Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-06-27

II AM'F NMyH4 w. concessions made to
VMW W q LII the local committee
R-W- of arrangements by
wv N@Lc~~ the general govern
III ~ ment. Congress mas
~ officially recognized
the fact that gathering of more than
usual Importance was to be held in the
country's convention city during the sum-
mer, and has made provision in a number
or ways to complete. in certain important
particulars, the plans for the guests en-
tertainment. Government officials, too, are
cooperating heartily with the committee
OF '9G in its preparatory work.
Residents of the District are familiar
with the fact that Congress is the only
board Of aldermen this city possesses, but
thousands of those who in less than two
weeks, will be Washington's guests do not
know of the peculiar statutory provisions
which require the law-making body of the
United States to pass upon all matters con-
corning the government and control of it's
capital. Without an understanding of this
unique condition, it might be puzzing to a
stranger to appreciate why the national
legislature should be called upon to au-
thoriZe certain courtesies which, Were the
convention held in any other American
city. would be granted by the common
council.
First in Importance, as we'll as in point of
time of the concessions made to the com
mittee of '!6 was congressional permission
to use the White Lot and monument
grounds fer convention purposes. These
public reservations are portion of the
park system of the city, END are the prop
erty of the United States Permission for
their had to be obtained, therefore,
from the general government through It's
legislative branch--the Congress. Similar
authority was granted the Grand Army of
the Republic and the Knights of Pythias
during their encampments here. So far
the committee was aware. the only objec-
ton likely to be urged against favorable
consideration Of the proposition they in
tended to make to Congress looking to the
authorization of the use of the reserva-
tions was the damage TO the grass con-
sequent upon it's being tramped on by the
delegates attending the meetings in the
tents. The committee was prepared to
meet this objection, and promised to re-
store the turf after the convention was
over.
How 1t Was Done.
The history of the congressional action
granting the desired permission to erect
the three mammoth tents on the stretch
of sward bounded by Washingtons Rotten
Row " is interesting to Christian Endeavor-
ers 1t took the form of a joint resolution,
and although 1t passed, through all the
stages Of reference to committees and to
the Secretary of War, and by him to the
officer in charge of public buildings and
grounds, these were merely formal pro-
ceedings. The reports of committees were
favorable, and by unanimous vote both
Senate and House of Representatives gave
consent to the proposition. The President
did not hesitate in his approval of the
measure, and by promptly afiixing his sig
nature gave to 1t the authority of law.
In the House the resolution was called
up out of regular procedure, and under
such circumstances that single objection
would have been fatal to its consideration
at that time, and would have necessitated
its being placed on the calendar. Yet when
the Speaker recognized the motion to pass
the resolution, not a voice was raised in
opposition. Just one week later 1T was
brought up in the Senate, and with merely
a brief statement as to its purport. and en-
tirely without debate it was by that body
also unanimously agreed TO. Its whole con-
gressional career was marked by cordial
unanimity and dispatch.
The advantages of the White Lot as a
place for erecting the large tents and hold
ing convention sessions cannot we'll be
overstated No other city has been able to
afford such suitable and convenient ac-
commodations to Christian Endeavor
throngs. The site is ideal for the purposes
to which it will so soon be put 1t is there
fore only natural that the members of the
&C mmittee of '96 should lie thoroughly ap-
preciative of Congress- cordial action
feeling in which they will be heartily joined
by the scores of thousands of visitors when
perience, what the country's statesmen
have done to make their stay in the city
and attendance upon convention sessions
both a comfort and delight.
Good Citizenship Movement.
One Of the cardinal principles of the
Christian Endeavor platform is its cham
pionshp Of the good citizenship movement
1t aims to make of the young men and
women constituting its membership the
highest type of intelligent. upright adher-
ents 10 law and government, whether the
members allegiance is due to the stars and
stripes or to other flags. Holding it's con-
ventlon this year at the seat of government
Oh me worlds foremost republic. in the
shadow of the nations legislative halls
and at the very gates of the official resi-
dence of it's chief magistrate surrounded
by public buildings and in view of the noble
father of his country, the Christian En-
deavor Society would fail, it is thought to
take advantage of it's privilege If it did not
make prominent, during Its coming CON
citizenship. Those who have in charge the
preparation of the program fully under
stand this. and have made special provi-
SION for meetings for the discussion of
suca subjects.
Especial Importance is made of a pa-
triotic demonstration which is to be held
Saturday afternoon, July II, on the plaza
al the east front of the Capitol And here
come to the assistance of the, Endeayorers
Control of the Capitol building and Its sur
rounding grounds is exclusively with Con-
gress and public meetings on the steps or
IN front of the building for any procession
through the grounds is prohibited by strict
provisions of law Congressional sanction
for anything of the sort must first be OBJ
tanned. For occasions Of 'inational i'm
portanoe,' however, the Vice President and
Speaker of the House may grant the use of
the grounds. They havebd lore this for the
Endeavorers. Both Vice President Steven
son and Speaker Reed agree that the dem
onstration planned to be held at the Cap
itol-a patriotic vesper Service in which
the display of the flag and the singing of
national hymns by the eonvention chorus
of 1900 voices will be the notable features
is one of national Importance and within
the purview of the statute, and they un-
hesitatingly have given Permission for the
use of the steps for the chorus and the
plaza for the audience, and authorized the
marching of the Endeavorers in a BODY
through the grounds.
Assistance of Public officials,
The members Of the committee of '96 feel
thoroughly grateful to government officials
for their courtesy and cooperation. Col
John M. Wilson, U.SA.. the officer in
charge of public buildings and grounds, is
lending material aid to the committee. He
has offered them the use of flag mole tn