Evening star., 1923-05-06
Rate by Mail-Payable in Advance
MARYLAND and virginia.
Member of the Associated Press.
Districts Appeal to the Nation.

addressing the Massachusetts, So
ciety of Washington on the occasion
of its meeting Friday to welcome the
lieutenant governor Of the state and
the mayors Of the cities Of Massachu-
setts, on pilgrimage to the capital to
plant trees at the Lincoln Memorial,
Edwin c. Brandenburg Of. this city
made Il strong and effective argument
for national representation for the
District. lie set forth the deplorable
condition in which the residents of the
capital are left by reason Of lack Of
law granting them full rights as Amer
lean citizens. He stated the case in
terms that arc familiar to Washing
tunians, but unfortunately not known
to other Americans whose attention
has perhaps not been drawn to this
peculiar, Illogical, inequitable state Of
affairs.
In prompt response to Mr.. Branden-
burg's appeal the organization went
on record In Endorsement Of Washing.
tons demand for national representa-
ton. Thus is Massachusetts,, to the ex-
tent Of its representation at this gath
ering, enrolled for the enfranchise.
ment of the Washingtonian.
This experience suggests the i'm
pcrtancc of Il persistent, systematic,
organized promotion of the capital S
Plea for citizenship rights before the
representative bodies Of Americans at
large. This city is the scene Of many
gatherings Of people from all the
states, and these meetings should in
all cases be addressed by chosen repre-
sentatives Of the capital, capable OF
putting the case strongly, as did Mr..
Brandenburg Friday before the people
Of Massachusetts through their mayors
and tLeir lieutenant governor.
I'll a short time the Shriners will be
here, many thousands of them, from
every part of the United States. They
will be holding meetings which will
furnish the best of chances to reach
the understanding OF the people on
this matter. Notwithstanding all the
distractions of this gathering, with its
many features of entertainment and
celebration. there will still be an op-
portunity to press home to g. multitude
Of representative citizens, men active
in their states and communities. the
fact that the essential principles OF
American citizenship have been ignored
and violated here at the National Capi-
tai.
Preparation should be made now to
take advantage of this opportunity TO
impress upon all who come here dur
ing the first week in June, as at other
times and on other occasions, the fact
that Washington. disfranchised by
lack Of law. is asking for a constitu.
tional amendment which will empower
Congress to correct that omission.
\ sentiment for the enfranchisement
of the Washingtonian can be created
in the states by such appeals. AS was
shown in the case Of the MaSsachu-
sets Society and its guests from the
homo state, the response to the ma
1ionaI representation proposition is
sure to be immediate and hearty.
Whenever the matter is stated simply
and plainly TO an American, no matter
where he resides. he responds with
agreement that this anomaly Of dis
franchisement at the very seat Of gov
erriment, based upon The principle Of
equal participation in national affairs
by. all the people. should cease through
corrective constitutional amendment
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