National Republican., 1885-03-25
The Power OF Organization.

inc ROVER OF Orgnhihation'
Every city in the country OF the size of
Washington, or approximating 1t in
wealth and population, Is n power when
its own interests are affected. Through
their chambers of commerce and similar
organizations they can mobilize their
strength, and by unity Of action they
exert the influence that comes of large
communities of people moving as a
symmetrical whole. While this city has
not tho trade and commerce which pro-
mote tho growth Of other municipalities
while its government is in the hands OF
Congress and its citizens denied tho
right Of suffrage IL still has vast possibili-
ties Of increasing its wealth, its popula-
ton, its influence, and its power, if II will
employ the means that elsewhere give
force to public opinion. When questions
affecting the prosperity Of Washington
arise thero has always been manifest n
willingness on tho part of its citizens to
lend helping hand, but in the main tho
work done has been that OF individuals
moving separately, and sometimes at
cross purposes, and representing nothing
but their own earnestncss. A concentra-
tion of this zoal, combination Of this in.
dividual labor into one vital, harmonious
organization is what Is as essential here
as in New York, Boston, 81. Louis, Chicago
or other cities.
The people Of Washington saw what
was accomplished at tho inauguration by
organization. We had our committees,
representing the pride aud public spirit
of the capital city of the nation, for the
mands, and through their we'll directed
action thousands Of strangers were made
welcome within our gates and provided
with accommodations, while small army
of visiting militia was comfortably quar-
tered and cared for. That the inaugural
ceremonies were success Is due to this
fact that the city through its selected
committees acted as n whole. 1t was
organized effort. Now, in all things per-
tanning to our interests there should be
the same combination, the same concen-
tration and tho same organization.
For years wo have been asking, yes,
pleading with congress, for a new post
office building, for free bridge across
the Potomac. and for appropriations for
other things which the interests of the
city demand. Our efforts have been
mainly futile because our strength has
not been combined. We are placed at a
disadvantage with other cities that have
their representatives upon the floor of
Congress, and there is consequently the
more need for systematic action outside.
When we ask for legislation it should DO
by the voice of 10000 people speaking
as one man. 1t should be felt in commit
tee, and in the chambers of the two
houses OF Congress, that tho whole of
Washington is aroused and in earnest for
what ii seeks. When wo ask for action on
the part of our District government, our
commissioners should understand that
1t is not the misdrccted efforts of many
individuals to which they are to respond, /,
but tho united sentiment of the District.
In inviting the investment of capital, in
seeking an increase of population, and in
all things pertaining to the welfare Of
the city, there is equal necessity for Or
ganization. Without q city government
Of its selection, IN the absence Of repre-
sentation anywhere in our government,
our people should be able to assert them
selves through deliberative commercial
body, representing material interests of
every nature, which shall at tho same
time have tho confidence of our citizens
| and command the respect OF the country.
Such an organization is easily attained.
The power it could WELD is shown in the
chambers Of commerce aud exchanges of
other cities, whore their prompt action
has been salutary in promoting wise leg
| islation and in defeating that which is
vicious, in extending the relations oil
trade and commerce, in stimulating busi-
ness, in fostering industry, and in exer.
gising general supervision over the wei.
fare Of the community.
Concerning the details of such crystal
| lization of our latent strength as has been
/ here outlined, 1t is unnecessary to speak
at this time. Whether we take our pres
ent board of trade as o nucleus upon
! which to build, or, starting auew, create
some similar organization and endow il
with our support, is of secondary consid-
Grafton. The necessity for something
of the kind is the important question.
and the citizens of Washington can rely
upon THE REPUBLICAN for such agitation
of the subject as will promote its sue
coss. We believe our prosperity is bound
up in the prosperity Of this city, and thai
whatever goes to promote the growth o
Washington is to the interest OF ourselves.
To this end, fellow. citizens, let us work
together and for this purpose let us com
bine our individu strength.