The Washington herald., 1908-07-05
BY CHAPLIN BROWN.


The existence Of the Chamber OF Com
merce is so intimately connected with the
legislative branch OF the national govern
mont. as well as with our own local gov
ernment Of the District Of Columbia. that
II is most appropriate that this body OF
citizens should be Invited. and should
desire 70 participate In the housewarrn-
ing Of the first home OF their local gov
ernment given and granted to them by
a most gracious act OF our National Leg
I islature.
1T may. perhaps. at first appear boast
full to say that the Chamber Of Com
merce as well as our elder brother asso-
citation. the Board OF Trade. which has
been so eloquently represented here TO-
day exist and have their being by virtue
and authority OF that same immortal
document which created and established
| the executive legislative, and judicial
bra lehes OF the Federal government and
the freedom OF speech
The Chamber Of Commerce has exer-
cised 70 the fullest extent these rights So
sacredly preserved 10 US We have as
sembled from time 70 time; we have exer-
cised fully the freedom Of speech IN the
discussion OF matters Of public interest
and concern, and we have pe,ltioned the
government. both Federal and local. and
am happy 10 say. not in vain. and We
have petitloned H. not only for a redress
OF grievances. for they have been few.
but we have petitioned IL also for a share
Of those privileges and OF those bounte-
Gus gifts which the unprecedented COM
mercial prosperity Of this golden age Of
our country warrants US In demanding
and enjoying
Business Home.
In the latter class may be included
! this magnificent structure which we ar,
dedicating and admiring to-day. As "a
business home FOR our local government.
/ its dimensions are ample, and the plan Of
the building is practical and well ADAPTED
! 20 the important work Of our honorod
Commissioners and the efficient force Of
! employees who will have 10 occupy Il: but
beyond all this practical aspect OF the
structure, the cultivated. the refined and
esthetic taste Of tlre citizens OF the Ma
/ tional Capital also demand. that Ii should
/ be planned. constructed. and completed in
such pleasing form and outline as the
architects have conceived so happily. and
our own worthy citizen. the contractor
Of the building. has so faithfully and sat
isfactorily put into execution.
THE Chamber OF Commerce IS most
happy TO aid and participate In the events
incident 10 these dedlcatory exercises
which portend and indicate so much for
the future Of our nations Capital
The chamber is composed OF those ac-
tive, energetic business and professional
citizens who have always been foremost
in the advancement of every movement
| looking 70 the welfare. not only OF. our
own citizens, but those OF the whole
country.
Nor have the interests Of our own
citizens been neglected. The business in
terests OF the city have been strength
ened and stimulated by the efficient work
OF Its worthy president and officers and
| its most active and energetic committees
and individual members 10 the great ad-
vantage Of our citizens and our nearby
neighbors Of Maryland and Virginia: and
/ the social features Of the chamber have
allayed all unnecessary differences, dis
cord. and business jealOusies, and brought
| its members into friendly and. I might
! almost say, loving intercourse and fellow
ship
The scope Of my subject and my al
lotted time win not permit me 20 make
more than a passing almsion 10 the con-
/ sistent and valuable support which The
| press OF our city has given to every l,eas-
ure proposed by our association. looking
10 the common good Of all our people. The
| able and courteous representatives Of our
newspapers. who have attended our meet
| ings from time 10 time. have furnished
| accurate and fair reports for the puDlc
and II is but fair TO say that without this
support In report and comment Of our
local press the success which has crown
ed our efforts could not have been at
| tanned"