Evening star., 1914-11-17
VALUE Of CIVIC BODIES
TO DISTRICT IS CITED
Half-and-Half Principle Saved by
Activities, Says Frank P.
Leetch.
Retiring President of the George
town Citizens Association Sug-
gests Further Work.

Some who have not allied themselves
with any of our local civic bodies," de-
clared Frank l.. Leetch, retiring presi-
dent of the Georgetown Citizens Asso-
citation. at it's meeting last night, ARE
disposed to minimize their value. But
for them much in the way of vicious
legislation would be passed by Con-
gress. and legislation of a desira BILE
character would fail of enactment for
lack of interest and initiative on the
part of members of Congress.
Had it not been for the widespread
interest and activities of our citizen
ship, the halfandhalf principle of the
organic act of the District of Columbia
might have been abrogated, or SO seri-
cusly amended as to work irreparable
damage to the real estate and business
interests of our citizens.
Dangerous Precedent Set.
"As IL was. the iniquitous Borland
amendment to the current District ap-
preparation bill slipped through our
Congress and set a dangerous precedent
for further encroachment on the half
and-half principle. Had the citizens
been awake to the consequences and
lnJuSticeS of this feature of the Dis
trict bill, and presented IL massed front
in opposition thereto. backed by the
logic of right, under the compact with
the federal government, ] am convinced
that it would have failed of enactment
into law. In my opinion we Will not
fulfill our duty in the coming year if
we do not use what influence we can
bring to bear to rectify this wrong"
lacking direct representation in
Congress-" continued the speaker, Il
.,.ii more than ever convinced of the
value and necessity for such organiza-
tons as ours.
Officers Are Elected.
Oficers for the ensuing year were
elected as follows: John Hadley Doyle,
president. Il. A. Bowles. first vice
president: DIR. II. Janney Nichols. Sec
ond vice president; $. Gordon, secre-
tary, and William Dougal, treasurer.
The retiring president was given ris-
ing vote OF thanks by the association
for his two years of service.
Approval of the Kahn bill providing
for free street car rides for firemen
while in uniform was given by the as
sociation, and the committee on legis-
iation to be appointed by the new
president will be directed to person.
ally further the project. This action
by the association Followed a brief
talk by Charles W. Gill. prominently
connected With the Firemen Associa-
ton of America. who urged the citi-
zens TO go on record as favoring mo-
toriZlug the Georgetown fire depart
ment, free car rides for firemen in uni
form and an adequate pension bill for
fremen'S widows.
Only Large City Denying Privilege.
washington is the only large city
in the United States that does not grant
its tiremen the courtesy of free car
rides" declared Mr.. Gill.
A member of the association bringing
up the question OF sprinkling George
town streets, which he said some won-
en- had declared 10 be dusty, 1t was
decided by the association that George
town citizens are we'll satisfied with
the condition of their streets, as gem
eral proposition, feeling that the
"white wings" are performing satis-
work ,.... ..,,.
tn. serving of refreshments follow
ed the business of the night. TWO new
members admitted were l.. Il. Perkins
and Charles V. Hilton.