Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-15

School buildings are in fair condition
generally. but conditions exist. however,
which should be corrected at once.
This is an epitome of the findings upon
the physical condition of the public
schools of Washington following a rigid
investigation made by the special COM
mittee of well known architects and build
ers appointed by Engineer Commissioner
Morrow, and which has been reported to
him.
The District of Columbia has not kept
pace with the other large cities IN It's
schoolhouse' architecture. the committee
reports. The blame is placed at the door
Of Congress for not being more generous
with appropriations.
The committee makes it plain In It's
report that it has avoided intentionally
any attempt to fix responsibility for dere-
lictions that exist.
After describing in detail the conditions
AS they relate to architecture, construc-
ton, arrangement OF Railways, rooms
windows, exits, fire escapes and fire pre-
vention the recommendations of the COM
mittee are presented.
This report was submitted to Commis-
sioner Morrow yesterday afternoon after
three weeks. work. One. hundred and
thirty school buildings and number OF
rented buildings used for school purposes
were examined Afterward twenty-seven
stated meetings were held at the commit
tees headquarters in room in the Dis
trict building.
The committee notes that during the
twenty years following the origin of the
present form of government, in which
period most of the schoolhouses were
constructed, the plans were prepared
by the building inspector. but from
1898 to the present time most of the plans
for schools have been prepared by archi-
tects appointed by the Commissioners and
working under the supervision of the pres
ent building inspector and his predeces-
SOr.
Fire Hazards Considered.
The question of fire hazards is then TAX
en- up by the committee. This subject II
treats as of three classes:
First, where inflammable materials are
within communicable distance of fire used
in the building.
Second, where materials are stored
within buildings of more or less easily
jgnitah hle nature
Third woodwork used in the construc-
ton, finish and fitting of the buildings
which would make d ire more easily
transmittable throughout the building.
Under the first class of hazards are par
ticularly described several of the older
buildings" which were not in any way built
with proper safeguards against fle. III
was found that during the past year most
of these had been hreproofed or fre pro-
tected.
Within the second class OF these fire
hazards the committee noted considerable
quantities Of more or less lnf1ammaDie
materials stored in the buildings. but
noted, also, in this respect an improved
condition over the recent past.
The committee makes suggestions look
ing to the removal from basement build
ing of carpenter shops and quantities OF
lumber stored nearby for the service In
this connection. Criticism is aso made
of the use of oil as floor dressing.
Under the third class of fire hazards Is
noted a more or less extensive use of
wood in the older buildings and use OF
wooden wainscoting. wooden ventiIating
ducts and various wooden partitions and
wooden lockers and other furniture.
Fire Dangers in Detail.
In detail the report on the fire hazards
in the schools follows:
There is type of building where the
central basement hall is used in common