Evening star., 1934-12-23
SANTA W0ULDF|ND
TRADE BODY PLEAS
DIFFICULT TO FILL
Want List Varies From Vote
for District to Greater
Traffic Safety.

II Washington's major organizations
which are grouped within the generic
term "txade bodies" were to write to
Santa Claus this Christmas great
would be the variety of their requests.
And Santa, even as nearly omnipo-
tent as the old gentleman is reputed
to be, would have Job on his hands
delivering all the goods on anything
like short notice.
Within his pack would have to be
the magic to produce overnight ac-
complishments ranging from con-
stitutional amendment TO changes in
human nature and convincing Con-
gress it should generously treat a vote
less people who can WELD but little
political power.
The Washington Board Of Trade,
whose membership is most numerous
of all the groups, would have, first of
all, national representation for the
District of Columbia. This means the
right to elect representatives to Con-
gress and to the electoral college, by
which the President and and Vice
President are chosen.
Old Wish Still UnfulfiIled.
For many years the board has cam
paigned determinedly for this OBJ
jective, which could be achieved only
by an amendment to the Constitu-
ton. Although citizens organizations
throughout the city almost unani-
mously have rallied to the fight. Con-
gress has proved obdurate and refused
to submit an amendment resolution
to the Nation.
Next on the boards list old Kris
Kringle would read increase in Fed
eral participation in paying the Ma
tional Capitals bills" The board has
objected to the small lump sum ap-
preparation the Congress makes as its
share of the cost of District main
| tenance and administration.
Originally the Federal contribution
was half the yearly budget. This
gradually was reduced until, for the
| current fiscal year, the appropriation
is only $500, 900, and from this sum
was deducted a percentage of p. w. A.
allotments for work here.
As the Federal contribution has de-
| creased, the Federal Government has
constructed more buildings and taken
more and more property out Of Dis
trict tax jurisdiction, all the while
increasing the local burden of fire
and police protection.
Traffic Caution Sought.
The third and last large request
| the Trade Board would make Is this:
"Endow the drivers and pedestrians
Of Washington with the spirit Of care
| and cooperation that traff1c accidents
| and deaths may be reduced"
Hear the requests the Merchants
and Manufacturers Association would
make:
Build a municipal stadium, prob
ably at the end Of East Capitol street,
large enough to seat 100000 persons
and accommodate the Olympic games
and the Army-Navy foot ball game.
The project would be financed with
p. w. A. funds.
| Construct an adequate municipal
airport at Gravelly Point.
Widen r street between Seventh
and Ninth streets with the 500, 900
IP.W. A. grant which already has been
made. This is considered the most
essential Improvement in the down.
town area.
Restore the remaining per cent of
the pay cut to Government employees
and thereby boost Washington's busi-
ness as well as benefltting those re-
ceiving the added compensation.
Restore use of all the city's street
lighting facilities to prevent many
burglaries and trafic accidents.
Enlarge the city's docking and har-
Dor facilities as an inducement tc
water commerce and pleasure travel
Impounding Is Asked.
Pass a law which would permit i'm
pounding of automobiles in trafhc vio-
lations other than in the situations
where it now is permitted.
Complete the staggering Of Govern.
ment working hours as tramc slo
These are the gifts Louis Roths-
child, director, would want for NJ;
Better Business Bureau:
Sound prosperity with harmoniou;
relationship between buyer and seller
and mutual regard for the integrity
of each.
"A volume on How Not To Bt
Gullible' in the stocking Of every
member of the public and for every
questionable promoter big switch.
THAT the questionable scheme
calling itself charity, the get-rich-
quick investment racket, and the fly
by-night merchant find their activi-
ties curbed and their elicit effort
wrongly to capitalize on the Chris
mas spirit unsuccessful"
| Curtis Hodges Want List.
Listen to the gifts Curtis Hodges
executive director of the Greater Ma
tional Capital Committee, would van
for his organization:
1.-THE highest degree Of power anc
ability in awakening the public ever
more fully to the beauties, interest!
and attractions of Washington.
"All of the people of the United
States to understand completely tht
responsibilities and burdens Of thosl
who have their homes and their bust
ness enterprises in the city that Il
the Capital of the Nation.
"A full realization on the part o.
the people of the United States that
since Washington as city is tht
symbol Of q great Government anc
is largely the property of the whole
country everybody should take pride
In its Improvement and beautifica.
ton.
"A hall or building with sufncient
space to accommodate the largest
eXpositions that are held"
If the committee should receiv.
this last present." he added, at woulc
be willing to take a chance on gettine
the others that are mentinnedn y