The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1927-11-09
Nations Part in Development
of the Nations Capital

When Congress assemblies the American Civic Association
might render excellent service by distributing to each Sena
tor Representative copies of Of the speeches made
the annual gathering Of the association at Spring
field Mass touching the duties of the nation which
Congress represents, to the National Capital
At this meeting surprise voiced at the attitude of strong
opposition the part of Washington citizens the borrowing
Of 100000 of the National Capital Park and
Planning Commission in the development Of Washington
particularly in purchasing large areas Of lands for park
poses.
upon the nggardy attitude of Congress toward this Federal
Capital and upon the feeling of citizens that the burden of
caring for such large financing would fall almost wholly
not wholly District taxpayers the majority Of speakers
in turn voiced surprise that Congress fails to look upon the
District as belonging to the nation
Dr. j. Horace Mcfarland of Harrisburg, Pa, president of
The American Civic Association for many years. speaking be-
fore citizens Of Providence L. declared in favor Of the
nation sharing the burden of development Of Washington and
lifting the burden from the people of that city. who
sharing 80 per cent Of maintaining your Federal City
Major Carey Brown, engineer of the Park and Planning
Commission told the association that the problems of the
Capital the problems Of the entire nation and the de-
vopment of Washington is not alone responsibility for those
who live there but the responsibility of the entire popuace
of the United States -
The statement that the taxpayers of Washington
harng 80 per cent of maintaining this Federal City is
Gust partly By that that the Federal Gov
eminent is contributing in lump about 20 per
against 80 per cent collected in direct taxes from local
taxpayers
is pointed that the Federal Government escapes
special assessments and taxes which Washington people must
pay and that these special impose upon Washgonans
bring the Federal Governments part approximately Is per
sent scandalousy unfair participation in financial
npkeep of this strictly Federal City
The Federal Government for instance pays nothing in
taxes for water used by it, while every citizen compelled
pay sufficient taxes to maintain the water department. equally
necessary to all The Federal Government immense
quantities of water and wastes freely.
The Times long pointed out that the Park and Planning
Commission should have plenty Of money to buy park and
playground sites NOW but that unless the Federal Govern
ment Joined in furnishing this money fair basis the
people Of Washington could not stand the increased taxation
involved.
is high time that patriotic lawmakers in Congress should
call determined halt upon the comparatively small House
coter that has for persisted in sticking" the citizens
of Washington for larger and larger proportion of the
financial upkeep of the National Capital
There will be authoritative figures before Congress this
winter submitted by the Board of Trade and individual
clearly showing that the tax rate now considering the
high assessments of real estate is equal that of other
American cities of similar siZe in instances, higher
In all justice and decency it is time for Congress to
materially increase the Federal Governments part main
tanning this city becomes the nations city. Con-
gress does that Washington citizens will object large
sums for improvements.