Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-11-26
The First Resolution.

The First Resolution.
During the period of discussion it could
be plainly seen that some of the men,
bers present had something to say that
related to the subject matter of the
meeting but it was some time before they
got hearing.
The first resolution that got before the
meeting was that of A. w. kinnan. pro-
viding that the secretary communicate
with all the citizens associations and re-
quest that at their next meeting they vote
on the questions embodied in the resolu-
ton and report to the special committee
their views on:
F'irst-Whether they desire change
from three Commissioners to one gov
ernor.
Second-Whether they desire a delegate
in Congress on the basis OF territory
under the Constitution
Third-Whether they desire the right to
vote and under what restrictions.
Mr.. Crane Leads Off.
This opened the floodgates of discussion
and oratory. The first man to gain the
eye of the chairman was A. B. Crane of
the Park View Citizens Association. 1t is
no inaccuracy to say that his speech was
funny in spots. because Mr.. Crane had to
stop and laugh at himself twice He had
Mr. Shoemaker. who had stopped Mr.
Crane from speaking at some previous
meeting. Mr.. Cranes serious remarks
were to call the attention of the fellow
citizens that the movement for change in
the form of government had been precip-
itated by newspaper and gas com
pany and to advise all citizens commit
tees that it would be. inadvisable to go on
record at this time as even considering
the question. His remarks concerning the
rl,f n "a n
Mr. Crane advised every one not to
hustle for legislation on change at the
coming session because 1t would do no
good and said that President Roosevelt
was opposed to a change.
If he had thrown smoking bomb into
the meeting there could have been no
greater excitement. From the press table
Mr.. Crane appeared to be the apex of q
waving pyramid of arms, hands and
heads. and from the roar could be heard
his voice saying: And l can prove 1t.
and / can prove 1t.
Letter From White House.
He produced a letter from William
Loeb, jr., reading:
"EXECUTIVE MANSION,
Washington. ID. C..
"A b. Crane. President Park View Citi-
zens' Association.
Dear Sir: Your letter of November %
is received and in reply beg to state
that the President has no intention at
the present time of making such rec
concentration to Congress as the one you
mention Yours very truly.
'WILLIAM LOEB, Jr..
Secretary to the President"
November n, $685.
Mr.. Crane continued speaking, and
there were many who wanted to hear his
remarks; but many who did not. and
finally Mr.. Crane paused and said he
would sit down while the house voted on
the subject of whether or not he should
be allowed to speak further. He gained
permission to 90 on for five minutes.
Offers an Amendment
Mr.. Crane spoke to the limit, and got
in amendment to Mr.. Kinnan's reso-
luton Mr. Crane advocated:
THAT the committees composing the
assembly recommend to their various
associations to urge upon the District
committees Of Congress to dispose of cur
rent legislation especially the bill for the
repeal of that section of the law of 1896
under which the gas companies are seek
ing to increase their capital stock. and the
bill for a reduction in the price of gas to
the consumer, before considering the sub
ject of change in the form of govern
ment for the District of Columbia
T. W. Oyster of PetWorth got started
on a long Speech too. Long speeches
seemed unpopular. but Mr.. oysters resolu-
ton was finally adopted. There were two
or three motions before the house all the
time this going on. and it necessi-
tated general roundup of maverick mo-
tons and amendments at the close of the