The Washington times., 1902-05-07
Commissioner Talks to
Young Southwest
Citizens.
GIVES MUCH GOOD ADVICE
Tells Them of Their Interest in the Gov
eminent and Suggests That They
Should Become Acquainted With 1t to
Become Good Citizens.

Commissioner Macfarland made a faith
erly and earnest plea for better citizen
ship to a representative gathering OF
Southwest Washington boys last night
The boys made "Neighborhood House, >
the social settlement at i56 Street
southwest, resound with applause for the
president of the Board Of Commissioners
Mr.. Macfarland occupied seat at the
front Of the room, which was filled with
youngsters in all stages of growth. His
face was smiling. There was wit from
the boys in plenty. most of it unconscious,
and the Commissioner enjoyed himself
At the conclusion of his speech he was
given unanimous vote OF thanks.
To Become Good Citizens.
He told the boys how TO become coed
citizens. impressed upon their minds the
fact that each one is an integral part of
the Government, and showed them how to
heln themselves as well as each other.
ITO be a great man-not rich man.
not a millionaire; but a good man; to
love truth and justice; to be a noble
spirit-this." he said, lis the greatest
thing IN the world.
The study of the government Of the
District Of Columbia is a most interest
ing one" continued Mr.. Macfarland. land
is something all of you should become
acquainted with. You ought to know all
ahout the Government you are living un-
DER SO that you may grow up to be bet
ter citizens. and better able to perform
your duties. which no citizen can shirk.
You are an actual part of the Govern
ment. and it is as much yours as 1t is the
property of anybody.
Don't look upon the policeman as your
antagonist. He is your policeman"
A bread smile appeared on every
youngsters face, which had been. up TO
that minute. very serious. They wiggled.
and turned around to see how .he other
''fellers" accepted this view Of the po-
liceman question.
Ignorant of Local Government.
Commissioner Gacfarland then told
them how almost everybody outside of
Washington is growing up every day in
ignorance of the manner in which the city
and District are governed. Only few
years ago. he said, about election time. a
student in college town asked him IL
he were going homo to vote.
There is one thing about Washington,
though" added Mr.. Mactarland with gray-
ity. and that is that the women have as
mach power in the making of the laws
here as the men have. After ALL" he con-
cluded. public sentiment is the real leg
islature. and in that the woman's voice
is as strong as that of the male citizens"
Boys in Debate
Before Commissioner Macfarland made
his speech. but while he was there to
hear, the boys held a debate. The SUBJ
tect was Should public Fairgrounds be
established in the Southwest" and the
affirmative side won, although not until
the negative side had put up a strong ar
gument. the base of which was that the
expense would be too great in proportion
to the good likely TO be derived from pub
lie places for play.
The affirmative side was composed of
S. A. Sanford, NJ Lightbown. and r.
Sheck, and the negative was supported
by William Levy. president OF the boys
club. organized among the Southwest
Washington youngsters, W. Ferr and C.
Lightbown.
The Judges were Mr.. Charles F. Weller.
the originator OF the 'Neighborhood
House idea, Mrs Weller and Miss
Church.