Evening star., 1900-05-07

and put to work without confusion, thus bringing
in the party had been before the conven-
ton, yet you, sir have been chosen
This witty sally was appreciated, and the
incoming Commissioner had his audience
with him at once.
when 1 think, gentlemen" he continued
that the President of the United States
had an opportunity to reappoint our honor
ed Commissioner, Mr.. Wight, and had my
advice and consent to do SO; when 1 think
Of all the other eminent citizens whom he
might have had for this office, I sympa-
thize with Morris M. Estey. chairman of
that committee. Yet 1 cannot but be CRATE
full for this demonstration in my honor, al
though it is delicately concealed" daugh-
ter.)
Mr. Macfarland thanked his friends for
their demonstration and said II he had his
way the incoming and outgoing Commis-
soner would have been the same.
Although I have no real estate interest
in Washington he said. Il have every
other kind of interest. Washington is my
city. She has long been the city of my
pride. have been in her service a
private citizen for many years, and in TAX
ing office need take no new allegiance.
From being a private servant only become
a public servant. While the private station
is the post of honor, 1 have consented to
take the Office of Commissioner in this
centennial year, as a civic duty, which 1
owe to my city, and as an opportunity for
lasting service. want to see Washington
the model city of the world. / want to see
the national capital worthy in every re-
spect of this mighty nation, our dear coun-
try. l want to see her beautiful beyond
comparison. I want her to have the best
schools. the best sanitation, the best streets
and parks, the best police and fire protec-
ton. 1 covet earnestly for my city, which
is also the nations city, the best municipal
gifts, and I count it a high privilege to give
part of my life in the attempt to secure
them.
LAS Washingtonian, as an American. I
rejoice that the President of the United
States, and the best men in the Senate and
the House take such deep and beneficent
interest in the development and improve
ment of Washington. 1 rejoice that the in
teligent people of this country everywhere
are faithfully represented in this interest.
I trust that the unique partnership on the
"half-and-h principle, between the ma
tonal government and the District of Co
lumbia, which is now the city of Wash
ington, may never be permanently impaired
in the slightest degree, but may forever
continue to yield its high mutual advan-
tages.
Now, gentlemen of Washington, let me
ask you to be as kind and considerate to
the new Commissioner as you have been to
the old. Be to his faults little blind. Give
him your support when you think he is
wrong. 1t will be easy enough to give him
your support when you think he is right,
but he may need it more when you think
he is the other way.
The new Commissioner took his seat
amid tremendous applause.
District and Congress-.
Mr.. Edison made a brief reference to the
character of the board of trade as a popu-
lar body and to the relations between the
District and Congress, and expressed his
qualification that such opportunities were
afforded the people of the District to get
acquainted with their legislators. He said
this year he had conceived the idea that it
would contribute to the enjoyment of MEM
bers of Congress to pass the dinner without
speechmaking on their part, although all
would be glad to hear from them. He re-
ferred to the fact that about one hundred
senators and representatives were present
Celestial Empire Represented.
AS Mr. Edison concluded his remarks cries
for Minister WI came from every part of
the hall, and Mr.. Edison presented the min
lister, saying he might tell the company
something about the government of the
capital of China. Minister Wu responded
with a witty speech, and his bright remarks
and clever use of English called forth the
admiration of all.
"Gentlemen," he began, 81 think you can
hear me without my standing on chair"
this being called out by the action of Mr.
Macfarland when he spoke.
There was some demand that he should
follow the example of the incoming Com
missioner, in order that he might be easily
floor. He said he was embarrassed and did
not know what to say. He was sorry he
had not been permitted to escape the bur-
den of speechmaking. He said the distin-
guished and eloquent men about him had
been excused.
And yet" he said, you call upon a
heather Chinaman."
He knew the outgoing Commissioner well
and valued him neighbor.
Il was little amused he said, when
the president was expressing the unanimous
regret of the people at the retirement of
the outgoing Commissioner, the incoming
Commissioner-he, of all-clappeth his
hands" This remark provoked great laugh
ter. Il hope he was sincere in that" con-
tnued the speaker, and this also provoked
laughter
Gentlemen, I must not say more. must
be very careful" and the minister's eve
twinkled and smile spread over his face
L must be very careful what I say for
have before me the example of Mr.. Wight.
You will excuse me from saying more for
1 may be shown my passports"
The representative of the celestial en-
pire had made his points so well that he
sat down amid general laughter and re-
ceived many congratulations on his ready
wit
At the conclusion Of the brief speeches
the Manchester was announced as being in
readiness to make the return trip and all
embarked, arriving at the city in due time
well pleased with their days outing.
The arrangements for the excursion and