Evening star., 1918-06-12
MR.. MAS0NFAV0RS
DISTRICT SUFFRAGE
IIIinoisan Tells Commerce
Chamber to Put Question
Fairly Up to Congress-.
APPEALS FOR WAR UNITY


Representative William e. Mason of
Illinois told the members Of the
Chamber of Commerce at their last
meeting of the, season. at GIL 18th
street. last night, that If they put
their appeal for self-government
squarly up to Congress as soon as the
war is over, he believes Congress will
heed the request.
THE people of the District can have
what they want IL they organize"
said the speaker. This Is q good or
ganization; get it together. Don't be
afraid to trust yourself with your
own affairs. Don't talk to me about
black and white questions. because 1
believe the people of this city are
capable of managing their city"
Says District Now Is Helpless.
Mr.. Mason told members of the
chamber that under the present form
are helpless.
IF you want two-platoon sys-
tenn for your fire department you ask
Congress, but there is nothing further
you can do. II were your representa-
tive in Congress, however, and didn't
me and give somebody else the job
Mr.. Mason said that as member OF
Congress he did not mind being one of
the aldermen for Washington. but
that he belived in the selection OF
officials by the people, SO that they
would be answerable to the people.
Touches on Profteering.
Touching on the charges Of prof.
teering in Washington. Mr.. Mason
said that. unfortunately. there has
been sone profiteering. but that the
same thing occurred in other cities
where people found they could rent
their property for more money.
II have been in favor of steps by
the government to control the situa-
tion, but 1 could not support the bill
of Mr.. Johnson-a bill which l re-
garded as being unconstitutional and
which I believe would cloud the title
to every piece. Of property In the Dis
trict within twelve months"
Plea for United People in War.
Mr.. Mason made a plea for united
people. This Is not the time to talk
about why we went into the war;" he
said. 1--WE are in it and we must win
it."
He appealed to the American people
not to be overwhelmed by the mob
spirit, and reminded them that every
man with a German name. or who is
technically an alien enemy, Is not
a spy. Referring to cases
in which mobs have forced suspects
to kiss the flag. Mr.. Mason said:
That flag is the most sacred thing
in the world to an American and any
man who lives under it and won't sup
port 1t is not fit to kiss It,"
Mr.. Mason denounced men who are
sticking their arm down into the
Treasury to the elbow. wrapping the
hag around them and saying, Any
body who catches me stealing from
the government is a traitor"
Mr.. Mason declared that he wants
the taxpayers of this country go to
the benefit Of the men who are doing
the actual fighting in France.
The chamber adopted a resolution
of congratulation to Mr.. Mason when
he told them he had to leave imme-
diately after his address to observe
his forty-hfth wedding anniversary.
Outing Question Postponed.
The chamber voted to postpone until
September consideration OF an outing.
This action was taken upon the
Of e special subcom-
mittee headed by William r. GUIDE.
Several members spoke in favor of
an outing, but the vote was taken
after William n. Saunders declared
it was unbecoming for them to talk
Of outings and good times while
American soldiers are sacrificing
front.
The chamber adopted a report of its
public utilities committee indorsing
the stand taken by the United States
Chamber Of Commerce that munich
palities in considering legislation to
further regulate public utilities con-
slider the abormal conditions under
which these corporations are laboring
as a result Of the war. The report
was submitted by James T. Lloyd.
Need Of Red Cross Nurses.
Miss Mary OToole. chairman of the
appointed to represent the
chamber in the drive for Red Cross
nurses, said an effort probably will
be made to interest high school girls
to take up hospital training and that
elderly nurses who have retired would
be urged to serve in the hospitals at
home.
Miss O'Toole said it is the opinion
of experts that no matter how soon
the war ends there will be q demand
for nurses for at least ten years.
The committee named to consider
the proposal to supply post card views
of Washington to the thousands of
soldiers who pass through Washing
ton railroad yards on troops trains
submitted favorable report and the
chamber authorized an appropriation
to purchase the cards. The stamp of
the chamber will be placed on each
card.
War Work Committee Named.
A special war work committee was
appointed to consider a request from
the American Civic Association that
the chamber begin a salvage cam
paign to collect old metals Of all
kinds.
Miss Cecil B. Norton was made
chairman Of q special committee to
investigate the need for community
recreation among workers in industry
in the District.
Three soldiers from Camp Meies-
z. B. CArothsrs, Joseph Moskowitz