The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1911-01-28

The first business was the point OF order
made by Mr.. johnson. OF kentucky.
against the paragraph authorizing the
purchase or condemnation OF necessary
land, paving. and construction OF walls
and terraces for connecting Belmont and
Fifteenth streets northwest, In accord
ance with plans approved by the District
Commissioners at a cost of 5000.
Mr. johnson maintained that this was
new legislation and that IT contemplated
the purchase of new land by condemna-
ton, under plans approved by the Com
missioners. but which had never been
approved by Congress. To acquire lands
by condemnation. he held. must be ap-
proved by Congress. The paragraph
went out on the point of order. The
plans contemplate a slight divergence to
make an easier roadway across ra-
vine, and to do this some new land must
be acquired.
The New Municipal Asphalt Plant
When the provision for the establish
ment of a municipal asphalt plant was
reached, Mr. Cox reserved a point Of
order. saying he wanted further infor-
nation.
Chairman Gardner said that up to
year or two ago there were two COM
peting companies bidding for asphalt
work here Then the Commissioners
contracted for asphalt surfacing at $l.45
per square yard; but these companies
had consolidated and raised the price TO
$L7 per square yard. He said 1t was
PROPOSED to employ the prisoners of the
workhouse in getting out material and
operating the proposed plant 1t was
believed they could be utilized to consid
cradle benefit in reducing the cost Of
paving material. Remember" he said.
this bill carries more than $4,000 for
repairs of streets and for new streets"
letter was read from the superintend-
ent Of the municipal asphalt plant in
Detroit stating that in six years that
city had saved $4,000 through the oper-
alton Of its plant and that in 1909 the
sum Of $4,000 was saved
Mr.. Bowers gave similar reports as
to the economy resulting from munich
pal plants in Kansas City, Indianapolis.
and Columbus, Ohio.
In view Of the situation in the District.
where contracts could only be made with
a single company. Mr.. Bowers declared
it would be practical sense and economy
to authorize the plant. even though 1t
should not he operated The influence
its very existence would have in re-
straining bidders from offering extortion-
ate figures would be worth the $4,000
He admitted that a point Of order would
clearly lie against the paragraph. but.
in view of the situation and the propri-
ETY. of the legislation, he trusted it would
not be thus defeated He said the price
Of asphalt remained at H-5 until the
companies consolidated, when 1t was in
creased to HT.
Defeated on Point Of Order.
Mr. Madden said the provision would
enable the Commissioners to effect econ
omy, and it was the duty Of Congress
to legislate for the taxpayers. He off
fered an amendment, which was ac-
cepted by Mr.. Gardner. providing that
If the Commissioners could make con-
tracts at s1.6 per square yard. 3 cents
per cubic foot for new work, and 4 cents
per cubic foot for top dressing. that
they need not operate the plant He
said there was no profit at SIS. and when
the District paid that price it got more
than it's moneys worth. He asked: Shall
we legislate for the taxpayer or the
contractor? Shall We give authority to
the Commissioners TO advance the well
fare Of the people or tie their hands in
favor Of men seeking to devour the SUBJ
stance of the taxpayers?'
which Mr. Mann had reserved would not
be pushed. Mr.. Mann consented to with
draw the point of order. but it was re-
newed by Mr.. johnson, who said the pro-
vision would cancel many contracts and
might work injustice. The point was Sus-
tanned.
When the provision authorizing the
Commissioners, in their discretion. to
take entire control Of the sweeping and
Of oil ~
letting out part under contract as now.
was reached. Mr.. Carlin. Of Virginia.
made a point Of order that it was new
legislation. This was sustained by the
Chair.
Discussing Snow and Ice.
The paragraph appropriating $4,000 for
cleaning snow and ice from the streets.
sidewalks, and crossings led to consider
able debate The whole range OF the
question was canvassed. Mr.. Gardner
explained that the words including serv-
ice" meant the employment of necessary
laborers, &C. Mr.. Goulden. OF New York.
and Mr.. Butler, Of Pennsylvania. de-
nounced the streets and sidewalks of
Washington as the worst in the coun-
try after a fall Of snow.
Mr.. Gardner explained that the Com
missioners had equipped the District with
machinery and material for cleaning
snow and ice away. and with the APP
preparation of this $4,000 he believed the
conditions that had caused SO much dis
comfort would be overcome. Mr.. Mann
moved to increase the sum to $4,000 This
was rejected, as Chairman Gardner
deemed $4,000 sufficient.
Fairgrounds Cause Debate.
When the paragraph for "maintenance,
repairs. including labor, equipment. sup
plies, and necessary Incidental and con-
tingent expenses" Of Fairgrounds was
reached, Mr.. johnson reserved a point of
order. declaring it was entirely new
matter and not authorized by law" He
said 1t created forty-seven new Offices at
an expense Of $15.7S0
In answer to an inquiry whether there
are any Fairgrounds actually In exist
ence in the District. Mr.. Gardner replied |
that there are Fairgrounds on land
owned by the government and on lands
that had been acquired by the District |
for that purpose.
Mr.. Mann declared that the Federal |
government and the District own the |
Fairgrounds Jointly. and It IL the duty |
OF the government to provide for their |
maintenance. Mr. johnson said the Dis
tr1ct appropriation act Of last year pro-
vided that the expense Of the mAinte- |
nance Of the Fairgrounds should be borne |
by the District alons. and he wanted |
that proyiso inherited IN the pending par
Ths ry,.i, .ftpr reading the decision. |