The Washington times., 1903-05-09
\. B. F. MACF FARLAND
BEGINS NEW TERM
Takes Oath as Commissioner
for a Second Time.
Is WARMLY CONGRATULATED
Re- elected President of Board by COL
eagues-District Employees and
Citizens Present.
S WARMLY CONGRATULATED

Macfarland into Office this morning for
a second term. There was a large
gathering of citizens and employees OF the
Commissioners filed in at IL O'Clock.
Floral testimonials had been sent in,
filling large table at one end of the
room.
Before taking the oath of Office, MIR.
Mcfarland made a brief speech ex-
pressing his appreciation of the kind
ness shown him by District employees.
and of the public expression he had re-
ceived of confidence in his administ- "a
tion.
Takes Oath of Office.
The Commissioner then took the sim
pie oath required of all high ofliciais in
the District and United States govern
ments.
z. G. Davis, Collector of Taxes, in
behalf OF the employees of the District
then made a brief speech presenting q
number of potted plants to Mr.. Mac
farland. including palm, a hydrangea
in bloom. huge fern. and a ground
pine. MIR. Davis spoke of the love and
loyalty of the employees of the District,
and their satisfa ction that the Commits
sioner WAS to remain in office another
term.
Mr.. Macfarland replied briefly and feel
ingly 70 the words of Mr.. Davis. assur-
ing his subordirates in office that he
ysIued their friendship thus expressed
most highly.
Receives Congratulations.
The exercises finished Commissioner
Macfarland received the congratulations
of those present.
Immediately after the doors were
closed and the Board went into ex-
ecutive session The Board was re-
organized as required by law. ComnIs-
sioner Macfarland was elected president
by his colleagues. following the un~
written law that the president of the
Board shall be of the same political
faith as the President OF the United
States.
The oath of Office administered TO
Commissioner Macfarland by DR.. Will
liam TindaH, Secretary to the Board,
was as follows:
Il do soIemnly swear that will sup
port and defend the Constitution of the
United States against all enemies, for
eign and domestic; that will bear
true faith and allegiance TO the same;
that I take this obligation freely, with
out mental reservation or purpose of
evasion; and that ] will well and faith
fully discharge the duties of the Office
on which l am about to enter: So help
me God"
officials, Commissioner Macfariand
chose psalm cxxi:1,2 as the verses
of the Bible on which to kiss the book.
These verses read: Il will lift up
mine eyes unto the hills, whence cometh
my strength
My help cometh from the Lord, which
made Heaven and Earth"
Mr. Macfarland's Remarks.
Mr.. MacfarIand in his address to the
employees of the District said:
BEFORE taking the oath OF Office for
the second time as Commissioner of the
District OF Columbia I cannot refrain
from expressing my feelings of gratitude.
II would be ungracious not to acknovl-
edge the steadfast sympathetic support
of the citizens of the District of Colum-
bia, and especially of those who are off,
GERS and employees of its government.
whose cooperation. cordial and constant
has made II possible 10 bring things to
pass.
That harmonI which promotes eff
cheney OF action has prevailed with ad-
vantageous results. We have been fortu-
nate in Iaboring together in the service
of the District of Columbia during three
years. which opened a new chapter of
progress.
Prospects Are Bright.
'We have been privileged to take
part in planning and working for the
| largest development and Improvement
OF the National Capital. AS we approach
the twenty-flfth anniversary, next
month, OF the adoption of the act OF
| 1878. for the permanent government OF
| the District of Columbia. which the
! United States Supreme Court has called
| It's constitution. we can congratulate
| ourselves. as it's citizens. that its con-
| ditions were never better. nor it's pros
poets brighter.
Justicia omnibus, the motto on the
! seal of the District of Columbia, is still
the rule of it's government Equal ius-
Itice 10 all interests and to all men
J jealous care of the Districts welfare
and honor. and devotion TO its highest
! aspirations, are in our purpose
! "Above all, | desire to return thanks
| TO Almighty God, ruler of all states.
| who has preserved US from any great
| disaster and made our way prosperous.
| 1t is in reverent but confident, trust In
| a continuance of His protection and
| guidance that l enter upon a second
| term
| Among those other than heads of de-
partments and employees of the District
who witnessed the ceremonies were John
j. Edison, B. II. Warner, L. NJ Saunders
| Louis ]. Shoemaker. Wilton Lambert
! Barry Bulkley. John wilkins Scott c.
! Bone, DR.. A. p Pardon. DR. Percy Hick-
ling. Smith Thompson. jr., J. Holds
| worth Gordon, and Charles P Neill.