Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1914-12-11
COUNCILMAN OPPOSES GAINS PLATFORM
The Conflict Between the Rights of the Tenement Dwelers and the
Inalienable Rights" of The Organization.
BY ROBERT d. DRIPPS
.ommon Councilman from the ed Ward.

THE Organization members of Councils, in
i refusing to obey the act of Assembly
which was passed at the last session and
provides, among other things, for Division
of Housing and Sanitation as a part of the
Department of Health and Charities in
cities of the first class, are true to their
traditions. They are firm adherents of the
laissez- faire doctrine. They do not believe
in so-called social legislation" They stand
on Gains platform, that no man is his
brothers keeper.
II an owner of property in the llth Ward
can induce any one to rent its damp, water
soaked cellar and live there with wife and
children. Mr. John p. Connolly, the Common
Councilman Of that ward, apparently feels
that that is a mere matter OF taste as to
which Councils has no business to interfere.
If four or five families combine to rent
small three-story house in the 18th Ward and
divide up the available space so that five or
six persons sleep in one room, that is APP
parently regarded by Mr. seger the Select
Councilman of the eth Ward, as an inallen-
able right, not in any way to be disturbed by
Councils These gentlemen and their asso-
ciates, i'm matters of this kind, are a century
behind the times
Inaction a Fixed Policy
Some months ago an attempt was made to
secure oouncilmanic action providing for
more careful inspection of the electrical wir-
ing, etc, in the moving picture houses of this
city, some OF which, in case Of fire. would
prove to be veritable death traps Director
Porter made formal request for such action.
but nothing was done. Action has been asked
of Councils looking toward proper super
vision OF dance halls, but despite the proven
iniquities Of the present custom this request,
also has been ignored. These and many
other illustrations might be adduced to show
a settled policy on the part of Organization
Councilmen 10 oppose legislation which dis
turbs in any way what they are pleased to
call existing rights. Hence 1t is not surpris-
Ing that they have done all in their power to
nullfy the action of the last Legislature for
improved housing conditions in Philadelphia
The act of Assembly which they have so
fagrantly disregarded was signed by Gov
ernor Tener on the 22d day OF July 1918 II
had been drafted by a legislative committee
Of the Philadelphia Housing Commission
consisting of such persons as Mr. e. Walter
Clark, 3d. the banker; Mr., Samuel s. Fels,
Mr. Frank p Priehard the able associate In
the practice of the law OF Mr. John G. John
SON. Prof Leo s. Rowe, OF the University OF
Pennsylvania; Mr.. Arno p. Mowitz. and
others equally able and representative IL
had received the formal approval of Director
Nef Assistant Director Wilson and Chief
Nogelson It had been carefully considered
and indorsed by more than 25 organizations
in Philadelphia, including. for example the
Society for Organizing Charity, the Union
benevolent Association. the Childrens Aid
Society, the Consumers League OF Eastern
Pennsylvania, the Society to Protect Chill
dren from Cruelty, the Country Week As
ISOLATION the Pennsylvania Society for the
Prevention Of tuberculosis the Social Service
Department OF the University OF Pennsyl-
yenia. etc. Ia the Senate It was supported By
beth Mr. MeSichol and Mr.. Ware. And yet
Messrs. Connolly and seger have concluded
that IL Is unft 10 be put Ia force However
regrettahle, IT ls not surprising that some
real estate owners and others directly ahfect-
ed by the act are opposed to its enforcement.
Profits and Losses
Under present conditions splendid proat
can be secured IN certain parts OF the city
ffern the rental OF properties on which a
landlord does not have 10 spend a cent Tor
repairs. where. the only toilet facilities are
out of doors, where the roof leaks, the cellar
e water-soaked, where Inadequate window
space aud consequent bad ventilation are the
rlle, and where qgercroRding exists q the
point ot indeeenef II the owners % baild-
ines of such character we're compelled either
ie tear them down g put them 81 habIfable
condition there would be for sshils n
least marked reduction In their prahts ana
nslpfaIiy fhis Noula ba aHsat.siaoIors -
fhsu Therefore thss ehpase fhe enforce
pst e GAIA ae- fs esEste aasafs 4ha
owners ons
KS