Evening star., 1916-07-19
SAYS LUNCH CLUBS
FOSTER EFFICIENCY
Secretary Lane Points Out
Benefits to Interior Depart
ment From Conferences.
SPIRIT OF COOPERATION
PARAMOUNT, HE SAYS
Says Dignity All Employees in His
Branch of Government Feel in
Work Is Thrilling.

Work Is Thrilling.
How a spirit of cooperation fostered
by lunch club conferences has made
the work of the Interior Department
eaualed by none other in efficiency. be-
cause officials and employees alike have
been actuated by ideals of service for
the people was emphasized by Secre-
tary Franklin X. Lane. a birthday
guest of the Interior Department ex-
ecutives yesterday.
How Secretary Lane could have been
returned as United States senator from
California, where he is esteemed as
their foremost citizen, had he but said
the word, and how Secretary Lane has
been considered by leading politicians
as strong probability for presiden-
til nomination was told by lifelong
friends and admiring coworkers.
This luncheon was served in the bu-
reau of mines building by the lunch
club of the Interior Department, under
the direction of Van H. Manning, direc-
tor of the bureau of mines, and was
kept warm in the laboratories. 1t was
the third given by the club in honor of
birthday anniversary.
Decorations at the Luncheon.
Beautiful decorations of flags. un-
usual blooms and colored foliage. with
red. white and blue electric lights, made
the dining hall attractive. Behind the
Secretary's chair was a large framed
portrait of the chief" surrounded with
flags and electric lights. There were
cigars of the Secretary's own favorite
brand. a photograph menu for each of
the thirty-two guests, bearing his por-
trait. The start of the luncheon was
Signaled by the ringing of chimes fifty
two times and the flashing of fifty-two
electric lights, calling attention to the
years that have fallen lightly on the
Secretary.
Toward the close of the luncheon a
large birthday cake. elaborately be-
blazoned with ffty-two pink candles.
was impressively carried in by the chef
and placed in front of the honored
guest. Secretary Lane cut the cake,
the table with much enjoyment-ex-
cept that some was placed in a pretty
box and sent to Mrs. Lane, together
with the candles as souvenirs.
Andrens A. Jones, first assistant sec
retary of the interior, was toastmaster.
Brig. Gen. w. L. Marshall, Dr.. William
A. White. superintendent of the Gov
ernment Hospital for the Insane; Alex
ander T. Nogelshang, consulting en-
gineer: W. r. Wheeler of California,
and Isidore Dockweiler were the speak
erS.
Luncheon Surprise to Secretary.
Secretary Lane, to whom the lunch
con was a complete surprise. spoke
feelingly to the officials assembled
about the tables.
The bells ring steadily for every
one of u.s." he said, but they can't
make us old. l feel today no older
than when | came here. The picture
on your menu card is of a younger man.
1t was made ten years ago, but that
man was younger only in appearance
and experience. There are some lines
of Oliver Wendell Holmes which l have
always cherished as among the most
beautiful, by any poet, on old age:
For him in vain the endless seasons roll
Who bears eternal sunshine in his soul etc.
Il have listened with interest and very
humbly to the kindly things that have
been said. 1t is a great qualification to a
man 5000 miles from home to have men
with whom he has been associated but a
short time feel as you have given evidence
today that you feel
Spirit of Cooperation Manifest.
There is one thing better that YOU per-
haps are not conscious of That is the
spirit that actuates you in your conduct
and cooperation with me is the same
spirit that is felt by the people under YOU
toward yourself. l don't want to be
boastful, but / do believe it is true that
IN no other department down to the yery
bottom is there such strong spirit of
cooperation, of fine, high sympathy and
consciousness of the dignity of our work
1or the whole people of the United States.
lou dont realize this as | do for
you don't hear, as l do, the kindly ex-
pressions of those employed under YOU
echoing the same sentiments YOU have
expressed mere today regarding myself
hear them from the clerks, LAWYERS.
engineers-all who are feeling appre,
citation and consciousness that they are
parts IN great machinery working
out the problems in the interest of ali
the people of the country. The dignity
that all these men and women feel in
their work gives me a thrill.
We can go back over three years
of history. We have talked over this
the President has discussed with his
cabinet not only the affairs of our own
department, but the general policies
of the administration for the welfare
by your zeal for service and by your
ideas and ideals. 1t has been a great
three years.
Gives Credit to Subordinates.
What we have done here in the In
terror Department" he continued,
have been your policies as much as
mine. AS much was due to the zeal,
ideals and cooperation given by you
as to our administration. We have
been working together not for any
political or personal consideration. but /
for the advantage of the country and
the proper administration of affairs of
government that have come into our |
hands.
I'VE cannot make progress when we |
pull apart. L have sung that song to |
you and the chorus has been sung by i
every man and woman in the depart |
ment."
Secretary Lane recounted some ex-
periences on his recent trip to New
when he was questioned by |
some skeptics if he did not doubt the |