The Washington times., 1919-02-22
j. S. TO PROMOTE
BUILDING REVIVAL
BY CHARLES W. FAIRFAX.
President Washington Real Estate
Brokers Association.

Brokers Association.
The Department Of Labor deserves
considerable credit for its nation
wide campaign TO revive building
throughout the country.
The present price OF labor and ma
terial seems to be the barrier against
an extensive program OF development.
Notwithstanding the demand for ad-
ditional buildings in all Of the large
cities. capital hesitates for fear the
public will not absorb the produc-
ton at the prevailing high cost.
Capital is inclined to operate on a
narrow margin OF profit until condi-
tions reach a basis equitable to all
parties concerned. The essential need
to encourage capital is labor eff
hciency," producing eight hours
honest work daily. Government Of
about this desired reform. Such a
condition would stimulate building
activity everywhere to meet privste
and public requirements.
In all large commercial lines Of
business the wages paid employees
are regulated by the class OF work
manship. This method applied to Ia
Dor would prove a boon to the nation.
The ambition OF every mechanic
would then be increased so that he
might reach the highest grade and re-
ceive the top wage
Would Broaden Influence.
Labor would then win the admire
ton of the entire people and its in
fluence for good would be unlimited
In the administration Of local and
national affairs.
Washington is unlike other large
cities, as the annual expansion OF
all Government departments de-
mands additional housing accommo-
dations, otherwise the nations busi-
ness will be retarded. Private capi-
tai must respond to meet this situa-
ton so that the Government may be
relieved of entering the real estate
business.
In addition to present conditions
affecting the entire country, Wash
ington is handicapped by the existing
law known as the Salisbury resolu-
ton. This legislation operates as a
two-edge sword, helping temporarily
the tenant in possession, but restrict
ing rental space and new quarters
for the war workers and newcomers
to the city.
This law should be repealed im-
rnediately to relieve Washington
builders OF an unreasonable financial
risk.
Builders would then see fair mar
ket for real estate, to justify the erec-
tion Of houses and apartments. II
tenants can remain at low rental,
builders fear they may show but lit
tie anxiety to buy. Tenants buying
rev homes for occupancy would
make available for Government ern-
ployes the premises they would then
vacate. The increased supply OF rem
tai quarters would regulate the
charge.
Expect To Pay More.
More than 90 per cent OF tenants
occupying houses and apartments
dictated the rental two or three
years ago when vacancies were more
plentiful. They expect to pay more
now. Less than 10 per cent OF the
tenants are now paying excessive
rentals, and such cases should be
properly reduced.
Give the owners the right to dis
possess, and let the law OF supply
and demand fix the price.
The Real Estate Brokers Associa-
tion feels that owners are entitled 70
fair consideration, and believe that
the entire real estate situation must
be handled in an equitable manner,
if building of any consequence Is 10