Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-04-28
TIME FOR CAPITAL
5. TO Be DEMOCRACY
Senator Underwood and Rep
resentative Johnson Support
Demand for Franchise.
ADDRESS BOARD OF TRADE

which the President has sad. Is 1oT ne
mocracy, was point developed oy
spcak ers at a meeting of the Washing
ton Board of Trade at the New wizard
Hotel last evening. Senator oscar In
derwood of Alabama and Representa-
tive johnson Of South Dakota made
strong pleas for the fun enfranchise-
ment Of the people of the DIStrlct OF
Columbia They made their statements
following q declaration by Theodore W.
Moves that the great principles for
which the United States was fighting
IN the world war were being crucifed
in the capital of the nation.
Mr. Noyes, who made his statement IN
a report as acting chairman OF the spe-
cial committee on the political STATUS
Of the residents of the District of Co
lumpia had urged that legislative ac-
tion should be taken by Congress to
give the residents of Washington rep
resentation in that body.
Local Government Chief.
Senator Underwood declared that,
"If all you want is a seat in Congress,
you've got a very small part OF the
share of the government to- which You
are entitled.
The real thing that comes closest
to the man and 10 the home Is the
local government, under which YOU We
got to exist, said Mr.. Underwood.
National expenditures never come as
close 10 you as local expenditures In
the end the man who governs your
city comes closer to you than the man
in the national government possibly
can. The man who runs your school
system, who has charge of your santa
tion, of your police and fire depart
ments. is much closer to you than the
man who makes the laws of the ma
tional government.
For so long a time has the Presi-
dent appointed the Commissioners and
for so long time have the people of
the states governed you. that ] fear
some of your citizens have forgotten
that the people have right to a voice
in their government"
Senator Underwood asserted that it
was not the intention of the Constitu-
ton to take away from the residents of
the District their right to a voice in
the government.
One Vote Is Assured.
He said that the laws of the states
reflect the sentiments of the residents
of those states. But the laws of the
District of Columbia are not the re-
fiected sentiment of the men into
You have no part in making the laws
affecting your happiness. Local condi-
lions differ in various parts of the
country. The men from the states will
not make as satisfactory laws for you
to live under as you could make for
yourselves. 81
It am with you on this proposition
But you have only asked for half the
loaf. and that is the worse half. You
are entitled to local self-government
in the District. and when you have
nerve enough to ask for 1t yourselves
it."
Senator Underwood predicted
greater Washington. You have
great city here, but Rou are going to
have a greater one" he said. He pro-
phesied that Washington would be-
come the greatest city in the United
States in the course of time.
When Senator Underwood entered the
meeting room last night the entire au-
dience rose en- mass and. led by the
Glee Club. sang America A refer
ence made by the senator from Ala
bama to the fact that his son is a cap
tain in the army brought forth long
applause.
Talks in Humorous Vein.
Representative johnson, for the most
part, spoke in a humorous vein. He
spoke briefly on his attitude toward the
District and expressed the opinion that
the capital should get representation
in Congress before seeking other
rights. He remarked humorously that
1--WE who come from little places of four
and five hundred inhabitants are well
qualified to settle all your problems;
we know all about sanitation systems
and other similar things to be found in
great cities"
Mr.. Noyes dwelt at length on the
anomaly Of the people in the District
having to pay taxes and go to war. yet
having no voice in the making of the
laws. He called attention to the pa
trtotism which always has been shown
by Washingtonians, and said that the
fact they have no voice in the govern
ment would not prevent them from fight
ing enthusiastically in the present war,
but urged that this was the proper time to
grant rights to this city. when the govern
worldwide democracy.
Discusses Home Defense League.
Commissioner Louis Brownlow ex-
planned the purposes and scope of the
Home Defense League. He explained
that the proposed Organization is not
to be military in character, but rather
Is to be a second line of defense He
expressed the hope that the league
might never see service. But If we
do need you. we shall need you badly"
he said.
Commissioner Brownlow spoke briefly
on the increase in the number of DO
1fcemen in the District, and explained
that the salaries Of both officers and
privates had been raised. The last two
years. he said, had been more success
full than any two years preceding He
lauded the work of Mai. Pullman, SUI
perintendent of police, whose untiring
EFFORTS have been a great inspiration
TO the men. he said.
Upon motion of Odell s. Smith. chair
man OF the committee on public or
der OF the Board of Trade 1t was de-
cfded to cooperate with the Home De-
Tense League, and the committee was
empowered to undertake the enroll
ment of members of the board as mem
bers of the league. Action also was
taken. upon motion of Mr. Smith, in
dorsing CONSUMPTION.
Makes Plea for Red Cross.
President E. c. Brandenburg urged al
members of the board to contribute tt
the Red Cross. Contributions are no,
coming In as rapidly as they might
he said It hope there will not be .
very heavy drain upon this fund, blu,
u is matter of preparedness"