Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-04-07
PENDING LOCAL BILLS
COMMISSIONERS BEFORE THE
HOUSE DISTRICT COMMITTEE.
Measures Discussed on Which Legisla-
lation Is Desired at This Session
Another Hearing Tomorrow.

The House committee on the District or
Columbia today granted a hearing to the
District commissioners on matters or pend
ing local legislation. As the end OF the
session Is fast approaching the mmit
and the Commissioners desired a conference
as to the bills upon which action should Dc
taken prior to adjournment. In addition 10
the three commissioners Messrs. Macfar-
land. West and Biddle, there were present
Gen. George II. Harries. vice president OF
the Washington Railway and Electric COM
pany: Mr.. Louis p. Shoemaker. president
Of the Brightwood Citizens Association;
Mr.. C. C. Lancaster. president of the North
west Citizens Suburban Association. and
Mr. Walter c. Allen, electrical engineer OF
the District.
" Desirable Legislation.
Commissioner Macfarland addressed the
mi at some length. He congratulated
the members on the manner In which they
have expedited local affairs. He said II was
especially desirable hat action should be
taken at this session of Congress on the
bill 10 provide for the payment Of damage
ion account of changes in grade or streets
due to the construction of the new union
station.
He also stated that the Commissioners
would Ike to urge the adoption or the
bill to regulate electrical wiring IN the
District. Mr.. mcfarland spoke OF the
great danger of fire arising from defect
i've electrical wiring, and declared too
much care could not be taken in regulat-
ing that class of work. A bill on this sub
ject has already passed the Senate. IL
was stated to the committee that several
amendments to the Senate measure have
been. suggested and that they are ac-
ceptable to the Commissioners.
Gen. Harries spoke of several technical
points in the bill and suggested amend
ments. which were agreed to. One of
these amendments will except power sta
lions from the control of the Commission
ers, for in these establishments the wiz
ing will naturally be under the immedi-
ate supervision of expert and high-sala-
ried engineers at the top of their profess
sion.
Certain notifications will be made in
the Senate bill with regard to the wires
OF. telephone and telegraph companies.
The wires are not of high potential char
acter and there is little or no danger
from them. Another amendment suggest
ed was that the electrical trade should
have a representative on the board which
is to supervise the wiring in the District.
This amendment was agreeable to the
Commissioners.
Damages for Changing Grade.
Col. John Biddle. the Engineer Commits
sioner of the District. spoke of the bill
to pay damages for changes in grade in
CDIleClIOH With the union station WOTk.
The committee agreed to report Senate
bill 2I93 as reported by Senator Dilling-
ham with amendments, as a substitute
for House bill S32S.
The substitute measure provides that the
damages shall be appraised by a commits
sion Of three capable and disinterested per-
sons. to be appointed by the Supreme
Court of the District of Columbia. If any
of the parties interested may be dissatisfied
with the decision of this commission, the
bill gives them the right to appeal to the
court and have a jury selected by the mar
shall to hear the cause. The verdict Of this
Jury when confirmed by the court shall be
final.
The committee had also intended taking
UP the bill to permit the laying of water
mains through unsubdivided tracts and to
delay the collection of benefit assessments
until such time as the water should be used
by the property owners. The length Of time
consumed on other matters, however, made
this impossible. The also de-
sired to hear further about the bill to
amend various tax laws. The Commission
ers desire both of these measures acted
upon at the present session. 1t was accord
ingly determined to adjourn the hearing
until tomorrow morning at 1879 O'clock,
when the Commissioners will again appear
before the committee.