Evening star., 1963-04-30
Murray Is Among
Those Directing .
At House Session
BY SAM EASTMAN
star staff Writer

In general, opponents OF the
proposed legislation argued that
1t might we'll benefit the crimi-
nal more than the law-abiding
citizen.
The testimony was given be-
fore a House District Subcom-
mittee hearing on a dozen
crime-fighting bills for WASH
ington.
The provisions of the Com
missioners' dangerous weapons
bill were defended by Assistant
Corporation Counsel Gilbert
Gimble.
Defended by GimbIe
Mr.. Gimble explained that
the city's present law requires
a person to have a permit to
carry the gun. but that no per-
init is required for possession
Of a gun.
Under the proposed legisla-
ton. the Commissioners would
be required to issue a permit
for possession Of the pistol II
the applicant met certain
standards. These standards in
clude good moral character,
satisfactory medical history, a
minimum age Of Is years, ex-
perience with firearms cor
other relevant matters"
The Commissioners. under
the proposed bill. would have
discretionary authority on is
Suance Of a permit for carrying
a pistol. Here, again, general
standards are cited in the leg
lslation.
Murray Is Dubious
In a written statement, Po-
lice Chief Robert v. Murray
said:
II must honestly testify to-
this committee that / am
doubtful that it (the Commits
sioners' bilD would be over !
whelmingly effective in remov-
ing dangerous weapons from
the hands Of criminals"
Chief Murray. who said he
thought the answer lies in "a |
more vigorous prosecution" Of
existing weapons laws, said the
bills registration provisions:
". would impose a restric-
ton on responsible citizens
without really assuring that
dangerous weapons would be
less accessible to criminals"
In his testimony. MIR. Gimble
argued that the bill would not
place any undue restrictions on
a law-abiding resident who
wanted to keep q handgun at
his home or place Of business.
Mr.. Gimble said the proposed
legislation certainly would not
restrict gun clubs. sportsmen
or responsible activities.
DingeIl Critical
One of the sharpest attacks
on the bill, and on another
weapons-control measure intro
duced by Representative Null
ter. Democrat of New York,
came from Representative Din
gell, Democrat Of Michigan.
Mr.. Dingell said the Com
missioners' proposals would
have the effect Of disarming a
law-abiding resident so that he
cannot protect his family or
business.
The Congressman said that
David Acheson. United States
Attorney for the District, land
other do-gooders" should "dedi-
cate themselves to using cur
rent tools and prosecute to the
limit Of the law.
Apparent support for this
viewpoint was expressed by
Representative Whitener. chair
man Of the House District Sub
committee, who cited an exist
ing law that provides the Judge
with authority TO impose heavy
penalties, up TO 30-year prison
terms for the fourth conviction
of committing a felony while
armed.
Other Reservations
Another subcommittee men,
ber, Representative Harsha,
Republican OF Ohio. also said
he has VERY grave reserva-
tions" about the desirability OF
enacting the bill.
In his testimony, Chief MUIR
ray repeated his support for
an amendment 10 the Mallory
court ruling on confessions and
for enactment OF legislation TO
give police authority TO ques-
tion criminal suspects and ma
terial witnesses.
Chief Murray's position that
the Mallory decision, which
threw out a confession because
OF the length Of time between
arrest and arraignment. and
the Commissioners banning of
investiRative arrests have Sc
verely hampered operations OF
his department, received sup
port from Stanley r. Schrotel,
police chief OF Cincinnati.
Chief Schotel. who heads the
International Association OF
Chiefs OF Police, said CHIEF
Murray's position was shared
by top police officials. Chief
Schrotel expressed fear that
the local restrictions might
spread TO other jurisdictions.