The Washington herald., 1913-09-14
THE OPEN FORUM
Only n De Facto Government

Only n De FRcto Government!
To the Editor: II the proposition that
governments derive their just powers
from the consent OF the governed be
true philosophy. and IL IT be yet revered
in this land OF the free" then the Dis
tTict Of Columbia, for nearly forty years,
has had a de facto government only,
and not a constitutional one. (Only ad in
terim)
What kind OF a government have we
in this city and District anyhow? And
why have we what we have? How did
it all come about? How many American
citizens in the rest OF the country. and
even in this District, know how and why
we are now a benevolent despotism?'
About sixteen years ago. in Buenos
Ayrss, Argentina South America, l was
asked by some German and British
friends why 1t was that citizens in
your great American Capital, Washing
ton are not allowed to vote. With no
little chagrln 1 had to admit I did not
know, l was then like most Americans,
fear, are yet: 1 knew the fact, but
not the why OF 1t. Since then 1 have
looked up the matter, II Is interesting
though far from flattering for free in
stitutions,
1 have no wish to write anything dis
paraging OF Washington. In some re-
spects 1t is unsurpassed by any city of its
size, among scores that ! have visited.
But facts are stubborn things, and must
be faced whether they smile or frown
upon US. What are the facts as to the
district Of Columbia? l mean in a politi-
cal sense. 1t would take a long article
to give even a few of the facts. A few
hints must serve our present purpose.
Suppose We are explaining to an in
quiring stranger, as l was asked to do in
South America. Oh, yes, our country is
a republic, and we have free sovereign
States, and all that but in this District
we are, yes, We are under the ConStitu-
ton, in a way, that is, We are under
Congress, or rather. that is to say, We
have changed the Federal District to
benevolent despotism;' it was changed
from a Democratic to monarchical gov
ernment to save 1t from financial ruin
nearly forty years agoi No, the people
did not do it; they were not consulted.
It may be somewhat difficult for US at
first to comprehend the beauty, balance,
and harmony Of conducting a "benevol
ent despotism'' by Republican govern
mental machinery, but it evidently can
be done; that Is. Republican in pretense,
and despotic In fact. There Is no home
rule" Our offices are filed largely from
beyond our bounds.
1 may not be fully informed, but I
have not depended upon my unsidlled
powers to comprehend this anomalous
government marvel. have sought first
hand enlghtment from veterans of the
District who are enamored Of the present
order, and profit by it; such have said to
me, this wise:
You see, sir, some forty years ago,
after the Union army had saved the ma
ton. and, freed the slave. we found II
necessary to abolish the ballot in order
to preserve free government unde6led
for our city,"
He must be a duIl-wftted freeman who
does not appreciate the high-grade com
edy In such patriotic ardor.
belong TO the District Suffrage League
as q patriotic duty, just as would have
signed the Declaration OF Independence
in ITS had been there, and been per-
nitted. Such weIl-known citizens as ex-
Senator blair, DR.. Thomas E. Well, Mai.
Owen, and scores like them. men and
women, are workers in this league. What
fort Full acknowledgement Of our adult
citizens to make this city and District
like the rest of the country. We want
self government and actual home rule,
and It Is coming. Our de facto govern
ment, II It ever was excusable. Is out Of
date; we want the real thing, outright
freedom, and the Constitution Who
wants less? No one, unless he has some
selfish purpose
delegate In Congress? Yes. until we
secure constitutional amendment, allow
ing Cong'essmen and Senators. But no
compromise, and no halfway measure
And no property qualification test; there
are others than money-made patriots.
The man Ehould vote. not his money or
his mItie And the woman, and not her
bank account.
JAMES HUGH KELLEY.
eoe East Capitol Stree.