The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1927-11-15
Why Not an Elected District
Delegate in Congress?


to the idea legislative steering committee for the District
to work Congress legislation desired by people
The thought by one but IS again sponsored
by those who realize that Of the nusees done the
District by Congress is due to LACK OF LOCAL REPRE-
SENTATIoN in body lack of personal and constant
with Senators Representatives who frame and put
through legislation and appropriations for this city
reality the idea CT such committee is roundabout
wish for suffrage the oupourng of the desires OF free Amer
citizens who yet Amecanzed intended by the
spirit of the Constitution for every person this great land
Instead of coming right out for local suffrage and
elected delegate or delegates Congress represent our
people Congress- the inward desire for such representation
is put in form that spells handpicked legislative
mtee which COULD NOT, things stand represent
ALL District people in Congress.
The opposition the Citizens Advisory Council
mainly the fact that not representative Of all the
citizens of Washington though does represent large part
of civic sentiment.
No council steering committee, however we'll selected
through civic other organizations possibly have the
influence Congress that duly elected delegates would
Congress composed of quite sensible men, who understand
the local of opinion and that body comprehens
scheme has yet been devised that will enable District
spokesman go into that body chosen by all people
Washington
That do need local spokesman in Congress- one
just hanging around committee and the halls of the
Capitol just plain to everybody would be the Wash
ington Monument to two good human eyes.
therefore, instead OF p1ddng With OF suffrage
the District that involves amendment of the Constitution
years of waiting why not unite for the election Dis
trict Commissioners and delegate delegates Congress?
It is presumed that every intelligent citizen knows that
Congress could at without constitutional change
thorze the election Of Commissioners by people and
with them spokesman spokesman for this great city
District people deserve the right President
President Senators and Representatives District Commits
sioners and possibly Board of Education
Those who think should have national representation
only without local rights of any kind have tried for years
put that idea in Congress- but gotten nowhere
because Congress fails to understand why are not also
entitled to vote for our local officials.
It is within the power Of Congress pass legislation which
would promptly confer people the right elect by
popular ballot genuine American STYLE Commissioners and
Spokesmen in Congress. Then would have in Congress
spokemen who would accepted by that body as represent
ing ALL THE PEOPLE of Washington cques or special
interests.
To avoid friction the legislation could provide for FOUR
civilian Commissioners and Engineer Commissioner repre-
sentng the Federal Government Of the four Commissioners
elected the receiving the largest popular would
come the Districts delegate in Congress- with the
House. and every right except that voting By reason of
popular Endorsement he would also become chairman of the
Board of Commissioners
In whatever way it might be worked out we would at
least have AUTHORIZED spokesman in Congress- one
whose there would not be questioned and one who
could mlnge virtually equal footing with the lawmakers
OF the nation He would not have to cool his heels in the
Railways of the Capitol.