The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-04-12
HIS EFFORTS APPRECIATED
The Inaugural Committees Testi-
mOniaI to Mr.. Edison.
4 Bnnquet rendered the Chairman
at the ArIingtOn-Mngni Sill
ver Service ns a Token of Esteem
Commissioner MacfnrIand's speech


Commissfoner MacfnrIand's speech
| John JOY Edison. Chairman of the
| Inaugural Committee, was the guest of
| honor and the recipient of testimonial
| at a banquet rendered him last night at
the Arlington Hotel by the members of
the committee. The testimonial presented
| to Mr.. Edson was silver service. consist
ing of nine pieces. and made by Tiffany x
/ Co. of New York. The presentation
| speech was made by Commissioner Mac
| farland, and Mr.. Edison responded at some
| length. Harrison Dingman. secretary of
| the committee was also presented with a
diamond set gold Knight Tenplar's watch
| charm.
wealth of flowers, roses. carnations,
| ferns, and floral pieces decorated the
three tables, which were arranged like
three sides of a quadrilateral. An excel
lent menu occupied the attention of the
diners for two hours or more.
When the numerous courses had been
| disposed of. and the coffee appeared, Com
| missioner Macfarland presented the ser
vice to Mr.. Edison in the name of the
committee with the following remarks:
The cynical critic who lives in civic
idleness and sneers at those who serve
the community has no place here tonight
lie has his place, doubtless, although IL
may be only sitting on the fence and
making faces at the procession. There
are no honorS for such man. No one
thinks of Offering him banquets, much
less OF placing laurels on his brow.
Verify, he has his reward, but it is not
an enviable one
We are met tonight to honor the other
kind of man-the public-spirited, self
sacrificing man of light and leading. We
| are here to congratulate one of the cap
tains of our community upon having once
more distinguished himself by his leader
ship in public service.
1t is good to know that, in spite of the
cant of the cynical, the District of Column
bia can always count upon the prompt,
intelligent and faithful service of the
best among her citizens 1t is not true
that we have no District pride. 1t is
not true that we have no District patriot
ism. Both are shown whenever the occa-
sion demands as clearly and as strongly
as such feelings have ever been shown,
and they are growing with the growth of
the District in wealth and power and
beauty, physical and spiritual. They are
shown, however. always and invariably
by the men who do things. and not by the
men who sit back and make fun or find
fault
Ever since the city of Washington
became the National Capital it has been
strict in paying the courtesies due the
President of the United States. Its pecu-
liar relationship to the National Govern
ment has been fully recognized in its at
tentions TO the Chief Magistrate. Presi-
dent John Adams was welcomed with all
the hospitality then in its power when he
came here in 1850, and every President
since has been welcomed in similar spirit.
In the process of time the festivities, and
the entertainment of visitors. with which
the hospitable District celebrated the sue
cessive Inaugurations. produced the cus-
tom, now binding as unwritten law, under
which the citizens of the District arrange
and execute the plans for. Inauguration
Day, excepting the hour or two of the
actual ceremony at the Capitol. The la
bors and the expenditures of time and
money necessary are freely given for
weeks In advance by scores of patriotic
citizens who find their reward in the
success of their work and the approval
OF those whose opinion they value. They
honor the District by maintaining its repu-
tation for hospitality, and meeting its OBJ
legations. They honor themselves by do
ing better and better with every Inaugu-
ration, so that the latest is always the
best.
THE Chairman of the Inaugural Com
mittee is of course, the head and front
OF 1t all. He bears the brunt of the re-
sponsibility and of the endeavor He must
take the blame. If there is any. and he
Goes not always get his fun share Oh u,,e
credit.
We desire, sir. to see that you get
what you deserve; a fun and brimmfng
he Ner
cess achieved under your direction at the
second inauguration of President McKin-
ley. 1t was unexampled in all important
respects, and especially in attendance,
In comfort and order, and In esthetic ef-
fects. Nothing but Nc cKinley weather
was lacking on Inauguration Day, and
that was beyond the power of man. No
President, it is safe to say. has had the
respect and regard of the District in so
high degree President Mckinley. 1t
was with especial enthusiasm. therefore,
that its representatives sought to do him
honor on this occasion. Hence the sue
cess. The President himself has express
ed his appreciation Of your achievement.
Mr.. Chairman, and YOU have had COM
only less prominent. But we feel sure
that you will value the expression which
We give tonight to the appreciation Of
your fellow citizens of the District OF
Columbia, who best know both you and
your work. 1t is given with hearty good
will and sympathetic affection May you
iDue ilet 10 SHINt lIt 4NdllpIlal 1dpltdl,
which is so dear to us an
Mr.. Edison responded at considerable
length. paying his tribute Of praise to the
members of the committee for their work
during the progress of the preparations
for the inaugural ceremonies. He said
In part:
Il have been engaged in public func-
tions before, but none / can recall has
been attended with the same unfailing
kindness on the part of its members as
has iay connection with the Inaugural
Committee, and none that | feel has
brought more honors, or good will to me
'"""n the position of Chairman of the
3 vta relHg amt 60 .ar. h-E t.- rreT-
ont moment alone. were tH.r- ur other
reasons tH -egpuciiu n1. would rHuna-.- /
saIr flr aI The gcgpuuE ..rt ru
na a'Heu.u@1 that rass Ea .. l
This testimonial ot -oar .ausitaraiilu F,
fur iHe. thiE heauLl4a Hr. .Ht shan take (
'. "H aaa. .sltpiL H'fH
.- -F /. Utss g.. fYau /
to succeeding pOsueii.y. ~ tte trt-ra .
shall give many moments to conteInp4a-
tiou of this kindly token of regard and |