Evening star., 1936-03-05

other items reduced by the Subcom-
mittee on Appropriations.
Representative Mary T. Norton,
Democrat, of New Jersey, chairman OF
the District Legislative Committee. is
planning to take a leading part IN
the impending battle to correct some
of the conditions that will prevail IT
the measure is not improved.
The bill was branded as outrage
GUS" by Mrs. Norton, who. at the
same time, promised to use her in
fuence to remedy some of its in
equities. Mrs. Norton is concerned
particularly with the slashes made
in items for the Health Department
and hospitals.
Fears Results.
The fact that the bill, in its present
form. will create deficit in District
revenues in the coming fiscal year
also is disturbing to Mrs. Norton. Like
wise, she is fearful of the obvious far
reaching results of the legislative rider
that will prevent District officials or
employees whose salaries are $2,400 a
year or more from engaging in out
side work. This provision will force
at least 10 physicians in the District
service to choose between giving up
private practice or their public posi-
tions. It also would affect several
members of the staff Of the corpora
ton counsel's Office. who teach law
classes at night in Washington col
leges and universities.
Members of the House, who are
planning to take part in the move to
put the bill on more equitable basis,
realize. however, that their attempts
are likely to be futile. and that the
only ray of hope is in the more liberal
Senate Subcommittee on Appropria-
tions.
Commissioners to Study Bill.
The Commissioners today received
instructions from Senator Thomas,
chairman of the Senate Subcommittee,
to study the House bill. indicate the
changes you deem absolutely neces-
sary" and be prepared to give the rea-
sons. Thomas said the Senate hear
ings will be called as soon as possible
after the bill passes the House.
Department heads declined to COM
ment on the provisions of the House
bill. Virtually all of them are openly
dissatisfied with the measure, but until
after the Senate has chance to take
up the schedule of appropriations,
none will comment.
Commissioner Hazen said he is hope
full of sympathetic treatment" by the
Senate committee, but he declined to
specify just what items the Commis-
sioners will ask to be restored.
Relief and welfare officials, among
the hardest hit by the Blanton meas
ure, declared that, in spite Of the
severe cuts pending before the House,
few additional direct relief cases are
anticipated. One Works Progress
Administration official said individuals
now employed, the number being
steadily reduced, will continue to be
cared for.
Meanwhile, the District auditors
Office continued to tabulate figures
from department heads to prepare a
supplementary appropriation bill to
make up for current deficits. The
figure probably will total 81, 400, 900,
Of which $608,000 is for relief.
To Indicate Changes.
Senator Thomas letter to Commits
sioner Hazen follows:
THE District of Columbia appro-
priation bill for the fiscal year 1887
no doubt will pass the House of Rep
resentatives at an early date. It is
the intention of the Senate Commit
tee on Appropriations to speed action
on this measure as much as possible
and yet give you an opportunity to be
heard on any change you desire.
Il respectfully ask that you in
dicate by page and line as reported to