Evening star., 1924-04-27
Picture of d. C.. Rule for 12I Years
Giuen in Book by Capital Woma,,
''Your Washington and Mine,'' by Miss Louise Pay.
son Latimer, Thoroughly Discusses ''Patct.
.UOrk'' Government System.

who are entirely without power 10
help themselves?
Sees Time Critical.
"A critical time has come for Wash
ington. With the present system and
ratio of support she can neither be
maintained as suitable National
Capital, in which case the people of
the District will increasingly be
denied suitable service from it's mu-
nicipal government, or the people will
receive support for their loyal insti-
tutions and the National Capital will
be shabby. This much is sure, for the
present appropriations cannot do
both. The effort to make what cannot
be, be. is the cause of continual and
unnecessary irritation between the
Congress and the people of the Dis
r5at down a5s the s Purely tbe muni'pa
Repeating this concluding question
as the text of her chapter of "The
Political Servitude of Residents of
the District" Miss Latimer proceeds
manner the political obligations and
privileges of a resident of the Dis
trict, as follows:
HE may be, and is. taxed in the
same proportion as other citizens of
the country for the upkeep of the
federal government.
THe may be and is taxed as other
Americans for the maintenance of his
resident city.
He may be and is drafted for mill
tary service.
IF a municipal employe he has al
ways been rated a federal employe
but paid lower rate for the same type
of service.
"If a municipal employe or a local
public school teacher. he is the only
teacher in the United States required
to pay an income tax on his salary.
Political Privileges.
"Thus it may be seen that a citizen
of the District does not lack national
and municipal obligations. What are
his political privileges?
He may not vote for a President
| or Vice President of the United
States.
HE may not be represented in the
Congress. which makes the laws to gov
ern his person and property.
'IIe has no voice in deciding the
amount of national and local taxes to
be raised.
He may not vote in any way as TO
the disposition of either federal or local
taxes paid by him.
He may not vote for the board of
educa ton. which decides the educa-
tional affairs of his children.
He may not vote for the Commits
sioners. who are mayors of the city.
and who make rules and regulations
regarding his person and property
in all matters unprovided for by the
Congress.
He may not vote for any city
official.
He may not sue nor be sued in a
United States court.
He has no voice nor representa-
tion in the making of any laws, of
whatsoever nature, relating to him
self, his family or his property
Thus it may be seen that he lacks
all political rights-national, state
and city"
Miss Latimer notes the arguments
that have been raised for the en-
franchisement of the people of the
District and the efforts lately made
to grant them political freedom
through constitutional amendment
concluding:
1T is to be hoped that when politi-
cal rights are granted to the District
they may not take the milk k-and-
water form sometimes proposed, that
of voteless delegate. This would
only make the conditions worse than
at present. when there is hope of an
outstanding American political status
for the citizens. All lovers of Wash
ington might well say with her peo-
Pile: Speed the day that this righteous
legislation may be enacted to form a
more perfect union. establish Justice
insure domestic tranquility and Sc
cure the blessings of liberty to our
selves and our poSterity'"