Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1935-07-22
AUTO INSPECTION
BILL PASSES HOUSE
Measure Calls for Tests
Twice a Year-Senate
Must Act.
BULLETIN.

The House quickly passed nine
District bills this afternoon and
then opened debate on the divorce
bill, which already has passed the
Senate Its sponsor, Representa-
tive Carpenter, Democrat, of Kan
sas, declared all Objectionable fea-
lures of the bill had been elimi-
mated and predicted passage.
Among the bills passed were the
smoke control measure and that
calling for semi-annual inspection
of all registered motor vehicles.
The House today passed the bill pro-
viding for semi-annual inspection OF
all motor vehicles in the District.
This was the first of IA bills await
ing action in the House today. 1t still
requires action by the Senate.
Chairman Norton of the District
Committee emphasized that it is a
traffic safety measure and the Com
missioners strongly urged its enact
| ment
The bill was amended on motion of
Representative Blanton, member of
the subcommittee on District ap-
preparations. so that the funds set up
for establishment of three inspection
stations through an annual contribu-
ton of each auto owner would be kept
under the control of Congress the
same as the fund built up under the
gasoline tax Several other amend
ments were offered, but were defeated.
Lobby Is Charged.
During the debate, Representative
Ellenbogen, Democrat, of Pennsyl-
vania charged that a lobby is en-
deavoring to prevent passage Of the
unemployment compensation measure,
which has been passed by the House
and radically ameruec ia the Senate.
The debate also was featured by
an attack on the civil service system
by Representative Faddis, Democrat,
of Pennsylvania
Those speaking In support of the
bill included Repre- Blan-
ton, Texas; Dingel, Democrat, of
Michigan; Ellenbogen, Democrat, of
Pennsylvania, and Carpenter, Demo-
crat, of Kansas.
Those who spoke IN opposition were
Patman, Democrat, Of Texas and
Mcfarland, Democrat. of Texas.
Chairman Norton explained the
reason for this legislation is the
enormous increase in traffic accidents,
which District officials are endeavor-
ing to reduce and control. This bill
embodies the so-called Memphis plan
and was proposed by the director of
vehicles and traffic in the District,
William A. Van Duzer.
Calls for Repairs.
Mrs. Norton pointed out that many
accidents occur because of mechan-
ical imperfections in motor vehicles,
such as bad brakes, bad lights and
SO forth. 1t is proposed to set up
three District testing stations to make
periodical tests on the 10000 reg
istered cars.
The bill carries authorization for
appropriation of $85, 900 for construc-
ton or rental of these inspection sta
tons and $4,000 for salaries. During
debate it was emphasized that all of
these positions are under the classifi-
cation act.
Several amendments offered en-
deavored to control the appointments
or place limits on salaries, but these
were defeated.
The fund is to be raised by requiring
automobile owners to pay an additional
dollar when they apply for their 1896
license tags and thereafter each year
each owner would pay an additional
fee of so cents for maintenance of
the stations.