Evening star., 1935-03-19
Subcommittee PonderS Pro.
posaI to Finance High
way Jobs.
FUND WOULD BE IDLE
AS RESULT OF CUTS
Balance Totals $49S, 900 and Part
Would Be Applied to Pur-
chase of Supplies.
BY J. A. OLEARY.

A proposal to allow the Highway
thousand dollars of the gas tax fund
to purchase materials and supplies
in order to carry on useful highway
projects for men on work relief is
being seriously considered by the
Senate subcommittee handling the
1886 District supply bill, it was learned
today.
Although decisions on changes in
the House bill will not be reached
until later in the week, this is one
of the amendments understood to be
looked upon with favor by members
Of the Senate group.
AS a result of cuts made by the
House In highway estimates, balance
of S498, 900 would be idle in the Treas
ury in the gasoline tax fund, which,
if not appropriated for highway i'm
provements, cannot be used for any
other purpose. 1t is not likely the
entire balance will be appropriated
because officials favor keeping some
balance in the fund. Under the
budget estimates there would have
been s283. 900 left in the gas tax ac-
count. but the House cut another
S215.0OO from gas tax highway items
Water Items Slashed.
When the Senate subcommittee
reaches Water Department items, il
will find that there, also, the House
cut $3.50 from the budget esti-
mates, despite the fact that more
than that amount will be available in
the special water rent fund, and can
not be used for any other pupose.
Resuming hearings this morning
the subcommittee heard public school
and welfare officials explain the need
for items eliminated in the House.
For all school purposes the House
bill carried $11,139,391, a reduction
of s252,759 below budget recommen-
datiors. Nearly all of the school total
is for annual operating costs. only
$685. 900 being for buildings and sites
This figure provides for only four
building projects. The subcommittee
already has heard arguments in favor
of restoring the $87 900 for continu-
ing the character education expert
ment, which the House left out.
Larger Hospital Funds Urged.
Welfare officials are emphasizing the
need for restoring cuts made by the
House in maintenance items for CAL
linger Hospital. tuberculosis Hos
pital and the Children's tuberculosis
Sanatorium. some of which would
seriously affect essential nursing SER
vice.
The urgent need for increases for
maintenance and nursing service at
Gallinger Hospital was stressed.
Senator Copeland. Democrat, OF New
York. made tour of inspection OF the
hospital several days ago. and said he
found overcrowded conditions, with
twice as many patients in some wards
as there should be.
The New York Senator praised the
work of DR. Edgar A. Bocock, super
intendent, for being able to accom-
plish as much as he does with in
adequate facilities.
Nurses Emblem Raised.
It is understood the Senate sub
committee has been informed there
Is a possibility that the Nurses Ex-
amining Board for the District will
have to take Gallinger off of the ac-
credited list for nurses in training
work, unless more adequate provision
is made for nursing facilities at the
hospital. 1t was pointed out that II
this became necessary young women
would 60 elsewhere to serve their
training period and Gallinger might
have to employ graduate nurses at
greater cost than would be necessary
if the proposed maintenance items
before the subcommittee are granted.
The subcommittee adjourned until
tomorrow, when school officials will
resume their testimony. 1t is not
likely that civic organizations will be
heard before Thursday.
A special committee from the
Washington Board of Trade is pre-
pairing to make a plea to the Senate
subcommittee for a return to more
equitable Federal share in the ex-
penses of the National Capital The
House bill leaves the Federal pay
nent at the present figure of $5,-
100000.