Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-07-05
OLDEST INHABITANTS
Setting Good Example for Younger
Patriots.
HONORING THE NATIONAL HOLIDAY
An Address by Mr.. Benjamin P.
Davis.
THE 9TH Err EX f RI CT Sc S

The Oldest Inhabitants Association of
the District OF Columbia celebrated hide
pendence day by following it's immemorial
custom of holding it's annual meeting and
then having the Declaration of Independ-
ence read and a patriotic address delivered
Despite the heat. quite large number of
members attended the meeting today,
which was presided over by President John
Narbury. jr, Mr.. Allison Nailor reading
the Declaration of Independence, and MIR.
BENJAMIN p Davis delivering a brief ad-
dress. The annual election was held, the
proposition to elect a historian was re-
ferred TO a special committee, and then
the association adjourned. after partakinS
of collation..
The meeting was held in the associations
room in the Corcoran building, 10th and
f streets, and one of the first matters
transacted was the election of the follow
ing officers to serve during the ensuing
year: President. John Marbury, 1r.; wee
presidents. Noble d. Larner. William Ber-
en-, F. W. Brandenburs, j. w. Clark, }.
T Clark X kichorn. r. 5. Kern, Philip
May Allison Nailor j. Ncihneyer, X C.
Wright. A Fl. Raglan and solomon j. fasue'
recording secretary, I. +. Maguire, CORE
spending secretary, Or. j. L. Howard
treasurer Joseph Prather, and marshal j.
y. Winvherger.
President Marbury feelingly announced
TIE deaths of the following members OF
tie association: Patrick \. Byrne, Robert
Bal. :. W. +. Handy and William Brad
ley. paying an eloquent tribute 70 thelr
memories Sir. Thomas Oliver was elected
to membership
Mr. William Be- ron the eldest member of
the association. called attention to the fact
that the association Las no historian. He
said that ii is a shame that srch body.
whose members possess such a rich ana
varied fund of information, she uld not have
such an official, to whom they might fur
n sh much valuable data, and by whom II
could be preserved in suitable form Mr..
Simon Wolf also regretted that the asSOcia-
ton h al never provided such an official.
He said the association should not be
merely an admiration society or Il frater-
nal one. but should assist by the election
OF an historian in preserving the valuable
Data and knowledge possessed by its MEN,
hers. He therefore moved that such an
officer be elected. Mr.. j. Madison Cults
seconded the motion. and suggested the
Eame Of Mr.. Wolf that officer. But at
the suggestion of the president. the matter
was referred to a committee consisting OF
Messrs. Noble ID. Larncr. J. Madison Cuts
and Simon Wolf. with Instructions to re-
port at the next meeting, of the associa-
ton.
After Treasurer Pratter had reported
that the finances of the association are in
prospe rous condition. the association took
u Tess until noon, when Mr.. Allison
Major introduced for the purpose of
IeauinS the Declaration of Independence
being enthusiastically appIs.uded during
anu upon the conclusion of the reading
Mr. Davis Address,
President Marbury next introduced the
orator of the day, Mr. benjamin p. Davis,
explaining that he is from that cradle OF
liberty, the old Bay State" MIR. Davis
vas enthusiastically received and his brief
remarks were most favorably heard. He
explained that hitherto he had more fire.
quently addressed young people. endeavor-
ing to instill in them patriotism and teach
them good citizenship. He remarked that
Ne mad no such purpose in addressing the
association. for he knew too well that none
are more patriotic and none more yersed
in good citizenship. He referred to the
practice o. the association in meeting on
the great national holidays. and of its eff
forts to irStill in the hearts of both the
old and the young the lessons of patriotism
Mr. Davis said that while en- many a plat
form today there will be groaning and
croakins because of the condition of the
country. he nevertheless believed that the
people Of the country have cause for con-
graduation, for many Of the evils which
VIII he spoken of today do not in fact exist
and those which do are not necessarily dan
serous or fatal to the happiness or welfare
OF the Lar d The people of this country,
ne claimed. live in the nest favored and
prosperous country on earth. and they are,
therefore. to be congratulated.
The watchwords of those who built this
country, said Mr. Davis were liberty and
union Liberty was no new sentiment to
them. for Trey had received it as heritage
from th'ir fathers. who had come to this
land TO Great and enjoy it. and who were
determined that it should exist forever.
1t was a liberty which embraced every
right liberty of opinion. of the press. of
religion. li5t rty everywhere and at all times.
And when II was abridged or sought TO be
denied in one of the colonies every other
colony rose up to preserve and defend it.
That liberty is today more firmly estab-
hshed than ever before in the history Of the
country.
Another secret of this country's SUCCESS
said Mr.. Davis. is its inseparable union. now
and forever fixed. There is today no solid
south. nor solid north or east or west
for in the words of that r1atchless orator.
Patrick Henry, I'VE are Americans all
The Constitution of the land has stood not
only the test OF time. but also every other
test, and never strong as II is to-
day Eence. the nation wa.' never so strong
rtve- so firmly established as 1t is today
and Mr.. Davis referred to the recent visit
of President Mckinley through the south
ern states evidencing the spirit of
loyalty and fraternalism which pervades
the whole country. AT every point the
President stopped. he remarked, great
crowds gathered. DESTROYS of seeing and
paying homage TO the head of the nation
and not single disrespeCtful word was
uttered. and not unkind made by
any one IN The thousands who gathered
about the chief executive. he being received
everywhere with marks of honor, cordial
ity and enthusiasm.
On TWO pillars, said Mr.. Davis in conclu-
sion. are the foundations of the country
built-liberty and union-and so long as
they exist. and they will exist forever he
cOntended. the country will be safe. There
fore. he remarked. the country should re-
joice today, for the lives of it's people have
fallen in pleasant places and rich is their
heritage.
Swapping "Reminiscences.
Upon the conclusion of Mr. Davis re-
marks, Mr.. ]. Madison Cults remarked
that while Mr.. Davis. residence here is not
quite long enough TO make him eligible to
membership. he desired to move that he be
made an honorary member. The motion
was unanimously carried as was one re-
turning to Mr.. Major and to Mr. Davis the
thanks OF the association for the pleasure
u ey afforded the members today
An exchange of "reminiscences between
the members of the association followed
during which IL TRANSFERRED that two of
those present. Mr.. William Boron and Mr.
J. i. BoiSeau. had seen Lafayette on his
visit TO this country more than sixty years
ago. Mr.. Solomon J. Fague stating that h,
had seen Charles Carroll OF Carrollton Law
the corner stone of the Baltimore and Ohio
railroad After America had been sung
h. MON f..-rz