The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-10-21
United Action in the District.

In a speech recently delivered before
the Business Mems Association Commits
sioner Macfarland urged the necessity
of united action on the part of the peo-
pie of the District in obtaining Congress
sional legislation on matters affecting
their interests. The wisdom Of this sug-
gestion is so obvious that 1t is pity
that Mr.. Mcfarland found it necessary to
put it into words. That there was reason
for his doing SO is equally plain to any,
body who has studied the history Of Dis
trict affairs. There was probably never
an American city which was possessed by
more factions than Washington. and II
there is crying need of anything among
its people, it is united action on all pub
lie matters.
AS the Commissioner pointed out. Con-
gress must do for the District whatever
is to be done in three months between
the Sd of December and the Sd OF
March. Whatever legislation may be
needed for the fiscal year ending July /,
1902, must be secured in those three
months, out of which comes the fort
night of holiday time at Christmas. OBJ
viously. it is important that the Com
missioners, in their efforts to secure such
action on the part of Congress as shall
be for the best interests of the District,
should have the hearty and united sup
port of the people whose wishes they are
trying TO meet.
There are half a dozen or more really
necessary things which are needed by
Washington, and needed now. There
can be no doubt in the mind Of any rea-
them. But evidently, If the citizens are
too much occupied with petty squabbles
among themselves, or with their private
concerns. to urge upon Congress action
regarding these things, nothing can be
done.
1t will be for the interests Of the whole
population that the parks should be ex-
tended. the roads and streets improved,
the Police and Fire Departments made
adequate in every way. Everything which
makes Washington desirable as a resi-
dence city will benefit its inhabitants.
1t will bring more people here to live
and to stay through the winter. and this
will add to the volume of business done
and bring money into the city. The
schools and the charity system need at
tention. Railway grade crossings ought
probably be secured, as Mr.. Mcfarland
points out, II the people support the Com
missioners cordially and without dissen-
sion. and there certainly seems no reason
for disagreement or Indifference on these
matters.
There are two or three good reasons
for the lack of unity among Washington
people; that is, the reasons amply explain
this state of affairs, although they are
not good excuse for its continuance.
The city is made up Of people from all
parts Of the country, most Of whom have
been induced to come here not by the at
fractions Of the city itself SO much as
because they had friends in Congress, or
among the dependents Of Congress. There
is curious element of impermanence
in the attitude Of the average Washing
tonian. AS a general thing he has not
come to the city with the expectation
of living here all his life. Not until he
has been in the Capital two or three years.
does he expect to stay long. He still
considers his old home as his natural
place Of abiding, and intends to go back
there after year or two, or ten years.
All this prevents that intensity of in
terest IN public affairs characteristic of
some Western cities, where men live or
die with their town, or the older Eastern |
where the inhabitants belong |
10 their home by inheritance.