The Washington herald., 1911-11-05
CITIZENS INDORSE
INAUGURAL PLAN
Week Celebration Movement
Up to Federation.
COMMITTEE TO GET FIGURES
Cost of Six Days Festivities and
other Data VIII Be Submitted at
Next Meeting of Central Body.
Maj. Judson Attacked for Failure
to Explain Water Rate Increase.

The movement started by the North
west Citizens Suburban Association for
week of festivities during inaugura-
ton was heartily indorsed by the Feder-
alton of Citizens Associations, at a
meeting last night in the rooms of the
Chamber of Commerce. 1t was agreed
to appoint a committee to ascertain the
probable cost of a six-day celebration
and submit ideas at the next session of
the central body.
After several hours of heated debate.
during which several OF the members
patted Commissioner Judson on the
back. while others bitterly critisized him
for his refusal to appear before them
and tell why he insisted on raising the
water rates, the Federation of Citizens
Associations, at a regular meeting last
night, consigned the much agitated ques-
ton to the pigeon holes Of President
Clayton's polished desk.
Hotels Chief Losers.
In a long speech, in which he vigor-
ously defended the raise in water rates
as the only way the Commissioners could
protect the workingman and at the same
time supply the city with sufficient wa
ter for years to come. D. A. Edwards,
of the Lincoln Park Association, char
acteriZed the uproar made by big business
men as crocodile tears" explaining that
the hotels and large concerns would be
the chief losers in case water meters
were installed.
AS a single instance. he cited the fact
that the Washington Terminal Company
pays, according, to the old rate, $27,SS5-56,
while the new rate would cost the COM
pany the sum of $S7.1940s. The differ
ence to the workingman, said Mr.. Ed
wards, was about so cents on the aver
age.
Mr. Edwards showed clearly that If the
city had to build another conduit from
Great Falls to supply water when the
city is twice the size 1t is now, the
taxpayers would be assessed an average
of SS7 each. II the water meters are in
stalled, the price would be little more
than it was before the recent raise.
Charles c. Lancaster, in a lengthy
speech, said he doubted Mr.. Edwards
figures. Il guess you got them from Maj.
Judson,'' he said.
Following this, Mr.. Lancaster intro
duced a motion to invite Commissioner
Rudolph to the next meeting, and let him
tell what Mai. Judson refused to do. This
motion failed to find second, but Pres
ident Clayton and ]. w. Dyre, of the
Takoma Park Association. did not fail
to criticise Mr.. Lancasters request.
District Is wOrsted.
President William NICK. Clayton said
the government was getting the best of
the District people in the organic act.
The current District appropriation bill
places the entire cost of the Fairgrounds
on the local taxpayers" said Mr.. Clay
ton, land that is a direct violation of
the organic act. Also we believe that
the cost of any extension of the water
meter system should be met by appro-
priation, regularly carried in the District
appropriation bill and in no other way,
and we should request the Commission
ers that such an item be submitted to
Congress.
Further, and most important of all,
provisions should be made in the appro-
priation bill for police and firemen's
pensions. 1t is not just that, while the
government assumes half the burden of
the cost of maintaining the fire and police
departments, the citizens should be COM
PEELED to pay the entire pension money"
These resolutions were not adopted last
night, but will be acted on in regular or
der.
Burden on Taxpayer.
The committee on real estate ASSESS
IHenIS TcpOTIeO IndI II favored Irlennlal
assessments Of property, as the yearly
assessment was nothing short of q bur-
den to the taxpayer. The resolution was
adopted.
The committees on abolition of capital
punishment, deep water wells, for public
field and drill grounds, and universal
transfers had no report to make at this
meeting. ..s-
The election of new officers was feature
less. President William Nick. Clayton
was chosen to succeed himself unani-
mously: He was nominated by D. A.
Edwards, who made a speech compli-
mentary. to Mr.. Clayton. Charles Lam
caster seconded the motion and asked
that the vote be made unanimous.
Allan Davis. principal Of Business High
School, and. president of the Southeast
Citizens Association, was elected vice
president without opposition. D. C. Dut-
ton was elected secretary and D. A
Richardson, treasurer.