Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-11-13
Insanitary Conditions in the District.

1t is distressing to learn that serious sus-
picion attaches to some of the police sta
tions In this city on the score Of their SAM
tary condition, and to hear that one or
them in particular is possibly accountable
for the spread of tuberculosis among MEM
bers of the police department To the ex-
tent that new structures are needed TO cure
the present conditions, of course the re-
sponsibility for such a state of affairs rests
with Congress If it has refused appropria.:
tons upon the recommendation OF the
Commissioners. If, however. these condi-
lions have been permitted to continue for
years 1t would seem to be in order to ask
why they have not been noted and correct
ed. within the power of the municipal au-
thorities.
Such things as dirty floors, unclean meth
DDS of housekeeping, bad ventilation and
insanitary surroundings are ineXcusaoie
Soap and water are cheap and labor is al
ways to be hired. Disinfectants may be
purchased from contingent funds. There
is positively no excuse for a lack of
scrupulous cleanliness in any of the NUM-
cipal establishments.
However, some of these shortcomings are
directly to be attributed to the failure OF
Congress to give heed to the recommenda-
lions of the Commissioners. Some of these
insanitary buildings have been brought to
the attention of the appropriations COM
mittees, and have been passed over as neg
ligible possibly to be disposed Of another
year.
It Is in such items of District mainte-
nance that the community most severely
feels the lack of a sensible. ouSineSS-lke
method of financing the needs of the
capital. For some years past Congress has
insisted upon carrying the cost of the great
permanent works in practically the guise
of current maintenance OUTLAWS, and has in
some proportion curtailed the annual al
lotments of money for the minor improve
ments and the requirements which may be
c;assed under the head of maintenance ex-
penditures. Thus, while the District has
been going beyond it's means to pay prac-
dcally on a current-liquidation basis for
its municipal Office building and its rail-
road terminal improvement and its bridges
and other permanent works, it has had to
suffer from Inadequate and even dangerous
accommodations for its policemen and fire.
men. -...--..
This sort of treatment makes the OBJ
servant and thoughtful citizen of the Dis
trict very impatient with Congress. 1t is
calculated to spread a belief that there
is lack of genuine interest tie Capitol
in the welfare of the community. That this
is not true Is known by most O. those who
have occasion to go before the committees
annually in behalf of this OF that item of
appropriation. There are in both houses
many sincere. progressive and even aggres-
sive friends of the District who are willing
IN work in and ont Of season for its adyan-
tage. 1t is to be hoped that they will. at
this next session, be able to persuade ma
jority of the two houses to vote for prac-
teal arrangement of the local finances
which will enable the appropriations COM
mittees from year to year to provide ade-
quately for the Districts current needs.
giving it the equipment it requires in order
to be clean and healthy.