Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-09-23
MUNICIPAL IMPROVEMENTS
Fifth Annual Convention of Society to Be
Held Here.
Efforts of the Commissioners to En-
terrain the VisitOrs-Topics to
Be Discussed.

The fifth annual convention of the Amer
lean Society of Municipal Improvements,
which will be held in this city the Goth,
9th and 18th of next month, WILL in view
of the objects of the society, be of much
more than ordinary interest and Importance
to the people of the District. The objects
of the society, as stated in its constitution,
are to disseminate information and expert
ence upon and to promote the best methods
to be employed in the management of mu-
nicipal works, by means of annual conven-
lions, the reading and discussion of papers
upon municipal improvements and by So
cial and friendly Intercourse at such con-
ventiOns, and to circulate among its MEM
bers, by means of an annual publication,
the informatio thus obtained.
The society is composed of municipalities
and municipal officers representing every
city Of any Importance in this country.
Several of the municipalities and municipal
officials of Canada are also represented,
and it is es.imat ed that between 200 and
80 delegat as will attend the convention 20
be held hera. The convention headquarters
will be at the Arlington Hotel, and the
meeting place of the convention will be the
ago the convention was held at Chicago,
where the delegates we're handsomely en-
tertained by the city. Mayor Swift, in ex-
tending a welcome to the delegates on be-
half of the people of Chicago, said, among
other things: THE questions you will de-
lfberate upon are of very great Importance
to US, and We will watch with interest
what you have to say, and study with
greater interest the papers that will be read
before this convention. as We expect to
learn much from you
Providing for Entertainment.
No invitation was extended by the Com
missioners or the people of the District to
the society to hold its convention here; but
in view of the fact that Capt. Beach, the
Engineer Commissioner, is prominent
member of the society, and in view of the
further fact that the coming of the con-
ventiOn will mean much valuable informa-
ton to the officials and people of the Dis
trict. Commissioners Wight and Ross have
united with Capt. Beach in an effort to
make the coming convention of the society
the most successful and pleasant in its his
tory.
The delegates will be welcomed to the
city by Commissioner Wight, the president
of the board of Commissioners, and they
will be entertained by an excursion down
the river to Mount Vernon and a dinner
On the boat Unfortunately, the District
as no funds with which to meet the ex-
penses of the entertainment of the dele
gates. but the Commissioners feel certain
that the public-spirited people of the Dis
trict will come to their assistance with
generous contributions. The Metropolitan
Railroad Company has assured the Com
missiOners that II will extend free trans
portation to all delegates, and it is thought
that the other roads will be no less gen.
eIouS.
Papers for Discussion.
A number of unusually interesting and
important papers will be read and discussed
during the coming convention. and it is be-
lieved by the Commissioners that the Dis
trict will be greatly benefited, as it is be-
lieved the delegates will observe the needs
of the District and will not fail upon their
return to their homes throughout the coun-
try to present these needs to their people
and in that way create a greater sentiment
for the advancement of the national capital
and more liberal consideration of it's needs
by Congress.
The character of the societys work may
be judged from the following list of it's
committees all of which will submit val
liable reports: Street paving cleo -ric
street lighting. sewerage and sanitation
waterworks and water supply, taxation
ard assessment, city government and legis-
lation. disposition of garbage and street
cleaning, review, ele ctrolyss, abolishing of
railroad crossings in cities, &c. The con-
ventiCn of last year was neld at Nashville
Tenn. Commissioner Beach, Health officer
Woodward and perhaps others will repre-
sent the District at the convention to be
held here.