The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-11-13

,ilen1: he was appointed BY President
Mchlnley Commissioner of the District
May D 1900, entered upon his duties. and
Was elected president Of the Board OF
commissioners May 9, 1900
lie was reappOinted by President
Roosevelt March 2, 1903
Young When Appointed.
Mr.. mcfarland was 80 years old
when he became Commissioner, younger
than any other civilian Commissioner
was at the time OF appointment. He has
given much attention to the general in
terests OF the District OF Columbia, al
though he has taken full part In all the
work of the Board of Commissioners
and exercised close supervision over the
departments Of the District Government
assigned to him The Improvement
Of the District in all its phases, and the
arrangement of the District finances
upon a business-like basis, have been
the two special objects of his efforts
before Congress as President of the
Board Of Commissioners.
The filtration plant, sewage-dispOsal
system, the railway terminal legiSla-
tions including the abolition of grade
crossings, District government build
ing, bridges and all the other eXtra0r-
binary projects Of Improvement have
divided his chief attention with plans
Tor properly financing the Districts OBJ
legations under them, so as TO distrib-
ute the burden Instead OF having il fall
entirely upon the present time by being
met out OF current revenues, with the
appropriations. He has also given
hearty cooperation and support to the
Park Commission project for the de-
velopmen- or the park system OF the
District OF Columbia and the beautifi-
cation Of Washington. which was the
direct OutgToWth of the national cen
tennial celebration of which he was
chairman, and includes the proposed
memorial bridge across the Potomac TO
Arlington, which he has steadily adj
vocated.
Work for Education.
A Board OF Education came into being
on july I. 1900. Mr. Macfarland selecting
its members. who set about the making
of important reforms Mr.. mcfarland
recommended TO the President the mem
bers OF the Board OF Charities, which
began its work on July /. 1900. Under an
act recommended by the Commissioners
and under their direction, the Board OF
Charities during Mr. Macfarland's in
cunbency has m0derniZed the public
Charity system, introducing important
improvements with increasing efficiency
and economy, and tue Introduction Of
the best ideas known elsewhere when
applicable 10 local conditions.
He also reorganized the administration
OF the Fire Department introducing
new methods OF inspection OF all large
and appliances. He organized the new
Department OF Insurance, provided for
BY the District code. on January /. 1902
which, under an energetic superintend-
ent selected by him, has accomplished
much in the Improvement of condi-
lions In the Electrical Department. be-
sides the increased and improved in
SpectiOn of electrical work, the over
going underground rapidly, the great
majority having been SO disposed. Sim
lar progress has been made in other
departments under the Commissioner
supervision At his instance, there was
appointed by the Commissioners COM
mittee 10 examine into the business
methods Of the departments OF the Dis
trlet government whose report embOd-
led recommendations for important
changes. many of which have been eff
feeted and others are now being con-
sidered hy Congress. with view TO
appropriate legislation.
Public education, including the pub
lie library and playground projects,
have had his constant support. and
his lifelong interest in social and
philantiTopic work has been seen in
his support Of measures which have
become law most OF the bills being
prepared under his direction. for
Juvenile court and probation system,
condemnation OF insanitary buildings,
compulsory education. abatement Of
nuisances. restriction Of the sale OF
drugs and poisOns. regulation of en-
plOyment agencies. governmental
supervision OF savings banks. and of
building and loan associa tons, con-
version OF alleys into minor streets,
regulation OF child labor. and other
similar propositions.
"Safe and Sane Fourth.
He proposed the safe and sane cele-
bration Of the Fourth OF July BY Sc
curing new police regulation by the
Commissioners. and as chairman OF the
joint committee OF the Board OF Trade
and Chamber Of Commerce brought
about the program; made and directed
the execution of the plans for the trans
fer Of the remains o. Major L'Enfant
as che representative OF the Commits
slonerss and the eparatiOn OF the de-
sign for the memorial at the grave of
L Enfant ~ Arlington, and obtained the
consent OF the President 10 the COM
petitive appointment Of cadets to the
West Point and Annapolis academies.
MI. mcfarland is president of the
Rock Creek Park board Of control, pres
ldeut OF the commission to build the /
District Of Columbia Public Library /
buildings chairman Of the national {
committee on the proposed change OF /
Inauguration Day. president OF the as I
ISOLATION 10 preserve the Francis Scott 1
Key home, member OF the United States /
Commission 70 examine United States I
ttles in the District OF Columbia, chair /
man OF the board Of trustees Of the /
George Washington University. presi- /
the District of Columbia, director Of /
The Washington National Monument SO- /
ciety. chairman OF the Crosby $. Moves /
memorial committee. secretary of the I
John WitherspOOn Statue Memorial As
ISOLATION. member OF the last three in
augurai committees. member OF the in
ternational committee of the YOUNG
Mems Christian Associations Of North
America, member Of the executive cOun-
oil Of the National Municipal League
vice president OF the Playground As
ISOLATION OF America, member Of the
committee on public ownership OF pub
JIG utilities Of the national civic fedora
IiOn.
Commenting upon Commissioner Mac
farsand's resignation, Commissioner
West said
West Pays Tribute
Il have learned with sincere regret of
The resignation Of Mr.. Mcfarland My
association with him during the past
seven years has been OF the most agree
able character, and I have learned TO
respect his high character and admire
tie higl Ideals which always actuated
his conduct He has labored with great
and effectiveness for the good
OF the District, aud has made d lasting
impression upon the National Capital /
His determination 70 enter upon the
practice If lay ist Ia my Judgment a /