The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1911-03-18

have known but few public serv-
ants making laws solving problems
OF government who would not do
what they realize to be the will of
seventy-five per cent of their con-
stituency, and those few have been
retired.
Your association is the most pow
erful, non-polltlcal organization
through which the public can effec-
lively speak. The individual voice
carries with II but little force. I'M
less It be that OF a very wealthy
citizen. who in most instances
speaks first in his personal interest,
or the voice of the head politician
we some times find In cities. com
monty called the boss, whose poiiti-
cal influence is used to have public
servants elected TO serve him first,
the seeker of privileges and spe-
clal rights next, and the dear people
last, for which he Is literally COM
pensated.
The three greatest problems now
occupying the minds of the Ameri-
can people OF vital interest to every
citizen in this country are the tariff,
| the regulation OF railroads and their
rates. the banking system. Hasty,
drastic laws involving either of these
all important questions would posi-
bly, cause great suffering and be dis
astrOus 10 the general welfare. That
these problems must be solved In
/ the near future Is inevitable The
/ politicians. most Of them without
/ business experience and limited
] time for investigation. are AT seri-
Gus disadvantage in their effort TO
make proper revision Of laws bear
ing on these subjects
The well organized. combined IL
nancial industrial Interests with
unlimited means to conduct a legis-
lative educational campaign among
congressman on these all important
subjects involving their interest
stand ready TO advise what law
there should and should not be FOR
the general welfare. against an I'M
organized people vitality concerned.
who have no special favor TO ask Of
congress. other than equal and just
opportunity for all. upon which civ
f ilization depends and permanent
prosperity must rely
respectfully submit the only or
eanized power that the public can
hope to properly advise our public
servants in conserving the interests
OF the whole people In the solution
Of these problems are the commercial
associations throughout this country
For this service alone TO a COM
munity a commercial body deserves
the most liberal. financial and moral
support and the gratitude Of all the
people
In conclusion. trust every citi-
zen in Fredericksburg may fully ap
preciate the great possibility for de-
velopment OF his glorious old city
and be willing to do his part in adj
vancing its welfare.
banquet at Hotel FIodcIick.
At the conclusion OF Mr. Dabney's
address President Dannehl stated
that the members OF the Associa-
ton and their guests would repair
TO the Hotel Frederick. where
special spread had been prepared
The large and attractive dining
hall. with tables arranged for one
hundred. with each chair filled. was
indeed an attractive sight
A splendid supper. consisting OF
-oysters, turkey. ham. celery. pickle.
rolls. cranberry sauce. cake and ice
cream. cheese and crackers and cof-
fee. was promptly and splendidly
served
President Dannehl acted as toast
master and in few pointed and
appropriate words introduced the
speakers
Mr.. c. O'COnor Goolrick was the
first to address the assemblage. be-
ing introduced by the POSTMASTER
to make the response TO Mr.. Dab
ney's address Mr. GoOlrick. one Of
our most gifted young orators. new
or appeared TO better advantage lie
said he was proud to state that he
believed an article from his pen
which first suggested invitation. was
the cause OF Mr. Dabney being pres
ent and addressing the Associa-
lion Mr.. Goolrick spoke Of the pow
er possible for this Association TO
exert over the interests Of the city
and community II it would only exer
else that power. OF the necessity or
this Association 'eXerting its influ-
ence in behalf OF good municipal
government. Mr.. Goolrick adyoca-
ted If not a commission form OF gov
eminent at least manager for the
city to look after and have charge
OF its various branches OF improve
ment and also advocated the election
Of a street commissioner. He spoke
OF the necessity OF taking up the
matter Of the Batleflelds Park by
the Association He said now Is the
time TO push this matter to a sue
cessful termination: that the OBJ
stacle which had stood in the way OF
this matter was now removed by
+ the going out OF an autocratic speak
or i'm Congress.
Mr. Goolrick's remarks we're heart
uy applauded. especially those in re-
gard to a change in the municlpai
government and Battlefields PARK.
Mr.. Dabney followed Mr.. GoolricK
in a short but forceful address. a
heart to heart talk. He spoke Oh
various improvements needed here
especially the streets, and spoke
agains, the reduction In tax rates
nn,u the city officials could go 10
Tho taxpaver and truthfully say we
do not need your money and no
moro improvements were needed III
tho citv He said that the tax rate
horo was not high aScompared WIN
other cities. Mr.. Dabney's tax was
tho cause of much applause ana ne
was heartily congratulated upon '"'
splendid advice given. oto
Mr. w. l.. Brannan then spun
briefly on concerted action VAIN
able asset to a community
snoke of the necessity OF cohcer.eu
action by this Association lot inc
welfare of the city and OF the MANY
other cities that we're torsins ""
nv this concerted action.
DR. J. G. King, the efficient secre-
ta-v of the Association, followed on
fbe History of the Association ana
some things 1t has attained, nc