davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-01-01
PUBLIC FAIRGROUNDS.

THE cause of Fairgrounds for the chill
dren OF Washington was materially ad-
vanced during the year 1909.
Early in January Maj. Sylvester suggest
ed that the tidal basin be opened as fish
ing ground for the recreation of the boys
and men of Washington. and this was
later done Many local society women
met at the house of Mrs. Bacon January
Is, TO discuss the subject OF Fairgrounds.
and plans were formed to advance the
cause.
improvements in the Georgetown play
ground were completed early in May. end
the same week President Taft wrote {"
the Fairgrounds congress in Pittsburg
expressing his hearty approval of the
playground movement
short time thereafter Postmaster
General Hitchcock was elected president
of the Washington Fairgrounds Asso-
citation to succeed Cuno Ill. RDdolph, who
declined reelection. The pupils of the
Carbery School gave entertainment
for the benefit of Fairgrounds May -.
June L. as the button day campaign
was i'm full progress, James f.. West re-
signed from the government service 10
devote his entire time TO playground
work
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-01-01
EVENTS OF 1909 IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

ton Of a design for the statue of John
Barry, and has not yet been settled.
Greenoughs statue of Washington was
removed to the Smithsonian Institution
Extensive Improvements have been
made to Potomac Park. These include
an extension of the boulevard along the
river front. the building of a special
driveway for driving and riding horses
frori the foot of 10Th street and the
construction of concrete bridge of
exceptional beauty over the inlet to the
tidal basin. This bridge contains locks
and gates for use in flushing the basin
and the Washington channel of the Po-
tomac. AT the instance of President
Taft. series Of public band concerts
were given in the park during the sum-
mer. The opening concert was given
April 1s by the Philippine Constabulary
Band. and was attended by the Presi-
dent and Mrs Taft, and many other
distinguished persons.
Within r few days 1000 japanese
cherry trees were received here for plant
ing on Riverside drive and in the pub
lie parks generally. They were pre-
scented to the city of Washington by the
city of Toxic as act of friendship
and esteem.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-01-01
AERONAUTtCS.

Progress in aeronautics. which covered
most of the civilized world, by 10 means
neglected Washington. The Washingt on
Aero Club was organized. the tests Of the
Wright aeroplane We're successfully con-
cluded at Fort Myer. and later in the
season two army officers were trained TO
fly at College Park, Nd.
Medals voted ny the Aero Club of Amer
lea were presented TO the Wrights at tho
White House by the President OF tn
United States. A campaign has been
inaugurated to bring the next :nterna-
tionaI aviation carnival TO Washington.
Besides there have been a number of
aeroplanes and elders built in Washing
ton. though wholly successful machine
has not yet been developed.
The local Aero Club was organized
January "a, with a charter membership
of 100 persons, comprising some OF the
most prominent scientific and financial
men in Washington. The presidency Of
the club was taken by Thomas +. Walsh
and the secretaryship by DIR. Albert
Zahm, who had made an international rep
utation for original research work in air
currents.
There was a long fight in the House of
Representatives over the question of APP
propriating more money for aeronautics.
At first SJOoGD was granted. but this
action was afterward reversed. and moth
ing further has been done up to date.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-01-01
Tammany Is Defeated.

The New York city campaign attracted
national attention. An alliance OF inde-
pendent and democratic strength with
the republicans resulted I'm tho complei"
smashing Of Tammany's control Of I'M
portant city offices. although the Tam
many candidate for mayor was elected.
Even this was not Tammany victory.
however since Mayor-elect Gaynor ~
surrounded by anti-Iammany hoard
of estimate and minor officials. ana fur
thermorc is not classed himself a.
strictly Tammanyite.
An interesting feature of this cam
paign was the participation OF William
r. Hearst. running independent
candidate for MAYOR. for the purpose. OF
dividing the radical vote. His move was
successful and largely contributive to
TammanNs discontinue. Mr. Hearst
course i'm this campaign is thought TO have
raised him in the esteem OF tho conserNa-
tive element of the town and he has been
the recipient of many congratulations.
An incident in national politics WAS tie
finding OF a new issue by William J.
Bryan. lie has declared himself in favor
Of prohibition as a democratic nationa
plank Another significant occurrence
III democratic politics was the renuncia
ton OF Bryan by Norman r.. Mack. his
erstwhile campaign manager and chair
man Of the democratic national commit
tee. who is believed to be casting favor
able eyes toward Gov Judson Harmon or
Ohio for the next national campaign.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-01-01
Taft at Catholic University,

IN an address at the Catholic Cniver-
Sly June II President Taft reviewed at
length his negotiations with the friars OF
The Philippines for their lands
Washington pastors were much inter
ested when President Eliot of Harvard
in july predicted a new faith Rev. r.
J. Lukens came 10 Washington TO be-
come suDerint endent of the Central
Union Mission in the same month.
In September Rev. r. D. Power COM
pieted his thirty-fourth year as pastor
"f the Vermont Avenue Christian Church
late in the month Rev. Lloyd c. Doug
las was selected as pastor OF the Luther
Place Memorial Church.
Rev. l.. Iiez Sven observed his TWEEN
tS-ffth anniversary as pastor of the Sec
ond Baptist Church in October. and Rev
Or. j. Henning Nelms rector of the
church of the Ascension, declined a call
10 Lynchburg. Va Rev. j. Harvey Dun
OF the Western Presbyterian Church, sue
ceeding Rev. DIR. George Bailey. who
went to Erie Pa.
The Georgetown Lutheran Church was
built l4O years ago. and this anniversary
was celebrated late in October
In November Rev. z. Hez Sven was
reelected moderator of the Columbia
Association of Baptist Churches, and Rev
Df. T. r. Steck was chosen pastor OF
the Independent Lutheran CONGREGATION
rev. l.. e. Douglas was installed AZ
i'astor of the Luther Place Church early
~ december Rev. William H. Morrison
resigned as assistant rector of ST. Paurs
Episcopal Church. Mgr Shahan was in.
vested with the robes of a domestic
prelate OF the pope's household December
10 al the Catholic University.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-01-01
Flight at Fort Myer.

The Wright aeroplane arrived at Fort
Myer for it's acceptance tests June 70. and
after several days spent in assembling
the machine it was first tested June 30.
July 81 Orvile Wright made the long
expected trip to Alexandria and return
with a passenger. His speed averaged
a little over forty-two miles an hour.
and thus he won bonus of 5000 for the
machine.
In the course OF the summer machines
were built by Samuel Luttrell, Fl. A.
Orme and ]. II. Smiley in Washington
and an aeroplane company was formed
by c. 3. Nichols. one of Prof. Langley's
former assistants, and some other Wash
ington business men. Work on a ma
chine was to have commenced early in
the fall, but nothing has yet been done.
Wilbur Wright arrived at College Park
October Z, and in the course of a month
instructed Lieut.. Lahm and Lieut..
Humphreys in the use Of the Wright ma
chine.
The only flight in an aeroplane SO far
by a woman in America was made at
College Park by Mrs. Ralph Van De-
man, wife Of an army officer. October "a
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-01-01
CELEBRATIONS
AND CEREMONIES

Most impressive among the celebrations
held in the District of Columbia during
the year was the manner of observance OF
Independence day. The nations capital
took the lead in the movement for a sane
Fourth of July, with the result that the
promiscuous sale OF fireworks was pro-
hibited and the use Of any and all kinds
of powder-filled noise makers likewise
came under the ban. Generous contribu-
tons made it possible for the city to have
both it's day and night fireworks displays
handled by professionals, and thousands
of persons enjoyed the climax of the days
pleasures in the magnificent illumination
at the White Lot and along PENNSYLVANIA
avenue Washington's sane Fourth"
was pronounced an unqualified success, as
the city made not one entry to the long
list of persons killed and injured i'm ham
ding fireworks on the nations natal day.
Memorial day exercises were held, as
usual. under auspices of the u. \. X,
and hundreds of veterans brayed the i'll
clement weather on that day TO decorate
the graves OF their comrades. Confederate
veterans observed the Robert +. Lee an
niversary, January 10, and again June d
the survivors of the southlanfs brlgades
marched through the streets and to Ar
lington where the principal exercises of
the Confederate Memorial day were held
The Y. NJ. c. A. celebrated the tenth
anniversary of the beginning of the serv-
ice of S. w. Woodward as president Feb
r,lary 10 to To- Services were held in
many churches in observance OF the Lin
coin centenary February II. resolution
to make Lincoln's birthday holiday was
defeated in the House.
February 10 the Maine Memorial Asso-
citation observed the eleventh anniversary
of the sinking of the American battleship
in Havana harbor. memorial service be-
ing held in the First Presbyterian Church
There was also a pilgrimage of patriotic
societies to Arlington, where Admiral
Sigsbee was the principal speaker at me-
moral exercises.
Irishmen. Elks and members Of local
Gaelic societies held exercises in observ-
ance of st. Patricks day.
President and Mrs. Taft. Ambassador
Jusserand. members OF the Supreme
Court Of Congress and Of the diplomatic
corps participated in an impressive serv-
ice at the Capitol incident to the reburial
of the remains of l. Enfant.
Local Grand Army posts led in the
celebration of the eighty-seventh anniver-
sary Of the birth of Gen. Grant April n.
Alexandria held an elaborate old-home
week the last of April. The inaugural
ceremonies are described elsewhere.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-01-01
Button Day Profitable.

Button day was observed JUNE Il. when
about $1,000 was raised through the sale
of buttons fearing a picture OF President
Taft and the legend Il am for play
grounds" Hundreds of boys. girls and
young women throughout the city aided
in the sale OF buttons and nearly all OF
the/merchants of the city gave a helping
hand in the movement.
A ball game between the Washington
Board of Trade and the Chamber of Com
merce. for the benefit of the Fairgrounds.
took place June 30. The Board of Trade
team was victorious.
The Fairgrounds throughout the city
were opened July !. Fifteen local school
wards were also brought into use as
Fairgrounds on that day. in addition to
the regular grounds throughout the city.
An athletic meet for children was held
July II on the Virginia avenue play
grounds under the auspices of the Play
grounds Association. Similar contests
were held at Garfield Park July 10. The
annual excursion of the Fairgrounds As
ISOLATION was held August 10.
Many athletic contests among the chill
dren were held during August. ana Tor
a week i'm the early part OF October the
industrial work of the Fairgrounds was
on exhibition in the Public Library The
last athletic meet OF the season for tho
playground children held December
L.
Postmaster General Hitchcock the
District Commissioners and others inter
ested in the playground movement aided
i'm the campaign for funds as soon as
Congress convened; and the House OF
Representatives las included in the Dis
trict appropriations the sum OF S22,HO
for the benefit of the local Fairgrounds
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-01-01
IN THE CHURCHES.

The year just past has witnessed a
ondeTful revival in the work for mis-
sions. This was shown in the splendidiy
attended conventions held in various
parts Of the country by the laymen's mis-
>onarr movement. The convention in
Washington developed an enthusiasm
which resulted in an agreement by the
various churches TO raise 100000 during
tic next twelve months for the evangeli-
zatior of the world. Episcopalians and
Pleshyterians. Methodist Professionals and
members of the Society of Friends, all
Protestant churches. Joined in the com
men effort to further the cause OF mis-
sions
Tho Year was also made mem orable by
the ordination of Rev. DIR. Alfred Hard
ing Bishop of Washington, TO succeed
Rt. Rev. Henry Yates Satterlee, first
Bishop of Washington The ceremonies.
in the presence of distinguished body
of churchmen, took place late in January
in Trinity Episcopal Church.
In the first month of the year Mgr.
oConnell, rector of the Catholic Uni
verstty, was made titular Bishop of Sc
haste and Auxiliary Bishop of San Fran
CISCO. Rev. DR.. Randolph II. McKim OBJ
served his twentieth anniversary as rec
tor of Epiphany Church.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-01-01
New Officers Are Elected.

At a meeting of the board Of directors
November 10 officers for the ensuing year
were elected. Gen. George Fl. Harries was
chosen president: Thomas c. Noyes, first
vice president, and Arthur c. Moses, sec
ond vice president. At meeting of the
board of directors December action was
taken to aid the passage of the Gallinger
amendment to the Morrill, acts, SO as to
permit George Washington University to
share i'm the appropriations that are made
annually to at least one college in every
state at which agriculture and the me-
chanic arts are taught. The retrocession
act. by which that part of the original
District of Columbia on the south side Of
the Potomac river was returned to Nir-
gnia. was also discussed and resolu-
ton passed urging the testing of the le
gality of the act. At a special meeting
of the board of directors called by Presi-
dent Harries December % an emphatic
stand was taken in opposition to the al
legged violation of the half and half
principle by the House of Representa-
tives in specifying that the $1,000 ap-
propriated for Fairgrounds shall be paid
entirely from the revenues OF the Dis
trict. The board of directors left the
question in the hands of President Har-
ries and Second Vice President Arthur 4.
Moses. who were empowered to act for
the full board, in accordance with the
general policy of the Board OF Trade.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-01-01
Several Monuments Dedicated.

Statues of Longfellow and Witherspoon,
Heroes of Peace" crested through pri-
vate subscription. both oddly enough by
the same sculptor. William Copper. and in
close proximity on Connecticut avenue,
were unveiled last spring with appropriate
ceremonies A statue OF Alexander r.
Shepherd by L. S. J. Dunbar was placed,
about the same time. in front of the Dis
trict building, and the Stevenson memo
rial was erected by the Grand Army of
the Republic at the junction of 9TH street
and Louisiana avenue.
In May a great convention of art So
cieties was held in this city, at which a
national art OrganiZatiOn-the American
Federation OF Arts-was formed. This or
had between sixty and seventy chapters
and about eight hundred associate mem
beers, established its head Office i'll this
city and will hold its annual conventions
here. OF all the happenings of 1909 this
is regarded as probably the most notable.
inasmuch as it will be far-rea ching in eff
feet and at the same time tend TO con-
centrate the art interests in America in
this city.
In MAY moreover the first annual city
planning conference was held in this city.
an exhibition being held of city plans in
the Raleigh Hotel and sessions being con-
Quoted in the boardroom at the District
building. Recently the American Insti-
League of America have held annual
meetings in this cfty. while Simultaneous
ly the first public meeting of the National
Academy of Arts and Letters was being
held in Continental Hall. with noted art
lists as we'll as writer's in attendance.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-01-01
Government Gives Help.

The relation of the government to the
fine arts has materially helped to make
Washington notable. Early in 1909 Pres
ident Roosevelt appointed the fine arts
council. which was authorized to pass
upon all public works Of art. but which
was destined to short life, owing to bitter
opposition on the part of Congress, which
saw in the executive order encroa chmept
upon its legislative powers. The council
met once passed adversely upon the
proposed Lincoln memorial adjacent to
the plaza of the Union station. and then
ceased to exist. even before President
Taft wiped the slate clean by declaring 1t
abolished. The discussions it occa stoned,
both in the House of Representatives and
the press. have. however, left an impress.
The Lincoln memorial likewise caused
no little excitement and dissension, a
plan to erect a memorial on land lying
between the Capitol and the Union sta
ton being vigorously and effectively OPP
posed as we'll project to build a road
from Washington to Gettysburg with the
same purpose. Meanwhile the question of
the free admission of works of art was
zealously advocated, with the result that
a clause in the new tariff act permits
paintings over twenty years of age and
art objects over one hundred years old to
be admitted free of duty.
A competition for memorial to Column
bus to be placed on the plaza of the
Union station. was held, and the award
made to dorado Taft of Chicago a sculp-
tor of much distinction. The commission
for statue of John Paul Jones was
awarded to c. II. Niehaus. whose Hahne-
mann statue stands near Scott Circle. A
competition was held for a statue of Com
modore John Barry and the commission
given, upon the rating of an expert jury,
to Andrew O'Connor. but on account of
protests made against the design by an
Irish-American society claiming authority
the work has not been permitted to pro-
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-01-01
Plan of Consolidation Fails.

\ consolidation of the New York Ave-
nuc and Washington Heights Presbyte
Ran congregations was urged by many
members of both congregations with a
view of building great Presbyterian
Church on Washington Heights. but at
tho eleventh hour the negotiations fell
through. Another event of the month of
the call extended to Rabbi Simon of the
Washington Hebrew Congregation by a
San Francisco congregation, which he
la ter refused.
Two factions of the Luther Place Me
mortal Church engaged in an animated
discussion as to the government of the
church. with the result that one withdrew
and formed the Independent Lutheran
Congregation.
Rev. DR.. Shahan was made temporary
rector of the Catholic University late in
the initial month shortly before Bishop
o'Connell went to San F'ranci ECO.
Rev. DIR. Charles +. Winbigier preached
his farewell sermon at the First Baptist
church and Rev. DR.. Roher, Talbot of
Kansas City, Mo-, was called st. Paul S
church to succeed DR.. Hardin early In
February. Late in the montl Rev. DIR.
Weston Bruner was called to the First
Baptist Church of San Antonio, Tex, and
accepted.
Rev. G.. W. III. Troop. assistant rector of
81 Johns Episcopal Church, Georgetown,
went over TO the Unitarian faith and later
IN the year the Bishop of Washington at
the request of the clergyman conducted a
service at which he was unfrocked.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-01-01

and despite the raising OF the scholar
ship qualifications for entrance and fol
graduation with degree the enrolment
Of students for the new year was fully
up to expectations. During the twelve
months the effort to secure for the uni
versity the benefits of the Morrill, land
act were continued. Senator Gailingel
las introduced in the present Congress
an amendment to the old law. removing
the discrimination in it against the Dis
trict, and there are strong hopes of its
passage. Dean w. r. Vance of the law
school has resigned to accept pro-
censorship at Yale.
At the Catholic University the principal
event Of the year was the installation OF
DIR. Thomas J. Shahan as rector and the
conferring upon him of the rank of mon
signOr.
The construction of the new Carnegie
Library and OF new science hall at the
Howard University were the notable
events Of that institutions year. The
Bliss Electrical School replaced It's old
quarters at Takoma Park. which were
destroyed by fire. by new and modern
structures. Work on the new home of
ST. Margaret's School was begun In June,
and the structure was dedicated by
Bishop Harding with elaborate cere-
monies late In October
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-01-01
Local Collections Enlarged.

The Library of Congress has received a
gift from Italy of valuable engravings
from the royal print collection. a num-
Der of which have been placed on fxhibi-
ton. The Evans National Gallery collec-
ton has been enlarged and strengthened
by the donor, greater space being afforded
by it's removal. in July. from the Cor
coran Gallery to the National Museum.
At his studio in Forrest Hail. George
town. F. d. Millet last winter executed a
notable series of mural paintings for the
Cleveland Trust Company of Cleveland,
Ohio, which. when completed in the early
summer, was exhibited for a week. AT
the Cosmos Club several small exhibitions
were held, among which was a painting
by Miss Catherine c. Critcher. And at the
Corcoran Gallery this autumn a COM
prehensive collection OF landscape paint
ings by Alfred East. president of the
Royal Society OF British Artists, has been
shown.
But with the gain may be chronicled
the loss. Charles NJ. Ffoulke, we'll known
as connoisseur and collector of tapes
tries, and for several years the president
of the National Society of the Fine Arts,
died early in the summer at New York,
and in the same city in October Miss
Grace Atwater, the secretary of the
Washington Water Color Club, passed
away.
The National Society of the Fine Arts
has. as usual, conducted courses of lee
lures for it's members and the general
public. The Public Library has set forth,
from time to time, instructive exhibits.
and the dealers galleries have presented
interesting displays. There has been
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-01-01
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

The year 1909 was full and active one
for the Chamber of Commerce. The
members have taken a live part in the
discussions of the day wherever they
touched upon the Districts welfare. conf
mercially and otherwise. One of the
marked characteristics of the chambers
work for the twelve months Is that the
members have fought for or against con-
ditions, legislation or matters of policy
with a vim and energy that have brought
the body rapidly to the front.
The present officers and board of direc-
tors were elected January IL. 1909. 1t
was great night for the chamber, full
vote was brought out and William F.
Guide was declared president after an eX-
citing and good natured contest. There
was lot of work already laid out for
the new officers and committees to do.
The chamber early took up the subject
of penal reform in the District, matter
on which the law and legislation commit
tee has been peSging away ever since.
Opinions on all sides were heard, the
question was studied deeply and at a
very recent meeting a report urging i'm
proved penal conditions was presented to
the chamber and will be discussed in full
meeting in February.
The chamber took up the questions
arising out of the court decision that the
bread law was void. More than one
hearing on the subject has been held, and
the latest move of the chamber was to
law. A committee presented the protest
to the Commissioners at recent hearing.
New plumbing legislation was Endorsed,
the bill subsequently, becoming law.
Teachers retirement on pensions. a
matter now alive in Congress. has the
backing of the chamber. 1t was discuss
ed by directors and members and re-
ceived their hearty Endorsement.