Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-01-21

THESE purposes mas DSen ably Q1SCuSeQ III a
brief prepared by Mr. R. Ross Perry of the
District bar, which is now before the COM
| mfttee. This brief was prepared a labor
of love by Mr.. Perry and his son, both of
whom are deeply interested in the improve
ment of insanitary conditions In the city.
1t deals very fully with the question Of the
police power of Congress In the District of
Columbia. and sustains the position that
Congress is competent to pass the law de-
ired."
Opposition for Mercenary Reasons.
Representative Campbell Of Kansas asked
Mr.. Mcfarland il the Commissioners had
encountered any opposition to the bill.
only the opposition naturally to be ex
pected from mercenary persons, who are
reaping a profit from this insanitary prop
erty.'' replied the Commissioner. This
something like 10 to 30 per cent. There is
no open or organized opposition to the
measure. but there IS undoubtedly opposi-
ton extant, as l have stated"
Mr.. Campbell asked II such legislation had
been considered an infringement of private
rights in other communities and had been
opposed on that ground.
: Mr.. Mcfarland replied that there had
been opposition to this class of legislation
elsewhere. notably in New York. But re-
cent decision by the state court of appeals
had sustained the law and the police power
of the city of New York.
T.
been made Of the loss to property owners
through the proposed legislation.
There will be no real loss" replied Mr..
lMacfarland. ''as the bill provides for the
award OF damages. There is provision for
resort to court. which fully protects any
private rights. The corporation counsel is
fully satisfied that the bill safeguards all
rights and fully protects property owners"
In reply to question as to what the
loss would be on the investments of the
present property owners affected by thu
legislation. Mr.. Mcfarland said that sani-
tary dwellings. 1t had been estimated.
would yield from five to six per cent as
against fifteen to thirty on the existing
shacks.
Mr. Mcfarland announced that the third
of the group of bills for correcting the con-
ditions in the alley slums and elsewhere Is
row being prepared by the Commissioners.
1t Is a tenement house law, drafted upon
the best experiences of other cities
Mr.. Morren wanted to know If the legis-
lation for the removal OF insanftary build
ings was one of the results OF the recent
visit of Mr.. Jacob A. Riis. The Commits
sloner replied that the proposed legislation
antedated that visit The bill has been I'M
proved from time to time as additional in
formation came to hand
Widening Minor Streets.
Mr.. Mcfarland next directed the atten-
ton of the committee to House bill 1868,
providing for the opening and widening and
extension of minor streets. The measure
is designed to eliminate all private, blind
and pocket alleys where people reside and
widening them into minor streets wherein
sanitary conditions can prevail
Col. Biddle, the Engineer Commissioner.
answered a number of questions in regard
to the bill He said 1t was amendatory OF
the District code, and would give the Com
apprehend any serious opposition to the
measure.
Removal of Snow From Streets.
Representative Powers at this time took
occasion to ask why it was that the Com.
missioners could not use the appropriation
for the repair of streets for the removal Of
snow.
Commissioner West said he was about to
call attention to House bill 1921, which
deals with the removal OF snow and ice
from the sidewalks In regard to the re-
moval of snow from the streets Mr.. West
said the Commissioners were tied down by
stringent rulings Of the controller OF the
treasury They had tried to use various
funds for the purpose, including the appro-
priation for street cleaning. which Is quite
ample. In each instance however. the con-
troller had decided the money could not be
used. for Congress had specifically appro-
priated money for removing snow and ice
from the cross-wa1ks and cutters. At the
same time the cOEtrOllcr na0 ruIeO tndI She
snow money could be used only at cross
walks and cutters.
"If there should be a fall of mud, you
could use the street cleaning fund.- COM
mented Mr. Powers. but il 1t happens to
be snow your hands are tied"
That Is just the situation" responded
Mr.. West. land We would like to have it
remedted.
Proceeding. Mr.. West explained that the
bill now before the committee providing
for the removal of snow and Ice from side
walks would correct many defects in the
present law. In the first place 1t would
give the Commissioners the authority they
have desired to enter upon property and
clean the snow therefrom. Under the pres
ent law all the Commissioners can do Is to
summon the property owners to court when
they fail to remove the snow. During the
past few days between 100 and 800 war;
81 MIR. West said that In 30 cases out
ton house. deposits dollar as collateral
walk Real estate agents find 1t cheaper to
pay such fine than do the work
To Reach Non Residents.
There is no way by which we can reach
nonresident property owners" said Mr..
West. land so it Is that long stretches of
walk go uncleaned and In dangerous con-
dition. The bill we have row presented to
you proposes to provide fund of $500 to
be used by the Commissioners In cleaning
sidewalks where the owners OF the abut-
-. hox RI, do a0 n