The Washington times., 1904-01-06
METHODS OF CITIZENS
CALLED IN QUESTION
Mr.. Henderson Criticises So
Many Resolutions.
SHOEMAKER TO THE RESCUE
Hot Discussion in Columbia Heights
Association Regarding the Work
of Such Bodies.

The regular monthly meeting of the
Columbia Heights Citizens Association
was held last evening in the parlors OF
the Hotel Savoy. Judge {. S. Bundy
presiding. The ordinary routine of af-
fairs was somewhat disturbed by the
remarks Of former Senator ]. B. Hen
derson. who, as guest of honor. had
been requested to address the associa-
ton
From the experience gathered through
long years Of service as a national leg
islator. Mr.. Henderson undertook to in
form the association that long-winded
speeches and voluminous resolutions,
when directed at the District Commits
siOners or the members or Congress,
were a waste of both time and energy.
He advocated a brief and personal can
vass. and advised each member OF the
citizens associations to become an ar
dent lobbyist In pushing the claims of
his section.
Judge Bundy. who is president of the
Columbia Heights Association and
Louis 2. Shoemaker. a member Of the
association. but also president of the
Brightwood Citizens Association. both
of whom are authors or many resolu-
mer Senator. and enthusiastically de-
| Tended the system of speeches and reso-
lutions. They argued that ideas could
be more clearly set forth and issues
/ better defined through the medium
of resolutions. It was urged that those
| members of Congress who are charged
| with the care Of District affairs would
| read and give consideration to the wish
es of a body of citizens. rs expressed in
/ speeches or resolutions. much quicker
| than If buttonholed by individual citi-
zens. Then. too. individuals are liable
/ to look out for themselves to the dis
advantage of the locality in general.
Judge Bundy's View.
Finally Judge Bundy was partially
won over to the suggestion of Mr.. Hen
derson. and the former placed himself
IN record as being in favor of some
| speechmal0ing, a few resolutions. and a
| good bit Of personal solicitation. Mr..
| Shoemaker was rather inclined to stand
pat on his original contention, that
| speeches and resolutions were the most
important steps. which. If properly ma
| lipulated would accomplish the desired
results. The question was not submit
ted TO vote.
Senator Henderson touched a respon-
! sive chord, however. when he advocated
| representation on the floor of Congress-
for the District OF Columbia He de
clined to declare himself positively a,
to suffrage in the District. but believeC
the local taxpayers should be accorded
the same privilege of representation
enjoyed by other territorial forms o
government.
Eleventh Street Line.
A letter from Gen. George II. Harrie
was read, saying that as soon as tn
Engineer Commissioner approved a Ger
tain pattern of rail an order for tn
iron would be placed for the extension
OF the Eleventh Street car line and tn
work would be completed in the cours
Of the coming summer.
| A resolution advocating the purchas
Of Oak Grove, near Columbia Road an,
was adopted. Resolutions approving tn
blind alley bill and one giving tn
| Commissioners power TO abate nuis
ances were referred TO the Legislative
committee for report. Some remark
we're made on a resolution asking tina
800 900 be appropriated for the planting
OF trees on the streets, but II was agree
TO not pass a resolution urging this un
III further Information concerning tn
recommendations OF the Commissioner
could be obtained.
A resolution was introduced by IN
committee on streets. approving the i'm
provement of Yale Street. the gradini
Of Clifton Street and Of Sherman Ave
nue.. the purchase of land for the en-
, | largement OF the Hubbard Schoc
ground. but requesting that further i'm
provements be undertaken. some bein
the setting out of shade trees on street
as soon as graded. the remaining o
streets. the extension Of School Stree
and Euclid Place.