New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1866-12-10
THE DISTRICT or COLUMBIA

II Congress intends 10 approach radical solution
of the problem of Reconstruction it will doubtless
begin at the center Of things and ordain, as
| possible equal rights for tho colored people of the
District of Columbia The objection of the President
was the only reason for defering, last session, a
measure of such instant and familiar necessity to Con-
gress ITSELF but as tie Presidents veto no longer
endanger any well.adyised measure, the speedy de-
cree Of suffrage must be looked upon matter Of
course Tho progress aud development of this que5-
ton up TO the present session Of Congress- We will
here state briefly
The first bill in behalf Of the colored people of the
District introduced in tho XXXIXth Congress was
! By Judge VIM. d. Kelley. and is as follows:
"BeG enae',f BY ne and Houss Of Representatives Of
ne Und u Asrcd IN COngrs asssHbcd That from
oil laws and parts Of laws prescribing the qualifications OF cleo
for any Office IN the District Of Columbia the word
white b. and the u hereby stricken ont and that
from and amer the passage Of this person shall be dis
qualified from voting any election held in the said District
"SEc And hrtser enaed That all acts Of Congress
and all laws Of the State Of Malnd 10 force 10 said District
and all ordinances the cities 81 Washington and Georgetown
inconsistent with the provisions Of this act hereby repealed
add anuulled'
This, comprehensive and compact measure was
presented on the 18th of December, 1865 and passed
the House January 49, 1866, by two-thirds
vote IL was there read the first time and sent in due
form to the District of Columbia Committee OF which
Senator Morrill, is chairman 1t reported February
a. without amendment, read a second time, and now
stands among the first bills on the calendar.
On the 25th of January last, Senator Morrill, re.
ported bill to "resume the legislative powers dele
gated to the Cities Of Washington and Georgetown
and the Levy Court in the District of Columbia"
This bill provides for the repeal Of the city charters
and in brief, the government Of the District by means
Of a direct Congressional Commission. The officers
proposed three Commissioners Private Secretary
of the President for the District (fing in some sort
the Secretaryshp of State Solicitor, Assessor, Col
lector Treasurer Controller, Engineer Surveyor,
Superintendent Of Police, of Weights aud Measures,
of Streets and Highways, of Water Department, and
Fire Engineer. Boards Of Health and Education arc
also provided These officers TO be appointed by the
President and confirmed by the Senate, In the usual
mode. The powers granted TO them are IN effect those
commonly delegated to municipal and county authou'
ties. This bill (Seuate 97) was recommtted amended
and reported to the Senate May 8, 1865. IL now
sands upon tho calendar for action and will be dis
posed of at an early day.
There are many persons who desire the passage OF
this measure. The character Of the municipal author
ties of Washington is almost as bad as that OF New
York II affirmed by public men conyersant With
civic legislation that the jobs are as great and tho
ring as perfect, proportioDaly to opportunity, as in
this city. Many doubt also. whether Manhood SUI
ffaqe will In the District effect cure The idea Is
entertained that even viM the coored vote the old pro-
Southern and corrupt influences will prevail for
longer period than is desirable. Again, there Is
reasonable argument that no municipality can
properly make this "city Of magnificent distances"
what II should be- Topsve light and establish proper
and efficient system of sewerage etc., weuld IT is
believed beggar the property holders. especially when
Il IA remembered that the General Government owns
very large percentage Of the real estats-1hst on
which the public buildings are situated, and other
ground not yet publicly occupied. There Is at least
$50 600 900 worth of National property IN the Dis
trct all Of which s Of course unta1abIe or CIVIC OF
county purposes. IL will be urged as Q principal
reason for the passage of Senator Morrills bill that
only by means Of sdirect Congressional Commission
can the Federal District and Capital DO made worthy
of the nation; WHILE at the time, citizens re-
siding in Washington win not be rated at more than
an equitable proportion Of the taxation TO DO incurred
for what is held TO be a,national duty.
Congress has passed. several laws providing iSf COL
ored schools prorata division Of the District taxes:
but every provision appears to have been nsenouS'y
and industrously, evaded by the municipal aa-
thorites. The subject therefore, must be again re-
viewed by Congress, and some positive measure dete
mined which cannot be practically annulled by dis