The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-12-06
ANNUAL REPORT OF DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS FULL OF NIERES

during the summer. owing to the thick
green scum which formed on portion
OF its surface and the large accumula-
tiOn Of weeds.
The Commissioners viii recommend
the necessity Of cleaning out the basin,
supplying a bottom Of sand. and other
wise providing fresh. sweet water IN
which the swimmer can battle.
Public Recreation.
The Commissioners believe that pro-
vision should be made for the purchase
of more park land. which can be OBJ
taIned now more cheaDly than viii be
possible in the future. The Commits
sloners renew their suggestion that they
be authorized by Congress TO prepare a
general plan for adding TO the public
parks IN the District Of Columbia
The Commissioners believe also that
the District government should be en-
powered to purchase and maintain pub
lie Fairgrounds. as is done elseNhers
with so much success. Private benen-
cence has demonstrated BY successful
experiment that the public playground
Is as much needed and appreciated mere
as elsewhere, and at the same time tLs
efforts OF Dublic-spirited citizens 10
maintain and direct such Fairgrounds
has shown that this work ought 70 De
done BY public authorities. therefore,
the Commissioners nave recommended
In their estimates an initial apprOprla-
ton Of $. go for this purpose
They also recommend that IN purcnas-
ing sites for new public schools proEls-
ion be made for Fairgrounds, and th4I
additional land be purchased for play
grounds for existing public schools.
Public baths are now provided In most
OF The leading cities OF the United states
and public laundry facilities are pro-
vided IN connection with them IN NUM-
Der Of those cities. The Commissioners
have not felt that they could add an
Item for this purpose TO the estimates
for current expenditures until the cur
rent revenues were freed from the pres
ent requirement that they should meet
the demands Of the extraordinary eN-
penditures for public Improvement. But
they believe that such facilities should
be provided.
The necessity for public comfort sta
tons has become 50 pressing that the
OF $500 for that purpose IN their esJi-
mates.
The Fire Department.
The fire department has lived up TO its
good record. Its special distinction for
the year was It's service at the Balti-
more IRE. beginning February Z. 1904,
where about one-third OF the depart
nent under the chief engineer was sent
by the Commissioners, remaining until
the fire was practically extinguished.
working almost continuously for two
Gays in cold weather and without suffic-
lent opportunity for eating and sleep
ing and with the greatest efficiency and
herOism.
This occasion. when il was necessary
for the chief engineer 10 be continue
cusly on duty in actual FIRE fighting for
more than 1Orty-eight hours, showed
# rftr u constantly
ia the regular work OF the department,
that II should have superintendent
corresponding in ms duties 10 the super
intendent Of the police department.
The fire department needs more sta
lions and apparatus. one Of the old sta
tons needs 10 be rebuilt. ana extensive
: repairs are necessary IN all the older
buildings But the Commissioners have
not felt that, pending permanent set
Element G, the Districts finances, they
could ask Of Congress all that the
departmeT needs.
E.etter Fire Protection.
The Commissioners renew their recon-
mendatlon for the installation Of special
water mains. in order TO establish a
high-pressure hre protection service for
the heart of the city OF Washington. at
an estimated cost o. $4,000
The Commissioners invoke special con-
z
Increased pay for the subordinate mem
/ bers Of the IRE department. who are un-
derpaid not only as compared with the
. firemen OF other places. but as compared
with the members OF the police depart
meat OF the District Of Columbia OF
eC ual rank
The annual report for the fiscal year
1905 shows a total estimated loss from
l0
/ crease over the losses OF the preceding
wear Of S93 663. The largest IRE during
the year was OccasiOHed by The burning
/ of the Daish grain elevator, which
caused an estimated loss OF 5000. The
total estimated loss for the year was a
I fraction over 10 per cent or the total
! insuranc" on the property, S2,0u,5l0.
During the past hseal year Il fires
have occurred as result OF the use Of
gasolcne. The department has Insisted
that rigid Inspections be made or the
premises where this dangerous fluid IS
stored and kept for sale. Several cas-
ualties have occurred during the year
/ as a result OF its Use. and IL Is earnestly
! recommended that some regulation be
adopted that viii insure greater prOtec-
/ tiOn to persons using highly infammaole
/ oils.
Weights and Measures.
The SeaIer of Weights and Measures.
Z who has supervision also Of the In
spectors Of Lumber. Wood, Flour, steam
: Boilers, and of the District markets and
/ marketmasters. reports the hscal year
1904 one Of the busiest in the history OF
the Office While improved conditions
obtain throughout the District in the
use Of proper scales. weights, and meas
ures. activity and diligence are neces-
sary TO cope with the many ingenious
methods resOrted TO in an attempt on
the part OF some dealers 10 delraud tbs
/ Al the last session of Congress a bilI
was presented by the Commissioners. the
principal objects of which were 10 con-
/ fer unon the Commissioners OF the Dis
trfct of Columbia authority 10 regulate
he sale OF the use OF the public hay
Z scales. the sealing down OF scales re-
ported as not IN use also the inspection
and scaling OF milk bottles used IN lle
distribution and sale of milk and crcs N,
and To mere Iully prescribe penalties Tor
the sale OF short-measUre lubrlcatins
and Illuminating oils. and also 10 define
more clearly penalties fer the sale OF
I short weight provisions. No action was
obtained upon the bill before adjourn
ment. but IL Is TO be hoped that favor
able action will be given at the coming
session OF Congress.
The Coroner's Office.
The number Of deaths from all causes