Evening star., 1947-03-08
Mass Meeting Indorses Bill
For Daylight Saving Here

Congress today was offered an
other strong argument in favor OF
authorizing daylight saving time
here, in the form of public senti-
ment expressed at mass meeting
yesterday.
With only a few scattered "noes,"
the gathering in the United States
Chamber of Commerce Building
voted approval of a resolution in
dorsing a bill sponsored by Senator
McGrath, Democrat, of Rhode Is
land giving the Commissioners spe-
cific authority to order the time
change during the outdoor season.
The meeting also approved a res
olution favoring a voluntary day
light saving plan if legislative au-
thority is not forthcoming. This
proposal, offered by representatives
of the Junior Board of Commerce,
was opposed by several speakers,
but only scattering of negative
votes was heard.
District Code Cited.
Senator McGrath, the principal
speaker, gave an opinion that the
Commissioners already possess the
legal right to order daylight saving
time effective. He explained he be-
lieved they could do it under Dis
trict Code provisions relating to reg
ulations "for the health and for
the comfort" of citizens.
He said he understood Chicago's
daylight saving time had been
ordered under health clause.
If the Commissioners have the
authority, then his bill might be
considered "a diminution of powers
already existent" Senator McGrath
added with q smile, since it limits
their power to ordering it in the
warm months.
Enthusiastic applause greeted
Senator McGrath's declaration that
he intends to work industriously for
passage of his bill during the next
few weeks"
Subcommittee Hearing Set.
A subcommittee of the Senate
District Committee will consider the
measure, together with another in
troduced by Senator McGrath which
would have Congress order daylight
saving time beginning April %, in
an executive session at 10 am. Mon
day. .-.. ....
"The most compelling reason for
having daylight saving time is that
a preponderant majority Of the peo-
Pile of the District of Columbia
want it," Joseph c. McGarraghy,
president of the Washington Board
of Trade, declared in his opening
remarks. He presided at the meet
ing, which was sponsored Jointly
by the board and the Junior Board
of Commerce.
James S. Beattie, first vice presi-
dent of the Junior group, reiterated
its approval of the McGrath bill
and explained the plan whereby
the board hopes to place daylight
saving time in effect on a volun-
tary basis If the bill fails of pas
sage. 1t would be tried If estab-
lishments employing more than so
per cent of those working here
agreed, he said.
Transit Problem Raised.
This brought opposition from
Samuel E. Emmons, representing the
Capital Transit Co., who empha-
sized his firm favors daylight saw
ing time If it can be established
on uniform basis in the city.
He said rush-hour transportation
schedules were so finely balanced
that any change involving con-
siderable number of workers could
disrupt service. This happened when
some, but not all, Government
agencies released employees early
during a recent snowstorm, he ex-
planned.
IF adylight saving time were put
on a voluntary basis, I'm afraid it
would take us all summer to unravel
the tangle." Mr.. Emmons COM
mented.
Charles H. Folk, president of the
Pressman's Club of the Bureau Of
Engraving and Printing and Of Local
20, American Federation of Govern
ment Employees, said he had been
asked by his groups to appear in
opposition to the time change. He
argued no decision should be- made