Evening star., 1926-10-24
The Three. Year Limitation.


Suggestion that repeal Of the law re-
ouiring an exclusive residence in the
District for three years prior to ap-
pointment as Commissioner is neces-
sary to permit the selection Of a thor
oughly qualified person for that posi-
tion is IN unwarra nted reflection upon
the oualifica tions Of District residents
for that responsibility and duty. That
restriction was written into the or
eanic act in 1878 and has remained
unchanged for forty-nine years. Dur
Ing that time the civilian Commission
ers have ALL with one possible eXcep-
tion. been chosen with strict regard
for the limitation as to residence, and
they have all measured mp fully to the
standard Of the office. Why, then, the
need Of change Of the law now? Is
there a dearth Of men, or women,
qualified in capacity. in opportunity
and in law to serve as Commissioner
in this year 1926? If so, wherefore the
change? What has caused the def
cheney?
Those from whom it is reported the
President would like to select Dis
trict Commissioner. but who are bar.
red by the law Of 1878, are voters in
the States. They reside here almost
exclusively. returning to their native
or adopted States to exercise the fran
chise which they are unwilling to sac
riice. even for full and legal District
residence. Are they the better material
for appointment as Commissioners by
reason of the fact that they are
voters? Is there something in the pos
session and the exercise of the cleo
toral franchise which qualities citi-
zen for administrative responsibility
beyond the auasi-citizen who has been
denied the vote? In the past forty
nine years that has not been the
case, II the success of the District
government under the administration
measure of judgment.
OF course, there Is no connection be.
tween the vote and the qualifications
Of potential Commissioners. The vote
less WashinEtonan is just as well
fitted for that duty as the enfran-
chised resident Of State who has
come here TO reside for a part of each
year, the greater part. perhaps, and
who takes an interest in local welfare
and local problems. 1t does happen,
however. that In some cases the new
conner. In a legal sense the visitor
from the States. Is in a financial sit
uation which permits acceptance Of
such an office at a sacrifice of private
interests regardless of the compare.
lively small offfcial compensation.
II it We're once conceded that the
District cannot furnish a competent
Commissioners from among it's bona
f1de residents there would he no justi-
f1cati"n whatever in insisting upon the
retention of the threeyear qualifica-
tion. Eut II is not and It will not he
so conceded. Heavy though the sacri-
flee Of income may he through accept.
ence of this trust there will always
he a wide range of choice for the
Chief Executive from the strictly
qualified local supply. Despite the lack
of the franchise here, in consequence
of the long continued ineqllity of treat.
ment accorded the District. there are
men and women In Washington who
are capable of maintaining the high
Il - IL
represent the District before Congress.
who can administer the municipal af-
fairs intellieentiy, efficiently and faith
fully
or the possible immediate effect of
a lowering Of the bars by repeal of the
three-year clause of the organic act
the District has no apprehe nsion. But
what of the future? There can be no
guarantee that under the wide.open
plan Of Commissioner selection pro-
posed through the repeal Of the resi-
dence Law appointments TO this office
would he made with strict regard for
merit and Jealous consideration for
the local welfare. Rather is 1t prob
shl. that on that basis the civilian
Commissioners would he merely parti-
san favorites. to whom in the pres
sure of patronage dispensation this
Office would he awarded in considera-
ti"n Of political services.
Hence il is that despite the attrac-
tiveness OF the possibility of securing
the services as District Commissioner
Of one Of those who have voting resi-
dences elsewhere and social residence
here are emnently qualified for the
assignment save in terms OF the three
year law. there is a positive and de-
termined opposition TO the proposal
that that law he repealed for the bene
fit Of an Immediately gratifying solu-
ton of the appointment problem. For
that problem can be solved without
the sacrifice OF the vitality important
principle Of home rule.
In discussing a number Of sections
Of the world it is considered courteous
to mention climate and say nothing