The Washington times., 1923-10-05
The Deplorable Conditions in
the Recorder Of Deeds Office
Bv Bill PRICE.

4h are ned mn in the nonfireproof building occupied
by the Recorder Deeds Of the District 100000
involving real estate transactions in this city, accumulation
extending period of nearly year, due to an made
quate working force and cramped quarters
Thousands of homes and business properties are concerned
and millions Of dollars invested these legal instruments
Their by fire would untold confusion financial and
lsg. .nangmsns which would clog log s ss courts asS !, 'ae
fareacng and serious in nature that they cannot be fore
seen.
deplorable dangerous conditions vitality affecting
immense property throughout the District the
result of the failure of Congress to appropriate for fire
adequate number of employees the Recorder Deeds
promptly record the instruments left in his Office.
The situation is calling for energetic action the part
trade bodies and citizens generally that Con-
g ct the coming session be favoraby impressed with
the necessity for immediate remedy. . S. ,,s
The Recorder Of Deeds has submitted the facts to pro
nen local citizens and organizations and doing everything
va and which can be corrected BY congressional action
In any other city in the United States the condition Of
affairs prevailing in the office OF the Recorder Of Deeds would
occasion such widespread and resentment as to force
instant action and it behooves Washington people get
gether q use steady pressure on Congress-
Office Of all expenses and left an unexpended
balance Of $4,000 for deposit in the United States Treasury
another instance Of how strictly local Office maintained
local expense yields to the Government
Only few years back titles to properties and deeds of
trust could be recorded in the local office within thirty days
eliminating some Of the uncertainties Of fire although tie
Recorder of Deeds has been located suitable build
from ten to twelve months the parties involved being without
other protection during that than careful trustworthy
handling by efficient force.
Not only deeds and deeds Of trust delayed nearly year
before being recorded but the title companies and lawyers
who do absraCtng work in the Office are handicapped
because Of congestion that to months eapse before
Is possible for prospective purchasers Of properties get
reports upon titles
The delay brings about teup deposit MONEYS and con-
templated building operations.
Twods Of the rented floor space allotted to the Recorder
taken up by books and cases and onethrd By
employees Upewrtng tables desks etc Many Of the small
rooms badly ventilated and myEghted Title company
workers and lawyers engaged in abracng compelled 10
from floor to floor and the space for these people and
the general public small that the congestion brings about
great loss of time
The phenomenal increase In real estate activities il Wash
ngton for the last few years fact that for the
fiscal 1928 which ended June go last 7O704 instru
ents submitted for recording against 1894 for the
1922 and 1854 for 1921 In the fiscal year 1917 the
total number Of instruments submitted 1885, remarkable
testimonial to the great growth Of Washington real
estate transactions generally.
From the time taken in the recordation instr
ments win be lessened somewhat by the purchase
new book tpewers but there imperative necessity for
more for employees and the public Above Of course
IS the necessity for modern fneproof building.