davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-12-05
DEPARTMENT OF FAIRGROUNDS

1t is the purpose of this department
physical, moral and mental benefit to
children Of the District of Columbia
BY providing recreation in the open air.
free from conditions which prejudice
physical development. the Fairgrounds
perform the functions of a sanatorium,
without the cost, and in a large meas
ure. obviate the necessity for hospitals.
By instilling into the child the prin-
ciples of fair play. honesty. self-control
and mutual responsibility, the play
ground teaches the elements of citizen
ship. 1t gives instruction in industrial
work, and thus becomes a specialized
school without the expense of one and
without its restrictions on Individual
enterprise.
The work of the department, SO far as
it can be shown by tabulation Of fig
ures. is set forth in the detailed report.
During the fiscal year 1916 there were
In succession three different SUPER
visors of playgrounds-Daniel J. Dono-
van, George NJ. Roberts and Mrs. Susie
Root Rhodes. Thirteen Fairgrounds were
maintained during the year. three of
which were for colored children.
The total number of persons attend
ing regularly was 1.004,17 an increase
Of ~. 1914 over last year.
The Fairgrounds are designated and
located as follows:
White-Bloomingdale LIST and Bryant
streets northwest
Gallinger, 18th and c streets north
west
Georgetown, 33d street and Volta
place northwest.
Garfield Park, I'd street and New Jer-
sey avenue southeast.
Montessori. 1910 Kalorama road.
Mount Pleasant, 14th street and Park
road northwest.
New York Avenue. LIST street and New
York avenue northwest.
Rosedale, It'll and Kramer streets
northeast.
Virginia Avenue. 10th street and vir-
ginia avenue southeast.
Geological Park.
The Montessori and Geological Park
Fairgrounds were discontinued after
the summer OF 1918.
Colored-CardoZo, LIST and I streets
southwest.
Howard, 9Th and W streets northwest.
Willow Tree Park, Sd and AZ, b and
streets southwest.
With the exception of the months of
January and February. the Fairgrounds
were open all the year-from am.
until dark In summer and from II :45
until dark during the public school
term. Each was under the supervision
of a director and a Waterman, with
such assistants as were necessary from
time to time.
The work of the department was di-
vided into three classes-industrial,
physical and social.
Industrial work consists of instruc-
ton in basketry. knitting. sewing. cro-
cheting, paper cutting. cooking. and
similar occupational and instructive
recreation for both boys and girls.
The physical work includes all ath-
letic contests, such as base ball. bas-
ket ball, soccer foot ball, track and
field games. etc. In conjunction with
the playground department, and under
its direction, there are organized pub
lie school leagues in the principal
branches Of sport. In each league or
division. which has the playground in
its neighborhood as a center, trophies
were given the winning teams. while
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-12-05
Balance to credit of disbursing
g Gmne 40 p is1a Oh oo.un. s4s,424c3

In the Juvenile Court Of this District
trict service shows a steady increase: A
total of 101,21O checks were issued Gan
increase of 1928 over the previous
year, in the payment of salaries. con-
tracts, etc. while the payment OF sal
aries. fees. etc. In cash amounted TO
1850. The increase in the number OF
payments now being made is mainly
due to the fact that all employees OF the
District government, unless otherwise
provided by law, are now being PAID
twice a month.
In the years work of handling the
Districts funds. involving over 2oo,ooo
money transactions and nearly eleven
and a half million dollars, the dfsburse-
ments cleared, without loss by error In
calculation or Identification. through
the exacting practical and technical au-
dit both of the District auditor and the
United States Treasury officials.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-12-05
once to collect personal taxes levied on
Disturbing Officer.

Disturbing Officer.
Tho total amount expended during
the fiscal year 1915. by the disbursing
office was $11,422,055.11, Of which sum
s2.34o,59s.45 was handled in cash and
the balance by checks.
Statement of receipts and disbprse-
ments:
DR..
Credit alance on
hand July l, 1915 $2o,44IoI
M n to official
credit during year
1915 .............. 11,eOOolZl9
ing year 1915. ssi2.5s
Or.
Offcial checks drawn
during year 1915. .$11, 40 05511
Unexpcnded balances
repaid to United
States treasurer. 85s, 1926
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-12-05
Purchasing Department.

1t is through this Office that purchase
is made of all supplies and materials
used by the District government
The total expenditures for the year
ending June 80. 1915, amounted to ST.
669,293.S7. embracing supplies and ma
terials of every conceivable nature.
which may be classified generally as
follows:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-12-05
Pension and Salary Legislation.

Although the size of the force was
not increased. the metropolitan police
department was fortunate in receiving
more consideration from Congress dur
ing the fiscal year 1916 than ever be-
fore In its history. In the last annual
report of the major and superintendent
three important pieces of legislation
were recommended. Request was made
first for the consideration of a new
pension law providing an ADEQUATE
pension fund and doing away with the
use of Police Court fines as a source
of revenue for the fund, on the theory
that a policeman should not have even
the remotest financial interest in any
arrest.
The legislation second in Importance
was substantial increase in the sala-
ries Of precinct commanders, their lieu
tenants and sergeants.
The third important recommendation
was for the amalgamation Of the met
ropolitan police force and the crossing
officers force, the latter men formerly
having no pension privileges of the
metropolitan force nor chances OF pro-
motion.
The District appropriation bill which
was approved September !. 1915. con-
sion fund, increased salaries. and ANAL
Kamating the crossing police force with
the metropolitan force was passed by
Congress.
Crimes.
The test of the efficiency of any police
department is in the apprehending Of
criminals who have committed felonies
During the last fiscal year there has
been an increase in the number OF per-
sons arrested and held where feloniss
or serious crimes have been charged.
1860 cases Of this kind having been
made IN 1915. as compared with 1888
in 1915 and 1892 in 1914.
The police department was perhaps
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-12-05

and the risks written, sx-
elusive Of casualty, amounted to 1884,
919,911.33. as shown by the Following
exhibit:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-12-05

ton In first-aid work, in order to give
each man on the force information on
the case Of an injured person during
the time of waiting for an ambulance.
IL. Giving to the men information on
methods of keeping well and improving
their condition of health, and planning
for annual athletic carnivals and field
games
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-12-05

the winners Of the city championship
contests received special trophies
The social activity differs on each
playground. Clubs are organised for
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-12-05

Inventory at close of business June
80, 1916, discloses that the District at
that time had stock of construction ma
terials in the various property yards
amounting to $94,2SS.42.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-12-05
Collection of Revenue.

The total collections for the year end
ed June 80, 1915, were s10,130,191.93.
The amount credited to the general
fund. which was strictly revenue, was
$s.3s0.74e.o6. The collections this year
show a net increase of s350.6so9s. The
increase in realty taxes was $265,Ss532
The increase in personal taxes was
$211.117.z6. This increase in personal
tax was due to the settlement, during
the year. of several large accounts
which were pending before the courts
The trust funds collected amounted to
81, 44,334.14. The miscellaneous re-
ceipts were s1,09s, 791.l6.
There was also collected on account
of miscellaneous receipts credited to
the United States $275.440.02, showing
an increase of $59,530.20.
The total water fund collected, in
Guiding rents, etc. was s69s,31217
The real estate tax sale for March,
1916, was the largest in the history of
the collectors office. There were fifty
one bidders for the lots offered for
sale, the number of lots sold being
$3.50. The total amount of tax sale,
including over $4,000 surplus and 10
cents for the recording of each lot, was
$20S, 511.43.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-12-05
PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

Day Schools.
The total enrolment Of pupils for the
year was:
Male. Female. Total.
White ........ 20.625 20.447 H,0s2
Colored 6,A79 9,90o 1874
Total ........ 29,1l4 30.412 9,52g
The total enrolment Of pupils was
distributed as follows:
Class Of pupils. White. Colored. Total
Elementary ..... 95.507 1921 s17sS
Secondary .......... 6,252 1855 6908
Normal ........-.. 115 1852 327
Vocational ......... 148 350 sos
Total ............ 41,0S2 IS, 444 5O.526
The total enrolment shows an increase
Of 1893, or 3.46 per cent more than that
Of the previous year.
The average enrolment was 1896, or
800 per cent above that OF the previous
year.
The average daily attendance was
49.625.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-12-05

Out of a total number of 1888 per-
sonal tax accounts. there are 1908 who
pay tax of less than SIS. There are
TAI who pay a tax of 800 or over.
leaving 9,S49 whose tax is between IS
and 500.
The personal tax levy of the past
year has been made under the act OF
Congress approved July l. 1902, which
provides that tangible property, such
as jewelry. household goods. wares,
merchandise, stock in trade. horses,
sessed, and in addition percentage
on the gross earnings Of banks, trust
companies and public utilities. The tax
on intangible personal property, provided
for by the act of September l, 1915, can
only be imposed on and after July /,
1917.
Special Assessments.
The amount of special assessment
work is set forth in the following
statement:
The number of special assessment
notices served during the year was
9.215.
Assessment and permit
work $96,951.S9
Paving roadways.. 81, 6S9.S0 .
Assessments levied by juries during
the year ended June 80, 1915:
Street extension. ........ a, 1880
Minor streets and alleys. 49, 12.s1
'' as,152.ss
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-12-05
Yearly Assessment.

Real estate has. since 1894. been as
sessed triennially (2s Stat. 2s2) at not
less than two-thirds of its true value
(act Of July 1, 1902 by the board of
three assistant assessors (2s Stat. 2s2).
The Commissioners have for number
of years recommended that assessments
be made annually and a step has been
taken in this direction by the enactment
of September 1. 1916. which requires that
hereafter assessments of real estate in
the District Of Columbia for purposes
of taxation shall be made biennially in
the same manner as is now required
by law for triennial assessments. In
order to enable the Office to carry into
effect such assessment, there has been
provided five field men whose need has
been greatly felt in the past and who
will afford much aid toward equalizing
real estate assessments in the District.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-12-05

cnlidren Of various ages. and many
dances. parties and entertainmente are
siven to keep the young people OF the
CITY on the streets at night
alton facilities such as swings. gym
naSium apparatus. tennis courts. base
Dali, basket ball and foot ball fields.
shelter houses, etc. Supplies. such as
base balls. basket balls. tennis racquets.
etc. are furnished by the department.
For the repair and upkeep of the
grounds. AZ well as for the storing and
care OF supplies. the department main
tatns strrehouse and workshop at
1o6S Wisconsin avenue northwest.
Ono Of the most attractive and whole
somely useful features of the play
grounds this year has been the swim
ming pools installed at the George
town. Rosedale and Howard play
grounds. Special instruction in swim
ming has been given. and many aquatic
meets have been held.
Bathing Beach.
As a separate division under the play
ground department is the bathing
beach. or municipal swimming pools.
During the summer Of 1915 the total
attendance at tho pools for white peo-
pie was 1888. while that at the col
ored peoples pool was S.o5S.
The total appropriation for play
grounds for the year was $44.41b and
With the belief that when q city
makes 1t illegal to play in the streets,
1t should provide places where play
may not only be lawful but encour-
aged. the following recommendations
are submitted:
That additional Fairgrounds be es-
tablished until there be one accessible
to every child in the District Of Co
lumbia.
That every playground have either a
swimming pool or wading pool pro-
vided.
That the wider use of the school
plant. In Connection with playground &C
That shelter houses or open-air halls
be provided on all grounds now In
operation. The summers are so hot
and the winters SO cold that unless we
provide against these extremes Of eli
mate much time will be lost in the
That the Fairgrounds be lighted and
open evenings.
That moving picture apparatus be
purchased for all lighted grounds.
That the shops OF the elementary
schools be open in summer vacation
grounds near by may have elementary
woodwork and simple carpentry. The
repairing of broken furniture and toys
would be good occupational play.
That school kitchens be opened in
summer vacation and nearby play
ground children be given cooking les
sons as an occupational recreation.
acknowledgment is made Of the CO.
operation and support Of the depart
ment OF public buildings and grounds
the police department and the directors
of Fairgrounds.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-12-05
Appropriations and Revenues.

The cash revenues of the District of
Columbia for the fiscal year amounted
to sS.400.3975s, which, plus the Dis
trict's share of unexpended balances Of
appropriations lapsed and charged off
the books by the surplus warrant of
sulting credit Of ss,467, $3.50. The to-
tai appropriations for the fiscal year
amounted to s12.492.6s6.52. of which
there was chargeable to District reve-
nues the sum of $6.322 .349.72. leaving
a surplus of revenues over appropria-
ton charges for the year itself of
$2.145, 325.64.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-12-05
TAXATION.
Real Estate.

The assessment OF real estate for the
fiscal year 1917 is as follows:
Land. s2o7,355.359; improvements,
$194.743.s73; total. s4o2 1929: tax,
o31.4ss.4s.
The assessment for the fiscal year
July /. 1915. 10 and including June 80.
1916, is as follows:
Assessed value Of land SCOT 173 Dos
Assessed value Of Improvements. 1877 o85 800
Total assessed value Of real estate
June 30. 1915 &30z, 200 0O<
Total assessed value Of real estate
June 30. 1918 ....-............. 800 006, $40
Iucfeabo Sill
Summary OF new buildings and addf-
lions. Improvements. etc: made during
the fiscal year 1916 for assessment in
the fiscal year 1917:
1ew buildings :.-...-..... ......... W.1915 $50
Additions and improvements. 1.4Is 400
conduits. railroads, etc .........-... 1873 044
IOt1l -, AL WI
O8 DS6 100
y Demanding assessment .............s - 1856 294
EAIUH OF BUILDINGS EXEMPT FROM TAX
ALTON.
Ut~oS1ook1nna~>s to06bo0
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-12-05

ment shall be assessed against the
property abutting the side of the street
SO improved, such assessments to be
levied and collected as now provided as
to alleys and sidewalks: Provided, That
the advertisement by publication of the
Commissioners intention to do such
work and the formal hearing in respect
thereto required by law as to alley and
CURED as to roadway improvements.
There shall be included in the area
the. cost of which is assessable here
under only the roadway area AUDITING
the property between lines normally
| projected from the building of the
street being improved at the points of
intersection with the building lines of
| intersecting streets.
There shall be excluded from the
cost OF the roadway work to be as
sessed hereunder:
First. The cost of all such work be-
yond line twenty feet from the side
thereof.
Second. The cost of all such work
within the space within which street
railway companies are required to pave
by law. and nothing herein contained
snail be construed as relieving street
railway companies from bearing all the
expense OF paving and repairing streets
and avenues between lines two feet
extrfor to the outer rails of their
tracks, as required by section five of
the act providing a permanent form of
LH"ShI AL lHc 1IlSlIlCl Ol SO-
lumbia, approved June eleventh, eight
cen hundred and seventy-eight."
Revision Of the Tax and License
Laws.
A revision of the tax and license
laws Of the District of Columbia is
contemplated by a provision in the
same statute, which prescribes:
That a joint committee consisting of
the committee on the District of CO.
lumbia of the Senate and the commit
tee on the District of Columbia of the
House of Representatives is hereby ap-
pointed to make by subcommittee or
otherwise careful and exhaustive
study OF the tax laws of the District of
Columbia, including license taxes, with
a view OF recommending such changes
in the laws as the joint committee may
deem fair and equitable, report to be
made to the Congress during the next
session."
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-12-05
Licenses.

During the year ended June 30, 1916.
this Office issued s,5ss miscellaneous
licenses, amounting to $112.0S3.34. a
slight decrease over the previous year.
During the same period 273 barroom
licenses were issued, amounting to
s409.500, and eighty-nine wholesale Ii
censes. amounting to $1,000, making
the total receipts from liquor licenses,
s4s0.700.
On October 1S, 1915, the automobile
office was transferred from the permit
clerk to this office, and the clerk in
charge of licenses was appointed sec
rotary to the automobile board Since
October 1s. 1915. and up to and includ-
ing June 80, 1916, the total revenues
collected through the secretary Of the
06SSl
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-12-05
Biennial Assessment.

A clause in the act of Congress en-
titled AN act making appropriations
to provide for the expenses of the
government of the District of Column
ba for the fiscal year ending June
90, 1917. and for other purposes" ap-
proved September /. 1915, provides for
the biennial assessment of real estate, as
follows:
thereafter assessments of real estate
in the District of Columbia for pur-
poses of taxation shall be made bien-
nially in the same manner as is now
required by law for triennial assess
ments of real estate in said District
and the time for the completion of
each biennial assessment, and the time
in which appeals from such assess
ments may be taken to the board of
equalization and review shall be the
same as is now provided for the assess
ment Of real property which has be-
come subject to taxation and which
has not been taxed, and for the assess
ment OF new structures, as set forth
in section IL of the act approved Au-
gust IA, 1894 entitled An act to pro-
vide an immediate revision and equali-
cation of real estate values in the Dis
trict of Columbia: and also to provide
an assessment of real estate in said
District in the year 1896. and every
third year thereafter. and for other
purposes.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-12-05
Use of Vault Space in Streets.

The liability of private users of space
under the streets to assessment for
that privilege was established by the
provision in the District appropriation
act above mentioned:
That hereafter the Commissioners of
the District of Columbia are authorized
and directed to assess and collect rent
from all users Of space occupied under
the OideWalkI and streets In the Dis.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-12-05
Intangible Personal Property.

Another clause in the act above men
toned provides for the assessment of
intangible personal property, as fol-
lows:
That the moneys and credits, in
GLIDING moneys loaned and invested
bonds and shares of stock Except the
stock of banks and other corporations
within the District of Columbia the
taxation of which banks and corpora
lions is herein provided for) of any
person, firm, association or corpora
ton resident or engaged in business
within said District shall be scheduled
and appraised in the manner provided
by paragraph l of said section for
listing and appraisal of tangible per-
sonal property. and assessed at their
fair cash value, and as taxes on said
moneys and credits there shall be paid
to tho tax collector of said District
four-tenths of ! per centum of the
value thereof: Provided. That savings
deposits of individuals in a sum not in
excess OF $500 deposited in banks trust
companies or building associations.
subject to notice of withdrawal and not
subject to check. shall be exempt from
this tax.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-12-05
Annual Automobile Licenses.


One of the most needed pieces Of
legislation at the present time is law
providing for the annual licensing Of
automobiles. At the present time they
are numbered serially. starting with
No. l, issued on October s, 1907.
Many of the cars for which licenses
were given three to ten years ago are
now out of commission, and the number
tags of them are sometimes used II.
legally. These so-called dead num-
bers" cause endless amount OF con.
fusion to the police in tracing lost and
stolen cars, and also are an incentive
to some persons to indulge In certain
dishonest practices, such as selling
MARYLAND tourists coming into Wash.
inrton sundays license tags which win
carry them through the day.
Talks to School Children.
During the fiscal year Washington
became the second city in the country
to inaueurate a series OF talks to
school children by policemen. having
for the purpose the teaching OF lessons
in the observance of laws and regu-
lations making for better citizenship.
and in teaching lessons on accident
prevention. There were also inaugu-
rated during the latter part OF the last
school term a series Of talks in schools
on water safety. swimming and saw
ing lives. This work started with
talks in the classrooms, followed By
dry-land instructions In swimming. and
was completed by demonstration In
the water at the municipal bathing
pools.
Safety First Exposition.
The washington police departments
was the only department OF the municds
pal government which participated II
the safety-irst exposition which Wa
held in the foyer Of the new Nuseun
building February 81 to February a.
1915.
Regulation Of Firearm salsa
In the work of crime prevention
nothing will help the police department.
more than the enactment by Congress
of a law placing further restriction on
the sale of firearms and dangerous
weapons Many crimes result from
persons purchasing revolvers an4
shooting others while still in Q q -
passion. Tho Commissioners pooD10b
Continued On Edfteenkh 3aeA3
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-12-05

No census of the population Of the Dis
trict Of Columbia has been taken by the
District authorities since April, 1915, but
the United States bureau Of the census
informs the Commissioners that its esti-
mate OF the population Of the District on
July /, 1916. is 363, $50.