The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1925-01-03
I ORS
GRID FOR
BAT TIE:
Help Of Merchants and Land
lords Asked to Fight Wha-
Iey's Drastic Rent Bill

The fight over rent legislation
probably will be one Of the bit
terest waged in Washington for
many years, it was indicated to-
day.
Washington realtors ARE seek
ing to enlist in their fight against
the proposed drastic legislation all
the business interests I'D The city.
this end they have sent letters
to the heads of organizations aslk-
ing their aid.
The Merchants and Manufac-
turers Association today called a
special meeting of it's board to
consider what part it will take.
In an advertisement today, the
realtors called all landlords to
the colors.
President Coolidge's entire per-
sonal and political influence has
been put into the struggle for
legislation and many members of
Congress have signified their in
tention to back him in the halls
of Congress.
Considers Public Hearings.
Whether hearings will be held on
the Whaley bin will be decided at the
first regular meeting Of the Senate
District Committee scheduled for
Wednesday morning.
it is said that no request has yet
been received from the Washington
Real Estate Board for the hearings,
but that such request is expected.
1t is known to be the view of
the Senate committee that the
hearings are not necessary, but 1t
IL thought probable that such Wig
orous demand will be made that
real estate operators and landlords
of Washington be permitted to reg
lister protest over the proposed bill
that they must be heard.
The first discussion of the Whaley
bill, drafted at the request of
President Coolidge, is expected to
feature Wednesdays meeting Of
the Senate District Committee.
Favorable Report Hinted
The reason that it is the wish
Of the committee to forestall hear
ings is that it is determined to
speedily order favorable report
on this bill and get it on the
calendar
Despite the statement of Con-
gresham Thomas L. Blanton on
the floor of the House yesterday
that the permanent rent commits
sion bill is not the Administration
bill that 1t has been reported to be,
sources close to the Rent Commits
sion let it be known today that
the mesaure is entirely one of
white House birth
President Coolidge asked the
Rent Commission to draw up the
measure; the Rent Commission did
not ask the President to permit
it to construct the new legislation,
according to these sources.
Asked By Coolidge.
This statement further was made
by the President in his letter to
Congressman Reed asking Congress
to consider the proposed legislation
as soon as possible.
The Rent Commission, therefore,
1T is stated. will maintain an at
titude of silence rather than take
the initiative pleading publicly for
the enactment Of the new law.
When the commission members
are called to testify before tn House
subcommittee, probably next week,
1t will be pointed out by them that
the new bill establishes a law that
differs from the present law only
inasmuch as 1t provides penalties
for failures to observe the spirit
and letter Of the legislation.
The police survey OF vacant
houses and apartments which was
started yesterday on orders from
Major Daniel Sullivan, superintend.
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