The Washington times., 1913-03-15

This arrangement shows that of the fourteen
members of the old committee FIVE drop out; while
in the new committee, FIVE new men 60 on. The
veterans who have served heretofore on this com.
mittee, and who leave it, are Ganger, Curtis,
Briggs, Paynter, and Johnston. The FIVE new men,
bers are Kern, Hollis, James, Salisbury and Golf.
Senator Gallinger, many years chairman of the
committee and without doubt the possessor OF more
information about District matters than any other
man in Congress, leaves the committee, though he
does not leave Congress
In the nature of things, reorganizations Of the
District legislative power so sweeping as this must
be unfortunate in many results. Here is city
council of fourteen members, five of whom are
brand new men in town." Is there any other city
in America that would be found in such situation
Is it conceivable that any city managing its af-
fairs would nave council made up in that way?
As matter of fact, the immediate changes in
the committees personnel do not tell the whole
story Of the members of the reorganized commit
tee, majority either and entirely inexperi-
enced men in District affairs or have served so
short a time on the committee that none of them
would claim anything like adequate acquaintance
with local conditions.
The Senators VINO in such circumstances are COM
PEELED and to do their best are, of course,
not to blame. They might be the ablest men in Con-
gress the new committee, indeed does contain some
men of this rank But that is not the point. man
who doesn't know Pennsylvania avenue from G
street, and who couldn't find the Anacosta flats with
out asking policeman to direct him, is far from
being equipped to deal with the intimate problems
of this city. Nobody would admit this more readily
than the men who are drafted for this service
The trouble is that the system does not lend itself
to efficiency. Two years ago there was sweeping
reorganization of the House committee; now comes
the Senate committee and some further revision of
the House body as we'll. Concidentaly, we are to
have a new District Commisson and it must be
appointed by new President, who likewise is not
acquainted with local conditions.
So from the overlordsnip at the White House,
down through the executive and legislative divisions
of its government the District is in the hands, to
very large extent of men strange to their tasks.
Is it any wonder that, under such conditions,
Washington manages to be misunderstood, suspected
of extravaganza, accused of ineficiency in its ad
ministraton? ANY other result would be marvel
The new chairman of the Senate committee
Senator Smith of Maryland, is a gentleman with
whom The Times has had occasion frankly-very
frankly-to disagree about some incidents of his
service in Washington. 1t has made free to express
its opinions with such vigor as seemed fitting. But
Senator Smith, none the less, is good deal better
choice for chairman of the District committee than
some others that might have been made. He is a
successful business man; and business experience
that might have distorted his vision of lumber sched
ules might very we'll be a most useful equipment
for handling the business problems of this city, We
hope it will prove true. The Senator, by reason of
the intimate relations between the District and his
State of Maryland, has taken keen interest in
Washington affairs; his geographical situation has
given him better opportunity than most Senators
could possibly have for getting a broad view of
Washington affairs. He has more than once demon
strated understanding of and sympathy for the in
terests and ambitions of the Capital City; and as
chairman of the committee he will have a great
opportunity to perform effective service.