Evening star., 1938-09-27
STRAUS DEFENDS
MIDDLE COURSE
IN HOUSING WORK
Pariey Told u. S. H. A. Tries
to Avoid Dictation or Too
Little Responsibility.
LANGD0N POST PLEADS
FOR Decentralization
John Carroll Of Boston Named
to Head State Authorities'
Body-Ihlder to Talk.

Nathan Straus, administrator Of
the United States Housing Authority,
today declared his organization has
tried to steer . practical middle
course between relinquishing all con-
troll over the local housing authorities,
which might result in neglect Of the
responsibilities imposed upon the q.
s. H. A. by the Housing Act, and on
the other hand assuming an attitude
Of arbitrary dictation."
He spoke this morning to the
American Federation Of Housing Au-
thorities In the Hay-Adams House,
where last night its retiring president,
Langdon Post of New York City. had
made q plea for more "decentraliza-
ton" of authority.
Mr.. Strauss told the federation this
morning that he would be very glad
to know whether you sincerely believe
that. the course which We are now pur-
suing is sound. Are We helping you
effectively to promote the rehousing
program in your community, without
undue or unnecessary interference
with local initiative and responsible
ity? Please tell me this frankly"
Decentralization Urged.
In his address as retiring president
last night, Mr.. Post had expressed
qualification at the strides made
along housing lines," but declared hat-
ly that there should be more decen-
tralization."
THE U. S. H. A. job now really Is
that of q banker" declared Mr.. Post.
More details Of management ought to
be shifted to local housing authori-
ties, because they are able to handle
them. When that's brought about we
shall have more true decentralization
More decentralization will be
brought about when we have .
more comprehensive knowledge spread
throughout the country, and the Ma
ton becomes more housing conscious"
Mr.. Straus declared that I'VE are
all partners in this great movement" !"
He called on the 200 local public hous-
ing agencies enlisted in the Nation
wide rehousing program to unite with
the U. 8. H. A. In mapping plans for
hurrytng the entire $500, 900 600 build
Ing program into construction 'as rap
Idly and efnciently as possible.
Two Purposes Given.
Two purposes Of the program were
outlined by Mr.. straus as decent
homes for families who would other
wise be compelled to live in the slums,"
and 10 put men to work as quickly q
possible, in order to reinforce the
trend toward economic revival"
The federation at its annual business
meeting yesterday elected John Carroll
Of Boston, chairman Of the Massachu-
sets State Board Of Housing, rs its
president, succeeding Mr.. Post. The
latter was given the newly -created
post, chairman Of the Board Of Dr.
rectors.
Speakers on yesterdays program in
cluded John Carroll of Boston, CHAIR
mon Of the Massachusetts, State Board
of Housing and newly elected presi-
ASAAt VA SAAC ACOCA 6t1Oll, AuU NklArlGS
Abrams Of New York, general counsel
Of the federation.
George e. Evans of Pittsburgh, chair
man Of the Pennsylvania State Board
OF Housing was reelected vice pres
tdent. Two new vice presidents were
elected: c. w. Perkins of Baltimore
and the Rev. E. Robert Moore of New
York City. Charles Abrams Of New
York City was retained as general
counsel and Miles r. Frisbie was con-
tinued as secretary, executive director
and acting treasurer.
Several mayors and Federal OH
cials were listed on the program to
speak today. Tonight's principal ad-
dress will be by David Kruth, assistant
general counsel Of the u. s. H.A.
John 8. Ihler. executive director Of
the Alley Dwelling Authority Of the
District Of Columbia, will speak late
tomorrow afternoon on "The Human
Element in Housing"