The Washington times., 1924-05-05
The CramtOn Amendment Go
ing to the Senate What
Westinghouse Should
Do About 1t
By BILL PRICE.


controlling the fiscal affairs of the District Of Columbia
Through nifty piece Of legislative ickery
resord to this amendment slipped through the House. while in
committee Of the whole by vote Of 28 to Just the
assassin awaits the favorable moment this thing was
sprung and put through when nobody guard and when
the ccnpators against the nations Capital knew that
the pathways clear for the dirk which gave deadly blow
NOT to the people Of Washington which aimed
the Federal Capital ITSELF Capital that belongs the whole
nation and to the Government Of which the House part
This small band Of Legislative consprators is RESPONSE
BILE for the Overng Of the $3.50 organic act under which
Washington made wonderful progress toward becoming the
ideal city Of the world the pride and glory Of marvellous
nation This band brought about the substitution Of the 60O
act which, through various legislative schemes they have
evaded since they had subsuedevaded by relieving the
Federal Government of its fair share Of District financing at
every possible opportunity.
The band proceeds attempt destroy its own and
work. which forced upon the Senate in the closing days Of
Congress- by substituting another scheme which still further
reduces the Federal Governments just participation in the
upkeep of this Federal City and intended impose add
tona tax burdens local people to maintain that cy
progress.
In another year the influences will be in position
to again cut the proposed lump sum appropriation Of $0
600 annually to 100000 $500O00O at their will They
should realize that this sort Of thing leads confusion and
to immense harm to the future Of Washington The lump
proposition is without the slightest element of equity
not based upon thorough study of the facts fair
share Of Uncle Sans participation in the maintenance and
upkeep of his city It is haphaard the putting into
effect Of the personal whms views Of few men who
happen to be in power in the House Committee Appropra
tions.
One sample of the Of the 6O4O agreement seen
in the generosity displayed by this Mr. Craon in
having the District appropriation bill amended that the
$89000 additional that will be collected the next
fiscal from the gasoline tax law enacted for
District will be spent the streets of Washington
mighty business Not dollar of this $SOOOOO viii matched
by 40 per cent share Of Federal funds it should be-
any to believe that it will be kept under the lump
scheme?
There ism an oa of doubt that the men who are back Of
nf
nation fully the Senate will reject the new
scheme and that the District bill will go conference Just
IN the closing days Of the session. has heretofore been
planned In conference the Consprators will stand stiff
against the Senate and inject the threat Of preventing
to once more yield as it has in the past thereby accomplish
ing their purposes
first put through the House. but for of their own
the House cotere deliberately delays the bill that they may
sandbag the Senate into acceptance Of their views rather than
to upset an adjournment date that will be tentatively agreed
upon.
This ought to be plain the loyal citizens Of Washington
who patriotcay love this city better than the congressman
who trying wreck it, With this plainly front Of us
what will Washington do7 Will sit supnely and see the
blow fall?
pretty safe say what the action of the Senate will
be if this Cramon amendment goes there but there no
assurance that the Senate will not back down from whatever
stand it takes.
Without any delay whatever the citizens organizations Of
the District civic trade and otherwise should get together
and select joint committee representing the whole city which
will wait upon President COOLIDGE and advise him what is
the aim and effect of the schemes Of the band
this will be retogresson of the worst for the District
and that is dangerous blow at the best interests Of the
country chosen capital
The President should be urged by united czenry Of the
District to let be known to leaders Of House Senate that
ne will veto the District appropriation bill it reaches him
with the Cramton scheme in it. That will be warning to the
House schemers that they in in holding up an
adjournment OF Congress their wishes will be met These
chemrs will be just anxious get away from Washington
early this summer and back to their Congressional districts
to take care Of their political fences Senators they will
undertake to browbeat.
President Coolidge has the backbone upset this latest
attack on the Capital of the country He has the courage to
carry out his intentions He has the prestige and the political
strength to send these consprators to in hurry He
has profound love for the city which seat Of power Of
the nation he presides Chief Executive.
joint committee would Of course contain representative
OF the recognized Republican organization District Of
which Mr. CoLLADAY is national committeeman Mr. Col
aday likewise president Of the Board Of Trade as such
must realize that the time has call halt on House
Vaccinations that have already been huu and that will be
actually runous to this Federal Capital they continue to
succeed
Let us have SOME ACTION along with talk The same
joint committee could present the views of Washington citgens