Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1914-12-03
WASHINGTON VS.. PHILADELPHIA
Remarkable Results Attained IN the Capital in
the Betterment of Tenement Conditions.

Remarkable Results Attained IN the Capital in
the Bettcrment of Tenement Conditions.
III the members OF Select and Common Coun
ellis seek a precedent for action on housing leg
islatlon in Philadelphia they need ONLY to turr
their eyes southwark TO Washington A fev
Years ago the capital of the United States con.
tanned some of the worst slums of any city in
the entire Union
Within few hundred yards of the capito,
itself was the notorious "WilIow Tree" slum:
veritable labyrinth OF rookeries inhab-
tied by blacks and whites; alley leading into
alley lined on both sides with structures mis-
called homes; filled with rubbish and offa1.
offensive alike to eye and nose: in short a pest
hole OF the worst description 1t was aptly
named for its entrance was typical of the trunk
| OF tree, while the runways to which the en-
trance led suggested branches
Within a stones throw literally, not hgura4
tively) of the British Embassy, in the heart of
the arstocratic section of northwest Washing
ton, was a similar slum, though not SO no.
| torious when viewed as an object of interest to
| visitors OF morbid turn of mind as was the
willow Tree"
These we're but two of the centres of pow
erty' NTH and disease in the capital In addi-
tion there was the so-called Division" or what
In other metropolitan cities is commonly termed
the "Tenderloin," While one part of this latter
section partook of the aspect of a well-rep-
ulated and carefully groomed residential quar-
ter the remainder in certain respects as
bad from q sanitary viewpoint as the abodes
of the physically If not morally uncean poor.
Then came the advent OF the WiIsons-as a
family. Mrs. Wilson, aided by her daughters
investigated the housing conditions. Investiga-
tion led to agitation and agitation to a cam
paign for a cleanup such as Washington
had not experienced since the days Of Boss"
Shepherd.
Congress, which is relatively the same to the |
District of Columbia Councils are to Phlla-
delphia, appealed to for remedial legisla-
ton. The response at first was slight. But
public opinion was aroused. and, although the
residents of the capital have no vote, their de-
mand proved too strong to Withstand First
came cleanup of the division" There were
no raids. A police blockade was declared with
the result that the habitues of the "Tenderloin -
their nefarlous trade cut off soon moved The
proceeded. The "WilIow Tree" ouag-
mire of human misery was made a centre of
assault Its almost unbelievable conditions were
opened to the limeght of public gaze What
happened was tragically recorded during the
amented closing hours of Mrs. Wilson'S life.
when she breathed forth desire that Congress
enact the legislation that should wipe out blind
alleys and stagnant arteries of human ex
stenee The President put the matter before
he Congress leaders, and, also has been re-
'orded' Mrs. Wilson had the satisfaction of
inowing before her death that her desire for
ecent housing had been carried out.
Philadelphia was the capital OF the nation be-
ore Washington or the District OF Columbia
vas dreamed of, and was the seat of govern
lent during the most historic days of the coun- 4.
rvs career. It today contains and venerates
he edlhce from which the liberty of the Amer
san colonies was proclaimed, Yet its Councils 7
'ould seem to be reluctant to eliminate cond-
ons similar to those which existed in Wash !
lgton only few years ago.
WIN the most historic municipality Of the Z
alton lag behind the ohieial merely for want
enabling legislation that is patiently de- Z
landed by all citizens who take pride in the I
city OF homes" H