Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-02-14
FAVORABLE REPORT
ON CRAMT0N BILL
House Committee Acts on
$4,000, 900 D. C. Park
Measure.

Favorable report on the comprehen-
sive and co-ordinated plan of parkway
development for the National Capital
and its environs, as contained in the
Cramton bill, was ordered today by the
House committee on public buildings
and grounds.
This bill authorizes fund of $16,-
100000 to be Immediately available
from the Federal Treasury for park
land acquisition and playground sites
in the National Capital to be repaid
from District revenues at the rate of a
million dollars year. It also makes
available fund of $7,O00.000 for park
way and riverside drive developments
a 5000 basis and partially on one
third two third basis.
The Maryland Virginia cooperative
fund Is to be repaid in the proportion
just mentioned within five years.
Action Follows Hearing.
Action of the committee today fol-
lowed a two-day hearing, with repre-
sentatives OF local and national organ
izations giving their Endorsement at the
open meeting today preceding an ex-
ecutive session.
George c. Havenner, president Of the
Federation of Citizens Associations, said
that this is one of the most far-reach-
ing pieces of legislation in the last
quarter of century looking towards
Identification of the National Capital.
He pointed out that it is really an
economy measure whereby, in buying up
all of the land desired for parkway de-
velopment in the District at one time
instead of piecemeal, the District is
saved any increased valuation on the
land and the cost of whatever develop
ments private owners might make with
in the next few years.
Evan H. Tucker, president of the
Northeast Washington Citizens AsSo-
citation, characterized this bill as wise
economy legislation. He stated that his
organization had very carefully consid-
cred it, and added I'VE feel this bill
will not increase taxes in the District.
Mr.. Tucker expressed gratitude at the
magnanimouS action on the part Of
Congress in providing this fund for the
District without interest.
Miss Harlem James, secretary of the
American Civic Association, pointed out
to the committee that while her aSSo-
citation is committed to a "pay-aS-you-
go' policy in buying land for park
property, they do not know Of any
great park system that did not contem-
plate levy upon future income.
Henry K. Bush Brown testified that
the artists of washington have indorsed
this legislation.
Trade Board Aid Assured.
Charles F., Consaul, representing the
Washington Board of Trade, assured the
committee that this measure has the
strong support of that body of business
men.
Col. U. S. Grant, Sd, executive officer
of the National Capital Park and Plan
ming Commission, spoke briefly of the
plans for acquiring park, parkway and
playground sites under this appropri-
alton.
Representative Cramton of Michigan.
sponsor of this measure, who was the
principal witness at the hearing YES
terday. also spoke briefly today.
Mr. Havenner suggested as an amend
ment the insertion Of two words, for
development" which would make the
funds available for either acquisition or
development of the land Representa-
tive Cramton emphasized that this is
an emergency measure; that acquisition
OF the land now is an emergency,
while the development is not. and said
that development work should be left
for the future. Mr.. Havenner quickly
replied, I'VE would not inject anything
into this bill that would endanger a
favorable rnrort hv the c0rnuittae