Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-10-19
Annual Convention in Ses-
sion at New Willard.
REPORTS PRESENTED
CHOICE OF OFFICERS FOR THE
ENSUING YEAR.
Welcoming Address by Acting En-
gineer Commissioner Morrow-Re-
Spouse by President Norris.

Two hundred delegates to the thirty sec
ond annual convention of the American
Gas Light Association met at the New
Willard this morning. Sessions will be
held during three days.
The meeting was called to order by Presi-
dent Rollin Norris of Philadelphia, who
said the District of Columbia is an odd
place-its citizens cannot vote for Presi-
dent. 1t Is managed by three Commission
ers one a democrat, one a republican and
the other an engineer of the United States
army. ''Inasmuch as we are not all dem
ocratc.' said President Norris land not all
republicans. but are all more or less con-
nected with engineering. it is fit that the
District of Columbia government should
send as its representative the acting head
of the engineer department. who is also,
owing to the absence of the District Com
missioners who are in st. Louis the sole
head of the District government I there
fore take pleasure in introducing Capt. J.
Jay Morrow, acting engineer commissioner
OF the District of Columbia"
Capt. Morrow's Welcoming Address.
In response Capt. Morrow said in part:
The absence from the city of the Com
missioners gives me the privilege as we'll
as the pleasure to welcome you to the
city. 1 am not familiar with the manu-
nor am l in touch with the supply of gas
used in speechmaking am not speaker.
e. We have a well-run city the only city
in the United States run on the old mon
archical plan. The system has worked
well We have the most beautiful city in
the United States. You will have an OPP
portunity of seeing that am right during
your stay with us.
You are all most welcome. and 1 pre-
sent you with the freedom of the city. I
do hot hot
but l have seen it in many addresses of
welcome. Whatever it is you can have it,
Capt. Morrow told several little stories
to illustrate the term, keys to the city"
A badge of the association, Capt. Morrow
said, had been presented him. He said
he would show the badge to Major Sylves-
ter and ask police favors and the protec-
tion of the force for the delegates. He
concluded his remarks by adding to his
words of welcome.
President Norris Responds.
President Norris responded in fitting
words: THE association is to be congratu-
lated upon holding a meeting in Washing
ton," he said. Washington belongs to US
and we belong to Washington. A visit to
the national capital acts as tonic. always
pleasing and always helpful and we thank
Capt. Morrow"
Forty-four applicants were recommended
for active membership in the association
twenty-five associate members and twenty
two junior members. All these were ad-
mitted on joint vote cast by Secretary For
stall of Montclair, n. j.
President Norris extended hearty well
come to the new members in few timely
remarks.
Annual Reports Read.
The annual report of the council was
read. announcing the following papers to
be read during the sessions, as approved by
1.-THE council: Generation of Steam Waste
w Go Co nv Donai Id Mo-
Donald. Louisville, KY. Distributing
Power Throughout Gas Works by Means
OF Electricity Generated at Central
Point" by w. A. Baehr, st. Louis, MO-
t"Oxide Publication" by E. n. EarnshaW,
Philadelphia, Pa; Methods of Charging
for Gas" by F. w. Frueauff, Denver, Col;
f.'Consumers' Meters" by B. H. Spangen-
berg Philadelphia Pa; "A Rapid Method
Tor the Determination of Total sulphur IN
Gas by w B. Calkins. st. Louis. Mo.
y The report of the treasurer showed the
Finances to be in good shape. The report of
the secretary was read and ordered 10 De
tspread on the minutes.
Under the head of special committees re-
ports were read by the trustees on the gas
educational fund. This Is fund Whlch
provides for correspondence education on
the gas-making industry and is given 10
about two hundred students connected with
the association.
The committees of electrolisis, research
work and nominations also read reports.
Officers for Ensuing ear.
The officers nominated for the ensuing
wear and who were elected were Edward g.
Cowdery of St Louis, Mo, c. F. Pritchard'
Lynn. Mass, first vice presidents; Charles
r. Fahen, jr.. Toledo, Ohio. second vice
president and Alfred E. Forstall of Mont
clair. NJ j., third vice president; George G.
Ransdel of New York. secretary and treas
urer. Mr.. Cowdery was called upon Tor a
speech. He said:
''Three years ago in Boston when my
name was presented as third vice president
/ realized that / was on the road to the
presidents office. l was surprised. l had
not aspired to the office. didn't know
had so many friends. Now that you have
elected me l shall do my best 10 move the
association forward"
Mr. Cowdery was heartily cheered. Ad-
dresses were also made by Vice Presidents
Pritchard and Forstan.
When they had concluded General Man
ager Leech of the Washington Gas Light
Company invited the delegates to visit the
local gas-making plants.
Presidents Address.
President Norris delivered his annual adj
dress. taking United Management as his
subject.
II cannot start on my address," he said,
without first referring to the manner in
which death has laid a heavy hand upon
the association. Since our last annual con-
VentiOn have lost sixteen members Dy
death five of whom were past presidents.
This has been sad year therefore. for
they were all good men and true, and their
loss to the association | know Is truly felt"
In talking of united management for gas
associations President Norris divided his
subject in two headings, embracing the uni
formity of records, the general adoption of
Individual improvements, availability of
consulting specialists, protection, research
work, economy in the purchase of supplies.
enthusiasm. These topics he discussed at
some length. and as they were more or less
of a technical nature they were greatly
appreciated by the delegates.
At the conclusion of Mr.. Norris address
there was a general discussion of business
matters of interest only to the members of
the association.
The reading and discussion of papers will
be taken up this afternoon. There is moth
ing on the program for the evening and
the time will be put in by the delegates as
they please.
Tomorrow the business sessions will be
continued throughout the day. The ladies
In the party will spend the day in sight
seeing. and will have luncheon at Rausch-
er's. In the evening they will attend the
Columbia Theater.
The delegates TO the convention will have
a banquet at the New Willard tomorrow
night and on Friday the delegates and
their ladies will go to Mt. Vernon as the
guests of the Washington Gas Light Com