Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-11-10
FOR BETTER CITIZENS
Purpose of the New Southeast
Settlement House..
PLAN Of OPERATIONS
Commissioner Macfarland and
Others Commend the Project.
OLD WEIGHTMAN HOUSE TAKEN
Speakers Eulogize the Work as One
Upon Which All Creeds May
Unite Earnestly.
OLD WEIGHTMAN HOUSE TAKEN

With appropriate addresses the famous
old Weightman homestead. located at 324
Virginia avenue southeast. was formally
dedicated last night as the Southeast Set
Element House, and from now on will be
the center Of systematic mission and set
Element work in that section of the city.
Following these addresses a reception
was held and the house thrown open to
inspection.
Upon the request Of the executive COM
mittee of the house, District Commissioner
mcfarland introduced speakers of the
evening. Mr.. Macfarland gave a short his
tory Of the Weightman family and it's
prominence in the affairs of the District
In the past half Of the last century. The
Commissioner referred particularly to
Gen. Roger c. Weightman. and told of
many traditions and historical incidents
in which Gen. Weightman was the princi-
pal figure in the years Immediately pre-
ceding and following the war Of 1872, and
at the time the National capitol was burn
ed by the British.
And now, in the years which have
passed since then" said the speaker, ''all
trace Of those old days has long since
disappeared and only this house stands
as a reminder. Isn't 1t BETTING that at
devoted by people of the Nations capital
to the good work Of raising the standards
of citizenship among the city's poor and
unfortunate?
admirable enterprise has not only my
personal but my official favor. and shall
do all that lies within my power to pro-
mote it's welfare and make 1t a permanent
success"
Purpose of the Home.
After prayer by Rev. DIR. Couden, the
chaplain OF the House Of Representa-
tives. Mrs. Albert B. Bushnell told of the
their charge and gave short review Of
settlement work in the southeast. which
she said had heretofore been done by
voluntary service, but which had as
stunned such proportions that organization
upon different lines was found to be
necessary. 1t had resulted in the estab-
lishment OF the settlement house.
Mrs. Bushnell announced that at first
work would be begun among women, boys
and girls and classes would be established
permanently as quickly as possible in
the following branches OF industry: Sew
ing, basketry. knitting and the develop
ment of home industries, cooking, santa
nomics. Besides these, reading classes, a
kindergarten or day nursery and social
clubs are contemplated. There will be
regular Sunday afternoon services at the
home for the pupils and their friends.
''Of course, the expense Is an item,' said
Mrs Bushnell. mot less than 81 800 a
year will be required to pay all expenses.
This money we expect to collect princi-
pally from the charitably inclined who
have a deep interest in work OF this ma
ture."
Others Voice Approval.
Other speakers were Judge William H.
DeLacy OF the Juvenile Court, George
F. Bowerman of the Public Library, Rev.
Albert Evans, pastor Of the Metropolitan
Presbyterian Church; Rev. DR.. John Van
Schaick, pastor OF the Universalist
Church, and Max Lansburgh.
Judge Delacy and Mr.. Bowerman
spoke of ideal citizenship which could
be established In settlement homes, and
the influences Of these homes for good in
the neighborhoods. Mr.. Bowerman in
cidentally made a plea for the passage of
a bill by Congress for the establishment
OF chain OF subsidiary libraries through
out different sections Of the city.
This is my section Of the city," said
Mr.. Evans, land to say l am interested
In the permanent success of this home is
deeply, interested. 1t can do noble work
here, and with the grace of heaven 1t
may accomplish such results that many
of those who could not otherwise be
reached will see things with new eyes,
hear things with new ears, and feel things
with new hearts
DIR. Van Schaick spoke of settlement as.
In his opinion. one of the best and most
successful methods in spreading good in
fluence and guiding those who have been
less fortunate in the lottery Of life to
higher and nobler ideals.
And as for the success of this new
home" said DR.. Van Schaick, Il have no
doubt that 1t will prosper. I form my
conclusions from the excellent volunteer
work which has been done in this section
of the city In the past.
Settlement work is non-sectarian; it is
where Catholic, Jew and Protestant may
gather to CLEAN the best. the purest, the
noblest and the highest In the earthly
life and surely pave the way for the life
beyond
Mr.. Lansburgh gave a very interesting
talk upon "Old Washington and what
he knows by tradition and observation
of the Weightman family.
Charles p. Neill, commissioner of la
Dor, was expected to make short sd
dress, but an important business engage
ment kept him from being present.
Control Of the House.
The present organization of the Set
tlement House is none other than the
taking over of the work from a similar
organization, known as the Rochefort
House Social Center, which fiourished for
the past six or seven years under the d.
rection of Miss Rochefort, well known as
a local settlement worker. AS the Roche
fort House the settlement work was per-
formed by volunteers until the present
reorganization was made a short time
ago.