Evening star., 1928-05-09
GRANT URGES BILL
TOCONDEMN LAND.
Stresses. Importance of I'm
provement in Procedure
of Government.

(. Passage Of legislation by this Con-
gress to improve the procedure by which
the Federal Government condemns land
for public purposes in Washington was
urged by Lieut.. Col. u S. Grant, Sd,
director Of public buildings and parks,
at hearing before the Senate District
committee yesterday afternoon.
In stressing the Importance of the
subject Col, Grant pointed to the vari-
Gus projects the United States Govern
ment has planned for Washington
necessitating condemnation OF property
and he recommended a bill designed TO
expedite procedure and give the Gov
eminent method OF arranging TO get
possession before the court proceedings
are completed.
Prompt action on the bill also was
urged by Mrs Frank b. Noyes, who
spoke IN behalf of large number OF
men and women throughout the country
interested in the development of Wash
hgtosa- Mrs Noyes Is chairman OF the
National Capital committee of the
Garden CLUB Of America.
Court Bill Studied.
While Chaignan Capper and his aSso-
ciates on the Senate District committee
were considering the Federal condemna-
ton bin subcommittee Of the Senate
judiciary committee was studying bill
TO place an additional justice on the
bench of the District Supreme Court. a
step also suggested in order TO expedite
condemnation proceedings.
Col. Grant told the District commit
tee the condemnation measure now be-
fore 1t is a revised plan drafted by the
Attorney Generals Office. The revision,
he said, resulted from a conference of
various local organizations. He ex-
planned how the present draft differs
from the original Park Commission bill,
but said he was not suggesting any
because IL was desired to
have the measure acted on without de-
lay.
Objections TO the bill we're voiced by
Miss Maude Younger Of the National
Woman's Party, who said she had some
experience recently in condemnation
proceedings and believed the delay oc-
ours In getting the case ready for court
rather than In the court procedure. She
objected 10 certain details in the meas
ure
Alexander Wolf OF the Board OF
Trade, and 9. III. Galia1eT, speaking as
an individual property owner, confined
their testimony 10 the provision which
would enable the Government TO get i'm
mediate possession of land sought for
public purposes by estimating the value,
dep0siting that amount with the court
aud paying any balance at the c0neIu-
SION Of the proceedings IL the verdict
should be higher.
Asks Safeguards for Owners.
Mr. Wolf said he could see the ad-
vantage of the plan 10 the Government
and said he vas not sure that he was
opposed 10 the proposal II adequate
safeguards are thrown around the prop
eTty owner. Mr.. GaIliher said some
lawyers had expressed doubt whether
the courts would distribute funds III
provided for In the plan 10 enable the
Government To get possession a. the be-
ginning of the proceedings.
Col. Grant explained that In giving
the Government a means OF getting
prompt title 10 land, the bill makes il
mandatory on the Government 10 20
thEulgh with thu transaction. whereas
under present law the Government,
after long time, may say 10 the prop
eriy owner I'VE win not take the prop
eFty. after all"
The bill provides for jury Of FIVE IN
condemnation cases, and requires q
iuG2e 70 sit with the jury.
Col. Grant also explained " the com-
Enittee that the plan Of procedure pro-
yided for In the bill also would enable
li1e Government 10 preserve the appear
ance of land sought for park pirpOses
pending final settlement Of the con-
domination verdict.
Chairman Capper and Senator Blaine
of Wisconsin questioned the witnesses
on the detailed provisions of tlle
measure.
Q