New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-12-08
CITY PRoRLEus roR CONGRESS.

President Eooseyelt's initiative, originality
and power Of constructive leadership nowhere
appear 10 greater advantage in his brilliant
and forceful message than in the paragraphs
which deal with the municipal government Of
Washington Those who sneer that never be-
fore did a President invite Congress to solve
the municipal problem of the country seem 10
forget that Congress is in duty bound to solve
the municipal problem Of one Of the chief cities
of the country President Roosevelt in giving
attention 10 questions Of city administration
does indeed, with his characteristic interest in
all matters affecting the nations welfare. set
forth an ideal Of progress applicable TO New
York and Chicago as we'll as Washington but
he in no way transcends the proper functions
OF & federal executive scruDulOusly respecting
distribution Of authority over general and
local concerns.
Congress IS the local Legislature Of the Dis
trict of Columbia. If the Presidents discussion
Of municipal affairs IS an innovation, 1t is only
. because this function Of the federal govern
ment has not hitherto been adequately eXer-
cised. Most references to the subject IN Presi-
Dental messages have been perfunctory or con
cerned merely with specific matters Of imme-
date interest. But George Washington did not
think he was inviting with undue sef-confi-
derce the laying of the country's municipal
burdens upon his shoulders when he busted
himself with planning for the future of the
capital city; and President Roosevelt follows
IN his footsteps when he gives earnest consid-
Grafton 10 methods for improving that city and
making it a model municipality.
1t is a good thing for Congress 10 have this
phase Of its duty emphasized. 1t commonly
deals with the District in that same bored and
inadequate fashion in which II treats Alaska or
any other subject Of no political Importance
10 members in their home districts. Few Con
gressmen really take seriously this business of
local government except as it may affect their
own convenience and they have a needed and
the overcrowded poor securing compulsory
education for the children, providing play
grounds and small parks. and generally making
Washington a healthy, well governed, pro
gressye city. The opportunities for such bet
teEment are the finest in the country and
there is absolutely no reason why Washing
ton should not be a model city. Ii las plenty
OF room, and no enormous population of fac
tory workers congested by the necessities of
their employment 1t is not handicapped by
vast hordes Of foreigners who complicate the
problem OF administration Its government is
not even subject to revulsions Of popular feel
ing. 4 wise policy can be pursued there wear
after year until convincing results are secured,
while here, when n good work is half done. a
~lurn or the political kaleidoscope bit Of in
difference on the part of respectable people. n
united effort on the part Of the gamblers and
other lawbreallers, may throw us back under
l1e Of barbarism.
With all these advantages Washington should
lie the best governed and most progressive city
IN The land. and the only reason for 1t not