Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-12-08

MT. JOHuSOI, TIE QucStlou VI WIZ
provide the fund. and, second. the prob
lem of who should be the beneficiaries I'M
der it, 1t would be obviously unfair. he
pointed out for the heroes and the cow
ards of the police and fire departments to
share alike the benefits of the fund.
The District committee chairman did
not say anything calculated to arouse
an abundance of hope in the advocates
of a pension fund, but he did promise
that he would not form his own opinion
in the matter until he had investigated it
more fully.
Says He Was Misrepresented.
In commencing his address. Representa-
tive Johnson denounced reports that have
been published concerning his attitude on
number of public questions.
The newspapers have made it appear
that 1 am opposed to the present Dis
trict Commissioners. said Mr.. Johnson.
but l want to be understood right here
that / think there never were three more
capable men at the head of the District
government, and i wish everybody would
understand my position in this regard.
Chairman Johnson went into detail on
, the proposed police and firemen's pension
bill. Where is there a man that would
not adequately provide for the widows
and orphans of the heroes of these de-
, partfnents?' he inquired. But We must
be careful in considering this bill that we
look at it from all sides and not include
in the pension fund those in the depart
ments who are towards. and who would
We're bill passed"
Speaking with reference to who should
pay the pensions, Chairman Johnson said:
''Should we expect the people of the
United States as a whole to contribute
toward a fund for caring for those who
render service solely to the people of the
District or should we, If bill We're
passed. let the funds be taken wholly
from the District treasurer? 1t seems
to me that the people who derive the
benefit should be required to provide the
fund"
In concluding his remarks on the pro-
posed law Mr.. Johnson stated that ne
had formed no definite opinion as to what
recommendation he would make, but that
he would consider the matter from all
Sides He dwelt especially upon the fact
benefit Of pension fund, and hoped that
some bill could be prepared that Wouid
adequately cover the proposition.
Other Speakers Heard.
The meeting was opened before an au-
dience that tested the capacity of the
top floor of the new fire building, and
was presided over by DR.. B. L. Wood
ward Commissioner Johnston, directly
in charge of the fire department. was the
first speaker, and dwelt upon the impor-
lance of the department and its relation
to the community. Representative Ste
phens of Texas followed Commissioners
Johnston in an interesting address, con-
graduating the citizens on having &C
quired such fine building.
Representative Burke of Pennsylvania
followed the Texas representative. He
dwelt especially upon the future posi-
bilities of the city of Washington and
the importance Of taking Geep interest
in its affairs. Before many years, II
not at the present time, this city of ours
will be the social. political and financial
capital of the world, and we who are
fortunte to reside in 1t should take
deep interest in it's growth he said
sioners that ever managed the affairs of
this District" he added. "and too much
unjust criticism is their lot
Chief Wagner's Plea.
Chief Wagner Of the fire department
was called upon next, and he spoke of
the value Of the housewarming at new
firehouses and urged more thorough
understanding between fireman and cit
zen. He said a few years ago no con-
sideration was given to the firemen In
the District. except at the time when
they were needed, but he hoped that that
Wagner's address Capt Mclean Of the
new company presented each one of his
men individually to the audience, and AZ
the line was Termed and the introduce
tions begun there was hearty applause.
Arthur E. Randle, president of the
United States Realty Company, who do
mated the ground upon which the present
structure was erected was the next to
speak. He told of the methods employed
in securing the appropriation for the new
hon mai a Y
Chief Belt of the fire department, through
whose efforts, he stated, the necessary
money was obtained.
Representative Sisson of Mississippi was
the last speaker. He condemned the Of
flee seekers who used underhanded meth
DDS in securing their own selfish ends,
and urged a more earnest application to
| the home life. He spoke of the wonder
| full development that is taking place in
| the District, and thought the people in
| the eastern section were certainly getting
their share of the improvements.
Special Features.
[ During the program special selections
| were contributed by the following Mrs.
S. r. Massey. recitation; Wilson Oliver,
solo, 1.-THE Rosary; Edward Morris.
song, silver Threads Among the Gold,
accompanied by Miss Gladys Kuhn; Miss
| Margaret Watts and Miss g. Brooks,
fancy dances; George Meyer, violin selec-
| ton President Woodward read letters
from Commissioners Rudolph and Judson
| and Senator Gailinger expressing regret
| at their inability to be present.
| At the close of the last address the
| meeting was turned over to committee
composed of Mrs. Il. T. Woodward, Miss
Barker Mrs. r. i. Bradbury, Mrs. G. f.
| Crane Mrs A. w. Richards, Mrs. NJ. A.
| Frazier and Mrs. Ct. III. Loudenslager.
| The committee, assisted by several of the
young ladies. served refreshments. The
| committee of the association having the
affair in charge was composed OF DR.. 3.
IT Woodward, chairman: j. NJ. Kelley.
| Robert +. Bradbury, G. T.. Crane, A. f..
| Randle c. Z. Barker and G. II. Louden-
| slayer