Evening star., 1941-04-25
Americunize Washington

AmerlCQnlZe WQSniHStOn
The National Government has
been and is now seeking 50 to
strengthen its fighting power as to
prepare effectively to resist totall-
tartan aggressorS, who seek to
destroy democracy in all the world;
or tan effect much to be desired to
prevent such attack by showing
power successfully to resist it.
The Senate Judiciary Subcommlt-
tee. holding hearings on DISTRICT
national representation, iS-The Star
thinkS-making a similar effort 10
gain the additional powers which
will enable it to free itself from the
lmpedimentS which prevent 1t from
presenting to the world consistent
observance and defense Of the prln-
cipleS of democracy.
Our appeal today is to Congress
to recognize its obligation in justice
TO give national representation 10
the people of the District and thus
to free itself from the accusation OF
retaining inconsistently totalitarlan
despotic government at the National
CAPITAL under its exclusive control,
while expending billions to sustain
democratic governments against
aggression in all the world.
War is threatened. World issues
and vital national questions absorb
attention.
Is this the time to redress the
Capitals political grievances?
Yes. says Washington. To Amerl-
canize the political aliens of the
District of Columbia is to do justice
and to relieve the Nation of reproach
and shame, achievements which, like
the motion to adjourn, are always
In order. And not only in general
but in a special sense is this Ameri-
Canizing process peculiarly oppor-
tune. in that it reflects the very
thought and spirit Of the times and
IS an integral part of the legislation
which springs naturally from the
patriotic impulse toward true pre-
paredness.
The dominating thought now
concerns Uitdli2ed Amer1cdn1Sm;'
patriotic selt-Sacrifce in 7Cdr-pre-
paredneSS or War-preUention, a
quickening and intenSitying eUery-
1rhere of the fine. strong spirit OF
American nationality. In these days
of exalted AmericaniSm, Washing
tonians are in the front rank of
devoted Americans. They have ever
been foremost when AmericaniSm
meant loss instead of benefit, when
to be Americans meant to place both
sacrifice of treasure and blood sac
rifce upon the Nations altar
National representation is dis
tinctive basic right of the American
citizen-in a Government of the peo-
pie, by the people, for the people-in
a Government which roots its justice
In consent of the governed-in q
representative Government 1Uhich in
separably couples taration and mill
taru service 1Uith representation.
Washingtonians have paid their
proportion of every national tax,
direct or indirect, from the birth of
the Nation. They have riSked life
and shed their blood in every
national war. To every demand of
devotion and self-Sacrifice made
upon Americans, Washington has
rendered, is rendering, and will
always render full, hearty and un-
stinted response.
In notable particulars, however,
Washingtonians are deprived of the
rights and privileges of the American.
AS a suitor in the courts of the
United States the District resident
has, the Supreme Court says,
lower standing than an alien.
In relation to national laws the
sole function of the District resi-
dents is to obey. They take no part
In making the laws which they
must obey.
In relation to national taxes their
sole function is to pay. They have
nothing to say, like other taxpayers,
concerning the amount and kind of
taxes they shall pay and how the
tax money shall be spent.
In relation to national war their
sole function is to fight in obedience
to command They have no voice,
like other Americans, in the councils
which determine war and peace.
They have no representation in the
Government which requires them to
fight, bleed, and perhaps to die.
The Star believes that every
thoughtful American, whether in or
out of Congress, will recognize the
justice of and respond sympathet-
ically to the Districts appeal for
voting representation in Congress
and the Electoral College.
What are the additional powers
which Congress needs in order to
meet just obligation as the Dis
trict's exclusive legislature and to
relieve itself of the shame of impo-
tency to correct an evil injury work.
ing discrimination?
In order to grant to the people of