The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1916-07-09

President wilson's reappointment of
oliver p. Newman to another three
year term ~ Commissioners of the Dis
'trict of Columbia, with the certainty
that the nomination this time will be
confirmed by the Senate without seri-
Gus opposition. 10 the assurance that
the administration OF washingto ton
will continue for another three years
under tho same general direction and
policies that have ruled II for three
years past.
Mr.. Newman's first term has been
marked by stormy experiences. chief
among them being his night to retain
the office and to gain the good will
and confidence of community that
was none too pleased at the nominal
tion. !
II may fairly be said that Mr.. New
man has as thoroughly won the SEQ
ond as he did the first of these strug-
giles. The courts determined him en-
titled to the office. and the community
has decided, after observation of his
administration. that he was the right
Not often has It been the privilege
Of one man to dominate SO entirely
the policy of q Municipality. Mr.
e no cny but Tfs ts %s In e
Who should divide with him the re.
sponsibilities Of the place.
hearty and continuous cooperation ir
carrying out the policies he has laid
down.
There are not many more thankles,
observation-disclosures H1HSs PSs Of the pissrct q
Columbia. Real administrative power
! Is sharply limited; Congress. too busy
with other matters to have much
time for local Washinstond must b.
in minute detail before progress II
! possible.
Two Groups Of Activities.
Coming into office. the Newman
regime conceived that its activities mus
fall into two groups: first. to get MAX
imum results from established author
| ond, to secure, through legislation. thu
authorization OF new powers. instru
mentalities and services.
II was assumed at the outset that thu
| existing organization was compctcn
unless i should prove the contrary
ton has been conducted with q min
imum Of changes. upheavals and shake
| ups.
| came IN carly. nCWoNot' Aot feOi boh'
cation. Two OF its three members re
tired. making It possible to establish I
new attitude toward its duties; and thu
| first big undertaking was to make ~
assessment that should literally compl,
with the law
That assessment increased tho valu
alton Of the business district abou
60, 900, 900, and Of the entire city abou
SO, UD0, 900. 1t was the object OF muci
| criticism, Of rather general character
but II 10 now come to be commonly re
garded a. rather nm equalization than
Administration CT the police depart
mcnt has been reoreanized. with tn
special view to ending favorltism. TIT
insurance department has been made
constructive and effective division. 10
the real promotion and protection o
the public. interest; and the lega, wor,
Of the District has been speedcd vi
The most painstnking effort has beef
devoted to learning what the communit!
wanted, and to satisfying It SO far a
possible.
The Commissioners have spent mucl
time visiting. addressing and Settinl
| Acquainted with the seventy-two citi
gens' associations their recommenda
tions for improvements in their rospec
tive localities have been asked eacl
| year. and followed so far as practicable
Among the important public improve
ments secured In tho last three year
are to be mentioned the Central Hig
School, costing 81. 100000. which will D
opened this coming autumn; a new hig
school for colored pupils; the stree
bridge; the municipal fish market