Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-02-03
Bills May Only Be Approved.

While the District heads are hopeful
that immediate action may be had on
the four bills sent TO the Capitol today
there is no assurance that the measures
Will receive other than Legislative APP
proval at this session. IL they pass the
two houses too late to be carried in the
District appropriation bill they will be
cared for i'll next years budget.
The measure authorizing a survey OF the
present methods Of collecting and dspos-
ing of the citys waste materials is one
which the clean city committee of the
District will endeavor to get through this
session. Following the two annual sani-
tary campaigns conducted by the COM
mittee 1t Is convinced that immediate
steps should be taken looking toward a
more effective system for the handling
of city refuse. In their report on the
existing system. which is maintained by
contract. the Commissioners say they be-
lieve that in the prices paid for the col
lecting and disposal of the material the
contractor must figure that all. or at least
large portion. of the cost of the plant
must be paid for during the life of the
contract In other words. they point out.
the District of Columbia probably is pay
ing to the contractors. in addition to the
cost of the work itself and the con-
tractors profit. the cost of q complete
disposal plant and collection equipment
every five years
Ask Appropriation of $500.
In order to investigate the feasibility
and practicability of municipal collection
of city refuse, the District heads recom-
mend that the services of an expert lie
obtained. An appropriation of $500 is
requested for the purposes of the bill.
OF the four measures the one authoriz-
ing the largest appropriation is for the
acquisition of the Patterson tract. north
of Florida avenue east. which is bounded
on the east by the grounds of the Colum-
bia Institution for the Deaf and Dumb
on the west by New York avenue and on
the north by FairvieW avenue. ii con-
tains Sl.1 acres. and should be acquired.
the Commissioners say. for SsI3.taH.
The bill directs that the property he
acquired by condemnation and that not
less than one-third of the amount
found by the jury to be due AS dam
ages. including the expenses of the
condemnation proceedings, shall lie as
sessed benefits
With respect to the Bennine grade
crossing bill the District heads esti-
mate that TO provide for this improve
ment AN appropriation of $4,000 will
be necessary. 1t is proposed to con-
struct viaduct and bridge to carry
Bennfng road over the tracks of the
Philadelphia. Baltimore and Washing
ton Railroad Company and of the Bal
timore and Ohio Railroad Company.
Public Now Endangered.
Benning road IS of the heaviest
travelled roads in the District say the
Commissioners in their report accompany
ing the bill. and all vehicular and pedes-
trian traffic is required at present TO cross
these railroad tracks at grade An eie-
ment of public danger is involved in the
further continuance of this grade cross
ing
Similar legislation to remove danger
Gus grade crossing over the Baltimore
and Ohio railroad tracks at Cedar street
Takoma Park. ID. C.. was enacted in the
District appropriation act for the fiscal
year 1911 The bill drafted follows
the legislation contained in that act. II
provides that one-half Of the cost of the
work within the rights of way of the rail
road companies shall be charged against
them, respectively, provided in general
legislation enacted February 2s. 1903. pro-
viding for the elimination of grade cross
ings within the city limits