Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1918-05-10
Limitations Shall Not Apply

~ matted while senator's discussed inc
woman's suffrage question.
Limitations Shall Not Apply.
The Senate soon got down to bust
ness, however, on amendments to the
profiteering bill. An amendment of
fered by Senator Calder of New York
was adopted. It provides that when
sale is made to bonaf1de purchaser
who intends to occupy the house him
self the limitation against ousting the
tenant carried in the bill shall not ap-
ply.
Several amendments offered by SEN
ator Thomas of Colorado were adopted.
One of them provides that where apart
ment houses are turned into transient
rooming houses the place shall be re-
garded as a hotel and subject to regu-
lations applying to hotels. He said he
was informed that several large apart
ment houses are now making or con-
templating this change.
Another amendment by Senator
Thomas would compel the owners of
apartment houses to continue elevator
and other service which they were
been informed that in an apartment
house on 14th street. five or six stories
high. the elevator service had been dis
continued throughout last winter.
Elevator Amendment Adopted.
Senator Thomas amendment COM
pelling the continuance of elevator
service, etc, was adopted.
He offered another amendment which
in effect would have the limitation on
rent apply only in the cases Of resi-
dents of the District and of persons
who are here in connection with the gov
eminent. To non-residents who lease
property in Washington, and who have
no business here, or are not connected
with the government. he would not ex-
tend the war powers of the government
to safeguard them against increase in
rent.
He explained that his purpose was to
prevent tourists and other persons coming
to Washington merely from curiosity or
the desire to be at the seat of the GOV
eminent during the war for the excite
ment.
After some debate his amendment was
defeated. senators fearing that il the land
lords were allowed to charge nop-resi-
dents not connected with the government
larger rents than others, they would get
the houses and apartments before the
residents.
May Bring Suit.
An amendment offered by Senator
pomerene. providing that the landlord or
tenant may bring suit in the Supreme
Court of the District if not satisfied with
adopted.
ment providing that nothing in the bill
shall affect property wherein property
shall have been converted for business
uses.
Another Gallinser amendment ado,t.d
provides that the rent administrator to be
appointed by the President shall be con-
hrmed by the Senate, and also that he
shall not be engaged in the real estate
business.
Some Dep1ore Necessity.
The bill was debated in the Senate
practically all Of yesterday afternoon,
and 1t became apparent that it would
pass by large majority when a vote
was reached. While some of the SEN
ators. including Senator Gallinger of
or such legislation. destroying the re-
iation between landlord and tenant,
they said they would not oppose the
passage Of the measure.
Several amendments were suggested
yesterday. but none was voted on.
Senator McCumber Of North Dakota
would further limit the rent which may
be charged for furnished rooms and
charged for furnished rooms and apart
ments is fixed at double the rent for
them unfurnished. as the bill was re-
ported to the Senate.
senator McCumber declared that $50
would pay for the furniture in most of
the apartments. and he urged that the
rent administrator be given authority
TO NIX q reasonable rate. Senator Hoke
Smith of Georgia suggested that IS per
cent OF the value of the furniture was
a fair rental.
Defends Limit as Fixed.
Senator Weeks Of Massachusetts said
he thought that 8 per cent would be a
fairer net rental limit than the Z per
cent allowed in the bill. Senator Ponce
committee.
Questioned as to the extent of prof.
teering in rents in the District, Senators
Pomerene and Dillingham; gave the Sem
ate many actual instances Of profiteer-
ing which had been brought to the at
tention Of the committee.
Undoubtedly the conditions hare ara