davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1923-12-31
DISTRICT FINANCES

A proposal to float large bond
issue to meet the accumulated needs
Of the District was given considera-
ton by the Commissioners during the
year 1923, but, after celebrating at
length, the city fathers decided not to
lay the question before Congress at
this time.
During the summer months the city
heads drafted a budget of expenses
for the fiscal year beginning July l.,
1924, calling for a total of $32, SOC, 900.
Although they believed that figure
represented only the imperative re-
quirements for school buildings, new
budget bureau found 1t could not ap-
prove that amount, because OF the
demand for economy in government
expenditures.
The budget authorities at first di-
rected that the total be reduced to ap-
Budget Lord and his assistants listened
pleadings of the Commissioners and
finally transmitted to Congress esti-
was approximately $500, 1000 more than
the current appropriations.
In July the Commissioners cut the
tax rate on real estate and tangible
personal property from $3.50 to $1.20
per $100 of assessed value.
This was partly offset, however, by
increases in valuation made by the
assessor in his new biennial appraisal
Of real estate.
The annual tax sale In March OF
property on which the taxes had not
been paid netted the District 100000
in delinquent payments.
Maj. Daniel ]. Donovan, auditor,
told the Commissioners in his annual
report that the District government
will be able to wipe out its old bond
ed debt in 1924 If Congress makes q
final appropriation of 100000 for
the sinking fund.
Evening star., 1923-12-31

to the progressive s-a-a plan of edu-
cation.
AS the Junior high school system
was extended, a definite plan of or
subjects and classes of appropriate
length to bridge the passage of the
child from the elementary to the high
schools was a feature of the organiza-
tion plan.
Changes In Curricula.
Chief among the curricula features
introduced during the year were the
psychological tests in educational
measurement and visual education
history courses. Other important
changes made within the system in
cluded the redistricting Of the first
nine divisions geographically and nu-
merically. which carried with it sew
eral shifts in the administrative and
supervisory forces and the creation
of a court Of appeals on all school
athletic matters. The creation of the
court of appeals marked the begin
ming of a period of vigorous control
of all school athletics and was the
direct result of the abandonment of
the proposed two-year halt in all in
terhigh school athletic contests.
Interest in school affairs was en-
livened during the year by two dis
putes between the Commissioners and
the school board. One case concerned
the naming of schools and the other
dollars for blackhead removers, ia
cial creams and other accessories of
a beauty parlor at the o Street Vo-
cational Schools.
Commissioners Upheld.
The sf1rst controversy was adjusted
through a compromise. In the latter
case, however, the corporation coun-
Evening star., 1923-12-31

The year 1923 will long be remem--
bered by Washingtonians because or
two momentous events that marked
its span of life.
In June. when the natural beauties
of the Capital We're at their height,
the city entertained 10000 visitors to
the Shrine convention, the biggest
conclave that ever gathered at the
seat of government.
Two months later the city that had
been so gay in June was plunged into
grief when President Warren q.
Harding died.
In June historic Pennsylvania ave-
countless thousands. to watch the
Shriners march to Mecca in their daz-
zling uniforms of fraternalism.
Lined by Sorrowful Thousands.
In August that same Avenue of
fame again was lined by thousands,
but this time they were sad as theT
stood in reverent silence and watched
the funeral cortege Of their President
go by.
Each year leaves in it's wake some
happening. some act of Providence,
time. But few of them leave two
such milestones for memory as the
fading wear 1928.
Perhaps the outstanding event of
the year, from a purely municipal
standpoint, was the achieving of
temporary automobile reciprocity
with Maryland.
The governments working force in
Evening star., 1923-12-31
THE DISTRICT IN
CONGRESS

Practically no legislation of i'm
portance affecting the District of
Columbia, with the exception of the
annual appropriation bill, was enact
ed by Congress during the year 1928.
The old Congress was in session only
until March 4, and the new Congress
did not meet until December 3.
The new Congress, it was hoped,
would put through the gasoline tax
reciprocity bill before the Christmas
holidays. but this measure struck a
snag and was forced to go over un-
til after the recess.
The joint congressional committee,
headed by Senator Phipps of Colo
rado, which investigated the surplus
revenues of the District, reported
during the session which closed
March a. 1928. that the District was
entitled TO the use of approximately
$5,000,000 of surplus revenues now
in the federal Treasury. Efforts were
made to have the Congress authorize
the use of these surplus revenues for
the benefit of the District, but the
time left before adjournment of Con-
gress was too brief to obtain action.
Both the Senate and House District
committees, however, reported favor
ably on the proposal to make these
surplus revenues available. A bill
for this purpose has been introduced
in the Senate in the new Congress
by Senator Phipps and every effort
will be made to have 1t enacted "nen
Congress resumes its sessions.
Traffic Survey Made.
The Senate District committee, un-
der a resolution adopted by the Sem
ate. has made a thorough survey of
traffic conditions in Washington. Its
report and recommendations will be
submitted to the Senate within few
weeks.
A joint committee of the Senate
and House, following an exhaustive
Survey of the public school needs,
filed it's report. There was no time.
however, to translate its recommen-
dations into legislation, and the new
Congress will be called on to deal
with them, including more buildings:
better pay for the school teachers and
a public school census.
The proposal to grant to the Dis
trict national representation, through
the election of presidential and vice
presidential electors and members or
the Senate and House, has been re-
submitted to the Senate and to the
House in resolutions to amend the
Constitution of the United States. A
similar resolution was reported IA
vorably to the last Congress by the
Senate District committee.
Evening star., 1923-12-31
POLICE DEPARTMENT

Sixty-seven thousand four hundred
and forty-five arrests were made by
the police last year. strict enforce
ment Of the traffic laws and regula-
tions causing most Of them. AIrssts
for speeding totaled 8,814. while those
for alleged violations of the traffic
regulations numbered 21,382.
Another factor in the large number
Of arrests was strict enforcement of
the prohibition laws, arrests for
drinking. handling, transporting, driv-
ing automobiles while intoxicated and
manufacturing liquor totaling 11,372.
Liquor arrests were divided as fol-
lows: Possession, 1870; selling, 1.341;
transporting, 845: intoxication, S,003 |;
operating vehicles while intoxicated,
SIS; manufacturing. "a; drinking in
public, 202: violations of other Sec
tions OF the dry enforcement act. 81.
Other Arrests for Year.
Other arrests included the follow
ing: Murder. 20: manslaughter. 25;
assault with dangerous weapon, 363 !;
rape. 10; robbery, 162; housebreaking,
462: grand larceny, 334: joyriding. 164 !;
permitting gaming. 307; making
handbooks on races, 3S.
Evening star., 1923-12-31

ofncers, chairman and vice chairman
committees were held, in which th
WORK OF the committees was discussed
anu r. avorI Plans Ian OF Of activity laid to secur
oI q. the board have functioned, many d
.nein upon matters of vital importanc
-. 10 Ine CITY, and all have filed report
be ,eiore the fun board. These report
hIaS ihae oeen presented in meeting assem-
, pled ana the organization as a wholen
mas expressed its approval or disappro
val thereon or has modified them whenJ
aaeSessdiy. Ihese views, in their final
gress and the local authorities
Ihe Chamber of Commerce has Iil.e-
wise peen active in civic affairs and
mas mas aaken leading part in advocating
oImeaicIa, ofara !eglslatlon. To the chamber
alone must be given the credit for the
enlargement of the Griffith Ball Park
ana the consequent staging of the
Marine-Army game. Committees were
appointed from that body, which took
entire charge of the game, its arrange
rments and entertainment following il.
Through the influence of the chamber
ana us members wounded soldiers from
! every hospital adjacent to Washington
were enabled to view the contest. Ac-
uVlty OF this kind has done much to
piace the National Capital at the front
when national sport affairs are to he
| considered
Work for Armory.
Among its other activities the cham
Der has consistently advocated thu
establishment of proper facilities for
the housing of the National Guard and
has taken part in the following events:
The community chest.
Legislation for higher salaries for
| policemen and firemen.
consideration of all referendums from
the Chamber of Commerce of the United
States
IA An active and Leading factor in
bringing to Washington the follow
ing conventions: Shrine, postmasters,
Photographers, World Dairy Congress
and in influencing the National Edu-
cational Association and the Lee
alghway Association to hold their
The auditorium or convention hall
project, to which the chamber has
just subscribed an additional $4,000
State nights at its monthly meet
ings.
Public utilities.
An outing at Chesapeake Beach, the
f1rst held by the organization since
1917.
Donation of prizes to schools and
colleges for athletic or drill suprem-
Persistent propaganda for a high
water pressure system.
Entertainment of the Harrisburg
Chamber of Commerce.
Sollectlon OF approximately $1,000
at the time of the Japanese disaster
On record as approving new quar-
ters for the recorder of deeds Office
Election of President Coolidge to
honorary membership.
The state night meetings of the
organization have been an innova-
ton. Maryland night, with Gov.
Ritchie in attendance, at the time
that the reciprocity fight was in its
first stages, is believed to have done
much to promote good fellowship and
feeling between the two common
Wealths. 1t was at this meeting thar
Continued on Nfneteenth Page \ :.
Evening star., 1923-12-31
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Fire losses the past year totaled
approximately $4,000, 900, three serious

Fire losses the past year totaled
approximately $2,0o0,o0 three serious
blazes doing about SO per cent of the
damage. Chief George S. Watson
succeeded in further increasing the
efficiency Of the force with an increase
OF twenty-eight men and a pumping
engine, hose wagon, aerial truck and
city service truck. He also obtained
116 gas masks and ten oxygen masks
Four members Of the department
died during the year. They were
Privates d. ]. Bradley, S. c. Hill.
NJ. II. Hageman and J. G.. Kinsinger.
Fifty-two retired members Of the de-
partment and forty-two widows re-
ceived substantial increases in pen
Sions under the provisions of an act
Of Congress giving ratings to thuse
who are retired under the law now
operative.
There was not a single life lost In
line Of duty during the year, although
Ill firemen sustained injuries or were
affected by smoke. Numerous occu-
pants Of buildings In which fires oc-
CURED were burned to death, suffo-
Gated and injured.
Losses By Months.
Losses by months are as follows:
January-Number Of alarms, 255;
false alarms, 26; fires outside the Dis
trict, 4: loss $82,5S1; largest loss
$47,700. Norfolk apartments. I'd and
d streets northeast.
February--Number Of alarms, S20;
false alarms, 20; fres outside the Dis
trict, s; largest loss. warehouse Of
Evening star., 1923-12-31
DISTRICT COURTS.

The decision that no criminal re-
sponsibility for the collapse of the
roof of the Knickerbocker Theater
rests on the architect, builder, gov
ernment inspector and other artisans
connected with the construction or
the building was probably the out
standing opinion of the year from the
public's viewpoint of the work OF
the Court of Appeals of the District
of Columbia.
Among the volume of opinions dur
ing the past twelve months were two
affecting domestic relations which
are Of general interest. The court
ruled that a correspondent, male or
female, cannot be required to pay an
attorneys fee in addition to the
regular court costs in a divorce suit
II was declared that where di-
yorced woman flaunts the District
law prohibiting the guilty party 10
marry again the court Will not listen
to her plea to require the second nus
band to support her.
During the year 225 cases were en-
tered on the general and patent dock
cts of the court and 130 cases on the
original docket. Writs OF error to
the number of II were applied for
from the Municipal Court, of these
II were granted and 81 denied. The
court disposed of 222 cases during the
year. A total of 1873 cases is pending
at the beginning of the new year,
many of which are not ready for ar
gument, as the time allotted for fill
ing briefs has not elapsed.
In addition to the cases decided, the
court heard and passed on 4S2 mo-
tions and petitions, and admitted to
practice 358 lawyers.
In the Supreme Court Of the Dis
Evening star., 1923-12-31

street, s3s2.ss4: total loss. s44s'i3s
March-Number of alarms. $40:
raise alarms, IA; largest loss. air,
plane ina hangar hangar and ? Photographic build
trict, a. Ai"-
,April-Number of alarms, s7s: false
alarms. II; largest loss, w. A. Pierce
a%snns avmner nortSaIs Gt1Smpany Rhode Island
SSo4.541; fires outside the District, ii
May-Number Of alarms, 181: false
alarms IL; fires outside the District
.; largest loss, Chestnut Farms Dairy
west, s25:2Oo;. total loss, s5O,65s.
June-Number of alarms. 16s: false
alarms. Is; fires outside the District
3; total loss, $4,000; largest loss feed
store at 3342 M street northwest
July-Number of alarms 1877: false
alarms. II; fires outside the District.
3; total loss, $4,000: largest loss. 'e17
lures, s10,592.
August-Number of alarms 1a1.
false alarms. Is: fires outside the Dis
trict, 3; total loss. $4,000; largest
loss! dwelling and store, 3213-15 p
street northwest. $3.50.
false arams IL; fires outside the Dis
trict. /; total loss. $26.411: largest
loss, Bureau of Standards, $4,000.
October-Number of alarms. 221.
false alarms, 16; fires outside the Dis
trict, 5; total loss, S78,913; largest
loss. Boiling Field Army Air Station,
$4,000.
Observation-Disclosures of alarms 23s.
false alarms. %: fires outside the Dis
trict, 8; total loss, $203, ,71O: largest
loss. Wilkins grocery plant, Rhode
Island avenue northeast, $118,075.
December-Number of alarms. a1a.
trict, IS total loss, $4,000; largest
loss, Truxton apartments. $14,s65.
Evening star., 1923-12-31
FEDERATION OF CITI.
ZENS' ASSOCIATIONS /

The Federation of Citizens Asso-
Citations. representing two score of
neighborhood organizations, was ac-
tive throughout the year in advocat.
ing movements for the upbuilding of
the National Capital.
The federation supported the Com
missioners in their efforts to have
the budget bureau approve liberal
estimates for the next fiscal year.
The committees on education of all
affiliated bodies were called into con-
ference by, the educational committee
of the federation to get concerted
action In fighting for more school
buildings before Congress this winter,
William Mex. Clayton. chairman Of
the utilities committee. began a fight
before the Public Utilities Commits
sion for half fare for school children
riding on the street cars, but has not
yet succeeded.
The delegates indorsed the move
instituted by the Commissioners to
bring about automobile reciprocity
with Maryland.
Charles A Baker was reelected
in November for q third term as
president OF the federation.
Evening star., 1923-12-31
MUCH WORK COMPLETED
BY TRADE BODIES HERE
Board of Trade, Chamber of Commerce arf
Merchants Body Have Unprece=
dented Year.

Unprecedented activity has marked
the year 1928 for the three local
trade oranizations--the Washington
Board of Trade, the Chamber of Com
merce and the Merchants and Manu-
facturers' Association. At times CO.
operating under a joint committee,
but for the most part pushing sepa-
rately and vigorously desirable legis-
lation and projects for the National
Capital. these bodies have set a high
mark for civic work.
Under the capable leadership of
Edward F. Colladay, who directed the
policies of the organization in it's
thirty-fourth year Of existence, the
Board of Trade has taken part in
practically every important project in
the affairs of the District of Colum-
bia. In bringing these projects to a
successful conclusion the board has
been prominent factor. It's officers
and committees have worked untir-
ingly with only one thought in mind,
making Washington the greatest Cap
ital in the world.
Projects Completed.
Fifteen important projects in which
Tic podIo lOOh al lillpOI pldCc
have been completed during the year.
They are:
Establishment of surplus in the
Treasury of the United States to the
credit of the District of Columbia.
Completion of the Francis Scott
Change of location of the proposed
Home for Feeble Minded.
The Shrine convention.
A new police station house. No. II
police precinct.
Additional aqueduct and water sup
ply.
Framing of a model insurance law
Authority for construction of a new
building for the recorder of deeds.
Plans for memorial bridge across
the Potomac at the Lincoln Memorial
Opening of a branch library in the
southeast section of the city.
Revision of the new building code
for the District.
Traffic Body Work.
Appointment of special traffic
committee, the members of which
have only recently appeared before
the Senate traffic committee and out
lined the views Of the Board of Trade
on the betterment of traffic conditions.
Establishment of a separate traffic
bureau in the police department.
New headquarters for the harbor
police precinct.
The Sterling -Lehlbach bill for clas-
sifcation of all fedora empoyes.
Eight meetings of the full Board of
Trade, nine meetings of the board of
directors and twenty-three meetings of
the executive committee were held The
twenty-eight standing and special COM
mittees of the board met when the oc-
casion demanded, and gave proper con-
sideration to matters of interest to the
District. At the meetings of the full
there nraSanf
guests, cabinet officers and members
of the Senate and the House, in addi-
ton to men Of national and interna-
tional reputation not connected with
the government.
From time to time conferences of the
Evening star., 1923-12-31
PUBLICUTHTTIES

The Year 1928 marked the estab-
lishment of a number Of new motor
bus lines as adjuncts OF the street
companies Because of the
continued high cost Of laying car
rails, there is growing tendency to
use the motor bus to furnish trans
portation to new communities.
The Washington Railway and Elec-
trio Company was given permission
to abandon it's tracks on Bladensburg
road and install a bus service.
The Capital Traction Company was
authorized to extend two OF its main
car lines with motor bussee One
route was from 14th and Kennedy
streets to Fern street by way OF 18th
street and Alaska avenue. The other
bus extension was from 17th street
and Pennsylvania avenue southeast
into Randle Highlands.
In order to link the southeast and
southwest sections Of the city by d.
Evening star., 1923-12-31
DISTRICT AFFAIRS

Commissioner Bell succeeded Col.
Charles Kellar, who resigned April 4
to accept private employment with
an engineering firm in the west.
During the interim preceding the
selection of Maj. Bell the Office Of
Engineer Commissioner was filled by
Maj. Frank S. BeSson, who had been
an assistant Engineer Commissioner
for several years.
When Commissioner Bell took office
Maj. Besson was transferred by the
Secretary of War from the District
government to the Army School at
Fort Leavenworth.
Maj. BesSon's place was filled by
the appointment of Maj. w. H. Hol-
combe, a Washington boy, who took
over supervision of the highway di-
vision formerly controlled by Maj.
BesSon.
Another change in personnel dur
ing the year was the departure from
Washington of Maj. Max c. Tyler,
who for number of years directed
the operation of the Washington
ton of the new conduit from Great
Falls.
Maj. Tyler's place was taken by
Maj. j. A. O'Connor, who is continu-
ing to push ahead work on the con-
duit.
Seek Larger Appropriation.
The early part of the year was
a campaign to obtain larger appro-
priations for the building inspectors
office to make possible most careful
supervision of new structures.
Efforts to improve traffic conditions
probably consumed more of the time
of the District Commissioners than any
other one problem during 1928.
In this connection one-way streets
were established in the heart Of the
city during the Shrine convention in
June. Commissioner Oyster was so inn
pressed by the results obtained while
thousands Of visitors were here that he
succeeded in having most of them made
permanent.
The task of preparing to handle the
vast throng that descended on WASH
ington from all parts Of the country
for the Shrine convention fell heavily
on the shoulders of municipal officials,
especially the police department.
1t was necessary to enact an entire
set of special police regulations for
the period of the conclave, covering g.
score of subjects besides traffic.
When the big event was over and the
last of the visiting delegations had left
the police department was generously
congratulated on all sides upon the sue
cessful carrying out Of it's plans.
Washington welcomed new commits
sioner during 1923, Mai. j. Franklin
Bell of the Engineer Corps of the Army.
Maj. Bell was assigned to help rule the
National Capitol by the late President
Harding on June 12.
In February the Commissioners
appointed the newly created board of
accountancy to pass on certified public
accountants.
The census bureau announced that
it found the present center of popu-
lation of the District to be located
in church building at 1915 9Th street
northwest
Edward W. Thomas was appointed
an assistant corporation counsel, suc-
oeeding Gillespie Walsh, resigned.
Toward the end Of the year Com
missioner Rudolph, cooperating with
arranged to have w. w. Hodson of
the Russell Sage Foundation, come
to Washington to assist in drafting
new child welfare code for the
District
Evening star., 1923-12-31
CORONER'S OFFICE

Approximately 1900 death certifi-
Gates were issued or approved by DR..
J. Ramsay Nevitt, District coroner.
during the past twelve months, and
the numerous homicides. suicides, ac-
cidental and sudden deaths made his
service a little short of a twenty
four-hour one.
Violent deaths during the year to-
tailed 329, divided as follows: MUIR
ders. 90; manslaughters, 2S; traffic
deaths. 80; suicides, SO, and accidental
deaths, other than traffic fatalities,
Evening star., 1923-12-31

Continued on Nineteenth Page.J
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1923-12-12

Thursday and will visit relatives in
Harrison and PgaAeville.
Mrs ]. P. Jenkins and Mrs. E. X.
Neyins were il p. d. C. Friday.
John Moore is visiting at the Fred
Jones home in Potosi.
Joe Gulley and son, Ray, of Du-
buque were Bagley callers Saturday.
Miss Rewey visited her sister, Mrs.
Hampton, near No. Andover Satur-
day
Oscar Ready and musicians of La
Crosse playey for the masquerade
here Friday night.
Mrs. Art Enkel, better known here
as Grace Ready, of Waterloo, Wis,
came down by train and her husband
came by auto Saturday TO visit her
parents, Mr.. and Mrs. Geo. Ready
Mr.. and Mrs VIM. Houghton who
have been spending the week visiting
their sonin-law and daughter, Mr.
and Mrs. David Taylor, returned to
their home in Cassville Saturday.
Mrs. Fred Barr of Savanna who
was visiting in Bagley, went to Glen
Haven Sunday.
There were eight cars of stock
shipped out of here Sunday. August
Plondke, Harry Grimesey and others
went to Chicago with the stock.