The Washington times., 1923-12-13
Magnus Johnson and D. G.
Home Rule
Copeland Edge, and Edwards Senate District of
Columbia Committee.
Bv BILL PRICE.

MAGNUS JOHNSON, plain outstanding American citizen,
United States Senator from the great State Minnesota
fair why the people Of the District of
Columbia not entitled to 'home rule and suffrage
Nobody else who looks at the question properly can
any good why 100000 Americans, genuine at
that voteess helpless poweress far their
local affairs concerned forbidden for President
and Vice President.
Senator johnson in the Senatorial business After
awhile he will hear vague talk about suffrage especially
House. right
and elect local officials being dangerous continued Federal
control here he will hear limitations that the negro
would hold the balance Of power in the District lot
Of other stuff designed wholly to prevent suffrage He will
find that there Senators from the powerful States
New York. Pennsylvania Ohio and Others who may object
to the District having United States Senator'S the
ground that would balance the those big States
In the Upper House.
But all argument Of the opposition can not offset the
fact that nowhere in the United States should American c
be deprived Of the right suffrage paying taxes
and periodically responding to the counys calls times
Of peril war.
Then may to sensible man like the Minnesota
Senator that the District could be granted ONE SENATOR
and the representation in the House. per population
that the States have.
The Senate Committee the District Of Columbia ID to
have three good added it They are Senators Cope
land OF New York; Edwards and Edge Jersey They
ought to be valuable to Washington because they come from
States in which there are large cities and because hev ara
familiar with municipal subjects Of all kinds
Senator Copeland has spent many years Of his Life in
handling municipal matters the five Of these in New
York city.
It is always fortunate for Washington when tho District
Committees Of Senate are mainly composed Of men
who interested in familiar with city problems and
city planning; who know what 10 interpret the desires
and sentiments Of city people.
It is still fortunate for MS when these committeeman
are broad able who look upon Washington In the light
OF National City, deserving better things and liberal
treatment than the lot Of the ordinary American city which
possesses no deep interest for the Of the American
people.
Senator EDGE example, from Atlantic CITY, which has
made wonderful progress and which has strong grip upon
the good will Of Americans
Senator Edwards from the State handled many city
problems while governor Of New jersey.
Big headlines in local paper announce 1895 Budget for
the District Largest Ever Sent Congress Literally this
may be The local budget submitted Congress
1926 is $26s7ss12 But let how this compares with
other years.
For the fiscal year 19s the budget sent Congress by the
Commissioners $12954720. There is difference Of
TWELVE YEARS in estimates The American dollar in
1913 would do fully twice much does will do
In 1926 That would make the budgets Of 1913 1926
practically the far results go in the
value Of the dollar for local projects and upkeep
But in twelve years there has been growth In
Washington Our population about 10000 greater than
in 1913 We have developed into city Of the first
needs those Of large city It is safe to say that
in those twelve years have put 900 into
buildings This does include the expenditures Of the
Federal Government for buildings
Taking into consideration the growth Of Washington and
depreciation Of the dollar the estimates submitted
for year far below what the budget bureau
should allowed The District Commissioners asked for
than $s2oooOoo. This had been pruned from
$3S0ooo submitted by the heads Of local bureaus and
Offices.
That $2S79612 viii barely suffice for ordinary upkeep
f. consideration the past five or six years
lean appropriations for District during which street
extensions and improvements the public schools sewer and
water enthusiastically everything making for real
progress neglected.