Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1881-09-22
The October Celebration.

A PROPOSITION To ABANDON 1T DISCUSSED
VIEWS OF SOME OF THE MEMBERS OF THE CIT
IzENS ASSOCIATION.
A special meeting of the general committee of
citizens who have the matter of preparations for
the Yorktown celebration in charge met last
night at the National Hotel for the purpose of
discussing the situation and hearing reports of
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Commissioner Dent in
the chair. and VI. VI. Parker secretary. The chair
stated briefly the purpose for which they had
been called together. and in the course of his
remarks indicated that the time now short
in which they had to act; that collections were
slow. and the general sentiment among the peo-
pie at large is rather against any public demon
stratIOn by the citizens of the District at this
time 1t was his own Judgment that no further
steps be taken. yet if if the voice of the ma
jOrity of the committee that they proceed with
the program marked out. he would corporate
with them To the fullest extent in his power.
BAD FINANCIAL OUTLOOK.
MI. Gross. chairman of the finance committee
made partial report. which was not OF Hat
terin@ character far as the collections have
been thus far made and the prospects for future
collections The general tone OF the citizens
seems to be against any further action by the
committee. in View OF the recent death and OBJ
sequieS or the President of the United States
and that any public festivities so soon to follow
would be in exceeding bad taste. Mr. Frank
Ward and Mr.. Duncanson made remarks of SINH
lar character, and said the prospects of ANYTHING
cOilttIlDEs We're rainier GLOOMY. The
people are not Inclined to contribute much
against their own sense of good taste and judg-
ment.
Mr.. Childs foreman of the Government Print
Ing Office. said when the proposition of an en-
tertainment to the French visitors was first en-
tertained, he thought well of the project and
could have guaranteed $500 at least from the
Government Printing office. but since the lament
able termination of the Presidents illness and
the funeral in this city. he thought it doubtful if
the collections from that quarter would reach
anythin. like that sum.
IN FAVOR OF GOING on.
Mr.. III. Browning took an entirely different
view OF the case Now that the people of this
District were paying all honor and respect to the
memory OF the dead President he could not see
why Ii should in any way interfere with arrange
ments TO show respect and hospitality to our
national visitors, who come SO far to participate
In national celebration. They cannot afford
now to break down. Other places are doing
much IN the way of preparing honors to our
guests. Such an entertainment as had been
talked OF in this city was very appropriate. and
ought to be carried out. He could
not see what the death Of the Presi-
dent had to do with carrying out the plans.
There was no doubt at all but that SO 600 could
and would be collected The chair remarked
that it would afford him much pleasure to do
anything for the cause 1t is now the 2lst of
September. and the question with him was
have they time? He had grave doubts as to
n
large majority will not contribute to the cause
from a sense of duty, and he had doubts about
the possibility OF carrying out the program at
this late day. The entertainment of the many
guests who pass through this city and remain
here for brief time must be attended TO, so far
as seeing all their wants supplied and hotel ac-
eommodations Secretary Blaine has an appro-
priation of S2O.o00 for this purpose, which will
have to be applied for that purpose. and can not
De expended for any other purpose. Mr. Ward
thought they could raise the necessary funds in
short time if they all start out with viii.
MI Cross doubted 1t; he had seen many, anu
had not much encouragement
ANOTHER ONE WHO FAvORs CARRYING OFT TIL.
PROGRAM.
Judge Blackburn said it was a question o!
plain duty with them whether. at the capital OF
the nation, sufficient enthusiasm cannot be
raised TO do honor to the children of patriots
VINO oy their means and blood had made il Dos
stoie tnat We nave national capital Boston.
new York. Portland, Philadelphia. Baltimore
ana many other large cities are vieing with each
other III preparations to do honor to our national
guests Ihey are doing nobly, and here ut the
capital we are to do nothing II would no !
lasting disgrace to this city to NEGLECT This
opportunity. They should redouble their effort
to make the reception of their visitors pleasant
To them and show every attention possib,e 10
them. They have been invited to come here as
guests of the nation. We have every ADVANTAGE
over other cities in having broad smooth streets
and our efforts would show better on account
Of il.
Further discussion was held, and as the mum
Der present was thought not to be fair repre-
oentafion Of the committee, the meeting adj
j0urned until Monday night next at 7:3O O'clock
af the same place, for final action.