Evening star., 1943-07-04
Civic Problems, Civic Bodies
A Voteless D. G.. Out of Tune
With Declaration of independence
BY JESSE C. SUTER.

by all peculiar sgn
canoe to people Columbia for the hope
inspires that they too enjoy the basic rights privileges
which procaims.
I'VE be self-evdent that all men are
equal that they certain
unaienable rights that these liberty pursuit
happiness That these governments are instituted
deriving their just
governed"
foregoing the shrine of our great republic
but in the light of the entire lack OF political
of the National Capital it somewhat OF a paradox.
Current news items in the today tell that with
other District people salary wages to
20 cent Of their withheld at and
en as income tax Another item gives the that Dis
considerable being
ordered report for duty in the armed tell
plans being worked the men and Of the Navy
Marines may by
election wherever they be serving their country in this globa
rights laid the Declaration Independence the District
people are regarded as being equal other Americans only for
purpose bearing citizenship
laws apply them they to all Others Service the armed
is parance right up their alley"
about making plans voting by mail
Senator'S Representatives President and Vice President does not
apply to the fighting and the auxiare from the
District of Columbia The situation suggests those lines from
Tennysons poem, charge of the Light Brigade:
Theirs not to make reply,
why
die"
proclamation, District Commissioners
washngtonian the leh anniversary Of the
Independence They the display
flags possible everybody part
pate celebration Theater at 65 pm today
The proclamation states that: This than
before fitting that Nations Capital should dedicate
the preservation of the freedoms which the
forefahers pledged their lives their and their hon.
urepresend people
ubia will this appeal they always the
Deprivation of American rights guaranteed by the
Independence deferred
thusastc observance of the Fourth Of July.
years general downtown celebrations
supplemented neghborhood celebrations
every District neighborhood affairs
picturesque parades patriotic exercises including
reading Declaration Independence fireworks when
available.
proclamation applauded by
urge proddng City Fathers
political status by the people OF the District of
Columbia clearly of harmony with the spirit of the Decra-
uoa u Aiie uiique Sua'aoi "a 'e o q
complete depois the heart of the great republic is further
accenuaed the knowledge that harmony with the American
attanbe only through the grant by amend
ment of a to Congress.
Senator Arthur Capper of last We'd
nesdy evening made address before group at the
this subject which following extracts quoted
THE real rulers of the United States of America the people,
who act through their duly elected legislative and administrative
All Americans of legal who Of sound mind and have
lost citizenship through conviction OF felony in theory
least, entitled 70 the privilege OF the ballot.
actual practice those residing in the Territories and in the
District Columbia do not have the privilege Of the ballot in
of the Territories Congress at
time admit them statehood and give them the full enjoy
of their rights citizens
Regarding the residents OF the District even the District
National Government, the Is entirely
political status either of the District or of its people Therefore 1t
that resort to the somewhat difficult process OF
amending Constitution.
long association in Congress- with the affairs OF the
District with the serious hand
the District Columbia by OF their de-
pvaton of the fundamental rights participating IN the Govern
They actual pracceno among the
fact its subjects Without our
subsequent legislation by Congress
they may continue to remain simply subjects.
Civic District of Columbia have for years
spirited campaign before Congress for relief from the
anomalous situation In this work serious OBJ
knowledge of the historic and
people in and out OF Congress-
IAN erroneous firmly lodged in the minds OF
some which prompted the trainers OF the Cos-
tuition peculiar situation at the seat OF was
from politics. Notnng can pe
the truth than this intention make the interests
at the Capital Here tnere
should be dual sovereignty
THE Federal Capital be free from the control OF any
government However there was no indication that tne "
habants of the Capital should forever be denied partpa-
ton in the Government of their country
TT should be that when the Constitution was
adopted neither the size OF the future Capa OF
the new republic was Constitution only gave the Con-
gress the power of selection and exclusive control
petition in behalf OF the pending amenoment 70
the Constitution presented to Congress- states 1hat
Tho only sound reason which offered departure In
the case of the Columbia from the fundamental Amer
can concepts representative for protection OF the
national interest seat Of government ana then only
to the required for such effective protection
THAT protection of the national 1nterecoupled WIN
recoeniton of the interest OF the District
is provided proposed constitutional amendment which con-
r in Congress continuing control representation
that both the Nations Districts interests always be
eqUtably protected"
The simple provision which is proposed to add to
the Constitution the to give the people OF tne ~
c of Columbia political to which they are justly en-
titled but will not control by Congress over the National
Capital ~ - H., ,
rouer tn vide that there shall the
electors of President President members elected by the
people constituting the seat OF OF the
United numbers and with such powers as the Con-
gress All legislation nereunoer saA oe su0e'
amendment and repeal"
ro