Evening star., 1926-10-11
Others i'm Injured List.

cal examination could be given to all
children entering the public schoolR-
Mr.. Bush-Brown. representing the
Arts Club. complained that adequate
finances are not being provided for
the schools. He advocated that the
system by which the schools are con-
trolled should be reorganiZed and that
director be appointed by the Presi-
dent, who would manage the school
system, accountable only to the Presi-
dent and unhampered by the budget,
the District Commissioners or the
Board of Education.
He said the schools should be
emancinated from the thralldom Of
red tape and that they are in a differ
ent category from other District ac-
tivities which are principally material
and financial while the school system
has a spiritual mission. He urged that
the National Capital ought to lead in
the higher elements of education.
Favors Bond Issue.
Gen. Helmick said the commission
form of government has operated
fairly we'll and he would not care to
see any change. He said the Public
Utilities Commission ought to be given
competent legal talent to represent
the interest of the people against the
high paid legal talent employed by
corporations.
Mr.. Powell favored a bond issue
letting future generations help pay
for the benefits they will receive.
Mr.. Phillips said that the Columbia
Heights Association has taken definite
action recommending as a basis of
Federal contribution to the support of
the National Capital an amount equal
to what the tax rate would be on a
fair appraisal of Federal property.
Upholds Commission Form.
M. Gelbman expressed the convic-
ton that the commission form of gov
ernment is as good as can be had
here. He advocated that the commits
sion form should be extended, provid-
ing for two additional Commissioners.
one of whom would have charge di-
rectly of public utilities and the other
of schools and hospitals.
Mr.. Gelbman said that each and
every Commissioner should be held
strictly accountable to Congress, and
should be impeachable. He urged
abolition of the Traffic Bureau, with a
few simple traffic rules put into force,
saying that there are now too many
traffic direction by the central police
bureau. He favors the magistrate
system.
Mrs. Smell said that her organization
is not ready to make recommenda-
tions, but that from now on they will
make a special study of municipal af-
fairs.
Opposes Tax System.
Mr.. Driggers complained that under
the present system of collecting taxes
property owners may lose their prop
erty through delinquency without
their knowledge. He also complained
that the Kenilworth School needs
painting and a teachers restroom.
Mr.. Faulkner also advocated q
change in the tax law with regard to
sale for delinquent taxes and also re.
peal of the Borland amendment. pro-
testing particularly that an unreason'
able interest charge was now being
| laid against persons acquiring prop
erty in newly developed sections. He
also asked the committee to inquire
| into the cost of public works under
| contract as against charges by day
| labor.
Mr.. Faulkner also protested against
| calling the Geological Park national
If it is to be supported entirley from
District funds. He asked the com
mittee to investigate why the Distric,
government Is not building more
| classrooms for children in the lower
grades instead Of spending the money
| on stadiums and auditoriums. He
thought that the bond issue should
'be authorized TO amortize the cos