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

ing the growth in the population as well
as the general recovery from the late
financial depression. Returning prosperity
has been manifest in the banking busi-
ness. and the financial institutions Of the
city are declared to be in better condition
at this time than in any other period in
their history. Taken in connection with
the fact that there are more banks in
the city then ever before, this statement
is received as being significant.
Recent additions to the number of
banking institutions have been largely
savings banks. 1t was thought by some
observers of local conditions that entirely
too many have been organized, and the
prediction was made that some would in
evitably be forced to liquidate. This pre-
diction has not. however, been verified.
There has been no liquidation, and it is
regarded as quite evident that the same
cause which gave a stimulus to all
classes Of Observation-Disclosures in the popu-
lation-has operated to bring the volume
of business up to the facilities provided.
During the year the District National
Bank and the Park Savings Bank were
organized.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-01-01
CONVENTIONS.

Washington becomes more and more
city of conventions and annual gather
ings OF all sorts each successive year
But for the lack Of an adequate building
for housing such great meetings as ma
tional political conventions the nations
capital would soon become the great con-
vention city of America. AS it is, how
ever. 1t draws more than its share OF
such gatherings.
Among the orga nizations which meet
IN Washington every year are the Daugn-
ters of the Revolution, the Rivers and
Iiarbors Congress and the Southern Com
mercial Congress. Others come to WASH
lngton at regular intervals.
Among the first conventions to be hello
in Washington during the year just ended
was that of the Association of Home
Economics, which was in session January
"a This was followed by the meeting
OF the board of directors of the National
Rife Association. which was In session
from January IL to 20. January 10 the
Independent Asphalt Association met at
the New Willard.
The first session of the conference on
the care of dependent children, called by
President Roosevelt. convened in the east
room of the White House January %.
This was a gathering that attracted wide
spread attention and was attended by
some of the leading charity workers of
the country
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-01-01
INAUGURATION.

One salient feature which stands out
in bold relief in a retrospective glance
over the past year is the unanimity of
sentiment which has accrued in favor of
change of the date of inauguration. In
great measure the impetus which was
given to this movement found its in
ception in the terrific weather conditions
in this city March last, when Presi-
dent Taft was indicted into office.
Considerable progress toward the de-
sired change in date was noted in the
closing weeks of the year, and when
Congress adjourned for the holidays there
were bills pending in both the Senate
and the House to provide for the holding
of the next and all future inaugurations
on the last Thursday in April.
Elaborate preparations were made by
the District to entertain one of the lars-
est crowds in its history on the DAY of
the Inauguration of President Taft.
Seldom mas there been so keen a
disappointment as that to which
the city awakened on the morn
ing of March 4. They found blizzard
raging. Railroad trains, trolley lines and
all sorts of vehicular traffic were tied up
throughout the day. and thousands of
Capital-bound travellers were stranded in
snow drifts at varying distances from
Washington. The local inaugural COM
mittee. working under direction of Chair
y. y
Thorn, saw the labor of weeks wiped
away in a few hours. They had inspired
merchants and citizens generally to dec
crate for the occasion, and, in not few
instances, flags and buntings worth hun
dreds of dollars were ruined by the
storm. For the first time in years the
inauguration of President occurred in
doors, President Taft taking the oath of
office in the Senate chamber.
The inaugural parade saw thousands of
men blowing through knee-deep slush on
the avenue, and in place of the $4,000 men
expected to be in line, there were only
10000 on hand when marching time came
The West Point cadets helped to shovel
away the snow from the railroad tracks
between Baltimore and Washington. and
they thus managed to reach the city in
time to march in the parade.
Immed ately after the Inauguration of
his successor ex-President Roosevelt pro-
ceeded from the Capitol to the Union sta
ton and took a tram for his home. Sta
tistics prepared shortly after the March
ceremony showed that twenty-nine deaths
due to pneumonia and kindred diseases
could be traced directly to exposure to the
untoward weather on that day.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-01-01
New Georgetown Pastor.

Rev. G. p. Stealey having resigned from
the pastorate of the West Washington
Baptist Church early in the year. Rev. B.
u. Cav was chosen TO succeed him. He
was taking a special course at Colgate
University and did not come to Washing
ton until late in June. Rev. NJ. j. Gala
CHER became Catholic chaplain to the Jail,
workhouse and almshouse.
In May Rev ]. E. Briggs, pastor of the
Capitol Avenue Baptist Church of Allan
ia accepted a call to the Fifth Baptist
Church.
Rev. Joseph T. Kelly celebrated his
tiiirty-fifth anniversary as pastor of the
Fourth Presbyterian church In May. The
twentieth anniversary of the Epworth
League was also celebrated in the middle
of that month. The Woman's Foreign
Missionary Society of the Methodist Prot
estant Church met for its thirtieth annual
session May 10. and the same date Rev
Paul r. HickOk of Ohio was called to the
paStorate of the Metropolitan Presby-
.er:an Church in succession to Rev. DR.
Nibert Evans, who became pastor of the
F.rst Presbyterian Church of IIockport
\. y Pew. DR.. Shahan was made per-
.nanent rector of the Catholic University
ate in the month.
Rev DR.. b. F. Bittinger, for thirty-fve
Years stated clerk of the Presbytery OF
Washington, announced his resignation
June . and ii was accepted with much re-
Titus +. Davis. his close personal friend
and the permanent clerk of the presbytery
FOR some years, was selected to fill the
vacancy. Rev. George NJ. Cummings OF
The Garden Memorial Presbyterian Church
was made permanent clerk.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-01-01
POLITICS.

Although it was an off year" in poll
ties. it was not entirely destitute of in
terest Campaigns in Maryland, New
York city. Virginia, Cleveland and San
Francisco attracted attention. and GER
tain developments in national politics
were not to be overlooked. The most
important campaign was in Maryland.
where the democratic party had set out
to adopt a constitutional amendment
which. if ratified, would have deprived
large proportion of the electorate Of
the franchise. This move was opposed
by the republican party, under the skill
full leadership Of William 3. Stones and
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-01-01
REAL ESTATE
AND BUILDING

The past twelve months have a good
record in real estate circles on account
OF the volume of business done. Build
ing has been active, there has been an
excellent investment demand and a dis
position toward real estate buying on the
part of those who had money either for
speculation or for investment.
The underlying strength of the real es-
tate market, it is believed. was the in
crease in popula ton. The coming in of
new people would not have had much
effect in the market for real property I'M
less they become, to a considerable eX-
tent, buyers; and that is exactly what
happened, to an extent that makes the
record for the year remarkable one
The demand from this source is held
largely responsible for the years build
ing record, which was far ahead of any
previous year.
More building permits than were ever
before issued in twelve months were au-
thorized during the past year, and the
sale of houses of all kinds represent ed
the largest percentage of the business in
the sales market. TO meet the demand
the rows of houses were pushed farther
and farther out from the more closely
built-up parts of the city, so that today
in all directions the suburbs are farther
before. In fact, the change in the bounds
of the city caused by building is the most
extensive ever effected in the course of
single year in the history of the city.
The extensive building of houses and of
apartments during the year was remark
able, not merely because of the number
but also because these new dwellings
were occupied as rapidly as completed.
Another circumstance regarded as still
| 1lore significant is that the houses for
| the most part were purchased by those
| who occupy them and were not rented
new additions to the population have been
| largely those who intend to reside here
permanently and have the means to buy
homes.
The habit OF home-buying spread to per-
sons who have been living here for some
time, making the market for houses I'M
usually good.
Another feature of the year was the
development of the business section of the
city. This has been shown by the
| activity in property along G street and
| along those streets connecting that thor
the north. Prices of this property have
| been on the increase. For the most part
| transfers have been followed by some i'm
provements to adapt the property for
modern uses. But there have also been
some speculative operations.
ceedings for the acquisition by the gov
eminent of the five squares fronting on
10th street from Pennsylvania avenue to
| the Mall We're brought to a conclusion
| At the same time about one-half of the
| square east of the District building was
north side of the avenue u number of
pieces of real estate changed hands at
prices which showed that the range of
values WAS being maintained.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-01-01
Taft Speaks for Tariff Bill.

The distinctly political event was The
trip of President Taft through the west
ern country, the longest journey eyer
made by President. lie entered ths
west at a time when the ''insursent" re
publicars were opening csmpaiRn
against the tariff legislation Of their
party and spoke vigorously in defense Of
the new tariff law and OF men who favor
ed il.
Another event of political significant =
Was the declaration OF war against tie
conservative element of the republican
party ny Senator cummins Of Iowa AMI
Senator La Toilette of Wisconsin. wha
have announced their intention 10 fght
for lower tariff and war TO tho knife
against Aldrich. Cannon and other con
sentative leaders in Congress. In this
crusade they sought the aid of Presid mt
Taft but up TO this time the President
has refused 10 he party to the proposed
internecine political strife and the IN
surgent movement at the close or the
year was at rather a low ehb.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-01-01
Japanese Merchants Entertained.

The board made arrangements Septem-
her % to help entertain the honorary
commercial commission of Japan. divid-
ing the expense. OF the entertainment
with the Chamber of Commerce. In the
subsequent entertainment of the visitors
from the orient the Board OF Trade took
an active part. Plans for increasing the
membership Of the board to coo were
discussed at a meeting of the board OF
directors October 16.
Trade was held at the New Willard Hotel
November IS. There were forty cand1-
dates for the ten vacancies on the board
of directors, who were elected by ballot
after the reports of the officers had been
made. j. III. Small. jr.. the retiring pres
idcnt. made a comprehensive report. in
which he reviewed the activities of the
board during the past year and discussed
some of its mans for the future.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-01-01
Fall Conventions Numerous.

October II the fourth annual convention
OF the Order of Moose opened here for a
four-day session. The next day the Order
Of Alhambra met in convention here. Oc-
tober 10 saw the opening here of two con-
ventions-those Of the knights of Malta
and the Carriagemakers' Association.
Two more conventions were called to or
der the following day-the Textile Work
ers' Association and the Mothers Con-
gress. The Scottish Rite Masons' con-
clave was held here from October p to
"a. The last October convention was the
joint meeting of the Dentists Associations
of the District of Columbia and Mary
land, held at George Washington Cniver-
sity, October 1880.
November began with the convention OF
the Association Of Appalachian Engineers,
which was In session for two days, the
9Th and 9Th. November 26 the Association
of Colleges met for two-day session.
December was marked by a number of
important gatherings. The first was that
of the American Leather Chemists Asso-
citation, from December to D. The
United States Potters' convention follow
ed from December to December 9. Then
came the Academy of Arts and Letters,
the American Institute of Architects and
the National Society of Architects. De-
cember IA. Each was in session several
days.
At the same time the National Rivers
and Harbors Congress and the Southern
Commercial Congress were both in ses-
sion.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-01-01
STATUES AND PARKS.

During the year several new statues
of distinguished men were erected in
Washington, and designs were approved
for a number of others. The statues
put in place and dedicated. with ap-
propriate ceremonies. were those Of
Witherspoon and Longfellow on Connect
lieut. avenue. that of Stephenson at the
corner of Pennsylvania avenue and 7th
street and one of ex-Gov. A. r. Shep-
herd in front of the District building.
Designs were approved for a statue of
Columbus, to be placed on the plaza
in front of the Union station, and of
John Paul Jones, in the circle in Poto-
mac Park, at the foot Of 18th street. A
controversy has arisen over the selec-
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-01-01
BOARD OF TRADE.

Severa! meetings OF the Board of Trade
were held during the year. and at each
civic matters OF Importance were dis
cussed and made the subject of committee
or other action.
The first meeting was held January 81,
Large gains in membership were report
ed at a meeting Of the directors In Feb
ruary. March % the board decided to
help pay the expenses of bringing the
New York city-planning exhibit to Wash
inston. and at the same time voted
against changing the name of 18th street
about the middle of May arrangements
we're begun for the annual outing and
June 3 several hundred members of the
tSard went to Marshall Hall on the
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-01-01

the opposition was successful the dis
franchising amendment being rejected
by a gratifying majority. The end was
accomplished through the aid OF the i'm
dependent democratic vote and the for
eign vote. which scented in the proposed
amendment. although directed al the
negro. menace To the foreign voter
seeking naturalization.
In Cleveland the mayoTaltN campaign
resulted in the defeat az Tom /. John
son ny the republican candidate III
San Francisco there was "A reform move
ment afoot. headed nv Mir Honey. which
went to defeat. The Virginia campaign
over the governorship Was toregone
conclusion. democratic victor, being A.
sured The republicans made vigor
Gus, clean fight, however. and strength
ened their marty for future work
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-01-01
Many Gatherings in May.

May was a banner convention month
for Washington. On the 4th the Ameri-
can Society Of Mechanical Engineers
gathered here May the annual meet
ing and dinner of the National Associa-
ton of Employing Lithographers was
held at the New Willard. May IL the
Association of American Physicians met
and scored mind cure" systems. On
the same day the annual convention OF
the Birth Abraham began it's sessions
May IL the annual convention of the
National Tuberculosis Association began
daily discussions of ways and means for
stamping out the great Write plague
MAY II the city planning conference was
called to order and the delegates dis
cussed modern methods of city tonstruc-
ton.
The first June convention was that of
the state health officers, who met on the
9Th. Another interesting June conven-
ton was that of the Life Savers Asso-
citation. which was in session the loth
and 18th. There were no conventions
held in Washington in July. but In Au-
gust they began again, the Universal
Craftsmen meeting August 5 for four
day session. The closing days of August
saw in Washington the convention OF the
Sons of Veterans. which met August -
and adjourned August n.
September Z the Union Veteran Legion
met for a three-day encampment. The
American Hospital Association was the
next organization to gather in Washing
ton It's convention opened September ~
and was in session two days. Another
medical convention of Importance was
that of the military surgeons of all coun-
tries, which convened October + and adj
journed October 3. Army and navy sur
geons from all over the world attended
c0pfarencA
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-01-01
Medals for Wrights.

The Smithsonian Institution. which was
particularly interested In aeronautics ow-
ing to the pioneer work that had been
done by the late Secretary Langley. de-
cided at a meeting of the regents Feb
ruary IA to present the Wrights with
gold medals in recognition of their avia-
ton work. 1t was intended to have this
presenta ton take place at the December
meeting of the regents, but the Wrights
were detained by their infringement suit
in Buffalo, and the presentation was post
poned.
During the spring and summer Emile
Berliner of Washington was busy exper-
imenting with a heliocoptre. Later In the
season he Joined forces with Newton Will
liams of Derby, Conn, and together they
installed two engines on a big helo-
coptre designed by Mr.. Williams. This
succeeded in lifting itself and an op-
orator. the first time that this had ever
been accomplished by "A heliocoptre. The
designers Immediately set about build
ing a larger engine. and IL Is expected
some further tests of this machine will be
made in the spring.
Throughout the spring and summer
there were repeated tests of the War
Departments free balloons. and Lieut..
Lahm and Lieut.. HUMPHREYS both made
a number of ascensions. 1t was intended
to have some tests of the dirigibie bali
loon at Fort Myer. but May the bal
loon tent there was blown down and
the trials were called off.
The greatest aviation event of the
year was the presentation of the Aero
Club medals to the Wrights at the White
House. June 10. The Wrights. accom-
panied by Miss Kathrine. came to Wash
ington the morning of June 10. and, after
luncheon at the Cosmos Club. were
presented to President Taft at the White
House in the afternoon. The gathering
included some of the most noted aero
nauts and scientists of the country. The
medals were presented by the President,
with a congratulatOry speech, and the
Wright brothers responded by bobbing
their heads and replying in unison
Thanks 1t was declared to have been
the shortest address ever delivered in
the White House
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-01-01
BUSINESS.

The improvement IN business following
the financial panic of 1907 was felt In
this city as we'll as throughout the coun-
try. The past year, especially in this
city, has been period Of steady progress
and marked by an increasing volume of
trade: The retail trade has heen reflect
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-01-01
AR T i.

The year 1909 has proved more than
only has 1t been eventful. but epoch MAX
ing. More and more this city is becoming
recognized as neutral territory, as a CEN
ter we'll adapted for The dissemination of
culture and learning. An art market il is
not yet. but steps are being made in this
direction and an art stronghold it is fast
becoming. Indeed, more than once within
the past twelve months the eyes of the
American art world have been turned in
tently upon Washington.
The Corcoran Gallery's second great eX-
hlbition of cotemporary American paint
fngs was in progress when the year
opened, attracting much favorable atten-
ton and advancing this city to the ranks
of Philadelphia, New York and Boston as
| a show place. At this exhibition not only
large prizes were given. but numerous
purchases made by the trustees of the
Corcoran Gallery for their permanent col
lection.
Later in the winter and early spring ex-
hibitions were held in the hemicycle hall
of the Corcoran Gallery by the Washing
ton Water Color Club, the Society of
Washington Artists, the Capital Camera
Club and the Washington Architectural
Club, all creditable and attractive.
In February n league for the decoration
of the public schools in the District of
Columbia was formed. under the auspices
of the National Society of the Fine Arts.
and an appeal sent out for active support.
The Commissioners. the board of educa-
ton, municipal architect, various organi-
cations and many individuals lent hearty
cooperation, and this fall with funds
collected as annual dues two schools
the Hubbard and Van Ness-were par
TALLY decorated. An exhibition of the
pictures purchased for these schools was
held at the VeerhoT gallery in November.
Washington is behind other cities in TAX
ing up this work. but not in matter of
accomplishment, partly because of the
permission granted the league by the
Librarian of Congress 10 draw upon the
national print collection for temporary ex-
hibitS,
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-01-01
THE WEATHER.

Because of the bareback on the DAY
of the inauguration of President Taft and
Vice President Sherman. 1909 will long be
remembered by those who like to recall
unusual weather. The one severe storm
and the one heavy snowfall both occur
red March 3 and 4. when ten inches OF
very moist snow fell. accompanied oy
high northwest winds.
The two most marked variations from
normal conditions during the year were
of such a character as to enhance. tenn
norarilv at least, the physical comfort
and well-being u the people. and they
therefore escaped general notice and COM
ment These two features were the un-
usually high temperatures that prevailed
during the months Of January and Feb
ruary, and the prolonged drouth during
the last half of the year.
The mean temperature for January was
36 degrees, or 20 degrees above the
normal temperature, and that for Feb
urary 43 degrees. or So degrees above
the normal temperature for that sea
SON of the year. Among the coolest days
of the wear were January IL and De-
cember IL when the minimum tempera-
tures were exactly the same. IFS degrees
above zero. The coolest day Of the year
was December 30, when the temperature
These figures are in marked con-
trast to the lowest record tempera-
lures for the same months, which are as
follows: January. il degrees below zero
January ], 1881; February. Is degrees be-
low zero February IL, 1899. and Decem-
her, 10 degrees below zero on December
81, 1880
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-01-01

steamer Charles Manchester and spent the
day and evening in general festivities.
The days program included a ball game.
shooting and bowling contests and a ban
Quet. Addresses were made by President
Small, President Guide of the Washington
Chamber of Commerce. Commissioner
Mcfarland and officers of the board. In
which numerous questions of interest TO
Washington were discussed.