The Washington times., 1894-10-12
CLAIM The RIGHT TO VOTE
Advocates of District Suffrage Dis
cuss Ways and Means.
STRONG PLATFORM ADOPTED
Local seif-government, Democratic in Form,
Demanded = Constitutional Amendment
Giving District Representation in Both
Houses Of Congress Also Asked For.

The advocates of District suffrage met last
night in the hall at the corner Of Four-and-a-
half street and Pennsylvania avenue north
west. appointed a committee on ways and
means, discussed the subject in its various
phases, and heard the report of committee
previously appointed to formulate the demand
for local self-government.
Milford SPAIN presided, and r. B. Parkin-
son officiated at the secretary's desk. The
number present was not large, but every sec
ton of the city was fairly represented.
The president INDUCED in few reflections,
among other things, observing that the same
degree of enthusiasm that prevailed in the
States seemed TO be lacking, but the appear
ances did not indicate the real feeling of the
people. The meeting was merely to hear the
report of the committee and attend 10 the pre-
liminaries of the approaching suffrage cam
paign.
A committee on ways and means consisting
of five members was appointed, charged with
the duty of securing funds to defray the ex-
penses incident TO the agitation ef the ques-
ton, and consisting OF Il. B. Parkman,
Thomas 0'Day w. II. 2. Simmons, Herman
Auth and L. X. Boyd.
objects in view were not clearly understood.
He thought the best why TO obtain an express
sion of the popular view was to have ballot
inserted in THE TIMES for people to subscribe
to. He thought The TIMES to be the proper
paper through which to obtain the peoples
views, but it might be just as well to have it
in a number Of the other dailies.
TO DRAFT BILL.
The chairman was authorized to appoint a
committee of fifteen to draft bill for pres
entation to Congress, giving the District the
right ofsufrage, and use all proper means to
secure its passage. The names will be an
nounced later.
L. J. Rea advocated the holding of meetings
at various points, and said hall could be pro-
cured on Seventh street. and doubtless else
where, at small cost. Messrs. Wise and Hall
made similar suggestions.
Mr.. Siddons referred to the large number OF
older citizens who were in sympathy with the
movement but who expected the younger ele-
ment to do the principal work. They would,
he thought. be glad to address future meet
ings and give suffrage advocates the benefit
of their counsel. j. w. Searle was referred
TO specially as one deeply interested in the
cause, and the secretary. r. b. Parkman, was
appointed committee to wait upon him and
solicite his advice as to future proceedings.
mittee appointed at previous meeting upon
the general subject of suffrage for the Dis
tricI, which was in substance as follows, and
unanimously adopted:
with a municipal corporation, the like of
which is found nowhere else in the civilized
world, composed in its executive branch OF
trio of men not responsible in the slightest
degree to the people over whose municipal
destinies they preside. and in its legislative
brach having no municipal representatives
the result is what would seem to be inevi-
table"
The report combats the assertion that the
system is fair, honest, and sufficiently re pre-
sentative. 1t cites that great inequality ex-
lists IN the assessment and collection OF taxes
the wealthy section being assessed at a figure
much below actual value, while more humble
homes are assessed at from rs per cent. to full
value.
HASTE TO UNDO.
When board Of assessors sought to equal
ize the assessments, board Of revision was
appointed that proceeded with due haste to
undo the work OF the assessors" In the col
lection of personal tax, zeal is displayed in
obtaining 1t from the corner groceries and
small establishments, ''while a surprising
lack of personal property" is shown by the
records against the names Of people OF sub
stance.
Discrimination has been shown also in
favor Of the influential in the matter OF public
Improvements, while broken down political
hacks and non-residents, ignorant of the Dis
trict needs, and in some cases ignorant of
everything else. have been foisted upon the
people.
Various other evils are pointed out, and the
report concludes with demand for local self
government, Democratic in form, dependent
for its sanction on the will Of the governed,
the officers TO be chosen directly by the peo-
pie. and also for an amendment to the United
States Constitution that will give the District
representation in both branches of Congress,
and as many electors for President and Vice
President as there shall be District represen-
tatives in Congress.
Pending the adoption of the constitutional
amendment, legislation Is asked that will
give the District representatives in Congress
who will have at least voice in local affairs
Due notice will be given of meetings to be
held hereafter.