Evening star., 1901-11-12
Annual Report as President Of Board
Of Trade.
DISCUSSES EVENTS OF PAST YEAR
Ten Directors Chosen at Meeting
Held Last Night.
THE oCIAL FEATURES

annual meeting, which was held last even
/ ing at Rauscher's Men prominent in all
| the various activities of city's life listen
ed with interest to the succinct review of
some of the phases of the material progress
| Of Washington during the past year, as
presented in the annual report Of Mr.. John
Joy Edison, the president Of the board.
This report was the feature Of the evening,
and as each specially gratifyinog record Of
achievement or of progress was graphically
| portrayed by Mr.. Edison those present in
| dicated their approval and appreciation by
| applause. In this way Mr.. Edson's refer
ence to the beginning that has been made
in providing a filtration system in connec-
tion with the citys water supply was re-
ceived as we'll as other comments on local
interests.
This summary of the past years record
and the boards active interest and CO.
operation in furthering measures for the
public welfare was recognized as the re-
suit of careful and detailed labor on the
part of Mr.. Edison. So impressed were
those present with the value of this presen-
tation of what has been done and the
suggestions for further activity that after
the reading had been completed every man
in the assembage arose to his feet in re-
sponse to a call for a vote of thanks.
Greeting to Major BiddIe.
After the treasurer, Mr. Frederic L.
Moore, had read his report and the secre-
tary, Mr.. George H. Harries, had presented
his account of the record of the year, and
these officials had been thanked for their
faithful labors, a resolution was adopted,
on motion of DR.. A. P. Pardon, expressive
of the approval by the board of the selec-
tion by the War Department of Major Bid
die to succeed Capt. Beach as Engineer
a no of 10
dent had recognized the value of the pub
lie services rendered by Capt. Beach, this
welcome to his successor was accepted by
President Edison and the board fitting
complement to what had been said of the
work done by Capt. Beach.
Upon the motion of Mr. ]. H. Ralston the
secretary was instructed to cast a ballot
for the ten men nominated to fill the ex-
pired terms of members of the board of di-
rectors. All those thus chosen, with the
exception of Mr.. w. p. Van Wickle, who
was nominated in place Of Mr.. T. A Lam
bert, resigned, were those whose terms had
just closed. The names are as follows
Henry L. Biscoe, John Joy Edison, Abram
P. Pardon, Archibald Greenlees, William
p. Van Wickle Crosby S. Noyes, Myron
M. Parker, Ellis Spear, George H. Harries
James B. Lambe.
The business having been dispatched the
rest of the evening was pleasantly spent in
social intercourse luncheon was served
in the dining room.
Before adjourning President Edison an
nounced that Major Bddle the new En-
gineer Commissioner, was present and at
the close of the meeting the members of
the board came forward and were presented
to the new official by President Edison and
Commissioner Mcfarland.
President Edson's Report.
Mr. Edson's report is as follows:
year of the Board of Trade, we are again
able to record a year of important and
effective work. Measures affecting the le-
gitimate and material interests of the Dis
trict of Columbia have been formulated
well considered consistently urged and ac-
complished. So much good achieved is in
deed gratifying and is ample compensation
for the part taken by this organization.
Bridges.
The report of the committee on bridges
is devoted, in the main, to the propositiJn
of securing a memorial bridge. In view Of
the consideration given for many years to
the necessity and propriety of this bridge,
and the plans selected and recommended
in accordance with the authority given by
Congress it was disappointment that def
mite action looking toward it's construction
was not taken last winter by Congress. Not
only is there necessity for this bridge, but
strong sentiment connected Herewith pre-
walls. Between Virginia and the District
Of Columbia there is not at present q suit
able bridge. Long bridge and the Aqueduct
late President Mckinley, we all know man
ifested unusual interest In the proposition
to build a memorial bridge: and no doubt
would, If he had lived, taken an active part
in favoring the necessary legislation thele-
for. President Mckinley in his own Ian
guage considered that it would be all ap-
propriate and lasting memorial to Amerl-
can patriotism. Now, after his deAtn and
his wishes and interest in the project peIns
so well understood it would seem eminent-
ly fit and proper. at the coming session of
Congress, to decide upon, and provide for,
the building of this bridge. It has been
suggested that the funds appropriated for
highway bridge should be made a part
Of the funds required for the memorial
bridge. The suggestion is new and worthy
of consideration.
Repairs and Construction.
The report submitted under the direction
of the Engineer Commissioner, on repairs
| and construction of bridges in the District
of Columbia, is interesting, and shows more
| than usual progress The unsafe and In
adequate condition Of the Anacostia b.idge
| is clearly manifest, considering the large
amount of traffic over it and the population
beyond that must use it. Provision should
unquestionably be made at once for a new
and substantial structure in it's place. It
should not be deferred until serious acci-
dents occur, apprehension of which Is con-
stantly felt. No doubt can exist that this
| is a necessity.
At cost Of about 500 900 the new con-
crete steel bridge over Rock creek at the
Geological Park, has been practically COM
pleted, and is beautified and substantial in
design and construction.
The appropriation having been made for
the Massachusetts avenue bridge, the work
| is now going forward An additional ap-
preparation is asked to continue the work
on the Connecticut avenue bridge. The de-
signs for the Massachusetts and the Com
necticut avenue bridges will furnish all
| that could be desired or expected at those
points, and will be, when finished, great
| improvements
Charities and Corrections
The honorable Commissioners, under au-
thority Of Congress. have taken preliminary
steps to secure suitable and comprehensive
plans for municipal hospital. The COM
mittee on charities and corrections recon-