Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1941-06-08
Federation Calls
For Election Of
Commissioners
Legislation Sought
As Step Toward
SeIf-Government

The Federation of Citizens AS
sociations last night reiterated its
Endorsement of national representa-
ton for the District and called for
local election of the two civilian
Commissioners.
Before recessing until next Oc-
tober, the delegates swept through
committee dockets and heard brief
address by Hugo Wolter of the Dis
trict Defense Council on volunteer
registration for civilian defense,
which opens in District schools
Tuesday.
Longest discussion of the eve
ming came as the delegates APP
proved the proposed bill to merge
Police and Municipal Courts and
set up an intermediate court of
appeals for the District. but not
before they had tackled three
amendments to the measure. These
would reduce the tenure Of judges
from 10 to 5 years, eliminate the
retirement provisions and change
the qualifications for the bench to
five years residence and practice
of law in the District.
Unanimously Adopted.
The national representation mo-
ton was made by Chairman Eta
Taggart of the National Representa-
ton Committee and was unanimous
ly adopted. The plan to elect t2s
two civilian Commissioners was re-
ported by Chairman Wilbur Finch
of the Local Suffrage Committee.
He urged that legislation be sought
to amend the Organic Act of 1878
to provide for the election of these
two officials, describing the proposal
as the most practical and eXpedient,
if not the most satisfactory, method
for establishing local self-govern-
ment here.
The delegates reiterated also
their support of District budget
balanced against expected revenue
at prevailing taxes and tax rates.
They favored compulsory teach
| ing of history of the District in
! the public schools, presidential ap-
/ pointment to the vacant post Of
peoples counsel before the Publ
Utilities Commission. the proposed
plan for a public defender, limiting
speed in Rock Greek parkway to
As miles per hour south of Con-
necticut avenue, 30 miles per hour
along Beach drive and elsewhere
Is miles per hour.
Favor Anti-Noise Drive.
They reiterated their opposition
to unnecessary noises by motor We
hicles and urged strict enforcement
] by police of anti-noise regulations.
! Opposition was voted to pro-
posed amendment to zoning regu-
lations to permit use of unimproved
lots in certain residential areas for
parking purposes; to proposed
bill to permit appointments of as
sistant district attorneys from areas
within 20 miles of the District, and
to arresting drivers for going to-
slow.
The delegates were opposed f
pending bills for administration
I the new National Guard ArmoT
urging instead a flve-man con-
mission of the National Guar
commander, Commissioner ann
three District residents appointeI
by the Commissioners.
! Dispute Over Judges.
The report favoring the Policc
/ Court-Municipal Court merger came
close TO being recommitted to tbs
Law and Legislation Committee a,
Federation Secretary David Babr
led opposition to the proposal on the
ground that the tenure and retire.
ment provisions would saddle the
District with expense and freeze in.
competents on the bench. He pre-
dicted the bill would cost the Dis.
trict 100000.
Well never be able to get thu
bad ones out" he said. It's beer
tried within the past two years anc
the fellow is still on the bench"
He added that the retirement fea.
ture was simply to provide for "ont
certain Judge"
Law Committee Chairman Harry
S. Wender defended the bill and
fought recommitment. He admitted
that certain judges in the lower
courts did not enjoy the respect
OF local lawyers, but contended the
tenure of 10 years was necessary as
provided in the bill to get COM
petent men to leave law practices
He also added that Police Court
is the biggest money maker In the
District government at present
After two counts. the recommitmen
motion lost 1922.