Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-06-15
HAS URGED LEGISLATION
Proposed Measures Were Defeated
Before Congress, He Says.
PROBING MAY BEGIN MONDAY
Investigation Of Building Inspectors
Department to Commence When
Grand Jury Reports.

venting building accidents such as Oc-
, cured at the Pickford apartment house.
2Oth and p streets northwest, last Tues
day. resulting in the death of two work
men, is to procure enactment of legisla-
ton prohibiting the granting of building
permits to all except licensed builders,
said Commissioner Morrow today.
This it is declared by the builders. Is
in line with the suggestion they made
year ago and which. they claim. failed
because the Commissioners withdrew their
Endorsement.
The statement quoted was made by Maj.
jay ]. Morrow. Engineer Commissioner.
while discussing the PickfOrd accident
and the proba BILE outcome of the investi-
CATION that is to be instituted by the Com
miSsionerS.
Improper and Unwise.
Mai. Morrow considers it improper and
unwise to issue building permits to per-
sons not known as practical builders or
who are not required to state that they
will hire only practical and high-class
builders to execute the work.
Upon his recommendation the Commits
sioners have been for three years urging
Congress to enact a law requiring build
ers architects and contractors to pass ex-
aminations for license. and to prohibit
persons other than such licensed build
efs from engaging in building operations
This legislation had a fair chance OF
enactment during the past session OF con-
gress," Maj Morrow said, until num-
Der of real estate men and building spec
ulators got together and worked against
It.
They feared such law might bring
about a combination of practical builders
qualified for licenses, who might boost
up prices for their work. or otherwise
dictate to building promoters and specu-
lators. to the financial detriment of the
latter"
He offered. as another reason why the
licensing of builders might have been
opposed. that such law would probably
eliminate the possibilities Of '.skinning"
work.
Probing May Begin Monday.
Because of other pressing business the
Commissioners did not hold their execu-
for the purpose of determining upon what
lines they will conduct their inquiry into
the conduct of Snowden Ashford, the
suspended building inspector, and other
employees Of his department.
They are anticipating that the grand
jury will. by the weeks ending. reach its
findings in connection with the four men
responsible for the collapse of the Pick
ford apartment
This will permit the Commissioners to
commence their investigation next Mon
day morning. The Investigation will not
begin. however. until the grand jury has
reported.
Such accidents as that which happened
at the Pickford building last Tuesday,"
Commissioner Morrow said today. ARE
frequently happening in the larger cities
throughout the country. / would venture
to say. without fear Of contradiction. that
on an average of forty or fifty such acct
dents happen in New York each year.
Geological Survey Offers Help.
The Commissioners received letter
this morning from the director of the
geological survey Offering the facilities
and advice Of the geological survey as
to building regulations. Information and
tests Of structural materia. in connec-
ton with the revision CT the District
building regulations which have been
going on for nearly two years. Commits
sioner Mcfarland said the Commission
ers will avail OF the Offer in passing
upon the draft of the revision of the
building regulations which the commits
sion or experts, appointed two years
ago to prepare a model code, is expected
shortly to submit.
Discuss Plans Today.
For the purpose Of discussing tenta-
tive plans for their investigation, Com
missioners Mcfarland. West and Nor
row held conference in the board room
at the District building this afternoon
at 2:30 o'clock. The Commissioners an
nounced that beginning with tomorrow
they will commence collecting data and
information.
AS matter Of fact the Commissioners
have been quietly at work since the Pick
ford accident occurred. and have re-
ceived information Of a confidential char
methods OF the building department, and
certain actions of the employees in that
office
Other persons than officials of the Dis
trict have also been making investisa-
items, the results Of which will be dis
closed at the Official inquiry