The Washington herald., 1907-05-21
Retiring HOuseMember Hon
Ored by Citizens.
PARTY GATHERS AT HOME
Commissioner mcfarland Makes
Presentation speech TO Former
Chairman of House Committee on
District AHnirS-COmplimente on
Acts During Past Twelve Years.

stree; northwest.
Bankers. presidents OF citizens associa-
tions. representative business men, and
officials OF the municipal government
united TO do honor TO the man they all de-
clared had been the leader in legislation
affecting the interests Of the District for
the past twelve years.
The occasion was the presentation OF a
sIlrer loving cup 20 Mr.. Babcock from
citizens Of Washington, a silver purse and
card case to Mrs. Babcock. and huge
bouquet Of roses, numbering fifty-seven,
the years of Mr.. BabCOck's life. Incl
dental TO the presentation of these gifts
were expressions Of respect 10 the re-
cipieuts. regret that the mutations Of po-
litical life have removed him from the
District Committee. and many congratu-
laiions upon the good things done for To-
cal betterment in his official capacity.
At $50 o'clock q considerable number Of
men. with small sprlnklng Of women,
had gathered in the drawing-room Of Mr..
Babcocks home. Brainard II. Warner,
the moving spirit in the movement 10
present a memorial TO Mr.. Babcock, said
that the company had come into the home
OF their friend to show their appreciation
OF his good condrct in past years. and
called upon Commissioner Macfarland 20
explain more in detail the special reason
for the intrusion.
Mr.. Macfarlnnd Speaks.
NIr. Warner just then removed the cover
from the loving cup. and Mr.. AIaCfarland
said.
For twelve years you served the Capt.
tai and the country as chairman of the
District Committee. our chief representa-
tive on the floor of the House. In that
time more legislation and more important
legislation affecting the District passed
the House than in any previous similar
period. excepting that which included the
year Of the organic act providing the
permanent form Of government under
which we have made such marvellous
progress.
Occasionally, the people of the District
have differed with you as 70 particu-
lar measures. But not Oftener than the
constituents of any Congressman differ
with him. In general, you have done
what the best thought OF the District de
sired and all the best legislation OF your
time has gone through your hands and
bears your impress. Your personal and
official influence. always so great IN the
House. was Of the very greatest benefit
20 the District We feel that you de-
serve the gratitude Of all who are work
ing for the advancement of the National
Capital
'Ne one could have done more for it IN
tie House than YOU have done This low
ing cup IS but the symbol of our thanks
and regards. Il testifes that Commu-
mites are not always ungratesuL'
Mr.. Babcock Replies.
Mr. Babcock. in reply to the speech of
presentation. said he could but poorly ex-
press his appreciation of the gift and the
manner Of its giving. He spoke Of the
close and friendly relations which had
existed between the Commissioners and
himself, and paid an eloquent tribute TO
the character, COuscientiOusuess. and
worth Of the men who have represented
the District for the past twelve years.
This led Mr.. Babcock into a vigorous
defense OF the present form OF government
for the District.
Defends Present system.
In defense Of the government by the
commission. Mr.. Babcock said fact
which was often forgotten was that the
President was personally responsible to
the citizens Of Washington for the good
conduct Of the municipal authorities He
maintained that If any citizen could Eo
10 the White House with facts to show
that any Commissioner or head OF de
rartmeut had been derelict in duty. or
Incompetent. that man would lose his job
IN twenty-four hours.
Mr. Babcock said the President
could demand the resignation of any
official i'm the District and it must be
forthcoming Mr. Babcock. therefore
admonished the doubters in the efficacy
Of the present government to 90 TO the
White House with their charges Of
misconduct. if there were such, and
have the condition changed.
THE greatest man in America" said
Mr. Babcock, 'is there 20 hear the
complaints Of the people of the Dis
trict and he can be depended upon to
redress them
People Proud of CAPITAL.
Nj Babcock reviewed in q jocose
vein his long occupation Of the chair
the House, and gave as his belief that
tho membership Of the House and Sen
ate. as well as their constituencies
among the S0000.0 600 Of the American
people. had justifable pride in the
beauty and glory OF the National Cap
ital. lie said he believed the time was
at hand when Congress would shOul,
Of its support. and make Washington
the grsndest city-in the world. This,
he said was consistent with the view
that the District was a public reserva-
tion and should continue to he such.
Commissioner West was then called
upon 10 make a few remarks. and in a
happy manner presented Mrs. Babcock
with a silver purse and card case. suit
ably inscribed. as a souvenir of the work
her distinguished husband had accom-
pllshed for the city Of Washington. Mr.
West said that this gift was general
recognition Of the power behind the
throne which had made Mr. Babcock
such a successful and useful man.
Many Other Speakers.
For nearly an hour time was taken up
by several speakers, all Of whom voiced
the esteem in which Mr. BabCock was
held by the citizens Of the District. Those
VINO spoke were Judge Charles S. Buudy.
president of tie Columbia Heights Citi-
zens' Association; William H. Saunders.
Dr. William C. Woodward. health officer:
Dr. Richard Eingsmaa. and E. Southard
Parker. president of the Metropolitan
National Bank
The loving cup was then passed 10 the
dining-room and came back filed with
delightful punch. which all sampled.
after which a buffet lunch was served
The loving cup was inscribed rs fol-
lows.
al