The Washington herald., 1910-11-10

Although the annual election is yet a
matter of months away, the political bee
is indusriously plying his trade around
the Chamber Of Commerce. For some
! reason not yet quite apparent the cleo
ton is this year fraught with more than
usual interest. Several candidates, more
1 by the efforts Of their friends than any
/ volition Of their own. are already in the
/ field. and indications point 10 a lively
contest.
/ Up to yesterday former Commissioners
/ Henry B. F. Macfarland was the one
man whom both the regulars and pro-
gressiyes Of the Chamber seemed TO be
uniting upon as the logical candidate.
Mr. Macfarland. however. addressed an
open letter TO Thomas Grant. secretary
of the Chamber. stating that despite the
urging OF his friends that he allow his
name to be put up he must decline the
honor.
Macfarland Declines.
Even were / unanimously elected presi-
dent of the Chamber OF Commerce, said
MIR. Macfarland, Il could not afford the
time necessary for its duties. re-
signed the Commissionership in order to
go into law partnership which requires
my constant attention TO the exclusion
of other responsibilities Of an execu-
tive character and It would be mani
testify unfair TO accept a position could
not give the requisite attention. / am
/ glad 10 serve in the ranks. as | believe
every citizen, however busy. should dc,
but 1 cannot take any executive office"
] %
| consideration, II seems likely that the et-
! forts OF the younger element VIII show
up stronger than ever AS representa-
tive or this element, there is no one more
favored than D. J. Callahan. who. al
though he has not definitely expressed
himself as willing TO become candidate,
| is heartily Endorsed by many members.
I Mr. Galatians name is strongly urged,
and his candidacy, IL announced, will re-
celve enthusiastic support.
Oyster Prominent.
Capt. James F. oyster is practically
the only other candidate now in the field.
Since launching the oyster boom several
days ago his friends have worked ear
nestly In his support. and VIII meet at
noon to-day in the Chamber rooms 10
outline a strenuous campaign. Capt.
| Oyster has been one OF the most promi-
nent men in the organization since its
inception. He has served continually as
vice president Of the Chamber. and has
also been well and favorably known by
his activity on the board OF education
and in the Business Mems Association.
From current gossip about the Chamber
/ II is evident that many Of the members
would favor slight changes In the gov
erpment Of the body. and il is prob
able that before the annual meeting In
January amendments to the constitution
will be drawn up and presented for con-
sideTation. Particularly do many favor
a reduction in the number OF members
assigned TO committees Practically all
of the committees OF the Chamber have
( from twenty TO thirty members. with
the consequent result. IL is stated. that
the bodies become unwieldy and inef-
| fective.
Has Large Balance.
The Chamber is now on a firm finan-
cial basis. By the report Of the treasurer,
submitted at the last monthly meeting.
the credit balance is now about 5000,
with a considerable amount due from the
/ conventions committee when their So, 900
! fund is completed '1here are 7S2 names
Oh the rolls, with the outstanding dues
| practically negligible