The Washington times., 1904-12-02
BUSINESS MEN
ELECT OFFICERS
James +. Oyster Chosen
President.
LOCAL IMPROVEMENT PLANS
Association Advocates cross-tOwn Rail
way, Shorter Hours for Government
Clerks, and Central Organization.

Having as its watchword the improve
ment of the National Capital, the Bush
ness Mems Association opened its ac-
tive season last night with a meeting
at the Riggs House, characterized by
unprecedented enthusiasm and the UNI
folding Of many plans for the beau
tihcation and betterment or Washing
ton.
Addresses were made calling for leg
islation TO do away with the present rule
that department clerks shall work until
40 o'clock IN the afternoon, and sug-
aestions were advanced for the es-
Enlistment OF a permanent Worlds
Fair here, the appointment OF COM
mission 10 see that all public buildings
and monuments shall be placed in the
city according to the lines and plans
on which the city was laid out. and the
building OF a cross-town railway.
Central Citizens Association.
An earnest plea was also made for the
Organization OF a central citizens as
ISOLATION. which shall use its efforts
10 have Congress pass bills Of social
interest and benefit TO the District.
The election OF officers was also ef-
fected, and James +. Oyster was chosen
10 succeed Frank x. Raymond as pres
ident Of the organization. District Com
missioner Henry L. West was the guest
OF honor. but made no speech.
Retiring Presidents Report.
President Raymond. before leaving
the seat he had occupied for a term,
said, in his annual report:
The peculiar form Of government ex-
listing In the District q NtDAuF0 bl.- aFfnFgg
ample reason Tor the presence IN our
midst OF the twenty-one or more asso-
Citations OF citizens representing the
needs OF the various localities in the
Capital Of the nation.
1T is manifestly unfair for any one
organization Of citizens 10 arrOgate su-
periOriIy over another. and the amalga-
nation OF all into one is hardly at this
time 10 be considered a possibility; but
II there is one thing more than another
! would seek 10 emphasize at the outset.
III Is the necessity Tor concerted action,
unity, and harmony OF purpose in some
citizens association. In word, the
formation OF a central committee, made
up of delegates from the various ctti-
zens' associations, would appear 10 be
most desirable as a means Of represent
ing our interests before Congress as a
united body rather than as a conflicting
and sometimes chaotic set OF factions.
Generally Advocated
20 ne business Men : -ASsoClatlUu Is NOT
alone in its advocacy OF this central or
ganization; all the other influential
bodies having given this idea cordial
and loyal support
As an evidence Of conflicting ideas.
some based upon selhshness, some upon
lack OF comprehension OF the real needs
of the city, il is only necessary TO refer
Jo me hearings before the last Con-
gress upon the proposed crOss-tOWn
railroad, where there appeared 10 be a
decided sentiment ia favor OF this pub
lie utility. but a lack OF capitalization
OF opinion In its espousaL
If there is one thing the city abso-
lutely needs IL is cross-town
road. The association advocates no par
Ticular street but is willing 10 abide by
the wishes OF Congress and the Will OF
the Commissioners as 10 the line upon
which its tracks may be laid Members
or the association and citizens general
~ should address themselves thought
fully and inJelligently 10 the Considera-
ton OF this much needed public improve
ment
Inaugural Building.
THE present discussion regarding the
inaugural ball and a building suitable to
accommodate the throng that Will attend
that function should suggest 10 all Lac
urgency OF the Immediate erection Of
a convention hail. Such a structure