Evening star., 1902-08-11
lanes Mcmillan.

The shOcking!y sudden death OF senator
Mcmillan Of Michigan affects the District
OF Columbia as could few personal losses
among the citizenship of the capsal 1t
Is difficult at this time fully to appreciate
the value OF his Iabors for the community.
both those which have already wrought
results and those which have yet to pro-
duce their fun effects Many years later
perhaps an inclusive estimate may be made
OF all that James Mcmillan accomplished
for Washington, and it will then be found
to constitute a monument to his industry,
hts far-seeing judgment, his breadth of
view. his patriotic understanding of the
character and the possibilities and the
deserts Of the District.
A senator for more than thirteen years,
Mr. Mcmillan was for an equal length OF
time a member of the Senate District COM
rnlttee. having been assigned to that body
upon his entrance in 1889. From the out
set he displayed his keen understanding or
washingtons wants and opportunities and
in a quiet way set to work to supply ana
meet them. Progressive and generous IN
his ideas, he conceived the District as 1t
was intended to be, as it might be If pro-
vided for on national scale. Tactful In
his methods, he overcame opposition rather
by the devices of the diplomat than the
aggressiveness of the crusader. Reforms
evolved and were not forced.
In whatever he undertook Mr.. Mcmillan
scored more or less success. Content to
wait for re suits he often inaugurated en-
terprises during one session fully realizing
that the ways of Congress would cause a
postponement to another, perhaps a series
OF such delays. The inertia of scores OF
years was to be overcome, and not in a
IT. t-Yrft >
did come rapidly in comparison with the
past Appropriations were secured in
larger measure for commendable projects.
New institutions were provided for. Cor
rective laws were enacted. The city's pub
lie facilities were more economically util-
ized, more fully developed for the people s
comfort.
Much of this progress was due to the
personal prestige and popularity of Mr..
Mcmillan with his senatorial associates.
He stood high in the counsels of the upper
house within a few years after his en-
trance. His great business success and his
political capacity in his state gave him a
standing much earlier than is usual with
Hew-coming senators. Content to work and
not TO speak. he was known as one of the
silent forces of the Senate, whose power
was far-rsaching. As a result he was con-
suited by the managers OF national legis-
lation and so secured an advantage of posi-
ti0n which he often utilized for the Dis
trict's benefit. Only few months ago he
became a member of the committee on ap-
propriations and thus was placed in bet
ter position than ever before to work for
the best interests Of the capital.
1t is inexpre ssibly sad that Senator Nc
MILAN died before an actual beginning
has been made upon the work toward
which he bent his energies and applied his
sagacity and resources during the last two
years of his life. the Improvement of the
steam railroad terminals and the develop
ment Of the parks of the District. The
former of these projects had engaged his
earnest attention practically since the
start Of his career in the Senate. Largely
through his influence a way was found fol
the solution of the grade crossing problem
Out of this endeavor grew the greater
enterprise which evoked the creation of tht
park commission a year and a half ago
Whatever may be the fate Of the imme
diate proposition formulated by that body
the principle which was established wher
II was organized. the breadth of view
which it's work permitted to citizens anC
legislators alike, the conception Of Wash
ingtOn the nations city which it inspired
have already been productive of lasting
results for the bettermente Of the com
munity.
The work begun by James Mcmillan fol
the sake Of the capital city is a tribute L
him such few men can hope to earn
1t should be inspiration to his col
leagues and successors to follow hi
example and to strive unremittingly t
bring to their highest development III
wonderful capacities OF Washington.