The Washington times., 1922-05-02
If We Had Representation
In Congress
BY BILL PRICE.

Ihe palpable injustice the people of Washlngton
would be victims of if Congress were to adopt the
agreement of the conferees the District sppropria
tion bill should give impetus TO vigorously renewed
and persistent efforts to obtain suffrage that msy
be properly and fairly represented in the Legislative
body which makes all laws, imposes increasing
taxes, and fixes the amounts of money we may spend
in municipal matters.
There has never been palmer instance Of the
overwhelming necessity for District Representations
in Congress than the action of the conferees In
framing legislation which had never been thought
of, considered voted upon in either branch Of
Congress-
While the conferees engaged in forming this
attempted knockout of District taxpayers, at the
same time bending every energy toward cutting
down vitaly necessary appropriations for public
improvements, the voice of the District
suited. The Commissioners, indirectly acting for
the people through the choice of the President
not asked for their views, and the little program
went through if master in slave days
handling many helpless slaves.
There isn't man who aided in framing this pro
posed legislation, not Senator or Congressman who
doesn't appreciate the outbreak of popular feeling
that would have followed if this were attempted in
any Commonwealth of the Union. The voters would
arise In wrath and put stop to the whole thing.
Taxation, with representation, is a delicate and
touchy subject, but when American citizens sub
ected to radically increased taxation without
as to what they think feel then IT Just goes 60
show the utter unconcern of many Congressmen
to the feelings rights of District citizens.
Had there been Congressman Senator from
the District this thing would not have happened.
Our representative representatives would have
been able to protect interests, to reflect
views and IDEAS and to have profted by the personal
touch Congressional representative has with
another. If we had nothing but a Delegate I'm the
House he would have been alert to the outrageous
burdens about to be imposed and would at least have
been able to have given the alarm that District
people might have sought hearing to express them
selves
Our fight for suffrage is being carried in helser
sketer fashion. 1t may be earnest enough, but IL l.
not consolidated concentrated There rs division
of opinion, lack of cooperation.
When District people become sufficiently aroused
and they may not attain this point until they get
a few vicious kicks-they will bring together
every civic and trade organization in the city, unite
into efficient suffrage organization, select
committee, and plank down the money TO carry On
this fight until results have been secured.
So long many Congressman look upon local
people nothings there will be suffrage
legislation. This fight for the ballot must be turnej
into channels that will bring to some Congressmen q
different viewpoint They will see the light Only
when their own constituents begin to press them for
a just attitude toward the people Of the Federal
Capital.
If the voters of the nation understood situation
here there would follow storm of protest from the
Atlantic to the Pacific. campaign OF education
and propaganda outside of Washington is what
need most and it will cost money, plenty of IL Tier.
must be appeal to the free American press BE-
take up our cause. That may entail much CORR
spondence and even advertising. Speakers
may have to be sent into the States; many other
things must be done.
If we are to escape further expressions must
be well organized to fight for suffrage. and the
ganization must be backed by funds. In the mean
time every humble citizen has IL in his power a.
scatter by letter and word of mouth the facts -
the position are in, making use of every opp~r-
tunty to inform the nation that half . miIlion
people are voteless de-Americanized.