Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-03-06


weeks in connection with the District
government have caused officials at
the District Building to look closely
into the interlocked Federal and local
interests as they concern the author
ity OF the Commissioners. For 1t
seems apparent to those who are
studying the situation that local au-
thority is proceeding along contin-
ually narrowing groove, while Federal
authority in matters concerning local
government continues recippcally to
expand.
Tho Commissioners now frankly
ask themselves: Where is this going
to stop" The Bureau of the Budget
tells the District what the District
needs, in the view of many at the
District Building; four separate con
gressional committees act on local
legislation and appropriations to be
expended. under the approval of the
Bureau Of the Budget, and then
when the money is available for eX-
penditure the Controller General of
the United States tells the District
what methods to pursue In making
the expenditures according to law.
Other Examples Noted.
IhESG lHCiuO6 Only Two Ol Tie lflIil-
billions felt by the officials at the Dis
trict Building. for Congress and con-
gressional committees charged with
legislation for the District-during the
last session, especially--have been re-
garded in the friendly light as real
working arms of the District gov
eminent.
But there have been other ex-
amDes For instance, when the dis
tribution Of water to Arlington County
from the District filtration plant be-
comes lawful next July l, the War
Department will be In charge of such
distribution and tho setting of rates
for that water. Yet the distribution
of Washington water is felt to be
primarily a matter for the District
Commissioners, since they are in
charge Of the work.
Numerous instances are cited where
the inhibitions placed on local admin
istrative activities have been felt
more and more here recently. causing
speculation as to whether the integ-
rity Of the Commissioners as local
executives under the organic law of
1873 is absolutely safe.
Powers Were Broad.
Under the organic law the Com
missioners had broad powers as ex,
ecutives of the local government.
These include the powers previously
held by local executives, and ex-
press powers to apply taxes and other
revenues Of the District to the pay.
ment of current expenses, to the sup
nort of the public schools, etc, and
have Supervision of all the Offices,
books. papers. records, moneys,
credits. securities, assets and accounts
belonging or appertaining to the
business or interests of the govern.
ment of the District of Columbia and
exercise the duties, powers and
authority aforesaid
In short. the organic law, as it is
viewed by its students. gave the Com.
misisoners ample power for the exc
cutiOn of the duties concerned in the
government Of Washington.
AS the city grew and expanded
however, it is pointed out, gradual en-
croachmentS on the power of the Com
missioners have been noted. Little by
little Federal bureaus began to exert
checks on the local government.
The Bureau of the Budget was set
up with the result that the estimates
of sthe Commissioners are scrutinized
to see whether they come within the
Hnanclal program or the President,
this phase naturally expressing the
power Of veto Of items which rests
in the Office OF the Director of the
Budget.
Financial Control Exercised.
The controller generals Office has
the power-and the duty--to make
sure that financial arrangements are
working out in accordance with law
Further power was taken from the
District Commissioners in the last
District bill, it is commended at the
District Building, when discretion for
purchases OF supplies was eliminated
from that building by provision
stating that the Commissioners, so
far as possible shall purchase ma
terial,' supplies, including food sup.
plies, and equipment when needed and
funds are available in accordance
with the regulations and schedules of
the general supply committee"
The fact that so far as possible"
is a phrase included, according to ex-
perts at the District Building, does
not help the Commissioners at all.