Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-06-08
commissioner Macfarland's Address.

A r.. Corning r.
l.. C. stephens J. H. broIerch
Chas. ]. Wagner d. r. "uPpiee
Commissioner Macfarland's Address.
Commissioner mcfarland was then in
troduced, and was received with applause.
He spoke both personally and in his omclal
capacity as president of the board OF Com
missioners of the District of Columbia. He
said:
Before speaking officially as president OF
the board of Commissioners desire 10 say
few words personally" said Mr.. mcfarland
in opening his remarks. Although am the
only man on the platform except MI MOVES
who is not afraid to wear the badge OF the
Oldest Inhabitants Association, or Wihch l
am proud to be an honorary member
cannot speak as Mr.. Perry did Tor the ven
cradle men of a former generation But
can speak, | think for the present genera
ton as one of the young men who can say;
Mr.. Noyes was my fathers friend, and
has always been my friend Thine own
friend and thy fathers friend forsake not,
says the Scripture, and we are obedeht 10
it. We see in Mr.. Noyes a great and gra-
cious man-great in the arduous greatness
of things done, and gracious in the constant
exhibition of the unbought grace of life.
We see in him eXemplar and stimulus FOR
all young men, especially In that culture
which Mr.. Lowell has described as the
good taste which is the conscience of the
mind and the conscience which is the good
taste of the spirit.
The congratulations of the executive
government of the District of Columbia
come ma turally on this unique occasion. and
/ am honored in being asked to offer them.
Such tribute of respect and regard as is
being given tonight by the citizens of the
District to Mr.. Moves has not been offered
to any other private citizen who has never
taken high office. This fact declares the
character and the reputation of the man
and testifies the fitness of participa ton by
the District government in honoring his
career of service and achievement The re-
markable career of this remarkable man
has not hitherto had full recognition, be-
cause it has been characterized by modesty
and simplicity: but 1t is fortunate that
while he is still with us in vigor of body
and mind it is receiving the consideration
which 1t deserves. for IL is full of example
and encouragement. Moreover, although he
has not sought public praise any more than
he has sought public honors, ii is of course
grateful to him and to those near and dear
to him to have an expression of the gen.
eral feeling of the community respecting
him and his work. Now Is the time for us
to say the kind things that we think and to
give the applause which is due. 1t is bet
ter to give flowers at a feast than at a fu-
neral. As Mr.. Reed said, An ounce of
taffy is worth a ton of epitaphy.'
Mr.. Noyes has made an unusual business
success, but in doing so he has been
stantly engaged in serving the public. For
time he was public servant in a techni-
cal sense in the old government of the city
OF Washington. But his most important
service has been rendered private citi-
zen. with exceptional ability and excep-
tional opportunity for informing and guild
Ing and inspiring public opinion. and so,
a leader in all important movements for the
Improvement of the national capital and all
its conditions Public opinion is the real
ruler everywhere. but here IL rules more
easily and directly than anywhere else.
For Its operation Is not interrupted or de-
fiected by partisan politics or partisan news
papers. The exceptionally high intelligence
of our population. so largely made up of
picked men and women from all over the
country and the world. and the comprehen-
sive orga nization of the citizens who take
an interest In public affairs, contribute to
make our public opinion discriminating and
powerful II is the real sovereign here
where the will OF the people has actually
free course and full effect as nowhere else.
To have had through many years a great
part In the formation and directing of the
public opinion which rules the national cap
ital OF the United States. and to be justified
by the results In the use made OF such re-
sponsible opportunity is all that any man
OF public spirit could desire. But beyond
this the ~ luence of Mr.. Noyes has gone
out throughout the dominions of our flag
and his place and prestige in the world of
journalism was well shown by his promi-
nence in the press parliament OF the world
at 81. Louis. Every distinction shown one
OF our citizens reflects honor upon us all
and what Mr.. Noyes has done and won out
side OF the District has benefited Ii as sub
stantially as his service here. A prophet
Is not without honor save among his own
people Is a proverb with many exceptions
for envy and malice are often defeated and
tonight we have shining example of the
exceptional man who is honored as much
at home as abroad"
Maj. John M. Carson's Eulogy.