The Washington times., 1913-04-13
REALTY MEN OPPOSE
SIGN LICENSE FEE
Brokers Will Refuse to Pay for
Putting Notices Up on
Vacant Property.

Washington real estate brokers will
not pay a license fee for the privilege
of putting signs on property, even Il
If the Commissioners assess such fee,
according to sentiments expressed by
the brokers yesterday at the Ebbitt
House luncheon. William E. Shannon
called attention to the matter.
Several plans were advocated tor
avoiding the payment of the 81 lee
whicn the Commissioners may decide
to levy for each sign that Is posted
One was the employment of counsel
TO fight the matter out in courts on
the ground that it is unconstitutional
suggested by John z. Story. Another
advocated an agreement among the
brokers to post no signs.
In that way. il was stated, properly
owners will be brought TO realize how
useful sign is anu will take up the
brokers fight for them NO dennlle
action was taken, but il was clear that,
although the brokers will subscribe 10
the recent enactment of Congress re-
qulring written permit for signs, theJ
will not pay any fee for the privilege
above the regular licensed brokers' fee.
James E. shea was made head of a
committee OF five to investigate the
matter.
Saunders as Toastmaster.
A number of the brokers suggested
different steps which might be taken
for the general advancement of the
real estate business of the city. Presi-
dent William II, Saunders acted as
POSTMASTER
George Y, Worthington, chairman Of
the lunch committee, insisted that steps
be taken to prevent brokers from lcas-
ing property to tenants VINO had jumped
their lease contracts with some other
broker. he also attacked fake adyer-
tis.ng, and declared that the law gov
erning assessments for benefits Is in
iQuirous.
John L. Weaver spoke encouraging!y
of the real estate prospects for Wash
ington. He pointed out that twenty
one years ago the 36o acres which aas
now become the subdivision of Chevy
= Chase was sold for $4,000, and said the
development III the iuture MouIu pe as
rapid as IN the past. he urged brokers
not to advise their clients To buy busi-
mesa properties ana LAY them on Inc
shelf He said that was the surest
way to kIiI yaIues IN any secuoh, anu
that a much DeIler poncy Is 20 Duy
business properties anu improve tneni
James r. shea pointed oul that tne
evenIs OF the past lew weeks Snow Tie
necessity of organization among the
proKeIs. InarIes ~. an iaA IrSeu
tnaI all who transact real estate DusI-
ness be required TO do SO under legal
license.
Wants New Tenant Laws.
Charles A. Shields said the worst
feature of the real estate business In
the District is the landlord and tenant
laws. He said the court record each
day shows from 100 to $50 cases OF
non-securement of rents, and that
law should be enacted to protect the
real estate men from this abuse.
He also attacked the method OF
making public appropriations, claim
ing that discrimination was shown
and that in many cases. these appro-
priations opened up entirely new ter
ritory and deprecated values in old
territories
Harry A. Boss, chairman Of the
membership committee, reported that
he had secured twelve applications
Tor membership since the Iast meet
ing and urged the member to at
tempt to mcl ease The assuclatloh's .
membership.
B. F. saul opposed attempting any
legislation. I'VE don't want. to ask
for legislation, or We will proba bly,
get what We don't want, said Mr..
saul. He advocated signing an agree
ment not to put up any signs If the
Commits sioEers insist on the tax
Then ne said, lit Will fall on the
property owners and they will do the
kicking
n. l.. Sansbury said enormous rents
are lost each year by bad tenants and
that sucn a condition is unnecessary.
B. F. saul was appointed chairman
of a committee to draw up resolutions
on the death of Clarence II. Rheem,
one Of the members of the association
who died after an illness of but a few
days. President Saunders said he
would call q business meeting of the
association within the next few
weeks.