Evening star., 1937-11-21
ALL j. S. FAV0RS
VOTEFOR DISTRICT,
CAPPER DECLARES
Need for Suffrage Empha.
sized by "Serious" Tax
Problem, Senator Says. !
ADVOCATES LARGER
FEDERAL Contribution
Asserts Government Is Not Pay.
ing Fair Share of Cost of OPP.
Grating City.

Charging that the tax situation in
the District of Columbia is very
serious" and that the Federal Gov
ernment is not paying its fair share
OF the cost of maintaining the Nation
al Capital, Senator Arthur Capper of
Kansas last night expressed the be-
lief that "the people of the coun-
try" now are in favor of votes for
the District Of Columbia.
The Senator told the District Of
Columbia Suffrage Association, meet
ing in the District Building, that he
favored full suffrage" for the city,
and was pleased to note an increase
In support for the vote here.
Evidence of public interest else.
where in the question of suffrage for
the District. he said, was shown when
he campaigned for reelection in
Kansas. In every speech throughout
the los counties of the State, he
said he committed himself Ito advo-
cate suffrage for the District Of Co.
lumbia, adding that everywhere
got a fine response" He was pleased
to see all newspapers in Washing
ton united in supporting suffrage for
this city.
Cites Tax Problem.
Reviewing his interest in the Dis.
trict for the past 10 years, during
which he has been member, some
times chairman of the Senate District
Committee, Senator Capper declared
the need is greater now than ever
before for the people to have q voice
in their affairs. This tax situation is
very serious"
For several years." he declared,
Congress has not done the fair thing
by the District Of Columbia on that
question. don't think the Federal
Government is paying fair share of
the cost of maintaining the Capital.
The situation is getting worse in
stead of better. You are handicapped
by not having member of your own
in Congress. You should have q
representative for the District of Co.
lumbia in both Houses, some one
with authority to speak, some one
who can say what the people ought to
have and should have
Praising the interest Of women,s
organizations in the vote. the Sen
ator called on those working for suf-
frage to "crystallize public opinion
now as much as you can and don't
be afraid to lay your plea before Con-
gress. You are simply asking for a
square deal. It's the right of every
American citizen
Senator Capper explained he was in
favor both of national representation
and Of local suffrage.
Finch Explains Position.
The position Of the District of Co.
lumbia Suffrage Association for "lo-
cal suffrage" was explained by Wilbur
S. Finch in q prepared statement,
which also outlined the development
OF various movements for the vote
here
Extending appreciation" and "best
wishes for success" to those behind
the movement for national represen-
tation, Mr.. Finch explained that his
association favored municipal suffrage
first.
Since, however, there is, and can
be, no conflict between local suf-
frage and national representation"
he said, mo one can raise any legiti-
mate objection to campaigns for both
being carried on simultaneously" He
recommended that Congress pass an
enabling act by which residents of
this city would be given an official
vote in the conduct of local affairs.
In reply to a question from O. H.
Ritenour of Sixteenth Street Heights
Citizens Association, as to the specific
kind of municipal suffrage the new
organization sponsored, Harry N. Stull
and William NICK. Clayton explained
that the general idea was to build
up an organization Of people who IA
vor the principle of municipal suffrage
and then be prepared to take up and
consider specific proposals as they
arise. Mr.. Stull predicted bill for
local suffrage soon would be introduced
In Congress. Mr.. Clayton, as legislative
chairman Of the association, said he
found more favorable attitude in
Congress toward local suffrage.
215 Members in Association.
William j. Bartle of the Member
ship Committee, reported the asso-
citation now had 275 members, while
David Babp Of the Laison Committee
announced % citizens associations
and groups had aff1liated with the
movement.
William M. Maio of the Executive
Committee announced the appoint
ment of five honorary vice presidents:
Senator Capper, Mrs. Eleanor M. Pat
terson, publisher Of the Washington
Herald and Times; Malcolm S. Nc
Conihe, Democratic national COM
mitteeman for the District; DR.. Luther
H. Reichelderfer, former chairman Of
the Board of Commissioners Of the
District. and James G. Yaden. for
mer president Of the Federation of
Citizens Associations.
Others speaking in favor Of the
movement included Miss Eta Tag
gart, president of the Washingtonians,
an affiliated body; Mrs. Clara Wright
Smith, treasurer OF the new associa-
ton; Kenneth Armstrong and VIII
liam H. Mondell.