Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1866-10-31
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'Cap Any Good Thing Come Out of Naza-
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III. tContnued.) Steps necessary to inaugu-
rate change of policy.
The seventh and last remedy, which will
be suggested is approached with considerable
hesitation. from a desire to avoid a nisinter-
preta'ion. The sole ob~c: OF these letters is,
and has been throughout, TO call attention TO
the anomalous position aud the visible. tan
glbie Shortcomings of our city and people. with
view 10 reformation. In noting the points
herein contained, the writer explicitly ignores
any reference 10 matters which can be even
distorted into political expressions or opinions,
and he entirely disconnects himself from diff
fering opinions on other subjects wherein the
best the oldes; and the wisest citizens en- ntertan
diverse sentiments.
The only remaining proposition Is 10 do
away with the multiplicity OF governments
which rule In our midst. However much
minds may differ as to the means TO be en-
ployed, there can be but one voice as to the in :
expedIency and injury OF fU. discordart au
thorites IN a territory as limited in extent as
the District of Columbia. The assertion is
here hazarded that Washington never can and
never will assume her true position until its
government becomes homogeneous-until all
local authority is placed in the hands OF a
Council appointed or elected by the Govern
ment or people. Georgetown 1--WE say It with
entire respect for that ancient and pleasant
burg is component part OF the nations cap
ltal, and should be consolidated with Wash
lngton and be governed by the same power
The authority which regulates particular local
itles and particular objects shou Id assume con-
troll OF the entire field.
Let representatives of the Iutole population of
TIE DiSTtct u Columbia be appointed or elected
not as WashIngtonIans, nor as residents of
Georgetown, nor as County boards: but as the
agents OF "the people'-without distinction of
or separation INTO city. town county. Re-
tAln or do away with elective officers, as at
present existing, but demand one or more dele
gates elected or appointed from among the res
ident TAX paying population, who may have
the ability 10 speak for, the influence TO fight
for, and The disinterestedness to act for the en-
tire jurisdiction IN the halls of Congress
CONSOLIDATE THE GOVERNMENT Make
every man, while a resident, be he labOrer,
Government clerk, or high Official, amenable
TO the same authority, the same taxation, the
same representation. Place every street. every
avenue, every house and lot, under the same
control If II be necessary that the property
OF the nited States be exempt from local con-
uol, let the Government appropriate regular
ly-not spasmodically-an amo ount co uivalent
10 the valuation OF lts assessment as private
properly, 10 be used as local taxes are now
used, and 10 be PAID over, not to Off Ger IRE
sponsible TO the citizens, as at present, but to
the representative body in charge of District
affairs. STOP FOREVER the humiliating hue
and cry OF want OF power to do and 70 i'm
prove, because OF absence or means or lack OF
ability.
This capital has the ability, upon an assess
ment OF one per cent. upon the taxable value of
Its real estate 0ncluding its receipts for Ii
censes, fines, &c.,) ~ the amount IegitiudteIy due
by the Government as efairdlent for td1es be pad
orer, 10 pave every street and avenue, perfect
sewerage and drainage, erect decent market
houses, build school houses-in fact, TO take the
nont lank IN peint OF progress, health and
adornment. Two things only are necessary: to
obtain the amount due by Congress an fred
amounts and regularly, IN lieu Of taxes, instead
OF receiving IL as special appropriations for
particular objects or places, and TO cause all
recelpts and payments TO be properly audited
and balanced in business manner periodl-
cally.
The final proposition as to how the remedy
Is 10 be applied has been partly nswered in
the showing of what constitutes tie remedy
Ii Is only necessary TO HINT at the duties in
cumbent upon all citizens in the present con-
dition Of affairs, and to call upon the people 10
NEE. together and settle among themselves
their wants and desires, AND having so deter
mined, 10 besIege the houses of Congress with
memorials and petitions until their rights and
remedies are properly and clearly defined.
RYINAF