Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1926-09-25
Line on Investigation of Mu-
nicipaI Affairs Indicated 9.
in First Session.
HOUSE subcommittee
PUTS GIBSON IN CHARGE
Size of Board Of Commissioners
Considered-Schools Appropri-
alton Brought Up.

mittee of the House District COM
mittee directed to make a comprehen-
sive study Of the administration of
the District of Columbia will concen-
trate it's early hearings on taxation
questions was given today when Com
missioner Rudolph, chairman of the
District Commissioners, was ques-
toned as first witness in an informal
meeting to determine the scope,
policy and program of hearings that
are to be held.
With six Of the seven members
present the subcommittee organized
by the election as chairman of Repre-
sentative Gibson of Vermont, on
motion of Representative Mcleod of
Michigan, who, outranking Mr.. Glib.
son under the seniority rule, had been
expected to be a contender for the
craftsmanship. Representative White
head, Democrat. of Virginia, was
chosen secretary
This subcommittee was in session
again this afternoon to continue it's
examination of the Commissioners and
others who have been making special
studies Of the municipal administra-
ton. The subcommittee expected this
afternoon to decide when the formal
hearings will be opened.
Asked About Boards Size.
Representative Houston, Republic
an. Delaware. asked Commissioner
Rudolph whether he favors an
increase in the Board of Commission
ers and subsequently Representative
Reid, Republican. Illinois, coupled
with the similar question a statement
that he favored an increase In the size
of the Board of Commissioners by
two additional members. Rudolph
said that if the Commissioners are re-
lieved Of the public utilities and Zon-
ing work they will not be over
worked and additional members would
not be necessary.
Representative Hammer, Democrat.
North Carolina. argued that the fixed
proportion plan for financing the Ma
tional Capital should be made psrna-
nent law, as under the lump sum ap-
preparation, which. with Congress try
ing to give as little as possible in the
way of appropriation and the Commits
sioners trying to get as much as pos
sible an unsatisfactory condition ex-
lists.
Mr. Rudolph said that he agreed
with Mr.. Hammer and was in favor of
commission to study the problem
Of fiscal relations.
Taxation Problem Discussed.
Representative Reid led in the cate
cism of Mr. Rudolph regarding mat
ters Of taxation. In reply to a QueS-
ton whether the assessors office is
functioning properly Mr.. Rudolph
said that the Commissioner, through
the Budget Bureau will recommend
to Congress that provision be made
for nine new positions in the asses
sor's office. He was not ready to give
an estimate as to the amount of ad-
ditional taxes it was hoped to col
lect with the increased force.
Representative Reid questioned Mr.
Rudolph closely regarding the opera
ton of the law covering taxation Of
intangibles which has been in opera
ton since 1914. Mr.. Reid said that
should every one pay his fair share
Of taxes the rate would be very low"
Mr.. Rudolph replied that the people
in Washington are not tax dodgers
and are willing to pay what Is fair.
He cited a recent illustration of seiz-
ure Of property for non-payment of
taxes.
Many Questions Asked.
Practically every member of the
subcommittee joined in questioning
Mr.. Rudolph closely on the question
of taxes levied on foreign corporations
coming into the District.
Mr.. Reid said he had heard reports
that the Commissioners are going to
cut down on funds for support of the
schools. He asked If the Commits
sioners have taken cognizance of the
report by Mrs. Mary E. Norton of
New Jersey, a member Of the House
District Of Columbia committee, on
insanitary conditions in certain
schools, saying that the school au-
thorities had admitted the correctness
of Mrs Norton's report.
Mr.. Reid said he would write a let
ter specifically calling the attention
Of the Commissioners to Mrs. Norton's
charges and stated that he does not
propose to allow the various depart
ments to keep passing the buck"
He said that the school officials COM
planned that they were not given suf-
ficient funds. Commissioner Rudolph
explained that the Commissioners do
not restrict the funds, but that 1t is
their duty to see that the funds are
properly distributed among the many
municipal activities. Mr.. Rudolph said
that he wants the schools here to be
fine in every way.
Mr.. Reid asked that an assistant
to the corporation counsel be assigned
to be at the services Of the investigat-
ing subcommittee, so as to advise on
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