The Washington times., 1918-05-03
ONE LANDLORD
IS ATTEMPTING
TO MULCT AN.
ENVOY.
ny BILL PRICE.

A high representative Of one Of the
great governments allied with the
United States in the war with Ger
many may become a victim OF hoist
/ the-rent proflteerlnG in this city. soon
to reach its end through legislation
| in Congress A high official OF the
War Department threatens to take a
hand in. the proceeding.
This man, whose name IS familiar
throughout the civilized world, and
, whose voice has been heard in many
, places in this country in appeals for
the allies, rents a furnished house IN
fashionable part OF the city, for
which he is paying $3.50 a month rent
Approached on the subject of an in
crease, he expressed a willingness to
give 5000 per month until october.
next The owners OF the property
directed their real estate represents
tives TO name 81 900 per month as the
lowest price they would take. The
real estate house firmly refused to
serve such q notice.
Friends Take q Hand.
The allied official made no-complaint
to this Government, but several
prominent men OF Washington who
are his friends have taken a hand,
and the outcome may be known in a
few days. In the meantime, an Of
ficer OF the army who represents the
War Department heard OF the case
unofhcially and intends to take q
hand mighty soon, II necessary. He
may notify the owners that this Gov
eminent would consider the proposed
raise OF rent unpatriotlc in view OF
the circumstances.
rTha Tn-kNaE, FhNa
represents in Washington has firmly
laid its hands on citizens OF its own
country who have sought to profteer
on American officers and soldiers
abroad in the sale OF articles OF all
kinds sought by American warriors.
The rent now being charged Is
said not TO be eXoTbitAnt when COM
pared with rents willingly paid by
wealthy people elsewhere in the city,
but the act, IL contaminated. Is one
that would do this Government and
Washington no good
PronteerInE Slowing Down.
Reports today were that the get
out-or-buy and rent-hoisting buc-
cancers are beginning to slow down
perceptibly in their operations in
view OF the hostile attitude OF the
Government, OF Congress, the Wash
ington newspapers and faiT-minded
people OF this city.
There seems 20 be a fear among
landlords who draw no lines at in
Justice that something is going 10
happen. They do not know what
Congress may do nor what public
sentiment may crystalline into.
Among real estate frms and prop
erty owners who have not counte-
naneed the riot OF Eouging that has
been going on is the fear that laws
may be made so drastic as to inter
Cere with the legitimate transfer Of
property. legitimate charges for room
rentals and put the real estate bust
ness in a position that will harm It
seriously.
Tenants Are RetnIiatInE.
Another factor that is calling a halt
on buccaneering is that many tenants
are beginning 20 tie up the landlords
with proceedings in the courts that
may delay landlords in getting access
TO their own properties for months,
and even years. 10 come.
Reports are that the District courts
are now cluttered with real estate
litigation, and some OF Il may not be 4
reached for years. 4 regiment OF
JUICES " IA DC netueO IN TIE -hhnltlpdA /.
Court and the District Supreme Court, |
the way things are going.
Tenants who feel themselves treated |
unjustly by heavy increases in rentals 1
and who refuse to pay the rentals or
10 get ont without just cause. are
using their right OF appeal to a degree
that is not causing landlords TO sit |
easy in their chairs.
a tenant who receives a thIrty-day 4
notice 10 vacate premises, and is dis
posed TO fight IN the courts, paying
The costs this will mean. is in position
10 pay no attention TO the notice.
Seven days later the landlord may
summon the tenant to the Municipal
Court to show cause why he shall
not vsrate. and &c the court decides
hat he must vaCate, the tenant has
six DAYS In which to appeal 10 the
District supreme Court. He Is re
luired, n he makes this appeal. to
give a surety bond that viii cover
he rent.
Once the appeal Is in the District
supreme Court II is likely 10 stay
here for years before II is reached.
That court Is already two to three
years behind with very important
'ascs. and an attempt has been made
'or years TO get through Congress
bill increasing the number OF
Judges. The tenant. Of course, remains
n possession OF the premises pending
he final decision.
Naturally one OF the mean things