Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-12-07
CALL|NGER'SPLAN
TO TPAL|SADES
Suggests Appointment of Com
mission to Determine Ways
and Means of ACQUISITION.
HE FAv0RS JURISDICTION
IN DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Not Persuaded Public School System
Is Extravagant
SEES PLAUSIBLE EXPLANATION
Opposed to Reduction of Teachers
Salaries-Senator Dillingham; Re-
1uctant to Agitate Changes in
Administration.
Not Persuaded Public School System
Is Extravagant.
SEES PLAUSIBLE EXPLANATION

The appointment of a commission to
determine what should be done in the
way of negotiations and Of legislation
| looking to the addition to the District
| of Columbia of the palisades of the Po-
tomac and federal reservations across
the river in Virginia was suggested this
| morning by Senator Gallinger, chairman
of the Senate District committee.
He was discussing the first steps neces-
sary to carry out one Of the recommen-
dations made by President Taft in yes
| terday's message to Congress.
The President and Senator Gallinger
are close together in their view on re-
| procession. Senator Gallinger has recent
ly expressed himself as believing that
opposition to the retaining to the Dis
trict of Columbia of all the territory in
Virginia formerly included in the ten
miles square was great enough to de-
feat any efforts along that line
Would Preserve Palisades.
But he doesn't like to see the beauty
Of the palisades Of the Potomac opposite
the National Capital marred, and sug-
gests that good way to preserve them
as an ornament to the Federal Capital is
to place them within the jurisdiction of
the District of Columbia and therefore
under the direct supervision of Congress.
Il hape we can do that some time"
he said this morning.
Senator Gallinger, however, thinks that
some negotiations will be necessary with
the commonwealth of Virginia, and that
the exact legal status of the whole ques-
ton must necessarily be determined be-
fore definite steps can be taken. 1t is for
that purpose that Senator Gallinger has
suggested the appointment of commits
sion.
Some man or body Of men could be
appointed by the Commissioners to make
an investigation and outline the neces-
sary legislative action to be taken," he
said. ''Some who are familiar with the
past relations between the District Of
Columbia and Alexandria county could
be designated. The Congress would have
some definite plan OF action placed be-
fore it."
Attention will probably be given to this
question at one of the early meetings OF
| the Senate District committee. There is
| a possibility of action to that extent at
| the present short session.
Knows of No School Graft.
Senator Galiinger said today that he
hassread with much interest all the Presi-
dents recommendation affecting the Dis
trict government.
IT am not persuaded that there has
been extravaganza in the expenditures
for the Districts public schools I have
heard absolutely nothing to indicate that
| in the local schools" he said. in COM
menting on the Presidents statements re-
| garding the educational system.
| II do not think" the President said in
his message, 1.-The present control of the
school system Of Washington commends
itself as the most efficient and economical
and thorough instrument for the carry
| ing on of public instruction"
He then set forth a table. prepared by
Engineer Commissioner Judson. showing
per annum in the District Is higher than
in other cities Of about the same size.
| IF the facts are to be obtained as to
the reasons for the cost of maintenance
thing special inquiry should be made along
three lines.
High Cost May Be Explained.
1T should be determined whether OF
not the enforcement Of the eight-hour law
in the District, and not in some other
cities with which I am familiar, adds to
the cost Of school buildings here. There is
also tho question whether or not the
double system Of schoois-one for white
and one for colored pupils-makes the
cost Of maintenance higher here than
elsewhere
Some claims have been made that
there is a superabundance Of supervision
In the local system. That suggests a
third line of inquiry.
Il do not look for any school legisla-
ton at this short session or course. II
it can be shown that money can be saved
without cutting down the salaries o.
teachers-to which I am opposed-an6
without sacrificing the valuable features
Of school buildings, such as making them
fireproof and otherwise safe for thu
might be DONE
It Is expected that some consideration
will be given by the District committee
to the adoption Of a comprehensive finan-
cial plan for the District. President Tar
recommended the adoption of what /,
known as the Judson plan. under which
permanent improvements will be financed
out Of the current revenues by extending
the time within which the debt can bt
paid.
That plan is before the Senate District
committee in the shape Of q bill.
Dillingham; Reluctant to Change.
Senator Dillingham;, ranking member Of
the Senate District committee. said today
that other duties. including those a.
chairman OF the immigration commission
which is sending a forty-volume repor
to the government printing Office Jus
now. had prevented him from giving spe
cial consideration to the Presidents rec.
concentrations for District legislation.
Without intending and criticism o.
the President or of the local Schools" Ii,
. said this morning, Il do think that wher
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