Evening star., 1915-05-11
URGES COOPERATION
OF CITIZEN BODIES
Power of Associations When Bound
Together, Theme of E. F.
Colladay.
Says They Are Recognized by the
Authorities as Exponents of
Public Opinion.

The power of citizens associations
bound together in a central organiza- =
tion as a representative body was at
tested to by f. F. Colladay. president
of the Federation of Citizens Associat-
tions. last night, speaking before the
Mid-City Citizens Association. Presi-
dent Colladay declared that citizens
associations, so united. distinctly re-
feet public opinion, and in SO doing are
a recognized authority to which heed
is given by the administrators of pub
lie affairs.
The central organization, under any
name, he commented. provided ma
chinery to make the voice of the cit'-
zens of the District of Columbia effec-
tive. Public opinion, he said, Is the
most powerful thing in the world, and
is what the President is waiting for
now.
Sneers at the activities of citizens
associations, he said. have ceased. He
urged citizen bodies to increase and
multiply. declaring the membership
was made up of men who had interest
in public affairs and who had some
views to set forth on the conduct OF
local government.
Evidence Of Recognition.
He pointed to the fact that the board
of Commissioners and the committees
of Congress have given recognition to
the Federation Of Citizens Associations
and to the various citizen bodies. They
had part in shaping the estimates and
in preparing the program of commun-
ity betterments, he asserted.
Reviewing the history of the District
of Columbia in its relations with the
federal government. Mr.. Colladay told
of conditions in Philadelphia while that
city was the seat of government, when
was without authority to suppress
rioting. as the Quaker city was not
federal territory nor were it's peace
officers under federal control.
This situation gave emphasis to the
idea of seat of government absolute
ly under control of Congress, and actu-
ated the arrangements and legislation
that established the District Of Column
bia as the residence OF Congress ana
the administration. :.
There were nineteen plantations on
the site of the District of Columbia
when the federal government pro-
ceeded to acquire the land. Mr.. Colladay
said. There were practically no resi-
dents. The two million dollars accru-
ing to the government from the sale of
alternate lots vested in 1t by tho agree
ment with tho original owners was de-
voted to construction Of public build
g.
betterments.
Thanks the Commissioners.
Following Mr.. Colloday's remarks.
the organization gave evidence Of it's
influence as an exponent of public
opinion in resolutions of appreciation
addressed to the board of Commits
sioners, returning thanks for It's ac-
quiesence in the demand for farmers
line at K Street market, for improved
lighting Of 7th street and for Its ad-
yocacy before congressional committees
of the demand for resurfacing of 7th
street. project carried through
1t was announced that the work on
resurfacing 7th street will begin ap-
proximately July /. The laying of cleo
trio conduits. II was said, will cause
some small delay.
The association voted 500 to the ex-
| penses of the committee of the Fedora
| tion of Citizens Association incurred in
| preparing material for the case of the
| District of Columbia to be presented
| before the joint committee of Congress
| investigating fiscal relations with the
! federal government.
| Ernest d. Hoffman was admitted to
! he