The Washington times., 1927-02-21
Residential Qualifications for
D. G. Appointments

The District Commissioners and Washington civic leaders
and organizations unanimous in opposition to the Gibson
BILL which would repeal all laws requiring District officials
appointed the President to be bonafde residents Of this city
ard not many politicians desire political favorites
any old place.
This residential qualification law does many
District people it should should go even beyond ap-
ponEments by the President and should require that ALL Dis
rct appointments shall be Of actual residents of this city
In patriotic ervor advance democracy and the rule
people by themselves permit the Fpnos the Porto
Rcans for example to determine and manage their local
affarto elect their own choices to all but the highest
offices
We are not half 50 patriotic and so fervent for democracy
and the principles Of republic when affairs in
the Capital City Of this great republic in which, tell the
Our distinguished Senators and Representatives deliver
Fourth Of July oraons all the country thrilling even
themselves with glorious stories Of peopleued republic
When Of them have the chance take from
District people their rights to rule in their affairs they
Dc it without culver Of conscience.
There grown be deepseated conviction in Con-
ere on the part of. all farminded men there that Wash
ngton people entitled Of the home medicine
than they getting, and Mr.. Gbsons bill doubtless
doomed to the defeat it deserves.
In past years the bulk Of the bespayng positions in the
District Government have gone to political henhmen Of sena
the forming of District laws and legislation
In past national administrations Democratic and Re-
publican, White House pressure has put into the District
Building largo numbers of appontees Congressional pressure
has put in many others Local pressure has been unable
accomplish anything.
Recent Commissioners nave SHOWN decided tendency to
put stop this and to hold positions in the District Govern
ent for District people, appointing only such outsiders as
extraordinary Congressional other pressure compelled them
to appoint
be earnestly hoped that present and future Commits
soners will be equally firm in this respect and will keep
District Building positions for District people We've got
two genuine Washngonans Commissioners and there
i reason for them to give way to from any d.
fection.
is unenable and foolish proposition that in this city
Of than 100000 people there any scarcity Of able and
capable for the President anybody else to select from
ia filling District offices.
Boston, Baltimore St Louis San Francisco New Orleans
I'll other American cities have trouble in finding good
men fill their municipal Offices They would resent any
suggestion that they should so elsewhere for men handle
their city affairs.
The doctrine Of political spos applies entirely too much
here and should be wiped out altogether The recorder
deeds and the register Of wills for the District are political
arpontee named by the President These two officials deal
with local matters only and should be appointed by the
District Commissioner
The law Of bonafde residence should apply to our Judges
likewise named by the President
Washington positions Of honor and trust Justly belong
70 Washington people Is unfair and undemocratic TO
fill any Of them with outsiders named rewards for political
work or personal friends Of StatoSmsn Of any party