Evening star., 1951-10-03

Member Of House
From Nebraska
Representative Karl Stefan,
Nebraska Republican who was a
champion of District interests,
died yesterday at George Wash
ington University Hospital after a
heart attack.
The 67-year-old Nebraskan suf-
lfered a failure of the circulatory
system Monday, a day after he
had entered the hospital COM
planning of backaches and intes-
tinal disturbances.
His illness Stemmed from q long
siege of virus influenza suffered
last winter. Although he did not
feel fully recovered, he returned
to his capitol duties and last
month went to San Francisco as
a congressional observer at the
signing of the Japanese peace
treaty.
Memorial Rites Held.
Friends in Congress, of whom
he had many, were shocked when
one of his intimates. Representa-
tive Flood, Democrat, of Pennsyl-
vania broke the news of his ILL
ness.
The House had adjourned be-
fore news of his death reached the
Capitol. Following tradition, the
House conducted a memorial
service for Mr.. Stefan at noon
today.
The Commissioners today adopt
ed a resolution expressing their
regret at his death.
The resolution said:
"The Board of Commissioners
of the District of Columbia have
learned with deep regret that the
Hon. Karl Stefan, Congressman
from the State of Nebraska, died
on Tuesday, October 2, 1851.
1 "Mr. Stefan was a sincere friend
of the District Government and
the citizens of the District of Co.
Flumbia. AS ranking Republican
member of the House Appropria.
tions subcommittee on District
appropriations, he took an active
interest in District affairs. He
not only spent much of his time
at the Capitol on District affairs
but also unselfishly used his time
for the benefit of the citizens o1
the District, in making visits t.
District departments to gain first
hand information on their opera
ltion. His broad knowledge of Dis
trict affairs made his services on
the Appropriations Committee in
valuable to the District.
i Family Extended Sympathy
ellis loss will be keenly felt and
his memory will be cherished by
his many friends in the District
|of Columbia.
"The Commissioners of the Dis
Itrict Of Columbia, in board meet
ling assembled. extend to his
widow and family their heartfelt
sympathy.
This resolution will be for
warded to Mrs. Stefan and copy
will be spread on the minutes OF
the Board Of Commissioners"
| Mr.. Stefan's link with the Dis
trict came through his ranking
minority position on the Appropri-
ations Committee which handles
the District budget.
The Nebraskan who had served
the agricultural Sd district of his
State since January 3, 1885, had a
keen awareneSs of District needs
| He was esteemed as one who
could see perplexing fiscal prob
lens in their proper light. par
ticularly the increase of tax
exempt land throwing additional
burdens on District residents.
While he urged a continuation
Of the Commissioner form of Gov
ernment, he also favored District
representation in Congress.
Congress Views Protested.
| In this light he once said the
District was in a state of vassa-
lage" and suggested that Congress
should stop thinking so much
about Washington as the "seat of
the Government" and concentrate
more on "the heart and intellect
of Government"
Once early in an interview he
expressed himself this way:
I'VE want to be equitable in our
treatment of the District. The
government of the District is
simply an agency of the United
States for conducting the affairs
Iof this Federal District. If we
abuse our power. we hurt not only
the citizens of the District but
also our constituents back home. -
1 Born in Zebrakov, Bohemia now
Czechoslovakia) Mr.. Stefan was
brought to this country as an in.
FAINT. Before entering politics, he
had varied career as telegrapher
newspaper reporter and editor
and radio commentator.
His telegraphic career began as
a Western Union messenger and
played a dramatic part in his life
In 1904 he went to the Philip
pines as a telegrapher in the
Constabulary and fought against
the inSurrectionist, Gen. Felizardo
] Awarded Philippine Medal.
He made friendships which he
maintained for years and when
the Japanese invaded the islands
he broadcast messages of en-
couragement to the Filipinos, CIV
ing heart to the guerrillas who
continued to fight.
AS a reward. in 1946, Mr.. Stefan
was presented with Philippine
military Merit Medal. It was
PINNED on his breast by Gen
lTarloS . Pnyn,,1n m habo1f ~