
McGrillis, treasurer.
All new residents Of the area
have been urged to attend.
Evening star., 1949-12-15
New Protest Is Presented
On Hume School Site

The Arlington School Board to-
day was studying renewal of a
protest from citizens in the south
ern part Of the county over the
location of a proposed new Hume
School site.
Lester r. Conley. secretary OF
the Arlington Ridge Civic Asso-
citation, transmitted resolution
to the board which expressed
grave concern" over the dis
regard Of the interests Of this
community" in the plan to acquire
a site on South Twenty-fourth
street. 8
The association said the need
for a replacement Of the existing
Hume School has gone unmet be-
cause school officials insist on q
site that will cost more than
$100, 900 while other available sites
would cost less.
Evening star., 1949-12-15
Best Decorated Homes
To Get Club Awards

Prizes for the best decorated ex-
terror of homes will be awarded
by the Avondale Garden Club In
cooperation with the Queens
Chapel Citizens Association, at z
pm. December 23 at Avondale,
Md.
Another feature Of the COM
munity's first Christmas celebra-
ton will be the illumination OF a
large tree In Avon circle from Sat-
urday through January 2.
Evening star., 1949-12-15
Youth, 18, Is Sought
For Questioning in
Staying at Berwyn

A police lookout has been
broadcast for Washington youth
wanted for questioning in serv-
ice station Staying at Berwyn,
Md.
Metropolitan police said the
young man is Is years old and
blond. with sandy-colored hair.
He is believed to be the same
youth who pulled a gun during
a traffic alteration early this
morning and threatened to kill
sailor in another car.
The police report said the man
is wanted by Prince Georges
County police at Hyattsville in
a homicide investigation. This
indicates a possible connection
with the shooting of Winston c.
Clay, jr- in the washroom of a
filling station on the Baltimore
boulevard at Berwyn last week.
It. Charles N. Thomson Of tn,
Prince Georges detective fore,
said the Clay case is the onl,
pending homicide investigation
there.
Metropolitan police said they
were told this story today by the
sailor, Thomas F. Austin. 20, at
tached to the U. S. S. Hoist al
Norfolk. Va. and visiting in the
1900 block of Spring street, Suit
land, Md:
About 1890 am. he was "cut
of" by another automobile as he
drove past the Congressional Lii
brary. Irritated by the incident,
the sailor said he pulled alongside
the other vehicle at Eleventh
street and Pennsylvania avenue
Sc, and asked the two occupants
why he forced out Of his lane.
/ The passenger pulled a revolver,
pointing it at the sailor. and told
him to "scram" If he didn't want
his head blown off. The sailor
said he trailed the Car as far as
Minnesota avenue and Randall
circle Sc. but then lost it.
He said the car was a black
1889 Hudson coupe and was
equipped with a Florida license,
the number Of which he furnished
police. 4
Young Clay, who was 18, was
shot to death with two bullets
from a .22-caliber revolver while
he was tending the Kirwan Sun
oco Station. No. 2. alone the morn
ling Of December 6.
Detectives said he was robbed
lof approximately $120, but that
| the assailant overlooked $78 OF
his personal money IN wallet
carried In the hip pocket Of his
trousers. The. assailant also
failed to pick up a coin changer
which fell to the washroom floor
| It contained $12.
Evening star., 1949-12-15
Relief Request
by Lane May
Slow Assembly
Debate Seen on Funds
For JobIess, but School
Bill Is Sure to Pass
By J. B. Zotmun

Prospects for speedy action at
Saturdays special session of the
Maryland General Assembly in
Annapolis were dimmed today as
a result of Gov. Lanes proposal
last night for a 100000 appropri-
alton from State surplus for un-
employment relief.
The special session was called
originally for the sole purpose Of
re-enacting a $5o,o0o,0O0 school
building loan bill. The measure
was invalidated by the Court Of
Appeals because of a technical
error.
A survey of legislative delega-
tions from Montgomery and Prince
Georges Counties revealed they do
not plan to sponsor any bills at
the session.
Although the school bond bill is
certain to be given quick ap-
proval, it looks as if the proposed
unemployment relief measure will
stir some debate.
Objections Voiced.
Several members from the coun-
ties objected to a provision calling
for 100000 in matching funds
from the various subdivisions.
And Delegate Horace Whitworth,
Republican. of Allegany County,
commented that "hasty legislation
is worse than no legislation"
Senator Robert B. Kimble, Re-
publican, of Allegany County, who
had planned to introduce jobless
relief bills of his own, expressed
himself as greatly pleased by the
Governors action the Associated
Press reported.
He added, however, that he wants
to confer with the Democratic
Governor before the special ses-
sion gets underway. His ideas on
the subject, he explained, go fur
ther than the Governors.
Other Requests Listed.
In addition to a 100000 State
appropriation, he said, he also
wants the legislature to:
/. Adopt resolution calling on
the Secretary of Agriculture to dis
tribute surplus foodstuffs to the
needy in Maryland.
2. Amend the State unemploy-
ment compensation law so that
workers would be eligible for 13
extra benefit weeks year. The
maximum now is 26 weeks.
Senator Kimble said he would
use every means in his power-and
that presumably includes a long
door battle, if necessary-to get
his surplus food resolution through.
But, he said he would be willing
to postpone introduction of his
unemployment compensation bill
until the regular 1850 session If.
in the meantime. the Governor
would have special study made
of the need for such legislation.
| Would Extend Coyerage.
In announcing that the admin
istration would back the $500. 900
relief bill, Gov. Lane said the
money would be used to extend
coverage of the State Department
of Welfare assistance program for
a temporary period, and provide
for individual families who are in
need primarily because of un.
employment and who have been
excluded under the departments
regulations"
The announcement came after
the Governor conferred with State
welfare and fiscal officials.
There are now some $4,000
Marylanders who have exhausted
unemployment compensation ben
efits to which they were entitled
for the IL months started Auril /.
Under department welfare reg
ulations, such persons are not
eligible for further public as
sistance until next April.
Evening star., 1949-12-15
.Yule Tree Lighting Set
At North ForrestviIIe

North Forrestvil1e, Md, will
light town Christmas tree at
pm. Sunday In the towns public
park.
Gifts will be distributed to chill
dren by Santa Claus and a COM
imunity sing will be held.
Evening star., 1949-12-15
ARLINGTON Center Sermon

Rabbi Ira Sud will deliver SER
mon on 1.-THE Coat Of Many Colors"
and bless the new moon Of Tevet
at $3.50 pm. tomorrow at the
] Arlington Jewish Center.
Evening star., 1949-12-15
Alexandria 'Y' Program

A Christmas program featuring
Emmanuel Episcopal Church
Choir and the Cecilian Carolers OF
the Garthoff Studio will be pre-
sented at 8 pm. Sunday at the
Alexandria YWCA.
Evening star., 1949-12-15
Young Democrats Purty

The Young Mems Democratic
club Of Prince Georges County will
hold its fourth annual Christmas
party Tuesday at the Silver Hill
Club, 1t is announced by Perce
Wolfe. president.
Evening star., 1949-12-15
Kensinqton to Hear Chorus

The Kensington (Mdo Chamber
Of Commerce will present the VII
lage Singers, a Is mixed chorus.
at $3.50 pm. Saturday In the Ken
|sington Junior High School Audi
torium.
Evening star., 1949-12-15
Supper and Gift Sole

A supper and and q gift sale
will be held at I pm. by the For
estville ,(Va.) Parent Teacher
Association at the school,.
Evening star., 1949-12-15


Mount
of
William
r.
Evening star., 1949-11-13
EASY Spindrier
WITH GENTLE, EFFECTIVE AGITATOR ACTION
JUST $I4 DOWN DELIVERS
Balance on Convenient Monthly Terms

Big aluminium ogitotor gives gentle, effective
washer oction power-rinse gives clothes
thorough rnsino, then whirls them domp-dry (eet-
ting out up to 25% more Woter than q wringerD
Thermal Overload Switch prevents donnoge to
motor through overlooking, Aluminium tub, ex-
terror boked-on enamel finish, red Plastic bonds,
Coll MA $500 for Free Home Demonstrot ion. Coll \
factory trained experts. Genuine foctory parts.
LANSBURGHS MAJOR Appliance Store lls
fIsHssos seoenth Street Through ArchUa
Evening star., 1949-11-13
Gbe1~6 Televiisiion
Just $3l Down Delivers It!
balance Convenient Monthly Terms
2995o
plus tax
plus / .36 federal tax

Before Incompatible
Copehos! Copehos Preude brings the Clear brilliant
the rich beauty and fidelity Of tone thos endless delight! 12ch
tube all l2chonne totion smpIed and
butn oero! All quality you for!
Housed cabinet that's Handsomely mahogany
LANsBURGHs Appliance Store A seomh
Of IN
Evening star., 1949-11-13
70 .,,:a,,,eI appan Gas Rams
ALL THE DE LUXE FEATURES YOU WANT!
''': .'..'' 19995
ONLY $50 DOWN DELIVERS TT!
ONLY $50 DOWN DELIVERS TT:

ONLY $50 DOWN DELIVERS 1T!
(BoIonce Convenient Monthly Tems)
Your Toppon will make cooking pleasure! Wt till
lectures! divided Coetop with four
dvduo burners roll boasts electric clock with 3 hour
bobeoring broHer
pan grid storage compartment cutlery
utility Wo Ionge Buy and save!
MlnA Appliance Store SnthS
fEnhune svenhs sueH gArhGdyM IN Main
Evening star., 1949-03-25

Two Swedish Boy Scouts and
YMCA leaders are recording the
''bigness" Of Washington in pic
ture and prose for newspapers in
their home country today, as part
Of q Observation-Disclosures hitch
hiking tour Of most of the world.
They are AXE Georg Almen
Karlsson and Borje Jonsson. Of
Koping. who are surveying Boy
Scout and YMCA work under
sponsorship Of the newspaper
Bargslagsbladet. in their home
town. and other newspapers.
Carrying cameras and KNAPP
sacks, they have visited IS coun-
tries since the tour began in Del
icember. '1947. and have had 220
rides. by mule cart, trucks, cars,
trains and boats. They reached
this country March II from South
America. and in five or six months
plan to move on to New Zealand.
Australia and Arabia.
Things in Washington are pretty
much the same as in Sweden. Mr..
Karlsson reported. but bigger" /"
For instance. he said. they were
informed there are $4,000 scouts
in this city alone. as compared to
$4,000 in all Sweden!
The tourists. Mr.. Karlsson. a
clothing store clerk, and Mr..
Jonsson. an engineer. grew boards
in the Belgian Congo because of
the difficulty of shaving there.
But they shaved them OIL in
Evening star., 1949-03-25

noted that $4,000, 100000 pieces
shirts, ssheets, socks, were
sent to laundries here during the
year. This record wash" the
institute reported, weighed $780,
000,0 900 pounds.
Sales Of laundry service were up
3.3 per cent in Washington in
1948 over 1947. The wash Of the
rest Of the Nation averaged an
increase Of only 2.6 per cent.
The institute. Of course. did not
attempt to weigh the shirts,
Sheets, socks. ETC., which went
through home washin0 machines.
Statistically, home washing ma
chimes are not counted a. laun-
dries.
Evening star., 1949-03-25

Mississippi because they found "it
is easier to get ride" with q
smooth face. Mr.. Karlsson said.
They plan to write a book when
they return to Sweden In the
middle Of 1850. Saturday, they
will leave Washington for New
York. They are staying with Mr..
and Mrs. William Kenney. 2757
Woodley place NV. Mrs. Kenney
is Swedish.
Evening star., 1949-03-25
| District Known
| |AsCIeonest by
Its Dirty Linen

The American Institute of
Laundering reported today from
Joliet, ILL.,, that Washington,
D. c., was cleaner" In 1948 than
the average American city be-
cause it spent more money for
laundry.
How Washingtonians got their
linen 50 dirty was not explained
by the institute, which merely
Evening star., 1949-03-25
Nioht Workers to Meet

A meeting Of Washington area
Masons who work at night will be
held at 1880 pm. tomorrow in
the Masonic Temple. Thirteenth
street and New York avenue NV.
Edwin S. Bethlehem, jr. grand
master, will speak.
Evening star., 1949-03-25

latioh before Congress, at 8
o'clock tonight, before the Young
Democratic Club of Montgomery
County, in the Bethesda County
Building.
Evening star., 1949-03-25
Senator Humphrey to Speak

Senator Humphrey. Democrat,
of Minnesota will speak on the
Taft Hartley Act. and other legis-