The Washington times., 1912-07-25
ARTHUR c. MOSES
TO ENTER BANKING
AT TER SHORT REST
Retires From Well-Known
Firm Of w. B. Moses
& Sons.

WIN the w1tndrawal OF Arthur e.
Moses from w. b. Moses & Sons. one of
the city's oldest business Arms, to enter
the banking business in this city. and
the purchase Of his interests in all the
holdings of the corporation by his
brothers, w. H. and Harry C. Moses.
the largest commercial deal recorded in
Washington in several years was con-
summated.
Mr.. Moses withdrawal, which came
after several years, contemplation during
which his outside interests continued to
demand more and more Of his atten-
ton, was announced today. 1t marks
the passing from the furniture business
In this city of a man whose ideas did
much to revolutionize that industry here
and elsewhere.
The transaction concluded today In
wolves the purchase by William H. and
Harry C. Moses. two of the sons Of w.
brother, Arthur c. Moses, In all the
real estate owned by the three of them
together. including the original building
at Eleventh and F streets northwest,
the new building adjoining on Eleventh
street; the warehouse property in
Twenty-second street. and the property
at Twelfth street and Maryland avenue
southwest, sou as weil as all his . interest in
alton Of w. B. Moses & Sons.
Two Millions Involved.
The negotiations involve more than
$2.o0o.00o, and had been in progress more
than six months. r. Golden Donaldson,
general counsel for the corporation. con-
Quoted and negotiated for all the
parties. His energy and work resulted
In the success Of the transaction.
In this trapsa Cti0n William TT Moaeq
and Harry c. Moses have sold all their
interest in the Burlington apartment
house, which is valued at 100000. to-
On his retirement from the firm, Mr..
Moses gave out a statement in which
he says that his financial interests in
local and foreign enterprises consume
20 much of his time that he feels COM
PEELED to sever his connections with the
firm established by his father in order
to devote his entire attention to his pri-
vate affairs.
Twenty-Seven Years In Firm.
He has been connected with the COM
pany since its incorporation. for twen-
ty-seven years having been a partner
and latterly an OFFICER Of tho company
for twenty-three years.
Mr.. Moses Is president Of the Com
mercial National Insurance Company
and president of the Columbia Vehicle
Company. and is also an officer Of a
large orchard company In Virginia, and
has extensive holdings in lumber cor
porations in North Carolina.
In q civic way he Is interested locally
as president of the Playground Associa-
ton. president Of the Boy Scouts. first
vice president of the Board Of Trade.
and second vice president of the Com
mercial Club. ~.., .
I.a hoa talx lot m r.
in the development of the National Cap
ital and at one time was urged by his
friends to be a candidate for District
Commissioner. Several years ago when
Commissioners Macfarland and West re-
signed, Mr. Moses name was put forth
but he withdrew his candidacy.
After a brief period of rest he will re.
turn to Washington and enter the bank
ing field.
Mr.. Moses Statement.
His statement says in part: II leave
the firm with deep regret and wish fol
its continued success in a financia
way"
The firm of w. B. Moses & Sons 1,
one Of the oldest mercantile concerns
in Washington.
The business was founded BY w. B
Moees at Seventh and d streets with
branch at 50S Seventh street, in 186,
The latter store was in the old Intel
ing one of the early newspapers Of tn,
District. In 1865 the business was con
eohdated in the five-story hotel building
at the corner of Seventh street and
Here Mr.. Moses inaugurated some
original methods in the furniture bust
ness, one Of which attracted, not only
countrywide. but world wide. attention
residence arranged. finished. and fur
nished completely, so that the pur
chaser could see exactly how a parlol
woad actaav Er any ioSk paTf wbeI
the fittings were in place. The fprni
ture and hangtngs were all made tt
suit the scheme Of decoration. and som,
the classics of that period.
Adopted By Others.
In the time of the Centennial Exposi
tion of 1876 the plan was adopted by
big store in Philadelphia, and a com
plete house was furnished after thi
manner as a show place for furnish
ings. The. idea was also adopted b!
other merchants In various parts Of th'
In those days 1t was not uncommon
homes to purchase silk brocades an,
other handsome fabrics at from SIS t
$50 a yard for their parlor curtains. an,
to have the parlor furniture upholstere
IN the same material. People seemed t
vie with each other in making thei
homes the most beauaiful.
The business of the Moses house in
creased SO rapidly that in 1884 a NOV
was made to f and Eleventh streets
where the first building was erected o
the present quarters, 50x10o feet. In 1SS
another building was put up Of tn