The Washington herald., 1917-06-16
ANTI-MERGER
ARGUMENT HIT
Can't Use Citizens Associ-
alton as Tool, Declares
Mcnamara.

Martin ]. Mcnamara, a prominent
attorney and president of the Central
Citizens Association, which is affil-
lated with the Federation of Citizens
Association, in a statement issued last
! night, makes a vigorous protest
against the use Of the latter organi-
zation as a tool to mould arguments
,, against the merger Of Washington's
trade bodies.
1T seems to me, that Intentional
or otherwise, the Federation of Citi-
zens' Associations is unconsciously be-
ing put forward as the main argument
movement and I for one must protest.
AS l have studied this movement
and the discussion for amalgamation
Of the trade bodies, and l. have fol-
lowed 1t closely, 1 know that the alb
| sorption of the citizens associations
has never been seriously considered.
May l say that opponents and pro-
ponents Of this movement for one
central body or organization of trade
bodies, will agree that the citizens
associations fulfill a very useful func-
community benefits The Board of
District Commissioners relies upon
these organizations for recommended
tons and suggestions for neighbor-
hood improvements, and they get them
1 "
terested. Our duties are largely con-
cerned with neighborhood problems,
but through our delegates to the fed
GRAFTON we keep in touch with the
entire city, and work in harmony for
the general welfare.
THE citizens associations have
grown constantly in influence and
membership, and while We are will
ing to cooperate in the fullest sense
with the proposed new. body, the idea
nf nnarCfn0 uytfh 10 nf and
Illogical. L have talked with many
men interested in the merger and they
one and all gay that the federation
should retain Its separate entity"
City OvererganIzed.
interested in the development OF
Washington and the progress of the
merger movement. 1t would be that
the city is overorganized in relation
to its trade bodies. In making this
statement as business man un-
aniiliated with any one of them. l
might say that in my opinion 1t re-
fleets the judgement of hundreds of
other business men who are potential
timber for membership in a central
and representative body.
Quoting from the strongest print
ed argument / have seen against, the
merger. All of the Washington or
ganizattons have as their great object
the welfare Of Washington, but they
campaign for this end along different
lines Of approach and by different
methods Of attack say that is
precisely the case and the exact truth.
and in the degree that they are di-
yided 10 methods is their influence
dissipated. A single voice, sound and
authoritive lis the answer. -
ITO quote further from the same
argument: After the perfection of
its organization of bureaus as sub
stitutes for committees and with
managing secretary of great powers
and high salary, there would be an
outcry against bureaucratic alien
dictatorship and another organization
.op other lines would evolve Pro-
phecies and anticipation do not con-
stitute arguments. We must profit by
experience. The livest commercial or
ganizations in the United States are
run upon the bureau plan. In the
anal analysis there is little distinction
between accomplishing a result by the
bureau method than through, com
mfttees The history OF Influential or
ganisations in other fcities which are
* eeyusuEp 0atrAss Two. 3