Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-07-30
Text Of the Address.

| ASAt VI LuS 1uuICSS
| The address read as follows:
! "A suitable memorial should be erected
to the memory Of Alexander R. Shepherd
| to show appreciation by the living of the
| illustrious dead.
In 1869, when but thirty-four years OF
age having previously served as a member
of the common council and board of alder
| men of the city Of Washington, he con-
ceived the idea of making the federal city
worthy of being in fact, well as in name.
the capital of the nation.
HE consulted a few friends, with the
result that in January, 1870, a committee of
100 citizens was organized, under the aus
pices of which the act of Congress of Feb
ruary, 1871. was prepared, and its passage
secured. The act abolished the three mu-
nicipal bodies governing the District of Co
lumbia and consolidated the government
of the District under governor, legislative
assembly and a board of public works, and
secured for the District delegate to Con-
gress. Shepherd was first made vice presi-
dent of the board of public works. and its
executive officer and afterward, In 1873
was appointed governor of the District.
AT the time Of the passage of the act,
the city was in every way in deplorable
condition. Its population was little over
100, 900, and agitation for the removal of the
capital was rife. In three years the board
of public works, under the initiative and
guidance of Shepherd. and in the face of
vigorous and weighty opposition, performed
a work of such marvellous magnitude in the
way of public Improvements as to recreate
the city, cause all agitation for the re-
moyal of the capital to cease, and make
possible the new Washington of today. In
these three brief years, under the con-
trolling genius OF this man. public works
were accomplished of such magnitude as
under ordinary circumstances would have
required at least half a century.
"A native of Washington. and Its greatest
benefactor, he sacrificed his private fortune
In, Ia nublic good and the
eve of returning to his home to spend the
remainder of his days in merited respect
and honor died on foreign soil.
THE residents of this District ought to
perpetuate his memory by the erection of a
permanent memorial worthy Of the man and
worthy of the nations capital. The COM
mittee heretofore appointed therefore, ear
nestly appeals to all such residents to aid
In the work by sending to Crosby g. Noyes.
chairman. or Charles ]. Bell, treasurer.
such subscription as they may desire to
make, and thereby render unnecessary any
general or prolonged canvass for funds.
TT Is the hope and belief Of the COM
mittee that in recognition or the meal
culable services of Governor Shepherd to
the District of Columbia, promptness and
generosity will characterize the response
to the committees appeal"
This address was signed and sent out by
the committee of fifteen and met with
prompt response.
Fund Increases.
BY November 25. 1902, when the enlarged
executive committee met for the first
time the amount subscribed was stated to
be $S,27O DR.. Howe, at that time. gave
history of the appointment of the finance
committee. the meeting of the full COM
mittee at the Arlington Hotel. September
80, the appointment of the subcommittee
of fifteen. which had become the executive
committee of the finance committee and
Of Ri MOI mai a
He said the first method of raising money
had been by means of kilograms through
the District messenger service. and that
this had realized a large sum. Next a
mt out from which many more responses
had been received. DR.. Howe said sub
chairmen. to look after special interests.
had been appointed, Mr.. w. V. Cox having
consented to take charge Of banking in
terests Mr.. Louis p. Shoemaker of fire
insurance companies, General George II.
Harries of steam and street railroad COM
panies, Mr.. Barry Buckley of schools in
general. In this manner 1t was confidently
predicted that the subscriptions would be
shortly completed. By April "a 1893, little
more than week before the solemn fun
eral given Governor Shepherd by the mu-
nicipal authorities, the subscriptions had
grown to $9S7S.JO. Further subscriptions
were received from time to time. Upon the
completion of the work Of the finance COM
mittee the executive committee appointed
a committee of which Mr.. S. H Kaufman
was chairman, who solicited designs. which
were sent In from many prominent sculp-
tors. This committee submitted a report to
the citizens committee at a meeting held
June g. 1903, recommending that the con-
tract for the statue be awarded to Mr.. U.
s. j. Dunbar This recommended ton was
approved and about August 2. 1904. the con-
tract was signed. the work to be completed
within the year.
1t is interesting to know that this great
work. so enthusiastically entered upon and
frYl1 hrnf n
doubly significant. Not only Is 1t particu-
tarly appropriate that statue of Cover
nor Shepherd should decorate the plaza OF
the new municipal building, but 1t is proper
that his monument should be the first gift
Of citizens of the District. Never before
has the city SO hOnored q son.