Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-03-17
CLEVELAND PARK ENGINE
Commissioners Have No Authority to Buy
Chemical, as Desired
Controller Tracewell Decides That q
Specific Appropriation VIII
BE Necessary.

Controller Tracewell of the treasury has
notified the District Commissioners that
they are Without authority of law for the
purchase of the small chemical engine
winch it was proposed to locate in Cleve-
land Park. AS heretofore explained, the
Commissioners were requested by the resi-
dents of this suburb to take such action
and 1t being question whether the piece of
apparatus contemplated, costing about 500.
could be purchased out Of the appropria-
ton designated in the current District ap-
preparation act repairs of apparatus and
new appliances the matter was referred
by the Commissioners to the controller for
his opinion
1t was thought by the Commissioners that
the word Appliances has a sufficiently
wioe significance to admit of the purchase
OF this apparatus, 1t being explained by
enem that on some occasions in the past
nose reels and other pieces of apparatus
were purchased out of this appropriation.
But for the purchase Of apparatus involv-
ing large expenditures specific appropria-
IONS nave been made. for the reason that
the usual appropriations have not been
sufficiently large.
How the Clause Must BE Read.
The controller explains, in his decision,
that If the appropriation stood alone. or If
1t were made for the first time, it would.
perhaps, be admissible to give the word
appliances" the meaning suggested by the
Commissioners. and to hold that the appro-
priation so designated is available for the
purchase Of any new appliances for the
JUNCTION OF fire. The clause, however he
holds. must be read In the light of the rest
OF the act, and of similar appropriations for
the same objects. Since 1885 the appropria-
tlon acts, he states. have each year con-
tained an appropriation for repairs to ap-
paratus. and new appliances" and yet
tnese same acts contain numerous specific
appropriations for the purchase of new en-
g'neS, trucks, etc. While it Is true that in
many cases the amount provided for the
new apparatus is in excess of the appro-
pr1ation for repairs and appliances. it is
equally true, he says, that in many in
stances specific authority is given TO pur-
chase hose carriage or a chemical, engine
al price well within the amount of that
appropriation.
Intention of COngrexs
FROM this it would appear says the
controller, ito have been the intention of
Congress from the beginning to provide
specifically for any increase of the fire lie
Partment in the way of new engines or ap-
paratus. and this belief is strengthened by
Inc fact that for several years past appro-
priatlonS for steam engines chemical en-
g1nes, trucks and hose carriages have been
paced by Congress under a specific sub
mead OF appropriation for increase fire de-
psrtment,' and appropriations for these OBJ
3ects have been supplemented by specific
provision for places to house and man the
additional apparatus. For the reasons given
above. l am of the opinion, and so decide
mat there Is no authority for the purchase
OF Inc chemical engine to which you refer
In view of the controllers decision 1t is
not Improbable that the Commissioners will
request the Senate to add to the pending
District appropriation act the authority and
funds necessary for the purchase Of this
piece of appai atus.