Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-06-02

concerned I believe that is the sentiment
The members stay two. four six years
and ascertain but little outside the commit
tee rooms AS far as the right of franchise
is concerned. do not think you should be
without 1t. You are a high-class and we'll
educated people, and you have only the
voice of supplication. Anybody can smile
and bow. l believe that not five members
of the committee know what street extern
sion In this city means. We see map. and
things look level to US. so we are ready to
adopt the map.
Topography Should Be Regarded.
Mr. Sims then spoke at length upon the
laying out of streets without paying the
least attention to the topography of the
country. and declared that 1t should not
be done. He stated that If the streets
were made as indicated he believed the
hollows would have to be filed up. He
also said that he believed that Congress
would call a halt If the matter could be
brought to its attention. He then explained
that he had voted against several bills for
stEeet extension because SPECTATORS in his
estimation, were behind the measures
I'VE think II you have to pay you will
come to Congress and we will know what
you want he added Mr.. Sims then spoke
of the question of self-goyernment In the
District, and said a bill embracing property
and education clauses might receive consid-
Grafton. but ne believed that this would
never be done, as the individual interests of
the representatives would keep them from
meddling i'll any such proposed law
The speaker said that Washington Seemed
a great national, worldwide experimental
station, where every crank could bring
forth his ideas" He spoke of the way the
House of Representatives was deserted on
District day, and said the commissioners
should be elected and confirmed by the
Senate although he had no criticism of
the present board. Referring to the Com
missioners. he said:
WI no allePiarca IN hYt 10
the President. A despot sometimes gives
good government-but who wants any des-
potism? If you ever get any change in
the form of government it will take al
most uprising.
In conclusion Mr. Sims said he was for the
District of Columbia and would do all In his
power TO further it's interests in every way
possible.
Upon motion a vote of thanks was extend
ed to him at the conclusion of his address.
Election of Officers.
The election of officers of the association
was called for. and President Lancaster
asked Mr. Isaac Shoemaker to preside. Mr..
Lancaster was renominated and his record
for the years he has served as president was
given great praise. He was reelected to
serve during the ensuing year. The other
officers elected were: First vice president.
James l.. TAFT; second vice president, Albert
E Shoemaker; third vice president, Dr. ].
w. CnaDDeil. 1OuTtn vice president, Ut. A.
NJ. Ray; fifth vice president, Louis l.. Hoop
er; secretary. Galen l.. TAFT; treasurer, 8.
McComas Hawken; sergeant-at-arms, An
drew Burga.
A letter from Secretary Tindall of the
Board OF Commissioners regarding a report
made by the Commissioners upon bill
without first giving public hearing was
read. as follows
THE Commissioners direct me to inform
you. in response to your communication OF
the 18th instant transmitting a copy of a
resolution adopted by your association pro-
testing against the Commissioners reporting
on a congressional bill without giving a
public hearing. that they are always glad to
hear from citizens of the District of Column
bia as to any matter. but they have never
declined hearing respecting any pending
legislation, and that the representatives of
the press at the District building are al
ways aware of the bills which have been re-
| ferred to the Commissioners by the commit
| tees of Congress for report so that through
| the press the fact OF such measures being
under consideration by the Commissioners
can always be known. The Commissioners
| VIII be glad to instruct the secretary OF the
board to notify any citizen association of
| citizens of the receipt from Congress by the
| Commissioners of any class of bill in which
| he or they may be interested If request for
that information Is recorded"
Resolutions Adopted.
! Mr.. Louis p Shoemaker was present and
offered two resolutions. which were adopt
| ed. the first referring 10 the work In Con-
gress of Representative Sims.
It's preamble cited Chat the District of Coz
iunlbia is under the exclusive Jurisdiction
| of Congress. consequently all senator's and
members are legislators for the people of
1 the District OF Columbia as well as those
| of the United States, and, therefore ought
to be thoroughly familiar with local affairs.
The lack of such familiarity with the
needs and necessities OF the people. II was
stated, has retarded and is now injuriousry
| affecting the growth and development of