Evening star., 1897-02-24

said Mr.. Thoron probably did not realize
that the citizens of Washington had long
since given up their right to self-sovern-
ment he for one would never be salts
fled with any other than the present form.
but the citizens had an unquestioned right
70 nave ofnces supported alone by fees
that come out Of the pockets of Washing
tonfans filled by Washingtonians also. The
board of trade in considering the question
was merely upholdirg principle recogniz-
ed In the platforms of both the great po-
litical parties.
Afraid Of Possible Rehectfons.
This caused Mr. w. c. Dodge to inquire
IL the adoption Of such resolutions would
not be reflection On a President who had
pledged himself, by accepting a nomination
on platform containing such a plank, TO
uphold the principle of home rule.
Mr.. Archibald Greenless said he did not
approve of the board of trade being called
together to occupy Itself over two or three
little matters when there were more inn
portant matters, such as water. taxation,
and SO forth, to consider. The board had
gained its strength and power by con-
sidering vital subjects. He was in favor of
home rule, but not in favor of the board
lowering Itself to the degree of haggling
about offices. The republican party was
pledged to home rule and its successful
candidate could be safely depended on to
carry out the pledge. He begged the board
not to tread on the dangerous ground
Of politics because Of the injury that might
ensue to its influence for good.
Julian Dowell said the board of trade
was a non-political body composed of
democrats and republicans. and just the
proper agent to present to the President
the unanimous views of the people that
those who manage their local affairs should
be local people. He was himself resident
and a voter in Maryland, coming in every
day to Washington to transact his business
here, but he would not accept office here
himself and did not believe any other nom
resident should be allowed to.
Mr.. Weston Flint coincided with the sug-
gestion of caution made by Mr.. Lancaster.
in respect to the scope of the home-rule
declaration.
An Invitation Not Accepted.
After some further discussion Mr.. Z. ".
Noyes said that most of the objections
raised applied only to the wisdom OF a
consideration OF this topic by the board of
trade. He had not been one of the members
to request the calling of special meeting
to consider this subject but he assumed
that the meeting had been regularly called
for a specific and announced purpose. and
the topic, whether its consideration was
judicious or injudicious, squarely be-
fore the board and had been thoroughly
discussed. Having thus considered the
merits of the matter the board would un-
doubtedly now courageously express its
real opinion on the important principle in
vclved. The resolutions had been so word
ed as to avoid the other objections sug-
gested. He challenged any one to find IN
the resolutions an assumption that any
President intended TO violate any pledge
They merely placed the board of trade on
record as indorsing a declaration of prin-
ciples which every speaker had said that
he individually favored. He invited any
member to point out in the resolutions any
words which would reasonably justify him
In voting against his own declared views
upon the general principle involved.
AT the request of Mr.. r. A Phillips the
resolutions were again read. No one sug-
gested their amendment. Before the uues-
ton on their adoption was put letter was
read from Mr.. Simon Wolf strongly COM
mending the principles they enunciated. The
resolutions we're then adopted by viva
Voee vote, only one or two negatives be-
ing distinsuishable. When the result was
annctrced Mr.. Millard sought TO intro
ouee resolution providing that the board
OF trade favored the abolishment of the
precent form Of government in the District.
ana recommended the substitution of a
form providing for Ave Commissioners. one
OF whom was to be selected from each of
the tour sections of the city proper and
one from the county
Mr.. Millard's proposition went over to
the next regular meeting The special
meeting then adjourned.