Evening star., 1909-05-04
GLOWING TRIBUTES PAID
"THE MASTER BUILDER"
Impressive Ceremonies Held in Front
of Municipal Building.
PROMINENT PERSONS PRESENT
Duty of Continuing the Work of
Beautifying the Capital Begun
by Former Governor the Key
note of Speeches.

Alexander Robey Shepherd, the master
builder OF the new Washington, was
honored yesterday afternoon by the un-
yelling of memorial statue of him in
front of the District building in the pres
ence of prominent representatives, of the
national and municipal governments and
an immense throng of citizens of the
National capital and TO the accompani-
ment of high words of praise of his life
and work for the city's development by
representatives of the new Washington
which he founded.
Impressive in the highest degree were
the ceremonies attending the unveiling.
When the hundreds from all walks of
life had gathered aroung the flagdraped
statue in the park in front of the District
building at 14th street and Pennsylvania
avenue. under the very caves of the mag
nificent home of the municipal govern
ment. there were words of praise for
former Gov Alexander r. Shepherd and
a measure of the task accomplished by
him in making the National Capital worthy
OF the republic and a city of beauty.
Then came the unfolding of the flag from
around the bronze figure in the center of
the gathering and there came to view
the striking bronze representation. in
heroic proportions, of the man who had
accomplished the wonders just previously
presentation of the statue to the District
as testimonial of the appreciation of
his public services by his fellow citizens
The ceremonies also served as the oc-
casion for the sounding of a call for
another Shepherd campaign for Wash
ingtoD to continue his work for orna-
menting the city with parks and statues
and beautiful buildings and for obtain
ing for the residents Of the capital equal
rights of employment and representa-
tion in the national government as are
accorded to residents of any other city.
Ambitious predictions for Washington
were made, and the name Of Shepherd
was used as the rallying call to it's
citizens to greater accomplishments In
the future than have been recorded in
the past.
First Native Washingtonian So Hon
ored.
The occasion was unique too, accord
ing to one of the speakers, because 1t
was the first time that a memorial
statue has been erected in the National
capital to a man born within it's limits
and in tribute to the work he did for the
development of his native city. Statues
of great heroes of war and peace have
been unveiled before in Washington, but
never before have the residents so sig
nally honored a native-born fellow-citi-
zen.
The occasion was also unusual be-
cause ii marked the paying Of tributes to
hero in civil life. warrior in civil
affairs. And, fitting this feature of the
occasion. the bronze figure o. the former
governor shows him in business suit
Just as he looked in life and as he fought
for civic victories.
The weather was in sharp contrast to
that which a feature of the last
prior public demonstration in the National
capital March 4. The blue dome of the
heavens was only here and there dotted
with white feecy clouds, and even the
sun and the sky seemed to declare
benediction on the ceremonies or tribute
An hour before the time when the pro-
gram was to begin-3:3O clock-peopie
began to gather around the hag-covered
statue. and from to $3.50 o'clock they
came in large numbers. until every seat
in the large rectangular inclosure was
taken and humanity crowded around the
raiIings. Every point Of vantage around
the statue was filled and many were
unable to get within hearing distance OF
the speakers stand
Around the statue were gathered prac-
tically every person of local prominence
and many who have nationwide renown.
There were representatives of the ma
tional government, the Speaker of the
House Of Representative, United States
senators and representatives. the Sec
retary OF the Treasury and others high
in national administrative circles. There
were the Commissioners of the District
and other officials Of the government at
the head of which once stood the man
to whom they were met to pay tribute.
There We're representatives Of every civic
organization In the National capitat-men
who carrying forward the plans for
greater Washington, first practically
wrought out by former Gov. Shepherd.
There were still hundreds Of others who,
by their presence, simply desired to pay
their respect to the man who was the
master builder of the city whose beau
ties and comforts they now enjoy.
Flags for Every State.
The inclosure in which were the seats
for the specially invited guests was
marked with flag poles and flag was
flying for every state of the republic
From pole TO pole were ropes of laurel
and suspended from them were laurel
wreaths. typifying the victory which Gov
Shepherd won. The statue was enveloped
I'm two huge American flags.
On the speakers stand, besides those
who took part in the ceremonies, We're
the members of the family of the MAJ
whose memory was honored That
party included Mrs. Alexander Robey
Shepherd. the widow of the dead gov
ernor: Mrs. Edward A. Quintard and
her four children, Mrs. and Miss Bro
die. DIR. and Mrs. Merchant. Mrs. wag-
ner and two children, Mr.. and Mrs.
Grant Shepherd, Mr.. and Mrs. John c.
Shepherd. Alexander r. Shepherd, I'D ;
Mrs. G. F. Coe of New York and MIR.
Mrs. and Miss Stevens of New York.
Alexander Robey Shepherd, I'd. was the
only absent member of the family. ne
being detained in Mexico by the death
of q child
After a couple of musical selections
by the United States Marine Band. un-
der the leadership OF Lieut.. William II.
Santelmann. the formal ceremonies
were begun by the sounding of AS
sembly by bugler of the ba nd.
When the band struck up America 8
minute later the large assennbiage arose.
~. the conclusion Of the piece. while the
audience remained standing. Rev. DR..
Wallace Radcliffe, pastor Of the New
YORK. Avenue Presbyterian Church. which
Gov Shepherd and his family attended
when residents of this city, pronounced
the Invocation.
DR.. Radcliffe's Prayer.
Almighty Gcd.'' the minister prayed