The Washington critic., 1886-12-14
wAsnNGToN, DECEMBER IA, 1886.
SUBJECTS TO BE CONSIDERED ny
A CITIZENS ASSOCIATION.


tion be, when at the very outset of its
organization, so many elements of disa-
greement and contention are dc.
veloped ? How can these differences
be so reconciled as not TO stand con.
stantly in the way of its practical
success
The answer is simple enough. 1t
may be a long time, If ever, before
sectional jealousies are entirely elimi-
mated from any committee that may be
formed. Issues may now and then
arise so provocative Of controversy as
scarcely to admit of compromise and
these will have TO be fought out as best
they may, through the local asso-
Citations.
For all this, the leading questions
that concern the welfare and progress
of the District are of such nature
that they properly come within the
province OF general association,
which, by the weight of its influence
and united action, can be made of great
service as an advisory board, both to
the District Commissioners and the
District committees in Congress.
Upon these questions there is only
wanted vigorous and persistent eX
preston of public sentiment to secure
Legislative action.
Among the general subjects to be
thus considered and agitated may be
mentioned;
The great anniversary celebrations
of 1889 and 1892, in which every citizen
of Washington has direct concern,
and upon which it is impossible that
there can be any captious or sectional
divisions of opinion.
The reclamation of the Eastern
Branch flats, including the proposed
bridge-improvements that with all
the local benefits they involve, are
nevertheless Of public character.
The construction of Memorial
Bridge across the Potomac--a project
of which the whole country, by proper
effort, can be made 10 appreciate the
patriotic significance as well as per-
manent utility.
A codification Of the laws of the
District, suited to its peculiar wants
and rapid progress, and divested of the
perplexing and incongruous features
that have found their way into our
jurisprudence from contiguous States
"a point upon which the entire CON-
munity is probably of one mind, and
yet reform that has long failed of ac.
compllshment for want of aggressive
and earnest prosecution.
To these might be added various
other subjects of general interest, in
which the influence of Citizens
Committee would be made of most
effective utility.
The necessity Of new City Post
Office IS universally acknowledged.
The present ramshackle structure oc-
cupied for that purpose is admitted to
be disgrace to the National Capital.
The Association might not readily
agree upon site, but IT, could bring
such pressure to bear upon Congress
rs TO compel the Committee upon
Public Buildings 10 make the selection
according to its own best judgment,
and thus settle the matter once for all.
The people at large are unwilling that
the Postofllce should be continued in
definitely where II is. Sooner than
this, they will be satisfied with almost
any decision the Committee may make.
The need of building for the
proper accommodation Of the District
Offices Is quite as urgent. 1t would be
well for the citizens Of Washington to
have something to say about this mat.
ter, also, and It's location.
The extension Of streets and avenues
relative 10 which there is much loca
feeling, is problem that the Citizen:
Association may also aid largely in
solving, by giving due consideration tc
the wants OF different parts of the city
and the various property interests to be
affected by Improvements proposed In
spirit Of equitable compromise.
Another question upon which the
advice and opinions of citizens /;
especially desirable concerns the Gas
Company, 1t would doubtless bC
found on consultation that public senti
ment Is IN favor Of a transfer of TIM
gas works TO the Government. VIII,
may not the Government furnish llgh
as well as water TO the District ant
with corresponding advantage to con
sumersl TIE voice of committee o
representative citizens on this subjec
would be felt at the Capitol as an 10
sirucllon 10 relieve the District of tn
existing monopoly.
These are few Of the respects il
which the proposed Citizens Associa
tion may prove power for good TO tn
District aud enough to commend til
movement 10 the cordial support ant
cooperation Of all who have the pros
peHty Of Washington at heart.
II Is no, necessary. therefore, in th
organization Of the committee that II
members shall be perfectly agreed as t
all minor details Of District legisla
ilon it cannot be expected, All tina
is required Is the selection Of reputable
responsible citizens. fairly represent
ing every section Of the city an
county, that there may be no CON
plaint Of local discrimination, an
imbued with broad. liberal. patriot
views as 10 the general needs of til
District
TnE revival Of famous play, lilt