Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-05-08

An organization in which at least all
ested-the Columbia Historical Society-com-
menced it's active existence last night and Is
now fairly on Its way toward the accom-
elishment OF a task for which future gene
eations can hardly be otherwise than CRATE
full The society has declared its purposes
TO be the collection. preservation and diff
fusion OF knowledge respecting the history
and topography OF the District of Columbia
and national history and biography" That
there is paucity OF such information as
might fairly be deemed historical as to the
founding and development of this city has
been evident TO all who have sought infor-
nation on that line. and 1t is to prevent a
continuation of the conditions complained Of
that the newly organized society has come
Into being. Past carelessness may to some
extent be remedied. for. as DR.. Toner, presi-
dent OF the society. remarked In his address.
''our annals. such as they are, deserve to be
assembled. verified and thoroughly can
vassed and calendered. so as to be preserved
and made useful" He reasonably assumed
that this was proper work to be done or
promoted by the Historical Society and he
reasonably assumed that every member
would. in his own way, use his best efforts
to discover original papers and documents
OF historical value, local or national. and
obtain gifts OF this character, whenever
practicable, to the society. In this task.
which. 1t viii be seen. is one Of great mag
nitude. much assistance may be rendered by
those. who. knowing of the existence of rec
ords heretofore in comparative concealment.
make known their whereabouts to the So
ciety. With popular interest aroused as 1t
should be there ought to be only little diff
ficulty in establishing the documentary col
lection for which the society appeals to the
general public.
The society's plans were discussed at con-
siderable length by President Toner and
Vice President Spofford. in admirable intro
ductory addresses. In DIR. Toner'S remarks.
printed elsewhere in The Star. it is truth
fully stated that this city is the home "of
a very large number Of persons possessing
the true historic spirit. and quite a number
have expressed their willingness to cooper
ate in the work this day inaugurated by the
Columbia Historical Society" The outlook
for the success Of the organization is there
fore encouraging, and with the announce
ment Of its enthusiastic commencement will
doubtless come access of membership and
general interest The society has evidently
started with its face in the right direction
and with a proper appreciation OF the diff
culties that lie across its path Those who
control its movements are fully conscious
e OF their responsibilities and have been
blessed with experience which will render
extreEaely improbable any waste Of energy
or divergence from the proper course
Many OF the states have similar organiza-
tons devoted to the preservation OF purely
local records The local history of the fed
erai city is also national history, so that the
aims Of this organization are peculiarly
comprehensive in their scope. The society
deserves the warmest encouragement in its
patriotic labors.