The Washington times., 1919-11-01
PRESIDENT IS
TONAN|E RENT
BOARD SOON
Julius E. Peyser, Charles J.
Columbus, and Capt. Gerald
Eagan Among Possibilities.

Nominations of the three members
OF the newly created Rent Commission
of the District of Columbia will be
sent to the Senate next week by
President Wilson, who has taken this
matter up as one of pressing import
ance in view of conditions in the Capt.
tai relating to continued controversies
as to leases and inability of Govern
ment employees and others to obtain
satisfactory housing accommodations.
It is an unprecedented list of candi-
dates that the President has had to
scan and consider in selecting the
members of this commission. despite
that the duties of the members will be
fraught with many troubles.
More than zoo names have been put
before hi mfor consideration, but the
number has been cut down to pos
sible score of logical possibilities be-
cause of his indisposition and he Is
about ready to announce his choice.
Varied Advice Sought.
Advice of varied interests has been
sought in the process of elimination
in connection with canvasing the
qualifications of the many candidates.
Representatives of civic, labor, real
ty, women and municipal groups have
been asked for counsel in the matter,
as the President is DESTROYS of hav-
ing an efficient commission which
will guard the welfare of all shades
of citizenship.
Many of the citizens under consid-
Grafton are not candidates for the Of
fee, but rather are being urged for
the place by persons and organiza-
lions because of their believed fitness
and capability. others are active in
and capability. others are active IN
their hunt for the job and are pull
ing all possible wires, but influence"
It is understood, will not prevail IL
the applicant does not have the es-
sential qualifications, including ex-
perience and necessary traits to ad-
minister the duties of the office.
CommissIon Possibilities.
Among the many names before the
President is that of Julius s. Peyser,
lawyer and banker, who is by no
means an active aspirant to the
troubles in store. His experience
during the war with the housing
problem makes him a prominent can
didate for peace-time activities along
the same line, but there is no intima
ton that he has been offered an ap.
pointment.
Charles J. Columbus. secretary of
the Merchants and Manufacturers
Association, is another outstanding
candidate as a result of his divers
activities in civic matters
He was an industrious worker in
the many drives" in war times, and
has the confidence of business men
generally, and is close to Administra-
tion officials. and is known to know
the needs OF the Capital.
Boost War Hero.
Capt. Gerald Egan, former Wash
ington newspaper man and hero Of
the war, is not looking for the job,
but his friends are boosting him. He
has a wide knowledge Of local affairs
and conditions and is believed to be
fitted in every respect to fulfill the
responsibilities OF the office. His can
didacy, as advanced by his support
ers, is strong, and 1t Is quite likely he
will be named.
others on the list now being con-
sidered are z. w. Oyster, Thomas II.
Harvey, william s. Washburn. Colley
W. Bell. william NICK. Clayton, Chas.
s. Shreve and Robert Watson.
Members will receive $1,000 a year
and must have been a resident OF the
District for two years.
The names of the women who are
being urged for the office have been
fort is being made to have the Presi-
dent recognize women. in a substan-
tial way.