Evening star., 1928-03-18

no reason would thereby be found to
oppose the pending constitutional
amendment. For this amendment does
not directly and Immediately ad-
NIT the Washington detectives and
delinQuentS to national representation,
1t merely empowers Congress, in its
discretion. at some future time. to admit
District residents to the status OF citi-
zenS of a State for the purpose of
national representation. and also pro-
vides the machinery to be utilized when
Congress wishes to exercise this power.
Adoption of the amendment does not
mean decision that the quality ana
quantity of population arc now suf-
ficient to entitle the Districts voting
constituency to representation in the
House and Senate. Rejection Of our
amendment does not merely declare
that the Districts population Is unfit
for national representation now, but
that IL never can be fit.
Does Not Decrease, but Enlargcs Powers
Of Congress.
Our amendment does not take any
power whatsoever from Congress. On
the contrary. its only effect is to en-
large the powers of Congress.
Congress now has the power to grant
W TIE DCu-
pie of Territory by admitting it to
statehood. The constitutional provision
giving to the Nation through Congress
exclusive control over the scat of gov
ernmcnt deprives Congress Of the power
OF giving to residents of the District
full statehood. The pending constitu-
ional amendment is an enabling act
for Congress. empowering but not di-
recting 1t to admit District residents to
the status Of citizens of q State only
so far as will not disturb the national
exclusive control of the Capital by the
Nation through Congress. Voting repre-
sentation of the District in Congress-
will clearly not affect control OF the
District by Congress.
WashingtOn's Appeal for Fair play.
Washington appeals to two thirds of
Congress to empower Congress. when
ever Congress rieases, to give national
representation TO District residents; TO
give to the seat of government the
same possibility Of national representa-
tiOn that Hawaii and ALASKA now
possess
What WaShingt0nian can be imagined
as opposing this amendment, which
di&nifieS and exalts his American
status. and neither infiictS nor threatens
any injury to anybody?
What Senator or Representative can
be imagined as opposing an amendment
which merely extends an existing power
OF Congress on logical and equitable
lines and which simply empowers Con-
greSS 10 correct political inequity when
ever il sees fit to do so?
Washington is asking by constitutional
amendment, requiring two-thrds vote
OF Congress. only what is absolutely
essential TO be secured in this way. II
more were asked by constitutional
amendment, nothing whatever could
secure the necessary two-thirds vote.
All of the controverted issues con-
cerning the makeup of the local elec-
torate the qualifications OF voters and
the form of local government. upon
which WaShingtonianS radically differ.
are now postponed, to be decided by the
majority vote OF Congress after the
great and vital question of the consti-
tutional status OF the Washinptorian
has been answered,
Surely no Washihgtonian will contend
that the District should not by consti-
tutional amendment be placed on the
same basis as Alaska or Hawaii i'm
respect TO the possibility OF national
representation or that Congress should
not then in its discretion by a ma iority
vote grant such equitable representation.
Surely Congress will not quibble or
delay in cooperating 20 give to Itself
by constitutional amendment the power
at the. right time to cure the evil and
shame Of completely non n-representatiye
government OF the seat Of Government
OF the great American Republic.