Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-07-09

men, Is divided into twenty standing COM
mittees and six special committees, so that
all the subjects that are likely TO come up
affecting the public interests can be fully
considered by the men who are in a position
to have frst-hand knowledge of the es-
sential facts, as well a pretty good idea
of the wishes and the temper of the people
In this way the needs and advancement
of the school, fire and police systems are
considered and also the many other ques-
tons that come up relating to the general
welfare. During the past year the board
was active In presenting arguments to Con-
gress in favor of separate building for the
Police Court and opposing the scheme
which was seriously considered, of housing
that branch of the local courts in the
building that is now being erected for the
offices of the municipal government. The
contention of the board prevailed, is
well known. The same influence
brought to bear to add to the security of
property along the river front by freboat
and such a vessel will soon be IN service.
The board, mindful of the need of improv-
ing the means for fire protection In the
business section of the city, is advocating
the connection of that locality with the
high-water service at Fort Reno, so that
hydrants can be supplied with streams of
water that will be forced to the tops of
high buildings In abundant quantity.
Some years ago, through the active
agency of the board, and the supplying on
of preparation, a code of laws for the Dis
trict was prepared and subsequently enact
ed into law thus bringing to successful
conclusion something that had been not
only greatly needed but earnestly advo-
Gated some eighty years, or, in fact, ever
since that early period when the people
began to be FESTIVE under the antiquated
laws of Virginia and Maryland, which Con-
gress adopted with the District, and very
slowly changed.
1t is now proposed to supplement that
work by the codification of the municipal
law, as the code now in existence relates
to the general laws. A committee has that
matter under consideration, and no doubt
some plan will be worked out for undertake
ing this work. which is of such magnitude
and consequence. Recently a committee
has been appointed TO ascertain what can
be done toward supplying the need that
exists for authentic and complete his
tory of the District. Such an undertaking,
both in it's scope and in it's Importance. will
take rank among the notable achievements
of the board. In addition to looking after
the interests of the city, whether before
Congress or before the Commissioners or
any department of the government, the
board seeks to supply some recreation for
| it's members, and contributes greatly to So
cial Intercourse among the citizens
There is the annual reception, to which
members CT Congress and others are In
vited, and on such occasion opportunity
| IS afforded both the legislators aid the citi-
zens to make personal acquaintance, which
contributes to a better understanding all
around. Each spring shad bake Is given
md outing at one of the resorts down
| the river is enjoyed by those who have thus
| an opportunity to spend day away from