Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-08-31
DISTRICT DELEGATE
URGED BY CITIZENS
Fail, However, to Agree Upon
Method of SeIeC-
ton.
OYSTER VOICES DEFIANCE
TO THOSE ATTACKING HIM
Glad He Votes in Pennsylvania, He
Declares at Federation
Meeting.

Unanimous approval of the proposal
that the District OF Columbia be repre-
sented in Congress by a delegate was
voiced by the Federation of Citizens As
sociations at Il special meeting in the
Chamber of Commerce last night
Although indorsinS the principle in
volved the federation refused to qualify
the proposition by expressing prefer
ence to whether delegates should be
elected or nominated, and also declined
to insert a clause stipulating that such
an official shall have been a bona fide
resident of the District of Columbia for
at least nve years prior to his taking
office.
Decision on this point was reached
only after William }. Neale, secretary
OF the federation and prominent MEM
Der of the nome rule committee which
is contesting the eligibility or Com
missioner Newman and Assistant AS
SCISSOR Oyster to serve in their re-
spect1ve capacities because they are al
legged to be non-residents, had spoken
in favor Of the residence clause and
Mr.. Oyster, who, likewise, is a member
of the federation, had opposed it,
Oyster Expresses Pride.
Mr.. Oyster admitted that he votes in
the state of Pennsylvania, which is
the basis of the fight being made to
Gust him from the position Of assistant
assessor, but declared that he never
was prouder of the fact than now.
The motion to establish bona fide
residence or nve years as qualifica-
ton for appointment as a delegate was
lost by a single vote, the members op-
posing the proposition declaring that,
In their opinion, Congress Is the
proper body to determine how a dele
gate shall be chosen
In addition to considering the dele
gate question. the federation discussed
the investigation of District affairs
now being conducted by the House
District committee. Because none of
the associations having membership in
the federation had formally presented
this matter, 1t was decided that the
central body was without authority to
take action on any of the suggestions
proposed.
One OF the suggestions was that q
be appointed to represent
the federation before the House in
vestigators and insist that the Dis
trict be given a fair chance while it is
under fire.
Cites Old Expenditures.
President D. A. Edwards referred to
the fact that prior to 1873 Washing
ton taxpayers expended about $4,000
600 more than did the federal govern
ment for improvements which are now
appropriated for on a joint basis. He
also called attention to the Districts
revenues having been used to meet a
payment on account of
the construction Of the Lydecker tun-
mel, and declared that If the House
committee intends to dig up old
charges as further drain upon the
Capital. equities due the District, such
as those referred to, also should be
taken into account.
James NJ. Wood, former superinten-
dent of the District street cleaning de-
partment, opposed the federation TAX
-ng cognizance OF the investigation, but
Snowden Ashford, municipal architect,
took different view of the matter.
Mr.. Ashford said that the Investigation
itself is proper. but that there are GER
tain features of it which the people of
Washington would be justified in criti-
clsing.
Disregard Of Personal Rights.
There has been a disregard of the
personal rights of some of those inves-
tigated," he said. They have not been
shown the consideration that was due
them
Mr. Ashford said he did not doubt the
sincerity of Chairman Johnson and the
members of the committee, but that he
is opposed to some of the methods they
are using in conducting the investiga-
ton.
That the House committee, while it is
looking into local affairs, should inveSu-
gate some of the acts or it's own chair
man was the declaration of Secretary
Neale. Mr.. Neale said that Chairman
Johnson admitted carrying revolver
when he thought he was being followed
by a person VINO had designs on his life,
and held that the committee should make
an investigation to determine why MIR.
Johnson did not report the case To the
district attorney.
No action was taken by the fedora
ton on a report submitted by COM
mi.tee of which Allan Davis. principal of
Business High School, is chairman, rec
ommending that the District Commission
ers rather than the subcommittee OF
the House appropriations committee. be
given authority to decide how the an
nual appropriations for the District shall
be expended. This matter will be taken
up al a future meeting.
Opposes Railway Deal.
William Nick. Clayton, chairman of
the public utilities committee of the fed
Grafton, stated that the committee will
oppose the granting of permission by the
public utilities commission to the Balti-
more and Ocean City Railway Company
TO issue $119.3OO worth of stock for the
purpose of taking over the street railway
line extending from the l4th street rail
way terminal to Takoma Park.
f. S. Clarkson of the Piney Branch As
sociation W. H. Richardson of Benning,
George II. Russell of Park View, p. E.
Mckinney of Randle Highlands and del
egates of a number Of other associations
attended the meeting. The next regular
session of the federation will be held in
October.