Evening star., 1933-02-11

cult to free itself In years to come, this
item should be retained at q minimum
at the present time
In the bill a provision Is made for
granting a 10 per cent discount on all
water bills paid within Is days after
they have been rendered. The commit
tee estimates that this position will re-
suit in saving of nearly 100000 to
the taxpayers during the next fiscal
year. Chairman Cannon explained that
the committee has been advised that at
the end Of the fiscal year 1884 there
will be an estimated balance in the
water fund exclusive of unobhgated bal
ances of 1898 appropriations of more
than 100000. AS the money in this
fund cannot be used for general mu-
nicipal purposes, the committee consid-
cred the advisability Of recommending a
reduction in water rates. However, 1t
was informed that study is being made
of the financial and physical condition
of the water service with a view to
adjusting rates, and that such report
would be available by the time the 1885
bill is taken up for consideration. Pend
ing completion Of this study and in the
submission Of specific recommendations
as to the reduction in rates, the COM
mittee has provided such temporary re-
lief as 1t deems advisable by inserting
language authorizing the Commission
ers to allow a 10 per cent discount.
Test Laboratory Opposed.
The bill includes legislative provisos
that:
= mo part Of the appropriation shall
be used for operation of testing
laboratory of the Highway Department
for making tests of material in con-
nection with any activity of the Dis
trict government"
This is result of discussion during
the hearing between Representative
Blanton and those in charge of a small
number of employees in the testing
laboratory.
Another proviso states that no part
Of the fund shall be available for the
operation of high temperature incinera-
tors for the disposal of combustible
refuse" This is the result Of a pro-
ing the hearings that the two new
incinerators, one In Georgetown and
one in Southeast Washington, Should
be shut down.
Another legislative proviso prohibits
the use of appropriations for the pub
lie schools, "for the free instruction of
pupils who dwell outside of the Dis
trict of Columbia. This limitation
does not apply to pupils who are en-
rolled In schools Of the District on the
date of approval of this act"
A limit Of cost of $1,000,000 is also
directed in legislative limitation on
the construction of a school building
in the Reno section. Another 1egisla-
tive limitation Is in connection with
the widening of Thirteenth street
northwest, which directs that 40 per
cent Of the entire cost shall be col
lected from the owners of abutting
property who shall also be required to
modify at their own expense the roofs
Of any vaults that may be under the
sidewalk or parking on Thirteenth
street If it is found necessary to make
such changes to permit the roadway to
be widened.
$292,548 for Library.
For the Public Library the bill car
ries $292,548 for personal services,
which is $26,892 less than the current
appropriation and 2,478 more than the
budget estimate. This increase over the
estimate will not increase the number
Of employees and was found necessary,
Chairman Cannon explained, to correct
ull CiIOi Ill COlllputIlS tkiC oI3 RCA SCilI
deduction when the estimates were pre-
pared. The Library authorities hav-
ing deducted 81a per cent from all posi-
tions, including those receiving at the
rate Of $1,000 or less a year.
For the purchase Of books, periodi-
Gals and so forth, there Is recommended
$54, 500, which Is the same as the cur
rent appropriation, and $14,500 more
than the budget estimate. Chairman
Cannon's report points out that the
public library Is being used more at
the present time than at any period in
its history, there having been an in
crease Of 60 per cent in circulation
since 1929. and the committee believes
it Is sound policy to maintain the sup
ply Of books on q basis equal to that Of
recent years, which will be provided by
the amount recommended"
Budget estimates of $l9,140 for bind
ing is recommended this sum being an
increase of $4,140 over the current
appropriation. This increase Is also
attributable to the large increase in
circulation Of library books, making a
proportinate increase in repair Of such
books essential
The total amount recommended for
public schools for the coming fiscal year
is $10,181 $50, which is $1,981.1 less
than the current appropriations and
$498,051 less than the budget figures.