Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-05-22
The Airnort Situation.

Warrington will await with keen in
tn~cst tho answer OF Senate and House
leaders TO tn. query of the Joint Cen
grsssional Airport Commission as to
wh2thcr time can be spared at. this
speci;. sHssion for the consideration of
airport legislation for tie National
Capital
All Of tn" principal cities of the
United States ei:h.r have airports al
ready or are pushing steadily forward
with plans for adequate landing fscil-
tiles. The network Of commercial and
passenger air lines between important
points IS growing. Every month Of delay
in making a start on WAshington's air.
port puts the Capital City that much
out of step with the onward march OF
aviation rs a means Of transportation.
The Senators and Representatives
designated by the last Congress to tackle
the problem of air terminal facilities
for Washington plunged wholehearted-
ly into their task two months ago. They
sought the advice OF the best minds,
both locally and nationally. regarding
all phases of the subject. They have
assembled q complete record Of testi-
mony a. to the various available sites.
the amount Of space that shouao be
provided. the weather conditions to be
dealt with and the various safety appli-
ances with which a model airport for
the National Capital should be equipped.
washington appreciates the real with
which they have gone at their job.
But. rs was pointed out by the chair
man yesterday, the commission mas
about reached the stage In its delibera"
tons where little more can be done
without congressional authorization
and, accordingly, committee has been
instructed to sound out those In charge
Of the legislative program.
1t is recognized that Congress was
called into special session at this time
to act on two or three pressing nationai
problems, and the leaders, naturally
are anxious to guard against opening
the legislative gates to the mass OF gen.
eral legislation that would come up NJ
a regular session.
At the same time there Is an emer-
pency element in the local airport sit-
ration. It Is generally conceded that, as
the Capital of the Nation, Washington
Is bound to become an important center
In air transportation, and with otner
cities moving ahead rapidly In the
planning of airports, 1t behooves the
National Capital to get started without
delay if it is to avoid being left behind
in this new field
It Ia going to take time TO lay out the
landing field, or fields, and equip them
with hangers, runways, lighting devices
and other facilities whenever the hrst
move is made. And herein lies the ao-
vantage of some legislative action. II
the leaders can see their way clear to
give it a chance at this time. Any steps
taken at this session toward the enact
ment of enabling legislation would be
that much progress made, since a Dill
started on its legislative Journey now
would retain it's status In the next
session.
The Joint Airport Commission has
not yet disclosed what It's detailed rec
concentrations are likely to be with re-
gard to the airport and may not reach
definite conclusions at this time II II
develops that there Is no hope for ac-
ton at this session. On the basic ques-
ton of the urgent need for an airport
however. there can be no disagreement.
II the commission is advised mat tnere
is no chance for obtaining action on
bill at this session, then washington
will lock forward to the earliest possible
consideration OF the matter at the r'G-
ular session.
S-@1~uSS ----------