Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-10-27
HOUSING CONDITIONS
MIR. BALL DESCRIBES WORK OF
NEW YORK DEPARTMENT.
Suggested Amendments to Local Laws
Recommended by Former In
spector of Plumbing.

Commissioner Mcfarland had visit yes
terday from Mr.. Charles b. Ball, who was
the Inspector Of plumbing of the District
until January. 1902. when he resigned to
take an important place In the tenement
house department of New York city. Mr..
Ball described to Mr.. Mcfarland the
growth of the department Of which he has
charge. which was founded two years ago,
and the good results of its work in improv-
ing housing conditions ',s-
Mr.. Bali feels that the District might
copy with advantage some OF the building
requirements In the New York law. espe-
cially for fire protection and for light and
ventilation. and he offered cooperation in
this direction. He left with the Commits
sioner copies Of the New York law and the
following letter which Commissioner Mac
farland. thanking him for his interest,
promised to bring before the Commission
ers
although my active connection with the
work of the District Offices ceased nearly
two years since. I still cherish a lively In
terest In Washington affairs. and desire IN
every way to promote the advancement or
the capital city. 'ts-t no.
I'm connection with the work OF the tene-
ment house department under the new law
I have sometimes queried whether some OF
It's provisions might not properly be applied
to the construction of apartment houses In
Washington. It is, of course. self-evident
that no tenement houses. such as they exist
in New York. are likely to be constructed in
Washington, but the provisions of this law
are SO desirable for all types of apartment
and fiat houses that feel sure 1t Is not
undesirable to consider whether in some
particulars the buildings of these classes
now being built in Washington might be
subject to possible Improvement. l have
not sufficient familiarity with the details
of the Washington requirements to note
what changes. II any. are desirable. but 1t
occurs to me that In the matter Of fire pro-
lection. and possibly In regard to the ar
rangements for light and ventilation. some
of the requirements of this law might be
considered with good results.
Washington Building Laws.
1T would be my suggestion that the tene-
ment house act be looked through with
this matter in view by some person who Is
familiar with the Washington building laws.
and that If 1t were found to be desirable a
commission. consisting Of District off,
cial. an architect and possibly builder.
should be appointed to consider in consider
able detail the points which 1t might be
thought would result In Improvement in the
Washington practice. .
~ inclose herewith three copies Of the
law of 1901 amended in 1903 and take
pleasure in assuring you Of the hearty CO.
operation OF all the officials Of the tenement
house department, should 1t seem to you
wise to take any action in this matter.
The deputy commissioner. Mr.. Lawrence
WELLER. who Is entirely familiar with the
intent and operation of every detail Of this
law. assures me that If committee were
appointed for this purpose he would be very
glad to have conference with them, to
give them the benefit of his experience in
these mat