The Washington times., 1907-05-09
BIDDLE PRAISED
BY COLLEAGUES
SAYING GOOD-BY
Reception to Former
Commissioner at Dis
trict Building.
" Faithful Work Crowned
With Success" Mac
farland Says.

Former Engineer Commissioner Maj
John Biddle, Corps of Engineers, L. S.
a, was rendered a farewell reception
this morning In the board room of the
District building by the Board of Com
missioners, the heads of departments,
and the employees Of the District gov
eminent showing the esteem and high
regard in which the retiring official Is
held by the rank and file Of the Dis
trict government. The ovation was the
occasion OF the official leave-tal1ing OF
Major Biddle, who will rejoin his COM
mand at San Francisco.
The preliminary steps took place in
the board room at IL o'clock, when DR..
William Tindail, secretary Of the Board
OF Commissioners, with Daniel l..
Garges, secretary TO the Engineer Com
missioner. called the meeting of the
heads Of departments and employees 10
order 70 consider a set Of resolutions
prepared by a committee appointed at
meeting the day before. These reso-
lutions were presented by Corporation
Counsel Thomas, ana unanimously
adopted This was followed by the en-
trance of the Board of Commissioners,
escorting Major Biddle whose appear
ance was the signal for rounds OF ap-
plause.
Mr.. Macfarland's Tribute.
Commissioner Macfarland was the
first speaker. He said, in part:
You have had the longest service
and the greatest opportunity for i'm
Portant work of any Engineer Commits
crnnnw Xrrr
zealously rendered, has been crowned
with great success. Although the gen.
eral public cannot know the details Of
our service here, its extent, doubled in
ten years, or its difficulties and perplex
ltles' II appreciates in general what
you hav done as the general regret of
this hour attests.''
Mr., Vests Remarks.
Commissioner West said in part.
1t is with sincere regret that we say
farewell TO Colonel Biddle. For nearly
hve years he has been associated with
the District government and during this
period has contributed in large degree
10 the development of the National Can
ital. He has been an able. efficient, and
conscientious official His ability has
been amply demonstrated in his man.
agement of important engineering prob
lens and the great works which have
been brought 70 successful completion
during his term of Office will forever
stand as monuments of his wisdom and
skill.
The District has gained much by his
association with its government"
Resolutions Presented.
Collector Of Taxes z. G. Davis. on
behalf Of heads of departments and the
employees Of the government, presented
a set OF resolutions previously adopted.
expressing appreciation for Colonel Bid
dies work and his courtesy to the en-
ployes.
After reading the resolutions Mr.. Da-
Wis paid tribute TO. Colonel Biddle's
work.
Corporation Counsel Thomas followed,
saying.
This Citizens Association has no re-
calcitrant members. We speak. in these
resolutions, with one voice and with one
accord, and we speak the words of
truth and soberness.
I'VE believe that you have appreoi-
ated our fidelity to you and to the pub
lie service. and we want you to know
that your kindness to US without osten-
tation has made it a privilege to serve
under you"