Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-05-08
OF PUBLIC UTILITIES
President Asked to Cause
Thorough Examination.
ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION
Addresses by Commissioner Macfar-
land and Col. John Biddle.
MIR. STOCKINGS INTERRUPTION
President Bundy Publicly Resents His
Remarks-Dr. Tindall Discusses
University Site.

Commissioner mcfarland and former
Engineer Commissioner Biddle were the
guests of the Columbia Heights Citizens
Association at the meeting held last even
ing.
The gathering, which was large one,
was the last one prior to the annual vaca-
ton. It was held in the parlors of the
Savoy at 18th and Girard streets and was
presided over by Judge Charles S. Bundy,
president Of the association. Commissioner
mcfarland and Col. Biddle made short adj
dresses. Commissioner Mcfarland was
first introduced. and said:
1.-THE citizens association is like the New
England town meeting as an expression of
local public opinion, and contributes power
| fully to the general public opinion, SO i'm
portant In the government of the District
1t Is good for the Commissioners as the ex-
ecutive of the District to return, from time
to time. the calls which they are always so
glad to have the citizens associations make
| at the District building. We want to know
your wishes, we want you to know our
plans. Harmonious action by the Com
| missoners and the citizens has brought
/ about the wonderful development Of the
| national capital since 1878, and promises
| great things for the future.
| Washington in 1878.
ut will be thirty years next year that
| they have been working together to make
| this the finest capital in the world, model
| city, physically and morally. Those who
| remember Washington in 1873, best know
how great is the advance since that time
| Even the newcomer can see the beauty of
| the city and it's many attractions. But those
| of us who most appreciate what has been
| gained are most eager to have more for
| Washington. We want the best, and are
| striving for 1t constantly. We are working
| on well-ordered plans, and what we most
need is more general and enthusiastic CO.
| operation. Everything cannot be done at
| once. but we can accomplish most by united
| effort on the important things In turn"
The Commissioner also stated that the
people of the District should congratulate
| free from graft and partisan politics, and
| closed with an expression OF appreciation
| of Col Biddle, the retiring Engineer Com
missioner, and regret at his departure after
rendering notable service in the great
period of municipal building. He also ex-
pressed the belief that Capt. Morrow. who
will be promoted to major in the fall, will
admirably maintain the high traditions of
| the engineer commssionership.
Upon Commissioner Macfarland's refer
ence to the absence Of graft in the Dis
| ISOLATION. called from his seat: How about
| Mckenzie?" Mr.. Mcfarland paused for
| moment and without the least show of en-
barrassment asked, do You want me to
| to persist, Judge Bundy. the president of
| the association, arose. He was apparently
| very much agitated and he promptly ruled
| the member out Of order
| Stocking declined to yield until he was
| appealed to as gentleman who should
| treat his guests with courtesy.
| Col. Biddle introduced.
| Col. Biddle was then introduced and ex-
planned why the water meters are being
| installed in the District. He declared that
| 1t Is necessary on account of the waste of
| water in different sections Of the city.
| During the cold spells last winter, the
speaker declared. over 2o.O0O.OO0 gallons of
| water were wasted because people allowed
| the water to run to avoid freezing in the
pipes He said il the Commissioners do not
| carry out the meter installations Washing
ton will sooner ar later have a water
| famine.
| When Col Biddle closed his remarks Mr.
| Stocking arose and began a fiery address,
| in the beginning of which he declared that
| the Commissioners are usurping the rights
| of the residents of the District of Column
| bia in the installation of the meters. He
| was proceeding along that line when Judge
| Bundy again called him to order and
| stated that he must take his seat.
| Judge Bundy then declared that the pa
| thence of the association. well as his
| own. had been exhausted by having mem
Der address the guests of the evening as
| Mr.. Stocking had done.
l
| temperate and oftentimes unbearable verbal
| extravaganza of the member" he said,
| until forbearance has ceased to be a vir-
tue. Ny own mind is made up and we will
| not put up with such remarks we have
| listened to at intervals for so long time"
The annual election of officers to serve
| during the ensuing year took place and re-
| suited in the selection of the old officials,
as follows: Chas. s. Bundy, president: w.
| H. Saunders first vice president; Eugene
Jeffreys, second vice president w. r. HILL
yer, third vice president; w. B. Todd. sec
rotary; L. H. Stabler, treasurer and assist
ant secretary
The Public Utilities.
The following letter was ordered to be
sent to President Roosevelt:
1.-THE citizens Of the District Of Columbia,
| desiring that the public and public utility
corporations, especially gas electric light
and street railway companies, shall receive
fair treatment In all matters of legislation
and regulations which mutually concern
them. urgently petition that you cause the
bureau Of corporations to make a careful
and full examination of the business and
| methods Of such corporations with view
to determining what legislation is neces-
sary to secure fair and just treatment of
all concerned in regard to rates charged
| and services rendered"
A resolution offered by Mr.. Geo. Simmons
| expressed the thanks of the association to
Col. Biddle for the good work done for the
gneer Commissioner.
George Washington University Site.
The last speaker of the evening was Dr.
| William Tindall, secretary to the board of
Commissioners of the District of Columbia
Among the subjects of his remarks was the
proposed relocation of the buildings of the
George Washington University.
He mentioned the circumstances under
which the original property of this institu-
ton. when 1t was known as Columbian Uni
| versity, and which was ideally situated on
the heights just north of the boundary of
the city of Washington on the west side of
| 14th street. was sold and vacated by the
| university. Referring to the fact that he
was partly instrumental in bringing about
the sale of this property by the university.
he expressed great regret for the unwit-
hope that the present management would