Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-05-27
CONTRACT AWARD
HEARING IS ASKED
Washington Council
Urges Local Builders Be
Given Preference.

Informed that two or more out-of-
town contracting firms were preparing
20 bid for construction of the new
addition TO Gallinger Hospital, men,
bers of the Buy-in-WaShington Coun-
ell decided last night to petition the
District Commissioners for a hearing
on the matter before the contract is
let, provided on-Washingtonian
submits the low bid
The council, q new organization of
local business interests, labor leaders,
builders, architects and professional
men, formed for the purpose Of stimu-
lating the buy-in-W Washington move
ment, determined to continue its cam
paign against the awarding of local
building projects to out-of-town con-
Germs, contending that this practice
IS weakening the economic structure of
the city.
A similar protest was made recently
against the awarding OF the contract
for erection of the Eliot Junior High
School Building to a North Carolina
31rTn, but, after hearing, the city heads
approved the award, pointing out that
they are required by law to accept the
low bid If the bidder is responsible.
Urge Work for Local Men.
The local council will contend again,
however, If the same situation arises
In the Gallinger Hospital case, that
some out-of-town builders can submit
bids lower than local men because they
import cheap foreign" labor and
building materials from other sections
Council leaders contend, also, that
some preference should be given to
local concerns, so that local tax funds
may be spent here rather than sent
out Of town.
=. J. Murphy, chairman of the coun-
ell: W. j. Eynon, president Of the
washington Typothetae; Thomas Lane,
business agent of the bricklayers' union,
and other council members bespoke q
vigorous protest against this practice
and others by which local funds go out
Of the city.
At the meeting, held in the ofices Of
the Board Of Trade, constitution was
adopted. Individuals. firms. organiza-
lions. corporations, labor organizations,
leading newspapers and magazines or
well defined groups having as one OF
their principal objects Washington'S
business development are eligible to
membership. subject to approval by the
executive committee.
The constitution states:
1.-THE sole object and activity Of the
council shall be to bring to the highest
possible degree the employment Of
washington TALENT anu 1dDOT, the use
Of Washington products and the
purchase of merchandise and commodi-
ties from firms whose financial interests
are conferred in Washington.
Methods Are Outlined.
1.-THE general methods by which the
object may be obtained are: The edu-
cation of the general public regarding
the Importance Of buying in Washing
ton through the employment of all
ethical and logical means to sponsor the
upbuilding of Washington business, en-
ployment and trade; in direct and indi-
rect appeals backed by the combined
power represented in the names Of the
component organizations; In providing
the buying public with superior COM
moditieS and talent at lowest prices
commensurate with Wasnington's stand
ard Of living: in protecting the buying
public against unfair practices; and in
each delegate presenting 20 the council
from time to time the problems and de-
gtres Of his organization in the field Of
the councils work.
THE council will and shall not be a
party to any movement for the mainte-