The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1913-04-05
DISTRICT Survey
IS AGREED upon
continued from Pase One.

This part Of the survey would seek to
ascertain the exact nature Of the super
vision and control exercised over the
District government by Congress or Con-
gressional committees. Inquiry would be
made to learn to what exent this con-
troll restricts administrative direction of
the Commissioners and takes away from
responsible oficials freedom in planning
and executing the details Of their work,
Insuiry and analysis would be m.de
Of the character of information placed
before ConEress ~ q basis for Its SC
ton In respect to the District govern
menf. Finally, the survey would seek
to determiae whether the District Com
xnlttees aFe to be kept fully and cur
realty Informed ON the affairs Of the
District.
(5) The relation of the District gov
eminent to the community. This part
Of the survey would study the relation
of the District government to local and
citizen bodies. such as local improve
ment organizations, organizations of land
owners. and tax payers, civic societies.
and commercial organizations. 1t
would also learn how far the District
government consciously seeks to keep
the community informed regarding the
affairs Of the government, and whether
effort Is made to obtain helpful cooper
alton and suggestions from citizens.
Proposed Organization.
The plan OF organization suggested for
tho commission follows:
1. That. as a preliminary step to the
survey. there be organized among the
officials and employees of the District CO.
operative committees for each Of the
most important divisions of the study.
2. That, supplementary these commit
tees. there be organized consulting COM
mitteeS for specific problems or depart
ments. consisting of experts selected. as
largely as possible. from among officials
in American cities.
3. That all description OF conditions
be submitted to responsible officials for
verification before use.
4. That all constructive suggestions
be based on approved statements of facts
regarding present conditions.
5. That effort be made to learn of
best practices in other cities as a means
not only of providing suggestions for
the local government, but of developing
interest among and obtaining the CO.
operation of other communities.
6. That in submitting constructive
recommendations emphasis be placed on
obtaining results of immediate practical
value to the District.
1t is suggested that funds for the sur
Ney De ODtdlneO eitneT from present dp-
for District purposes or a
special appropriation by Congress.
The continuance of the economy and
efficiency commission appointed by
President Taft and the adoption of its
suggestion for a budget committee were
some OF the things suggested to Presi-
dent Wilson at the conference.
Mr.. Brandeis emphasized to the Presi-
dent the necessity for greater efficiency
in all the government departments. He
said the need is not so much for economy
and the lessening of the amount of
money spent. but rather that the nation
should get more actual returns for what
Ii does spend. He declared that there
were many ways in which this principle
could be applied. but that the first ac-
ton which suggested itself was for the
President and Congress to adopt budget
system for appropriating the govern
ment's money.
MIR. Bradeis stated that the budget plan
submitted to the President varied in
some details from that submitted to
President Taft by DR.. Frederick A.
Cleveland, the head of the Taft commits
sion, which was sent to Congress with |
the approval of Mr.. Taft as an executive |
All three of the Presi- !
dents visitors, it is learned, however, en- |
Lhusias ticaly Endorsed the work Of DIR. |
Dodge and the Taft commission, and de- |
,lared that the budget plan he had
evolved was acceptable in almost every |
The budget plan submitted to the |
President was not made public. |