The Washington times., 1925-02-12
Outstanding Local legislation
By BILL PRICE.
in Congress

NE ;+rti n Congress as to extremely important local
legislation Is critical by reason Of the annual Legislative jam
i no question as to the friendness both Houses
Of Congress to urgent legislative needs Of the District It
4ses lust one more District day in the House, though
Is s possible for special rules that might give consideration
60 certain bills The instence Of President OOOLDGE upon
egaion might be met by special rule leaving the tme
Of District day for other measures
The Senate has agreed to Friday night session q tna
body for District legislation that ought to bring number
Of local matters pending in that body to vote
Senate the leaders have placed traffic bill and the five
year school building at the top giving them right Of
way Others following with the public welfare BILL the
street car merger bil rent control and others.
win promote the best interests Of the District the House
senate leaders as to the relative Importance Of local
The still has before the Great Falls
7 ps.sd y s Senate e. ,g = the sr last session 1na
Yet legislation Is vital ct this time as the
besnt Of traffic conditions and legislation that vii give
I'll The school children Of the District seats and fulme IN
ssruction IN the public schools.
Safeguarding Of life and limb severe punishment Tor the
killers and manners Of and children, para
mount 20 anything else
Next 70 that relief Of the terribly Congested conditions
that prevail in public schools and which operate to the
dsent 81 District children who sould have every modern
opportunity TO get the best results out Of the years they devote
Ali indications in Congress point to unanmty Of sentiment
IN both bodies 70 these two bills They win probably meet
amendments that may be offered
me traffic control bill drastic and win bear upon
every and driver Of machine IN the District Public
sentiment upoIds Congress IN the intention TO- pass laws that
WIN bring greater human safety
This legislation ought TO be passed. however unless It
& clear and plain There should be nothing confusing about
the terms used There should be antiquities that might
lead drivers asay and make for contention in the courts
IN the House BILL and doubtless in the Senate bill also
there win be found example, Section Of the House
BIN dealing with speeding and reckless driving in
the opening paragraph: No motor vehicle shall be operated
upon any public highway IN the District at rate Of speed
greater than twenty-five miles per hour under any Crcum
stances
Tat gives the right to operate 1t that speed but in second
paragraph below that TO Be found this: III the rate Of
speed exceeds twenty miles per hour, such rate
shall Be prma face evidence that such vehicle being operated
n violation Of subdivision (which defines reCdesness and
excessive speedy and the burden Of the proof shall be
the operator show that the motor vehicle not being
operated In violation Of such subdivision. ]"
There Is inconsistency here. CLARITY Is lacking.
The punhments provided in the subdivisions referred to
exceptionally drastic FOR the first offense Of reckless
driving which might be speeding under miles
hour both fine and imprisonment Is imposed The judge has
option.
Where jail penalties are imposed for the first ofense the
clear drivers judges and uries Then driver wants
20 walk right into jail it is her or his fault
Ia the section authorizing the director Of traffic to designate
arter highways bou1evards the ambguousness
TO- speed limits and burden Of proof would prevail Yet
axteria highway supposed to permit OF good speed
The requirement Of the bill that drivers permits shall be
issued annually hardship and ought to be
eliminated Responsible drivers Of ought not be subjected
20 the trouble Of procuring annual permits and Of having to
s. each for these permits there drivers who
should have permits the burden Of refusing should be
pon director who win have before him court records Of
arrests convictions etc.
Laabiding citizens drive years without being
provision Of the law.