The Washington herald., 1912-01-24

trict Committee. pointing out that II he
left the Republicans would be without an
experienced member. His appeal caused
Representative Kahn temporarily to give
up his plans for an immediate resigna-
ltion. II was understood last night that
this simply means. at best, delay IN
open hostilities. Rumors Of "a plain dis
cussion OF things on the floor Of the
House next Monday flew thick and fast.
Representative Moore, II was declared.
needed but little urging to enter the thick
OF the fight and tell the austere and ag-
lgravating chairman just where he got on
Utter Inability to show Chairman john
son the need OF different tactics as re-
CARDS Washington appropriations-a fall
ure credited to Republicans and Demo
Gratis alike-is the main cause OF the
threatened break in the committee. The
District chairman either cannot or will
not attempt any progressive or conserva-
/ tive legislation. Time and again the
members OF the committee, both Demo-
cratic and Republican. have pointed out
to him the difference between the Ma
tional Capital and the beautiful but
slightly smaller city OF Bardstown. Ky.
Invariably. to use their own terse ex-
preston, they have been sat upon"
Veteran Legislators Angry.
Men who have engaged in District
legislation for years and who are re-
sponsible for the hundred improvements
this city has seen in the last decade have
practically given up hope Of accomplish
ing anything this session. and have
failed to attend the meetings Of the COM
mittee.
| Protests against the absurdIy economic
programme inaugurated by the Bardstown
sage have come from his own political
allies and personal friends. Men who
were competent to know what the Dis
| the constructive policy carried on in the
past. They said afterward that his en-
thusiasm in the subject OF District pro-
| gressiveness suggested nothing SO much
as Rock of Gibraltar made out OF ice.
At the conclusion Of the consideration
Of the District budget in the House yes
terday afternoon Representative Carlin
(Democrat), Of Virginia, made a sweep
Ing attack on the Johnson -Burleson
''stand-still policy In arguing his point
Of order on the right OF nonresident pu-
/ pills to attend the public schools Of this
city. His sentiment was warmly ap-
plauded. When he announced that the
present District estimates had eiimI-
mated parks. public buildings. and other
| forms Of progressive legislation" there
was applause from Democrats and Re-
pubicans alike.
THE plan.' said he, Ito prevent the
children OF nonresident washingtonians
tc attend the public schools Is another
evidence Of pettishness that Is poorly in
keeping with the National Capital. This
means that nonresident school children,
though their parents pay taxes. will be
refused the right of free tuition and that
the many desirable persons who might
otherwise come 10 this city from Virginia
and Maryland win remain away.
1T is simply in keeping with the gen.
eral standpat policy that seems preva-
lent at this time. We md no construct
i've legislation this year; nothing but a
determination TO mark time and spend
the very smallest sum OF money that
can be expended on the District"
Akin Has Been Ignored.
Friends OF Representative Akin de-
clared that there was little likelihood of
his taking further active part in the
legislation on the District until there was
some evidence that his plans and ideas
would be given consideratIon-and until
every mention Of money did not result
In, wild howl for economy.
Concerning the general subject of econ
omy. Representative Kahn last night
made a few terse comments anent the
"over-ardent saving" during which he
pointed out the danger Of q loss of eff
cheney. though too rigid retrenchment 1
Reasonable economy" said he, has
always been the aim OF the committees
I have served on. This is applicable
to the District OF Columbia. But we
have always endeavored, while pre-
venting the unnecessary expenditure Of
money. to continue that policy of con-
structiveness which we have believed
is in sympathy with the ideas OF all
taxpayers do not believe that a sin
gle man in the United States be-
grudges money spent in the District Of
| Columbia for improvements. Wash
ington, in sense. is a national city.
1t is city visited by persons through
out the United States.
The public at large, we have always
believed. had an Interest in beautifyinE
Washington, and making 1t an ideal
capital. That has been the view of
| others beside myself Personally / be-
lieve We were and are right"
VIII "NAme No Names.-
Mr.. Kahn would indulge in no personal
citations Of what he termed petty pori-
tics" He Furthermore would make no
mention OF the report that he had all
but resigned from the District Commit
tee through lack OF harmony with the
nonprogressive policies OF the Democratic
chairman.
Among the measures which have been
objected to as showing the incapacity of
the District chairman were the bill CALI
ing for the true consideration" Of realty
transactions; the suggestion that police
men in this city be deprived Of their
revolvers; the opposition to the policemen
and firemen's pension fund; the con-
sistant opposition to measures call
ing for the improvement of property or
the erection of buildings. and the sugges-
ton that the nation be relieved OF half
payment on the District debt.
How long II will be before the actual
clash comes In the District Committee
II Is impossible TO say. 1t Is declared,
however, that the clash will come, and