Evening star., 1901-12-04

OBJECTS OF ASSOCIATION

Wnat is regarded rs d preilmlnary step TO
the organization in thise of the real estate
brokers was taken last evening at meet
ing at the Hotel Barton of men engaged in
that line of business. The meeting was
held In response to a. call signed by a num-
ber of dealers, which stated that the pur-
pose of coming together was for mutual
conference and the consideration of such
questions as may be presented Those
signing the call We're: B. H. Warner Co.,
A. F. Fox Company, Thos. E. Waggaman,
B. F. Saul, Heiskell & McLeran, Wescott.
Wilcox & Heiston, Willard & Reed, W. H.
Saunders & Co., Gasch Bros, Louis D.
Wine & Co, Thos. G. Hensey w. Clarence
Duvall, Arms & Drury and L. E. Shoe
maker. Invitations wene extended to the
real estate men generally to attend the
meeting, and in response quite a large num-
ber attended.
Mr.. B. H. Warner called the meeting to
order, explaining that he assumed the duty
because he happened to sit near the front.
He said the purpose OF bringing the real
estate men together was for conference in
regard to the best method of promoting the
interests of their business, and for the in
terchange of ideas. In this way it was be-
lieved he said, that 1t could be ascertained
whether any considerable proportion of the
brokers desired an organization. He had
no plan to propose. he declared, and he was
action that would be mutually advanta-
geous.
Mr.. Warner went on to say that the real
estate business has become the most impor-
tant industry Of the national capital. Dur
ing the past thirty years the real estate
men have done more to build up the capital,
and are doing now more to extend the
bounds Of the city, and to bring residents
here, than any other class of men. In other
cities organizations had been formed among
real estate men and he believed it would
prove to be beneficial to have an organiza-
tion In this city. He suggested that after
temporary organization Is formed a COM
mittee might be appointed to report a plan
of action.
Temporary Ohieers Elected.
Mr.. Warner then called for nominations
for chairman. and Mr.. U. H. Ridenour
nominated Mr.. Warner and Mr.. Jesse l..
Heiskel1 second the motion. Mr.. War
ner, however, stated that an engagement
made it necessary for him to leave In a
few moments and he would therefore not
be able to serve. Mr.. F. H. Smith was
thereupon nominated and the motion for
his election, seconded by Mr.. Thomas G.
Hensey, was unanimously adopted. George
u. Brown was chosen secretary, and the
temporary organization having been thus
erected the meeting was ready for busi-
ness.
In taking the chair Mr. Smith said he ac-
cepted the position only for the purpose of
securing temporary organization He
said he was heartily in favor of this move
ment among real estate men, and in his
opinion such union would be able to ac-
complish more in directing the affairs of
the community than can any other combi-
nation Of forces. He then invited sugges-
tions. Sr.5DNE
In response Mr.. William Corcoran Hill
made an earnest speech, in which he said
he had been interested for years in the
subject of bringing about some sort of CO.
operation among real estate dealers, but
he had always been told by different men
In the business that it could not be done.
Now, he believed, the time had arrived
when it could be done. He favored the
adoption of such ru.es and regulations gov
erning the members that the business can
be kept free from demoralizing influences.
posed 1t was general, that he had been
obliged to divide commissions with those
who were not licensed brokers. He sug-
gested that committee be appointed to
prepare plan of organization, to report at
future meeting. He believed that a real
estate exchange could be formed here and
was sure that it would prove to be sue
cess if all united in support.
Association to Have Wide Scope.
Before leaving the room Mr.. Warner
said he would be glad to cooperate with
whatever form Of organization the meet
ing decided upon. An association such as
proposed, he said, could have wide scope.
There are municipal questions which could
be considered, and he was sure the District
Commissioners would welcome suggestions
on such topics from such source. One
plan had been proposed he said, which
contemplates the formation of real estate
exchange. Another proposes only an aSso-
clatlon for the purpose of holding meetings
when subjects of interest could be dis
cussed, while another idea was to provide
a place where daily auction sales Of real
estate could be held, as is done in other
cities. He favored the suggestion Of Mr..
Hill for the appointment of a committee,
and in order that it might be formally be-
fore the meeting the suggestion was put
in the form of a motion, and then discus
sion was invited.
Chairman Smith was reminded that some
lied, and after an existence of about a
year 1t passed away, owing to lack Of in
terest. He spoke of the demoralized con-
dition of the business in regard to rates
and the relations of agents.
Mr.. Jesse L. Heiskell, whom Mr.. Warner
referred to before leaving as having really
suggested this meeting, advanced the idea
OF forming an organization that would be
broad enough to include all licensed deal
erS. and by enforcement of reasonable rules
to attempt to bring about some stability as
to rates, both of commission and broker
age. He favored the inclusion within such
a scheme Of an auction room, where real
estate sales could be held with the result
that the attendance would be better, and
the losses that come from unfavorable
weather would be entirely prevented.
Mr.. L. E. Shoemaker favored the forma-
ton of an organization and indorsed what
had already been said on this subject. He
saw no reason why real estate brokers
should not have an association as well as
professional and other men having the
same interests An prganization was also
favored by Col. r, g. Tyler, who spoke
briefly but earnestly. 9, ~
Regarded as OnerOus.
In the opinion OF ,Mrs Edward 8. Wescott
the proposed Organization could have a
scope that would make 1t possible not only
to care for the interest of the members, but
to look after those Of property owners. He
cited an instance Of the latter in the Sec
ton Of the code which, goes into effect
after the 1st of January next. He said the
clause which provided Tor dividing the
city into magistrate divisions, under the
Jurisdiction Of a Justice Of the peace,
and requiring that cases be tried in the
district where the defendant resides, will
be onerous on PROPERTY owners and the
agents who represent them. He was in
favor Of having the code changed in this
particular so to have the hearings in the