Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-02-10
MET AT BRENTWOOD
ADDRESS BY COMMISSIONERS
WEST TO CITIZENS.
Identification Of the National Capital
Several Resolutions Adopted
Names of Invited Guests.

District Commissioner Henry l.. West
was the guest of honor at the meeting of
the Brightwood Citizens Association last
evening at Brightwood Hotel. An informal
reception followed the business session. The
other guests were Judge ]. u. Thompson,
assistant attorney general; Dr. A. p. Far
don, Washington Board of Trade; Mr.. Ben
jamn Holman, disbursing officer, Post Of
fee Department; Colonel j. E. Rowen Of
Iowa, and Mr.. Charles A. Langley, presi-
dent of the WOODBURY. Citizens Associa-
ton. The meeting was called to order by
President Shoemaker, with John G. Keene,
recording the minutes. The report of the
proceedings of the last meeting were read
by the secretary, from The Evening Star
of January 8, and approved by the asso-
ciation.
DR.. Pardon introduced resolution, which
was unanimously adopted, expressing ap-
proval of the recent confirmation by the
Senate of the reappointment of Commission
er West. The resolution set forth that the
public services heretofore rendered by Com
missioner West, were eminently satisfactory
to the people of the District.
The association adopted a resolution, Of
fered by Mr.. Enoch Moreland, approving
the action of the Commissioners relative to
the various bills introduced I'm Congress to
bring about a change in the school system
of the District.
The further extension of 14th street from
it's present terminus to the Piney Branch
road was urged in a resolution presented
by Mr.. William Ramsay. In speaking of
the extension already made, Mr.. Ramsay
said that as 1t had been of great benefit
and advantage to the landowners and tax
payers in the vicinity of Brightwood by
causing an increased demand for property
and the actual construction of a number
of new houses, the Commissioners be re-
quested to further extend this street at
least as far Military road. The resolu-
ton was adopted and the secretary direct
ed to send copy to the Commissioners.
The latter will be urged to construct
bridge along the line of 18th street at the
earliest possible date. The delay in the
matter brought to the attention of the
association by Mr.. Holman, who explained,
that although the money for the purpose
indicated is available, the work had nos
been started.
Mr.. George A. Wilson referred to the i'm
portance of lighting by electricity Bright
wood avenue, from the Soldiers Home
road north 20 the District line The impor-
lance, he said, of granting this request be-
comes more apparent every day. as travel
is very much congested and accidents fire.
quently occur.
President Shoemaker read a letter from
Mr.. j. r. Keene. supervising principal of
the seventh division, acknowledging the re-
ceipt of flowers presented on the occasion
of the completion by him on February 1 of
forty years service with the District
schools.
Dr. FGrQOn, chairman or the committee
on public schools of the Washington Board
of Trade, paid tribute to Mr. Keene, and
spoke of the valuable service he had rem
dered.
Commissioner West Presided
After a few remarks by President Shoe
maker, laudatory of Commissioner West as
a man and pubic official. the latter was
introduced and delivered an interesting adj
dress on the Identification of Washington
Mr. West expressed thanks for the resolu-
ton. referring to his appointment for an
other term.
He mentioned the pleasure he felt at be-
ing present at the meeting, because he
said, II any member Of the association is
dissatisfied with the manner in which busi-
ness is conducted at the District building.
or has any complaints, he wanted to be
present and express his opinions also. Mr.
West approved of the course of citizens
associations in inviting the Commissioners
to attend their meetings. as much benefit
could thereby be derived on both sides.
In explanation of the delay in construct
ing the 18th street bridge, Mr.. West said
that the plans had been approved and that
he thought the work had been commenced
His direct connection with the matter
ceased. he added, when he approved tie
plans The speaker, however, promised to
Investigate the matter Immediately
In speaking of the Brightwood section,
Mr.. West said that 1t was constantly i'm
proving. The Commissioners are heartily
In favor of the further extension of Nth
street to Military road. The speaker stated
that he does not believe In extending streets
in a haphazard manner, but thinks, as do
the other Commissioners, that the main
thoroughfares should be put through as far
as the District line leaving the side streets
to make their appearance in due time.
In speaking of the schools of the District.
Commissioner West said he appreciated the
resolution which was adopted at the meet
ing, urging new buildings and increased
salaries The Commissioners We're forced
to eliminate from the schedule great many
school buildings which the board OF educa-
ton thought we're absolutely necessary,
Some of the present buildings are In bad
condition but each year the Commissioners
are confronted with the admonitfon from
Congress: Keep down appropriations"
Mr. West mentioned that the city needs
larger fire department. and many new pave
ments for streets which had not been re-