Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1936-11-15

rs. prlat1on Dill al
the close of the
~ last session OF
II Congress Is one
T. L. Lodre, of the outstand-
ing achievements
In its history.
The federation again distinguished
itself In its work in obtaining the
appointment by the President Of the
United States Of q Commission on
Fiscal Relations between the Federal
Government and the District of Co.
lumbia, which commission is now hold
ing sessions and before whom the
federation's representatives have APP
peared on its behalf The federation's
representatives on the Citizens Joint
Committee on Fiscal Relations Be-
tween the United States and the Dis
trict of Columbia constitutes three OF
the eight members of the committee
which committee prepared an elab-
crate brief for the assistance OF the
Presidents commission, which briei
contains much valuable data and in.
formation.
Committee Work.
The federation has taken an active
part on committees appointed by the
Commissioners of the District of Co
lumbia, which committees are de-
signed to improve and modernize the
laws, methods and ofice procedures
of the assessment and collection OF
taxes, real and personal.
During the present year the new
calendar system has been inaugurated
and has been considered successful
The American nag previously pre-
sented by the federation to the Board
Of Commissioners of the District Of
Columbia was replaced this year by
q beautiful new flag, which stands In
the board room in the District Build
ing and was presented to the Board
Of Commissioners with appropriate
ceremony.
The importance of maintaining an
able and alert Executive Committee,
prepared to take instant action in
emergencies, was further demon
strated during the past year.
The proposed new Juvenile Court
bill was suddenly called for hearing
before a subcommittee OF the House
District Committee. The Executive
Committee went into the matter care
fully and, finding that important
of the individual and the
family would be eliminated or jeop-
ardized by the bill as drawn, author
lied and directed the Law and Legk-
lation Committee to oppose said bill,
which action the federation approved.
Probe Of School Books.
The Executive Committee inaugu-
rated and the federation approved
action taken on behalf Of the fedora
ton looking to the elimination Of OBJ
jectionable text books and study
from the public schools OF
this District.
The revelations OF this federation
have spread to many parts Of the
United States, where investigations are
now ID progress.
Numerous other matters Of impor-
lance were creditably and expedi-
tiously handled by the Executive Com
mittee, all Of which have had the fed
eration's approval.
There have been presented to the
for its consideration by the
bodies and by direct reference
241 resolutions and matters and 142
neceSsitating direct
action. 1t is not appropriate to here
in detail discuss and review each of
them. A detailed report in writing Of
the chairman Of each committee has
been received and is filed as q part of
this report for reference.
Law and Legislation.
The federation approved numerous
important recommendations of the
Law and Legislation Committee from
which favorable results may be ex-
pected in the near future, including
proposal that the existing tax sale law
be amended to make it more equitable,
the protest against the Executive gag
order regarding proposed legislation
Tor this District. proposal to strengthen
the anti-gambling law, and early pro-
vision for q suitable institution for the
treatment and cure Of inebriates. The
race horse gambling bill. the Rent
Commission bill and the Magistrates
Court bill were defeated, and as q re-
suit Of the activity Of the federation
the proposed new Juvenile Court bill
was withdrawn for suitable amend
ments. Space will not permit a COM
plete listing Of the committees activ-
tiles and accomplishments.
Public Utilities.
Numerous resolutions having to do
with public utilities have reached the
floor of the federation, both from the
and by direct reference. and
much effective work has been COM
pleted. The federation has reiterated
its position as opposed to one-man
street cars and has authorized its com.
mittee to oppose the matter in CO.
operation with the peoples counsel be-
fore the courts. Numerous hearings
have been attended by the committee
both before the Public Utilities Com
mission and the Congress, designed to
protect the interest Of the public ir
all utility matters. including reduction
of gas rates, telephone rates and cleo
trio light rates, and tangible result,
have been obtained through the fed.
eration's efforts. Commentator oil
the federation has been received from
many sources on these accomplish.
ments and the continuation, including
the effort to obtain universal trans.
fers and universal street car and bu
rates, Is urged.
Committee on Public Health.
Many matters involving questions
of public health have been considered
by the committee and much legisls-
ton has been discussed by the fed.
Grafton with instructions to tina,
committee to appear before Congress
and express the federation's view. Il
is noted that the Medical Society Of
the Nstrist Of Columbia has changed
its constitution 30 that the senior del
egate to the federation il an ex-of-
ficio member Of its Executive Com