The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1924-11-25
D. c. BILLS
TO FARE
ILL
Few Except Supply Measures
Likely to Pass in Short
Congress Session
By JOSEPH S. EDGERTON.

SO0AA "A % GDpGAAOGNs
When Congress meets at noon
Monday for the short session of
the Sixty-eighth Congress, mem.
bers Of the House will find the
calendars containing many Dis
trict legislative items Of the most
vital Importance to the National
Capital.
During the short session, which
under law must end at noon,
March 4, Congress will be called
upon to pass nine major supply
bills and at least one urgent de-
ficiency bill. In view Of the pol
icy Of the most searching economy
which has been adopted by the
Administration, it is certain that
there will be considerable wrana
Cling over many provisions of these
bills. The amount of attention
which can be given District leRis-
lation is problematical.
Deficiency Bill Certain.
The urgent deficiency bill is the
one which went down to defeat dur.
ing the closing minutes Of the last
session Of Congress through q. bitter
contest over an irrigation item. The
bill contained vitality important APP
preparations for the District of Co
lumbia.
Passage Of the bill in its present
form, which is regarded as certain,
will provide funds which viii enable
the District Commissioner to estab-
lish the block system OF directing
traffic in Washington on an expert
mental scale. The passage OF this
bill will also permit District police
men and firemen to take the day
off each week allowed them by the
new salary law which was passed
last session but for which there has
been no appropriation.
Among the most vitality needed
pieces Of District legislation. now
pending on the House calendar or
In committee, and which may come
up for action this winter are the
following:
To Open Up Surplus.
The Phipps bill, making available
for expenditure by the District gov
eminent a surplus Of $4,000 900 now
held in the Federal Treasury, Pas
sage of this bill, it Is expected, will
permit reduction Of taxes in
Washington, and win provide funds
for urgently needed improvements.
The measure has passed the Senate,
and is now pending on the House
calendar with a favorable report by
the House District Committee.
The bill providing for establish
power plant at Great Falls. The
now pending in the House District
Committee, which has held ex-
tensive hearings on the legislation.
The Caraway bill providing back
pay for the reinstated employees OF
the Bureau of Engraving and Print
ing, who were victims Of q whole
sale executive discharge order more
than two years ago. This bill has
been passed by the Senate.
$4,000, 900 for Buildings.
The Fernald bill providing for a
100000 building program to
house Federal activities In the Dis
trict Of Columbia. This measure,
1t is understood, will have the sup
port Of the White House ana MEM
bers of the Public Buildings and
Grounds Committees In both
houses of Congress.
A bill providing S6s, 900 overdue
retirement pay to members of the
District police and fire departments.
Street railway legislation, includ-
ing proposals for q merger, scent
fares and half fares for school
children.
Elimination OF grade crossings in
the District.
Compulsory school attendance and
a school census law.
Blue sky legislation for the
District.
Purchase of Klingle Valley. Piney
Branch and the Patterson tracts
for establishment of District parks.
Auto Seizures.
Legislation providing for seizure
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