The Washington times., 1910-11-21
Commissioners Ask Opinion
of Citizens on Taking
Over Plant.
WILL JOIN FORCES
TO KEEP IT OPEN
Laboratory Should Be Taken Over
By Private Philanthropists,
Says Rudolph.

In order 70 devise ways and means for
continuing the Nathan Straus milk Iabo-
ratOry at 1923 II street northwest, the
Commissioners VIII give a public hear
ing TO those interested. the date Of
which has not been determined
Miss Reba J. Hurn, In charge Of the
laboratory, has informed the Commits
sioners that It Is probable Mr. Straus
VIII discontinue the distribution Of modi-
fed milk 20 the poor January L
Feeling that this IS work deserv-
ing public support" says Miss Hurn.
those who are acquainted with the
methods Of the laboratory and know
what has been done the past summer,
beg to ask the Commissioners for the
privilege Of appearing before them 70
make known the results accomplished
and TO show why the work should be
continued"
while the Commissioners recognize
the value Of Straus laboratory, they are
confronted with the problem Of how 10
obtain funds for its support, the cost
Of which IS estimated at $1,000 a year"
said Commissioner Rudolph today.
The item has not been included in the
estimates, and special legislation would
De necessary 10 obtain an appropriation
this year Unofhcially I have suggested
70 those interested that Il would be a
good thing 10 follow the plan OF the
Fairgrounds Association in raising
money by private subscription and en-
terpriSe- Later, perhaps, Il would be
possible 70 obtain an appropriation from
Congress. The Commissioners are IN
favor Of municiaI ownership Of the
plant. Il the cost Of operation is not too
great"
VIII Join Efforts
District Commissioners, health ofic-
ers. members Of the Chamber OF Com
nerce, and citizens prominent in vari-
Gus philanthropic movements Of the
District VII Join efforts 10 prevent the
laboratory from being closed
COMMISSIONS Rudolph IS OF the opin-
ion that the laboratory should be taken
over at once by private philanthropic
organizations in the city
Cant Afford It"
7 an emphaticaIly OF the opinion. .
said Dr. Woodward. this morning. that
citizens OF the District cannot afford
10 permit the laboratory TO close for a
single day
Miss Reba Hum, In charge Of the
Straus laboratory. WI ask a hearing
on Wednesday before the executive com
mittee Of the Chamber Of Commerce.
According 70 a statement made this
morning by a member OF that body, the
Chambe- VIII, probably, lose no time In
recommending to the Commissioners
that the laboratory se taken of Mr..
StraUs' hands by the District at once
Mr.. Straus VIII not come TO Washing
ton for the purpose Of interesting the
Commissioners and the citizens Of the
District in the project o. maintaining
the laboratory.
Mr. Stratus. naturally. feeis,'' stated
his representative, Miss Hurn, "that he
should not beg the people Of Wash
tngtOn 70 carry on the pasteurIza-
ton OF milk for those who cannot afford
otherwise TO feed their children prop
erly-
He has spent many thousands Of dol
lars on equipment, and we have worked
I'D a large patronage, having cared for
over 500 babies during the past SIX
months. IF the citizens OF Washington
are not interested. he feels that he can
enly close the plant"