Evening star., 1915-01-29

in the northwestern part of Washing
ton. known as Massachusetts Avenue
opened up as a residence district and
provided with water service. The
records show that the actual cost of
laying service mains in this territory
was $4,000, and that the assessment
under existing law was $4,000. SO that
the water department.. without the eX-
penditure of a dollar from its revenues,
Is prepared to serve large additional
area. 1t is true that if we should de-
termine the exact cost of extending
the service to suburban districts and
charge it to the property it would be
possible to reduce the present water
rates. but it seems preferable to pay
for the necessary additions other than
service mains out of the water depart
ment fund and adhere to the rates now
established.
The water rates charged in this city
are not exorbitant, and are very much
lower than the rates charged i'll many
other cities comparable to this in size
and character. If any change is made
it would be better to increase the present
frontage tax of $1.25 per foot.
This brief statement" concluded
Maj. Kutz. shows that the water de-
partment is on good. sound financial
enterprise it could pay interest on the
original Investment, and that the
equities as between the United States
and the District of Columbia have been
well preserved"
President Evans Talks.
Get all we can; do all we can; work
all We cantor the best interests of the
west end first, and other sections of the
city next" was put forth as the shib-
boleth Of the association by George W.
Evans. president.
I've beg no favors from any source"
he continued. 'and only ask a square deal
In matters affecting our affairs. Nor are
we knockeh or tax dodgers, as has been
charged. We take our medicine as it is
given to us, although at times we find
it quite bitter
I'VE pay all taxes assessed against US
without protest and with equal regularity !;
and. as good citizens. obey the laws, rules
and regulations, whether they are fair
and just or not
Justice A. B. Hagner. formerly of the
Supreme Court of the District of Colum-
bia; Edward T. Colladay, president of
the Federation of Citizens Associations
J: F: Oyster, Judge Henry Randall Webb.
NJ. F. Finley and William H Dennis were
guests and speakers of the evening. To
enliven the occasion fake kilograms were
read, purporting to be from various men
in public life, and referring to traits of
character recognized as attaching to
them.
President Evans, in his address, de-
clared that the organization wishes to
urge Congress to adhere to the provisions
Of the organic act Of 1878. and the half
and-half agreement therein. He sug-
sested that this arrangement should be
continued until some duly constituted COM
mission of Congress. after thorough in
vestigation Of the financial affairs of the
District of Columbia. may recommend
some other plan that will permanently fix
or determine future relations between the
District of Columbia and the federal gov
ernment.
This association" he said ''has gone
on record as opposed to any form of
class legislation in the District of Co
lumbia. We object to this District be-
ing made the experimental place for
measures proposed for congressional
approval that will in any way affect
our rights and privileges as is consti-
tutionally provided for all American
citizens. And we declare that we should
be allowed to give expression to our
opinions and wishes by vote or some
other like method, whether or not we
desire to have forced upon US without
our consent any such measures that
may be detrimental to individual inter
ests or our property rights. We be-
lieve in majority vote of the people
on all such questions. and will stand
by such vote, whichever way it may
go