The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-04-03

LASSASSS ASA OAAAACA9s
The propositions submitted to the
Commissioners by the Master Builders
Association in the shape Of bill for
their approval. 10 require builders 10 be
licensed has naturally aroused a great
deal OF interest. not only among those
whom it directly affects. but also among
the general public. The question Is
asked frequently why such a radical
innovation should be introduced In the
District al this time when all these
years builders have been permitted 70
go about their business without any Of
hcial authorization. Quite recently The
Times was asked to assist in throwing
light upon this matter and for this pur-
pose II approached several members Of
the Master Builders Association.
IL appears from their statements that
they regard this proposition as in line
with modern tendencies. They contend
that as safeguards OF every kind are
thrown about life and limb. so impor-
tant an item as the proper construction
OF buildings should not be overlooked
They declare that ii is simply proposed
TO do in Washington what has long been
the practice In other large cities Of the
country
IF IT is right" said one Of these gen
tlemen. that a plumber be required to
be examined as 10 his qualifications TO
perform properly the work with which
he may be intrusted, and II an electri-
clan must undergo a similar test, IS II
not even more important that builder
who IS charged with the entire construc-
ton OF buildings In which plumber ana
electrician are the subordinate factors
should furnish satisfactory proof OF his
nness3 A man may be ever so good q
Carpenter or bricklayer, and yet be Ia
u.entably deficient IN the technical
knowledge that ought TO govern. and
4vsef
construction Of modern buildings.
whether they be private dwellings or
large structures devoted TO public or
Eemt-publtc uses.
To Benefit the Public.
Our BILL continued the builder. lis
IN its general scope for the benefit Of
the public. The layman can know little.
81 anything, OF the thousand and one de-
tails that determine the correct con-
struction of a dwelling, an apartment
house. an Office building or a ware
house. He Is dependent upon those
whom he engages TO do the work for
him. So Tar as the law can protect him
against ignorance or Unscrupulousness
Il ought 70 DO so. venture 20 assert
there are hundreds Of men II Washing
ton engaged to put up dwellings or make
repairs OF more or less importance who
nave not Nne AtdbL lQeA OF the GOLlAlDll-
est principles OF equilibrium which un-
derlie the construction OF even an Ordl-
nary dwelling. In my own experience
know OF many such cases. ] have been
called upon time and time again 70
remedy faults that we're directly trace
able to the ignorance or carelessness Of
men who pose as builders.
''Ths bill drafted by our association
provides for the appointment OF a COM
mission to consist OF FIVE competent men
who are 70 examine all persons who
wish 10 engage In the business or build
ing construction. Upon being found
competent the applicants are 10 be so
certified 10 the Commissioners, who are
10 issue licenses. For the examination
q Zee of SO is 10 be charged. The ices
thus collected are TO constitute the sole
compensation OF the commission, and
from them must also be betrayed the
salary OF the secretary or clerk II may
have 10 employ, and all Office expenses.
Thus. IL viii be seen. the commission
viii not become charge upon the tax
payers of the District. The bill pro-
vides, Of course, a penalty for failure
70 comply with the law or for a viola
tion Of the same.
Relief to Inspectors Office.
Another important end which will be
served by the proposed law will be the
relief IL viii give 70 the Office OF the
Inspector of Buildings. That Office Is
hampered in its operations TO an extent
not known except 20 the Initiated. by
the ignorance OF many OF those who
come 70 take out permits. The legiti-
mate work OF the Office is retarded. and
again the force Of inspectors is lament
ably insufficient because il has to cope
with hundreds Of incompetent so-called
M Har