The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1900-05-09
INDUCqED into OFFICE
Commissioners Macfarland and
Ross Assume Their Duties.
The Former Is Elected President of
the New BOard-CompIimcnta
Speeches and n Present for Mr.
Wight, the Retiring Member, From
the District Building Employees

the desks OF Commissioners Wight and
Ross were covered with flowers sent in by
their friends, which gave to the executive
Offices a aoliday appearance.
During the morning the friends of Mr..
Wight the retiring Commissioner, called
upon him TO pay their respects and ex-
press their best wishes for the future Rou-
tine business was at a standstin, and II
was impossible even to obtain a hearing
for the latest appeal for the release Of
assessments in a street extension in tbs
suburbs. The District Building with It's
heads of departments, its hundreds OF
clerks. and laborers was nervous and ex
peetant. Ii was easy TO see that something
cut of the ordinary was about 10 happen
few minutes before II O'Clock Henry
B. +. Macfarland came up the elevator TO
the ffth floor. There was much lodging
through the halls and eraning OF necks 10
catch a glimpse OF the gentleman who
within an hour was TO succeed John B.
Wight. and be elected President Of the
Board. Mr. Macfarland passed quickly
into Mr.. Wight's Office where the two gen
tlemen greeted each other warmly. Com
missioner Wight said that II was not nee
essary for him TO express al length his
gratication at the selection which the
iItSlltll Eau uld4G AOI his S1COeSSCE
You know my sentiments In that respect.
MIR. MacfsrIand. and I now oiIer my con-
gratuiatiOns." In reply, MT. Macfarland
said in effect that the only unpleasant
feature Of the occasion was the supplant-
ing in Office Of so good friend.
At II o'clock the Commissioners, in
company with Mr.. Macfarland. repaired TO
the Board Room, where the heads Of de-
partments. the clerks. and employees OF
he Rrrf1 had .Taa A.
Commissioner Wight took his place AT the
table Dr. William C Woodward, the Dis
trict Health Officer. approached him. and
said in behalf Of those present
DR. VoOdwnrd'S Address
''Mr Commissioner: Several days ago !
was requested to represent the employees
OF the District Government at this. our
farewell meeting. Because Of the painful
character Of the task. and OF the absence
Of ary special qualifications on nay part
hesitated long before accepting the Office.
l was much relieved. therefore. yesterday
to learn that one far better fitted for such
work than 1 had undertaken TO perform
this duty. ! was not however. surprised
to learn this morning that these, my off,
cial associates. had come 10 the conclusion
that ii was impossible for any one man 20
httingly express their deep appreciation OF
the many kindnesses which you have shown
to them. and Of the value Of your guidance
and friendship in enabling them TO per-
form properly the duties which have de-
vOlyed upon them. l. therefore as their
representative. take up the task so as 10
make the beginning for a proper climax.
Il am unable 10 understand, however
why medical man should have been Sc
lected for this duty; possibly il was a
delicate sense Of the fitness Of things whicu
indicate 10 them that a physician usually
0ffiCiated at the close Of life, and that by
the present arrangement the necessity for
the services Of the coroner would be avoid
ed. There is, Mr. Commissioner. a mys-
terry about this wonderful ching which we
call life, which the human mind has from
the very beginning Of time stricen iHeffect-
uRlly 10 solve From one point 4 is a sim
pie Individual unit; from another, ii is a
compound Of many elements-minOr lives
so TO speak home life. a business life
a spiritual life. and with some Of US a-
official life, all interviewer and yet dis-
tinct.
Three years ago YOU we're suddenly
called from your previous environment and
ushered into new associations and into new
duties. Your official life began. We were
then strangers. but during the time which
has elapsed We have fought together in the
battle against ignorance, and crime, ana
poverty. and disease, ard misfortune. Maav
times the conflict has been a difficult one
and there were forces to be opposed and
overcome. which only those who have teen
engaged in the strife can appreciate You
have fostered plans which had been out
lined by your predecessors. and brcug 4
them 10 completion: you have inaueurs tea
new schemes for the benefit os the commu-
nifty and carried them to successful teTni-
nations, and you have laid out for the COM
left to be carried on by others. Such, how
ever. is official life.
I'VE. your friends, wish and expect that
you will be with US IN the community for
many years to come so that you may see
the fruition OF yeur labor. But wherever
you may be. may good health and kindly
fortune be with you. We who remain be-
hind WIZ do better work for the inspira-
tion drawn from three years service v-ith
you, and Will ever be proud. if We may
say that We have been numbered among
your friends.
H. RI. Darneille. the District Asse ssor.
then arose and said:
"Mr. Wight, we are assembled here
this morning to bid you a fond official
adieu. and in some little way to give ex-
preston to our kindly feelings We had
first intended to smother you with flowers;
but after more deliberate consideration We
stern
fact that flowers. in a few short days.
would wither and decay, and IL was the
consensus of opinion that we should tender
you some little gift instead, that might be
OF service to you in the future. And
learning that you intended taking a trim
out West, decided TO presenS you with this
memento of our high esteem and trusting
that In after years IL may bring back a few
pleasant recollections Of your friends in
the District service And speaking for
those present. wish TO say that our worst
wish for you is. that you may always have
health, and that 10 evil may ever cross
your path, and that the goddess Of fortune
may ever smile upon you
Now. on behalf OF the employees of the
District of Columbis 1 tender you this
case, and we hope it may be of service to
you, and at least last until you are rich
enough to buy one studded with dia-
monds."
The memento referred to was a hand
some sole leather dressing case fitted out
with all the necessary toilet articles Of
silver.
Mr. WiSht's Reply.
In replying to the sentiments expressed.
Mr. Wight was Tisibily affected. His voice
trembled with emotion and he spoke for
some minutes with difficulty.
What you have said. Dr. woodward and
Mr.. Darneille, together with the bestowal
of this gift moves me deeply" he said.
Mr. Wight then referred 70 the kindly
relations which had existed between him.
self as President OF the Board and the
a