Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-11-13
What MacfarIand Has Done
in Nine Years. Service

Commissioner Mcfarland began the du.
ties Of the office May 8, 1900. He was
nominated for the position by President
Mckinley April %. 1900. and the nomina-
ton was confirmed by the Senate May 2
1900
He was nominated for a second term by
President Roosevelt in February. 1908
The nomination was confirmed by the
Senate May 8. 1903. For his third term
he was named by President Roosevelt
in February. 1906. and the Senate con.
CURED April S. 1905.
This appointment expired May 8. 1909
At that time President Taft announced
that he would not then reappoint Com
missioner mcfarland because of his de.
sire to look into the form of the District
government. and because he did not wish
to be embarrassed by the appointment
should he decide to recommend the abo-
lition of the present form Of govern.
ment.
Native Of Philadelphia.
Mr.. mcfarland was born in Philadel.
phia February IL. 1851. the eldest child
Of the late Joseph Mcfarland. the well
known journalist. The father brought
the family to Washington at the close
of the civil war.
Mr.. mcfarland was educated in pri-
vate schools, graduated at RittenhOuse
Academy, Washington, and read law In
the office of the late W. b. Webb. He
was admitted to the bar In February OF
this year.
In October, 1888. Mr. Macfarland mar
ried Mary Lyon Douglass. daughter OF
John w. Douglass, q former District
Commissioner and commissioner Of in
ternal revenue.
MI. mcfarland was the youngest
<Al hos
OF the board Of Commissioners. On the
day he took office he was elected presi
dent Of the board.
During his service as Commissioner his
time has largely been devoted to pro
trict. although he has paid strict atten
ton to the departments especially as,
signed to him, and has secured improve
ments I'm all of them. He has also beer
prominently identified with many organi
cations which aim to promote the genera
welfare and prosperity of the Nationa
Capital.
Among his latest projects are the pro-
motion OF safe and sane celebration
of the Fourth of July; the transfer. with
fitting ceremonies. of the remains OF
Maj. LEnfant from an unmarked grave
| to a resting place in Arlington Nationa
cemetery. and the securing Of the con
sent OF the President to the competitive
appointments Of cadets to the West Poin
and Annapolis academies.
Some Things Accomplished.
Commissioner Mcfarland has had a
part in all the municipal Improvement
since 1900 in procuring legislation and ap.
preparations. I'm organizing municipal
services and making Improvements ir
municipal methods. and In the genera
administration OF affairs.
summary of the principal items In
that progress. including the remainder
| of the program of the Commissioners foI
such Improvement is as follows:
| Creation OF Senate park commission a.
permanent memorial Of centennial cele
| bration. and preparation of its plan for q
| harmonious development of the park sys
| TEN and the placing of public buildings.
| New railway terminal, including aboli-
| ton OF all grade crossings. removal OF
| the old railway stations. freeing Nal
/ from Pennsylvania station and tracks
| and construction OF Union station. Tota
| cost estimated at 500, OOOOOO. United
| States contributed $1.5OO,OOO; United
| States and District of Columbia combined
| 81 100000. Estimated cost Of street alter
| atoms and grade damages, payable joint
| ~ by United States and District OF Co
| lumbia. S2,5OO.OOO. This work approach
| ing completion.
| New city sewers and sewerage disposa
! system, suburban sewers. filtration plant
| District government building. Highway
bridge across the Potomac river. Connect.
Massachusetts, Avenue bridge across Rocl