Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-05-02
Commissioner Biddle's Transfer.

The District was fortunate in securing as
Commissioner 50 caoable an army engineer
as Ma jor Biddle, and again fortunate In
being allowed to retain him on this duty
for more than a year beyond the regulation
period of such assignments His relief now
for duty elsewhere. in accordance with the
requirements of the War Department is a
matter of sincere regret, for the capital has
profited materially from his skill and his
administrative ability. The years of his
service in Washington have been excep-
tional for the number and Importance of
projects of Improvement which have fallen
more or less directly under his supervision.
Probably at no previous period In its his
tory has the District SO seriously needed
the presence in an executive Office of a
man of high technical knowledge and ca
pacity. In the years to come these years
will be remembered as the era of censtruc-
ton.
A recital of Major Riddle's achievements
during his term OF office as Commissioner
discloses the magnitude of the undertaking
of bringing the capital up to date as the
federal metropolis. Greatest of all is the
railroad terminal work. with the elevation
and depression of tracks. the digging of a
tunnel and the construction of a union ter
mfnal station of monumental proportions
This work alone would tax the abilities and
energies of competent engineer executive.
But while 1t has been advancing, in a most
satisfactory manner, under the inspection
of Major Biddle as the vigilant guardian of
the cfty's interests. other projects have
been under way. such as the construction
of the municipal building. the Connecticut
avenue bridge, the new Police Court, the
Business High School, the almshouse and
smaller structures. Other works connected
with the water supply of the city have been
in large degree under this same officers
charge such as the filtration plant, al
though the War Department has been d.
rectly charged with this enterprise. The
sewage disposal work has been advanced
under Major Biddle's direction to a state
closely approaching completion.
F.. Both in the immediate direction of
works of this character and in the conduct
of the executive ONCE of Commissioner
Major Biddle has proved himself emirlently
capable and he has rendered to the District
services of value furthermore in his reIa-
lions with Congress, in urging appropria-
tons for necessary works and in explain
ing the details of enterprises under way or
in contemplation. A more capable. ener-
getic or personally acceptable engineer
Commissioner has never served the Dis
trict. 80 ...-i..,-5
In effecting Major Biddle's relief from
this duty the Secretary of War has given
the District a successor to that officer who
commands the immediate confidence of the
community. Capt. Morrow will enter upon
his duties entirely familiar with the de-
tails and in exceptional degree acquainted
with the people of the District. His serv-
ice here as assistant to the engineer Com
missioner has demonstrated that he Is
eminently fitted to succeed his chief. His
selection is especially wise at this juncture.
with so many of the works begun or ma
terially advanced under Major Biddle's adj
ministration still under way. The change
from the one to the other win be effected
without hitch or friction.
The District is gratified not only by Capt
Morrov's designation. but by the recogni-
ton of the principle Of promotion for merit
in this particular assignment. In perhaps
no other position filled by detail from the
military service is 1t so essential that the
incumbent should have had training in the
special field. If this policy Is pursued by
the War Department hereafter the Dis
trict's welfare will be materially advanced.