The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-12-07

9AlA concerned.
Better Protection.
Attention is directed to the necessity
for additional fire protection. and the
Commissioners again recommend an ap-
preparation of $4,000 for the installa-
ton of a high-pressure fire protection
service. and an addition of fifty men
TO the department.
The addition Of thirty-five men to the
police force is earnestly recommended
After making allowances for leaves OF
absence and on account of sickness,
there are left available, IL is said, about
lOo men for the daytime and 200 for the
nighttime.
1t Is quite evident" the Commission
ers say. that this number is INSULT
cent to give the community the protec-
ton TO which IT is entitled and Con-
gress should heed the appeal for any
increase in the force"
In this connection the Commission
erS recommend the passage of bill
establishing n permanent pension fund
for the police force, which has already
been submitted to Congress.
The Commissioners call attention TO
the item IN their estimates for the con-
struction Of two large pools at the
bathing beach, ana recommend the 10
cation Of small houses along the river
front for expert swimmers.
They renew their recommendation that
provision be made a part Of the cur
riculum Of the public schools. and that
a like course be adopted by those in
charge Of private schools.
For Public Baths.
The establishment of public baths as
a means OF promoting cleanliness
among the poorer population is again
recommended The Commissioners rec
Ommend that they be given supervision
over the public service corporations Of
the District of Columbia. which are now
without such Supervision. except as TO
the street railway systems. which are
under the supervision Of the Interstate
Commerce Commission. The Commits
sioners believe that this strictly NUM-
Cipal function ought to be performed
~ the municipal government, and
ought to include the two gas light com
panies, the electric lighting and power
company. and the telephone company.
IT is believed that It is not necessary
TO add to existing organs Of government
OF TO incur the expense Of additional
salaries for this supervision of public
utility corporations, and. therefore. a
public service commission is not regard
ed as necessary
The Commissioners recommend the
repeal Of the law which requires that
the civil commissioners shall give a
bond In the sum of $4,000 to the United
States The only use for such bond dis
appeared long ago when the Commits
sioners ceased to ne disbursing officers
which they were at the beginning OF
the present form Of Government The
requirement OF q bond imposes an ex.
pense upon the Commissioners without
any resulting advantage.
me Comm lssiOners renew their r,c-
concentrations for a civil service Law
Tor the District government. which can
not be brought under the national civil
service law by Executive order. under
me uniform decisions Of the Supreme
Court that II Is not a part OF the Ma
uonaI Government, but n municipal
corporation The system Of appoint.
inents and promotions on merit main
famed Dy the Commissioners and SUD
plemented by examinations held nv
courtesy Of the United States civil
service Commission for admission Ia
Lne Police and Fire Departments and
Tor certain technical places ought moi
say the Commissioners, 10 be left with
out the sanction OF law and vvffbo,14
proper I2cllites for examinations
Bar Smoke.
While It IS admitted there Is less an.
noyance from smoke here than in q
number OF other cities. the Commits.
sioners renew their recommendation
that the smoke law be extended n
cover locomotive engines.
The improvements made by the rail.
roads operating within the District OF
Columbia since the Commissioners irs-
asked Congress TO extend the law IS