Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1926-09-09

many things to prevent the spread of
contagious diseases, the continuance
OF insanitary conditions or the con-
tamlnatton of foods. A new water
supply system costing about IS, OOO, 900
will be completed in about a year.
The extensions of a sanitary sewage
system are progressing, though not as
rapidly as we would like. The public's
interest in better and more attractive
homes has been manifested by the
mooel homes construction sponsored
Dy Inc Evening Star and supported
enthusiastically by the builders
the remarkable growth of auto
mobile transportation has made it
advisable to readjust the allotment Of
space on many. business streets so as
TO provide a greater percentage of
space Tor motorists and a less per-
centage for pedestrians. Because of
the wide space between building lines
here, this change can be made by
setting the curbs back without NOV
ing buildings, as Is necessary in most
cities. This change results in the loss
of street trees. but it is well estab-
lished policy, backed by strong public
sentiment, to replace the trees along
the curbs with new trees of a better
variety. Many of our old streets
which have grown rough with age
and do not have foundations suitable
for heavy modern street traffic are
being replaced. New paving Is being
laid in the suburban areas as rapidly
as funds permit. In general. how
ever, permanent paving is not laid on
suburban streets until the abutting
property Is IS per cent built up; other
wise, the heavy hauling and under
ground p,lpfinn inniHnnt IN
struction operations would damage
the new paving. Exceptions may be
noted where through traffic requires
earlier paving and where the real
estate developers lay paving incident
to the building and selling activities
at their own expense.
Replacing of Lights.
ITO provide more adequately for
night travel and public safety. the old
street lights are being replaced on
the main traffic avenues and streets
by new lights of greater intensity on
higher posts.
The regula ton Of automobile traf-
fic is yet in its infancy. with many
perpleXing problems. but ii is source
of satisfaction that we are taking up
these problems and making the install
latiors necessary to secure proper reg
ulati0ns.
THE Public Utilities Commission is
giving attention to the provision of
satisfactory public transportation at
reasonable rates. The street railway
and bus transportation provided in
Washington compares very favorablg
IN adequacy, comfort and appearance
with that provided in other cities. I'm
fortunately, the peak load problem is
more serious here than in some cities
because such large percentage of
our population goes TO work at the
same hour to the same section of the
city. This necessarily leads to con-
gestion and overlooking at peak hours
and very light traffic at other hours. l
The fiVe-year school building pro-
gram, providing approximately $30,-
100000 Tor new school buildings and
school sites, is now in its second year.
The buildings being provided are mod.
ern In every respect. Cheaper build
inss could be provided. but / believe
that public sentiment is overwhelming.
~ in favor of substantial flreproof con.
struction, equipped with all the facili.
ties found in modern schools
The recent pay increase also helped
the morale of the teaching force, Com
missioner Bell said.
Next touching on District penal and
hospital facilities, the speaker con-
tinued:
Near Occoouan. Va. are our penal
institutions-the workhouse and re
formatory-and we are proud of the
manner in which they are conducted
Heretofore the housing has been in
temporary frame buildings, but grad
uaiIy the prisoners are constructing
brick buildings and, in a few wears
we shall have permanent buildings
throughout. The brick is manufac-
tured by the prisoners. and, in addi- |
ton, over 1900, 900 brick per year are
brought to Washington and used in |
school CONSTRUCTION.
Near Laurel, Md, Is our health !
arm for the feeble-minded. where |
-hree brick buildings. which will
house nearly 500 patients. are near.
ng completion on the 527-acre farm |
have been made for