Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-07-04

to sing Americas great anthem.
In the middle of the song the big fas
was slowly run up the pole. The singing
was changed into cheers and handicap
ping Those who were not carrying fans
or flags wildly waved hats.
When the flag was finally in position il
was greeted by a twenty-one-gun salute
The guns were stationed on the roof. TIVE
bombs were shot into midair where they
exploded. dropping American flags. which
floated slowly to the ground.
A wooden box that had something tC
do with the explosion and which should
have been scattered into splinters in all
didn't shatter. and dropped with a thud
directly in front of the speakers plat
FORM narrowly escaping striking one OF
the spectators.
Mr.. Edison Calls to Order.
At this point John Joy Edison. chairman
of the executive committee. who presided
throughout the dedication exercises.
raped for order. When quiet was re-
stored he said the flag that had just been
raised to grace the building was the gift
Of the Chamber Of Commerce.
From his position on the band stand
E. H. Droop. chairman Of the music COM
mittee, by the aid of a large megaphone.
called for three cheers for the new flag
and the new building. The cheers were
given. When the sound subsidized Mr.. Ed
son said:
This is the thirtieth anniversary of our
present form of g0vernment-the best by
comparison. the District has ever had.
The great advancement and progress
made during that time has been largely
due to the fidelity. integrity and ability
with which the present and former Com
missioners have performed their respon-
sible duties.
AT this interesting period in the history
of the District. when we are opening and
defeating a District building. the home
of the District government. equal In beau
ty and architecture to any other govern
ment building. 1t seems to be an appro-
pirate time to suggest the beginning of a
careful inquiry and effort. to determine
what part of the affairs of the District
must be retained by the general govern
ment and what part might more properly
and with more satisfaction to the citizens
be left to the District government.
That control. to a certain degree. must
be retained and ought to be retained by
the conditions. and because the territory
was set aside for the exclusive control
of the government for the nations CAPT
tai. But. since the assumption of federal
ono people has appeared with all the COM
plications of modern civilization. and
with private property interests equaling
those of the government itself.
We may pass over the condition OF
taxation without representation. strange
to our fundamental principles. But 1t Is
only necessary to suggest what has oc-
CURED In recent years from the direct
federal influence over our school system.
charities. taxes and assessments. and
other departments. There have been in
some important respects an influence and
control undesirable, discouraging to the
citizens and not necessary to the prime
object Of federal Jurisdiction and control.
Hence 1t seems appropriate at this
time that serious consideration should
be directed. in the near future, to the mat
ter Of having relations of the general and
District governments we'll and justly de-
fined and permanently settled. to the end
that all that Is necessary may be retained
by federal authority and all that Is pos
sible left to the citizens and the District
government
Invocation by Mr. Fishburn.
Before taking his seat Chairman Edison
introduced Rev. M. Ross Fishburn of the
Mount Pleasant Congregational Church.
who offered invocation.
He said:
prd God. our God. Master Of men,
RAJ Of cities. Sovereign of nations. as
we assemble In Thy presence on this glad
anniversary Of our republics birth. We
bring to Thee the oft-repeated story Of
our gratitude and seek a continuance of
Thy favor for our nation and for our
city.
I'VE thank Thee for all that the notable
ceremonies of this day commemorate and
prefgure. We thank Thee for the goodly
heritage In which We share as a result
of the prayers and tears and struggles
and sacrifices Of the loyal and heroic who
lived and labored In the past Help US to
accept our national blessings as a sacred
trust and to transmit them, undimmed
and undiminished. to our children and our
children's children.
Save u.s. God. alike from the follies
OF individual selhshness and the perils
of national egotism. and make us ever
ready at Thy command to take our part
in the bearing of world burdens
Bless the great President of these
United States and all associated with him
in the conduct Of our national affairs
Bless all citizens of our land, foreign or
native born.
Bless our city and all its population
and all It's interests. Bless our municipal
officials. every one. Make them strong Tor
honesty and honor both in private and Yin
public.
And now accept. we. pray Thee. this
stately structure. the home of our Dis
trict government. May 1t prove an honor
possible and actual. May 1t serve for
many generations as a center of influence
for the betterment of all who sojourn or
a a.a within mn, our city. borders. And
fan away. as all things earthly must, still
beautiful in ruin. may II bear testimony
TO that which II has served-one of the
greatest OF human epochs, one of the
noblest Of earthly municipalities. And
unto Thee. Father. Son and Holy Spirit
shall be the praise till time shall be no
more. Amen"
Gen. Wilson Reads Declaration.
In introducing Gen. John NJ. Wilson.
C-S.A.. retired. who, as a member of the
Oldest Inhabitants' Association. read the
Declaration Of Independence, Chairman
Edison said:
THE committee in charge of the ar
rangements for this great occasion could
have chosen no one more fitted for the
reading Of this paper than Gen Wilson.
He has been a resident Of our city for
many years and has served in the army
OF our country With great credit and dis.
tinction."
Gen. Wilson made a few Introductory
remarks before reading the historical
paper. which. as he expressed il, in the
greatest and most beautiful paper OF its
kind ever written by the human hand
When he had concluded the reading he
said:
This was signed by fifty-four men.
forty-eight Of whom were born in this
country"
In introducing the next speaker Henry
B. +. Mcfarland. president Of the board
OF District Commissioners. Mr.. Edison
said he is typical American and typical
citizen Of Washington
Mr. Macfarlapd defined tho oho.aoto.