The Washington herald., 1907-02-13
WEDNESDAY. FEBRUARY IS. 1901.
The District and Congress.

Once upon a time when a tariff debate
was raging in Congress. and the country
waited with bated breath 10 hear from
Washington, the Hon. Thomas Bracket
Reed. then Speaker. Iounged about his
hotel, apparently the most disinterested
person in the United States Asked in
some surprise why he was not attending
the session of the House, lie answered
YEARLY:
"Oh there's nothing but language there;
nothing but language"
This Characterization may properly be
applied to late issue of the Congress
sional Record-an issue Of that staid pub
location containing a debate on District of
Columbia affairs. It is in great part
nothing but language pain
ful language, that does not look well in
print; language unworthy the esteemed
solons who gave it voice.
VIII the time never come. we wonder.
when District matters viii be discussed
ia d spirit of fairness? VIII it not ulti-
mately dawn upon our statesmen that
wien they fay the District they are in
reality flaying Congress itself. of which
the District of Columbia is but the
creature? VIII they not some time learn
that no right is held or exercised here
not granted by Congress. or acquiesced
ia by Congress-
Here we have a Well-OrdeTed, taX-pay-
ing, law-obeying city-a city that chal-
lenges the admiration OF all the world.
Life and property at Washington are
safe. An ideal residence city, it is at
tracing people from every part of the
country. One may live more comforta-
bly, here, enjoy greater advantages, than
in any other city. and at no larger cost
Indeed, it is possible TO live better here
and at less cost, than in other cities OF
similar size. Tt is the nations city. Al
ready a great city. its greatness has only
begun.
Everybody is proud of it. Even our
statesmen, who rail at us. are proud of
the Capital It's magnificent develop
..ent is the subject Of national pride.
But reading the proceedings of a Dis
trict Day in the House, we md that. in
The opinion of certain of our lawmakers.
This city. after all, is made up OF lot OF
tax dodgers; that We are a corporation
ridden community, constantly holding up,
OF trying to hold up. Congress; in short.
tHat the District of Columbia. if it had
lfs deserts, would be lucky TO escape be
~ literally wiped OF the map.
or course, as We have said. this is all
language. nothing but language" but u
is language that were better left UNI
spoken. II is not true. It is not even
within speaking distance of truth Some
day we hope it viii cease to be the fash
ion TO use such language. II ought to
have gone out Of fashion long ago.
Whatever we, as the District of Column
hia, happen TO be. Congress IS responsible
Cor. We are just what Congress made us.
md permits us TO be. We think Congress
has done a pretty good job. On the whole,
certainly there is much to be proud of
here. and but little of which any one need
he ashamed There are some things that
ought 10 be adjusted. and which are going
10 be adjusted. and adjusted right; but in
the meantime. whatever the point of view.
members of Congress can afford TO be fair,
They can. at any rate, afford to speak
the truth Of Washington and the honest,
taxpaying people of the City Of Wash
lnEtOu.