The Washington herald., 1922-09-22

mind hrst-hand information, personally.
gathered Hence, today, it is unlikely any
argument would be necessary to convince officials
OF the Budget Bureau that District streets in
a deplorable condition. many of them absolutely
unfit for motorized transportation and many others
rapidly approaching that stage. This is the result
OF tour made by District and budget officials to
verify conditions for the alienation of which funds
have been asked.
1t a rare stroke OF genius someone's
part to climax the oral and written arguments for
more money for District needs with proposal
that the budget officials "see for themselves" that
everything represented. That the budget
officials evinced desire to be shown" speaks
we'll for their fairness and the seriousness with
which they approaching their task. In other
way under the sun could they get better idea Of
the condition of streets, schools, and other
items for which appropriations asked than by
making sightseeing of the city under proper
guidance. The first tour, we told, embraced
only survey OF the streets.
Whether the budget officials were ridden
some OF the street car crossings in downtown
Washington, taken for brisk spin out Pennsyl-
vania avenue, past the White House and toward
Georgetown is not stated. 1t is hardly likely, how
ever, the Commissioners would overlook such bet
this in the heart of the city. Then, perhaps,
jaunt was taken out Connecticut avenue or out
northwest section leading north "Show streets"
both OF them, yet if the investigators chauffeur
moved faster than snails pace willing to
wager their vertebrae shufled like deck OF
cards.
If Anacostia the itinerary it is to be
hoped it among the first stops-otherwise that
trip down Eleventh street southeast to the bridge
have been a sore trial. Likewise some of the
arteries leading off from the Capitol and Union
entries the city from Maryland should be in
spected. If this was done, the budget officials
understand why some auto tourists have stated
they would wait until arplanes became less expen-
sive before again motoring to the District
However. without knowing how much ground
was covered in the inspection tour, feel certain
that none OF those making the trip possibly
dispute the Commissioners assertions that consd-
erably money is necessary for streets than
has been allowed to date. Even the most casual
observer after a brief inspection that the
thoroughfares OF the Nations Capital are in such
condition would be tolerated for a second
in any other self-respecting city in the country.
Cities. even towns, in the Middle West or in New
England would upheava in municipal al
fairs within a week if their streets were allowed
to get into the condition which is now general
throughout Washington.
Appeals to Congress have fallen upon deaf
in the past and the street departments pro-
gram has gotten far behind. have those OF prac-
tcay all other departments The first ray of
hope is the interest taken by budget officials The
Commissioners showed excellent judgment in ex-
tending the invitation and Cen Lords acceptance
gives assurance OF intelligent and thorough con-
sideration 1t IS good omen for the future when
someone connected with the purse-strings makes
a personal investigation, for
Seems bcevn'.