Evening Star Newspaper, July 14, 1883, Page 2

be a ae Bien S THE EVENING STAR: WASHINGTON: ae SAvURDAY, J Y ‘SUFFRAGE OR NO. THE. NOES HAVE IT. BY A LARGE MAJORITY. Interesting Cpiniens of a Large Num- ber of Citizens—Some Want Qualified Sulirage, Hut Yiost Want None. Se 1 the question of Columbia has been now sent out ita District ¢ under discussion, THE § Teportera, Fight and left, to canvass the com- munity and get the average of public optnion upon the fssue. The result will be found in the following cozumns, and the diversified views ex- pressed by citizens upoa vartous branches of the subject will be real with Interest. It will be seen that while a consiterable number of our citizens favor qualified suffrage there are not many dis. posed to return to the undiluted “Murder Bay suffrage, of which the people of tue District have et a vivid and ted recollection. The large Inajority of the eff z:ns, especially of the business men, are now, as on the last occasion when they Were interviewed by THE Stax, unqualifiedly opposed to suffrag? in any form: OURS THE BEST FORM OF CITY GOVERNMENT. Mr. M. W. Garr, of the firm of M. W. Garr, Bro. £ Co., jewelers, says: “I am In favor of the present form of District government. I believe it is the hest that can be e-tabltshed for any elty, and in my »pinion the time ts not far d'stant when all cities ‘til be governed in the same w: Tecan conceive nothing more disastrous to the Interests of Washington than a return to the old form of gov- ernment.” © M. Martiews: “I am opposed to suffrage and fm well satisfied with the present form of govern- MANN, agricultural implements, sald: is the best form of government we have ever and am perfectly salisfled. It sults business SUFFRAGE WITH PROPER GUAKDS. CHantes WALTER, justice of the peace: “Would Uke to see suffrage with an educational quallfica- ‘Uon—full understanding of the Engilsh language— and not restricted as to Tace or nation: would prevent vorers betug used as ¢ they would determine wh: be fooled In their ticket ‘THE STAR EXYEI W. P. Bext, attorney- presses my sentiments, We had suffrage once,and that was enough Josgs, attorney of West Washington: ht to have suffrage, for “ ntation is tyranny.” Iv a Versal suffrage, but suffrage witit a judicious qual- ification.” Mr. Jous R. Yous: am opposed to ut odfect to qualified Joux Patch, collector: Young says, and I think tf there {s any suffrage there should be property qualifications” AS. Wortnineros, attorney: “I favor a form of government by the people, but would not have universal suffrage, for 1t does not work well in cities. A. M. GaNoewre: “I think we had better leave the District as tt 1s” W. A. Goxnos, attorney: assistant clerk of the court: suffrage, but would not “Don’t want any suf- hing House: business more prosperity under the present form Of government, and therefore we don’t want suf- Trage. My idea 1s that its only those interested in oMices who Want Suffrage. The only objection we Can see to the present form Is that there {s too © = mueh red tape om 4g street, and the Commis. — © posed to represent, I FS at present are not our Own ol leitizens, and. ve no tnterests fa common whh us us bona fide olf eltizens for Commtssfoners, n nen as John T. Given, Jesse B. Wilson or W. lagett, and we Wil have no complaints to . Cl FAVORS THE WEST PLAN. vf Lines, Benwanorr & Co., “Lam m favor of suffrage, and would t untversal on general principles. West's ‘oposition for the election of three Commissioners the people is a very sensible one.” MR. CHURCH'S LITTLE PARABLE. Mr. C. BR. Cuvnca, of the Independent Ice com- pany: “I was traveling once on the railroad from the Wite mountains to Lake Champlain. We stopped at Burlington, where there were two ho- tela. A gentleman asked me to which one I in- tended to go. I did not know. He safd he had experience with both. If I went toone I woul be @orry I did not go to the other, and if I went to the Otuer I would be sorry I did not stay where I was. ‘Taat ts my experience with thls question. Under tuts form of government we think we would rather have suffrage, and if we had suffrare we would be sorry that we did not keep the present form of government.” THE MuST HONEST AND ECONOMICAL GOVERNMENT EN THE COUNTRY. Jous SHERMAN, Of JO“N SHERMAN & Co., real es tate dealers: “I am strongly opposed to unlimited suffrage. At present we have the most economical and honest government to be found in the country, und while, Im common with many others, I should preter to have thes: In charge feel somewhat their accountability to the peopl? whom they are sup- ‘ould rather suffer the an- hoyanee and tneonyer*snce arising from the extst- Ing stte of facts than to resort to general suffrage forrezef. Could the suffrage be Iimtted I should much prefer to have some of the officers elected: Dut as limited suffrage ts not In keeping with our Institutions nor acceptable to the people of the country, I preter, as stated, to leave our affairs ag at present. Our situation fs an exceptional one In ts relation to the general goverum-nt and tn the character of its population, that we cannot wisely Le modeled after other cities differing from ours in Many essentials Tshould Ike, however, to have the right of suffrage extended to the alial elections, and think t form. The Comm ‘They are not t s¥mpatny w But I @ present forms 0% wht, J think, t n Wi e form Of gavernt ap; that ts what the tax-p Will Venture to say four-f are opposed to returning to suffr: MORE YET. = CocuRax, cigar and tobacco I am opposed to the agitation of the suffrage question. J would rather suifer the ills ts good, and it ors care about. 1 We have than to tly to those we know not of. Ij} am in favor of e government as It now exists, | With proper safecuards, father than an elective form of government. The first vote I ever cast Was agatnst suffrage. You wil! find chat nineteen. | fwentieths of the tax-payers are opposed to sut- rage.” THE BUSINESS MEN AGAINST IT. F. J. Herpexgee, merchant tailor, sald: “I ara entirely opposed to suffrage In this District under any circumstances. The city was never so well governed a8 at present. I have given the subject @ goo! deal of thourht, and wh! T think sur frage In general a spl did uh in this eity tt will never do. I have talked th hundrois of) business mcm during the past half a dozen years, = by far the majority are of wy way of ihink- ins.” Ma V. G. Fisezx, stationer, on 15th street, Su enough to form an opinion. QUALIFIED SUFFRAGE IMPOSSIBLE. W. A. Hewpunson, cigar dealer, sald: “I am not im favor of suffrace. £ don’t want to see that here again, I shoula be tu favor of {tif ft could be exercised with the proper qualifications, but I know from exper hat it 1s imposstble.* Ma McManox, restaurant kevper, on 15th street. that he had not been ty tals country long | Commissioners were sufficient. ““11l teil you what I would like to see,” sald Mr. Brooks, as the re- porter Was about to leave, “I would like to see the People of this city allowed to vote for President, and to elect a delegate in Congress. [think tat then we would havea good deal more influence With Congress.” WITH PROPER QUALIFICATIONS. Col. W. G. Moone sald, “I am hearttly opposed to unqualified suffrage, but I am in favor of suf- frage with the proper qualifications, Commis- sioner West's plan I have not considered, but It Seems to me that it would be unnecessary to have five Commissioners; it would De taking 80 much more from our revenues, I should prefer that two Commissioners be elected and the Engineer Comuaissioner be appointed by the government.” THIED IT AND NEARLY RUINED BY IT. G. I. B. Warr, cashier of the National Metro- politan bank, said that he was decidedly opposed to suffrage. We tried that before and came near being ruined by it The present form of govern- tment he thought satisfactory, and with the gov- ernment on our side and bearing a large share of the expenses, we ought to be content. Juige A. T. Gray, attorney-at-law, thought there was no necessity of returning to suffrage. ‘The present form of government, ih his opinion, 43 as good, If not better, than we would be able to rocure. If we should revert to suffrage it would impossthle to prevent the fraud which charac- terizes elections in other cities, and which ex!sted here to such an extent in former years. He would, however, favor qualified suffrage if the property owners and respectable citizens could have @ say in the matter, TIRED OF THE COMMISSIONER SYSTEM. ‘M. M. Ronee, real estate agent: “I am in favor of suffrage. I am tired of the present Com- missioner system, with {ts divided responsibility, and am in favorof one head—a governor—to be elected or appointed. Let the responsibility be in one head, not in three; or yet ina lot of subs, as is notably now the case. Tho present system— especially as now managed—is very whsatisfac- tory. An individual citizen,in pursult of informa- tion, or the redress of any wrong, is treated often as if he had no rights which commanded respect. If he not snubbed outright, then he ts sent from ‘pillar to post’ to be pretty ‘thoroughly dis- gusted betore ‘ne gets through, ani then the chances are he leaves without satisfaction or in- formation. ‘The engineer department seems to run the District government. Its heads—three in num- ber—are army officers. They suggest, mould, act, without regard to the wishes of comuitttee or. in: dividual ‘The treatment in this department of Indtvidual citizens, my experience teaches me, 18 Otten positively insolent Even sllowing the present system of government to stand, tt would better that the Commissioners should be elected by the people, a3 then their accountability Would be to those who elect them. As it is now the Commissioners hold themselves accountable more to the government, from whom they derive their appointment, than to any committee of elti- zens or any Individual citizen. Agaln, if these officers were elected, ft would be by the ‘city, duly and properly districted, and thus each district or ward would be heard in its own Interests, and 1ts wishes accordingly re- Spected. AS matters now exist, we find the anomalous condition of the Commfssioners acting In the matter of the distributon of the public funds as they please. We find that one chosen section—the northwest—has been made the favored center of public improvements, fully three-fourths of the money being spent there, hotwithstanding the protests of the remaining Portions of the city. ‘This discrimination against all other sections, whose money has been and 1s taken without rendering an equivalent, 13 unjust and iniquitous and can no longer be tolerated without a fust expression of indignation. And this, {f for no other cause, would be sufficient for @ move to change the existing form of govern- ment. For at present we find a large proportion Of the area of the city taxed whose money 13 largely spent In improving another portion to the heglect of the partsso taxed. Yes, let us have 1suffrage. This need not necessarily render any change In the present mode of taxation as It now exists between the United States government and the District of Columbia. It only changes the Mode of making our rulers and the soarce to which they shal account.” WANTS NO MORE POLITICAL MEETINGS AND MANIPU- LATION OF YoTERS. Gronas L. Swerirr, coal dealer: “I don’t want Any more political meetings and manipulation of voters. Everything ts peaceable now. We would like to be represented in Congress, but for the folttical exeitement we can do without them. I lon’t want to go back to the old style, which caused so much anttaosity, prejudice and division among we people. I would Ike It if we could have our own Commisstoners—identified with, and | Interested tn, the city and citizens. Now, by élect- | ing our Cominissioners once in three years we jcould have them fdentifed with us, but as for elections every year, political meetings and all that I want no more of that. I think Mr. West’s 1s good, only there should be but three Com- loners and two of them shouki be elected. The government should always have the appointment of the Engineer Commissioner.” NO CRYING NEED FOR A CHANGE. B. H. WaRwax, real estate agent: “I think that our presentform of government Isa very good one. Every system can be mproved. Perhaps the elec- tion of one Commissioner by the people might form a closer tle between the governing and the governed. The citizens of this country are especi- ally favorable to the doctrine that government elongs to the people and not the people to the government. I think we ought to have somo local voice in the management of our own affairs, and at this time a qualified suffrage—I mean one on an educational basis—would meet with my hearty approval Onr citizens could then express in tangible form their approval or disapproval of any particular line of policy on the part of our executive officers. I think as this isthe home of the national government our suffrage should be confined to purely local tssues, so as not to estrange efther political party, as disturbance in that regard might interfere ‘with the policy of Congress in meeting {ts share of the District ex- penses. It does not seem to me to be the right thing to have the District of Columbia the only place in our land where boys can grow up in an en- Ure ignorance of the practical working of the ma- chinery of elections, and without contact with that spirit of emulation which always exists when | tuere are different candidates for oflce T think. ‘we ought to have a ntative on the floor of Congress, elected by the people, who could repre- sent our wants and interests in a more effeo- {ive way then can be done under the present sys- tem. I think that the present Commissioners are more able men then are generally at the head of local governments, and there ts no cyring need for a change. Of course there are growlers, Dut it 1s impossible to get rid of them by any improve- meats, bo Matter what they are.” CAPT. GRANT WANTS SUFFRAGE. A Grant, of Capftol Hill: “I am in favor of suffrace in the District. There are nearly 200,990 people in the District of Columbia, who have no Yolee nor right to be heard In the n ent of or preperty. M jon for. years, during white! been that a large part of tats red from oppres: taxation without Jon In the assessment of pr ‘nt the taxes collected from the owners of some srctions from being expended to vnrich a favored few 1m other sections of the Dis tit. In the investigation some years go of the lat over $6,000,009 collected from the section of Washington and the county. fairs ought not to exist anywhere, much less at the national capital. During the past 12 years 60,000 people residing in the eastern and southern portions of the city have had no representattve in the ex tive branch of the District governmentand almost none tn subordinate offices—a thing almost un- heard of elsewhere in the civilized world. While T have not time to give my views in full, it seems to me that the people should organize in the va- Tlous wards of the District and give Congress to understand that the rights of all this peopie niust. be respected, even though the statutes and the constftution ‘have to be amended to accomplish that end.” OUR FORM OF GOVERNMENT THE BEST, BUT REPRE- SENTATIVE COMMISSIONERS SHOULD BE APPOINTED. E. Kurtz Jouxson, coal dealer: “I have resided in Washington about twenty years, and, of course within that period have lived under several forms of government, but say unnesitatingly and em- phaticaily that the relationship the District of Columbia bears to the rest of the union makes the present form of government the best that could be devised. By the President exercising great dis- eretion In constituting the board, appointing only active representative men, men whose interests are closely identified with the welfare of the peo- ple. the rights und sentiments of the citizens, ex- Pressed in the usual inanner, should. receive at their h the Same constderation and respect as though they wer ed by oursuffrages. How- ever, Shouli tt be deemed advisable to change our present form, I should most carnestly recomend, that form of government reflected by Comuis- thought et © Any change In We have Uted diftere seems by far the best. ‘Trssowsk: Buoruses, haberdashers, were in favor of returning to voting if the strongest quale Ifleations, both with Fd lo property and edu- Y but they were opposed to Mudiscruminate voting. HOW VOTEMS WERE IMPORTED. P. D. Weicker, restaurant keeper, favored tt, Dut with qualifications He didn’t want to see any more boat loads of colored people brougt up the river for election purposes, Mitss Dean, attorney-at-law, said, with em- hast: aM opposed to any suffra; except it is qualifled—education and eon To 1 am op- to Commissioner the fact that under the est’s proposition, from present law the clatise re- uring the Comtuis-foners to be residents of the 18 @ protection to us” ‘MR ASHFOED, attorney-atlew: “I favor no suffrage €Xcept to choose ass-sors, and these should be elected by taxpayers only.” B, J. DARNEILLZ, of West Washington, attorney- St-law: “I favor suffrage, but it should be based ‘Oa property and taxation” WHAT HE WOULD LIKE, Mr. E. F. Brooms, plumber, expressed himself as Satisfled with the present form of government,and Would ouiy favor a return to voting im case cer- tain Guelifications were required which would Prevent the former disastrous results of the exer- ise of the elective franchise. He di not favor Commissioner West's plan, as be thought three stoner West.” WHAT PXERY CARSON SATS. Pexrr Carsos, colored, former messenger to Mayor Bowen, says: “As a colored man he fs for suffrage. This is the general feeling among his race In this city, and ts, under the circumstances, perfectly natural; but the white demagogues in this District would be most wofully disappointed, should suffrage ever be given us, if they think the colored vote could be controlled by them as of old. The colored people of tals District have seen enough of them, and would discard them and their base and deceptive methods The colored people begin to realize that they have friends among democrats as weil a8 republicans” THE PRESENT SYSTEM THE CORKECT OE, BUT— Dr. D. B. CLARKE, president of the National Bank of the Republic: “I am fn favor of the pres- entsystem. The Federal City should be governed pros t ett tu Deore tntercsta hose nent citizens wi int wi Property would be taxed with ethers and to bay their salaries. The present system 1s the cor- Tect one.” WOULD LIKE HOME COMMIESIONERS. J.C. Exaoop, wholesale grocer: “I do not want any suffrage, but would like Commissioners of our own citizens, who have the Interests of the city at heart) * és ‘THINES WE COULD NO? DO BETTER. B O. Norrz«ay, real estate agent: “I am under the impresston that the present form of .govern- montis the best we couid have under the clreum- stance’, Our citizens are ali well provected in their | Tir ve has | peo- | © expenditure gf tha funds collected, | ne right or opportunity to arrest the unjust | e rty, and | property | ufalrs of the District, tt was shown by the records | he elty east of the Capitol had been exj«nded in | the northwest section of the city, and the same | fact to a greater or less degree ts trueof southwest | ba state of af- | rights, and thegovernment at the present time honestly and capably administered. { don’t think that We could get three better Commissioners than we now have. I think that the citizens are protected tn all their rights much better than they ave been under any form of government that has leretofore existed in the District.” ‘NO TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION. JouN 8. MILLER, commission merchant: “Iam in favor of suffrage tn the District under proper restrictions as to registration, residence and intel- lgence—require three years residence and ability to read and write” We should be allowed to elect Commisstoners—for I favor the present form—and a representative in Congress. I favor suffrage be- cause It 1s an ola democratic principle that there Shall be ‘no taxation without representation.’” NOT ON THE BACKWARD TRACK. F. Prorr, boot and shoe dealer: “I don’t want to £0, back to voting, for I prefer the present form, but with Commissioners selected from our own bona fide citizens,” K. Kweest, harness and trunk maker: “Iam satisfed with the present form.” SATISFIED AS IT 13, JvLIvs Lanssuren, carpet dealer: “I am satis- fled with the present form of government, but we should have the Commisstoners selected from our citizens,” W. H. Dons, furniture dealer: “Let well enough alone. It we could have a representative in Con- Gress It might be well.” DECIDEDLY OPPOSED TO IT. Wa. S. THoMPson, druggist, said that he was decidedly opposed to suffrage, either qualified or universal, and as for Commissioner West’s plan, he did not believe in electing any of the Commis- sioners, AS GOOD AS WE CAN GET. J. V. N. Hovcx, real estate agent, was very em- Phatic in his opposition to a return to voting. , He thought the present form of government as good as we could obtain. He did not favor Commis- sioner West’s plan, being of the opinion that three Commissioners are enough, Mr. Ooraw, of the firm of Naren & Oaray, drug- gists, favored voting in other cities, but he was not sufficiently well acquainted with Washington affairs to express an opinion as to the advisability of its being exercised here. DOESN’? WANT THE CHERSH AND CRACKER VOTING REVIVED. A James A. Tarr, justice of the peace and real estate agent: “It !sa diMfcult matter to tell Just now whether suffrage would be preferable to the present form of government or not, agCongress 13 now making approprtations to help us, which they did not do when we had suffrage. I would never be in favor of suffrage without a real estate or other proper qualifications. The situation now 13 good ff we conld get some good citizens of Weshington on the board of Commissioners. Our citizens ‘are overridden in everything, and that 1s what causes tne dissatisfaction.” In’ reply to the question as to what he thought of the plan of Commissioner West, to have five Commissioners, and to have two appointed and three elected, Mr. ‘Tarr replied: tis a good idea. What we Want isto have some power in the administra- Uon of District affairs At" present we have no Power atall Now Mr. West himself has no Tight here. We have lots of good citizens here who are able to ill these positions, and fill them) Well. The dea of permitting everybody to vote, Just to get a povition or favor from the party elected, 8 a bad principle, and I do not want to See thé old ‘cheese and cracker’ system of con- trolling certain votes revived.” GETTING ALONG VERY WELL NOW. J. E. Price, jeweller: “I am tm favor of the District government remajning as it is. There are many objections toa change. The people have confidence in the present form of government and desire mo change. We are getting along very well now.” Wa. H. Stasrorp, merchant tallor: “Iam en- tirely opposed to any change, and espectally op- posed to any form fequiring suffrage. I have not forgotten the scenes of several years ago, when We had suctrage. I don’t believe in Mr. West's plan of five Commtsstoners; we've got too many now; three 1s enough; no new-fangled govern- ments anymore.” G. W. Rosrnson, taflor: “I have lived in this city for many years, and the present form 1s good enough; let well enough alone.” UNQUALIFIEDLY IN FAVOR. M. L Wetter, tobacconist: “Iam unqualifiedly in favor of suffrage; and would be willing to pay double tho amount of taxes with suffrage; 1's right in principle, here as well as everywhere— taxation without representation is wrong here as everywhere.” His partner, Mr. GEO. REPETTI, con- tinued: “But I would have an educational test; no ignorant vagrant should be allowed so sacred a privilege, The U. 8. government should assume the debt its agents created here of $23,000,000, and give us a local government with ' intelligent suffrage.” ‘NO MORE FEATHER DUSTER BUSINESS. P. A Covert, hardware: “I'm opposed to sut- frage; we want no more ‘feather duster’ busines’; We are well enough as we are; let us remain so. Mr. West’s plan ts another experiment; we’ve had enough experiments.” SAMUEL WaGGaMan, druggist: “Totally opposed to suffrage; we want no more of it; let well enough alone. From what we have seen of it we Ought to besatisfled with suffrage in this city—or Tather with no suffrage.” D. N. Watrorn, cutlery, hardware, &.: “?’m dedidedly opposed to suffrage. We're doing well enough without It, and might be ten times worse off with i” + FAVORS WEST'S PLAN. Horace 8. Jomyson, harness maker: “I'm tn favor of a change of local government, and would advocate both property and educational qualifica- tions ahd a tax for every voter for the support of the schools; no one should vote without paying a tax; would ‘favor Mr. West's plan. Its the best suggestion made yet, The present plan ts a fail ure. The accounts of the Districteappear to be In acontinual muddle, and the contradictory deci- sions In relation to payments of taxes, and the petty hardships put upon taxpayers in some cases are outrageous.” TOTALLY OPPOSED. Rogert BEALL, bookseller: “Iam. ale poet to suffrage of any kind, and am well pl with the present form of government, as it 1s non par- tizan, and things appear to be doing well under it. Let well enough alone.” 8. A. Grxcory 13 In favor of Mr, West’s plan to have five Commissioners. James Y. Davis’ Sona, hatters, want no suffrage in apy shape or form. Its better as itis, F. A. Lurz, harness-maker: “The present form of jocal government 1s better than any we have heretofore had. We want no change at all, and | will oppose it.” Joan P. Dr: : “Tam in favor of Mr. West’s | plan for flve Commisstoners. It 1s sound, but they should all be citizens of the District. J. AUERBACH, hat and men’s furnishing: “Am satisfied to let things remain as they are—dtesire no change; don't see any advantage in Commts- Sioner West's plan—another experiment with more olives, Mr. Francra, of Noad Water's clothing estab- Ushment, is in favor of letting things remain as they are; is opposed to Mr. West’s plan or any os plan with suifrage in it, qualife.l or other- wise. ‘The proprietors of Gitan’s drug store are all opposed to @ restoration of suffrage in this Dis- | trict. ‘The present form of government ts very | well, and things are getting along safely and well E. N. McCormick, boot and shoe dealer: “I am in favor of suffrage with educational qualifica- jetions.” Mr. Srrvx, jeweler: “Doesn't care which way they have it. He 1s not Interested, as he holds citizenship 1n New York where he votes.” A. Somexs, boot and sho? dealer, says: “It 1s a subject be ha not thought much about, and he don’t. care to express himnself on it.” Mr. HAMBURGER, Merchant. tallor: “Would like to have suffrage, as taxes are required to be pald. Also, a delegate in Congress should be accorded to j the District Mr. West’s plan makes too many officers. We want less officers and better ones.” NO GRASS-CUTTING VOTERS WANTED. C.G. THons, plumber: “I am opposed to the restoration of suffrage. ‘The present form of gov- ernment suits me. I don’t know why any one Wants to give up this fogm and go back to the one we had when men on the eve of an election sat along the streets with case knives, cutting out the GFass from the gutters at $2 per day. I would Father live under any form of government than such a one.” DON'T WANT TO BE GOVERNED BY THE 1GNORANT VOTE AGAIN. Dr. AARON BALDWIN: “We don’t want suffrage and be governed by the ignorant vote again. The present government 1s good enough.” W. W. Danesuowes, real estate agent: “I have always maintained that Congress should control this District, as such was the intention of the founders of our government. I believe that we now have the proper form of government. Tam not In favor of su: and don’t think that any one has the Fight to vote here. ven it suffrage See eee ernment Thore members of the Board of Commissioners. = NO MORE VOTE-IMPORTING, RicHarp W. Resp, grocer: “We are better off as we now are. I fail to see how our condition would be improved by having the town overrun by voters: who don’t here. When we had suffrage tax— had no chance to vote unless they went to Pin a tea oPRoaea with the present condition of affairs.” NOTHING BUT TROUBLE AND RISK TO LIFE AND ‘PROPERTY. G. G. Scuxzrpen, bell-hanger: “As tong as I live here I'don% want to see suffrage in this District, paca cedl aersprmhc rey hing A epoca es hand nothing but trouble and a risk of life and property. We have had . Fam Pion Sogeinbanval winter doing for us” : Guonoz E. Kenyepy, grocer: “I am not tn favor Of the restoration of sul in this District. I am satisfied with the present of government.” DEFECTS IN OUR TRIPARTITE GOVERNMENT. P. Jonnson, lawyer: “I am not in favor Te of free suffrage, but Efhink that the people here Ought to be allowed ta elect a common council, with a governor appointed by the President, as the representative of ¢he federal government. I Would, however, favor,a limited suffrage, founded on an educatl ifeation and a small prop- Sikes ae aetty GN Oe Ds wot ay D iT cOm- plaints and reéreds them. ‘The Commissioners don’t agree with each other and have no weight with Congress. The defect in our present form of government fs that itis tripartite, which !s not in accordance with the spirit and genius of our gov- ernment.” “ A LARGE MAJORITY Of THE BONA FIDE CITIZENS 19 OPROBED TO IT. J.T. ©. CLanx, justice of the peace: ‘dn the Present aspect of our affairs I am opposed to suf- frage in any shape or form, unless we can have a Property qualitication which is undemocratic, I Am Satisfled that of the bona fide citizens of Wash- ington a large majority are against it. I think Property owners only should vote in a municipal election, Yes, you can put_me down as diametrl- cally opposed to universal suffrage.” e NOT LIKELY TO Gar A BETTER GOVERNMENT. JOHN Gipson, printer: “I believe everybody shoula have the right to suffrage. Still, I think this government 1s cheap, and as well conducted as any we would be likely to get.” STRAIGHT AGAINST IT. THoMaS SOMERVILLE, brass founder: “I am Straight against suffrage—flat against it I am not willing at all to return to the troubles we had with tt before, but believe that we ought to have Cur own citizens as Commissioners. ponies Now ever, prefer this form of government going back tb suffrage.” OPPOSED TO SUFFRAGE BUT THINKS EAST WASH- INGTON SHOULD HAVE A COMMISSIONER. Mr. MoCavLey, of the firm of McCauLry & Dett- WIG, grocers: “I am opposed to returning ta suf- frage and the government we had under suffrage. I think, though, that this section of the city (Est Washington) should be represented on the board of Commissioners. 1¢ would be a idea to have, say four Commissioners, one representing each section of the city.” SUFFRAGE NOT WANTED, BUT CITIZEN COMMISSION- Baa. Jos. SHTLLINGTON, bookseller and stationer: “I @m opposed to suffrage, and I think all the citi- zens who have anything at stake are; that 1s, 80 far as I have heard any expression of opinions. Matters are going along well enough, and citizens are well satisfled. This agitation for suffrage is caused by the conduct of the Commisstoners them~ selves, I think. Citizens go there, Tam told, aid are treated curtly, and of course that makes a feeling of dissatisfaction. There are men who are always ready to seize unon such an opportunity to raise a clamor for suffrage. I think we ought to have Commissioners from among our own citizens; but even as it Is, the present government 1s much better than suffrage, AN EX-COUNCILMAN FAVORS IT. Carrer A. Stewart, colored, barber, and for- mer member of the city council: “J think we have a right to suffrage here, I am in favorof suf- frage, and prefer it to this form of government. I think the government with suffrage would be just as economical and even more 80, judgi from my own experience in the munte}pal gover ment.” WANTS CITIZEN COMMISSIONERS. W. S. Jenks, dealer in stoves and tin ware: “I am not tn favor of the old kind of suffrage, and think as we have such a large floating population here tt should be confined to property owners. We ought to have some one to represent us on the floor of Congress. We ought to have some voice in our government. :It we are to have Com- missioners give us men identified with the Inter- ests of the city.” DOESN’T WANT ANY MORE BRICK-THROWING SUF- FRAGE. JsMES BELLEW, of A. Roose & Cp., under- takers: “I don’t want any suffrage tn mine, for I remember that when we had ballots I received bricks in my windows." THE COMMISSIONERS @HOULD BE ACTUAL RESI- + DENTS. George F. Tirws, clothier: “Iam decidedly tn favor of suffrage on principle, provided the form of government {3 such as it ought to be. The present form ts not seriously objectionable, but the - Commissioners skould be actual residents, identified with the people and the people’s inter- ests.” GLAD THE QUESTION IS SETTLED THE WAY IT 13, JAMES ANGLIM, booksoller: “I have seen this District under the suffrage system and under the present system, and I‘very much prefer the pres- ent. Iregard {tas agreat rellef to persons who are engaged tn minding their own business that the question of Diswict government 13 settled in the way that tt is under the present form.” ORJECTS TO STRANGER COMMISSIONERS, Nichoras Carta, notary: “I have been elected. tothe board of common council in this District | eleven times, beginning in 1811 and ending In 1861 1 am not In tavor of the restoration of suffrage, be- cause of the many abuses that grew out of Ii I would favor a return to the suffrage system it it was confined to natlve born and naturalized citl- zens and property owners, I belleve in a pronercy ualification, and with this limitation I believe that suffrage would be ‘better for the District than the present form, ana particularly 50 in the election of Commissioners.” “The ob- jection to the present form,” he continued, “Is no respect for the wishes or will of the people. I don’t Delieve that It is Tight that the people should be taxed to support men at West Point, and that they should be Placed over us with the idea that the people have no rights or wishes which they ought to and whose only alm seems to be to carry out the schemes of some military officer oromMcial To be Chea by such men as Com- missioners Edmonds and West would be generally acceptable to the people.” Joun A. MILBURN, drugg! ‘I want things to stay asthey are. Iam Perfectly satisfied with the ‘sent form of government 1d don’t want sumrage.” 2 hs SUFFRAGE A NUISANCE. I. ALEXANDER, optician: “{ am perfectly satls- fled to have no suffrage, as we do well without it, especially the kind we had before,when ruManism Was rampant. ‘The last election we had was a perfect nuisance. I preter to be ruled by one Com- missioner.” Wx. Privcm, dyer: “We don’t want any more of {tatany price, I would not object to the restora- ton of suffrage if there was a property qualifica- ton; but 1 don’t want it any way. We have now the best government possible for this District.” B oripriod & Co, clothiers: “We are well enough sxcist present Tet well enough alone:* > present government. ONLY THE POLITICIANS WANT IT. Wuerr & Rvorr, hatters-and and furrlers: “We are better without suffrage, Only the politi- cal element want it.” Mr. CLARKE, of TRUNNELL & CLARKE, dry goods, sald: “We are satisfled with the government we have. My idea is that thesystem ts working well; much better than a mayor and council and all the paraphernalia of @ municipal government. It isa great thing for Washington to do away with the Voting element, Let us leave what we've got alone. ‘The United States pays half our taxes now, and We would have it all to pay as the price of’ suf- rage.” S. L Hemrsrons, dry goods: “My opinion Is that Wo are better governed now than if we had voting. ‘We want to keep it as itis. I’m very emphatically of the opinion that our present form of government suits this District, under all conditions and cir- cumstances, better than ‘any we could devise, ‘This suffrage movement 1s backed only by a lot of politieians who Want to make money out of it.” NO FRAR NOW OF THE CONTRABAND BLEMENT. J. BRADLEY ADAMS, news dealer: “I am in favor of suffrage now, as we know the people, and the contraband element will net be a disturbing in- fluence. By means of suffrage we will place men in control of District affairs who will act for and with the people, instead of the present form,where our rulers are ignorant of the interests of the peo- Die, being strangers in the community. I would favor either a property or educational qualitica- ton, as {tts in practical operation in some of the northern states.” N. W. BURcHeLt, grocer: “I don’t want suf- frage, and I don’t think that we need it now. The Present form of government 13 good enough, I suppose. There might be some changes, but I ain not the one to suggest them.” WHY SUFFRAGE I8 NOT ADVISABLE Cwances E. Fosrer, patent lawyer: “Ins gen- eral way I have been opposed to suffrage. Con- gress {ts the supreme power, and any suffrage we Would have would be under its supervision, and so limited that it would not have the advantages It has in other munfelpalities, Besides this, the great mass of citizens have thelr citizenship 1n other parts of the country, and don’t have that !n- terest here which they Would otherwise possess. I think that the present form of government, under the circumstances, 1s the best we possibly could have, but I would like to see all the Commis- gloners dona fide citizens of the District. Further, I do not think that Congress will sur- Tender to the District the rights vested in it by te constitution.” ‘NO CITY BETTER GOVERNED. LAWRENCE Sanps, real estate dealer: “I am Opposed to it and favor the present form of gov- ernment. You will find that the people who favor & change are those who hope to get office. At Present taxes are low, affairs go on quietly, and Probably there ts no city where there is a better government. If suffrage was introduced I tnink Uhat Congress would refuse to pay its share of the current expenses.” DOUBTFUL IF THE BEST ELEMENTS WOULD CONTROT. W. W. Cuatis, patent lawyer: “I am not In favor of the restoration of suffrage in this District for the reason that the best element will not be brought to the front in regulating our local affairs. If 1 Was assured that the best elements would con- trol, Tshould be in favor of tt practically, as all republicans are theoretically. Judging trom the Dast and from the experience under both forms, I Unk the District has fared better under the present form, and I am in favor of letting well enough alone.” ‘THos. WaLsH, restaurant: “Tam In favor of suf- frage—a Umited suffrage, of course, on an educa- 1 think that it would give more gen- ‘al Satisfaction for the people to have a voice in the management of thelr affaira” —~ J.T. Dyer, Insurance agent: “I think that if we could have Commissioners who are identified in every respect with the Interests of tho city, whether they are republicans or democrats—men who have lived here and have their interests here, and are thoroughly identified with the people and With the people's interests—we would not need suffrage. But I believe that qualified suffrage would be better than the present state of affairs. ‘The defect in the present system 1s filling our that strangers are appointed on the board. I have Deena notary public and. justice of the peace for fifty years in this District, and when I go down to the District bufldings I find that I am Unknown to the Commissloners.and they regard me asastranger. All of the incumbents of the Dis- trict offices are at the present time, with but few exceptions, strangers. ‘THE IGNORANT VOTE LARGE ENOUGH NOW. R. K. Herpuensrrve, druggist: “I think that the ignorant vote in this country ts too large now. It suffrage was restored here tt would place the power in the hands of the ignorant. I am gatis- fled with the present form of government and can see nothing to gain by a change except to put a few men in office.” C. C. WiLuanp, proprietor of the Ebbitt house: “I have never taken part in politics, but I say better let well enough alone.” R. A. Hoos, dry goods merchant: “Iam not in+ favor of suffrage. We have had enough of it If affairs could be controlled by the property owners and those most interested in the city, suffrage might not be such acalamity. But such wonld not be the case. I think that it Is likely if suffrage was restored that Congress wouid refuse Lo pay half of the expense of the government.” J.D. Fer, Jn., bookseller: “I think the pres- ent form of government the best. We had enough trouble under the old suffrage system. We would have trouble all the time if suffrage was restored. Tam opposed to It” WANTS QUALIFIED SUFFRAGE. Dr. Ropeut Reysves: “should ve tn favor of the restoration of suffrage with an educational qualification. I don have as much faith in a property qualification merely. It a man {s intellt- nough toread and write, as a rule he ts a eltizen. I think that it13 an outrage that 180,000 people should be placed here under an ab- solute form of government, tis an anomaly in this country. A form of government in this Di!s- trict with this qualified suffrage Would be much superior to the present form. ‘To deprive a com- munity at the very seut of a free government of the corner-stone of a free government, namely, suffrage, is only a cartcature.” “E think,” the doctor ‘went on, “that there are int-iligent men in Washington who can act for the peo- le better than any appointee of the President, for the reason that they know the wants of the eople better. ‘The reason suffrage was abol- ished here was because of the ignorant popula- tion, and now that evils passed I find that itis the ‘general sentiment here that a return tothe old form of government with a limited suffrage would be the best.” THE PRESENT FORM WORKS WELL AND SHOULD BE ) LST sLone. MARTIN F. Morar, lawyer: “I am decidedly op- posed to a retufn to the suffrage system for two reasons—first, because‘I don’t think that there ought to be suffrage 1n a municipality, as its af- Tairs ought fo be conducted substantially on the same basis as. a business corporation. A muntel— pallty 1s not organized for politieal purposes, Tn lie Second place, thera is no reason in this’ city for its restoration at this time. ‘The present rorm of government has Worked Well, and should be let, alone.” MR. MERRICK OPPOSED TO IT. R. T. Mernicx, lawyer: “Iam not In favor of the restoration of suffrage in this District. The constitution of the United States gtves to Congress exclusive jurisdiction over the District, and this power should remain where that instrument has placed it, The present government provided for the District 1s a good one, and if wisely adminis- tered is probably better than any heretofore de- vised. Any change Wade tn the present system should be to substitute for it a government under : cepariments with a Cabinet minister as its ead. AGREES WITH MR. GIVEN. ‘Mr. Woopwagp, of Woopwarp & Loruror, says: “T agree entirely with Mr. Given in his recent in- terview. Wecan’t afford to jeopardize the pay- tient of one-half the District expenses by the general government, and @ return to suffrage ‘Would do that,” GLAD THE STAR "8 BHOWING THIS THING UP. ‘Mr. SHUsTER, of SHUSTER & Sons: “We think the existing government the best arrangement we haveeverhad. The present form of government 1s better than anything else we can get for the District. Our city has prospered under it we can trust those wbo.are now appointed to rule over ua” Young Mr. Suusren, who, had joined father, here spoke em| “ sir, we don’t want any auirage” etre aut. fered .” put in the elder Mr. Suusrer. “Let well enous sidae. he Dackbone of public opin- jon is suffrage, and f'n giad ‘Stan is showing this thing andl ¢ 1 will Kill the Whole scheme. ite been elections here and Lane what they are.” Mr. James J. CHAPMAN, bookseller: “1 don’t believe in suffrage at 4! for this District. That covers the doesn’t itt” OFPOSED TO SUFFRAGE AND TO BEING RULED BY ARISTOCRATS. Samui H. WALKER, real estate agent: “Iam opposed to suffrage, but any change will be ac- ceptable, for now we have aristocrats who have District offices with strangers. If that coula be corrected I think that this would be tue best form of government.” VERY MUCH IN FAVOR OF IT. LAWRENCE GARDNER, Secretary of the Endow- ment Association: “I am very much in favor of the restoration of suffrage,and I think that {t san out- rage that we should be deprived of managing our own affairs. I think that our forefathers at Bos- ton, who threw the tea in the harbor, had less to complain of than we have. I would favor a re stricted suffrage of some sort, with one responst- dle head in charge of public 'affaira. Such a per- gon might be called a governor, who could be as— aisted by one small legislative’ body. My reasons are that we now are governed by people who are foreign to the District, and are not acquatnted with the wants of the péople. Politically it should be out of national politics, and under the control of the cltizens of District, ‘The defect in the present form is the predomination of strangers in the personnel, and the red tape in the routine management.” The principal objection urged against the restoration of suffrage, namely, the ignorant vote and the feathsr-duster regime, 13 not applicable now, as the better class of the ool- ored people would act with the citizens in secur- ing a good government.” ‘WITH THE PROPER QUALIFICATIONS. E. A. McIntyre, real estate agent: “Iam In favor of suffrage with the proper qualifications, whether it should be property or education ts the question, As the Disutet government now stands the people have no volee in the levying of taxes or the man- aement of thelr own affairs, We happen now to have good Commissioners, but they tight be men who would have no regard for the interests of the proole. If the proper persons would tuke charge of the primaries th=te Would be no objection to the otuer elections. ‘The trouble has been that the rabble has controlled these primaries. The present form of government Is defective In that It does not represent the willof the peopl: and the cit'zensare Lotconsulted asto thelr governors. The latter merely represent the Wishes of the President and ‘the Senate.” WOULD BE A FRIGHTFUL CALAMITY. L. M. SAUNDERS, real estate agent: “For suffrage to be restored as it prevailed some years ago would be a calamity to the city. If there could be a qual- ined suffrage limiting the votce to responsible per- sons I think that it would be very satisfactory. Tam satisfled that the government by commission, pro- vided we could have men of our own city’ and thoroughly tdentified with our own. interests, is the best form of government, consi.Jered in a prac— tical sense. All we want 1s an economic adminis- tration of municipal affsirs; but I think that the executive power should be I in the hands of our own people, in order that the wants and wishes as expt by our citizens shall recetve thelr due consideration, which we can only hope forthrough men who are acquainted with our own people.” WHY MR. CRANE FAVORS SUFFRAGE, Joun H. Ckanz, commission mercbant,(tormerly water registrar:) “I am in favor of whatever is really best for the people. My opposition to this form of government is principally that !t under- Infnes the moral and intellectual foundation of the people. They lose their self-respect; they lose their courage to speak out on any great question. If talk with a man he won’t express an opinion. arguments used against suffrage seem to be all based on selfishness The almighty dollar crops out sllthe time When one mentions the suffrage question they say, ‘We don’t want any suffrage ‘here, because If’ 'we have. It Congress ‘won't appropriate money as they now do.’ That, of course, 1s mo argument at all ‘The question "is, whether and if i is at ia right right into that forall time oth le of this Dis template that e peop! is trict shail be distranchised and deprived. of ail litical rights. Ivis an unnatural state of ney speak about the becoming convinced that all cities should te governed by commission ers. ‘That was what Senator Sherman sald in an interview the other day. That 1s a pretty doo- trine—that the yeo of the country are 80 much better than the ‘of the cities that they {teal Suppose they should talk that nonsense in London and parliament should undertake to distranchise peopie there. They would tip parliament into the Thames very uick. it was never the intention to distranchise people of the District when they of locating the government was In 1857,1 trict was ceded back to Vii done, there is no reason w! cannot be ceded back in the Ee 45 a committee of one hunére’ organized for the of looking after the affairs of this govera- ment, and bound to secrecy. Itisa pretty state of things that a committee of one hundred men should band r to look after the affairs of 180,000 people without t heir consent because they have managed to get together a little more prop- erty than other people. I would rather have a municipal government than nothing, but Iam in favor of the people here enjoying the rights of people elsewhere. It seems too bad that sum should be blamed for all the misconduct of the old territorial government under the Board of Pub- Ne Works Any man could see that suffrage was a sham; that it amounted to nothing but a cloak’ under which rascalities were covered. Suffrage was made responsible for what men appointed did. The idea that a house of del- egates could be independent when It was elected by men employed by the board of public work: Who were independent of the people,and disbursed all the money, though they gave not a dollar of security to anybody. They brought in peopie here by the thousand, from Maryland and Virginia, and voted them. I never wohid vote under that form of government at all, Decause I reganied it as a perfect farce, I never blamed, and don’t blame the board of public works. Tam only sur- prised that they did as well ss they did. J only lame Congress for passing a bill creating such & government. There was never anything like {tin the world. It is surprising that a man like Mr. West should talk about having half the Commis- stoners elected and half appointed. That wouid be, going back to the same miserable condition Of things, where the men appointed would control the others. What we want fs fair, unrestricted suffrage, which would give us a vote for Presi- dent, 1am not in favor of suffrage for men only, but for women. We cannot afford to distranchisé Women. We want purity and intelligence at the Dallot-box. As long as Congress has experimented by taking away suffrage, now let them experl- ment again and give all the people suffrage—men and women alilg—and I vouch for it it will be a success.” Nol NOI MOT Cnas. A. Prawriss, druggist: “Remembering the Past scenes of disorder I don’t want any repetition of them, and therefore am not in favor of suffrage.” Howarp Q Keyworra: “I dont want any in mine, Better bear the evils we have than fly to those we know not of.” AN ORIGINAL SUFFRAGIST OF THR SAME OPINION STIL. W. J. STErnexson, coal dealer: “I am In tayor of suffrage. Iam an original suffrage man, and never was In favor of anything else. I would go back to suffrage again if I could. The only angu- ment used against suffrage is that If we had It the government would not continue to pay 50 per cent of the expenses of the District. That would make no difference if the government property Was assessed and taxed as other property. Iam Opposed to the present form of government.” Groros Warre, ron founder: “I am in favor of suffrage, and always have been.” Lovrs HerErcx, shoe dealer: “Iam opposed to suffrage, and am satisfied with the present form.” XO SUFFKAGE UNLESS WITH A MIXED FORM OF GOV- ERNMENT, Gro. C. Hexstno, clothler: “I am not In favor of suffrage, unless we have a mixed form of gov- ernment—a governor or executive, appointed by the President, and two boards, one elected by property -hoMders and the other by the voters gen- erally.” GOOD ENOUGH. GronGe Spransy, clothler: “The government we have now is good enough. Joux C. PARKER, bobkseller: “Better let well enough alone. The present form of government !s good enough, but I should like the Commalssioners tobe selected from bona Ade citizons.” THE WEIGHT OF ARGUMENT AGAINST IT. C. 8, BRADLEY, cashier of National Bank of the Republic: “Have no desire to sce a return to suf- frage in the District. The arcuments in favor of it are largely overbalanced by those against it.” ©. F. Pressrey, attorney for clatms: “I don't rant gny suffrage; am satisfied with the present form.” NOT ANY. Grorar Warts, house furnishing goods: “You can put me down as opposed to suffrage. I am Well satisiied to be governed as now.” LL, Jouxsox, attorncy-at-law: “Don't want any fuffrage. The government 1s good enough as it SUPFRAGR WITH AN “IF.” Wm. J. Mitten, attorney-atdaw: “We should have suffrage, but 1t should be guarded and re- stricted by an educational qualification, which will insure honest voting.” WHAT SOMERODY WANTS. Tenry Hearten, optician, says: “I'm opposed to a return to suffrage; we don’t need if, neither neral nor limited, Mr. West’s plan isn’t sound. @ present local government Is the best we can have, Somebody wants to get hold of some money by getting suffrage, as it 1s the District ac- counts have to pass the scrutiny of a U. 8. Trea- sury audit. No kind of suffrage will do us any good.’ STARTED FOR A JOB. W. S. Horton, tobacconist: “I say no change forme. There 1s no change which could tmprove the present local government. This discussion of this question “has been started for a Job, or by rson3 who want to be elected to petty office, e have seen enough of change, and I hope never to see another change while public matters are getting along so well as now, and they seem to be getting better all the time.” LEAVE OUT THE CARFET-BAGGERS. Peter Feoan, wholesale Mquor dealer : “I want suffrage, but I want the laws made so stringent that no man, either white, black, yellow, blue or Speckled, could come here from Virgiata or a land and vote, under a penalty of six months in the penitentiary; and I want to have our own citi- zens elected for Commissioners, and leave out the carpet-baggers.” 4 CHANGE WOULDN'T HURT. JouN FITZGERALD, proprietor of the Maryland house, Pennsylvanta avenue, near 43 street, says: “I think achange would not hurt, and it should bea change to suffrage; we might stand a little more chance for redress for grievances than we have now. We haven’t any.” ‘VIEWS OF AN OLD CITIZEN. BENJAMIN BEALL, One of the oldest grocers tn this District, says he 1s opposed to the suffrage movement, and desires a continuance of the pres- ent form of local government, CLEAN, PROSPEROUS AND PEACEFUL CHAs. B. Bayry, of Eilfs’ music store, said: “I Would feel very sorry to sce any change fromr-our present form of government. Ithink the city ts in better conidition than it has ever been within my Knowledge. Tieft here when suffrage was In full blast and returned last September Waen I lett the city ft was Mm debt, disturbed and overtax: I found it on my return clean, prosperous and Peaceful. I hope it will continue so.” MR. Hvrry, of TaYLor & Hurry, says; “We pre- fer the present form of government.” W. BuEUNINGER, Jeweler: “What we got ts bad enough, but suffrage would make !t worse.” L Hi. Horktys, hardware: “Well, sir, I haven't seen anything of the subject, and haven't time to think about 1t.” H. L Gregory, stoves, heating apparatus, etc. : “Tam, satisfied with the present form of govern- ment.” Bucnr’s undertaking establishment expressed satisfaction with the present order of things. Mromazt R. Coomss, grocer: “I'm in favor of the right of suffrage myself.” B. 1. Wess, attorney-at-law: “We should have restricted suffrage—property and educational.” Epwax TEMPLE, president Bank of Washing. ton: “We want nochange from the present form. 8. B. BoaRman, bookkeeper Bank of Washing- ton: “We don’t want suffrage of any kind.” NOTHING BUT TURMOIL AND CONPUSTON. W. H. HOEKE, of SrnaLeton & Hoexe, carpet deal- .ers: “As far asI am concerned, I’m opposed to suffrage, and am perfectly satisfled with the gov- ernment we have and the way we are taxed and governed. Our governmental machine ts run eco- Bomically cand honestly. lectiogs wted 0 cost Confusion’ We sive that money and aveld ‘te FOsperor ell situated could bo; we ore’ much better moverned than the NO TAX-PAYER WANTS IT. W. B. Moses, furniture, carpets, etc.: “My opinion is that no man should vote who does not pay taxes, and every man and woman who pays taxes ought to vote; but I think itwrong for colored ad white to vote for officers to and uatair as ‘store {to say who’ mover ‘been so well olf as stace suffrage was Cakse away. We have no > pay our taxes. pepuintion are Begroes - Sodoesr mea wie ‘wo pull; nota Teaco] oe No, sir; our city Row.’ ‘DISTRICT SUFFRAGE AN ENTIRE FAILURE in ‘because edly opposed to suffrage: im the past Another with that nn COULD NOT RAVER A HETTER #YSTEX. E G. Davie, dry goods: “Dm opposed to univers sal suffrage, if that’s what you want toknow. § ‘Ubtnk the government we've got ts very good; we could not havea better system. J don't a; of all the Commissioners do; but we have good men now and Tam satisfied. ‘3 ain willing te tet the United states pete Tun this little tea miles square. Let it have the responsibility and 1 wilt treat us fairly. le talk about taxatiog without representation am not very Samtlt with the Constitution, but I think it Va ches Une this District shail be under the Jurisdiction of the United States Representation i# the rule tn this. country, but we can have one exception Without a monarchy or anarchy either.” W. ls, Rion, shoe dealer: “Our present form of government is very good. It ts economically ad~ ministered, Detter than any suffrage would give us” M. StLyer, fancy goods, notions, etc.: “I am ta favor of retaining the government we have now: I Want no change, We are goveraed better now than ever berora” SUFFRAGE IMPRACTICARLE. F. B. Mons, tasurance agent: “I am. positivety. Opposed to It. 1am satisfied with the present go¥e ernment, which 1 pecullarly adapted for this city, 1am opposed to suffrage for almost every re The present form of government, which is a of partnership between ‘the District and Federal governments, makes suffrage impracticable. I don’t believe that Congress would continue to give 1s one million and a haif to be distributed by off. Clals elected by the people here. Besides, 1 don't, think that Congress can delegate tts power of ex. clusive Jurisdiction given it by the Consutution over this District. INJUSTICE DONE THE COMMISSIONERS Dr. J. M. TONE Said, in response to the inquiries by THe STAR man: “I never want to see the Dallot here again, The-reason is that public sentiment could not be properly expressed at the Dallot box, From the very nature of things the ¢uffrage bust. ‘Bess would run into rings aid projects not for the Dest Interests of the comnunity. think Injustice has been doue the Commissiouars—that the value of thetr services has been underrated, and Chat It 188 misapprehension that they have been India Posed to learn the wishes of the people. Ibex leve they are anxious to get that information. In the thirty years Ihave been In Washington we have never had #0 good an administration of District affairs as now.” SUFFRAGE WILL DRIVE AWAY DESIRABLE PROPER THOMAS HOLDEN, of HARvey & HoupeN, restau. Fant, sald: “I am of the same opinion as whea Jast interviewed by Tae Stax on the suffrage quose tion. We want no more suffrage. The city 1 Prospering under the present system, and peopl of wealtn are coming here from all ‘parts of country to Invest thelr money in Dutlling hand. Some houses as a pleasant place of residence. If we have suffrage again, with all its rowdyism and disorder ave shall soon drive away these desirable ew-comers, and stop the growth of the elty. If Suffrage 1s restored, nen we shail have a revival Of the practice of importing colored voters trom Me adjoining states, and the officers elected in tils Way will be of Uke most undesirable sort.” Fraxk T. Raw1ixgs, of the Aritngton Fire In- surance company, expressed himself as opposed to voting in any sbape or manner, and as ‘BOt at all favoring Commissioner West's plan. ONE COMMISSIONER BRITRE THAN FIVE, “T don’t want to see any more voting tn thls city,” said Mr. W. F. Heuuey, real estate agent, “and I don’t want to see the number of Commis- sloners increased. T think, perhaps, we would better off IC we had only one Commissioner.” HAD ENovGN. “Ihave been raised here and bave seen the evils of voling in Washington,” said Mr. Joun EL MAGRUD ER, grocer, “and I hope We Will never have any more of ft. We are well enouch off asitts,and I, for one, don’t want to see change in our Present form of government. I think 1t would be @ good thing.” he continued, “if we were mitted to have a delecate tn Congre Tur. ‘ther than that, no elections for me.” H. C. Wixpsor, shoe dealer, said he was entirely opposed to a return to suffrage in any way, and ag for Increasing the number of Commissioners he @id not believe in it, for, In his opinion, the in- crease would only be 80 inuch more expense for our citizens to bear, without making any improve. Ment upon the form of govermuent we now have, BETTER OFF WITHOUT IT. Epwaxp H. Caven.y, plumber and gas fitter, Was not tn favor of returning to suffrage; be ‘thought we were better off without ft in Uns city DOESN'T WANT IT IN ANY SHAPE. Jxo. F. OLMSTEAD, real estate agent, states im answer to inquiries of the reporter, that he is heartily opposed to voting in this District, and Poud not advocate tt whether universal or quail THE SAME OLD OFFICE-SEERERS AT WORK, “No sir,” sald Mr. W. P. Yousa, real estate agent. “We don’t want any suffrage here. If you want to flnd out the sentiment of the citizens, Just send a petition around an@ sec how Tew of the best class of citizens are desirous of a revurn to Voling. Why, we would see the same scenos enacted here that formerly disgraced the otty. All Of the neighboring coanlies would be colonised for the purpose of running some office seeker into a position. We would have that class voting who are now looking around ip the day to see where they can pillage at night. ‘The sume old office hunters are agitating the return to suff! ‘The old stage horse never forgets the crack of the whip.” DR. BLISS FAVORS SUFFRAGR cessful here if it is anywhere. Asan A! citizen who has won the right of suffrage, I It ag a great injustice to be deprived of 10 a amass of ee Dak tow ag he now Inombers of without regard go° U7 Wishes of the citizens, and we bave no Feaching Congresa, We are treated as ‘without polit = If the form of gov ment now in the ets is an improvement ular eroment appited to tha whol counury I koow that some portion of this government 1s and yet citizens have no reitef except te appeal to a tlumvirate who have no more care for us and our complaints than If the} lived in New York or Philade!phia. Instead remedying the evlis by the baliot we have to sit down and scribble articles for the news As an Instance of the influcnce of communications in the papers and editorials, tie recent complaint sbout the searelty Of water caused by waste 18 & good exampie, We have ceased to suffer trom thts Cause. Personal applications to the District Com- iisstoners were thade over and over agaln with. out avail, and no ig Was dene until the power of the press was exerted” WORK ENOUGH FOR FIVE COMMISSIONERS. Twos. J. Fiswen, real estate agent: “I haven't Ume to tink mueb about such matters, Dut on geucral principles I am opposed to suffrage her jaily im view of the character of te population. Te irresponsible would get control, and rule the responsible citizens, Oar present form of government 18 honest, and we don’t lose money by It It migat be improved if there were five Commussioncrs instead of three. ‘The fact is that three men can’t attend to the business. Two of the five might be appointed by the general gov- ernment, and the rest elected by ‘the people, ‘There 18 plenty for five men to do, and at there ts too much work requiring the attention of the Commt-sioners.” OUR FINANCIAL STANDING GOOD. D. W. MippLeton, banker: “I am not in favor of it as we had it before, and I think the present form the best we could have. Tam and Talways will be in favor of quallfed suffrage, but owing to our surroundings without tuts aud’ the nature of population 1 think that we had better let well enough alone. Certainly under our present form of government our securities have not suffered, but Tank favorably with those of our old and richer clues.” THE DISTRICT SHOULD BE RETRESENTED IN CON- Gurss. J. F. Pace, grocer: “I think that the people here ought to be represented in Congress by some one who would attend to the District affairs I MO SUFFRAGE, BUT BONA F:Dy CITIZENS AB COMMIS-_ BIONKES. E. F. Snarsox, of Simpson & Guy, stoves, heat- ‘Ing apparatus, etc.: “If you mean suffrage, no, sir; Idon’t want it, In the first place, I don’t be- Neve tt ts legal here. I hold, that the constitution gives the general L exclusive Jurisdic~ ‘over this District; but I think we ought to = ate citzens as Commissioners’ AB should be treated J. W. Dew, Graoggtst: <Shevs bie: suffrage, and think I am now.’ Srax—You talk as if your opposition had %,, ass & Aen a