The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1921-12-28
SENATORS
IN T AvOR
OF CHANGE
Consider Washington Entitled to
Some Form of Representa-
ton in Congress.

Senator Ball, chairman of the
Senate District Committee, will make
an important statement regarding
District suffrage to the Federation
OF Women's Clubs, this afternoon.
While he will not commit himself
to any fixed position on the question,
tt has been learned Senator Ball will
indicate definitely that he advocates
some change in the present status
Of Washington.
Undecided on Change.
He has not determined whether the
simplest form Of District representa-
tionAthat of having q voteless dele
gate in the House of Representatives
or some more comprehensive form
should be recommended by the District
Committee. But he is satisfied there
is much merit in the city's claim that
present conditions should not be con-
tinued.
In this position he is Joined by Sen
ator Wesley Jones and other members
Of the Senate District Committee, and
1t Is considered certain that early in
the year important recommendations
In regard to District suffrage will go
from the committee to the Senate.
This is the most important issue
affecting the District before Congress,
with the possible exception of traction
merger legislation" Senator Ball said.
There il no question but that we
ought to take prompt action on both Of
these matters.
las to merger legislation, the Sen
ate District Committee will begin com
alteration Of that topic early in the
year. think we ought to be able to
report q measure that will satisfy the
District Commissioners and the trac-
ton companies. 1t seems to me that
this matter ought not to be allowed to
drag"
The subcommittee on District schools,
headed by Senator Capper, probably
will resume its hearing January s, 1t
is hoped that a report will be ready
early In February, SO that ample time
win remain for a consideration OF the
school needs of the District in con-
nection with the District appropriation
bill. The school subcommittee prob
sbly will get in touch with the Dis
trict appropriations subcommittee, OF
which Senator Phipps is chairman, at
an early date.
To Press bad Check" Bill.
The bad check bill, now hanging
tire in the Senate, will be pressed for
further consideration by Senator Jones
as soon as the Senate resumes its con-
eideration of a calendar. This bill Is
being strongly supported by the Mer-
chants and Manufacturers Association
of Washington, and probably will be
passed as soon as an ambiguous
amendment inserted in the House is
stricken out.
This amendment has been bitterly
attacked by Senators Reed and Robin
eon as being subversive Of the
processes Of justice. 1t provides, that,
regardless of the intent to defraud,
the passer of bad check can escape
prosecution by making restitution
within five days time.
Senator Reed points out that under
This amendment man could obtain
money and make a getaway. II he is
caught, however, and makes restitu:
ron within the proposed five-day limit
be need not go to Jail or suffer any
penalty for his offense. 1t is this pro-
vision which has caused the Senate to
be stubborn about accepting the meas
ure. but an agreement probably will be
ron chad