Evening star., 1952-10-01
By John W. Stepp

sewers ana highways.
School Requests Chopped.
The starting point of the sub
committee was the recommended
tions of IL Government depart
mentS. totaling a $153, las, 900
capital improvement undertaking.
The $33 million reduction was ef-
fected by the subcommittee pri-
marily by looping OF the school
requests from $40 million to $40.3
million.
In connection with schools. the
Tompkins group declared fatty
that transferral of buildings not
now being used to the maximum
by white students to use by the
colored is most desirable"
Where full economic use is not
being obtained. the subcommittee
added in general reference to
municipal properties, "these prop
critics should be sold and, with the
authorization of Congress if neces-
Sary. the money derived from the
sale should be plowed back into
the capital land investment of
the District or into improvements.
Long Term Study Urged.
OF the two-year approach, the
Tompkins subcommittee stated
that all longer-term needs should
be further reviewed, in a study
that should be undertaken imme-
diately.
The group acknowledged that
It was unable, in its six months
Of activity. to give extended con-
sideration to fiscal policies under
which the construction plan
might be financed.
But it made the point that, in
view Of the nature of our mu-
nicipal government and its rela-
ton to the Federal Government,
Large capital expenditures can
not be contemplated without some
consideration Of both local and
national contribution to the cost"
Federal Status Cited.
The subcommittee pointedly re- 4
minded that Washington is the |
Federal City Its recent unprece-
dented growth and the consequent /
increased demand for public serv-
ice reflect the increase in the
Federal Government ITSELF"
The thought that each publicly
owned structure should pay its
own way also was underscored.
Such construction should not |
be installed unless it meets the
test Of sound economy" the SUBJ
committee reported. 'While parsi-
mony in capital construction is
expensive, so is overbuilding.
With the heavy. and it is hoped
unusual. burdens Of Government |
as presently borne. it would be
wise not to build too fast or to
provide Immediately for too long /
q time in the future.
Major policy decisions on public |
services on sharing the cost be- 4
tween municipal and Federal
taxes. and on the timing of the
financing Of the program, should
precede actual commitments on
these public works, however neces- /,
sary they are"
With the exception Of the spe-
cial school committee. here are the |
Six-year program recommends /
tions to the construction subcom-
mittee and the latter's position:
TUBERCULOSIS SANITORIA.
Special committee, headed by
Leon Chatelain, jr., recommends
$10.8 million expenditures. New
hospital building, boiler housing, |
warehouse, nurse and medical staff
quarters, utility building and
laundry.
The Chatelain group had this
to say, in part:
Tuberculosis is still very much
with us. There are long waiting
lists of patients awaiting admis-
sion to the Glenn Dale Sanitorium.
Many patients are being nursed in
homes who should be in hospitals.
Since the disease is highly COM
municable, it is imperative for the
public health that the early in
fectious cases be isolated and
given hospital treatment.
"The present setup is inadequate
for modern treatment. It is only
sensible that a modern new build
ing be built, with present hospital
converted to nurses quarters.
IF. as some may prophesy. it is
possible that victory in the fight
against tuberculosis is in sight,
the hospital could still be useful
for many other hoSpitalizations.
However. the fact seems that with
out adequate supply of beds future
progress against the, disease is re-
tarded."
subcommittee recommends de-
ferring action until a newly acti-
vated Citizens Advisory Commit
tee on Municipal Hospitals acn
complete its survey and recon-
mendations.
GALLINGER HOSPITAL.
Special committee, headed by
Julian e. Berla. recommends $11.4
million expenditures. Included
would be:
Expansion Of the operation
room suite. installation and rem
ovation of elevators, modernizing
the surgical building.
Dormitories for 200 internes
and resident physicians, to be 10
Gated near the Nurses Home.
Gynecology and obstetrical
unit for $50 beds and 400 bas-
sinetS.
Conversion Of present psy-
cniatric buildings to rehabilitation
and recreation center.
New 250-bed psychiatric unit,
to replace the present completely
obsolete" setup.
Administration building and
out.patient clinic 70 replace