Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-11-09
Board of Trade Data Tell of
Superior Buying Power
and Other Advantages.
COORDINATION LACKING
IN TOURIST MATTERS
Death Rate Too High, Garage
Space Inadequate, High Per
Capita Salary.

A vast array of facts picturing the re-
markable growth of Washington, the In
crease in its public and private facilities
business and social activities, and re.
vealing frankly also its weaknesses, are
set forth in the master community sur
vey compiled by the Board of Trade
and are emphasized in an accompanying
interpretative statement, both made pub
lie last night.
Departing radically from the general
practice Of American cities in compiling
surveys, the trade body makes no at
tempt to separate the sheep from the
goats" in data contained in the survey,
but rather includes information con-
corning both the favorable and unfa-
vorable points about this urban center.
The Interpretation of the survey is
sued by officials Of the board emphasizes
both the good and bad about Washing
ton.
This policy is in keeping with the
original plan for the survey, compiled at
cost of about $4,000 raised by the
Board of Trade, to collect all pertinent
data about this metropolitan area TO
the end that future development here
may be directed more intelligently.
Tells WashingtOn's Growth.
The printed volume of 66 pages, pre-
pared for the trade body by Rufus s.
Lusk, Inc, local statistical organization,
Is collation. CT a vast mass Of data and
detailed analyses telling graphically the
story of Greater Washingtons growth
and the character of its rise to promi-
hence and importance.
1t sets down in black and white facts
that show the stability and Importance
OF this area as a trading center, as q
place Of high average consumer buying
power, OF special educational and relig-
lous activity, Of exceptional research IA
cilities, Of magnificent physical develop
ment and place having especially good
intercity transportation.
Of1cials OF the Board Of Trade, after
study OF advance copies of the survey
handbook, issued q statement of inter-
probation of the favorable factors,
factors. which they found were pre-
dominant among all the data. and With
equal candor listed the deficiencies
demonstrated.
Declaring that 1t Is as valuable to un-
derstand the weakness of the community
as TO praise its attractions, these ON
Gals report the following deficiencies
are revealed:
Weaknesses Cited.
That Washington. being q natural
tourist center and convention city, "de-
plorably lacks proper coordination in
the handling OF convention business and
tourists" and that while its hotel facili-
ties are of the highest type and SUM
Gent, there Is practically no effort on
large scale" to induce conventions
and tourists to visit the National Capi-
tai, nor to give them adequate service
when they arrive
That home ownership here is not high
enough in percentage of population.
washington being one Of the lowest in
the rank Of cities In this regard.
That while the government Of the
District Is honest, the number OF COM
missions, bureaus and individuals having
authority over the District results in 4
more or less hodge podge" government
so that needed projects are DELAYED
anywhere from two to ten years.
That sewerage and water systems In
nearby territory are very inadequate, !"
That the city's airport facilities are
most insufficient"
That while the city Is a splendid edu-
cational center, the field of music neces.
sary to round out its cultural leader
ship has been neglected, there being a
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