The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1900-05-09


paratively a failure but for the loyalty OF
subordinates which had been conspicuous
on all occasions
Mr.. Wight declared that he should carry
with him in the future not only grateful
remembrance of faithful service on the
part of those before him, but the proofs of
their friendship. He said he was conscious
Of deep feeling OF personal regard for
the men with whom he had labored for the
good OF the District, and he was sure that
similar feelings were entertained by them
toward himself.
-COngenial relations of common employ
ment may be severed, but friends never
part" he continued. Though they sep
arate for time and tread different paths,
their hearts are together" and Mr.. Wight
added that he was happy in the conscious
ness that he should not be entirely forgot
ten in his retirement from Office
This beautiful gift, perfect in all its ap-
pointments, ] gratefully accept from you as
the token OF that personal rega- d Of which
you have been kind enough to speak IL
shall be a constant reminder of your de-
yotion 10 me personally"
The Oath of Office Administered.
At the close of his brief response to the
addresses given him. Mr. Wight sugg ested
that the oath Of Office be administered i'm
mediately 70 the incoming Commiss- -oners.
Messrs- Ross and MacfarlaDd. and that he
might be permitted to present those D es-
ent to the new member OF the Beard This
was agreed TO. and Or. william TindalI,
Secretary 20 the Board, stepped forward.
and administered to Messrs. Ro=s and Mac
farland the following oath:
Having been appointed and confirmed a
Commissioner OF the district OF Columbia
you do solemnly swear that you viii sup
port and defend the Constitution Of the
United States against all enemies. foreign
and domestic: that you viii bear true faitn
and allegiance 10 the same; that you take
this obligation freely. without any mental
reservation or purpose OF evasion: ana
that you VIII well and faithfully discharge
the duties Of the Office Cn which you are
about 70 enter: SO help you Cod
The heads of departments clerks. and
employees Of the District were then pre-
sonted to Mr. MacfaTland, who had a gra-
eious word fo= each one as he passed and
shook his hand. MIR. Wight introduced
each person as he came forward to be in
trOduced TO the new Commissioner.
AT the close of the reception the formal
signing OF the oaths OF ofice was attended
to before DR.. Tindall. acting as a notary.
II was stated that the bonds OF Commis-
sioneTs Ross and Macfarland were in prop
er form, and il was learned that the FL
ANliAs auu DcpoS4N 1oL-p palF OF bdlLALOIt
had become surety for the Commissioners
to the amount Of s5e,O0o each as required
by Jaw.
Mr. Nacfariand Elected President
The Board Of Commissioners then met
to organize. Mr.. Ross temporarily taking
the chair OF the President. Mr.. Ross read
from the organic act OF the Incorporation
OF the District OF Columbia clause 5 Of
section ?. as follows:
And one Of the three said Commission
ers shall be chosen president OF the Board
OF Commissioners at their FIRST meeting
and annually. and whenever q vacancy
shall occur thereafter"
Mr.. Ross said that il had been custom
OF long standing that the president oG the
Board should he in afhliation with the po-
Etical party at the head OF the National
Government While il was unwritten law
he thought that the sanctio7 OF custom had
made il binding Therc.-Te he took great
pleasure in nominating Nr. Mcfarland for
the cffice OF president Of the board for one
year from this date
The motion was secoLled by Conmis-
sioner Beach and was declared unanimous
ly carried
The Assignment cf Duties.
The attention OF the Board was first di-
reeted 10 the division OF departments over
which each Commissioner Is 20 exercise
personal supervision. After an expression
OF preferences in the matter z few changes
were made Commissioner Macfarland
takes charge Of the duties assigned for
meriy TO Mr.. Wigh-, except the Police
Department. the Collection and Disposal
OF Garbage. the Columbian Hospital for
Women, Police Surgeons and Police
! Awards, all OF which pass over 10 Com
Z missioner Ross From Mr.. Ross. Mr.
M2efaTl2nd receives all charitable matters
| except the Washington Asylum. He also
takes charge Of the public schools and pub
/ lie school matters. The assignments OF
/ Commissioner Beach remain unchanged
The first official routine act Of Commis-
sioner Aacfarlsnd was the approval Of the
/ appointment of William PalIas as addi-
uonal private Of thu Police Department
FOR duty from New York Avenue to p
Street northwest. and from second to Sixth
streets
custom attaching TO the taking Of the
/ oath Of Office by the District Commission
ers is for each to select one or two verses
from the copy of the Bible. used to be re-
corded with the oath On the Secretary's 8
book. Today Mr.. Macfarland chose Prov
erbs iii-5.6
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart.
! and lean not unto thine own understand
ing"
In all thy ways acknowledge Him and
He shall direct thy paths"
Former Commissioner Wight left the
! District Building soon after the installation
of Mr. Macfarland as his successor. going
! TO his home. He remarked upon leaving
bis room that the sense OF freedom as a
private citizen overeame all regrets over
the retiI sment from Office. AS already an
nounced, Mr.. Wight expects 10 take an ex-
few weeks