The Washington herald., 1913-04-27

mented In all sections Of the city and
among all conditions of Its residents, It
has been the subject of countless meet
ings. curb-side talks. club lectures. and
public debates Self-government for the
people Of Washington has been agitated
equally among the people and among the
members Of Congress, and apparently a
demand for a word in the administration
Of their affairs has been awakened in
many of the citizens.
Many of the citizens associations have
debated the desirability Of p change in
the form Of local government Some
have recommended such change, and
some have opposed it, Among the asso-
Citations opinion seems to be about
equally divided.
Federation Generally Satisfied.
Judging from opinion expressed by its
delegates at the first discussion of the
subject. most of the members of the
federation are in favor of continuing
the present form of District government.
An William Nick. Clayton expressed it
on the night that this subject was
brought before the federation, Members
of Congress have been made the objects
of such insistence by those who desire
to effect change to self-government in
the District that determination has
sideration soon measures for the accom-
plishment of such change" Mr.. Clayton
advised his feilow-members to study the
question thoroughly before making rec
ommendation for or against change.
One citizens association after another
has sent memoranda to the District Com
missioners and to the committees in
Congress on the District urging an in
crease of the police force Among the
first associations to pass resolutions
voicing this request were those of Park
View, Brightwood, Brightwood Park, ard
Takoma Park Members have stated at
meetings of these associations that their
police protection at night consisted OF
one and, one-quarter policemen TO scores
Of miles of streets
Requests from the associations that
the District police force be enlarged have
been alphabetically received by the
District heads, but although Congress
has favorably considered many of the
statements of community needs made by
the associations, members Of the House
District Committee have resolutely re-
fused to entertain the making of any
appropriation for additional policemen.
The federation also has recommended
the provision for a larger police force.
Several fragrant crimes committed on
Washington have determined many OF
the associations to carry on campaign
for additional policemen still more &C
lively during the coming year.
Object to Special Details.
John G. McGrath, president or the
Park View Citizens Association. states
that his association will work again this
year for an increased force. His asso-
citation also mas often objected Ito the
detailing of patrolmen from the present
small force to guard special property or
persons, or to do special duty in guard
ing entertainments.
lin crow laws" so-called, have occu-
pied a large place in the discussions OF
the associations during the last year.
The Anacostia Citizens Association has
been trying for several years to get
legislation for the District segregating
the members of the negro race in special
street cars. This question. together with
that of obtaining legislation forbiddng
marriages between persons of different
color, also has been taken up by num-
Der of other associations. The jim
crow laws also are being considered by
a committee of the federation, which
probably will reach some conclusion as
to the desirabifAy of this legislation be-
fore its last meeting for this year. Along
the same lines, the North Washington
Citizens Association has passed several
resolutions calling upon its members 10