The Washington herald., 1906-11-08
Plan to Make Ottawa Wash
ingtOn of the North.
TO BE RULED BY COMMISSION
Sir WiIfrid Laurfer's Proposal Dis
cussed by Board of Trade Of Do
miniOn CapitaI-The Canadian city
Facing Problems Analogous TO
Those Of Washington Years Ago


advtsability of converting ottawa into a
national-owned. commissiOn-governed city.
a Washington OF the North in accord
ance with the avowed intention Of the
Federal government. as expressed by Sir
Wnfrid Laurier As the scheme is a large
one, and Mr.. Holland declared it to be
his intention 10 originate an educational
campaign in this direction, the meeting
adjourned to consider the matter at
length, and TO ascertain the temper of the
city before the next gathering.
A dozen gentlemen spoke on the ques-
ton besides Mr.. Holland, and the gather
ing appeared to be in favor OF the idea,
with possibly a little trouble over the
question Of disfranchislng the citizens Of
the proposed district" in view of the
peculiar relations between the capital and
the government in event Of the scheme
going through. 4 largely signed petition
viii be presented to the city council short
ly by Mt Holland.
In opening his address Mr.. Holland was
greeted with loud applause. He remark
ed that one Ottawa paper had said any
citizen who bartered away his franchise
for government pap" was small pota-
toes: but in this case. Mr.. Holland al
mitted he was one Of the small potatoes
NOt TO sponge on Government.
Mr. Holland said that the impression
that Ottawa wanted to sponge on the
government was a false one The re-
verse was the case, and the $4,000 paid
by the Dominion in connection with the
government buildings already, really rep
resented the barteging away Of the city's
rights
According to an expert legal opinion.
city government property should not be
exempt from municipal taxation. but
here in Ottawa. with total assessment
of 81, ,000O00, and a total exemption of
S21. .6o0000, nearly 20 per cent of this lat
ter was OF a government nature. in
return the city sot 10000 a year.
For scventy-iYe years Washington had
experimental with legislative and mU-
nicipaI government with n0minatiYe and
elective systems. combined, and not till
1873 was tire city struck with government
by commission. Three men were chosen
as an experiment for terms of three
years, and a permanent district govern
went IN Columbia was organized. This
system had been in force in the American
capital FOR twenty-eight years, and had
been a decided success.
A gentleman, BIr. Daish, Of Washing
ton. had written TO the board Objecting
70 government by commission, but ad-
mitting at the same time that the scheme
was a perfectly honest one financially,
and free from any chance Of graft One
of the three commissioners was a skilled.
experienced engineer. OF an engineer
meut. and one BY the opposition, both
erning d section. All bylaws came
through them 10 the government
Would Pay Dollar for Dollar.
.'The government" said Mr.. Holland.
would take over all assets and become
responsible for the bonded Indebtedness Of
the city; the taxpayers would be relieved
only Of the excessive burden imposed on
them as residents of the capital city:
while they would continue to contribute
a municipal tax that would be considered
q reasonable one in any other city. The
government would pay dollar for dollar
with the city to beautify the capital and
make il an attractive home"
The scheme should be adopted, con
1inued Mr.. Holland. because government
nt a national capital by commission mas
been on trial for a quarter of a century
at Washington by one of the most prac-
teal and progressive nations on earth
where it has proved to be an unqualified
success. Ottawa under the British North
America act is the national capital only
until such time as the sovereign shall
otherwise direct. BY converting it into a
district it would become the permanent
seat of government and would discourage
for all time attempts TO remove 1t, which,
under any circumstances, would involve
enormous expense and Inconvenience to
the administration of public affairs.
''The permanent capital would become
an object OF national pride. representing.
as it would. the power. progress. and
prosperity Of a great nation. the symbol
of government, and as such an insDira-
tion for national sentiment. As a city Of
a province. pride Ia the capital Of the
country would be local or provincial
rather than national
''As federal district, containing the
executive office of Parliament and gov
ernment it would naturally attract people
of wealth and leisure. and would become
the center OF intellectual culture because
of its educational and social advantages.
without arousing feeling Of jealousy
among the other provinces OF the Do
minion
washington of the North.
''In the carrying out or the policy Of Sir
Wilfrid Laurier to make Ottawa the
Of the North, the creation Of
a district would enable the government
10 carry out that object unhampered by
conflicts with local and provincial juris-
dictions. Parliament would have power
e1sf
federal district, while delegating execu-
tive authority TO a commission
AS an electoral district sending repre-
sentatives TO Parliament, it would not be
with our system OF RESPONSE /
bic government, TO submit the nation TO
taxation of its property or TO the appro-
priation of funds from the national treas
lry by a vote OF the district taxpayers. /
should the government assume response
oility for 50 per cent or larger share Of
the district expenditure. Continuity of
policy under government by commission
Is secured; expenditure of public money
on more scientific and economical princi-
pies is assured free from the debasing in
auence OF ward heelers and partisan poll /
,icians-
1T would secure the services Of men
IF broader views, better business training !
and ability, who. while exercising to a
certain extent autocratic powers, would
stin be amenable and responsive TO the
criticisms of an independent press and in 1
public opinion, while uninfiu- (
enced by place hunters, transient excite /
ment, and the clamOr Of set-seeking I
lemagogues ana professional agitatOrs." -" /
Mr.. Holland suggested q ten-mile square /
district.
small skater Injured.
While using the pavement at Eighth I
.traet and Nirginia avenue southeast as ]