Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-05-03

in the last 10 years the District ha-
outstripped one of them.
To be sure, it is only in the House
that population is the basis of repre-
sentation There are those who would
have argued before the passage Of the
seventeenth amendment, providing fol
the direct election of Senators, that
since the District CT Columbia had nc
State Legislature it had no way of
electing Senator's; but this position
would be untenable today. The claim
Of the District to membership in the
Upper House is based upon its right
as a distinct political unit to voice In
both bodies making laws for 1t. IL
The Fiscal Division.
The District should net be denied
representation because Of contributions
received from the Federal Government
Between 1900 and 1878 the District Of
Columbia struggled, with almost no
aid, to carry out the plans Of the
founders for a beautiful and impress
sive National Capital. Thereafter, I'M
til 1921. the Federal and District Gov
ernments each contributed so per cent
of the funds for all expenses OF The
District. BY the organic act Of 1922
the principle of definite proportionate
contributions was reafirmed, but the
ratio was changed to a so per cert
contribution by the District and 4O
per cent contribution by the Federal
Government. Although this act still IS
law, temporary provisions renewed BY
Congress in each annual appropriation
since the fiscal year 1925 have allotted
the lump sum of 100000 to the Dis
amount was raised to $9.500.000. The
1880 appropriation met only Is per cent
of the total expenditures OF the Dis
trict. -
To be sure, the Federal Government
is now engaged in an extensive building
program for the National Capital, but II
is for the enjoyment of all the people
and for the transaction Of their bust
ness. It is we'll to note in considering
the question of taxation that Govern
ment properties are tax exempt. 1t Is
also of interest that police and fire pro-
lection, street paving and improvements
water mains, sewers and many otnel
services from which thousands OF visl-
tors to Washington. as well as residents
benefit annually are paid for entirely
by the District of Columbia.
The 100000 contributed to the Dis
trict by the Federal Government L
small indeed in comparison with the
1923 .27e, 900 expended for the fiscal veal
1880 in Federal aid for highways, vo-
rational education, agriculture anc
the many other channels through which
funds are granted to all the 4S States
History.
BY act Of July Is. 1870, Congress
accepted land on both banks Of thu
Potomac River which had been cedec
by previous acts of Maryland and Vir'
ginia for the seat Of the Government
Of the United States
On the first Monday IN December
1900, Congress assembled In Washing
ton for the first time.
In 1901 Congress took over the gov
eminent Of the District and the laws
of Maryland and Virginia ceased tc
operate.
From 1901 to 1871 Congress passed
all legislation needed for the District
Of Columbia. although ordinance
making powers we're exercised by the
five local governmental units-the
county Of Washington, city of Wash
ington. town Of Georgetown, county OF
Alexandra, and town Of Alexandria
White male citizens had local suffrage
Which, III loo' Hdo cACCilNcu ~ al ma
citizens at least 81 years of age who
had been residents Of the District OF
Columbia for one year.
In 1846 Alexandria was retroceded
to Virginia, since petitions, followed by
a popular referendum, showed an over
whelming vote in favor Of return.
From 1871 to 1874, Congress set up a
territorial government for the District
consisting Of a governor, a legislative
assembly Of two houses, and two boards
with ordinance-making powers. A non
voting delegate sat in the House OF
Representatives Congress retained
authority to repeal or annul any act OF
the assembly. The Board of Public
Works undertook a needed but costly
plan OF improvement that was largely