Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-01-22

MES, which proposes that no part of the
funds received from the subscription to
pital stock and surplus shall be used
for promotion purposes.
THE public school affairs should be con-
trolled by director of education appoint
ed by the Commissioners, with stan
which further study of the need for such
an adjunct might disclose as advisable.
If it should be thought needful. visi-
tOrial board might be provided. but With
out any directory function. The interpo-
sition of board is subversive of that
directness of control and administration
which should obtain in branch or the
service where promptness and vigor or
action are SO frequently advisable as In
the public school service.
For a Director of Charities.
THE Commissioners have recommended
the creation of the office of director OF
charities and corrections in lieu of the
board of charities. The board of chart
ties was created to meet a condition OF
embarra ssment in the correctional and
eleemosynary affairs of the District which
were in whole or in part supported by
public funds. 1t performed that service
in a highly satisfactory manner and
evolved a system of supervision and con-
troll in that respect which is fully appre-
ciated by the Commissioners and the pub
lie. But the occasion for the creation OF
that board has accordingly practically
ceased and 1t is believed that the affairs
now managed by it could be more eff
fectively administered by a single ex-
ecutiye.
Better provision for the care of the
sick and injured who depend upon mu-
nicipal aid should also be provided in
municipal institution specially construct
ed and equipped for the most efficient
| service.
Provision should be made by statute
to provide against the interruption Of the
administration of the District govern.
ment by the absence of either or both OF
the two Commissioners appointed from
civil life. 1t has occasionally happened
that these Commissioners have BOTH for
unavoidable reasons as illness of them
selves or in their families. Or for emer-
gent personal business reasons. been abb
sent from the District of Columbia at the
| same time. These instances have Occa-
siOnally resulted in material embarrass-
ment in the conduct of municipal bust
ness. Exigencies OF this character might
readily be anticipated and met by a stat
ute providing that the secretary to the
board of Commissioners shall be an act
ing Commissioner during the absence
from the District or in the event of any
physical disa bility of either of the civil
Commissioners which would preclude the
performance of duty by such Commits
sioner.
The law already provides two substi-
tutes for the Engineer Commissioner in
| the case Of his absence or disability.
Ideal City Conditions His Aim.
THE frequent changes in the personnel
of the board of Commissioners compli-
Gates the record with respect to the
credit which should be given to any one
Commissioner or to any board of Com
missiOners by whom an important mu-
nicipal project may have been initiated
or effected. Many movements are pro-
jected by one board of Commissioners
which are carried into effect by their
successors. In like manner, valuable
suggestions of single citizens or group
of them are occasionally committed to
the Commissioners as the municipal eX-
ecutive as the most effective agency for
their realizat ton. The suggestions of sub
ordinates of the Commissioners also are
serviceable in that respect. 1t has al
ways been the policy Of the Commission
ers to encourage such cooperation, in the
belief that there should exist a SYM
pathy of interest and harmony Of action
between the people and the local au-
thorities for the attainment of the best
results. In what the present Commits
been many instances of such aid which
the Commissioners have gratefully appre-
ciated. and for which they express their
cordial thanks.
THE attainment of ideal city conditions
should be our aim. The vista of possible
betterment is limitless, and broadens as
new conditions are developed. Forty
years ago a good cobblestone carriage
way was regarded as a luxury. The
presence of stray animals in the streets
was not regarded as a nuisance. The
collection and disposal of garbage and
other offensive refuse was done in a
u-n.1ld hA
viewed with disgust: and the maintenance
Of soap factories and slaughter houses
within the populated sections was COM
mon.
almost every feature Of municipal con-
troll has been elaborated and a new mu-
nicipal sentiment has grown up, which
gives assurance that the future will see
the adoption of other features correspond
ingly advanced for the public health,
safety, convenience and enjoyment