Evening star., 1901-03-04

apart from the elaborate scheme of amuse-
ment and celebration which has come to
be distinguishing feature of March 4 quad
rennially. The visitors must be entertained
and cared for there must be a grand
pageant, fitting display of joyous, digni-
fled gaiety So these features are always
placed in the hands of Washingtons citi-
Zens to plan and carry into effect. The ap-
pOntment of a chairman of the citizens
inaugural committee has by custom been
invested in the chairman of the national
committee of the party whose representa-
tive was victorious at the polls.
Selection of Chairman
II was December last when the an
nouncement was made by Senator Marcus
A. Hanna, chairman OF the republican ma
tional committee. that the inaugural COM
mttee of 1901 should be under the chair
manship of Mr.. John Joy Edison. president
OF the Washington Board of Trade. The
appointment of Mr. Edison met with en-
thus!as;ic appreciation in all circles OF the
city and it was at once agreed that there
would be a highly credtable and wise ad
mnistrat!on of affairs. That Judgment of
those who knew Mr.. Edison. expressed i'm
med!ately upon his selection. has been more
than justified. He has handled the affairs
attending the great celebration in a thor
oughly capable manner. He first displayed
excellent Judgment in surrounding himself
with working committee of men who were
peculiarly adapted for the different branches
of work assigned to them. Mr.. Edson's ap-
pOintments were considered very happy
ones throughout.
From this good beginning in the selection
of committeeman, Mr. Edison passed on into
the details Of the work, graspng the sit
uatiOn and the labor before him quickly and
with excellent foresight Mr. Edson's con-
troll of affairs has been marked by sound
business Judgment everywhere, and while
his administration of inaugural funds has
not been penurious. he has made every PEN
ny Of the amount subscribed do its proper
part in bringing about the desired end.
There has been no waste at any point along
the line
Chairman EdsOn's Career.
Chairman Edison has been resident of
Washington since the civil war. He came
here as a clerk in the Treasury Department.
from which position ne has risen to be
one of the most prominent men of affairs
in the District. He enlisted in New York
regiment dSring the war, and served faith
fully until discharged at the expiration of
his term. 1t was then that he came to this
city to accept the clerkShip in the treas
ury. He remained in the department
number of years. and while so employed
studied law at the Columbian University
Law School from which institution he was
graduated. In the meantime he had be-
come interested in building associations and
was one Of the principal movers in the or
ganizdtion of the Equitable Cooperative
Building Association, of which he became
first secretary and afterward president
BY this time he had resigned his place
under the government and had devoted
himself 10 real estate matters. His bust
ness career rapidly widened He became a
director of the Columbia National Bank
when that institution was organized. and
was also a stockhoder in the Atlantic
building. Mr.. Edison was one of the first
officers Of the Washington Loan and Trust
Company, and while the building of this
organization al 9th and F streets was under
cons truct!on he was chairman of the build
ing committee. His executive ability was
manifested IL the careful and economical
manner in wnich that structure was erect
ed. When Mr.. b. II. Warner retired from
the presidency of the Washington Loan and
Trust Company Mr.. Edison was chosen as
his successor. He still holds the office Mr.
Edison has always been interested actively
in the progress and welfare Of the District,