Evening star., 1938-05-21

representation without local suffrage
and characterized the local govern
ment here now as "one of diffuSe
responsibility.
Pointing to growth of FaScism, Mr..
Katz declared that If Congress at this
time were to say to the country and
to the world that we here in America
as our reply to the spread of Fascism
will extend democracy in the fullest
way We know how it would bolster
the worldwide resistance to Fascism.'
Former Representative William Up
shaw of Georgia. in a brief speech,
declared he was in favor of "emanclpa-
ton of the people of Washington.
Charles Edward Russell, author and
chairman of the Washington branch
of the Social Democratic Federation In
support of suffrage here, branded the
personal property tax here as "oner-
Gus, iniquitous and inquisitorial,' en-
acted without consent of those taxed.
He charged it was total violation OF
the foundation rock of American citi-
zenship," and said that if citizens here
were wrong in protesting it, then the
whole American revolution was "a
blunder and a mistake" and should
be apologized for.
Attacking the District Commission
ers for recently refusing to hear pro-
testing residents here, he charged
their action was arbitrary, autocratic,
peremptory," and that they had "vio-
lated and torn to pieces the first
amendment to the Constitution"
Arthur Bernstein Of the United Fed
eral Workers was given permission to
insert a statement in the record in
support Of suffrage
Luther Robinson Maddox, president
of Columbia Heights Citizens Asso-
citation, opposed both pending joint
resolutions before the Judiciary Com
mittee because they give discretion
ary powers" and insisted on stronger
legislation, such as the Sirovich bill,
he said He praised leaders Of the
national representation movement,
but said the only way to get full suf-
frage would be to get mandatory leg
islation providing full States rights.
Several documents in support of
suffrage were introduced by Mrs. Louis
Gutenberg, president of the Voteless
D. c. League of Women Voters. These
included statements by Mrs. j. Bor-
den Hartman, United States Minister
to Norway, who is Democratic national
committeewoman from the District OF
Columbia; Mrs Carrie Chapman Gait,
the Washington Branch American
Association of University Women; DR..
Mabel NJ Akin, president of the Amer
ican Medical Women's Association;
Mary N. Winslow of the National
Women's Trade Union League of
America, and Mrs. E. G. Montgomery,
president of the Twentieth Century
Club.
Other Records Forecast.
Mr. Suter introduced into the record
the names of Evan H. Tucker, repre-
senting the Society of Natives, and
others who will submit documents for
the record.
Mr.. Ayers, in opposition, quoted
from Charles Warren. author; 10TH
rop Stoddard, lecturer and author;
Ford E. Young, jr., attorney. and Paul
M. Linebarger, former confidential
agent for the Chinese republic.
Walter A. Pinchback, colored, presi-
dent of the Bloomingdale Civic Asso-
citation and an official of the Fedora
tion of Civic Associations, appeared as
another witness for the Citizens Con-
ference on Suffrage for the District.
He quoted President Jackson in sup
port of local self-government here, and
said his group was particularly inter-
ested in local self-government, al
though they also want national repre-
sentation. In conclusion he said, 1--WE
don't want to remain Charlie McCar-
thy; we'd like to be Edgar Bergen"
Arthur D. Gray Of the Washington
Council, National Negro Congress, put
his organization on record in favor Of
both local suffrage and national rep