could be effectively expressed and public opinion formed on controversial que tions. But a minority group-led by men who drew to their side church leaders and groups as well as civic organizations-decided that a massive publicity stu would be a better way to impress Congress and the President with the idea the unemployment and racial discrimination can be legislated out of existence .. "The right of petition is a fundamental principle of the Constitution, but assumes an orderly and non-provocative procedure. The federal government hai to go to large expense to police the Wednesday demonstration here and to kee people from crowding into the city who might participate in disorders.

"To say that the 'march' was successful because large-scale violence was avoided is to ignore the bitterness and resentment prevalent on that day in a city! whose normal community life was disrupted. Tens of thousands of people r mained secluded in their homes lest they become injured or subjected to unwar ranted delays in moving to and from their residences. American citizens were prevented from pursuing their customary ways. Their right to go to their places of employment was impaired by fear of bodily injury.

"Would this have happened if the petitioners had relied on the process of reaso in a voluntary society? *** Are injustices remedied by creating more injus tices, and is the cause of civil rights advanced by interfering with the civil rights of nonparticipants in the mass demonstrations?

"These are questions which will need answering, and the full effect of what may come to be called 'the mess in Washington' could be reflected in future elec tions. For what was proved by the big demonstration-that in free America or the mob can get laws passed covering the issue of civil rights?"

Finally, this week, when leaders of the "poor people's crusade" openly defed governmental authority, political politeness was at last brushed aside, and law and order was unhesitatingly imposed. It is a healthful and constructive sign that the people do lose their patience when protesters-no matter how just the cause do not proceed in a lawful and orderly manner to petition their government for the redress of grievances.

Maybe there will be more "demonstrations," but little by little long-suffering officials are getting tired of artificially developed mass protests. It is significant that D.C. Mayor Walter E. Washington, himself a Negro, took part in the ending of the fiasco of "Resurrection City," as 343 of the squatters-including the Rev. Ralph David Abernathy, successor to the late Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.were arrested. Thus was the maintenance of law and order resumed in the capita of the nation.

SILVER SPRING, MD., May 15, 1968.

CHAIRMAN, HOUSE DISTRICT COMMITTEE,
House Office Building,

Washington, D.C.

HONORABLE SIR: Who can we call upon, From whom can we seek relief whet our town is invaded by rioters?

Sympathies from high officials have only been aimed at the law breakers, at the arsonists and at the murderers. It is the voices of the militant anarchistic leaders who have reached the ears of the insurrectionists and have made an army of law breakers.

In a democratic form of government we expect our representatives to consider the welfare of all the people.

It certainly is not the duty of the law abiding citizens to form vigilante committees to protect their lives and property. We expect our government to do this for us; otherwise we would tear down the very fabric of the society we have strived to build up for 200 years.

The government must do everything in its power, when conditions affect the welfare of law abiding citizens against the rebellious actions of a few. It was a very small percentage of the Russian population who overthrew the Czarist government and established a communistic regime.

It can happen here!

As one who has labored for many years to build a business and see it wantonly destroyed in a few hours, I can assure you it is a heartbreaking experience. Then, to be coerced, blackmailed and prevented from continuing in business by these same few militants is inconceivable in these United States of America. As law abiding citizens we must have your help now. As our representative to our Federal government you must see to it that our rights and property are protected.

We expect your immediate action now.

It is of utmost importance that immediate remedial action be taken-first, In the form of long term low interest loans; secondly, in protection against hreats and constraints against resuming business activity.

As your constituent-we are looking to you for redress in this untenable situation.

Our store at 1918 Seventh Street NW., Washington, D.C., was burned to the ground on April 5, 1968, and all of our assets with it.

Respectfully yours,

BERNIE M. HORWITZ.

[Editorial broadcast by WMAL/AM/FM/TV, Washington, D.C., during the week of July 21, 1968]

POLICE-COMMUNITY RELATIONS

D.C. City Council Chairman John Hechinger has recently been pounding the drum for better police-community relations. We are in accord with the goal and the philosophy behind it. But we fear that police-community relations is a term often used, but seldom defined. Even the comprehensive D.C. Crime Commission report is vague on this aspect of police work.

The Metropolitan Police have had a Police-Community Relations Unit since 1964. Related activities, such as the Police Boys Club, are much older.

But the field of police-community relations should reach far beyond the precinct walls-into the classroom, the pulpit and the media. To some extent, it has. But the field remains broad and vague and should be explored by the City Council. This is an area the soon-to-be established Joint Congressional Committee on Crime might also adopt as a first order of national business.

[From the Evening Star, Aug. 8, 1968]/

OWNER QUITS WITH GUN BLAZING-HOLDUP No. 10 CLOSES 20-YEAR-OLD
NW PHARMACY

(By Gerald Somerville, Star staff writer)

Henry R. Peters says he is closing the drugstore he has run for 20 years-crime is the reason.

Yesterday the 52-year-old Negro pharmacist, who has been held up or been the victim of burglars four times in the last year and 10 times since opening his store, prepared to lock the doors.

Peters called it quits after the latest holdup occurred in his store at 2917 Georgia Ave., NW, Tuesday when three gunmen walked in, made him lie on the floor and, after pointing a pistol at his head, demanded cash and narcotics.

The druggist managed to escape from a room he had been locked in, climbed quickly to a second-story balcony and fired five shots at the three as they fled from his store on foot. The bandits dropped the $135 and some drugs when Peters opened fire.

"The police have also arrested one suspect, but that doesn't stop me from closing up. I've had it," he said.

Peters story is nothing new to many District small businessmen. "Many more would pull out too," he declared, "but they can't find buyers or people willing to take over for them."

"My wife and I have averaged 14 to 16 hours a day building this business up," Peters said. "We started with a $500 loan and have grown to a point where we fill more than 200 prescriptions daily and employ 12 other people. But I'd rather give it up now than be dead."

The Massachusetts native admits he's afraid. "It's no use," he continued, I'm scared now. I'm afraid to go home, afraid to go out back of the store and I'm forced to carry a pistol with me at all times.

"I've spent thousands of dollars securing my home and store," he said, "but in the past 20 years I've been robbed of more than $15,000. I can't stand any more losses and my delivery drivers can't be bonded anymore."

The medium built, gray-haired businessman said he may return to the Boston area where he grew up and graduated from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy. But his plans are still uncertain. "My whole life is in this game," he said. "I don't know anything else."

To add to his frustrations, Peters said in each instance it was Negroes wi have held him up. "My own people, whom I've been charged to help, are maki me quit," he said.

"They talk about starting businesses for ourselves," Peters continued. “br these robbers don't let us succeed. It's a damn shame. Maybe they don't realiz it, but they're only giving white racists like Wallace and his group ammunition Peters said he has been active in the National Association for the Advancemen of Colored People and other civil rights groups for many years and was also: member of the District Board of Pharmacy for six years. "They used to keep Negroes off the board," he said. "But I fought hard to get us admitted, so we could do things for our people."

In a final gesture Peters, who also taught at the Howard School of Pharmacy pointed to one of his young employes, 25-year-old Douglas Norris. "See that you fellow," he said, "he told me he was quitting even before I decided to get out. It's a shame."

Explained Norris: "You don't know what to expect anymore. Anything car happen at anytime."

COMMITTEE ON

THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

NINETIETH CONGRESS

SECOND SESSION

ON

H.R. 14430 and H.R. 14448

TO ESTABLISH A COMMISSIONER OF POLICE FOR THE
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

COMMITTEE ON THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

JOHN L. MCMILLAN, South Carolina, Chairman

JAMES T. CLARK, Clerk

CLAYTON S. GASQUE, Staff Director

HAYDEN S. GARDER, Counsel