Evening star., 1938-05-08
Civic Problems, Civic Bodies
The Value Of the Suffrage Plebiscite-Voteless
Women Back From ST. Louis-The
Districts True Story.
Districts True Story.

tive. 1t represented crystalliza-
ton Of sentiment which has been
growing through long period of
years of educational work and
heightened by general dissatisfac-
ton with the attitude Of Congress
toward the District.
Many new friends of the cause
have declared themselves. and they
must be enrolled. and there must be
careful and painstaking planning,
SO that this crystallization of SEN
timent and accession to the ranks
will 60 right on in a wholesome,
cumulative way. This is necessary
in order that the greatest possible
lasting value will be gotten out of
the poll.
Old friends in Congress have
grown enthusiastic over the result
of the vote and are encouraged to
redouble their efforts to American
ize the Washingtonian. Some new
friends and supporters on Capitol
Hill have declared themselves, and
some old opponents have announced
continued adherence to their un-
American attitude on the subject.
The list Of those who are nom
committal is, alas, q long one.
Some Of these claim not to under
stand the question, and others
assume q judicial attitude and de-
cline to take a position, as they
prefer first to hear the question
debated.
Just what effect the poll will
have on the coming hearing on
the pending proposed amendments
to the Constitution providing for
District national representation
cannot be foreseen. The represent
atives Of the civic groups who will
be spokesmen for the proponents
will appear with a confidence
that they have new and tangible
evidence Of community backing.
Heretofore that backing has been
supported only by the petition of
the cooperating and indorsing or
ganizations as evidenced by the
signatures Of the presiding officers.
Such petitions recently filed with
both the House and Senate repre-
sent q larger number of organiza-
tions than at any time before.
The claim has always been made
by advocates Of national repre-
sentation that there was greater
unanimity in the organizations in
support Of national representation
than upon any other local ques-
ton. The l3-to-1 and the 7-to-1
ratios in the poll are conclusive
proof that these claims were well
founded.
As an entertainer on a popular
radio program frequently remarked,
This is. only the beginning! This
is only the beginning!' The suf-
frage workers must not rest on
their laurels, satisfied to contem-
plate the fine result of the battle
of the ballots; that was only skir-
mish-the real battles are ahead.
A compact organization, with all
divisions working together. care
full planning and the best of STRAIT
egy will be required to win.
The suffrage forces will do well
to keep in mind constantly these
well known lines Of Kipling:
1T amt the guns or ammunition
or the funds that they can
pay,
But close cooperation which
makes them win the day.
1t amt the individual or the army
as a whole,
But the everlastin' teamwork Of
every bloomin' SOUL"
Votelcss d. C. Women
Back From st. Louis Convention.
The Voteless D. c. League Of
Women Voters delegation to st.
Louis returned from the convention
Of the National League Of Women
Voters with feeling Of work well
done in getting assurances Of the
continued support of the national
body for the cause Of the American
ization Of the Washingtonian. This
support was broadened to include
the advocacy Of further amendment
Of the Constitution 60 as to permit
Congress to delegate legislative
power to . local body and give the
District control over its budget and
local affairs. The national body
will send petitions to the House
Committee on the Judiciary urging
favorable action on the pending
joint resolutions upon which hear
ings will be held on May 18 and 10.
Much practical help is expected
through the State Leagues in urg-
ing individual members Of the
House and Senate to take q friendly
interest In the matter. Active CO.
operation along this line has been
going on for some years. These
women constitute . very formidable
part Of the folks back home" who
both make and unmake members
Of the Congress.
It was the. Cali5eenia League Of