Evening star., 1914-12-29
Protest Against Change.

Therefore, we respectfully protest
against any change in our existing
form of government or its mode of ad-
ministration, unless, as suggested
herein; and we object to the recent in
/ crease of assessments on real property
because we believe such action un-
necessarily burdensome to an extent
beyond reason, and that it produces
revenue which, with the proper con-
tribution from the United States, ex-
ceeds the legitimate needs of the Dis
trict of Columbia, and imposes bur
den we ought not to be called upon to
bear.
FIRST: That payment shall be made
to the District Of all that may be due
by reason Of departure from the CON-
pact Of 1878. In other words. Congress
peal it and let the people Of the Dis.
trict of Columbia look after their owr
affairs. This. we know. Congress will
not do. consequently we very justly
complain because Of departure from its
lative or special benefits shall be as.
sumed to exist and assessed with ref.
erence to land necessary for new
streets, thus avoiding the present prac-
tice Of requiring our people to pay
twice for the same public advantage
or Improvement, because we assume
and have right to assume, that ali
Increased valuations II they exist by
ments will be ascertained by the gen
eral assessors, always in offlce, and
whose sworn duty 1t Is to levy assess
ments accordingly.
Use of Current Revenues.
Third. That all current revenues
shall be used for current expenses, in
cluding interest on bonded indebted
ness and contributions to sinking
fund.
Fourth. That a long-term loan or
pond issue shall be authorized from
the proceeds of which payment should
be made for all large and extraordi-
nary improvements OF permanent
character, designed and necessary for
the future as well as the present gen
Grafton.
Then there will be no necessity for
continued increase Of taxation on real
estate except as its actual value ad-
vances. It will be in demand. People
would rather own land within the Dis
quests of the Commissioners for cur
rent expenses can and will be granted
instead OF denied as they now are, and
the entire District of Columbia will
last become the greater pride of the
nation and command the admiration
of the world
Building Of Town Hall Suggested.
Troop II, Boy Scouts Of that suburb
were present in a body at last nights s
meeting for the purpose Of presenting
the question Of erecting a suitable
place in which the troop might hold its
meetings. The association is also de-
sirous OF securing a permanent suit
able meeting place, and after some
discussion 1t was decided to cooperate
with the Boy Scouts in endeayoring to
erect public town hall. 1t was re-
ported that Col. Randle had expressed
his willingness to donate a lot upon
which this structure could be erected
and also to give a quantity Of logs
II log hall could be built President
Barker appointed committee to look
into the matter and decide upon the
best course to follow.
Further discussion was held regard
ing the location of the proposed new
Eastern High School. President Barker
stated he had been unofficially advised
that public hearing would be grant
ed before a site was definitely de-
ctded upon. The boundaries of the as
soctation were also established and
Will be sent to the District authorities.
A new street light is to be placed on
25th street between Naylor road and
r street A cinder sidewalk is also
desired on this street