Evening star., 1937-02-09
.CAPPER PLEDGES
SUPPORT T0F|GHT
ON D. c. RACE BILL
Reiterates Belief in Votes
for Local Citizens at
Monday Evening Club.
PRETTYMAN OUTLINES
CAPITALS Chief NEEDS
Calls for Revision of Code and
Building Program With
Equitable Financing"

Senator Capper, Republican, of Kan
sas. ranking minority member of the
Senate District Committee, last night
pledged his support to any move de-
signed to defeat the Norton bill to
legaliZe horse racing in the District,
and reiterated his belief that residents
of the Nations Capital should be given
national representation and the right
to vote.
The Kansan expressed his views on
the District and its needs before
distinguished gathering at the Monday
Evening Clubs forty-first anniversary
celebration at the Wardman Park Ho-
tel. In aligning himself with other
opponents of the racing measure, Cap
per said:
1T don't want to see a gambling in
stitution Of that kind in Washington,
and I'll do everything in my power to
keep it out"
While he believes Washington Is
"the best-governed city of its size in
the country" Capper declared its citi-
zens should have the same privileges
every other citizen of the United
States enjoys-the right to vote and
representation in Congress.
"Needs" Of City Outlined.
E. Barrett Prettyman, former cor
poration counsel and president of the
club, suggested as the principal needs
of Washington:
First, a clarification on the part of
Congress and the executive branch of
the basic concept Of the District of
Columbia. whether it should be con-
sidered an ordinary municipality or
as Federal territory, on the site of
which the Federal Government is OPP
Grated.
Second, a revision and "moderniza-
ton" Of the entire District code.
Third, q comprehensive building
program with proper and equitable
financing.
Fourth, a realignment of the execu-
tive branch Of the District govern
ment, extending greater powers to the
Commissioners.
Senator Capper, in touching on
what he described as urgent needs,
said the District Jail, the reforma-
tory at Lorton. Va; police headquar-
ters and other institutions should be
replaced or improved He said he
wants to help the District "in every
way I can," and added he hopes to
remain on the District Committee as
long as he is in Congress.
Greeted With Applause.
The Kansan was greeted with ap-
plause when he arose to speak. Smil-
ing, he said:
That's music to my ears. You
know we Republicans don't hear that
very much on the Hill any more"
Representative Quinn, Democrat, Of
Pennsylvania, who is q member OF
the House District Committee, told
the gathering there was one thing
Washington did not need-civic pride.
1--WE never seen city where there's
so much zeal and thoroughness on
the part Of the citizens to improve
their surroundings" he said. you're
to be congratulated"
Quinn expressed hope Washington
would some day be self-governing and
suggested that the residents flood the
House and Senate with propaganda
to acquaint the egislators-"every
one, not Just your committee men,
bers"-with the citys problems.
High Death Rate Cited.
The Representative, while admitting
the District needs many improve
ments, declared the greatest need is
for better health conditions. He said
he could not understand why WASH
ington's death rate is higher than
that of Pittsburgh, an industrial city.
Corporation Counsel Elwood Seal
spoke briefly and advocated giving the
Commissioners broader powers with
which to govern the city. He said it
is necessary to go to Congress even
if it's just a matter of laying a pipe
line across street"
Senator King, Democrat, OF Utah,
chairman Of the Senate District Com
mittee, who was to have addressed the
club, was unable to attend because of
prolonged session Of the Senate.
Among the guests were Maj. Daniel
J. Donovan, District auditor and bud
get officer; Health Office George H.
Ruhland, Public Welfare Director FL
wood Street, Mrs. Elizabeth K. Pee
Piles and DR.. George F. Bowerman.
Ray H. Everett, former president of
the club, was POSTMASTER.