Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-01-26

The local end of the enterprise OF proVld-
ing a proper observance of the CapitaIs
centennial is well advanced. Last nights
meeting of the committee in charge of the
enterprise acted in a manner TO insure that
the Districts part of the program will he
promptly and well performed. The APP
pointment of subcommittee to consider
tentative plans for the celebration marks a
step ahead. From this committee will ema-
nate an estimate of the probable cost of the
projects proposed. which will afford the
finance committee a basis for their pre-
Hminary work of canvassing for the local
subscriptions. 1t is believed at the outset
that Washington's share of the cost need
not be above $4,000. 1t is not to be ques
toned that this sum will he readily raised
The object is such as to appeal to practi-
CalIy all the people of he District promis-
ing as it does a marked degree of considera-
ton for Washington on the part of the en-
tire country and surely resulting in many
permanent benefits.
1t Is now in order to urge that no time be
lost in perfecting the legislative stages of
the project In the Senate that part of the
Presidents message which urged the cele-
bration as a worthy undertaking has re-
suited in the formation of special commit
tee. to which has been referred joint
resolution introduced by Mr.. Hoar, prOvid-
ing for the appointment by the President of
the Senate and the Speaker Of the House Of
joint committee of five senators and five
representatives, who shall act with the citi-
zens' committee in the preparation and
carrying out of plans for the centennial,
and authorizing the President of the United
States to appoint a committee from the
country at large to cooperate with the con-
gressional and District committees in the
management of that celebration. No action
has thus far been taken upon that resolu-
ton.
In the House the Presidents Recommended
tons have been sent to the committee on
appropriations, which has thus far taken
no action. The present session of Congress
will last only five weeks after the present
week, and thus there is a minimum of time
in which to secure legislation definitely fix
ing upon the celebration in the manner out
lined in the joint resolution now pending in
the Senate and providing the funds 10 be
allowed by the government. The latter end
can, of course. be attained by means Of d
rider on one of the regular appropriation
bills but the amount must be ascertained
by means of a careful consideration of all
the plans by the joint committee. The crea-
tioE of this committee IS thus a condition
precedent to the fna! undertaking, and it
is 10 be hoped that TO further time will be
lost in the matter.
The success OF these large enterprises de-
ponds in almost direct degree upon the care
with which plans are considered and per-
fected. and therefore upon the length of
time allowed for the proper survey of the
field and the accumulation OF materials and
information. Inasmuch as this is to be
made national event, as it properly should
be, it will require no less than a full year
for the formulation of whatever projects
may be chosen to constitute the ceremonial.
1t is already proposed that the centennial
should first be marked by some event on
Washington's birthday, thus expressing the
appreciation by the present generation of
the works of the first President whose
name was given to the capital now APP
preaching it's hundredth birthday. The two
thoughts could be well blended. II this be
decided upon definitely it is to be seen that
very little more than a year now remains
before that occasion, none too much time
II the affair is to be Worthily complete