Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-10-29

Formal study of the needs of the Ma
tional Capital, with view to presenting
to President Wilson definite and COM
here of modern municipal government
was begun today by the District of CO.
lumbia Commissioners.
Recommendations contained in a plan
OF government which was presented to the
President last spring by Henry Bruere
of the bureau of municipal research of
New York and John Purroy Mitchell pres
ent fusion candidate for mayor of New
York, were explained in detail to the
Commissioners this morning by Mr.. Bru-
ere. who made a special trip to Washing
ton for the purpose.
The District officials previously had ex-
amtned this report. but at the confer
eSfce. which lasted from IL o'clock until
well into the afternoon, they obtained
from Mr.. Bruere more complete infor-
principal shortcomings Of the District
government.
They declined to discuss for publication
at this time what features of the Bruere-
Mitchell scheme interested them most or
whether they will indorsc any of the
recommendations.
It is expected that the Commissioners
will devote several months to q study of
organization methods before preparing a
plan of their own for presentation to the
President.
Will Devote Months to Study.
In this connection they will endeavor
TO sound local public opinion as to re-
forms most needed I'm the District. They
ar. Interested in the social survey which
is to bc undertaken by the Monday Even
ing Club and may base some of their
recommendations upon the results of this
study of civic conditions to be made by
tizens OF Washington.
Mr.. Bruere tod the Commissioners to-
day that Washington is the logical city I'm
WHICH To estabiisi model municipal
sovfrnment. Tie adoption OF efficient
methods of administration by the govern
Inent OF the District OF Columbia will he
said. serve 10 stimulate other municipal
ties to make similar improvements.
Principal Recommendation.
The principal recommendation OF the
New York municipal expert is that the
Commissioners conduct a survey for the
purI ose of bringing out exact facts CON
corning present conditions affecting the
conduct of District affairs. He estimates
that the cost of such a survey would be
approximately $4,000.
II should include, he said. on the ad-
minfStradve side, an analysis descrin-
ton and appraisal of the problems.
authority and duties, organization, per-
sonnel physical equipment revenues.
methods. expenditures and results OBJ
tained by the District government
1t Is proposed to conduct the survey
also with view to obtaining a complete
understanding of the statutes, judicia al
decisions, rules and regulations govern
Ing the organization of the District In the
C0n6nCf
describing and charting the organization
OF the entire government down to its
Smallest group.
TN the basis of facts developed by the
survey. constructive suggestions AR
Bruere said, may be formulated-first. for
bringing the District government up n
the best practices now followed in any
other American city. and. second for spe-
ct.ic experiments and tests looking 10 the
development OF new administrative stand.
ards.
The national government" he said Il.
under special oblication to make the gov
ernment of the District of Columbia ,
model of efficiency. because the people O.
the District are disfranchised and thu.
without power to effect improvements o
their own initiative. As the Capital cit,
OF the United States. Washington shoult
he known throughout the world as ,
model in civic management"
Suggestion of Continuous Publicity
II was suggested to the Commissioner
that continuous publicity be EMPLOYED ~
means of giving momentum to tb
development of efficient city government
in the United States
Nr. Bruere stated that there are som
Lao questions based on knowledge a
customary deficiencies in municipai husj
ness methods. which have been frame,