Evening star., 1947-11-02
A Good Home Rule PIun

The Star has always believed that the
greatest assurance for bona fide home rule
in Washington lies in the representation
of its people in Congress, with vote for
President and Vice President 1t still
believes so.
But if the approach is to be the other
way, through local suffrage, the preliminary
report of the Subcommittee on Home Rule
and Reorganization made public today by
Chairman James c. Auchincloss OF New
Jersey and his colleagues is the best such
approach yet outlined. They are to be
commended highly.
AS a preliminary proposal the report Is
excellent. It has been carefully and
thoughtfully prepared. Congressional ap-
proval of its provisions would make possible
effective management by the people OF
Washington of their own affairs. 1t recog-
nizes and retains, as cardinal principle
the control of the seat of Government by
Congress. 1t transfers to the people who
are governed, however, voice in their local
government which, with Congressional
assent, would be the controlling voice. 1t
retains the principle of financial partner
Oo'
ernments which is necessary for the tax
payers protection and for protection OF
the Federal interest 1t brings into some
orderly array the hodgepodge, scattered,
disconnected divisions of local govern
ment and precisely defines the role OF the
many Federal agencies concerned with
local affairs 1t creates Joint Committee
of Congress on District Affairs, sound
proposal with or without local suffrage. 1t
provides for initiative, referendum and re-
Gala progressive idea in local govern
ment.
Mr.. Auchincloss emphasizes the fact
that the report is preliminary Tnere are
several Qualifications necessary
Cd The old question of the validity OF
Confessional delegation Of its legislative
powers remains to be tested. 1t is being
tested now in the field OF expert legal
opinion 1t will never remain settled until
the courts have reviewed 1t again. Tne
Star has always advocated the need Tor
such test.
(2) Under the novel legislative processes
proposed, the elected city council would
enact laws for the District, subject to Con-
eressional veto. But the President is
omitted entirely from this process. AS
President he would, of course, sign the new
organic act providing for local suffrage.
But thereafter there is no provision for MS
participation in local legislation Wnlch
originated with the city council. His veto
rights are exercised by Congress alone.
The Star doubts the validity of this orr11s-
sion. 1t could be remedied.
(3) The plan would permit local votes
by one-year residents, including those who
retain voting residence in the States. 1t
should be made clear beyond any douot
that such local voters must also be local
taxpayers; that Is, that they are not
exempt from local tax liability as they
are now under the local income tax. No
local voter should have Voice in the
expenditure of local funds who enjoys any
exemption by reason of legal residence
elsewhere as a local taxpayer. On tne
other hand, State voters who voted IN
Washington municipal elections might be
subject to challenge, on that ground IN the
States.
These are merely some of the questions
that must be settled beyond any reason
able doubt There are others, which Inc
Star will discuss later on. In the matter
of a referendum on whether the people OF
Washington desire this form OF local gov
ernment, for example, Mr.. Auchlncloss
makes the point that it is the constitutional
duty of Congress to establish a govern
ment in Washington and that no re1eren-
dunn is called for. 1t should be kept in
mind, however, that if the proposed plan
for local suffrage is emasculated by Con-
pressional amendment, it could easily be-
come a highly damaging instead OF oene-
fcial instrument. If a serious question
arises as to its benefits, certainly the
people of the District should be given
opportunity to express their wishes.
The Star hopes that the House ana
Senate District Committees will take this
proposal under consideration early IN the
special session, that it will be given joint
hearings by the two committees and that
In the absence of notable defect through
damaging amendment Congress will ap-
prove it.