Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-03-27

submitted to Congress for increased ex-
penditures they be accompanied by
statements expressing willingness for an
increase in taxes to meet the desired
obligation, pointing out that for every
$650,000 added to the cost OF running
the District government, an increase in
the tax rate Of cents a hundred Is
necessary.
While discussing the proposed in
crease in water rates which the bin pro-
vides, Mr.. Simmons criticized a recent
article in The Star relating TO the water
service for the new House ONCE Build
ing, which showed that under plans
submitted to the Water Department two
connections were to be made to the Dis
trict's supply system capable OF zap
ping at peak load total Of l,300,00
gallons over 24-hcur period.
Tells of Water System Cost.
The facts are. he declared, that in
stead of 100000 gallons a day, the
estimated total consumption would
amount to 100000 gallons day, Of
which the proposed ventilating system
for the new building would use 1lS gal
Ions day.
The revised plans Of the architect
providing for the use of 100000 gallons
a day instead Of 1,300,00 were disclosed
Simmons also referred to a statement
in The Star quoting a statement Of
Capt. Hugh Dram, Assistant Engineer
Commissioner, as saying that the Dis
trict has an equity Of So, 900 in the
water system.
washington has invested from its
general fund in the water system So
082, 3465 So" he declares. This sum is
taken from the general fund. to which
the United States has contributed both
on the $3.50 and 60-40 plan, so that
it does not even represent a payment
Of that amount by the taxpayers Of
Washington. The United States has in
vested out of the Federal Treasury and
exclusive of Federal contributions to the
District treasury general fund $10,931,-
923. 81. From the earnings of the water
system there has been invested in the
water system $14,457, 977,26. Now, then,
to get AN equity of $23, $40, 900 for
Washington, The Star takes credit to
the city for only the capital invested
from the District general fund, which ]
consider is proper, but The Star claims
credit to the District for the entire
earnings of the Water Department,
when the District owns but as per cent
of the plant. If you should give credit
to the United States to the entire in
vestment, including contribution to the
District general fund, then the United
States owns 70 per cent Of the water
system an dthe District % per cent.
Again, The Star says Washington
has paid for its water system and that
there is mo bonded indebtedness on the
plant and accordingly water rates are
lower here than in other cities. If the
United States were willing to contribute
40 per cent of the total cost of the water
system of other American cities, and
likewise contribute quite literally to the
general revenues of those same cities as
| is done here, it is probable that other
American cities could boast of having no
debt and low water rates. But the United
| States does not so contribute and ac-
cordingly other cities cannot boast as
| Washington does about no debts and
low rates. ! rather imagine that many
American cities would gladly accept the
aid of the United States that has been
accorded in Washington"