National Republican., 1877-11-02
Congress and the District.

our Government would seem TO demand
from Congress some measure of relief for
the taxpayers of this District At present
their condition is anomalous. They are
treated in one sense as citizens and in
another as vassals. They own property
which is heavily taxed, but they are non
entities in government They have no
voice in the selection of their rulers, nor in
the legislation which imposes heavy bur-
thens Of taxation upon their property. In
this particular one of the fundamental prin-
ciplcs of our Government is greatly out
ragged. 1t is an established rule of a repub-
lican form of government that taxation and
| representation shall go together, and yet
while the people are severely taxed they
have no more recognition in repre-
sentation than the wandering saw
ages of the Rocky Mountains
This is great wrong which calls loudly
for reparation. The Congress of the United
States is undoubtedly the rightful guardian
and governor of the District but that does
not prevent it from providing laws for its
government under which the people may lie
recognized in some character of representa-
ton. This might and should be done, but
if Congress insists upon denying this right
to the property owners, it can do no less in
justice, than to put itself in line with the
constitutional guarantee, by relieving them
of the burthcn of taxation they are now
laboring under. BY laying this burthen
upon the Federal Government it will render
the condition of the people of the District
of Columbia perfectly consistent with the
principles of a republican form OF govern
ment. Until that is done, or representation
in the Government is secured to this people
they have just cause of complaint at the
rank injustice done them.
The condition of u property-holder in this
District-ior in the proper sense of the term
there are no citizens here--is one of the
deepest humiliation. The right to hold
property is not denied, but all the collateral
rights relating thereto are suspended, except
the other single and poor privilege of look
ing the tax-gathercr in the face once or
twice year with purse in hand prepared to
meet his oxactions or forfeit his property
Nhcit NlHC III tiiis pi'uu h'hN 'hN
right of representation is respected while
here it is absolutely and rudely denied.
The tenant of an elcmOsynary institution is
no more dependent upon the board of man
arrrs who direct it's charities than the
people OF Washington are upon the ac-
ton of Congress. The poor privilege
and parsimonious comfort OF complaining is
left to us, it is true. The right of petition
has not, as yet, been denied US; but expert
enCe teaches that what we get under that
appeal comes 80 grudgngly and with such
poor grace that it is impossible to appreciate
it in the light of justice. In view of all this,
is it not about time that Congress should
extend to this District the right of represent
tation in some proper form which will COM
mand respect and place the people upon
some plane where they shall not be regard
ed as mere mcndicants and orphans, with no
higher right than to submit pcaceably and
tamcly to any cup that may be prepared,
without their consent or voice, and com
mended to their lips without an alterna-
tive?
1t is to be hoped that q sense of justice
will inspire both Houses of Congress to
prompt and wise action relating to the I'M
mediate wants of the District. They can
do no less now until broader and more
just field of relief shall be opened than
to listen attentively and patiently to
the suggestions of the large committee that
the people have put to the front, and give
proper heed to the measures it shall recon-
mend. The least that can be done under
the existing denial Of legitimate rights is to
promptly afford some, if not full relief to
the taxpayer under existing circumstances.
1t is really unjust to impose upon this peO-
pie burden Of taxation in excess of fifty
per cent. Of the whole amount raised for
District purposes.
Then again, when we survey our beauti-
fully lad-out parks, which are intended as
comforts and ornaments to the city, it is
exceedingly notifying to see their ne
elected condition They should be amply
provided for, both in the way Of means and
proper care, that they may fully subscrve
their intended purpose. Now they are neg
lected, and, instead of presenting them
selves as adornments, they show marked
signs Of neglect, and will soon relapse into
condition but little, if any, better than de-
iormitics to the eye, unless properly and
promptly provided for.
The matter Of the river-front improve
ments, which have been characterized MS
Job, bear with great import upon the lu-
ture health and welfare of the city. 1t is
to be hoped therefore, that the cause of
these Improvements is not to be prejudiced by
the outcry of men who are hostile to all i'm
provemeut, and who seek to obstruct rather
than to aid in the public welfare.
History yindicates Gen. Grant.
Ex-Secretary FISH is following the prciu-
diced and unlounded remembrance" Of