Evening star., 1933-04-16
ID. c. HOPES RAISED
| FOR LIGHTER CUTS
Signs That Senate Group
May Modify Supply Bill
Develop.

AS the Senate Subcommittee on Dis
trict Appropriations nears the end cf
its work on the 1894 District supply
bill, there we're llcoeful signs last night
Tor the restoration OF some of the
urgent municipal needs previously
eliminated and indications that a more
adequate Federal contribution may pe
brought forward.
The subcommittee has taken no
action on any proposed changes in the
bill and will not do so until the hear
lngs are over tomorrow or Tuesday and
the testimony is reviewed. Comments of
some Of the individual members, how
ever, indicate desire to give serious
consideration to the appeals of civic
groups for bill that would more nearly
provide for the urgent requirements OF
the city.
Senator Thomas, Democrat, of Okla
homa. subcommittee chairman, said
that as soon as the remaining witnesses
from civic organizations have been
heard, the subcommittee will begin de-
noerations to mark the bill and he ex-
poets 1t will be reported to the Appro-
priations Committee, presided over by
Senator Glass Of Virginia, at an early
date.
Takes Liberal View.
While not discussing specific figures
as to what the Federal contribution
should be, Senator Thomas voiced his
personal feeling regarding the question
| as follows:
Il take the view that as long as the
Government runs the city and Congress
is the governing body, our contribution
to the expenses here should be viewed
from liberal standpoint"
The Senator ADDED fhaf for tho ma
reason, he believej Athe citizens of the
District should b e1orded the oppor-
tunlty to make - lamentations and
to file protests q ding the bill. Re-
ferring to the val - detailed changes
that have been asl.cd for by witnesses
during the hearings, Senator Thomas
said
IT will view these matters in the light
OF the testimony, where 1t can be shown
items be modified or increased within
reasonable limits, recognizing at the
same time the necessity for keeping
down expenditures as much as possible"
The Senator emphasized he was ex-
pressing his personal opinion and not
undertaking to predict what the sub
/ committee will do.
Senator Nye, Republican. Of North
Dakota, q subcommittee member. in
! 0iSoecA AucS llSIt bIldt Ilc ls CUIlNAlCSu
! the Federal contribution carried In the
bill as it came from the House does not
represent . proper proportion.
Old Ratio Upset.
The original District bill. which failed
with the adjournment Of the old Con.
I gress. emerged from conference carry
ing 336. 6.29l .647. with compromise Fed.
eral contribution Of $500, 900. The bill
then had to start over again In the
Budget Bureau and when 1t came back
to the House it had been cut down to
$40, ,302, 200 of regular annual Appro-
priations. and with the Federal share
slashed to $4,000 The Bureau had
cut the estimates by approximately 10
per cent under current appruW iations,
and then applied the same percentAge
Of cut to the Federal contribution Of
$7,775,000 carried in the current ap-
preparation act.
District ofdcials have pointed out
during the Senate hearings. however,
that the House increased the total Of
the bill, which upset the ratio on which
the Budget Bureau arrived at the Fed
eral contribution of $500. 600. and
which latter figure the House did not
change. As it came from the House
the bill carried S31 .987.442. These Of
hcials suggested. therefore, that. on the
basis OF the Budget Bureau formula,
the lump sum Federal contribution In
the House bill should be increased By
100000.
Realizing that the drastic reduction
made in the total Of the revised Budget
plus Of the Districts own tax money
next year, 1t was suggested during con-
slderation OF the bill In the House that
the tax rate be cut from 81 10 to 81 so
per 500 OF assessed value to eliminate
part OF this unappropriated revenue.
Alternatives Stressed,
It was learned yesterday that in the
course OF the Senate hearings Senator
copeland. Democrat, OF New York, has
asked q number Of witnesses to indicate
whether they would rather have the tax
rate cut from $1.70 to S1.50 or have the
necessary improvements restored to the
bill, indicating this alternative question
Is receiving considerable study.
Whlie no decisions will be made until
the middle Of this week there are strong
indications that the Senate subcommit-
tee IS ready to provide for immediate
construction Of the new Calvert Street
Bridge. and that funds to make a start
on the new Woodrow Wilson High
School. in the Reno section, also may be
inserted.
There also is believed to be consider
able sentiment in the subcommittee in
favor OF allowing the Board of Public
Welfare more leeway in spending its
fund to meet emergency relief require
ments as conditions require. and come
back to Congress later In the fiscal year
il an additional appropriation is neces-
emergency relief.
The subcommittee also will give seri.
OILS consideration to the proposal to en-
power the Commissioners to transfer
funds from one department to another
In various parts Of the BILL If the Com.
missioners decide to recommend such ar,
amendment. Senator Thomas suggested
some general provision Of this kind after
specific suggestions had been made for
authority to make such transfers in Ger
tain activities
/ Library Case Cited.
In the case Of the Public Library
system, for instance, DR.. George +
Bowerman. librarian, recommended that
II funds cannot be obtained for needed
personnel to maintain three branch
libraries, it would be preferable to
authorize transfer OF part Of the book
fund to the personnel appropriation.
A similar proposal had been advanced
IN regard to some OF the separate school
appropriations.
Senator Thomas requested the Com
missioners to have ready for the sub
committee tomorrow the draft of any
amendments along this or othes lines
that they wish to recommend.
Some Of the witnesses remaining to
be heard will deal with the present ex-
tent Of the emergency relief work.
Testimony also will be given tomorrow
regarding some Of the public health
activities and their needs.
; There Is 4 possibility the bill may be
ready to be reported to the Senate by