Evening star., 1923-02-18
CITIZENS TO MAKE
DRIVE FOR FINAL
D. C.. DAY IN HOUSE

bill tomorrow" continued Mrs Cold
berger. but we are going up there
Monday week as well. We have an
entire week to marshal our forces
and expect when District day" comes
around to be represented by a large
enough delegation to convince the
most skeptical that Washington citi-
zens want justice from Congress.
We do not intend to argue the
pros and cons of these measures. All
we want Is time for them to be
passed before Congress adjourns."
That the threatened non observance
Of District day is resented by civic
leaders OF the largest organizations in
Washington IS brought out by state
ments made by Gen. Anton Stephan,
president of the Merchants and Manu-
facturers' Association; Edward +. Col
Iaday. president of the Washington
Board of Trade, and Isaac Cans. presi-
dent Of the Chamber of Commerce.
Thousands Represented.
These men, representing organiza-
tions comprising many thousands Of
Washingtonians, are thoroughly aroused
at the manner in which local needs are
ignored. and are unanimous in declar-
ing that the District should have its
chance before Congress adjourns.
"ln common with every father and
mother as well as every business man
and woman the threatened failure of
the school bill now before Congress in
Iav 4er tn
be deplored," said Gen. Stephan.
ut makes no difference who are re-
sponsible for the situation. This bill
should be put through at all hazards.
because there is nothing more vital to
humanity than that our public schools
should be cared for with a solicitude
and interest that should command the
personal activity Of every one in public
life.
Education of the youth is matter
that should never be open to argu-
ment nor the pawn OF politics. The
noble men and women who have
made up, and who contemplate the
school personnel in Washington are
deserving not only of praise. but Of a
fair reward too in a measure COM
pensate for the great work in which
they are engaged.
City Depends on Congress.
Since Congress Of the United
States is board of aldermen Of
Washington, L submit that even mat
ters Of national import should not
be permitted to interfere with the
passage OF such important legisla
tion as the teachers bill.
There are other matters pending,
too, Of grave moment The public is
the bill regulating optometry in the
District of Columbia. That measure
has to do with guarding against ig-
norance and inefficiency In the fitting
of eyeglasses. One error in this line
of work has meant even the loss of
sight. These are two measures that
in my opinion should have Immediate
consideration by Congress. Both the
mind and the eye should be jealously
guarded even by a busy Congress In
Both Mr. Cans and Mr.. Colladay
were equally emphatic in their de-
mand that these important measures
should be passed at this session Of
Congress.
Need OF Representation.
IF we had national representation
here" said Mr.. Cans, (which we GER
tainly should have. we would have
somebody to fight for us. This thing
would never have happened then. Con-
gress shoves everything pertaining to
the District aside, whenever 1t feels
in the mood, as we have nothing to
say and can make no adequate pro-
test. These bills, especially the teach
ers' bill, should be passed imm ediate-
ly. Delay and 'dilly-dallying' should
stop. District day should be observed
no matter what comes up. Washing
ton should have the benefit Of this
legislation now and not next Decem-
ber."
Mr.. Colladay said that the teachers
bill and the 14th street extension were
two matters which should be given
immediate consideration.
THE Board of Trade has gone on
record as approving these items" he
said. "They should be given their
chance before the end Of this session.
There are other bills to be considered
which are likewise important, but
these two, in my opinion, should be
given precedence. The citizenry of
the city is solidly behind the move
ment for final District day.
These last few days Of Congress are
naturally busy and important items
are being considered, but these bills
are vitality important to the District.
and hope that action can be had on
them"