Evening star., 1949-01-06
Continued Fight Urged
By Capper 10 Secure
D. {. Representation

Senator Capper, Republican, of
Kansas, today called for a contin-
uing fight to win for the voteless
people of Washington the privilege
of national representation and po-
litical rights.
.1ine District people and those of
the whSae country" Senator Capper
declared, must be aroused to the
enormity Of this political sin of de-
priving these Americans at the very
heart of America from having part
in the government of our country"
Describing the denial of repre-
sentation in Congress to Washing
ton residents as "a shocking un-
American condition." the Senator
added:
ITO remedy this amazing condi-
ton, honestly believe, is the prob
lem of first Importance to the people
of this District"
Asks Approval of Amendment.
Senator Capper spoke at a WASH
ington Junior Board of Commerce
luncheon recognizing his retirement
from the United States Senate and
his years Of interest in and devotion
to District problems. The 83-year-
old Kansan retired with the end of
the 80th Congress after 80 years in
the Senate, during most of which
time he served on the Senate District
Committee.
In his speech Senator Capper
called for approval of a constitu-
tional amendment giving District
residents national representation and
political rights without impairing
the authority of the Federal Gov
ernment over the Capital. Such an
amendment was pending in the 8Oth
Congress and it is expected it will be
brought up in the new Congress.
Recalls Early Service.
Senator Capper said that early in
his service in the Senate he became
aware that citizens of the District
ARE recognized as full-fedged
American citizens in all cases where
the bearing of burdens and respon-
sibilities are concerned, but when it
comes to having any say in the leg
islation or operation of the National
Government they are absolutely
mute"
Senator Capper recalled that in
the latter part of 1921 and the early
part of 1922, he participated as
member of the Senate District
Committee in hearings on bills and
a constitutional amendment to af-
ford political rights to District resi-
dents
Il then heard the able arguments
Of Theodore w. Noyes, Edwin c.
Brandenburg. Paul E. Lesh and
others in support of the proposal to
give these voteless and unrepresent-
ed people of the District their just
American rights through amend
ment to the Constitution, the Sen
ator said. II was thrilled and con-
vinced by the forceful logic in the
pleas of these able men. Then and
there, I decided to do all in my
power to help right this indefensible
wrong, and that has been my stand
ever since"
Recalling that he has been the
sponsor in the Senate for many
years of a constitutional amendment
giving the people of Washington
national representation, Senator
Capper added:
The only reason or excuse for
creating the anomalous political Sit
uation prevailing at the seat of the
Government was for the protection
of the national interest. Granting
these people participation in the
national Government would in no
way lessen the protection
The Senator predicted that In the
end success will crown the efforts
of those who struggle for what is
right and just"
II hope" he added, "you will agree
with me that the fight must go on.
I say organize and work together for
the status of American citizens, the
Districts greatest need"