Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-01-24
Understanding Provides
"Care and Diligence in
Leasing Property"
COMMISSIONER LAUDS
ACTION OF BOARD HERE
Describes It as Going Farther Than
Other Similar Groups to Meet
Paddock Problem.

Prohibition authorities have an "un-
derStanding" with real estate boards in
other cities looking toward ameliora-
ton of the paddock situation, it was dis
closed today by DR.. James M. Doran,
prohibition commissioner, in comment
ing favorably on the newly-adopted
prohibition policy Of the washington
Real Estate Board.
The understanding, DR.. Doran de-
clared, provides that property owners
and realty dealers exercise care and
diligence with respect to leasing of
property to tenants" and, In return, dry
ofdcials will bring to the attention of
the owners and dealers instances Of law
violation before launching proceedings
with view to padlocking the prem
ises."
DIR. Doran expressed keen gratifica-
ton over the organized action of the
local realtors in formulating a definite
policy Of cooperation with the United
States attorneys ONCE in connection
with Kidding Washington's business
properties of dry Law violators. An
nouncement of the policy, made yester-
day by John A. Petty, executive secre-
tary OF the board, caused widespread
comment.
DOran Halls ReaItors' Move.
DR.. Doran said that while he had
not had an opportunity to study details
Of the local plan, he understands the
washington realtors have gone farther
than any other similar group In meet
ing the paddock problem by eliminating
violations. He said he considered such
a move as one not only OF great value
to the Government, but Of good busi-
ness foresight" for reputable dealers,
property owners and tenants.
Petty today laid stress on the fact
that the boards action, is designed
solely to protect realtors and their
clients from "the effect of bookkeeping
operations" and from ''the serious con-
sequences Of padlocking," In a telegram
to Harry H. Culver, president of the
National Association of Real Estate
Boards.
Petty's telegram was prompted by an
Associated Press dispatch quoting Gull
yer, who Is in Phoenix. Ariz.. to the
effect that the policy Of the Washing
tom board lis In no way related to the
present aims of the National Associs-
ton Of Real Estate Boards"
Your statement to the Associated
Press in reference to the action of the
Washington Real Estate Board was call
ed to my attention" Petty wired. I'm
order that the action Of the washington
board may not be misconstrued, you
are advised that the ofiicial statement
issued by this board to the press clearly
outlined that the action taken IS de-
signed solely to protect washington
properties under the control of real
tors from the effect Of bootlegging op-
erations and to protect the property
owner from the serious consequences Of
padlockins.
Asked 70 DO Plain Duty.
Washington realtors are asked on
cially to do nothing more than their
plain duty to clients In reporting to
the district attorney suspected bootleg
operations in properties under their
control, which Is naturally the policy Of
all reputable real estate brokers.
Making Savailable to the district
attorney our facilities to locate property
owners will materially assist him in
giving property owners an opportunity
to institute ejectment proceedings,
procedure"
Petty said today that it was not the
intention OF the realtors to "go snoop-
ing" for dry law violators or to usllrp
the authority Of the prohibition oflcials
The board and its members nave no
| facilities to make such investigations
even II there were desire to do so, he
| said. The board merely hopes to
protect innocent property owners,
agents and clients from q grave BUSH
ness liability, the professional dry law
violator," he stated.