The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1925-10-26
Clear Deck of Petty Matters
That Clog District Calendar

BY bringing about passage by Congress Of but bill this
winter the Citizens Advisory Council itself Of
National Capital Though that single act
the total of its accomplishments the
council would still have served the city we'll.
bill question would broaden the of the Dis
trct No lengthy arguments need be framed
in behalf is its strongest
porter But the must be pressed to a vote
Such bill has advocated by the District Commission
Members of the Senate and House District Committees
leaders in both legislative branches realize the desiraby
legislation There may be haggng certain
of the proposed law There question that in
many respects the Commissioners could be given
authority With advantage to Congress
Though Congress has been unusually in the past
two sessions in allotment consideration of District
legislation been neglected Insig
ncan legislative matters which the are fully
competent to crowded sorey needed legislation
into Congressional pigeonhoes This condition will exist
until the proposed law is passed.
During past session of Congress required to
permit the shifting of alley in block where school
building to be erected The full legislative machinery OF
put operation to grind through this
petty authorization valuable district time was wasted
national legislation delayed.
The names Of several minor in Washington
changed last year to obviae confusion addresses
special act of Congress required Bills intro
sdered reported House, placed the
calendar called and read debated and finally passed The
President then was called upon to sign bills mayor
town council of any village could have done much in
Last year the family of man buried in Washington
cemetery body and rebured The
District health department perfectly willing that the
could have its wishes carried ont the ponderous Legislative
machinery of the nation had be set in operation and
other special sct ground out
Two public spirited citizens offered to the District large
and beautiful forests park The gifts remained
accepted for weeks until the great mill could turn out its
pul special authorizing acceptance of the parks
Without special acts of Congress the District Commissioners
cannot widen street. close unnecessary portion of street
alley change curbng line An act of Congress
sary quiet title disputed Purely civic functions
which affect the interests the Federal Govern
ment must await the approval of Congress
special act Of Congress required to permit the Dis
ct Commissioners regulate the sale of milk and in
the city of Washington Another needed permit regu
lon of the of milk bottles and containers When the
Commissioners wished change the coming laws regarding the
height of certain buildings they had appeal the last
Congress When the health department wished the
laws regulating dentistry and opometry had to appeal to
Congress for special acts.
Such petty matters clog the District calendar in every
Congress Though relatively unimportant they
Sary though vital matters neglected Small wonder
members of Congress absent themselves from the
floor when the District calendar is called!
Congress should free itself from details The District
Commissioners qualified such business and
should be permitted to do Only in this way the bust
of the District be quickly and efficiently handled And
important only in this Congress devote the
needed time vital District problems Passage of the
posed real need The Advisory Council should bend
every energy toward securing of the legislation
and in so>dong should have the support of every District
citizen.