Evening star., 1937-05-25
HEARING PLANNED
ON NUISANCE BILL
Chairman Norton to Refer
Measure to Special
Subcommittee.

SSAAAASAAV WIG 4ASAoC WALL p2S8 AlS
bill to prohibit slaughter houses and
other so-called nuisance industries in
Washington II given fair considera-
tion," Chairman Norton Of the District
Committee made preparations today
to refer the measure to = special sub
committee for hearings.
The subcommittee is expected to be
appointed at the regular meeting Of
the full committee tomorrow.
Mrs. Norton made An effort to steer
the bill through the House late yes
terday, but when what she described
as unfair opposition" began to de-
velop. she had 1t recommitted to her
committee for further consideration
and hearings. She hopes to have the
measure back on the House calendar
In time for action the next District
day. June IA.
The principal opposition came from
Representative O'Connor, Democrat,
OF New York. chairman Of the power
ful Rules Committee He, as we'll as
several others, criticized the commits
tee for reporting the bill without hold
Ing hearings on 1t. O'Connor also at
tackled the legislative form OF the
measure a. well as the committees
failure to consider II amendments he
said the Commissioners had recon-
mended.
Senate Record Examined.
Mrs. Norton explained hearings on
the bill by her committee were un-
necessary since q subcommittee Of the
Senate District Committee held ex-
tensive hearings on an identical meas
ure. She also pointed out she had
carefully examined the transcript of
the record Of these hearings and was
fully cognizant OF the need of legis-
lation to protect the District from
nuisance Industries.
OConnor declared the bill was
aimed solely and entirely" at the
Adolf Gobel Co., which has planned
to erect = slaughter house and rem
dering plant in Benning D. c., and
urged the committee to reconsider 1t
"in justice to all"
In view Of the unfair opposition
that has developed to this bill, and
due to the fact some members think
1t was not given full consideration,
said Mrs. Norton, "the committee Is
willing to recall 1t and hold hearings.
But / don't believe anything will be
gained by hearings except to satisfy
some members
Vigorous objection to return OF the
bill to the committee was registered by
Representatives Phillips Of Connec-
ticut and Mead Of New York, both
Democrats.
II We don't act quickly the Gobel
company will build this slaughter
house and it will be too late" warned
Phillips.
Mead declared he did not want to
see Washington turned into an indus
trial CITY," and suggested that the
committee turn out a bill for re
strictive building program" for the
District.
Two Other Supporters.
Representatives Dirksen. Republican,
OF Illinois. and Dingell, Democrat, Of
Michigan, also supported the bill.
Everybody who has any interest in
the Nations Capital" said Dirksen,
would like to keep it beautiful and
free from noxious odors. It is un-
fortunate. however, that this bill came
out at this particular time.
Dingell said he was familiar with
slaughter houses that produce foul
smells and pollute neighborhoods.
Representative Ferguson, Democrat,
OF Oklahoma. argued, however, that
II steps are taken to clean up the Dis
trlct, all odors should be eliminated.
THE odor Of fish wharf" he de.
clares. "out-odors any slaughter house
you ever smelled."
Mrs. Norton opened debate on the
bill by explaining its purpose, and de-
claring similar legislation should have
been enacted years ago"
Other Cities Active.
She said: I'm many cities through
out this country similar legislation al
ready has been adopted, enforced and
sustained. But action In other
cities is often assured through the
militant steps which can be taken by
the electorate who, through their
elected representatives, can prevent
the establishment of these so-called
nuisance industries. But action by
residents Of the District must be re-
stricted to such tactics as resolutions,
petitions. newspaper editorials, and
the like. Having no vote, the residents
here are at the mercy Of the Congress
which controls the District"
Mrs. Norton also declared another
peculiar situation" injects itself into
the problem-"the responsibility of
Congress, 80 far as the District ia
concerned, Is not only to the residents
here, but also to the country at large"
Steps must be taken," she said.
TO insure that the Nations Capital
will be developed along those lines
which will prevent the location in
the seat OF the Government of in
dustries whose operations are undulv
injurious. obnoxious, or offensive by
reason OF noise, smoke, odor, gas or
dust. It Is therefore the Joint stimuli
OF local protest and national pride
which should induce Congress to pass
this bill"
Calling attention to the Senate hear.
ings, she continued: 1T Is plain from
an examination of this transcript that
there is considerable at stake In con.
nection with this bill. Responsible Gov
eminent ondcials have indicated their
support Of this bill and have demon
Strated the p0Ssihle AfRoc% ,,r>on -,
ernment investment in various under.
takings such as hospitals, public build
ings, parks, roadways and housing prof.
ects, If such bill is not adopted a.
soon as possible. Furthermore, wit
nesses have testiaed as to the need
for this bill In preserving the orderly
development Of the District as the
seat Of the Government"
Mrs. Norton also pointed out the
territorial limits Of the District are
fixed. and that the growing popu-
lAtfOn "makex A. roensss -, <h>x -