The Washington times., 1911-02-08
TO TAKE NO PART
IN CONTROVERSY
Improvement Association
Turns Down Resolution
Against Commissioners.
WASHINGTON TIMES BUREAU,
ANACOSTIA, d. c., FEB. 9.

ANACOSTIA- ID. Co. FEB. ..
The Public Improvement Association
Of Congress Heights will not align it.
self with any side in the controversy
revolving around the dismissal Of
James NJ Wood. former superintend-
ent of the Street Cleaning Depart
ment, and the District Commissioners.
This was decided at last evenings
meeting Of the association, when
resolution, presented by Edward ].
Newcomb. undertaking to criticise the
District Commissioners for the dis
missal of Mr.. Wood without q hear
ing and for the appointment In his
stead of nonresident of the Dis
trict, was tabled without action.
In the course of the discussion Of
the matter several citizens expressed
the view that Mr.. Wood had not been
fairly dealt with in being turned
adrift without formal charges. Among
these were Milton J. FiIlius. A z.
Mckay, and Edward J. Newcomb.
The last-named quoted Mr.. Wood a.
stating that there was q variance Of
about $4,000 between the figures
furnished President Taft by Commits
sioner Johnston when a statement was
called for as to the resources of the
city to deal with the snow and iso
problem and the real amount avail.
able.
Consider Other Matters,
There was, however. so strong .
sentiment upon the part OF the citi-
zens present against entering upon
such a matter that the resolution
was quickly laid aside in favor OF
matters deemed of more Importance
to the people OF Congress Heights.
The fact that the House of Repre-
sentatives has passed the bill con-
tanning an appropriation Of s5s.ooo for
the completion of the water main to
Congress Heights was made the sub
tect of much favorable comment, as
the item was inserted at the eleventh
hour on the strength of the represen-
tations made by members of the as
ISOLATION.
President W. W. Price pointed out,
however, that as yet it has not been
stipulated that the sum shall be imme-
diately available, a defect that 1t was
agreed to try to have remedied before
the Senate passes the bill.
Congestion In School.
The crowded condition of the public
school in Congress Heights was re-
ported. 1t was pointed out that it has
become necessary to pres into service
the old frame school house, that pupils
are being sent to the Anacostia schools
to relieve the congestion, and that
pupils who were transferred to the fifth
brade have been required to return to
the fourth, as there has not been suf-
ficient room for them in the upper
grade.
1t was strongly urged that a move
ment be instituted looking to the erec-
ton of an additional school house.
President Price named A. E. Mckay,
Edward ]. Newcomb, and Milton J..
FilIius as a committee TO investigate
the conditions in the local schools and
report whether there is actual need for
a new building.
| Consolidation Favored.
The president appointed Milton j. Fill
lius, Edward J. Newcomb, and J. C.
Smithson as the committee to take
charge Of the program for the Washing
| ton Birthday exercises.
subject that is regarded as Of ex-
treme Importance locally was hroached
by A. E. Mckay. who advocated a con-
soildauoh VI the t"o CilL1eHS OISdHh1S-
| tions in Congress Heights. These are
known as the Public Improvement Asso-
citation and the Congress Heights Citi-
| zens' Association. They have acted as
| independent organizations for a number
Of years. and 1t was pointed out by Mr..
Mckay and other speakers that the sem
| timent for their union seems universal
in the suburb.
Others supported the proposition. A
committee was named to confer with a
committee from the Citizens Associa-
| citation voted to indorse the plan Of
closing the District postoffices on Sun
day