Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-07-21
OF PERMANENT GOOD
REUNION OF G. A. R. WILL BENE-
FIT WASHINGTON.
MI. Shoemaker's Views-National In
terest in Capital City Fostered
by Such Gatherings.

While at the headquarters of the citizens
executive committee on the 1902 encamp
ment of the G. A. r. Saturday Mr.. Louis
P. Shoemaker dictated the following state
ment on the permanent good which can be
expected to result from the encampment
THE entire country is aware of the fact
that the Grand Army of the Republic will
meet In Washington, D. c., in October.
washington is therefore pledged to make
suitable arrangements for the entertain
ment of this national organization, and the
great number of guests and visitors who
will avail themselves of this opportunity TO
visit the District of Columbia, the home of
the United States government Much labor
and sacrifice of valuable time has been
given by the committee in charge Of the af-
fair, but It is impossible to achieve success
without the hearty and financial support of
our people. Independent Of the duty which
now devolveS upon US to properly provide
for this organization and their guests, we
are reminded of the fact that Washington
will be greatly benefited, its advantages
will be made known to thousands, and the
people of this country will become more
identified with the capital city, and conse-
quently they will urge their representatives
in Congress to improve Washington COM
menSurate with the dignity and wealth of
the nation, and thereby cause it to become
what it ought to be-the pride of the world.
National Sentiment Needed.
Now that we are required to consider
seriously recent legislation by Congress per-
tanning to the District of Columbia, We are
reminded of the actual Importance of cult
waiting a national sentiment, which I'M
doubtedly exists. but 1t must be announced
or publicly expressed so that Congress will
be impressed with the evident but some
what dormant desire of the people of the
United States in behalf of Washington
ia
erty; its growth, development and improve
ment must not be retarded and actually
prevented, as 1t now is and undoubtedly
has long been, by reason of the fact that
1t cannot possibly be made what it ought to
be at the expense Of the 10000 taxpayers
here as compared with, and for the benefit
Of more than 10000 900 of people.
District land owners are not asking that
they shall be relieved Of local burdens; they
ask no favors of Congress; they simply de-
sire that ordinary business principles as
applicable elsewhere, be applied. e.:
"F,irst-That national improvements here
as elsewhere shall be at national expense.
Second-That accruing current revenues
shall be used only for current expenses.
'Third-That the expense incurred for ex-
traordinary improvements shall be provided
for as elsewhere. from the proceeds of a
bond issue, thereby placing a just burden
upon posterity
Means of Contact.
1.-THE accomplishment of these practical
results is not only necessary for our gem
eral welfare and prosperity, but to pre-
vent that which is now IMMINENT. e., real
estate and personal taxation, burdensone
and unjust, If not approaching oppression,
levied to meet the cost Of improvements,
national in their character and also many
which should fall to very great extent
upon posterity.
Those who think the people of the Dis
trict Of Columbia ought to be directly rep
rented in Congress and those who do not
will agree with me, think that the SYM
pathy and feeling Of pride which undoubt-
| eddy exists on the part of the citizens of the
various states in behalf of Washington
! should be encouraged and cultivated SO that