Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-02-11
important Local Measure Is
Passed in the Senate.
ADDED REVENUE SOURCES
Retirement on Pension After Twenty
Five Years Service Permitted.
FIRE ESCAPE ACT CHANGED
Senate Approves Bill Exempting
Fireproof Buildings From
Its Operation.

Bills establishing new retirement sys-
tenn for the police and fire departments
and to relieve fireproof buildings in the
District from the requirements of the
nre-escape law, as we'll as several other
local measures. received the approval of
the Senate this afternoon Practically all
OF the bills relating to the District were
passed without discussion.
The police and firemen pension lesiSla
ton has been recommended by the Com
missioners to prevent recurring deficiency
In the fund out Of which are paid the al
lcwances to disabled members of the
police and fire departments and to the
widows and minor children of deceased
members.
Provision for Retirement.
In addition to the revenues from fines
at the Police Court and from the issue of
dog licenses. the bill allows the payment
into the fund of the receipts from all
licenses except liquor licenses.
1t Is also provided that member of
either department who has performed
service for twenty-five years shall be en-
titled to retirement at pension rates,
which are specifically fixed by the meas
ure. Under the present law policemen and
A.
come disabled by reason of injuries or
diseases contracted in the line of duty.
Ihe legislation to relieve firepro0f build
ings from requirements Of the fire-escape
law was urgently recommended by own
ers of fireproof apartment houses, and
their bill, with some notifications. was
approved by the District Commissioners
AS 1t passed today the bill Is in the
form recommended by the District Off
Gals; 1t provides that the freproof
buildings shall be exempt from the re-
quirements of the f1re-escape law "as to
fire escapes and guide signs when the
stairways. elevator shafts and means of
egress are reasonably safe in the judg-
ment of the Commissioners"
Property Yard Is Barred.
The Senate also gave its approval to
the resolution which will practically pre-
vent the Commissioners from establish
ing q property yard on the old right Of
way Of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad
in the northeast section of the city. The
bill directs the Commissioners to reserve
square S57, which is between Il and 1,
9Th and 9TH streets northeast, as a part
of West Virginia avenue to set it apart
as highway for the benefit OF the public
and to improve it.
This marks another advance toward
iiiidi NlCtOIy the NOTInedSt NdSllng
ton Citizens Association in it's fight to
prevent the establishment of the property
yard in the northeast section They first
protested to the Commissioners. but With
out avail. Then they carried the fight
ing for legislation. To get more aid
they asked the Attorney General to de-
clare what authority the Commissioners
had over the property.
The first real victory for the citizens
a uYNr la t<Svn
eral decided that the Commissioners had
no more than police power over the square
and that Congress could direct to what
use 1t should be put. This paved the way
for the Senate District committee to urge
legislation directing the use of the square
as highway.
For New Highway Plan.
Another bill passed by the Senate, au-
thorizes the Commissioners to prepare a
new highway plan for the triangular sec
ton lying north of Rittenhouse street,
west Of 33d street and southeast of the
District line. The legislation was ap-
proved by the District Commissioners.
A bill for the extension of 18th street
northwest from Its present terminus,
north Of Madison street, to Piney Branch
road, was also passed.
This legislation was approved by the
Commissioners because it furnished a di-
rect outlet for 18th street north of Madj-
son street to an existing highway.
This was the only one of the District
measures to create discussion. Senator
Burton raised a question as to the pro-
priety Of the provision that the cost of
the land should be assessed against prop
erty that Is benefited.
senator Gallfnger replied that such pro-
visions have been frequent in District
legislation, and have been recommended
by the Commissioners.
No One Opposed Bill.
Was any hearing granted on this bill?''
Senator Burton asked.
There was no objection to it so far as
| recall" answered Senator Gallinger.
Those of us who are familiar with Dis
trict matters know that if persons inter
ested or affected by legislation have OBJ
jections we hear from them Hearings
are frequently asked. and We always