Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1920-08-27
UTILITIES AMONG
PROBLEMS FACING
NEW D. c. HEADS
Questions Which Civic Bodies
Hope Appointees Will Be
Familiar With.

In view of the many problems
which are coming up nowadays at
fecting the public service companies.
civic leaders expressed the hope today
that in filing the vacancies on the
board of Commissioners the Presi-
dent would consider the ability OF the
aspirants to deal with these ques-
tons.
With the costs of labor and mate
rails changing constantly it has been
necessary for the utilities to go be-
fore the commission a frequent in
teryals during the past two years to
have their rates readjusted.
Because of these conditions the
most important function of the Com
missioners during that period has
been in the capacity of members OF
the utilities commission.
Likely to Require Attention.
Unless there should come sudden
change in conditions. the new Com
missoners also are likely to find the
greater part of their time taken up
with public utility problems.
Col. kutZ and Mr.. BroWnlow have
FIVE years. and consequently have been
able to make themselves thoroughly
familiar with every detail of the
financial affairs of the corporations.
During their terms the physical vaiu-
atoms of the companies have been
worked out. which also has been an
advantage to them in deciding rate
cases.
The new Commissioner or Commits
sioners. it was pointed out today. will
have considerable studying 10 do be-
fore they gain clear insight into
a st;r ., S.fr
gas, electric light and telephone COM
panies.
In these times of frequent applica-
tions for relief. each utility hearing
has a direct bearing on the preceding
one. In this respect the persons
named to succeed Commissioners
Brownlow and Gardiner will be under
the handicap of not being familiar
with the testimony that has been
taken in the former cases.
Col. kutz. because of his long serv
ice on the board. probably will con-
tinue as chairman of the Public IT'LL
ties Commission.
Farewell Dinner for BrOwnlow.
Employees and oMciaiS OF every
branch uf the District government are
planning today for farewell uInner
20 Commissioner BrownioW, which
probably Will be held on the evening
of September y. Plans for the dinner
were launched at conference Of
heads of departments III the board
room Of the District buil0Ing. with
Auditor Daniel j. Donovan presiding.
The following general committee
on arrangements vas appolnttu: Mel
tin [. ,Ialen chairman, and }. 5.
Garland. MAJ. Harry IL Cess. on, y.
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\. roW4ci. " amer =. -,.ie.i, rraan II.
-. p.vns, Gi.uoIu i.annaAi, ..irs. Nina
=. i.n4,. t:ls.fiGs & ca.,.. =.
-. aunt. I. Iows.S, SLONuAn Assn
lCru. MOTIFS hacker StcpHen II.
hIainer, " lillian L. R!.nurus ANU
DanIei GarSes.
NJ. y. Lcese, business man and for
mer president OF the Mercahuts and
Manufacturers Association, was
talked OF today by friends as a pos
sable selection for Commissioner.
Guy Mason NOs Eligible.
Guy Mason. Washington attorney,
formerly on the plaza awards COM
mission and on the rent COM
mission, and who had been promi-
nently mentioned among those receiv
ing consideration for either of the
two vacancies as District Commission
er. was at the White House today
Mr.. Mason said he established a legal
residence in Virginia. which disquaii-
fies him for the District commission
ership. he SAID that while he ap-
preciated the kindness of many friends
IN giving his name such serious con-
sideratiCn, he believes it should be
known at once. that even if appoint
ed, he could not qualify as District
Commissioner, and that he is in nc
sense candidate Tor the position