The Washington herald., 1917-01-10

Prominent Washington business ano
professional men last night suohsls
voiced their regret over the defeat OF
the Underwood referendum amendment
by the Senate yesterday afternoon.
While there were a number to whom
the passage Of the Sheppard prohioltlon
bill was of no concern, they neverthe-
less expressed ne belief that citizens of
the District OF Columbia should not De
denied the right of expressing their WISH
before LEGISLATION of vital Importance
was thrust upon them.
To many the killing of the Underwood
bill seemed to be serious blow to the
future hopes Of the right to the ballot
by Washingtonians-
While those fghting for the referendum
felt that they suffered setback by the
Senate's action, they were not discour-
aged and It is understood that con-
certed effort will be made to gain favor
able consideration in the House.
The District Of Columbia Referendum
League again will be the leader in this
final effort. It was said last night that
every effort of the league will be aimed
at the House. The league has the back
ing of the most prominent business men
IN this city.
The prohibition element will not re-
main idle. Encouraged by their success
in the Senate the "drys" will wage their
fight with renewed energy and the House
will no doubt witness a lively conflict
when the issue comes up for a vote.
sinclair Urges Referendum.
\. Leftwich Sinclair, newly elected
president of the Washington Chamber
OF Commerce, said:
MAY l say that 1 view with deep re-
Crct the defeat of the Underwood amend
ment, which would have given the citi-
zens of the District the right to vote
upon a measure Immediately affecting
their welfare.
Il do not care to discuss the Sheppard
bill but I do want to say this-that the
peorIe Of the District should not be de-
MED the right that the citizenship Of all
other communities enjoy, namely, to de-
eide by the ballot grave questions af-
fecting their mode of living and their ltv-
ing conditions.
TT there is one thing for which
shall strive with all the life and vigor
that is within me, 1t is that the residents
Of the District of Columbia shall no
longer be disfranchised. We not only
need the ballot, but we have the right
to IT. Let US all get together ar con-
vince a fair and liberal Congre 5 that
now is the time to give US this ght."
Moran Deplores Defea,.
P. T. Moran, retiring presiden' Of the
Washington Chamber of Commerce, said
Il view with regret the defeat OF the
suffrage amendment for the District by
the Senate yesterday. The right to a
referendum vote would mean more tc
Washington than most people realize. II
Is not alone this prohibition measure
which is being thrust upon the people
without their consent that makes ms
complain, but what is in store for US II
the future.
Are we not justified in assuming that
II the Sheppard bill becomes a law with
out the voice Of the people, it may Just
be a forerunner Of what Is to come? May
not other Issues come up which will vi
tally affect the interests of every either
CT Washington when we must sit back
II We like the legislation or not, because
We have no say?"
Isaac Cans Hopeful.
Isaac Cans, of the firm Of Saks & Co.
and second vice president of the Wash
ington Chamber Of Commerce. said: