National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1884-04-22

orty in the district, on which II pays no taxes.
4. Because, as shown by the report OF tho
secretary Of the treasury II has expended
for street improvements less than one-hfth as
much as the citizens have.
5. Because, while adding largely TO the cost
Of tho schools by bringing hither large num-
bcrs who contribute nothing to their support,
aud yet by law are entitled to equal benefits
in them, it has never provided any public
school fund, either By appropriation Of land
or money, as IL has for the states aud terrl'
tories.
9. Because It has assumed absolute control
Of district affairs, and deprived the citizens
Of any voice therein.
Z. Because IL has provided by law for tho
payment annually from the district revenues
of tho interest and an installment for the
sinking fund of tho sO-called district debt
created by its own officers. Tho amount re-
qured for this IL nearly ono million and n
third, thus taking nearly all appropriated by
the general government.
&. Because it includes In the district ex-
pensos many things which are not merely
local, but are national in their character.
Under these circumstances IL does seem
strange that any man who knows the facts
eau object TO the general government paying
one-half the expense. Tho fact is that mem
bers aud senator's arc so absorbed in matters
of more interest to them that they have not
the time nor inclination TO look into these
matters. The very fact that, although one
day in month or two, as tho case may be, is
nominaly SGT aside 10 logislato for the dis
trict-and vet no bill of any public impor-
tance- none but bills for the special benefit of
private parties, like those for the relief of tho
Carroll heirs and the Patterson estate, both Of
which will add largely TO the burdens OF tha
taxpayers, has been or eau bo passed is proof
enough on this point,
/ have never yet found citizen of the
gt tuf NN n nnf aat- hat a
eminent ought to deal literally with the
national capital. and that 10 is It's duty TO
mako 10 tho finest city In the world--n capi.
tai worthy Of the nation.
II Is not true that the citizens ask Of the
general government any more than is lust
aud proper, and that, us shown by the facts
stated, thcy have never received, except to a
limited extent for tho past few years,
Surely no man can say that 1t would not be
fair aud just that tho government should
contribute in proportion TO tho property II
owns at the same rate that the citizons do.
In other words, all that is asked is that the
general government shall take care Of its
own, and the citizens will take care OF their
own, If the government will let them. IL
this rule was spilled and made applicable
from the beginning 10 would wipe out tho
existing debt and then, with the present rate
of taxation aud appropriation, We could 60 on
and complete the improvements in all parts
oil tne CITY, ana IN tne neNb ten years COulu
mako 1t what it ought TO be--the finest city
in the country, if not in the world.
OF course, it is not practicable to separate
entirely the interests Of the government
from those Of the citizens, where they are 80
termingled, and hence congress must con.
tinue to act in the matter; but that ia no
reason why the citizens should not in some
manner. have voice in the control of their
local affairs such as the local officers, local
ordinances, police, schools, &c. In these
they have the same interests that the citizens
Of any city have, and it certainly 10 but just
that they should have some voice in tho
selection aud control of them.
cannot better close this statement than to
quote the words of Senator Morrill, in his
report to the senate, Dec. z, 1874, In which
he says:
The fact that II is tho nations capital justly in.
spires national pride in its welfare and WILL the
years come and 10. commend IL TO the solicitous
cHre OF tho representatives of the people of all
parties Will make It, IL Is u be hoped, that com.
mon ground where the feryor of patriotism will
rise above the zeal of partisanshp, and tho laws
appropriations, aud appointments to office will be
made In relation TO It's real wants, and cease TO be
shaped by partisan aspirations local interests.