The Washington herald., 1909-11-18

The opinion Is entertained IN some quar-
ters that President Taft. in his message
TO Congress, will recommend an amend
ment OF the existing District law that
win change the form OF government by
substituting a governor for the present
Board OF Commissioners at a salary OF
$1,000 or $1,000 per year
II he should make this recommendation
it would. 10 doubt. be coupled with a
request to Congress hat the desired Iegis-
lation be enacted without delay in order
that the change might become operative,
II possible. with the taking effect Of the
two designations now in his hands.
Although the opinion thus entertained
IS based upon surmise rather than any
actual knowledge Of the Presidents pur-
pose IN the premises. it IS supported by
the fact that y few months ago. when
his mind was directed to District ar
fairs, he vas much disposed TO favor
such an alteration in the form OF gov
ernment.
No Thought of Autocratic Power.
he had no thought OF creating even a
.semhlance Of eutocratc rule. but be-
lieyed that one-man authority and re-
sponsibnity would make for concentra-
ton and simplifcation. and perhaps bet
ter meet the needs and demands OF The
growing Capital
Owing 10 the divided authority and re
sponsibllity IL has occurred more thar
once in the past that men OF high stand
ing and IN position 20 serve the DIst-ict
and whose services Presidents scugh.
were led 20 decline appointments.
II IS said also that the President
not especially impressed with the idea
having an engineer officer Of the arm
as a member Of the board, though recoI
nIzing the high order OF service reuders
by the engineer commissioner.
How Congress would be disposed 20 de
with such a recommendation. II made
problematic. Many members OF both &
Senate and House-in fact. a majority
them-take only a passing and perfun--
tory interest in the detailed affairs OF the
District They concern themselves VITA
other things. while. of course. feeling a
general pride in the development Of the
Capital
Would Meet Opposition.
But there are Senators ana Representa-
tives-Speakec Cannon and Chairman
GaIIinger. for example-wao keep con-
stantiy iu touch with the DistrSt: who
are most potential when legislation ar
fecting IL is pending VINO believe in che
present form Of government and would,
no doubt. stand out resoIutely against a
change-certainIy a change that seemed.
In the least radical or tending 10 invite
the possibility OF a return 10 conditions
which marked former experiments here
They recognize that the commission plan
is not without its defects, like ali other
systems but the almost complete free
dom from graft and corruption. and the
remarkable progress the city has made
serve as an unanswerable argument IN
their minds against any change what
ever. Even those who agree with the
President that concentration OF authority
and responsibility is desirable. are reluc-
disturbed lest unwise Legislation
and retard tho splendid prog
Capital has made under the
system
Possibly n Commissioned Gene
It is suggested by some Of those who
sympathize in a degree with the Presi-
dents idea. but who oppose the over
turning Of the present system. that he
might reach the END De desires f. a.
simple manner, devoid OF danger. by ask.
Ing Congress TO Increase the salary OF
the president Of the Board Of District
and give him the title
Of Commissioner General This would
carry with il a recognition OF that Official
as the real head Of the District govern
ment and he would he looked TO oy the
President and Congress to carry out
their policies. His two colleagues would
be charged sunervision and control
OF distinct he District
General YES
sponsibility
It
Of Congress
q radical
Pres
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