Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1903-03-10
WAsHINGToNs BIRTHDAY AS
ISOLATION.

Thore was q fair attend lance of citizen:
last night at the rooms of the Busl ness
Mems League for the purpose OF effect,
inc permanent organization In the
interest of the movement for the an
nual observance of Washington's birth
day in Alexandria. The gathering was
representative, being composed Of all
classes of the commercial and industrial
portions of the community.
The assemblage was called to order
by Mr.. F. J. Paf, who explained the
objects of the meeting. He said it had
been called by the executive committee
having charge of the late celebration.
That committee was now no more, and
there was therefore no chairman of the
present assemblage.
On motion of Mr.. Thomas Fisher
Mr.. Paff was selected as temporary
chairman.
Mr.. J. Y. Williams then offered the
following resolutions which were unani-
mously adopted;
Whereas the celebration of Washington
birthday ON the 23d of February last proved
stimulus to further interest in our city, ana
Whereas our fellow citizens of Alexandra
assembled Ell masse have, in accepting the
call issued by those having in charge our re-
cent celebration, expressed desire 70 peIPet
uate the 22d Of February celebrations IN
memory of Gen. Washington and to create
new interest in our city, be it
Resolved, That all present enroll themselves
members off permanent organization, 10 as
cuss and act upon matters of import as they
relate 10 our public and commercial interest,
and in other ways contribute to the upbul1dlng
of our already prosperous city; and be II
further
Resolved, That we now proceed TO an cleo
ton of a president and five vice presidents.
secretary and a treasurer, and that commit
tee of seven be appointed to draft a
constitution and consider the ACCESSIBILITY OF
securing charter.
On motion of Mr.. A. ID. BrOckett
Capt. King was elected temporary secre-
tary.
Mr.. Brockett subsequently nominated
Mr. Paff as permanent chairman, and on
motion of Mr.. w. w. Ballenger the nom
nations we're closed and Mr.. Paff was de-
clared to be the unanimous choice of the
meeting.
The following were elected vice presi-
dents LIST, A. d. Brockett; I'd, DIR.
w. NJ. Smith +; Sd, w. A. SmOot, jr.;
4th, NJ. L. King; 9th, T. G. Howard.
Capt. J. f. King and Mr. }. \.
Williams were nominated for the position
of permanent secretary and a ballot
having been taken the latter was elected
by the following vote:-Williams q,
King 10.
Mr.. Harry Hammond was subse-
quently elected treasurer by unani-
nous vote.
A committee of seven to draft a suit
able constitution and bylaws and to
consider the ACCESSIBILITY of procuring
charter was then appointed by the
chairman as follows j. T. Johnson,
C. B. Marshall, Geo. Hopkins, U.
Lambert, G. l.. BOothe, j. II. Trimyer
and Il. NJ. Latham.
The chairman stated that the bust
ness for which the meeting had been
called had been transacted, and if any
one present desired to make any re-
marks, an opportunity was now afforded
him.
Mr.. X. Kemper arose and made
short but appropriate speech in the in
terest of the movement, in which he
urged that the birth of Washington
should be celebrated by Alexandrians.
Apart from the sentiment it inspired,
such celebrations were of material
benefit to the city in a commercial sense.
While he favored parades like that of
the 23d ultimo, he saw no utility in
Punch and Judy shows, or street fairs.
They added nothing to the prosperity of
a city and had been discountenanced in
some places. He hoped the organiza-
ton would be perpetuated and that in
terest would increase as the years roll on.
Several gentlemen were called upon
for speeches, but as they failed to
respond, a call was made for Chairman
Paff. He arose and in a succinct man.
ner showed the benefits he believed the
city would derive from the move ment in
sundry ways. For instance, he said,
by the perpetuity of such an organiza-
ton should any member have griev-
ance against the City Council or a rail-
road or other corporation, the organiza-
ton would espouse his cause and by
arbitration or in some satisfactory man
ner aid him in obtaining redress. All
were aware of the fact that street i'm
provements were needed, and such mat
tiers could be pressed by an organization
with more immediate results than by
single individuals.
Mr.. Peter Westelaken said propos
to what Mr. Paf had said it would be
well to call attention to the condition of
Washington street inasmuch as goodly
percentage of those present were mem
bers of Council. He hoped steps would
soon be taken for the repaving Of that
thoroughfare.
Mr.. J. H. Trimyer said that while
sentiment should ever be manifested in
the celebration of Washington's birth
day, it should also be a time to adver-
tise Alexandria and push its commercial
interests. He spoke fervently of the
need of pushing the city ahead in the
channels of commerce. and said it was a
fact that some people from this commun-
ity who had gone TO other cities had
been ashamed to register as residents of
Alexandria, but had placed Washington,
ID. c., after their names on hotel regis
tiers.
Cries of "name them, " "name them, "
we're heard from different parts of the
room. This Mr.. Trimyer refused to do,