Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1934-09-27

the cost of the sewage disposal plant
may be definitely determined, and suf-
ficient plans to commence construc-
ton during the coming Winter and of
their intention to submit the remain
ing plans in such time that the plans
can be in operation by the Fall of
1895. or unless I am furnished with a
satisfactory reason why this cannot be
done"
Patents Also Obstacle.
One reason why the four-year pro-
gram was scheduled is the existence
of patents on the activated slug type
Of construction planned to be used.
which will not expire until 1885. in
one case. and 1887 in another. 1t has
been estimated the District would have
to pay about $500, 900 for patent rights
If the patented types were employed
prior to expiration of the patents.
The grant OF sl.500,000 for con-
struction OF the adult tuberculosis
hospital at Glenn Dale. Md. appears
to hinge on final granting of the sewer
plant money, according to past state
ments at the P. W. A. Contract for
that sum. it is said, will not be taken
up until agreements are signed for the
disposal plant, as guide TO contract
forms.
Secretary Ickes did not mention the
tuberculosis hospital in his bluntly
worded communication to Commits
sioner Hazen, but 1t was pointed out
today that he Is determined to satisfy
himself as to the adequacy of the wa
ter supply at Glenn Dale. Md, before
drawing up a $500, 900 contract. He
has already shown signs of impatience
over what he claims is the failure OF
the District Commissioners to keep
him fully informed about all matters
connected with the hospital project.
Furthermore, it was said some time
ago by p. w. A officials that Secre-
tary Ickes had stated the 81 500 900
loan was for the construction OF a
hospital, and none of the money
should be used for drilling additional
wells on the Glenn Dale site.
Despite the acute situation that has
arisen, it was claimed at P. w. A. that
Secretary Ickes was the original
| champion" in the administration both
for the sewage disposal plant and the
tuberculosis hospital Although he
desired the latter to be located in some
nearby mountainous region and was
defeated in that purpose. it was said
he had won the President over to leg
islation authorizing the District gov
eminent to borrow from P. W. A.
funds against the strenuous objec-
lions" of former Budget Director Lewis
Douglas.
About three weeks ago the contract
on the sewage disposal plant was
sent to the Commissioners by Secre-
tary Ickes, about two months after an
nouncement was made of the ap-
proval by P w A. of the project This
was signed by the city heads and re-
turned to Secretary Ickes last Friday
Attached to 1t was copy Of a letter
the Commissioners wrote to Controller
General McCarl, asking for interpre-
tation of several points. Among these
were questions of when and on what
amount interest became due. whether
the whole $4,000 900 should be placed
to the credit of the District at one
time, and whether, II the money was
made available in a lump sum, II
would be necessary for the District
to obligate expenditure within one
fiscal year.
Text Of Letter.
The full text of Secretary Ickes' let
ter to Commissioner Hazen follows:
Il acknowledge your letter OF Sep
TENDER 81 inclosing copy Of the reso-
buttons of the Commissioners. the
proposed agreement between the
United States OF America and the
District of Columbia executed by the
Commissioners of the District and also
a COPY Of your letter of September Fl
to the controller general Of the United
States requesting his opinion upon six
questions Of law raised by the Com
missioners with respect to Public NO
465. Seventy-t third Congress.
Public No. 465, approved by the
President June IS, 1884, authorizes
the Commissioners of the District to
construct a sewage disposal plant as
well as various other public improve
ments, and to borrow the funds neces-
sary therefor from the Federal
Emergency Administration Of Public
Works. An allotment Of $4,000 900
has been made by the public works
administrator for the construction oil
a sewage disposal plant for the Dis
trict and it is to the construction and
financing of this plant that the pro-
posed agreement relates.
Four Years Tim Long.
"You state in your letter to the con-
troller general: Tt is expected that
the period of construction will be
about four years I am advised that
the period of construction should not
REQUIRE such length Of time. I am
further advised that, even with the
plans in their present incomplete
state. the preparation Of plans and
specifications SUFFICIENT to begin con-
struction should not require more than
a few months.
The Public Works Administration
has been willing to make a loan OF
So. 900 900 to the District of Columbia
for the construction of the sewage
disposal plant, Notwithstanding that
the Commissioners are unable to offer
as evidence of the loan notes, bonds
or other marketable obligations. al
though all other applicants for loans
from the Public Works Administra-
ton are required to evidence loans
made to them by such commercial
paper. The Public Works Administra-
ton has been willing to make such
loan notwithstanding that interest on
the funds advanced does not COM
mence to run until three years have
elapsed after any advance, although
interest on loans to all other appli-
cants is required to commence i'm