Evening star., 1928-03-14
BY w. w. EVERETT.
First Vice President. Washiagtoa Beard oi
Trade.

Trade.
In all the history OF the controversy
which has surrounded the efforts Of the
people OF Washington to betcme full
hedged Americans have yet to find a
forceful argument which would pre-
clyde the citizens Of this community
from participating in presidential elec-
ions.
There are, perhaps. q great many
questions involved in the matter of local
suffrage, but, as national representa-
ton is In no way connected with local
sen-government. fail TO see Eheye The
Federal authorities would in any way
suffer In their right OF administration In
the District Of Columbia /: The $50, 600
residents here were given the right TO
participate as all Americans are sup
posed to participate in presidential e.ec-
tions.
1t is a peculiar thing that the very
people who make objections to our ro-
utical enfranchisement 1re those Who
are here as the result Of the very theory
we advocate and whose business is to
carry out the very purposes which are
PROVIDED Tor under the Jones amend
ment
1t is certainly most illogical that any
one should point with pride TO the sac
ri!ice OF the founding fathers. both In
lie and property for the establishment
OF this country and hold up our .orm
OF government and political freedom as
ideal. and then turn to argue dis
tranchtsement for the citizens Of the
National Capital.
The right Of national representation
IN no way nterferes with the control
OF the Federal Government over the
Federal City.
The business men and residents OF
this community annually pay into the
Federal Treasury over $50 UOn roo in
local taxation toward the upkeep OF the
National Capital, and over $50 600, 900
IN FEDERAL income tax toward the up-
Keep OF the Nation. They oYersub.
scribed every Liberty loan during The
war. They have sent more men in the
ma jor conflicts In defense OF the Nation
than many States put together, and vel
they are not permitted a voice In ma.
tional affairs. What is the result?
The matter Of the present Injustice
OF the Federal Governments tnare in
| the upkeep Of the National Capital /,
wholly at the mercy Of members o,
Congress. who largely have only time
10 make a superficial .tudy OF hi.
| question; the oyerdevelopment in some
instances or the lack OF Development ir
other instances OF the municipality II
carried on wholly WITHOUT consultint
those people who provide the money fol
this purpose: statements are made n
Congress In reference 10 the District O
Columbia which are misstatements O.
| !act, WIN no voice 10 oppose them: leg.
iiation ruinous TO the people OF In,
community Is proposed and acted upon
w1th the citizens impOtent and voice
less. This II an unfair situation ant
one which should worry any self-re
specting American.
How can We speak Of our st,perioyit'
OF political freedom With ibis eanxer II
The heart OF our National Capital?
Modern methods of transportation, b.
ran. by automobile. by aeroplane tn
pfesent-dAy Hghtningiike mobility o
forces maze ridiculous the argumen
maj Tie District should be p0Aticall,
lmpotent 10 prevent the seat Of tn
Federal Government being disturbed b,
outside forces,
This In a modern day In a noderl
age. Congress should regard the peo
pie OF the District Of Columbia in tn
light of their aceomplishments~-t /:
rs responsible American citizens, en-
| should treat them as such.
The old cry Taxation without rep
reseniati0n" Is as true today as 1t wa
$50 gears ago aud II would indeed b
a shack ~ the men who "a. In he Fir
Congress t0 learn thst taxation uitbou
representation II not only still ssistTn
IN the c0untry they created. hut iha
| II IL existent IN It's National Capital an
by legislation ~ that governing bod
founded for the purpose IL nYesefyin
political freedom for the people of hi
| | Nation.