The Washington herald., 1912-05-15

eountant whom johnson brought up
from Kentucky. Mayes has been paid
at the rate OF SIS a day for his work.
the exact nature of which apparently
none Of the committee except Repre-
sentatives George and johnson know Of.
II was stated yesterday that Mr.. Mayes
Is in Washington and at work. and that
his report would substantiate the charges
upon which johnson based his demand
for. an Investigation.
Henry George. jr., OF New York. IS
the only member Of the subcommittee
which was appointed to Investigate the
affairs OF the District who pretends to
have any knowledge OF how Mr.. Mayes
Is being employed. Mr.. George refuses
to give any Information on this point.
It Is understood that Mr. Mayes has
data which will strongly support john
sons contention that the District has
failed by about 100000 to meet its
obligations to the Federal government
In paying on the funded debt.
Two Members Probing.
In addition to the work being done
on the investigation by Accountant
Mayes, two members OF the subcom-
mittee are at work on different phases
of the investigation. They are Repre-
sentative George, who is probing into
taxation and assessment affairs. and
Representative Redheld, Of New York.
who has been investigating the meth
DDS OF purchasing supplies and han
ding contracts In the District. Both
of these members are concluding their
Investigations. Representative Red
held expects to begin drafting his re-
port about June /. Mr.. George, whose
report Will be more voluminous, will
be ready with his recommendations be-
fore the close Of the session, 1t Is be-
lieyed.
Mr.. Redheld's Investigation. while It
has disclosed many places where Mr..
Redfeld believes there is room for i'm
provement, will not result In any start
ling recommendations or exposes. Mr..
Redfield will recommend certain
changes in administration details and
in the treatment of bidders for con-
tracts. and probably will recommend
the erection Of a municipal storehouse.
Big Houses want H."
Most Of the complaints against the pur-
chasing department Of the District gov
eminent, Mr.. Redheld has found, come
from large out-of-town firms which,
because of the small quantities in which
the District buys its supplies, are unable
TO compete with nearby firms where
the question OF distribution IL simpler
Mr.. Redheld feels that this condition
may be responsible for enhancement in
prices demanded. by nearby firms. II is
possible that the Redheld report also
will suggest changes in the FIRE hose
requirements in order TO permit a larger
number Of bidders for the contracts.
George Probe Productive.
The investigation by Mr.. George into
taxation and assessment conditions ID
the District has been exhaustive In
scope and productive OF gratifying re.
suits. from Mr. Georges viewpoint Al
a result, the New York single tax ad-
vocate viii recommend some drastic
changes, changes which II carried into
effect will Tevolutionize the taxation
scheme Of the District, both as to meth
cd and assessments. Mr.. Georges bill
codifying the assessment laws OF the
District indicates clearly the general
trend Of his scheme. which is for In
creased assessments on unimproved
property and a corresponding decrease
on improvements. The report which Mr.
George will make as a result OF his In
vestigation. however, will touch on points
which could not be contained In his bill
and the George recommendations are
expected to be the feature OF the inves'
tiGatioa.
Mr.. George has been assisted during
the hearings by Herbert ]. Browne, who
is an expert on real estate conditions
here. To-day Mr.. George will have Law.
son Purdy. president OF the hoard of as.
sessment and taxation Of New York City
on the stand. Mr.. George considers Mr.
Purdy one Of the leading assessment ex-
pcrts OF the world. and expects to OBJ
tain valuable ideas as 10 organization
and method from him