Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-12-31

last nlSnt tndC ne DeHcVe0 therc was no
where greater public spirit than in
Washington; said he had asserted it
again and again before the committees
of Congress, in conventions and in cities
throughout the country. He told the
District of Columbia that it's own citi-
zens are doing more than their share to
earth. He did not, and said he could
not, for lack of time. give an account Of
the Stewardship: that the record was
lasting one to be seen for generations to
come. But he said that he had worried
in a period of unparalleled muntcipa!
prosperity. and the results accomplished
justified personal sacrifices
Commissioner West pointed a warning
finger at any attempt to mar the beauty
of the city's advance by political barter
ing In municipal offices. He ascr!bed
much credit for the great things that
have been accomplished in tire National
Capital to the fact that the District has
kept aloof from this evil as he ex-
pressed it. He dwelt upon the state
ment. and emphasized 1t, and said that
the freedom from traffic of that kind
had given the District government a
personnel without peer.
He spoke of the work that has been
accomplished under his administration
and warned the man who would come
after him that the great work had simply
begun. and that there Is tremendous
field tne EXERCISE VI every hdNuitS VI
Judgment and execution.
MI Edson's Address.
commissioner Macfarland. Commits
sioner West: We are here today" Mr..
Edison said. representing the citizens OF
Washington, to express to you their
acknowledgment and appreciation of your
long and efficient services as Commits
sioners of the District Of Columbia, and
to assure you of the high esteem in which
you are each held personally.
This movement by the citizens of
Washington for testimonial in your
honor as you go out OF office was
prompted solely because of the conspicu-
Gus and valuable services you have rem
dered so long in the administration of
the government of the District.
Mr. Macfarl@ nd. you have served as
president of the board of Commissioners
for over three terms, or nearly ten years.
This length OF service has not been eX-
ceeded by any former republican Com
missioner, as none of your predecessors
has served over one term of three years.
Mr. West, you received three appoint
ments and have served over seven years
longer than any OF your democratic pre-
decessors, except Mr.. Ross, who served
twelve years.
I'm public Office, as in private affairs,
it is human to err in judgment, but II
such errors have been made III your ad-
ministration of office we cannot remem-
Der them; but great satisfaction is felt
upon this pleasant occasion in recount
ing. in part. what you have accom-
plished
Fidelity in the discharge of your du-
ties and the wonderful progress that has
been made in large improvements since
you entered Office stand out strongly to
your credit.
Great improvements.
I'VE find. upon examination of the rec
ords, that over 81 OoO,0U have been
expended for extraordinary improve
ments since Your appointment as Com
missioners-more than was expended for
comprehensive improvements under the
administration of Gov. Shepherd. and also
more than is contemplated in the bill
recommended by the Commissioners for
financing the District debt and expendi-
lures for improvements. These most sat
isfac,ory results We're brought about. for
the most part. by your initiation and in
fiueuce and the proper and able manner
in which the merits of the respective
measures were presented to Congress. The
Municipal building, the filtration plant,
the Highway bridge. sewers and sewage
disposal system. arf the Union terminal
station, with Others quite as important.
are among the urge things that have
been accomplished, which the city for all
time will enjoy, and which will contrib
ute to the health. happiness and uses of
the people and constitute long step
toward perfecting and Identifying the
National Capital.
THE District revenues and appropria-
tons have doubled since 1900, which in
dicates the increase In the wealth and
values of the District. and the imprt We
ments in all directions that those funds