The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1909-11-14

resignation, given at the White House
yesterday morning in the presence OF
Postmaster General Hitchcock and Secre-
tary Fred Carpenter, Commissioner Mac
farland made the following statement:
I have resigned In order that I may
practice law. Ever since 1 was admitted
70 the bar last February l have been IN
tending to take this step. l have de-
layed in order to do some things upon
which was at work. such as the estab-
liEhment OF the safe and sane ceIebra-
ton OF the Fourth Of July. the competi-
tive appointment of District candidates
10 West Point and Annapolis, the trans
fer OF lEnfants remains, and TO take
part In the preparation Of the estimates
with a view to having adequate expendi-
lures FOR current needs. and providing for
carrying out the rest OF our programme
OF extraordinary improvements
I have no private fortune: I am forty
eight years old. and 1 caVnot afford TO
remain longer in office / feel that have
given all the time 10 the District govern
meu service that 1 ought TO give.
But / am very happy 10 have had the
opportunity 10 serve in the Commissioner
ship during the period Of our municipal
development. 1 am grateful for the sup
port which I have had from all that is
best in the National Capital shall con-
unue TO do everything in my power for
the District"
Commissioner Vests Tribute.
Commissioner West. when he heard Mr.
mcfarland had resigned, said:
Il have learned with sincere regret OF
the resignation OF Mr.. Macfarland. NV
association with him during the past
seven years has been Of a most pleasant
character. and have learned TO respect
the high character and admire the high
IDEALS which always actuate his conduct
He has labored with great effective
ness and industry for the good Of the
District and has made lasting impress
sion upon the National Capital His de-
termination 20 enter upon the practice OF
law is, IN my Judgment a wise one. and
am sure he will have the best wishes
or the entire community for his success
His record as Commissioner has been nm
blemshed, and there is no question that
he can look back over his achievements
with satisfaction"
Health officer Woodward. whose DEPART
ment comes directly under Mr.. Macfar-
lands direction, expressed his regret and
me regret OF those In HIS department over
Mr.. mcfarland has always been de-
voted to the best interests OF ne Dis
uict' he said, "Gnd during his period OF
lncumbency has accomplished more prac-
ucal reforms than any other Commits
fioner He has furthered the work and
usefulness Of the health department
whenever the opportunity offered. Every
one IN the employ Of the District viii
miss the unfailing kindness and courtesy
which he showed to all"
Many others at the heads Of depart-
ments expressed their appreciation of the
work Mr.. mcfarland had done DR.. Tin
daH' secretary TO the Board OF Commits
sioners. remarked:
Nine Years of Service.
During the nine and half years
which Mr.. mcfarland has devoted tn the
public service as Commissioner of the
District of Columbia, It's DEVELOPMENT
along the lines Of municipal Improvement
mas not been less marked than the results
achieved by the Board of Public Works
which started the Capital on the road 70
metropolitan grandeur. His influence has
not only been felt IN the physical i'm
provement Of the District but was esna-
clally effective in the lines OF municinaI
altruism His forceful manner of nrA-
senting on all suitable occasions the Dis
trlcts advantages has greatly impressed
the country at large with the grandeur of
the Capltals destiny and their duty In
making 1t worthy OF the nation"
Nj mcfarland had for years before
MS appointment as Commissioner taken
a deep interest I'm the civic affairs OF the
district and been active in all move
ments for It's Improvement When on
ha
sioner OF the District OF Columbia nv
President Mckinley he was az once
elected president Of the Board of Com
missioners and took the oath OF Office on
May 9, 1900.
tie was reappOinted Commissioner by
President Roosevelt March .. 1903 While
Mr. mcfarland was considering the mat
ter Of a second term. there was presented
TO him a letter signed by many prom
inent citizens OF the city requesting him
TO serve again.
In consideration OF this appeal, more
than for any other reason, Mr. Macfar-
land reluctantly continued in Office. and
was again elected president Of the board
lie was again reappOinted by President
Roosevelt in 1906.
Taft Considering Changes.
On this appointment Mr. Macfarland's
term Of Office expired May .. 1909. At that
time President Taft announced he would
not reappoint Mr. mcfarland. or appoint
a successor. because he wished to look
into the form OF District government and
did not want 20 be embarrassed by the
appointment should he decide TO make
change In the present form OF govern
ment
Henry p. F. Macfarland was born IN
Philadelphia, February II, 1861. He was
the eldest child of the late Joseph Mac
farland, the well-known journalist. The
father took the family to Washington
soon after the close OF the civil war. Mr..
Macfarland was first educated In private
schools. and then attended the Ritten-
house Academy, Of this city. Soon after
his graduation from this school. he en-
tered the Office Of the late Hon. w r
Webb, where he was engaged for A num-
Der Of years In reading law.
In October. 1SSS, Mr. Macfarland mar
ried Miss Mary Lyon Douglass. She was
the daughter OF Hon, John w. Douglass
OF Erie. Penn. and at one Time District
Commissioner.
Mr Macfarland was thirty-iIne years
Old when he first became Commissioner
younger than any other civilian Commits
sioner. As president of the board. he Is
the representative NJ tho nfe.-tos 4, .