Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-04-12
Tender of Testimonial to Inaugural
Committees Chairman.
MEMENFO FOR SECRETARY DINGMAN
Address by Commissioner Macfar-
Iandand Response byMr. Edison.
MR.. ROESSLE PRE- SIDES


guraI committee. was rendered a banquet
last night at the Arlington Hotel by his
associates of the Washington citizen body
which planned and carried to eminently
successful conclusion the celebrations at
tending the second Inauguration of Presi-
dent Mckinley. Mr.. Edison was also pre-
scented with a handsome Tiffany silver ser
vice as token of the committees regard
an enduring testimonial of the esteem of
all the members. Harrison Dingman,
rotary of the committee. was presented
with a jeweled insignia of the Knights
Tempiar The occasion was thoroughly
enjoyable one. a pretty and striking Incl
dent being the drinking of a silent. ex-
Iressive toast to the health of ex-Mayor
James G. Berret. a member of the commit
tee, who is lying dangerously i'll at his
home
The banquet room was richly decorated
with palms and foliage, while the tables
spread with profusion of beautiful
cut flowers. The dining tables were ar
ranged in the form of hollow square
and a small table in the center was
exhibited the silver service 1t consisted
OF nine pieces and was made from plates
OF the Queen Anne design. The service is
ef solid silver throughout and very hand
some. It's main piece-a basket-wiil bear
an appropriate Inscription, and each
piece will be engraved Mr.. Edson's mono
gram.
Vice Chairman T f. Roessle of the in
angural committee presided and nearest
him sat MIR. Edison and MIR. II. B. T. Mac
farland. president of the board of District
Commissioners. who made the presentation
sFeech. The menu was most elaborate
one and nearly two hours elapsed before
the cigars and coffee were reached.
Mr. MaefarIand's Address.
Mr. Roessle introduced Commissioner
Mcfarland. The members of the inaugu-
raj committee. Mr.. Macfarland said had
gathered to honor a philosophical, self
sacrificing man of light and leading; to
congratulate one of the captains of the
community upon having once more distin-
suished himself by his leadership in public
service.
1T is good to know" Mr. Mcfarland con-
tinued. that in spite of the cant of the
cynical the District of Columbia can al
ways 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 patriotism Both are shown
whenever the occasion demands as clearly
and as strongly as such feelings have ever
been shown. and they growing with
the growth Of the District in wealth and
power and beauty, physical and spiritual
They are shown. however, always and in
yariably by the men who do things and not
by the men who sit back and make fun or
find ia ult.
Ever since the District of Columbia be-
came the national capital it has been strict
of the United States. Its peculiar relation
ship to the national government has been
FULLY recognized i'll its attentions to the
chief magistrate. President John Adams
was welcomed with all the hospitality then
In its power when he came here in 1900 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 successive inaugurations
produced the custom, now binding as I'M
a rIylhE IL lob, 10
the District arrange and execute the plans |
for Inauguration day. excepting the hour |
or two of the actual ceremony at the Capt. |
toll The labOrS and expenditures of time |
and money necessary are freely given for |
weeks in advance by scores of patriotic cit |
liens 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 reputation for
hospitality and meeting its obligations
They honor themselves by doing better and
better with every Inauguration so that
the latest is always thsnhest.
The Chairman's Responsibilities.
The chairman of the inaugural commit
tee is. of course. the head and front of IL
all He bears the brunt Of the RESPONSE
oiiity and of the endeavor. He must take
the blame. If there Is any, and he does not
always get his full share of the credit.
We desire, sir, to see that you get what
you deserye-a full and Drumming measure
OF praise for the very great success achieved
uhaer your direction at the second inaugu-
ration of President Mckinley 1t was un-
eXampled in all important respects and es-
peclaliy in attendance, in comfort and order
and in esthetic effects, Nothing but Nc
kinley weather was lacking on inaug11ra-
ton 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 50 high a degree President Mckinley
1t was with especial enthusiasm therefore
that its representatives sought to do him
honor on this occasion Hence the success
"a ont n aIf hrr,
appreciation of your achievement Mr. |
Chairman, and you have had compliments
and congratulations from others 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 affec-
ton May you long live to serve the ma
tionai capital, which is so dear to us all.
And now, Mr.. Edison, 1 desire to present
you. on behalf of the inaugural committee
of 1901. with this token of it's esteem and
regard. 1t is as bright your character
and as solid as your success.
Response by Mr. Edison.
MIR. Edison greeted with applause
when he arose to respond. He declared
the beautiful gift would always be treas
ured by himself and his family Then he
continued:
Il have been engaged In public func-
tons before, but none l can recall has
been attended with the same unfailing
kindness on the part of its members as
has my connection with the inaugural
committee. ami none that I feel has
brought more honors or good will to me-
When the position of chairman of the
inaugural committee was rendered TO me
1 was reluctant to accept. but the pres
ent moment alone, were there other
reasons to reconcile me, would compen-
safe for all the responsibilities and all
the difficulties that l have had to en-
counter.
This testimonial of your consideration
for me, this beautiful present shall take
to my home and / shall exhibit IL with
pride to my family. and shall pass it down
to succeeding posterity In the future /
shall give many moments to contempla-
ton of this kindly token of regard and
my eyes will rest upon it only with
sense of deep pride and qualification
Il fully appreciated the responsibility of
my appointment chairman of the
inaugural committee. After that appoint
ment was received. it was my thought
to select a committee which would render