Evening star., 1949-09-13
Senators Hear
P|eafor3Mi||ion
For SesquiFete
McKeIIor Supports
Fund, but Expects
House to Block 1t

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restoration of 100000 for a
Washington sesquicentennial cell
ebration next year-a proposed
appropriation already stricken by
the House from the first supple
mental supply bill.
Chairman McKellar of the COM
mittee voiced personal sympathy
for the project, but warned it
would be difficult to get the item
approved by the House.
If the Senate should agree to
the funds for a celebration of the
150th anniversary of the found
ing of the Capital here next year,
the item would go to conference
with the House in the supple
mental measure.
Informal indications today wers
that the House conferees might
go along and send the item TO
the House floor in a conference
Little Hope Seen.
Senator McKellar, however, ex-
pressed the view during the hear
ing that, out of his experience in
both the House and the Senate.
there was little chance of getting
the 100000 approved by Con-
gress this session.
The money was requested by
Garter T. Barron. executive vice
chairman, and Edward Boykin.
director of the National Capital
Sesquicentennial Com m MISSION.
They were given a lengthy hearing
at the committee session attended
by Chairman McKellar, Senator
Hayden, Democrat, of Arizona and
Senator Gordon, Republican, Of
Oregon.
The sesquicentennial money was
strongly urged by the two COM
mission officials, who stressed that
Congress over many years has ap-
propriated large sums for expo
sitions and celebrations.
Mr.. Boykin filed with the COM
mittee list of more than so ap-
preparations which have been
granted by Congress since 1873
for celebrations, Is of which were
outside the United States. They
totaled more than $50.000,000.
Precedent Held Established.
The report prompted Senator
McKellar to say that there was
ample precedent for Congress ap-
proving money for the celebra-
ton here.
Senator Gordon asked the wit.
ness if they could get along with
around $685. 900 which they esti-
mated would be. necessary for
plan A of the sesquicentennial.
Officials, however, testified that
while plan A was really a pro-
logue to the fair itself, the finan.
cial setup was such they needed
$3,O00,00O.
Plan A, Mr.. Boykin explained.
is designed to carry the story Of
the coming celebration by publica-
tions, radio, television, motion pic
lures, art exhibits, ceremonies, pa
rades. and in other ways, to the
American people.
But, he emphasized, the plan is
for the purpose selling the fair
to the American people and
building the foundation for SELL
ing exhibit space to commercial
interests from which revenue
would be received.
The exposition buildings will not
be started, the committee was
told. unless sufficient revenue from
rented space was assured to carry
the financial load.
Funds Asked for Day Care.
The committee also listened at
tentively to a request for 100000
for running the Districts system
of day-care centers for the chill
dren of working mothers.
Miss Gladys H. Cook. member
of the advisory committee the
center program, explained that
the House had reduced the budget
estimate of 100000 to $4,000.
This cut, she said, would result in
a curtailment Of the program
because there are no other IA
cilities available for the children
involved.
"The mothers, of course, could
stop work." she said" and 60 on
relief which is totally inadequate
and cost to the District. They
perhaps could place their children
in institutions. These possibilities
seem a poor alternative for a
mother who has struggled to keep
her tome together and her chill
dren with her.
The conclusions of the commit
tee will not be disclosed until
action is taken on the entire sup
Elemental bill. Senator McKellar
indicated this action may come
sometime late this week.
The bill also carries several
other District items on which Off
cials may be heard later.
It is understood efforts will be
made to get back into the supple
mental bill a budget item of $103.-
065 for INDECENT patient care in
three private hospitals here. The
item was stricken by the House.
Virginia Extends Freeze
On Phone Rates 10 Feb. |
BY the Associated Press
RICHMOND, Va, Sept. 13.-
The State Corporation Commits
sion yesterday extended to Feb
ruary previous order barring
the Chesapeake & Potomac Tele-
phone Co. from making any tele-
phone rate increases.
The order, which in effect
freezes phone rates, was made on
the eve of resllmntjon Of HEARINGS