The Washington times., 1909-05-09

lions of people should he governed by
the representatiyc IS of that eighty mill
lions of people; and that If there were
in that eighty millions of people men
who desired to come and share in the
grandeur OF that Capital ard live in a
city of maynificent beauty as this was
and enjoy all the privileges, then they
come with their eyes open as to the
character Of the government that they
were to have, and they must know that
they must depend not upon the prin-
ciples ordinarily governing in popular
government. but thst they must trust
in order to secure their liberty, to get
their guaranties-they must trust 10 the
representatives Of eighty millions of
people selected under that Constitution.
Right Of Petition.
Now l want to ssy, with Difference 10
this discussion, that if this meeting. or
subsequent meetings. are to be devoted
TO securing an amendment to the Consul
tuition by which you are going to disturb
the principle Of two Senators from ev-
cry State, and ySu are going to abolish
the prOvtsionNthat was put I'm there ex
industria by George Washington. you
viii not get ahead in the matter of bet
meetings. I do not want TO seem 20 be
abrupt. but 1 believe It is possible by
such meetings as this TO arouse the ir-
terest Of Congress and the Executive
to the necessity of consulting the people
of Washington, to let tnem act as Amer
leans act when they don't have the right
of suffrage-let them act by the right
of petition. and re they not exercising
that right all tie time?
Isn't II possible tG determine on the
part OF the committees OF the House and
the Senate what the attitude OF the
Washington citizens is2 Why, the gov
ernment III at we have today i'm Wash
fngton everybody admits is a good gov
ernment Has il not been brought about
through the aid Of those very commit
tees in the House and Senate who you
say know nothing about Washington.
and who make their knowledge. or lack
OF knowledge. ridiculous by showing / ?
We are all imperfect. We cannot eX-
pect perfect government. but what we
ought 10 do is TO pursue practical meth
ods. and not, I submit with Difference
to Justice STAFFORD. make il seem as
If the people of Washington were suffer
ing some great and tremendous load
and sorrow, when as a matter of fact
they are the envy Of the citizens of
other eities2
Washingt31's Intentions.
Washington intended this 20 be Fed
eral city, and 4. IS a Federal city. and
1t tingIes down 70 the fees of every man,
whether he comes from Washington
city or Los Angeles. or Texas, when he
comes and walks these city streets ana
starts TO feel that this is "my city"
own part Of tais Capital. and 1 envy
for the time being those who are able
TO spend taeir time here
l quite admit that th.,re are defects
in the system 90 government by which
Congress is bon.p, TO lock after the gov
ernrnent Of the District of Columbia. u
could not be otherwise under such a
system, but I submit 10 the judgment of
history that the respts vindicate the
foresight Of the fathers.
Now, l am opposed to lie franchise in
the District. I am opPSs d. and not be
cause 7 yield to anyone n nS support
and belief In the princi.Les OF self-gov-
eminent, but principles are applicable