davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1921-12-25
RECORD ACTIVITY IN BUILDING
REALM Is FORECAST FOR 1922
Price Stability Is Seen as National Body Issues
Optimistic Report.

the building trades" 1t continues.
obviously. the resumption Of ac-
tivities on the predicted large scale
should have far-reaching economic
results. The effects upon all indus
try should be appreciable, through
the utilization of facilities now
idle or partially SO. rs we'll as the
reduction of unemployment"
Price stability Seen.
Discussing the same subject. 8.
w. Strauss of S. w. Strauss and
Company, says:
The most important factor at
present, is that Of construction costs,
and opinion prevails that the ten
dency will not be toward lower
levels. 1t should be porne in mind
that the law of supply and demand
is an irrevocable factor in all
economic situations. 1t Is the ANAL
and deciding element. Various ON
cial and authentic statistics as to
the amount of construction neces-
sary to bring the building situation
back to normal have been made
from time to time. The most con-
servative of these estimates places
the shortage at about $S.000.000. 900.
''On the present annual basis OF
new building contracts throughout
the, country (about $500. 900, 000) it
would require three years of steady
building to overcome this shortage
even IL we had no new demands.
deterioration or losses. But as
building work now going on is not
of sufficient magnitude to make any
perceptible change in the general
housing status 1t is quite within the
bounds of good judgment to con-
clude that we are to have a rather
prolonged period of very active
building.
TT Is contrary to experience to
expect continually falling prices in
the face of abnormal demands and
activities. Consideration also must
be given to the revival of gem
eral business in this country and
eventually throughout the world.
A more optimistic tone in fact IL
being manifested.
Other Factors Cited.
In addition to these basic con-
ditions, which must certainly have
their effect on building costs, 1t is
to be remembered that there are
heavy burdens of taxation to be
met, that great projects of public
works which will demand heavy
supplies of labor and materials are
pending and that there is a con-
tinued development toward better
standards of living and greater
conveniences, which mean higher
prices.
while there will be fluctuations
in building costs based on local or
temporary conditions and while
there may be occasional recessions
from high levels. 1t seems contrary
to the dictates of conservative
Judgment to withhold any worthy
OF we'll ordered building project in
the expectation of obtaining pro-
nounced price reductions"
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1921-12-25
Claims Building
Costs Will Not
Slump Greatly

Here Ia what 10 In the mind Of
the city's foremost operator in real
estate, relative TO rents and the
housing situation. with a word ssto
his opinion OF the sort Of real es-
tate that will prove profitable in
vestments:
i do not expect present renp
to continue. Neither do I think they,
will ever go back TO the scale Of be-
fore the war. because the cost 81
producing housings is higher now
than before the war.
statistics will show that wages
and the cost OF construction have
retained part OF the increases that
came during wars. II cost more 20
build after the Civil War. and the
same 10 true OF the Spanish war.
For these reasons we may expect
building costs and rents 20 remain
higher than before 1914.
Rents may drop from 10 TO ~
per cent from present levels. but
real estate still will be a very
profitable investment and a good
speculation.
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1921-12-25
DECISION DIFFERS
FROM TWO PRIOR
CASES RENDERED
Determination of What Is
Reasonable Rent Per-
plexes Realty.
COURTS DISAGREE
Conflicting Decisions Cannot
Be Solved Until Appellate
Group Acts.

reasonable - sstpush court
procedure Ia vaag diniculs
proposition 1aepty world.
Three decisid In rendered
by different codJes d the subject.
each greatly at variance with the
others
The latest decision is by Judge
Learned Hand in the Federal Dis
trict Court In New York, who rules
that a reasonable rent" is s per
cent OF the valuation of the prop
erty Involved. A Brooklyn court
held that 10 per cent return on the
assessed valuation OF the property
should be a just and sufficient re-
turn A New York judge, with equal
jurisdiction enjoyed by the Brook
lyn Judge. ruled that a return of
10 per cent based on the owners
equity in the original is reason
able"
Judge Hands decision il at vari-
ance with both of the prior deci-
sions mentioned, but II is in agree
ment with the ruling of the Brook
Ign court on the point that the
computable return should be based
on assessed valuation and not on
original cost.
Courts Opinion.
The decision was given in the
case Of Walter C Noyes and Alfred E.
Marling. receivers of the American
Real Estate Company versus the ten
ants OF Chester Hall at Southern
boulevard and Westchester avenue.
Samuel Untermyer. who represented
the tenants, argued that ] per cent
was fair. The receivers asked q re-
turn calculated on $500. 900. the
price for which the property was
sold. The Judge allowed 8 per cent
on 100000.
Reasonable rents. l take it, mean
those which bring in a return
similar to what was common at the
time the rent laws took effect"
Nudge Hand said. II have nothing
TO go on except such facts as can
take judicial notice Of. and these
do not include a knowledge of
what should be the return on this
class of investment. Nevertheless.
b think 1 may take notice OF the
general rates of interest upon I'M
doubted securities and these at least
at the period in question were as
high as s per cent.
.Matter of Proof
Tt Is not likely that the return
upon tenements of this character
was less than that upon such securi-
ties. and in the absence of proof 1t
Is fair to accept that figure. Higher
profit. il il were peculiar to this
class of investment. Is certainly
matter OF proof and there is no
proof. Nor can l be bound by the
dicta IN the Hall VS.. weiner case,
the Brooklyn 10 per cent decision"
The question OF what constitutes
reasonable rent" created by con-
hicting decisions cannot be solved
until the Appellate Division and
possibly the Court OF Appeals has
passed on tt The Appellate Term
in Manhattan gave permission Octo-
bier IS for an appeal from its re-
cent decision TO the Appellate Devil
sion. but the appeal has not yet
been argued
Judge Hands decision. IL is said.
j. not binding on the courts of New
York State in any way. but will be
binding in all cases where a Federal
feceivership is involved.
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1921-12-25

bered) also increased from 7.25s,362
to s,os3,711 to 1o.sss,s60 in each ten
year period. owing to the natural
increase IN the number of families
The tendency OF American FAINT
lies to become renters instead of
home owners has continued to in
crease as the population has
increased. The increase in rent
ers Is disproportionate to the in
crease of owners and families and 4.
a progressive increase. he says.
Mortgages Increase.
Figures show that as the Der
cent OF home owners declines the
percent of owners whose property
Is mortRaged increases.
The Official definition Of home as
the abiding place of a single fam
lily. not necessarily denoting an en-
tire dwelling. which may house
many families. and. therefore, In
clude many homes" gives no clew
to the statistical procedure to be
followed when two or more families
related or otherwise share the
premises In making these compar-
isons the number of families and
the number of homes have been
considered identicaIly. says Mr..
Bruins.
Common experience or casual in
duiry In every large city or small
town reveals that premises are be-
ing shared by two or more families.
u Is In these lost identities that
Definite figures concerning the
housing shortage must be obtained,
he concludes.
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1921-12-25
BOARD HERE LEADS
IN FRISCO PLANS
Many Local Realtors Are
Expected to Attend
1922 Convention.

Reports reaching the offices of the
Washington Real Estate Board ac-
cording to Mr.. John A. Petty. execu-
tive secretary. indicate that the local
realtors are leading other boards
throughout the country in making ar
rangements for the annual conyen-
ton Of the National Association Of
Real Estate Boards to be held in San
francisco next spring. Practically no
ADVANCE publicity has as yet been
sent out by either the National Assoc
citation or the Convention city. How
ever the local Board is we'll advanced
IN mapping out details to send a
very large delegation to the conyen-
ton.
Inc local board now holds a promi
nent position in the National Asso-
ciation from the standpoint of size
as wen as work accomplished, and
eai1ihg the many advantages of
bringing the Individual realtors in
tonch with the activities of the par
ent organization, President Harry
n BOSS early appointed a special
committee to insure large and
representative delegation and ar
range the details of the trip.
At recent meeting of the con-
vention committee. which has
formed club arrangement to
finance the expenses of the dele
gates, fifteen additional names
were added to the list of members.
These additional names practically
assure a delegation of nifty. with
the new features and ideas that the
committee expects to develop imme
diately after the holidays. Chairman
Thomas E. FARRELL predicts the del
egation will reach one hundred.
Among this number will be the
wives OF many realtors and about
twenty statesmen who will have won
prize trips through competitive
work in the different Offices. The
committee in charge of this particu-
lar activity OF the board is com
posed of Thomas E. FARRELL. chair
man; VIM. H. Saunders. Clarence F.
Donohoe. William S. Phillips, J. Ar
thur Lewis. r. l.. McKeever, p. II.
Russell, Theodore NJ. Judd. o. B.
Zantzinger. B. T. Webster, F. II.
Ugast, F. Eliot Middleton. John l..
Weaver, Clarence Dodge and II. l.
Rust
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1921-12-25

Figures Issued during the week
by the Chamber of Commerce of the
United States. confirming reports of
increased building activity through
out the country, served to empha-
size the improvement in the indus
try and prompted optimistic utter
ances concerning the outlook for
the coming year.
New construction costs the first
ten months of this year nearly
equaled the total for the whole of
last year, despite the fact that ma
terials and labor were cheaper this
year than last, according to the
chambers report.
The chambers conclusion are
based on figures from forty-four
important cities reporting s603.0oo.-
900 In new construction in the ten
months. For the year 1890 the
total reported by the same cities
was only a few million dollars
more.
Record Activity Forecast.
The revival in the building in
dustry Is seen as one of the most
hopeful. indications ~ an approach
to normal industrial conditions by
the New York Commercial Ac-
cording to reliable forecasts based
upon an extensive survey of the
sources of Information, this re-
sumption OF building operations
should increase during the coming
year on a scale unprecedented in
the annals ~ ha he
newspaper states.
The restoration OF activity in
this great industry Is unauestion-
ably the reflection of the more pro-
A. Hogan and Thomas ]. McGarvey.
pitious economic conditions existing
In the basic Industries producing
construction materials. as we'll as of
the largely reduced wage scales in
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1921-12-25
SCHWARTZ B son
BUY BUILDING AS
BUSINESS GROWS
jewelers. Will Enlarge
Departments and Add
New Ones.

An important real estate deal was
consummated by Chas. Schwartz &
Son. when this firm OF jewellers re-
Gently purchased ffAm the Solomon
estate. the building at 7os Seventh
street northwest part of which lie
now occupied by their downtown
store, the other being at 31a3 NJ
street. in Georgetown.
The acquisition of this desirable
property was made necessary by
rapidly increasing business. II is
the intention Of the new owner to
remodel the entire building. A
passenger elevator will be in
stalled. New departments will be
added and present departments will
be enlarged.
The diamond department will be
enlarged and re-arranged into sep
arate Offices. The second floor will
be devoted to silverware showrooms.
The optical department will receive
new equipment.
The third floor will be remodeled
to accommodate all the executive
and accounting ofhces, the credit
and charge departments. The work
rooms where jewelry and watch re-
pairing and engraving can be done
under ideal conditions will have
ample space on the fourth floor.
The present plans will give twice
as much space for selling as at pres
ent. The spirit OF progressiveness
which has made this firm one of
the most successful jewelers. in Wash
ington will blaze the way to greater
achievements and help to keep
Seventh street one OF the popular
shopping streets Of the city.
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1921-12-25
Building Industry -
At Merry London
Adds New Fashion

Chimneyless houses have made
their appearance in London. The
Improvement, declared the Chris
tian Science Monitor. is full Of hope
full promise of smokeless London. A
city without chimneys at ala
smokeless city--will lead to a city
with roofs used as gardens and
plesances. The London Of the fu-
ture is emerging from the CRIME OF
coal smoke at pace which can
be computed from the fact that
eighty-four hours Of sunshine arc
gained annually by the replacement
OF even one-siHth Of the coal fires
of London. The PfcadiHy Hotel has
chimneys grouped In large stacks
that viii soon appear decidedly old
fashioned by the side of the chin
neyless buildings Of the new Regent
Street. To hasten the process 1t IL
only necessary TO contemplate the
which show 10000 tons of
SCOT falling On the city each year.
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1921-12-25
Book Company BUYS.

In one of the largest industrial
transactions of the year is involved
the purchase by the American Book
Company of a tract of about nine
acres in Bloomfield, N. ]. 1t win
be Immediately developed with a
plant to manufacture publications,
In. addition to the company-s CO.
adjustment in Cincinnati. OHIO.
The property, which was acquired
through Louis Schlesinger, Inc, OF
Newark, has a frontage of SIG feet
on Bloomfield avenue, SOC feet on
WatsessinS avenue and 222 feet
along the right of way of the Erie
Railroad. This was sold by Lehn
and Fink. Inc, wholesale druggists,
who are operating their pharmacu-
tica laboratories south of the plot
tage just sold.
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1921-12-25
BUILDING INDUSTRY
APPROVES OF CODE
Hopes to Cure Trade Evils
BY Following Ethical
Greed. .r-

The New York Building, Congress.
at its meeting at the Engineers
Club last week, ratified a code OF
ethics for the building industry
which. while not mandatory in any
respect. points the way to curing
many of the existing evils and
practices now adversely affecting
the progress Of the industry
This code was prepared after
many hours Of intense study and
research on the part of the com
mittee on codes Of the New YORK
Building Congress. william g.
Barney was the chairman OF this
committee and his assistants were:
=. A. Burdett, engineer. Charles
Ewing. architect: Burt /. Fenner.
architect: r. ID. kaufman. banker.
F. W. Lord. subcontractor: W. G.
Luce. contractor: Roswell d. Tomp-
kins. labor representative. and
Richard A. Wolf. sUbcontractor.
Although not binding in legal
manner and only OF such value To
the industry as individuals may
voluntarily make IL. the members
OF the congress feel that the docu-
ment is by far the most important
attempt OF this organizatio and
one that will be OF lasting benefit
to all construction interests.
The code o fethics for the build
ing industry is constructive in ev-
cry article and section II clearly
points out the moral obligations or
each element in the industry TO his
coworker and. although in the psst
there have been various codes that
applied specifically to single trades
or professions, the code now adopt
ed by the congress Is the first ever
formulated that takes in all OF the
elements concerned and applies =
program Of ethical procedure t.
them.
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1921-12-25
BUILDERS TO HOLD
ANNUAL ASSEMBLY
Aim to Educate Public in
Everything Modern in
Home Erection.

As part of the predicted home
building boom, which is expected
to reach its full stride in the early
spring, the Philadelphia Operative
Builders Association annouuced re-
Gently II has completed plans for
its first annual exposition, to be
held in the First Regiment Ar
mory, Broad and Callowhill streets,
the week of March 81. Its aim is to
educate the public In all that Is
newest and best in home building
For several years the associa-
ton, which has a membership Of
about eighty-four of the most ex-
tensive home builders in this city,
and has been in existence since
1908, rented space from the Phila-
delphia Real Estate Board during
the latter's exposition. Last year,
however, 1t decided to have an ex-
position of its own.
IL is proposed to have every mod
ern Improvement that goes into
construction shown in the exhibits.
Demand has been so great for space
for exhibitors that an effort is be-
ing made to obtain additional
room.
High school students of this city
VIII be contestants for gold prizes
for the best drawings and sketches
OF improved interiors and exteriors
for the small two-family house.
There Is no doubt this affair,
the first real home building expo
sition ever held in Philadelphia
under the auspices of operative
builders, will have an important
influence on the type and fittings
of the thousands of homes to be
constructed here when the boom
gets into full swing in the spring"
said Daniel Crawford, jr., president
OF the Philadelphia Operative Build
ers' Association, in making the an
nouncement
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1921-12-25
PARTIAL PAYMENT
ON HOUSES URGED
Writer Finds That Increase in
Number of Renters Is
Progressive.

Writing on the tendency of Amer
can families to become renters in
tead Of home-owners. George III.
Bruns. In the current issue of the
knnzlist. points out that the wider
kdoption Of the partial-payment
homs-buying plan would remedy
| his situation
The advantages OF a hometown
ng majority In a nation are so evil
1ent that the furtherance of this
Ind would Justify any practical
means OF accomplishment" he
lays -American ideals were con-
{eived in the hearts Of home-lovtnR
nen- In pursuit OF the inalien-
bile right to possession of a home
)zrdy spirits In every age have in
AIDED the wilderness Traditions
an never center about the tenn
Sorary residence. and rented quar-
ers are Of indefinite tenure. regard
tss Of the length Of occupancy.
Tt Is incredible that In the United
hates with It's vast resources of
Natural wealth and freedom from
Wis Of overpopulation. only ass
er cent Of the people own their
wn place Of abode II Is to this
e. cent Of the population that the
alton must look for the perpetual
on Of its institutions. An Increase
this per cent Is corresponding
hcresse IN the stability Of the ma
bon
PfEsyes rsY 1--WE Deeales
The per cent Of homes owned
5norrxszed or unencumbered) de-
bessed from ts.f 20 $50 from 1900
1919. and TO ass from 1910 to
bzo. according to census figures re-
krs1y published. he points out The
sssI numerical increase Of rent
~ was greater. Of course. In each
[exde. owing 90 the continuous in
Ease in the Number Of families.
The number Of rented quarters in
essed from s.3ss,75s in 1900 20
ss7.sss IN 1919. and 90 fz,sf5.sss
1879. Bot the number Of homes
rBed (nnortzszed and gnencum-
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1921-12-25
Long Island Board
Elects Nelc Officers

The annual election Of the Lone
Island Real Estate Board took place
at the Cafe Boulevard on wednes-
day, December IL. The following
officers were elected:
Richard T. Childs. president: Carl
B. Elmer. secretary; Granville II.
Rome. treasurer.
The vice-presidents as follows:
George S. Horton OF Brooklyn. Edge
worth Smith OF Queens. William s.
Petit Of Far Rockawsy. Charles HYDE
OF Port Washington and Frank Hicks
Of Suffolk county
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1921-12-25
Weller Makes Deal.

building, No. 10 Z street north
west, formerly occupied by the Blu
reau Of Mines. and owned by An
heuser- Busch. Incorporated. Of St
a consideration Of about $4,000.
The vendor was represented In
the transaction by Joseph l. Weller.
The property was acquired by
Lansburgh and Brother. who intend
to use IL in connection with their
present building, which abuts on
the property acquired, for their
own use.
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1921-12-25
Buildings Have Separate
Apartments for Maids

Maids apartments on the base
ment floors will be installed in a
group of eight apartment buildings
being erected in the Flatbush dis
trict of New York City. Every
room in the apartment will be an
outside one, every apartment will
be individual and soundproof.
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1921-12-25
OF FAIR RENTS PUZZLES THE REALTY WORLD
Sincere Greetings from Realtors

o. Is
all nj of
of y hea sam u s. s.
shuoHdb to he
for may o.
e served by onh ~ a plan an practices
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1921-12-14
Chance To See
 What Men Want

Followers of the big productions announced by the producers of innpor- tant pictures this season. have long awaited an announcement concerning the theatre in Bridgeport that would show the reignGng New York Sensa- ton, What Do Men Want?"
 After negotiations extending over period of several weeks, the Emtoire that they will present tflis powerful dramatic sensation for one week at an early date.
 During the run of "What Do Men Want" at the Lyric theatre, New York city. where an admission of s2 was charged. It was necessary on several occasions to close the box of fee, so that the crowds awaiting ad- mission could be cleared.
 The exact date of showing this ex- c1ptional dramatic achievement will be announced in the Times in few days.
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1921-12-14

considerable time, however owing to the great number received. So if a personal or quicker reply is desired, a stamped and self-addressed envelope
 must be enclosed with the question: The Editor.
The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1921-12-14
Park Review

Hello 1922.'' is the burlesque at- traction at the Park theatre today. The way burlesque business has been of late the shows will no doubt be glad to say goodbye 1921. There will be lot of other lines of busi- ness in the same boat.
 This weeks offering is just anoth- CT burlesQue show, along the usual chance to get going, with the old bits at hand. Scotty F,rsidell doing a tramp, is the featured comic. He does well enough and gets some big laughs -n spots; while Bernard Cor cey, little fellow, who has a differ en line, adds his share to the enter tainInent-
 It is a better show, taken all in all than was offered last week. There are several girls in the chorus who are clever. Wonder what happened to those old fashioned pick out numbers? Why drop them and car ry so many other old features?
 What probably saved this show was a little and might just as well have sung oftener. They were good. An other feature is the fact that there are four leading women. none Of Texas is featured on the billing. She is we'll known to burlesque fans-but so is Teresa Adams. who Is mighty hard worker. However, the honors, for pep and general attractiveness Neither is there anything the matter with Blanche Brunette.
 Don Trent has escaped from the Mollie Williams show, but just can resist doing "heavy" sketch. He Ham Murphy, in one of those acts in which everybody but the butler, and orchestra leader gets either stabbed or shot in about 10 seconds as