Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-01-22

authorities are now hampered by the alb
sence of a specific law for these purposes.
They are compelled to revert to common
law practices The measure as presented
was carefully framed by the corporation
counsel upon information and advice from
the health officer the sanitary officer, the
police department and the board of chart
ties. Mr.. Macfariand explained the peculiar
situation in this city, where the authorities
are constantly called upon to deal with
various kinds of cranks Often immediate
action is necessary. The prevailing system
for permanent commitment Is satisfactory.
Chairman Babcock explained to the COM
mittee that some legislation was necessary
the subject. 1t had been before the COM
mittee several times. and now appeared to
be in an entirely satisfactory condition.
The bill was favorably considered and
report to the House ordered.
c. and o. Canal Bonds.
Commissioner West called attention to
the bill authorisinS the Commissioners to
sch the Chesapeake and Ohio canal bonds
now In the possession Of the District Of
Columbia. Mr.. West said that these bonds
long thought to be worthless, now have a
market. several offers and inquiries having
been made with regard to them He
thought the ball as presented was defective.
In that 1t did not specify that the sale
should be public. He asked that it be
withheld and said a new bill would be
presented by the Commissioners.
House bill 1922. providing for the num-
bering of squares and lots outside the city
according to a uniform system. so as to do
away with the designation Of subdivisions
in describing the property for the purposes
of taxation and assessment, was briefly con-
sidered and laid aside for future action.
Col Biddle called up House bill 1898,
amending the union station act. by Great
ing commission to pass upon the c0ndem-
nation of property. If the owners and the
authorities are satisfied with the decision
of the commission it would obviate the
slow processes of the courts. The right
of appeal Is. of course, reserved to either
party. The committee desired to look into
the matter further. and 1t was laid aside.
Naming Of Streets
At the suggestion of Col. Biddle House
bill 1924. authorizing the Commissioners to
name rename streets outside the city
limits under such system as they may see
fit to adopt. was next considered. 1t met
the approval of the committee and favor
able report was ordered.
Col BiddIe also called up House bill 1860,
in relation to bonds contracts. Col. Bid
die explained that under the organic act
the Commissioners are compelled to require
bonds from contractors in sum equal to
the amount of the contract. To meet the
premiums on these heavy bonds the con-
tractors increase the amound of their bids,
and in this way the District Is forced to
pay the premium Col. Biddle said the bill
authorized the acceptance of bonds equal to
% per cent of the contract, and the Com
missioners thought this entirely sufficient
A favorable report was ordered by the COM
Inittee.
At the conclusion of the hearing Commits
missioner Mcfarland discussed informally
with Chairman Babcock two bills which
had not been reached prior to the hour set
for adjournment. One of these applies the
civil service law to the District of Columbia
and the other gives the harbormaster con-
troll Of vessels in the Eastern branch and at
Georgetown the same as he now possesses
in the main channel of the Potomac. The
bill also provides requirements for the rails
ing of sunken vessels. Mr.. Babcock said
he would call the measures up at the next
meeting of the committee.