Evening star., 1941-10-19
The Charity Racket Curb Is Long Overdue


another Community Chest campaign about begin there
appears legislation curb
ttion Ever since early in 1888 the activities of these racketee
have been brought public notice by the local These
shown clearly the mposons pracced citizens
who always ready TO help worthy welfare work.
The had representative visit number of these agencies
only small fraction Of the money collected was applied to
the objects for which the solicitations made They all
peared of the
the solicitors who received large commissions.
further shown that these operators had trans
ferred their business from other cities in which stringent regua-
tons prevail The District of Columbia being without law reg
uaon such ofens has been fertile field for such
rackets
These alleged institutions be without proper
auditing without responsible
by local boards of reputable citizens.
The Better Business Bureau Council of Social Agencies Me-
Association Federation OF Citizens AS
soaon other and welfare have into the
obtaining adequate legislation number OF
bills the evil have been under consideration by
Joint the different interested 1t has
difficult frame bill which would not interfere with the
activities of some perfectly legitimate organizations
understood that draft calculated to meet all objec
approval of corporation counsel and
the House Representatives for early
introduction
1t is timely that this question up again
the Community campaign Of the matter will put
the guard the time interest
pronrate legislation NAV be aroused on Capitol Prompt
effective legislation by Congress appear practical
form of cooperation Community Chest campaign
In general terms it Is proposed to control these parasites by
license system organizations and institutions except
soliciting their members exclusively Applications for
registration permit would have to be accompanied by sworn
details the organization Included would
disposition of salaries and commissions
paid and other pertinent data.
All of such requirements be met readily by the Chest
agencies organizations such the Red Cross
Central Union Mission and Gospel Mission and others
Organizations soliciting funds chiefly for personal gain would
not be able penalties would be
posed would further deterrent
welfare and minded individuals can help
get speedy this problem by letting their
Congress of their interest in curing this evil practice
Representative Karl Stefan Republican of Nebraska has shown
practical interest in Sppressng TINS abuse no "ouo no ooup' o
helpful advised of the widespread desire and the need for
early legislation
Public Utilities Operation Without a Commission
operation public utilities without
civic problem with the solution long
action has been taken by the full Senate District
the Hankn nomination for membership on the COM
mission.
Engineer Commissioner member Of the commits
hearing petition of the Capital Traction Co. for
permission In
necon with the hearing given Gen Kutz
the commission and labor union officials OF sample converted
car demonstration comment made
public by the staff the commits
unable pass the matter without legal quorum
with the required safety devices
the requirements The
the would be in the local shops of the COM
pany the cost would be $3.50 each
the Informed the hearing that the
transit operates II conventional 252
streamine and 43o of the two-man type company
shortage of man power request commission
Railway Workers Union the change because
of the reduction in the number employed They claim
down traffic have been
operated here since 1922
The axicab drivers are demanding
peioned commission However nothing be done as the
commission continues without quorum
Other very important requiring the commissions action
for public utilities await working commission
nothing this voteess unrepreented COM
munity can make the commission going concern Two
nomination has been made to fill only one
action has been long delayed by
Committee For this the blame clearly on the
The question naturally arises VINO is 10 oame
for the failure to the second vacancy?
The District people powerless to help solve the pooiem,
representation in tn Senate of the United states ana
the selection of the appointing power the Pes
dent Of the United States.
The Board Public Utilities Committee chairman mas
declared the Public Utilities Commission
pressing transportation problem now racing MS
committee.