Evening star., 1915-01-20
VARIANCE IN OPINIONS
OF RIDER LEGISLATION
Petworth Citizens Postpone Action
on Resolution Commencing Effort
Of Senator Sheppard.

When 4 resolution commencing the
effort of Senator Morris Sheppard of
Texas to put prohibition amendment
in the District of Columbia appro-
priation bill was introduced by Jesse
&. Suter at a meeting of the Petworth
citizens Association last night It re-
suited in an exchange of views which
indicated that there is wide differ
ence of opinion among the members
concerning the propriety of rider
legislation.
c. ]. James, president of the associa-
legislation such as that proposed by
Senator Sheppard vicious.
Senator Sheppard represents a state
which has voted down prohibition" !"
said Mr.. James. He is attempting to
bring about prohibition in the Dis
trict in order to gain favor with a
minority in his state that favors pro-
the District of Columbia something
that he knows it does not want
Favored by E. w. Oyster.
E. W. Oyster spoke in favor of rider
legislation, saying that if IT had not
been for this type of legislation the
Jones-Works excise law could not have
been accomplished. He also spoke in
favor of prohibition.
Let the brewers turn their plants
into paper or flour mills" said Mr..
Oyster.
When the discussion turned to the
matter of referendum vote in the
District to determine the wishes of
the citizens regarding prohibition c. T.
Richardson suggested that action on
the resolution commencing Senator
sheppard be postponed until the next
meeting in order that the entire men,
bership of the association may be CIV
en- an opportunity to vote
In this way we will at least get
the opinion of Petworth citizens" said
Mr.. Richardson.
Mr.. Richardson's suggestion was
adopted, and in the call for the next
meeting of the association mention will
he made that the resolution commend
ing Senator Sheppard will be consid-
cred.
Advocates Single Tax.
Tax Reform in the District of Co
lurnbia' was the subject of an address
by Jackson III. Ralston, delivered after
the regular business had been conclud-
ed Mr.. Ralston's address was devoted
d
nation of the single tax idea, and but
little reference was made to the Dis
trict. The present plan of taxation In
;ogue almost everywhere is illogical
and oppressive, he said.
Z. W. Oyster. member of the board OF
tax assessors and also an advocate OF
the single tax, told the members of the
association what the system of single
illustrated his remarks with chart
showing the square bounded by Geor-
gia avenue and Sth street and Ran
dolph and Shepherd streets. If the sin
gle tax system were in vogue, he said
the improved lots in this square woult
be taxed $3.50 less and the unimproveo
lots would be taxed 5000 more. The
saving In taxes would be $3.50 for the
square. he said.
The committee on transportation re-
ported on the running schedule now ir
operation on the 9th street car line be-
tween Louisiana avenue and Upshui
street, which is believed to be satisfac.
tory. The schedule is only temporary
and has not been definitely agreed upor
by the public utilities commission.
The committee on streets and side
walks reported that a letter had beer
sent to the Commissioners directing at
tention to sidewalk Improvement.
needed In Petworth.
The association held its meeting ir
INC newly lTSt tnlte0 fres
byterian Church. New Hampshire ave
nue. and Randolph street
Resolutions urging the Commission
ers to take steps to carry out that por
tion of the Mcmillan park plan whicl
provides for the widening of Varnun
street between the Municipal Hospita
and the east gate of the Soldiers HON,
were adopted.
New members were elected as fol
lows: D. Y. Engel1. Rufus p. Embrey
o. ]. Woodson, A. B. Lank. John A. Car
man and DIR. J. Baldwin Rutherford