Evening star., 1947-06-11
DC. Unit Spurs
City Heads on
We|fareDraft
House Group in Dark
As Hearings Reopen,
Chairman Tells West
By Rudolph Kouffmonn II

The Commissioners were politely
chided today for their delay in
sending a draft of their proposed
public welfare bill to the Welfare
Subcommittee of the House Dis
trict Committee.
Chairman Miller of the subcom-
mittee told Corporation Counsel
Vernon E. West "the committee is
in the dark" as a result of the
delay. WED like to see some ac-
tion," he said.
The subcommittee reopened hear
ings today in its study of what
ought to be done to straighten out
the city's complex welfare, admin
istrative and operational problems
Hearings will continue at 9:45 am
tomorrow
Two bills are before the COM
mittee. One would shift juvenile
institutions now under the Board
of Public Welfare to the Commits
sioners' new Department of Cor
rection. The other would broaden
the powers of the Welfare Board
over these institutions and the well
fare of children handled by them
Hearings on the two bills were
started March 81. Then they were
postponed until the Commissioners
could hold public hearing on
welfare matters. This hearing was
held May II, and the Commission
ers have been working on their
new bill since then.
Mr.. West testified today the Com
missioners oppose both these bills;
the first because they feel child
welfare should not be mixed with
correction, and the second because
it would further increase the power
Of the board.
Advisory Board Sought.
He said the Commissioners feel
all the powers of the board should
be transferred to a department of
public welfare under them, in the
interest of simplified administra-
tion, and retain sthe board in an
advisory capacity only.
Edgar L. Morris, Welfare Board
chairman, said he favors the bill
broadening the boards duties, but
he also is opposed to putting child
welfare under the correction de-
partment.
He indicated also he would be
opposed to shift of public well
fare to a new department.
Mr. Morris agreed with Chairman
Miller and Mr.. West that public
welfare in the District suffers from
division of authority between the
board and the Commissioners. He
said, however, the cure for the sit
uation would be to pattern the
board after the Board of Education.
Commissioners Held Too Busy.
He added the board could do a
good job if it had the legal authority
and facility to work with.
He doubted, he said, If the Com
missioners would have time to give
the personal attention to welfare
matters, particularly adoption, that
board members are able to give.
This is especially so when the
Commissioners seem to be as busy
as they are now," he said.
Edward j. Newcomb, a Welfare
Board member, told the subcom-
mittee he is bitterly opposed" to
shifting welfare to the Commits
sioners. 1.-THE board is in a better
position to know the needs of the
community" he added.
Mrs. Hester G. Stoll, speaking for
the District chapter of the Amer
lean Association of Social Workers,
said she thought the present divi-
sion in welfare could be cured
either by transfer to the Commits
sioners or strengthening of the
Welfare Board
Frank D. Mckinney, representing
the Federation of Civic Associations,
said his group favors keeping and
strengthening the board.