The Washington herald., 1913-11-25
MAY get
UTILITIES FUND
CONTINUED FROM PAGE ONE.

While an immediate physical valua-
tIon of public utilities properties is not
essential to a continuation of work by
the Utilities Commission, IL is highly
important The Interstate Commerce
Commission, which bears much the
same relation to interstate railroads
as does the local commission TO utlll-
ties here, has gone on for years doing
much good, but always demanding
money 10 pay for a physical Vaulatloh
of railroads, the better and more quick
lv TO determine upon equitable rates
and tariffs.
Last session Congress finally granted
this demand by making a preliminary
appropriation of 100000 for this pur-
pose. A fair valuation OF local utll-'
ties at an early date probably WouIo
save the local commission from undo
ing much work which might be ac-
complished prior to long-delayed eA-
animation of this kind.
May Get First Action.
\ The District subcommittee expects to
spend about six days going over the Dis
trict estimates with the Commissioners
before commencing to frame the bill it.
self This is the first of the big appropria-
ton bill upon which work has been COM
menced. Most of the main committee are
now in Panama making a last inspec-
tion Of the canal II is possible that the
District bill will be the first annual ap-
propriation bill to be acted on at the
regular session.
But before such action is taken 1t is
hoped TO put through an omnibus District
legislative bill, to be framed by the
House District Committee, and which VIII
contain all measures determined upon by
the Commissioners, the Page subeommlt-
tee on District appropriations ana the
regular House District Committee.
The District appropriation bill, which
may follow this on the House calendar
will contain no new legislation. but will
carry appropriations for any expenditures
authorized in the omnibus legislative bill.
Committee Yet Inactive.
There has been no indication of activity
vet from the House District Committee
but comparatively few members OF the
House now are In Washington. Chair
man johnson sill has his investigators
at work, however, and Representative
Henry George, jr.. investigator of local
taxation and assessment conditions mas
the Erogram he wants worked out pretty
definitely framed up.
There is a general impression that the
new House District Committee will get
down TO business and do something.
good intent. is a matter for conjecture.
The older members of the committee, II
is hoped, will manifest a real interest in
district affairs, and give their colleagues
the benefit of their studies and expert
ence on local matters.
Because of peculiar conditions. which
necessarily and legitimately attach to the
National Capital, first impressions OF
legislators coming to Washington are,
and of right should be. subject to soften
ing changes This is not due to infiu-
Crce exerted by local interests, but to
realization that conditions here are in
many important respects entirely dit
ferent than IN other civic divisions
Even though the last committee was
"do-nothing' body, there was dispo-
sition on the part of the more conscien-
tiuus members to work together. ignoring
party lines. \ continuation Of this pol
icy. guided by the experience Of these
members. should result in strengthen
ing of the embryonic but encouraging
working agreement between the Commits
sioners and the House District Com
InitteP