The Washington times., 1902-08-10

The Business Mems Association, of
Washington, D. c., which is now in the
fourth year of its existence, is almost
entirely made UP of business men, al
though it has in its membership num-
ber of representative men of all the pro-
fessions. 1t has enjoyed a career Of un
usual prosperity, and has left its imprint
upon many important matters affecting
District legislation.
The formation of the association was
largely due to the fact that, while other
associations seemed to subserve the pur-
poses of the city's needs generally, as
regards public improvements, there ap-
peared to be a place for an organization
whose aims should be thoroughly identi-
fed with the business needs and with
their protection, consequently the work
of the Business Mems Association, while
by no means ignoring the more impor-
tant features of public improvement,
has been along the lines of protection to
the business man. pure and simple.
Saves Money for Citizens.
The business community will not soon
forget that it was due to the efforts of
this association that the cost of electric
lighting was reduced to such a degree
as to save to the consumers thousands of
dollars a year. 1t will also be recalled
that through the energies of this same
body there have been incorporated into
the District code several sections which
will be of material benefit to the busi-
ness man
II
many years have been absolutely with
out protection against fraudulent guests,
who have decamped in many instances
without paying their bills. BY the action
of a special committee OF the associa-
tion provision is included in section
s42 Of the District code, which fixes a
heavy penalty for the punishment of
people who Jump board bills. Hereto
fore there was no fine, and great graft
fication has been expressed by all of
those in the hotel business at this ac-
tion Of the association.
After the Shoplifters.
Another addition to the code was the
fixing of a penalty for shoplifting, the
fine for which has heretofore been mere
ly nominal one, and of such nature
that the culprit might forfeit collateral.
although the amount OF goods appro-
priated might be hundred times in ex-
cess of the value of collateral deposited.
The association has been successful in
having incorporated an amendment in
the code by which penalty of a term
in the penitentiary or a heavy fine, or
both, has been fixed, at the discretion of
the Judge
These three instances are only a few
of the many in which the association has
sought to protect its members and all
persons identified with the business OF
the city.
The two latter enactments are of such
recent date that their good effect has
hardly been appreciated. and the work
of the association in this regard not so
generally known as 1t should be.
While having a strict regard for the
welfare Of the business interests II has
also kept pace with the demands of pub
lie Improvement, and with the general
needs of the municipality. A watchful
regard for the school interests was large
ly instrumental in furthering the plan
upon which the present school board was
named and selected
Personal Tax Law.
The association has vigorously opposed
the enactment of many of the alleged in |
iquitous features of the personal tax law, !
and though its efforts may not have been i
crowned with the success hoped for in |
this direction. its efforts TO remedy the |
evils in that law lave been conscientious |
and directed TO the best good of the COM |
munity. The representatives of the as |
sociation, however. have gone a long way
toward convincing those in authority that |
reduction of the rate of penalty imposed |
for delinquency in the payment of taxes |
would be beneficial, not only with refer |
ence 10 the Districts finances, but as a |
matter of public policy and justice
The association has advocated siren |
uousiy the improvement of the south side |
OF pennsylvania Avenue, along the lines |
contemplated by the Parking Commits
sion. 1t has likewise supported the
project of the erection of Memorial
Bridge. new municipal building, and a
new police court. II was first in the field
In its efforts for the reclamation of the
Anacostia Flats. II has also been
earnest in its efforts 10 secure an in
crease in the police and fire departments.
ana to better the sanitary condition of
the city by better water supply and bv
better disposal of sewerage. 1t has ad
vocated. always. the betterment of public
thoroughfares. II has been determined in
its opp sition TO railway grade crossings.
In fact, in no department where the
public need is concerned, has II been
found lacking, and its success In its
various fields OF endeavor is best at
tested by the loyalty and solidity OF its
membership.
Scope Has Been Broad.
II has not moved on narrow lines. but
has sought the cooperation of various
citizens associations. and regularly in
vites to its monthly meetings which
are features of the fall and winter. rep
resentatives from other citizens bodies.
SO that it may enjoy community of
thought. ,
II has ever been alive to the import !