The Washington herald., 1913-12-28

that the associations were not civic or
ganizations and not connected with the
public schools. This use OF the build
ings has been recommended by the Com
missioners and was advocated by Dr
Davidson, superintendent OF schools A
bill authorizing their use was sent to
Congress last week.
Meeting at white House.
One Of the most notable civic meetings
during the year was the one held at the
White House on December /. at the re-
quest Of Miss Margaret Wilson. This
meeting was the outgrowth OF the one
held November Il at the home Of Mrs
Archibald Hopkins, which was attended
by representatives Of fifty-six civic or
ganizations. At this meeting a commit
tee was appointed with d. A. Edwards
as chairman, to put in shape the three
movements that were advocated: First,
wider use of the schoolhouses; second,
the establishment of a board Of control
over recreation grounds, and third. the
establishment of swimming pools in each
neighborhood This committee met at
the ONCE of Z. 8. Martin, superintendent
Of Fairgrounds, and Mr.. Edwards ap-
pointed a subcommittee with Miss VIII
son, chairman. to go more into the de-
tails Of the question.
After the subcommittee had put the
bill in proper shape, Miss Wilson called
the meeting at the White House Here
the resolution in favor of use Of the
schools and the establishment OF SWIM
ming pools was adopted. but opposition
to the establishment of a board to con-
troll recreation centers was raised. The
District Commissioners. the board Of edu-
cation and the superintendent of grounds
and buildings were the three interests
represented. Each appointed one repre-
sentative and the whole question was
turned over to them.
Half-and-HaIf Plan Favored.
Efforts are being made at present to
retain and uphold the half and half
principle created by the organic act Of
1873. Many Of the associations, after a
thorough study of taxation. have placed
themselves In strong opposition to any
change in this act They contend the
act was not passed hastily but after
several years Of active work on the
question.
The elimination and development of the
Anacostia fats was an important step in
carrying out the parking plans for the
city. Congress appropriated 10000 for
this work. It also appropriated 81. .30o 100
for the development Of the parks. in
cluding Potomac and Rock Creek parks,
and the ultimate purchase Of land for
the parking system.
Public laundries, where the poor
women can do their work for nomi-
nal fees, have been advocated by sew
eral associations, but as yet no steps
have been taken toward the establish
ment OF such institutions. They also
requested an increase in the number
of health inspectors, and asked that
the appointees be willing to go into
homes and teach hygiene. In accord
ance with this, the Commissioners, in
their estimates, recommended that four
inspectors be appointed,
For Universal Transfers.
The federation stands as a unit for
transfers and half fare for
school children while on their way
to and from school.
The membership of all of the citi-
zens' associations is increasing. About
organizations in the Dis
trict are eligible to membership in
the federation, and about twenty now
are represented by delegates. Many
of those that have not as yet Joined
the federation have the matter under
The federation during
last year worked with unanimity, and
its president, D. A. Edwards, predicts
that II will accomplish a great deal
in 1914.