Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1949-10-19
Letters to The Star
Two Bellevue Delegates Praise
Housing Advice From Civic Leaders

Two Bellevue Delegates Praise
Housing Advice From Civic Leaders
To the Editor Of The Star:
When letter distorts the facts as to the
Bellevue housing dispute to the extent OF
that written by a certain delegate to the
Federation of Citizens Associations, we must
record our supreme contempt Tor such I'M
warranted action.
The people who make up the Bellevue Citi-
zens' Association claim to be as good citizens
as the writer Of that letter. We claim the
right to have our cause presented to what
ever agency we deem necessary to secure
the protection of our families, by people we
feel are qualified to represent us, and Of our
own choosing.
We have been living in defense housing
units provided under an act of Congress.
and have been living here number OF years.
These units were provided to fit the income
bracket of the people who at that time were
working for the Federal Government Many
of them still work for the Government We
pay adequate rent for these living quarters,
and the facts disclosed by a report to Con-
greSs indicate that this housing has been a
good investment for the Federal Govern
ment, as 1t has been operated at good
profit.
These living units have been our homes;
we have spent considerable money of our
own in making them more livable. Suddenly
some one comes up with bright idea that
these units can be used for some other pur
pose, and the present occupants are given
notices to quit. Many of us have spent many
weary days tramping over this city looking
for suitable accommodations within our
financial ability, and have been unable to
find places to live. Are we to be forced out
on the street, or required to assume home
obligations that we cannot meet, simply to
make room for some one else better off than
we are? Have we no rights or feelings to be
respected? And are we to be subject to abuse
through the press, because we seek advice
and help from those in whom we have
confidence?
Advised on Legal Redress.
Being members Of the Bellevue Citizens
Association, we invited two very prominent
and respected civic leaders Of Washington to
attend our recent meeting and counsel with
us about our problem. These men came to
us at our request and advised US to take
every legal means to protect ourselves and
prevent being set out on the street. We do
not think there is anything wrong in this.
They did not advise us to defy our Govern
ment they did suggest that when the Gov
eminent goes into private business, it should
assume the responsibility of private enter
prise, and should be judged on the same
basis as industry. We do not think there Is
anything wrong with this advice.
We resent the criticism of these men by a
Federation delegate who did not take the
trouble to learn the facts. This person was
present at the meeting on October of the
Federation assembly. as were the under
signed, and raised no question about this
subject. as she should have done If she had
any criticism of these men. The meeting
she criticized was held two days before this
meeting Of the Federation, and any inquiry
she had In mind could have been fully
answered by U.s. It is true the newspaper
report Of the Bellevue citizens meeting was
garbled. but that was no fault of ours or our
friends. This delegate avoided the opportu-
nifty to learn the facts and sought to ridicule
through the press. Neither did she contact
Mr. Newell or Mr.. Connaughton In an effort
to learn the facts.
We people in Bellevue have confidence in
Mr. Newell and Mr.. Connaughton, and are
grateful to them for their willingness to give
OF their time and ability to help U.s. rather
than pass by on the other side" as did this
criticizing delegate. They did not advise us
to do anything wrong or unpatriotic, but they
did advise us to do everything lawful to
protect ourselves and our families. Nearly
all Of us have little children whose welfare
is involved. and must find places to live
wAteAc eASJ o1C pcAA41ttco we 1llu many
living quarters have no children" signs to
greet us as we look hopelessly for homes.
They said they felt that the Federation
OF Citizens Associations would support us
in any right solution of our problem and
would give us all the assistance possible to
this end We hope the Federation is always
actuated by these principles, as collective
body, If some of its delegates are not. We
shall be satisfied with any conclusion reached
by it based upon justice.
RICHARD H. HARWELL
ARTHUR M HILBERT,
Delegates to the Federation Of Citizens
Associations, from Bellevue Citizens
Association.