The Washington herald., 1911-01-27
HOUSE CONSIDERS
THE DISTRICT BILL
Local Items Made the Sub
ject of Discussion.
REF0RMATORY SITE ASsAuED
Representative Gardner Explains
the Measure-Increase of COmmis-
of Order-Settlement Expected of
Electric Light Question.

Consideration of the District appropria-
ton bill in the House of Representatives
yesterday provoked lively debate The
first contest was over a proposed in
crease of salary for the District Com
missioners from 5000 to $1,000 per an
mum. Mr. Gardner, in charge Of the
BILL said the committee had endeavored
to follow the law and to be as econom-
ical as possible. The appropriation was
the largest ever proposed for the pur-
pose but he cited the steady reduction
Of the floating debt, which, he said,
would soon be eliminated altogether. 1t
Rad been cut down from 100000, some
years ago, to 100000. He explained in
detail what he termed the public uul-
ity'' feature, the proposed establishment
OF an asphalt plant Formerly two or
more concerns would engage in compe-
ttive bids for the asphalt work; but the
two companies formerly rivals, had COM
bined, and it was deemed eXpedient to
vest the Commissioners with discretion
&c utilize large stone quarry in the es-
Establishment of a plant.
The provision was guarded by proper
limitations and would. il was believed.
prove a measure of economy The Com
missioners were also vested with author
itv to take entire charge of the street
sweeping should they deem 1t eXpedlent,
instead of contracting for a part Of the
work The committee believed that the
proposed plan would yield better service
and at less expense. In framing the bill
the committee, he said. had been gov
erned by the desire to get the best re-
suits and by economical means.
Reformntory Site Is Criticized.
Mr.. Gardner next explained the estab-
lshment at Occoquan of the workhouse,
Oh lir-
miles down the river on a tract of land
acquired for that purpose. He next de-
Scribed the Belvoir tract and the pro-
posal to locate a reformatory there. The
subcommittee had visited the site, about
six and one-half miles down the river.
Mr. Driscoll, of New York, deemed it
unfortunate that public sentiment had
been outraged IN the location of a re-
formatory so near Mount Vernon.
Mr.. Gardner explained the topography
of the site, saying there was ledge
quite an elevation-intervening to eN-
clude the view of the prison from Mount
Vernon Further, an inlet or bay pro-
truded into the land. thus compelling
persons who travel by land to go around
some distance from Mount Vernon. In
response to questions by several mem
merS Mr. Gardner stated that the site
had been finally acquired, and the
money paid. He said that within three
quarters of a mile of the Capitol were
located an almshouSe- a workhouSe,
and Jail; also smallpox poSpital; yet,
there were no inconvenience, no COM
plants Because of the proximity Of these
places. He said the proposed structure
at Befvoir would be located ct the ex-
IRENE southern part Of the site, farthest
from Mount Vernon and from Washing
ton.
Mr. Gardner explained that the war
Gen of the jail Is appointed by the Pres
ident while the present workhouse war
den OF superintendent is appointed by
local authority. 1t was proposed in the
bill to consolidate and have but sim
gle warden for these institutions if the
divided authority on the power of ap-
pointments could be reconciled. All the
male inmates of the workhouSe had
been removed, and the females would
follow as soon as proper accommoda-
tions shall be provided. 1t was believed
that about $1,000 could he saved by the
proposed consolidation.
The Electric Light Question.
Mr.. Gardner next explained the details
of the electric light question lie said
the present Commissioners had ascer-
tanned that the District had been for
nine years paying for electric lights I'M
der contract for 1000 candlepower,
"nen only ~ CaDClepOWeT was actually
supplied. The matter was referred to
the electric power company, whose rep
resentative had replied in substance that
better lights were provided. He said a
former Commissioner had pronounced the
system of lights superior to those con-
tracted for. He said he expected the
present Commissioners, who had moth
ing to do with the contract. to effect a
settlement with the Potomac Lighting
ha laI <a;r
ment had been or would be made.
Another provision of the bill Mr.. Gard
ner specially urged was one authorizing
the superintendent of the Capitol to
turn over to the District. property. ma
chinery, &c. which can be made useful
by the local government. Under exist
ing law the superintendent is required
10 sell such property as may not be re-
CURED at the Capitol; buyers combine
and usually get the material at "old
junk prices The bill authorizes this
transfer, and requires a careful account
ing for all property thus transferred
Comm issiOnerS' Salary Discussed
Mr.. Gardner made special plea in
behalf of the proposed increase of salary
for the District Commissioners. He
said that when the organic law went into
effect the population was but 10000 and
the revenues S.OOo,GOO- Population and
revenue have increased, and the duties
devolving upon the Commissioners are
made more exacting and arduous Mr.
Gardner said that during his years of
service in Congress ii had taken all his
pay to maintain his home and educate
his children, nor had he to bear the
burden of any social participation;
whereas the Commissioners are COM
PEELED by the nature of their Office to
take prominent part in society
Mr.. Foster. of Illinois, reserved a point
of order against the proposed increase Of
salary.
Mr.. Burke declared that he did not
know in all the country three men bet
ter qualified for their station than the
Commissioners. He commended them as