Evening star., 1943-12-16
McCurrun's PIon
For City Council
Draws Fire
BY DON s. WARREN,

Subjects ranging from historical
figures to "bossism and graft" in big
American cities were brought into
testimony today as members OF the
Senate District Committee resumed
hearings on the home rule" plan
for District residents.
There was . sharp difference of
views as some witnesses supported
the proposal of Chairman McCarran
Tor provision OF an elected council
city manager form Of government
here which still would leave Con-
gress with its historic exclusive
legislative control.
Joseph w. Leverton, the first wit
ness, declared the people Of the Dis
trlct ought to have the voting privi-
lege, but that if the men and women
who are residents here cannot be
given that then at least District men
and women in the military and
naval services should be allowed to
vote.
McCarran Cites Probe.
1t would be terrible" said Mr..
Leverton, IF the men overseas were
called in to be given their ballots
and all received them except those
from the District of Columbia"
At this point Chairman McCar-
ran remarked that he felt all Dis
trlct residents should have the right
TO vote. He added that a consti-
tutional amendment would be re-
quired to give the District the status
OF anything approaching that of
State.
Abiding to the investigate of
Galllnger Municipal Hospital. Chair
man McCarran said he thought Civ
ing the people voting rights was
necessary for full correction of
such situations. since the District
Committee was only legislative
body.
Fulton R. Gordon. real estate op-
orator, who told the committee he
was born a pioneer" and still was
pioneer, said he was violently op-
posed to District home rule. He
drew picture of contests between
machine candidates, while sug-
costing that the voters of the coun-
try ought to be trained in how to
select the proper candidates.
Lauds Commissioners.
Making references to George
Washington and other great leaders.
Mr.. Gordon voiced praise for Dis
tflct Commissioners Young, Mason
and kutz. declaring that there
would be no such thing as war if
the nations were governed by men
like the three city heads because
they wouldn't do things that cause
war"
Fears Onset of "Bossism."
Clinton N. Howard general super
intendent Of the International Re-
form Federation and editor of its
publication The Progress Magazine
said he found the McCarran bill in
accord with his convictions along
many lines, but he raised fears its
approval would create problems of
graft and bossism to be found in
other cities.
Referring to DR.. Sun Yat-seir.]
Susan B. Anthony and Frederick
Douglass in a discussion of the value
of democratic principles, the witness
stressed the observance of equality
OF all men before the law.
He said he was not opposing any
bill which was founded on demo-
cratic principles and that the city
council-city manager plan had
brought good results in various
cities, but added he wanted to ex-
plain some of the dangers which
may be inflicted on Washington res
idents" if they got local suffrage.
Gives Graft Examples.
While the present form ,of city
government here has its defects.
the witness said. 1t has saved
the city from graft and bossism to
be found in other cities" He gave
Philadelphia, Chicago. New York
and Kansas City as examples.
In no sense do I look upon this
bill as panacea." he added. Mr..
Howard also suggested possibilities
of race rivalries" if the District
got the vote
Donald B. Hatmaker. 36O1 Warder
street NV, an OPA attorney. who
said he was to enter military serv-
ice shortly. said many persons were
opposed to the McCarran bill be-
cause they felt minorities would get
control of elections. He said he
thought this would be possible be-
cause large numbers of persons
coming here to work for the Gov
ernment would keep their voting