Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-10-31

AM Other States and Canada.
The Federation Election.

4uG C6utIdIlOu GlcCLlOu'
The Federation of Citizens Associa-
tons elects officers tomorrow night, an
event that comes as near as anything
10 providing the people of Washington
with an opportunity to express them
selves through the ballot.
AS a substitute for actual participa-
ton In their government, or as means
Of expressing the sentiment of the tax
payers on important issues in munich
pal affairs, the election is hollow and
meaningless mockery.
AS an expression of interest in pure
" local and neighborhood affairs, the
election is valuable. The Federation
Of Citizens Associations fills an i'm
portant role among the various organ
tzations of citizens in Washington, and
the selection Of officers, responsible in
large measure for keeping alive the in
telligent interest Of citizens in city
progress and city improvement, Is a
matter that rightly demands serious
thought.
The Federation campaign this year
has been waged between DR.. George G.
Havenner, who is seeking reelection
for a third term, and by former Repre-
sentative Charles I. Stengle. The cam
paign Is unique in that 1t Is almost
wholly devoid Of any tissues" DR..
Havenner's friendly foes have opposed
his reelection because he has already
filled the office of president for two
years and the third term" Is cited as
something to be avoided. This has a
strangely familiar sound. But DR.. Ha-
venner's friends counter with the asser-
ton that third terms are nothing new
in Federation rule, for William NICK.
Clayton, Charles A. Baker and William
q. westlake are former presidents who
served three good terms, without injur-
ing the city or establishing q dangerous
dynasty.
Mr.. stengle's friends are urging his
choice because Of the interest he has
manifested IN citizeng activities and the
service he has rendered as o delegate
10 the federation, while DR.. Havenner's
adherents point to the mplishments
shown under his proved leadership. But
neither candidate - charged with radi-
calism: both are regarded as conserva-
tive members Of the community, work.
ing for thu best interests Of the city,
and there are no spectacular attacks
on personalities or vilification Of mo-
tives and actions that elsewhere serve
10 enliven such battles.
Under capable, aggressive and In
formed leadership. the Federation has
and should continue to render valuable
service to the taxpayers whom it repre-
sents. A new washington Is being built.
In the course Of construction, many
problems, relating TO such matters as
proper coming, the layout Of highways.
the arrangements Of trafdc, present
themselves almost daily. The official
bodies dealing with such matters are
not truly representative Of the average
Homecoming citizen. But the advice
Of the Federation, the nature Of which
Il reached after mature and careful
elaboration, viii always be gratefully
received by those who must make the
decisions. In matters that concern the
fiscal relationship between the Federal
Government and the local community
IN their Joint task Of developing the
Capital, the Federation should be alert
b guard against unjust and unwise
policies. making its protest quickly and
effectively.
It's power IN the government Of the
community n merely advisory. But
intelligent criticism and sound recon-
mendation viii be felt, and these the
Federation Il equipped to give.