Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-05-24
BUSINESS men MEET
Probably the Last General!
Gathering Before Autumn.
DEFERRED REPORTS READ
Action Taken ON Variety of Items of
Local Interest.
MEASURE RELATING TO USURY
Association Tables a Resolution op-
posing Appointment of School
Board by Supreme Court.
MEASURE RELATING TO USURY

The printed report of the committee on
law. national and municipal legislation had
been distributed about the hall of the Bust
ness Mems Association at 1914 f street
northwest when, at $40 o'clock last evening
President James F. Oyster called the meet
ing to order
The president stated that the meeting
had been called to consider some deferred
committee reports. and in order of business
Mr.. Charles Linkins reported upon legisla-
tion proposed IN reference to usury. The
association had considered this matter at
Its last meeting and the report of the COM
mittee had been adopted, but inasmuch as
the charging of usurious interest was to be
made misdemeanor, the committee
thought 1t wise to report against the ad-
NlsaDllity of the bill passing in that form,
"A subcommittee of the law and legislation
committee, composed of Charles Linkins,
Wilton j. Lambert, Chaplin Brown and Fred
s. Coldren, had appeared before the House
committee, II was stated, and secured an
mnfavorable report on the penalty clause.
Inc report of the committee was adopted.
Mr. Lnkins then briefly stated the con-
clusions of the law and legislation COM
mittee, of which he is chairman and ex-
planned the portion of the printed report
which had been prepared in detail by Mr.
Charles w. Clagett
The report dealt with the identical House
and Senate bills providing for uniform
building lines In the District as follows:
First, the establishment of such lines was
favored. Second, the committee opposed
as travesty on justice the provision of the
Dill that a jury sitting in a case to award
damages and assess benefits is bound to as
sess an amount of benefits equal to the
damages awarded, and in addition the prop
erty owner Is charged with the costs in
Guiding s. per day for each juror and the
marshal for his services. Third, the COM
mittee thought that the law on the subject
as laid down generally in the states should
apply to the District. Fourth. the pro-
vision making available the fund for OPEN
ing alleys and minor streets would not Off
set the objections urged. Fifth. the COM
mittee favored amendment which in eff
feet will allow the jury to assess actual
benefits. The report was approved.
Routine Proceedings.
Secretary VIM. F. GUIDE read letter from
Mr.. L. p. Shoemaker, chairman of the com
mlttee on fire escapes, in which 1t was
stated that every effort possible had been
made to secure such action by Congress as
the association deemed wise and reasonable
The secretary also read a letter from Mr.
c. J. Bell in reference to the appointment
OF joint committee of three members each
from the association, the Board of Trade
ana the Bankers Association, whose duties
u should be to consider the mercantile in
terests of Washington. Mr.. Bell stated
that ne would certainly cooperate in the
movement.
MI IttQ u. CaidTen read resolution in
reference to the fact that no provision for
supervision is made in the approprta ton for
the public Fairgrounds. He stated that II
was necessary to have some one supervise
the grounds and apparatus during the sum
mer. The resolution was considered and
unanimously approved
Mr.. Charles w. Clagett moved that q
committee on Fairgrounds be appointed.
when 1t was discovered by Mr.. Leonard that
he was at the head of a subcommittee an
that subject. va
Mr.. Leonards Subcommittee was instructed
10 take up at once the subject of MAY
grounds supervision and press the Itieg,s
m!ttee N0ii1
Mr. B. F. Saul of the committee on fire
escapes explained the work that had baen
done in efforts to secure amendments TO the
present law He said Mr. Babcock chair
man of the House District COMMITTEES had
been consulted and had stated that he did
not thlnk the present law would be enforced
In an unreasonable way pending further
investigation of SO important a question
Inc chairman said the matter of tnspec-
ton OF buildings needed attention The Com
mlssloners had appointed committee of
ten TO look into the matter. and the asso
cation, upon the suggestion of the chair
man agreed TO do all in its power to rem
edy existing unsatisfactory conditions
Mr.. John Fleming stated that the Sill
prene Court Of the United States had sus-
tanned the position taken by the North
east Washington Citizens Association in
reference to the Judgment of power to
change the width and grade Of streets, side
walks etc.
Mr.. Fred G. Caldren presented resoiu-
Ion IN regard to the employees in the Pub
lie Library He explained that the present
force Is overworked by reason of the in
creased use Of the institution by the people.
and needed help The resolution was APP
proved.
Control of Streets.
Mr.. P. j Brennan did not think the Dis
trict Commissioners should have control of
the streets and sidewalks but that such
control should be vested. as at present, in
Congress. and he ploved that It is the
sense Of the association that the law be
allowed to stand as at present"
MI Conrad Syme declared he did not