The Washington herald., 1910-09-25

1t grew out OF the idea that IT is worth
while for public spirited business men
and citizens to put forth concerted and
Intelligent effort for the upbuilding OF
the city. and II was formed by the mer-
ger Of the Business Mems Association
and the Jobbers and Shippers Assoeia-
ton. both of which had had successful
organizations for some time prior to the
merger.
AT the time OF the formation of the
Chamber an EFFORT was made 10 unite all
the business organizations of the city,
and this effort has been revived at diff
ferent times since. but has not yet been
accomplished, though the opinion is wide
spread among the business men of Wash
ington that the ideal condition would be
one large trade body that should gather
within itself all the elements Of progress
In the business and Industrial field, as
we'll as in the work for civic advance
ment.
Organized In May, 1907.
The Chamber OF Commerce was formed
after two months of preliminary commit
tee work in shaping the policy OF the new
organization and in adjusting the finan-
cial and numerical strength of the parent
organizations on an equitable basis. It's
initial meeting, held at the Arlington
Hotel May :. 1907. was one Of the largest
gatherings of business and professional
men ever seen In Washington. The meet
ing developed great enthusiasm, and the
organization was effected by the adop-
ton OF the constitution and the election
OF Robert n. Harper as president: Capt.
James F. Oyster and Charles J Bell.
vice presidents. they being the presiding
officers OF the older bodies, and William
+. Guide as secretary.
Soon afterward the Chamber secured
permanent headquarters. its monthly
meetings there have been largely at
tended, and the influence OF the BODY
has been widely felt IN all public move
ments and in shaping legislation In Con-
gress affecting the District OF Columbia.
Prior TO the formation of the Chamber
Of Commerce the city experienced a long
agitation OF the question how TO advance
the material interests OF the city. which
eentered in the popular phrase Greater
Washington. This discussion was car
ried on for many months in the summer
OF 1906 and the newspapers of the city
gave large space 70 the subject, which
developed many useful suggestions re-
garding the progress of the city
New business Body Forms.
This discussion partook largely of the
means that might be used to advance the
Industrial and wholesale trade OF the city.
the Jobbers and Shippers Association
being the direct outgrowth OF that idea,
II was soon seen that the symmetrical
growth OF the city involved many inves-
legations and the exercise OF activities
far removed from the purposes Of trade,
and the necessity for an organization of
large aims and constitution that would
admit OF many kinds of activity was
universally recognized when the Cham
Der Of Commerce was formed.
The objects of the Jobbers and Ship
pers' Association, relating to better traf-
nc facilities and readjusted freight rates
were brought about by that organisation
In the year or so OF It's existence. and
the efforts OF the Chamber were at once
directed 10 matters OF a more general
nature
The Chamber Of Commerce meets once
each month. when subjects OF various
kinds are brought before the body and
acted upon by vote. The Chamber has
a board of directors composed Of thirty
men, the duty of which is TO care for
the organizations finances. and to con-
slider many matters before they have
reached a stage to be placed before the
whole body
Committees Do the Work.
The work OF the Chamber is carried on
through several standing committees
which conduct hearings make investiga-
tons. and inquire into the practical feas-
Utility OF the subjects before Them then
framing reports which are submitted 10
the Chamber and passed upon.
Last year a special committed was
appointed TO investigate the high cost of
living in Washington. The subject was
taken hold of energetically. and many
hearings were held, the cooperation Of
the business men of the city was cor
daily given, and, while the efforts of the
committee We're not in the least pro-
NJ.
modities great volume of information
was elected of great educational value
to the members OF the Chamber and the
community
Works for Retail Trade.
one OF the first large efforts OF the
Chamber for upbuilding the city was nm
dertaken by the retail trade committaa
near the end NJ tho ,,aor rao7 M
mittee developed a plan TO bring out-of-
town buyers TO the city 10 make their
holiday purchases. Ninety-eight business
men participated in the movement raised
a fund OF 1880 TO pay expenses. adver-
tised largely in adjacent territory. and
brought TO the city several hundred buy
ers OF holiday goods who had never
traded In Washington stores before.
The success Of that movement. due
largely 10 the labors of David ]. Kaufman.
chairman of the committee, has resulted
In the recent formation in the Chamber
OF the Retail Merchants Association.
through the initiative OF Joseph Stras-
burger composed of those members OF
the body engaged in retail trade. who
will give their attention specifically to
the advancement OF the retail business
OF the city. with view to it's legitimate
expansion, and surrounding il with such
safeguards as united effort may be sue
cessful In bringing about.
The efforts of the manufacturers COM
mittee. which has been very active In
considering various means of advancing |