The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-05-10


These were the words of Commits
sioner Of Pensions Eugene F. Ware, in
d speech delivered last night. The oc-
casion was the anniversary banquet
rendered HIM at Freunds by the chiefs
of divisions of the Pension Office
he banquet was courteously called
an anniversary banquet because yes.
tcfcay was the second anniversary of
Mr., Wares appointment as Commits
sloner of Pensions. 1t resolved Itself
later into a farewell banquet When il
broke up all had learned that the Com
missioner contemplated severance of
his relations with the bureau.
Former Foes, Friends.
The banquet was lively. The presld-
ing officer was Deputy Commissioner
Ssmes L. Davenport. the same with
whom Ware nearly came to blows
few weeks ago, because Mr.. Davcn-
Forts advice in regard to a decision
ndo got his superior officer into trouble
with the board OF review.
SIR. Davenport called on a number OF
those present for speeches. Eacn,
when his name was called. arose and
said nice things about the Commls-
sioner. Three minutes was the time
allotted % every speaker, and every
one tried 10 out-dO the rest in the rich
ness OF mis- encOmiums.
Thomas d. Yeager. Mr.. Wares conf
Dental clerk. told of Mr.. Wares com
ing TO the bureau and how he said the
merit system would prevail.
Wares Predecessors Scored.
THAT was an old story to u.s." said
the speaker. I'VE had heard IL before
prepared for the similar results. The
present Commissioner. however, proved
he meant what he said Never before
has that merit system been so thor
oughly carried out, as we all know. The
influence of statesmen has been as moth
ing TO Mr.. Ware. Merit alone has count
ed in his administration"
Mr.. feager spoke slowly Mr.. Barnes.
who sat across the table from the speak
er. looked at his watch once or twice.
and Mr.. Yeager stopped speaking.
When he had taken his seat. Toast
master Davenport said he had been re-
quested to ask Deputy Commissioner
Kelly TO sing Illinois" Mr.. Kelly re-
spOnded to the call and sang all pres
ent Joining IN the chorus.
Not Cup Holder.
DR.. Featherstonebaugh the medical
referee. was the next on his feet. and
his speech was the wittiest Of the even
ing. Gazing upon the assembly from
behind his gold trimmed glasses. with a
benign expression. DR.. Featherstone-
baugh. began:
Il am told" he said. I'VE are expected
10 speak only three minutes each. That
is bad. because we all know that three
minutes Is not enough time IN which 10
Iully describe the general cussedness of
tne commissioner, or the obliquiJy of
his deputies.
when ! came here tonight ] did not
Know what the occasion was. ] thought
perhaps II was meeting Of the Bureau
Silver Mug Association (The speaker |
referred 10 those chiefs OF divisions to |
Wnom The Commissioner yesterday pre-
scented silver cups and saucers.) AS
| did not receive a silver cup and saucer !
di0 not consider myself a member OF |
that association, and therefore wonder |
ed why / was invited here
Some Decent Chaps.
Il find that it is simply a social gath |
ering. These gatherings are very good
things. They teach US to know each
other personally. If we had more of |
them it would be better as at present
we only know each other Officially
through the medium Of cases of sore
eyes and chronic disease. 1 dare say
there are some very decent men in the |
PENSION ONCE. and 1t Is pity we can't |
get together once IN a while"
lie then politely expressed his good
wishes 10 Mr. Ware. with the hone he
would continue in Office
In introducing Mr.. Ware. Mr. Daven- |
port told of how the Commissioner. soon
after ne came into Office. made a Flag /
Day speech. In this speech Mr.. Ware
SAID ne used 70 hear when boy. of the
dangers through which the American /
nag had passed without having beer /
ragged IN the dust He HAD expressed /
On . hrfar &
oIlce as Commissioner Of Pensions with |
out having his fair reputation dragged |
IN the dust Davenport assured those /
present that such had been the case ne
then called on Mr. Ware.
The Commissioner was greeted with
oud applause when he arose 10 address
those who called him chief He gave
verbal assurance OF his gratitude for
he attentions paid him and then p,
cited the interesting history Of his an
pointment 10 his present position.
i was practicing law in Topeka when
4 was requested by the President "a
some 10 Washington TO take di1ne, |
With him. AT that dinner he put tho
question 10 me In regard TO the Pension
4 don't want the Office Mr. PrsSi-
1ent. and there are many who do
told him.
I. Why don't you want it?' the Presi-
!. Because don't like the job. l re-
a" Wei, the longer yon hold Il the less
you would like IL. said Mr. Roosevelt. |
laughing.
Volunteered.
Il went back TO Kansas and he sent
Tor me again. When / came he asked |
4 ] had served in the army When
told him / had. he wanted TO know II
had volunteered or been drafted when
[ said / had volunteered. he told me
I had better volunteer now or that /
would be drafted. So / volunteered. ("
Mr. Ware then told how he had been
warned Of the iniquities OF the EMPLOYEES
II the Pension Office particularly OF
Mr.. Kelly. who. he had been notified
would drop him through a trapdoor IN
I've minutes He mad been informed
here was a star chamber composed
u bureau chiefs and others who ran
he Commissioner
The truth Is ] never met nicer set
of men in my life than those men
against whom 1 had been warned I'll
= due 10 them and the other men under
ne mat have succeeded in my work
The credit belongs 10 you and / wish
o thank you for the help you have given
ne. Your Industry and your knOWledg. |
u your WORK have been the source OF IN
mite qualification 10 me
Il doubt II I Will be here a year from
4