Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1870-01-17

The number oF soldiers furnished the Govern
ment from the J istrfct during Its late struggle
was far ahead OF most OF the states in propor-
ton to its population. Our national taxes paid
into the Treasury were more than paid by the
States of Nevada, Nebraska, and Oregon vet
they had their representation in Congress, and
two members each in the Senate OF the United
state to look after their interests, and we here
in the District of Columbia have no voice i'm
that body, and are almost totally ignored In our
claims common INN m 70 All What mas done
fine public buildings for the use of the Govern
ment-that was about all The need of repre-
sentation in Congress was more and more APP
parent, as depending on everybody to repre-
sent the District means no representation. As
ii is, every one should concentrate their efforts
on TINS work, and by unity OF action the Exhibi-
ton would be success. lApplause.l
REMARKS OF CHARLES NJ. MASON
Chief Justice Casey then introduced Hon.
Charles NJ. Mason, ex.CommissiOnero OF Patents,
who read an address suggesting that the surplus
| Office might, with propriety, be applied in the
| great undertaking in which they were now en-
| gagged, but in such a way as to enhance the ad-
| vantages which might in any other way be ex-
pected to result to those by whom II has been
| contributed. More than two years ago il was
understood that there was at that time surplus
fund in the Patent Office of some S30o,0oo. The
idea was then conceived, that, with what might
be safely spared from this fund.- a nucleus might
be organized which would continually expand,
and ultimately develop itself into permanent
pecially to the advantage of the class which had
contributed the means for its commencement
This would only carry out and magnify the great
design OF the Constitution which had author
lied, and of the statute which had instituted
the system by which the efforts of our nven-
tors were to be protected and encouraged.
inventors desired opportunities to exhibit their
machinery in full proportions and in practical
operation, and also to display the productions of
their genius and industry in such a manner as
to inyite criticism and inspire emulation: An
application of the surplus in the Patent Office to
the attainment of all these ends seemed to be a
rightful appropriation of that fund for the bene
mt OF those for whom il was justly intended.
The architect of the Capitol being consulted,
expressed the opinion that with $50 900 per-
manent editice cOuld be erected, sufficient for
all these purposes at the present time, and of a
form and style of architecture which would
admit of such tasteful and indefinite expansion
as to accommodate itself to all our future wants
and future means. This would be nothing less
than an incipient permanent fair and EXPOSE
tIon. ~ would be the commencement or an IN
stitutiOn which might ultimately develop itself
into great temple of art, TO which the vOtaries
OF inventive genius might resort for the purpose
Of securing and comforting fresh inspiration,
where international rivalries might stimulate to
extraordinary exertions. and which would thus,
pei haps. become the head and centre of the arts
and sciences for the whole world of mankind.
REMARKS OF GEN. O. O. HOWARD.
AT the conclusion of the able speech of Judge
Mason. General Howard said that, notwith-
standing the inclemency of the weather, the
attendance tonight was large, and he suggested
gentlemen had only invited the ladies to come
with them. He favored their attendance, and
II more meetings were to be held he hoped the
ladies would be included in the invitation. The
success of the enterprise would be assured if
they took an interest in it-at least they would
help to stimulate the courage of the sterner sex.
The House Committee on the District of Column
bia had not offered single objection to the pro-
posed bill granting them q charter, sc. 1t had
unanimously passed that committee, and had
not the slightest idea but what it would pass the
House. Some day not far distant he believed
the Dist let would have a representation i'm Con-
gress. Until then everybody should use their
influence on members of Congress to make the
States, he was glad to hear them speak so en-
couragingly, and if the same could come from
the Capitol, there would be no trouble. He
thought when it came to action up there it
Mouid De seen mat they would have two to one
IN their favor. IApplause.]
MIR. kilbourn then introduced the following
resolution, which was passed unanimously:
Resolred, That committee of twenty be an
pointed by the Chair to wait upon Congress and
urge the passage Of the bill granting a charter
for the proposed International Exhibition to be
held at the national capital.
REMARKS OF HALLETT KILBOURy.
Hdre the People Of the District Of Columbia dny
Rights that Congress is Bound TO Respect
MT. kilbouIn said that in submitting this res
olutl0n he wished to make few remarks for the
then said:
Mr.. Chairman and Fellow-Citizens: 1 appre-
clate the full force of the remarks made by our
chairman this evening" when he said it was our
duty to 20 before Congress and demand atten-
uOn from the nations legislators in furtherancc
OF our efforts to accomplish the grand enterprise
OF having an International Exhibition at the
national capital.
Its time that We raised the question, have the
people of the District OF Columbia any rights
which Congress is bound to respect As an
humble citizen OF this District, l am tired of
dancing attendance about the halls OF Congress
begging for privileges which, as American citi-
Zens, il Is our right to demand. Applause
We go before the committee of Congress to
which is assigned all matters pertaining to the
welfare and prosperity of the 10000 people of
this District. and what is generally the result!
While on all proper measures We can secure
unanimous action in the cOmmittee-rooms, yet
when members disperse into the halls OF legs-
ton their interest in District matters is gene
rally dissipated, and our efforts come to
naught.
When the committee on District matters i
called to report business, but once or twice i'll a
session, there is some excuse, perhaps, for not
keeping up the earnestness manifested in the
cOmmittee-rOOm; but the interest of no other
no. coo American taxpayers is neglected for any
such reasons. The real fact, patent to all. why
our requests are not properly considered by
Congress is that We have no political power, and
no legislator is dependent upon suflrages for
his succession in Office.
1t is my candid opinion that had Noah resided
in the District of Columbia. and it had been
necessary to procure a charter from Congress
before building the ark, the human race would
have been extinguished with the deluge. loud
applause and laughter.
Now, Mr.. Chairman, let me state some OF the
reasons why say the citizens of the District Of
Columbia have right to demand OF Congress
proper and prompt consideration and action
urOn measures presented for the promotion of
our welfare. We pay revenue tax to maintain
and support the Government of the United
States far in excess of the amount paid by seye-
raj OF the States, as the following exhibit
shows:
Revenue tax collected by the General Govern
ment since the enactment Of the internal revenue
law from the people of the following States and
Territories up TO june 80, 1863:
MlnnesOta..s.......- ,o05, 5I3oi
kansas...... ,537 ,3i4 80
oregon. l,ooZSJl ID
Nevada. .................. ...... $50 ,67j.40
Nebraska...... OK, S17 IL
From the eight Territories-New
Mexico, Utah, Montana, Idaho,
Colorado, Dakota, Washington
and Arizona Observation-Disclosures. As. $40. 10
District of COumbia. ......... go. 3,505 ,397 81
This tax, collected from the people of the Dis
trict of Columbia, does not include the immense
tax collected from the several thousand Gov
ernment employees in Washington. The amount
OF their tax is deducted from their salaries by the
U9VeIhmeht disbursing agents.
BY this statement, which Is taken from the re-
ports of the Commissioner of Internal Revenue.
il will be seen that the people OF the District Of
Columbia have paid within about three per cent.
as much revenue tax to support the General
Government Of the United States IS was col
lected from the three great States Of Kansas
Nebraska and Nevada combinedi fCheers.
These three States have six Senators and three