Evening star., 1942-01-30
HOUSING
Continued From First Page)

here at the rate Of 900 q week for
the next year.
Many Of the new war workers, Mr.
Stephens said, come to Washington
alone with an idea of bringing their
families here as SOON as possible.
This situation; he pointed out,
creates a potential increased load
on Washingtons population.
Chairman Lanham inquired II the
people recruited for Government
service are advised of living condi-
tions and expenses.
I'm not advised" Mr.. Stephens
replied. IT have heard good deal
Of comment to the effect that not
only are people refusing positions
here, but that many turn around
and 60 home as soon as they get
here because they are not satisfac-
torily adjusted"
Lanham Suggests Plan.
Representative Lanham suggested
that perhaps the housing shortage
could be alleviated by disregarding
the civil service quota law and CIV
ing Government positions to all
available persons in the District.
Every effort has been made to
use those who can qualify from the
surrounding area" Mr.. Stephens
responded.
Representative Wilson said the
only solution to Washington's hous-
ing shortage is the wholesale" de-
centralization of Federal Offices. The
Department of Agriculture, he de-
clared, should be moved nearer the
farm center.
Chairman Lanham agreed that
further decentralization of nom
defense agencies Is necessary. Wash
ington, he said, "is reaching the
saturation point"
Recreation Facilities.
John Nolen, jr., director of plan
ming of the National Capital Park
and Planning Commission, ex-
pressed belief that one of the rea-
sons it is difficult to get people to
come to Washington to take Govern
ment positions is the inadequacy
of recreation facilities. He pointed
out that demands on local recrea-
tional facilities have passed beyond
the ability of existing facilities to
meet them.
The committee will resume hear
ings on the s5o,000,0 900 housing and
public works authorization bills at
10 am. Tuesday.
Chairman Lanham late yesterday
deplored plans for establishment OF
q reception center" for incoming
Government workers.
Defense Housing Co-ordinator
Charles F. Palmer said the reception
center might serve as a training
school for applicants for Govern
ment jobs in Washington. 1t would
be located in temporary building,
he said, and provide accommoda-
tions for 1000 persons.
Sees "Intolerable Situation"
''This is the first time I've heard
that the influx of people here might
be due in part to those seeking Gov
eminent jobs" declared Representa-
tive Lanham. II thought the center
WOI4o NC ucCa AOA
of those who have jobs ready for
them and with no place to sleep.
If that plan is carried out, you
will just make washington mecca
for people looking for Government
jobs. The situation would be in
tolerable. Why can't the Civil Serv-
ice Commission take care of these
people in other cities and determine
their qualifications before they come
to Washington"
Mr.. Palmer also told the COM
mittee congestion may become so
acute in Washington during the
war that non-defense Government
workers might have to be asked to
leave, and that unless the $50, ,000, 900
Is made available for immediate
construction of homes for new war
workers, the city would soon face
. disastrous" condition.
In addition, Mr.. Palmer revealed
that congestion In Washington may
force the Government to take over