The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-12-07

 place this general power of super- vision and regulation in the distriot commissioners. 1t is said that their present duties are now absorbing and would prevent the proper discharge by them Of these new functions, but their present Jurisdiction brings them so closely and frequently in contact with these corporations and makes them to know in such detail how the corpora tions are discharging their duties un- der the law and how they are serving the public interest that the commis- sioners are peculiarly fitted to do this work. and I hope that Congress will impose 1t upon them by intrusting them With powers in respect to such corpor- atlons similar to those of the public utilities commission of New York city or similar boards in Massachusetts.
 School system
 do not think the present control of the school system of Washington commends itself as the most efficient and economical and thorough instru- ment for the carrying on of. public in- struction.
 The cost of education in the District of Columbia is seen to be excessive as compared with the cost in other cities of similar size, and it is not apparent that the results are in general more satisfac- tory. The average cost per pupil per day
 
 the average cost in 13 other American cities fairly comparable with Washington in population and standard of education is about 25.5 cents. For each dollar spent in salaries of school teachers and officers in the District about A days of fnstruc- tion per pupil are given, while in the IS cities above referred to each dollar ex- pended for salaries affords on the aver- age 6.S days of instruction. For the cur rent fiscal year the estimates of the board of education amounted to about three- quarters of the entire revenue locally col- lected for District purposes. If I may say so, there seems to be a lack of definite plan in the expansion of the school system and the erection of new buildings and of proper economy in the use of these buildings that indicates the necessity for the concentration of expansion in the school system are with the school board, while the limitation of expenses Is with the District commissions CTS. I think 1t would be much better to put complete control and responsibility n the District commissioners and then provide a board of school visitors to be appointed by the supreme court of the rfstrict or by the President, from the different school districts of Washington. p, epresentlng local needs, shall meet and make recommendations to the com nissioners and to the superintendent of
 
 perience who should be an appointee of and responsible to the District commis- sioners.
 Permanent Improvements
 Among other items for permanent im- rrovements appearing in the District estl- mates for 1912 Is one designed to substi- ute for Willow Tree alley, notorious fh the records of the police and health de- partments, playground with building containing baths, a gymnasium, and other helpful features. and hope Con- gress will approve this estimate. Fair as Washington seems to be with her beautiful streets and shade trees. and free, as the expanse of territory which she occupies would seem to make her, from slums and insantary congestion of population, there are centers in the in- terior of squares where the very poor and the criminal classes as we'll huddle together in filth and nosome surround
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