The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-10-21
Chairman Finance Committee.

Colonel Parker is very much encour-
aged in raising the necessary money by
the generous subscriptions that have been
made him unsolicited for the purpose
showing the deep interest shown on the
part of the citizens in celebrating the
Centennial anniversary of the establish
ment of the seat Of government in the
District of Columbia.
Among those who have subscribed are
the following: Riggs National Bank, $3.50;
S. W. Woodward, 500; A. NJ. Lothrop,
500; c. C. Willard, 500; John R. Nc
Lean, 800; John w. Thompson, s1O0;
James G. Berret, SOS: James E. Fitch,
SIS: Bradbury Piano Company, $25; Pat
rick Maloney, $40.
The acceptance Of appointments On the
various committees are being rapidly re-
ceived at headquarters, and it is a rare
thing. says Secretary Cox. of the COM
mittee to receive a declination. Among
those who have already signified their in
tention of serving on the committees are
members of the Supreme Court. Cabinet
officers, the General of the Army, the Ad-
miral of the Navy, heads of Bureaus, Dis
trict Commissioners. and citizens gener-
ally.
Some very interesting correspondence
has also been received in the Office at the
Headquarters of the committee. One of
the most interesting letters was from
William W. Birth, of 603 North Carolina
Avenue, who is now in his ninety-third
year. He writes as follows, under date
of the 18th inst:
Mr. w. V. Cox, Secretary Joint Commit
tee Centennial Celebration, Washing
ton City:
Dear Sir: AS requested. reply to your
letter of 10th inst, notifying me Of my ap-
pointment as a member OF the Committee
on Exercises at the Executive Mansion.
For the distinguished honor 1 return
my hearty and sincere thanks to the hon.
orable Chairman Of the Citizens Commit
tee and to the gentleman suggesting my
name.
Il am probably the oldest living native
born citizen of Washington city, having my
entry on life here on the 18th Of January,
1903, as appears from the record of my
parents in the family Bible.
Il remember very clearly .he ruins of
the first building used as the War Office.
They were on the south side OF Pennsyl-
vania Avenue, between Twenty first and
Twenty-second streets northwest, within
$50 feet Of the house in which was born;
recollect distinctly the burning of the pub
lie buildings here in August, 1914 being
also the inauguration of ur~ifth Presi-
dent, James Monroe. on the 4th of March
1917, having then entered my. tenth year
in age.
Am in general good health at now near
ly ninety-three. Faculties all intact ex-
cept hearing, which is impaired. Steady
OF hand. and capable of doing a days work
with the pen or instrument, with which
amuse and interest myself on all secular
days. witbou: fail. My walking capacity.
Is. however. unfortunately greatly reduced
by car collision. but. If alive, and able to
be out, shall. II possible. be present at the
Centennial Celebration in December next.
Il want to add that we have a General
Government, and city government. une-
lualed on this globe. May they continue
% the end OF time. improving as intelli-
,ence and inventions develop. always ODE
lient to the commands of the God We ac-
and ever bearing in mind that
disregard Of his laws will bring upon us
he fate of Nineveh, Babylon. Jerusalem.
md Rome. Very respectfully yours,
WILLIAM w. BIRTH"
Commissioner Macfarland will call a |
Meeting of the Citizens Committee for ear |
y this week, at which reports will be |
made from the various committee chair
men OF the progress Of the work of their
committees.