Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-06-13
PLEA OF THE ANACOSTIANS
EFFORT TC MAKE 1T QUEEN SUB
URB OF WASHINGTON.
Association Addressed Last Night by
Commissioner Macfarland-Re-
ports Of Committees.


ISOLATION was held last evening and was
attended by Commissioner Macfarland at
the invitation of the members. The asso-
citation met in the parish hall of the En-
manuel Protestant Episcopal Church, on
Washington street Mr. Macfarland fol-
lowing the transaction of business by the
association, was called upon by DR.. James
A. Watson, the president of the organiZa-
ton. to address the gathering, which was
composed of business men Of the town and
many others having interests in the sub
urb.
The address of Mr.. Macfarland touched
upon the proposed reclamation of the Ana
costa flats. He expressed the opinion
that Congress will make no appropriation
for the general improvement until the
question of title to the lands is settled def
nitely
In introducing the Commissioner Pres-
dent Watson said: LAS members of a sub
urban community the pleas of which, mod
estly placed before the municipal officers
in years gone by, now become more in
sistent time and rapid development make
Anacostia. in truth, the queen suburb of
the District, we pause in the consideration
of those matters affecting the common
good to welcome one of the Commissioners
of the District of Columbia.
Let us remember that reference to the
board of Commissioners of Anacostia's in
terests and of Anacostia's needs has been
the business in chief of this association
since its organization. Mindful, then. of
the courteous treatment that has always
been ours when our community's interests
have taken us before this same board, and
recalling, too, with a sense of gratitude
those projects of civic Improvement for
the advancement of our community that
have had it's support and sympathy, it is
with feeling of pleasure that am called
upon to extend to one of the members of
that board our kindliest greetings in the
name of the Anacostia Citizens Associa-
ton.
The One Great Improvement.
II wish there might be added to the list
of our improvements the one great i'm
provement for which Anacostia, as well as
the city of Washington, is waiting--that is,
the reclamation of the flats of the Ana
costa. But our Commissioners are COM
mitted to it, associations throughout the
District demanding it and we look
forward hopefully for results at no slant
date. l can assure the Commissioner, then,
that l speak a welcome for the entire COM
munty. community composed of thrifty.
honest citizens, men and women who take
a pride in their town and who are alive to
it's interests. they wish the District
Commissioners to be. a community the de-
velopment of which is at hand and one
whose location beyond the Eastern branch
has not lessened the zeal of its people for
good and who trust in the good offices of
the Commissioners to afford them the
same without discrimination"
Chairman Eugene f. Thompson of the
committee on Anacostia flats read the re-
port of his committee. The report was
laid over until the next meeting without
being acted upon. 1t appears elsewhere In
The Star.
Police and Fire Departments.
George o. Watson, the chairman of the
committee on police and fire departments,
reported the walls of No. Is fire engine
company as being in need Of repairs. The
commission appointed to recommend a site
for the new police station, he stated, has
made its report which has not yet been
acted upon by the Commissioners. 1t was
hoped, he said, the site selected will be In
accordance with the recommendations of
the association, the, location close to or on
Monroe street being deemed most desira-
BILE.
The detailing of mounted policeman for
duty along the AnacOstia street car line
nightly was reported, as was the need of
additional patrolmen in Anacostia proper.
1t was urged that at least two more pa
trolman be assigned to this place. The com
mittee on water, lights and sewers, report
ing through John F. Earnshaw, recon-
mended the placing of four catch basins on
maple avenue two at Chestnut street and
two at Spring street.
Report on Streets.
Maurice Otterback, speaking for the COM
mittee on streets, reported his committee
had Intellectually endeavored to have the
condition of the cutters and sidewalks on r
street improved. He read a letter from the
Commissioners stating why this could not be
done 1t was voted that the Commissioners
be once more asked to have the cutters and
sidewalks cleaned on 18th, 18th and I
streets. Secretary Charles r. Burr read
tha ,icSin lone inO hot
tie park on Pierce street be improved by
the planting of grass, the placing of flowers,
the laying out of paths and, perhaps, the 10
cation therein of fountain, with park
seats.
The request of the association for the
cleaning of Harrison and Monroe streets by
hand in preference to machines was re-
piled to by John T. Twohey, the supern-
who stated the appropriation for street
cleaning is not sufficient to warrant an
extension of the hand cleaning method be-
yond the central business section of the
city. Secretary Burr read a letter for
warded to the Commissioners asking that
no public wells in Anacostia be closed un-
less the water in them is found by analysis
to be impure.
Expression Of Thanks.
Capt Morrow, the Engineer Commits
sioner, wrote to the association, extending
his thanks for the congratulations of the
organization at his promotion and stating
the offer of assistance made by the assoca-
ton regarding the improvements in the
Anacostia section has been noted and that
he will be glad to hear from the organiZa
ton as to the needs of the territory.
A communication from Maj. Biddle, former
Engineer Commissioner, expressed his ap-
probation of the kind words SpokCl by the
organization as to his services while he was
detailed as one of the District Commits
soners.
ELECTION OF PRESIDENT.