The Washington times., 1927-10-20
The D. c. Commissioners and
the Citizens Advisory Council

The difficult problem confronting the District Commissioners
as to the Citizens Advisory Council under attack from
important trade and civic organizations of the District
that of disposng of the subject in that will result
in the least possible civic friction.
Satisfactory relations of the people Of Washington with
Congress long handicapped by cons eaousies and
utter absence united front The Districts position in Con-
gress will grow stronger lack of unity again presents
itself.
Former Engineer Commissioner Bell father of the Citizens
Advisory Council idea, hoped that this emofca body
would bege greater civic harmony than had formerly existed
and that would be useful in helping the Commissioners
ascertain public sentiment in their recommendations
Congress.
That such body might be breeding ground for friction
pointed out by this newspaper at the time Of its creation
time The indputable fact that the Citizens
Advisory Council elected by the citizens associations compos
ing the Federation of Citizens Associations could possibly
represent all the people Of Washington evident then
rs it is now.
The Council course represent an extensive part
civic opinion in Washington but enough speak for the
organized and unorganized citizenry Of Washington
has not attempted place itself in that position but its
status has given prestige that has high
above other organizations regarded as outhpeces
public sentiment here.
So strong did the Council in Congress that there
was disposition the part Of members of that body
30 accept its recommendations over those Of the Commits
sfoners The truth did not become known time
there being serious friction between Council
and the Commissioners Such friction in future almost
unavoidable under existing conditions.
It is in the administration an oath Of office to members
OF the Advisory Council that there most objection This
has appeared delegate quasocal powers to the Council
and the effect has been to give outstanding prestige
body
The Commissioners having created the Advisory Council
naturally looked upon somewhat their own baby and
have doubtless listened intenty and favoraby to the
Councils views than to the views of other leading organiza
tions
Those who protesting against the present situation state
plainly that they asking favored position with the
Commissioners They consider the Commissioners as the sole
representatives of all the people Of Washington before
gess and simply ask that the District heads listen to the
views Of all trade and civic bodies of which has the
interests of our city equally at heart.
The position taken is just and fair and the Commits
oners can do nothing else than put all useful organizations
on an equal footing in recommendations and requests.
is be hoped that the outcome of this matter will be
closer cooperation the part all important organizations
for the presentation of united front whenever possible
There already movement in that direction and wise steps
have been taken by the powerful trade bodies of the city
II the Commissioners still wish to retain the Advisory Coun
Gil as their chief adviser local affairs they have the right
to do but that to lead to civic disagreemen
The Council is composed Of able and earnest citizens of
Washington If is not continued quasioficial body it
should be continued the clearing house the Federation
OF Citizens Associations Inside its organization and
the executive and legislative power Of that organization its
recommendations to the Commissioners would carry immense
influence Its views in Congress would be equally influential
The bodies which presented this question to the Commits
soners did 50 in most temperate They do wish
civic dissnson They merely seek their rights In whatever
discussion follows there should be the moderation The
good Of Washington towers above everything else.
# had suffrage in the District Of Columbia with the
voice of all the people in Washington directly represented in
Congress- we would not be bothered by the difficulties that
now present themselves The Citizens Council least
attempt to give recognition to District public opinion It u.s.
OF course, inadequate for that purpose