Evening star., 1925-05-03
CITIZENS COUNCIL
IS ELECTED WITH
LITTLE D|SSENS|ON
Baker, Wales, .Havenner,
Torbert, SWanton and
StuII Chosen.
SUTER QUELLS FACTI0NAL
ROW AT FIRST BREAK
Victors Pledge ,Tireless Effort to
Improve Capital Living
Conditions.

In an atmosphere unique for vote
less Washington. the Federation of
Citizens Associations last night elect
ell the Citizens Advisory Council in
The board room of the District Build
ing in a buSiness-like and dignifled
manner and with scarcely an indica-
lion of the dissension which it had
been rumored would occur. The six
CounCilmen elected are:
Charles 4. Baker, former president
Of the federation and member of Con-
duit Road Citizens Association.
George Il. Wales, member of the
United States Civil Service Commits
sion, and delegate from Cathedral
Heights.
George G. Havenner of the Ana
costa Citizens Association and a
leader in civic activity in the south
east section.
William S. Torbert of Rhode Island
Avenue Citizens Association and a
leader in the work of the federation.
w. I. Swanton, for many years an
active worker in the Columbia Heights
Citizens Association.
Harry y. Stull. delegate to the fed
I
zens' Association.
Jesse c. Suter. president of the Fed
Grafton of Citizens Associations, will
be ex-officio chairman of the council,
and the cOlored population will be rep
resented by DR.. George H. Richardson
of the Public Interest Association OF
the Northeast and George BeaSon of
the Georgetown Civic Association, who
were elected 1t a meeting of the col
ored federation Friday night.
This makes a council of nine mem
bers. formed at the invitation of the
District Commissioners, to advise
them on questions of interest TO the
National Capital as a whole.
One of the interesting results or the
election by the federation of white
associations last night is that it places
on the councils four men from the
Northwest and four from the other
sections of the District. This is ex-
elusive of Mr.. Suter. who Is chairman
of the council by virtue of his office
in the federation. and who comes from
the Takoma association in the North
west.
Tension Noted at Start.
When the meeting of the federation
convened promptly at I o'clock there
was a noticeable air of tension in the
numerous rumors of filibusters and
factiOnal fights that had been flying
thick and fast during the past two
weeks.
The session started out in solemn
vein with the offering of invocation by
Rev. DIR. Earle Wilfley, pastor of Yer
mont Avenue Christian Church. DR..
Whitley preceded his short prayer by
a brief felicitation to the delegates in
which he laid stress on the importance
of the election on the welfare Of the
city.
One of the most persistent of these
prediction reports was that certain
men opposed to President Suter would
seek to prevent d decision in the bal
lating last night.
Before the meeting had progressed
very far, however, it became apparent
that if any such move was planned
it had faded away at the last moment.
After the minutes of the previous
meeting had been read the regular or
der of business was the election, but
at this point Clayton f. Emig of Du-
pont Circle Association arose and
sought to have d change made in the
minutes.
He declared that resolution adopt
ed at the last meeting provided for
sending the rules of the election to
delegates Immediately" and that the
word Immediately did not appear in
the minutes.
Asks Appeal on Ruling.
President Suter replied that he was
certain the minutes were correctly re-
ported. whereupon Delegate Emig
asked for an appeal from the decision
of the chair.
This move appeared to be the be-
ginning of a lively debate, but Presi-
dent Suter sprung an unexpected sur
prise by announcing that he would
decline to entertain the call for an ap-
peal from his decision.
Platforms Announced.
Immediately following their election
the councilmen announced their plat
forms as follows:
Charles a. Baker-"I believe in rem
dering as much aid to our efficient
commissioners as possible for the sake
of the city we love to serve. l believe
in national suffrage for the District,
viz. representation in both Houses of
Congress and in the electoral college,
nothing more. L believe our present
form of local government to be the
best possible for our city"
George c. Havenner: THE only
boundaries / know in Washington are
the boundaries that separate the Dis
trict from Maryland and Virginia.
am in favor of national representation
for the District in Congress and the
electoral college. l stand for increased
park and school playground facilities,
Federal buildings to house all Govern
ment offices, a lump sum from the
Federal Government to the District
based on full valuation of all holdings
by the Federal Government in the
District, sewer and water facilities
for all outlying sections. better light
ing of all highways and appointment
of the Board of Education by the Com
nissioners."
Will Fight Sectionalism.
William S. Torbert-Very naturally,
! feel greatly pleased over this vote of
confidence on the part of my fellow
delegates and over the opportunity for
service to the District of Columbia.
At the same time l fully appreciate
the responsibilities which such oppor-
tunity entails. My utmost effort will
be to serve the best interests of the
entire District without preferential
regard for any section thereof. / have
no particular hobby to support, but
my chief interest is in seeing the city
of Washington grow and progress in