Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1932-06-15

representation at the center Of the
American republic.
80. Add representative participation
In Government, now denied, to the
duty always borne. of supporting that
Government by paying taxes and
fighting.
q Remove the present stigma, nu-
initiation and moral and political en-
feeblement resulting from permanent
political impotence of a people more
numerous than the population in each
of seven American States 1920 census
IS. Make the heart of our own Ma
ton safe for democracy. having re-
Gently engaged in a world crusade to
that end.
IS. Make 1t no longer possible to
say that the American Capital City is
the only national capital that has no
voice in its national government
Statehood Not Sought.
THE proposed amendment does not
contemplate the admission of the Dis
trict of Columbia as a sovereign State.
TT does not propose the destruction
of the 10 miles square provision OF the
Constitution or lessen in the slightest
degree the complete control OF the Ma
ton over the District.
TT is not a measure for local self
government.
1T does not disturb in any way the
financial relation of the Nation and
Capital either by the abolition OF per-
petuation of the definite proportionate
contribution law.
Sees Million Population.
National representation in Congress
al
half a million people. This number Is
increasing daily and 1t will not be long
before a million will reside in Wash
ington and pay national taxes. They
should have a voice in Congress to
shape their destinies along with other
communities and other States in the
legislative branch Of our Government.
Laws are enacted for the District in
each session Of Congress, and, regard
less OF whether We need them or not,
we cannot oppose or sanction them.
LAS a general rule. members Of Con-
greSs are not unfair in their dealing
with the District affairs but they have
a primary duty to serve their constltu-
ents and the States they represent. The
affairs of the District cannot be their
first consideration. They may not be
familiar with the needs of the people
They have to investigate and learn
but sometimes they have not the avail
able time to make thorough inquiry.
But aside from the above consid-
erations, to what Congressman can a
resident Of the District go and tell his
grievance, public or private? What
Senator or Representative will lend the
from Washington? 1t is true that
the committees of both Houses on the
District affairs do the best they can
and are always glad to serve the needs
Of the people. but 1t is believed that
even they will Be glad to have some
one from the District hear the woes
and tales of the people in Washington
for they hear enough from their own
constituents
without Champion.
"On the other hand, if an official Of
the District is assailed within the walls
of the Capitol Hill, rightly or wrongly
who is the accredited representative Of
answer such a public official? Construc-
tive criticism is a healthy medium in
republican form of government and
should be always welcomed by any pub
lie official. but the unreasonable. un JUS
tifiable and the malicious attack on any
individual by member of Congress
clothed with his prerogatives OF i'm
munity should be discouraged 1t is
certain that if representative of the
District was present at the Capitol we
would not hear so many unwarranted
cries Of criticism. because each Repre-
sentative will mind his own business
Certainly We do not hear a Senator
from one State call the attention OF
the Senator for the conduct of a pub
lie, State or Federal official In another
State.
1T is felt. that the representation we
seek will eliminate all friction and will
stimulate cooperation and beneficial
action for the National Capital. This
city belongs to the United States as a
whole 1t should be built and main
tanned as a model city Of the world
The reimbursement Of the resident will
assist in that direction.
Discusses Electoral College.
Now word about the electoral col
lege. Should the citizens of the District
vote for the President? Why? Since
in the amendment We do not propose
to disturb the local government, it is
fair to assume that We should at least
vote for the man who has the power to
appoint our local officials. While we
still maintain the principle Of Federal
city. and, therefore, believe that all the
people of the United States have voice
and play a part in the upkeep and
maintenance. as we'll as in its beautifi-
cation. we feel that as far as the ap-
pointment of our local officials are con-
cerned a chance should be given us to
recommend our own people for those
positions We do not feel that whole
some, conscientious and sincere proposal
for a qualified man for an official posi-
ton implies political corruption. We
feel that We will be free from that curse
in the District.
We simply demand the inalienable
rights of franchise on fundamental
principles of our Government. The
mere suggestion, therefore, for appoint
ment of local officials does not of itself
condemn us for political tricks of dis
honesty in our efforts. For instance
the selection of lawyer for judicial po-
stion for the District by committee
of the Bar Association and recommend
ed to the President for appointment
Does it always follow that the Presiden!
will appoint that person? OF course
not. Why? Because some times the
President is misled by other people tc
believe that another person from some
other State is better qualified. The
President makes his own choice. 1t Is
wondered whether the President would
heed the local selection in such a case
il the citizens of the District are grant
ed the right to vote But in either case
can it be said that the District would
be politically corrupted by gift of the
right of suffrage?
This idea cannot be conceived and
cannot be worked in theory or in prac-
tice. Perhaps voted for local govern
ment officials might work some irregu-
larities. not any more than in any other
community. but that is not the case
here. We need, therefore. national rep
.Sentation in Congress and in presi-
entail elections
without Voice in Lawmaking.
The laws for the District of Column
bia are enacted by Congress It is moth
Ing but . fair demand that we should