protect ourselves and our property. Nor have we insisted strongly enough that the officials in charge of our government, whose responsibility it is to provide safety for ourselves and our families and to protect our properties, carry out those responsibilities effectively and promptly.

Troops should have been brought into Washington Thursday night to forestall the immense damage inflicted on this city during Friday and Saturday.

It is difficult to phrase a written letter in such a way as to carry the precise meaning intended. This letter is intended to be more sympathetic than antagonistic. At the same time, I too have a claim on the forces of law and order. I expect equal consideration by the law. I expect the officials of my city government to discharge their responsibilities to all citizens promptly and effectively, to prevent any recurrence of the disgraceful acts of last Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Many like me are disturbed and concerned that this situation was ever permitted to get out of hand in the city where so much has been done for the colored population. Admittedly, there is still much discrimination, and this probably will continue for some time. But, there has been discrimination against many peoples in America, the Irish, the Italians, the Jews, the Orientals, and others. As these people demonstrated their willingness to study, to work, to accept responsibility, and to become respected members of the community, discrimination has faded out. Now it is up to the Negro segment to make its own place. Those who would proceed in a lawless manner must be made to understand both their opportunities and their responsibilities. Above all, it is up to you and your staff to make it clear that lawlessness will not be tolerated, from any racial segment.

Yours respectfully,

LEONARD SMITH.

[Telegram]

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 24, 1968.

Representative JOHN MCMILLAN,

Chairman, House District Committee,

House Buildings, Washington, D.C.:

Urge you to use your influence to see that curfew on teenagers be reimposed and also that permanent ban on sale of gasoline and ammunition in the District of Columbia be imposed by executive order or act of Congress.

A. J. HACKL.

FEDERATION OF CITIZENS ASSOCIATIONS OF DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

BILL OF PARTICULARS RELATIVE TO THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA RIOTS OF APRIL 1968 A tense racial situation was in existence in the District of Columbia on April 4, 1968.

The murder of Dr. King indicated the need for immediate action to preserve order and avoid potential violence.

The Federal and District officials were criminally slow to act in providing armed assistance for a numerically inadequate police force.

Events and developments thereafter were as follows, resulting in the Washington insurrection:

9 p.m. Thursday, April 4. Rioting and looting started.

9 a.m. Friday, April 5. Arson and looting started up again. Only the regular 8 a.m. shift of police was on duty-500 out of 2,800 men. Police officials had not expected trouble.

12 noon Friday, April 5. Police began to radio for help. Mayor Washington considered but rejected a call for Army troops. National guard were called for drill. Police were being overrun and retreating.

3 p.m. Friday, April 5. Police retreated as mobs became overwhelming.

4 p.m. Friday, April 5. Mayor Washington telephoned President Johnson for Federal troops. Army and Air National Guard units were mobilized.

6 p.m. Friday, April 5. Regular Army troops began to arrive, 21 hours after the first mobs formed.

7:40 p.m. Friday, April 5. Regular Army troops fanned through the streets. Their orders were to ignore looters.

Unreasonable curbs and restraints were placed on soldiers and police which not only failed to curb but encouraged looting and arson.

A regular Washington policeman said, "I think we could have stopped this thing if they hadn't put us under wraps so. Looters would break a window, then stand

aside to watch our reaction. When we did nothing, the mob would move in and ransack the place. We just had to stand there."

A French newspaperman remarked: "What you need here are a couple of squads of Parisian gendarmes. They move in, swinging their lead-weighted capes, and wielding their clubs. They go right after the ringleaders and smash the hell out of them. And I'll tell you this: That discourages a mob very fast."

One reported watched looters trying to load a 5-foot recordplayer console into a small foreign car. The job was impossible, but they worked at it for many minutes before giving up. Finally the police, who had been watching the whole performance, arrested them.

15,000 regular troops and National Guardsmen were told to keep their rifles unloaded. Often, in the early hours, outnumbered police simply stood by-under orders-watched the arson and pillage.

Tying the hands of our armed forces and law enforcement officials was an invitation to crime, created disrespect for law enforcement and lent encouragement to the philosophy that riot and destruction is the most certain method of enforcing demands.

As reported in the news media District Court officials are considering imposing mild, if any, penalties on looters, curfew violators and arsonists.

Government Departments, except those three required by law to take no-pay action, are "giving consideration" to what action to take against their employees convicted of major riot offenses.

The Department of Justice, through its Attorney General, is dilly, dally, and delaying and "making studies" of statements inciting to riot and threatening destruction of our city and our government on the part of a certain radical, militant leader instead of taking positive action authorized under existing law.

The claim by certain civil rights advocates that this country is stingy in aiding the poor is not borne out by the facts. Public relief now exceeds nine billion dollars annually to 9.7 million persons, 90% of them Negroes.

With ample advance evidence of the potentialities for disorder and violence in our city, is it unreasonable to have expected, when the tragedy occurred, that more prompt and effective action would have been taken to protect the lives and property of the citizens of the District of Columbia?

At the regular meeting of the Federation of Citizens Associations the following resolution was adopted:

Whereas the news media gives altogether too much publicity to statements of politicians, which while purporting to sympathize with the poor and uneducated; with references to expected riots in the streets, bloodshed in the streets, long hot summers, etc., only encourages the law-breakers, arsonists, looters, etc. to disregard the laws of this land under the guise of "permitted civil disobedience".

Whereas too much publicity is given to the statements and actions of such militants as Stokely Carmichael, Rap Brown, etc., thereby building such persons up in the minds of the easily influenced.

Whereas actions and statements of responsible civic leaders of both the Negro and white race are either totally disregarded, minimized or misquoted.

Whereas too little emphasis is placed on what has been done and is being done to improve relationships between the races; what is being done to improve education for all; housing for all; welfare for the needy, medical care for aged and needy, etc. Now therefore, be it

Resolved By the Federation of Citizens Association in meeting assembled April 25th 1968, that the press, radio and television be requested to discontinue their present policy of sensationalism, which undermines the efforts of law-abiding citizens, and rather put emphasis on what the Government, both Federal and local; what Churches, Foundations and Organizations are doing to promote the welfare of all citizens.

FEDERATION OF CITIZENS' ASSOCIATIONS OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, APRIL 25, 1968

Resolved: By the Federation of Citizens' Association in meeting assembled April 25, 1968 that it support and recommend passage of H.R. 16512. This bill would provide that "An individual may not accept or hold a position in the Government of the United States or the government of the District of Columbia if convicted in a court of competent jurisdiction of murder, homicide, felonious assault, rioting, inciting to riot, looting, robbery, or arson during a period of emergency declared by competent authority due to civil disorder. An individual so convicted shall not be eligible for appointment to, or reinstatement in, any civilian

position in the Government of the United States or the government of the District of Columbia for the period of three years immediately following the date of his conviction.", and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be sent to the Chairman of the House and Senate District Committees, the Mayor-Commissioner, the Chief of Metropolitan Police and the President of the United States.

MAY 2, 1968.

GENTLEMEN: The recent action arbitrarily cancelling the law of this country by responsible (?) officials in Washington, D.C., "in order to save lives" is an astounding thing! Arson, looting, violence took place with police told not to interfere. $100 million was lost in that riot (per Mr. Talcott, U.S. Representative). Hitler showed what appeasement means when Chamberlain rejoiced in "saving lives." He was encouraged as these criminals are encouraged when not confronted and stopped and punished swiftly and sternly.

But the worst criminals are those officials who did not enforce our laws. The arsonists, looters, and violence makers are not elected or appointed to uphold law and enforce it. They did not violate a sacred trust, in some cases solemnly sworn to. They are just savages operating on their own level.

The "poor people's" march needs law enforcement for the rights of the citizens who work and obey the law for the good of all.

The capital is our city-unique in this country. No mob of hoodlums under whatever sanctimonious banner can invade it. This mob must pay their expenses or get out! They must act in an ordinarily, sensible, orderly, financially responsible way or get out! Just as we have to do.

Sincerely,

VIRGINIA P. RAISBECK.

FEDERATION OF CITIZENS ASSOCIATIONS OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

RESOLUTION

Whereas, there is a complete lack of confidence in Safety Director Patrick V. Murphy to maintain law and order in the District of Columbia: Therefore, be it Resolved, By the Federation of Citizens Associations in regular meeting assembled the 9th day of May, 1968, we urgently request that the position of "The Director of Public Safety for the District of Columbia" be abolished forthwith.

FEDERATION OF CITIZENS ASSOCIATIONS OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Whereas the Poor Peoples' March on Washington has a potential for rioting, looting and burning as recently witnessed here and as frequently accompanies demonstrations of this nature, and

Whereas it is generally recognized that a most effective deterrent to situations of this nature is the knowledge on the part of the participants that adequate forces are available to maintain and enforce law and order, and

Whereas our Armed Forces are available for such duty and have proved in the past to be a most effective supplement to our police forces: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, The Federation of Citizens' Associations in meeting assembled this 9th day of May 1968, calls on the Mayor-Commissioner of the District of Columbia to secure the services of a sufficient number of our Armed Forces to patrol the streets of Washington and give visual evidence to all that adequate forces are available and ready to maintain law and order: And further be it

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be sent the President of the United States, the Chairmen of the House and Senate District Committees, the MayorCommissioner of the District of Columbia, the Director of Public Safety and the Chief of Metropolitan Police.

[Reprint from The Sunday Star, May 26, 1968]

A BUSINESSMAN VOICES HIS FAITH IN THE CAPITAL CITY

A majority of Washington business leaders have faith in the future of the National Capital and believe it will grow and prosper and provide a quality of life

for its citizens unmatched elsewhere in the world, declared Robert C. Baker, president of American Security and Trust Co., here last night.

Baker issued a statement to the press yesterday along with announcement of plans for opening two new branches of his bank, the first one tomorrow at 120 C St. NW and the second on June 17 at L'Enfant Plaza. It came at a time of some anxiety accompanying recent civil disorders, current demonstrations and a rising toll of robberies involving financial institutions.

He conceded there is much cause for concern about certain conditions within the community, but cautioned against overemphasis of influences that are basically short-term and correctible.

Citing steady population growth, expansion in retail trade, housing, banking volume and employment, Baker emphasized that Washington is one of the Nation's top growth cities.

"As bankers we must watch those financial developments that indicate the condition of a community's economic health," he declared. "The trends that we watch in our day-to-day business show that this is a city of financial viability with a positive outlook for long-term financial growth."

The text of Baker's statement follows:

"I am grateful for this opportunity to speak on the subject that is uppermost in the minds of many Washington businessmen. I speak both as a businessman and as an individual who is a long-time resident in this city and who loves it dearly. I am confident that I accurately represent the viewpoint of the vast majority of business leaders in this community when I say that we have confidence in the future of Washington and that we believe this is a great, growing and viable metropolis that is enjoying an era of growth and prosperity.

"There is undeniable cause for concern over certain conditions within our community, but we should not allow these influences, which are basically short-term and correctable, to be over-emphasized in measuring the economic health of the city. When judged on any long-term rationale, Washington emerges as a city in the midst of an era of un-precedented business prosperity, with great potential for the future.

"There are a number of business and economic guide lines to support my convietion that Washington is one of America's leading growth cities with opportunities for business and employment scarcely to be matched by any other community.

"In retail sales, for example, the District showed an increase of more than $289,000,000 in five years. Total employment in the District by private business increased to 310,000 in 1966 and while we do not yet have final figures for 1967, indications are that another substantial increase was registered. I should like to stress that there is no valid reason why this important figure, representing as it does, the total of those employed in the private sector of business should not continue to increase in the coming years.

"The strength of the Washington economy was shown dramatically in the first quarter of this year by the increase of new housing permits in the District of more than 50 percent over the comparable 1967 quarter. This reversed a general downward trend throughout the nation including Washington in recent years.

"Another example of the strength of the capital city is the fact that, while few eastern cities are growing in population due to a general movement toward the suburbs, the District has experienced a small but steady increase in the number of its inhabitants. The Washington metropolitan area continues to be one of the fastest growing areas of the nation with its population estimated at 2,700,000, up almost 700,000 from 1960.

"As bankers, we must watch those key financial developments that indicate the condition of a community's economic health. The trends we watch in our day to day business show that this is a city of financial viability with a positive outlook for long term financial growth. Time deposits rose by 13 percent in 1967 to $987 million. This continued a growth pattern which saw total bank deposits in Washington increase by more than $800,000,000 in a five year period.

"During the same period total loans have increased by more than one half billion dollars and demand continues at an unprecedented high rate within the District.

"A key indicator of our city's vitality is the attraction it has for visitors from all over our nation and, indeed, from all over the world. Tourism is Washington's largest profit industry. It ranks second only to the federal government as an economic factor for the District. Last year a record 16.8 million tourists visited Washington spending $531,000,000 here. In the last 10 years, tourism in Washington has increased by 46 percent. It is estimated that by 1977, our annual influx of

tourists will reach 29 million and that they will spend more than a billion dollars here.

"Supported by such stimulating business and economic indications, it is hardly possible to view this city's future except with optimism and confidence. The business community, of course, cannot overlook conditions and circumstances that are having a temporarily depressing influence on the city. It would be wrong, however, to allow these conditions, which are transitory and should have no permanent effect on the general health of the community, providing sound, corrective measures are taken, to obscure the generally positive long-range outlook for the city. So long as we maintain our faith in the future of this great city, it will grow and prosper and provide a quality of life for its citizens unmatched in any other city in the world."

MISCELLANEOUS NEWS ITEMS

[From the Washington Star, Mar. 17, 1968]

'DAY AND NIGHT' EFFORT-MURPHY BELIEVES D.C. WILL ESCAPE DISORDER District Safety Director Patrick C. Murphy is confident the city will be able to prevent serious disorders this summer.

With Dr. Martin Luther King bringing his Poor People's Campaign to Washington next month, and with the possibility of disturbances this summer, the city is working "day and night" to improve community relations, he says, adding:

"Frankly, I am completely confident we are going to be able to prevent . . . any serious disorder in this city this summer."

Murphy, who was appointed nearly four months ago to head the city's police and fire departments as well as civil defense, makes his comments in a WMAL-TV interview to be telecast on Close Up at 1 p.m. today.

On other topics, the former New York City police official said he believes that use of the chemical spray as a police weapon has been greatly misunderstood. The spray renders its victim helpless in what Murphy believes is a more humane way than a nightstick or revolver.

When asked about Chief John B. Layton's decision not to include "boy" in a list of banned trigger words last year--an omission that angered segments of the Negro community-Murphy said the entire list is under review.

Murphy said he is not bothered by assertions that recent court decisions have made police work difficult.

The police side has not been "as well advocated as it might have been, he said. But for a long period some police were "tramping" on the rights of people, he added.

[From the Washington Post, Mar. 17, 1968]

NO SERIOUS DISORDER EXPECTED BY MURPHY

Patrick V. Murphy, Washington's Public Safety Director, is predicting an orderly spring and summer here.

"I am completely confident we will be able to prevent any disorder, or shall we say serious disorder in this city." Murphy says, in an interview to be telecast at 1 p.m. today on WMAL-TV, Channel 7.

The Police Department's chief policy-maker attributed his confidence to intensified training efforts now in progress to prepare the police force for preventive action in potentially tense situations.

With an accent on improving community relations, Murphy said the Police Department is "working day and night to reduce any tension or hostility that may exist in any part of our city."

Murphy also urged citizens to assess reports on the crime rise here with an understanding that terms such as "crime-infested" are more scary than accurate. "There are safe streets in this city, you can be sure," he said.

Observing that crime has become a "very emotional issue" with "more heat on it than there is light," the Director said statistics reflect improved reporting systems and an increase rate is troubling most large cities.

Murphy's optimistic report included his view that morale in the Department is generally high and patrols of the city are good.

Recruitment remains a Department problem, he said, with a need to attract more Negroes to the force.