Evening star., 1921-05-07

Government control of housing OF
rents at this time is vigorously op-
posed by the National Association OF
Real Estate Boards. according to Fred
E. Taylor, president of the associa'
ton, who was in Washington this
week on his return trip from the
spring meeting at New Haven. Conn.
of the executive committee of the
national body. H. l. Rust. president
Of tho local real estate board. to-
gether with the other Washington
delegates to the meeting. arrived here
ahead of Mr.. Taylor.
Mr.. Taylor in an interview with The
Stars representative minced no words
in stating the attitude of the national
body as determined at the executive
committee meeting.
"The national association is op-
posed to federal subsidy of housing
in any FORM" he said. THE plan is
fundamentally foreign to the prin-
ciples underlying American business
and in the end. will threaten the sta
bility of the country's economic well
fare"
LeTislation drowned Upon"
Attempts to effect legislation con-
cerning the amelioration of the hous,
ing situation were formally frowned
upon at the committee meeting in
New Haven. The committee is COM
posed of presidents. past presidents
and officers of the various realtor
organizations throughout the coun-
try. comprising some of the foremost
realty representatives. 1t was de-
cided BY these men that the question
was Outside the field Of new laws
and subject to economic processes.
%ae recommendation OF the eXecu-
tive committee in this respect will be
presented to the national body OF
realtors at the annual convention in
Chicago, in July, MIR. Taylor said.
There is little likelihood that the ac-
tion already taken will be overruled
at that time, it was indicated.
william e. Shannon's Views.
William E. Shannon. president of
Middaugh & Shannon of this city. who
returned with the local delegation
from New Haven, was pleased with
the action taken in this connection.
Government control of housing. a
condition which Senator Calder last
week declared impends unless pri-
vate builders succeed in relieving the
housing situation, would tend to
pauperize the masses by retarding new
enterprises and holding out false hope
ment OF Mr.. Shannon. based on his ex-
periences during the war as manager
Of the real estate and communicating
division OF the bureau of industrial
housing and transportation, United
States Housing Corporation.
Europe Mr.. Shannon believes that
government control of housing is not
a success. killing much of the in
centfve for progress along business
and civic lines.
Says idea Should BE Rejected.
Tho idea should be rejected in this
country because the whole subject prop
erfy falls under the local initiative and
enterprise as regards time to build. what
to build, where to build and terms suit
able to the people Of that section" Mr..
Shannon pointed out.
"A home and its construction and
purchase is inherently a local PROPOSE
ginning to end by the local people. Ours
IL one Of the largest countries in the
world, stretching 5000 miles east and
west and 1.500 miles north and south.
with all the differences in climates and
tastes these figures imply. thus giving
handle than would be the case in Eng
land. 1t Is this fact that has brought forth
our various types of houses. perhaps not
up to the European standard of So
moro comfortable and healthier to
live in.
furthermore. I speak from expert
enee when say that the constant ques-
ton on . government-controlled home
il Who IL to occupy it?' And the
answer is always the same, The man or
woman with the strongest political in
f11ence.'
FIt may be necessary to have some
things under government control. but it
hehooves US Of this country to see. be-
fore we have more government owner
ship and more government control, that
we have officials who know something
more than book knowledge concerning
that which they are to control.
German Systea Objectionable.
THE German system would not be