Evening star., 1918-04-13
WILL HOUSE CLERKS
NEAR ARDEPARTMENTS
Department of Labor Will In
wade Potomac Park, But
Will Spare Trees.
PLANS ARE BEING DRAWN

A policy Of erecting temporary hous-
ing facilities for the war workers of
each government department on gov
ernment land as near that department.
- possibie has practically been decided
On by the housing bureau OF the De-
partment Of Labor.
I Although this probably will include
parts Of Potomac Park, officials of the
housing bureau gave assurances today
that it would not be necessary to cut
down or destroy the stately trees that
adorn this and othes government prop
erty in the downtown part of the city.
These offlcfals are satisfied that there
will be ample open space.
Union station plaza, it is understood.
also has been decided on for the loca-
tfon Of one or more of the temporary
structures
Plans Are Being Drawn.
Architects are now busily engaged
on plans for the structures. and it was
stated at the housing bureau today that
the bureau will be ready to start work
as soon as the money is made available
by Congress.
Big hotel men and college officials
from various parts of the country who
have had experience IN the planning of
structures to house large groups of
people are assisting the housing bu-
reau in mapping out details of the
to be built here.
The dormitories will be built in units,
but the size of the units or the num-
ber each one will accommodate has not
been definitely decided on. An Official
not present a fancy architectural ap-
pearance. but that every facility for
comfort and sanitation will be provid-
ed.
Congested conditions on all the street
car lines Of the city Is understood to
have been the chief factor considered
by the housing bureau in reaching the
conclusion to house the war workers
on government property near the de-
partments. Although the housing bill
which is expected to pass the Senate
in a few days empowers the Depart
ment of Labor to provide transporta-
tfon facilities as well as houses, off,
cials Of the department said today they
could not get new street cars at this
time II they wanted to.
Await Congress Action.
The plans of the housing bureau for
Washington are progressing so that not
a moment will be lost when Congress
makes the Districts $10,000,000 appro- |
priation in the housing bill available.
Meanwhile the room registration Of
fee of the District Council of Defense, |
1921 New York avenue, will make a de- |
termined effort to induce more Wash |
ingtonians to rent rooms in their homes |
to the clerks who will come here be- |
tween now and the completion of the |
additional houFing facilities
Although the housing bill in its pres |
ent form provides that plans for the |
structures must be submitted to the ap-
committees Of Congress be- |
fore the money sauthorized" in the bill |
will be appropriated" officials of the
housing bureau do not feel that this |
will cause much delay. These officials +!
feel that Congress recognizes the great |
necessity Of these houses In Washing /
ton.
The Senate committee on public
buildings and grounds today began the |
Of the $60,000.000 housing
bill, of which $10,o00.000 is to be used
in the District of Columbia, IN execu-
tive session. Realizing the need OF |
speedy action on this measure, in order
to relieve war conditions, Senator |
swanson, chairman Of the COMMITTEES. |
said he would do all he could to get the |
bill reported out today
j. 4