Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-07-01
The Districts Need of Legislation.

Congress adjourrs today leaving the Dis
triCt somewhat in doubt whether or not the
session has beer promotive of the local wei
fare When the list of causes of gratitude
for benefits bestowed by the houses is
scanned one appears conspicuous. The Dis
trict has obtained its long-sought municipal
building. Nevermure need this item be in
Cluded in the account of the capitals re
duiremenJs y start is to be made upon the
reclamation of the Anacostia from its pesti-
lentiaI conditions work is to be begun on
the filtration plant. and plans have been
filed for the systematic improvement of the
parks of the city. Thus far the list of
reasons for congratulation extends.
The appropriation bill carries provisions
of law which are regarded by the District
with distinct apprehension. a radical
change is effected in the taxation system
through crude. iIl-advised legislation. The
principle of paying out of immediate reve-
nues for large public improvements is only
slightly modified through a provision for
federal advance to be repaid within four
years from the present. No step has been
taken to correct the mistakes of the past
in the adjustment of the fiscal relations
Of the District to the general governmen Mt.
The fractures in the organic act remain I'M
repaired
While a most promising start was made
upon legislation which would solve the
steam railroad problems. the bill to that
end was blocked at the last moment and
the District must wait at least part of an
other year for the law removing grade
crossings and providing a union station.
The outlook is that this method of provid-
ing terminals for the roads entering Wash
lngton will be adopted early next session
and possibly in improved shape. But the
capital is disappointed at the delay.
Many are the measures and items which
have been allowed to go back into the
pigeon holes of inattention. The resolution
providing for 6 change of the inauguration
date. for which such pronounced national
sentiment has arisen, remains the "unfin-
ished business OF the House committee on
the judiciary. despite the urgent reasons
for its enactment at this past session. The
Memorial bridge. for which likewise there
Is a distinct popular demand, has been
again denied the nation by the House in
the face of former pledges of support. The
administrations request for hall of rec
ords has been ignored. The request of the
people of Washington for an effective
amendment to the smoke law, permitting
the reasonable enforcement of the statute
was denied by the Senate after the House
acted The calendar is choked with excel
lent measures for the betterment of the
local conditions Many valuable enact
merts have. it is true, been made and the
District is the better off for their provi-
sion But the record Of wholesome accom-
plishments does not shine when compared
with the list of failures and questionable
provisions
OF course many Of the proposed meas
ureS car be pressed to action next winter
with a minimum OF delay if the spirit is
willing al the Capitol The people of Wash
fngton have learned the lesson of hope and
today look forward rather than backward,
believing that eventually the national cap
ftaIs claims for suitable provision will be
granted in the abundance and with the
prJmD;n-ss which the conditions demand.