The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1907-01-12
Word to Members Points
Out Effect of New Plan
Proposed.
Says Hiring Commercial
Secretary Would Change
Character.
Urges All Members to At
tend Monday Meeting
and Vote.

Tile meeting of the Board Of Trade. 10
be held Monday night. viii be one of
ggeat Importance, as at that time the
Organization will vote upon the recon-
incubation OF the committee ca COM
nlerce and manufacture, urging the
creation of the position OF commercial
secretary. al a salary Of 5000 year
The following communication has been
addressed 10 the members of the Board
of Trade.
Article l. Of the bylaws Of this board,
provides. rs object shall be the cOnsid-
Grafton or and acting upon, matters
concerning the commerce, prosperity,
and advancement OF the material I'm
terests of the National Capital, and the
dissemination OF Information relating
thereto. IL shall give special attention
10 the promotion sOf public improve
meuts
Ever since it's inception, over sixteen
years ago, this board has striven Tor
these objects. especially the promotion
of public Improvements and has accom-
plished much with a single view 20 the
benefit OF the Capital and all its citi-
zens. Its record of achievement - ad-
mirabIy summarized in the recent an
uual report President Wilson.
Commercial Secretary Plan.
The committee on commerce and
manufactures. one Of its twenty-five
standing committees. has made a report
which will come up for action al a meet
ing of the whole board ON Monday. Jan
nary II. 1907. I'm which II recommends tho
employment of an expert special score
Jary of a high order OF ability 10 pro-
ing establishments and ioobing houses,
Ca be known as the Commercial sec
rotary. at a salary OF 5000 per aunum
with an additional allowance for derlz
hire. travelling. and OfuCe expenses.
THE present revenues OF the board are
between 5000 and 5000. which sum
meets the current expenses of the or
sanitation. and leaves small surplus 10
meet the more urgent needs or me
lUaTd's twenty-five standing commit
tees.
Question Of Revenue.
The adoption Of this recommendation
OF the Committee ON Commerce and
Manufactures would absorb In the work
OF one committee the boards total
revenues. and would compel a large
increase in the dues of the members and
the restrainmeHt OF the energies OF
the board 10 one Urducu or It's dCLlNl-
ties and that not promotion Of pub
lie improvements.
The inevitable effect of the adoption
OF this recommendation would be 10
change the whole character of the
Washington Board Of Trade from what
iL is. and always has been. a general
citizens organization representing all
classes and aiming 10 promote the vel
fare of the entire community, 10 a
purely commercial body.
THE question is whether the board
viii remain a representative citizens
organization, especially working Tor
-lle promotion of public improvements.
with "A very large and widely diversified
membership paying small annual dues,
cor Will become purely commercial
body. much smaller In membership,
paying much larger dues, and working
primarily for the benefit of the manu-
features and trade OF commercial Wash
mEJOn
Your Vote Needed
The purpose of this communication is
10 earnestly urge YOU 10 be present at
the meeting on January H. 1907. and
express by your vote your best judg-
meut as 10 whether such a change in
The character Of the board should take
Mace