Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1917-10-16
TOPUSH SALE OF BONDSGIVEN $50 In GOLD
Mr. ]. E. Alexander Handsomely
Remembered on his Fiftieth We'd
ding Anniversary

Mr. J E. Alexander, of this city
who is employed in the bureau OF
navigation, Navy Department, al
Washington, was the recipient yes
re,viav of fifty dollars in gold from
the employees in his department
The gift was in honor of his golden
wedding day. and also a token OF
love and esteem from those serving
under him. The presentation speech
was made by Major Joseph Banner
retired, of Washington, and was sub
stantially as follows:
'NIr. Alexander:
"On this occasion of your life, the
EMPLOYEES under your charge wish
to present you with slight testi-
monial of their esteem on this mo-
mentous day for you. 1t should be
an inspiration to them to have lived
for fifty years as you have done
with your family and friends. Your
EMPLOYEES ALL cherish the devotion
YOU have bestowed upon your duty
a. father, husband and friend; and
as an officer of this Government for
such a long time, and they wish in
some slight way to bestow their APP
preciation of that event on this occa-
sion.
"Personaly, | regret that have
had no time to make this address in
more befitting words, but they convey
the exact attitude present N the
minds of ali your friends in the Navy
Department, and they carry bright
momento of your services to the
Government, the Country and to your
family
Mr.. Alexander was visibly touched
by the tribute and made the fol-
lowing response:
Ladies and Gentlemen:
This is to me exceedingly unex-
pected. did tell lady Reservist
whom | have known from childhood.
i few days ago, that on the 18th ol
this month I would have been mar
ricd so years, although charged
her not to say word about it. !
6on', accuse her of having broken
that promise. but / want to say that
this touches me more than any
thing you could have done.
at is extremely unexpected. Many
of you are new to me. / have slX
or seven old friends in the Depart
ment, and most Of ycu here ! have
known but for short time, but
your regards for me and my wife
come to me with unusual apprecia-
tion and friendship.
"I cannot make a speech, but |
can only say that | am going home
to my dear wife and family about
1880 p. m. and l expect to have a
pleasant afternoon and evening. Be-
yond that, there will be no fftieth
anniversary except what you friends
have given me. 1t is an appreciation
of how you feel toward me.
"Now I have just one little re-
mark to make further. 1t does not
apply to all. You will OF course un'
derstand that am getting cider;
NV life is getting shorter, anti 3'
want to make my term with you
Just as easy as possible, and re-
quest in consideration for me that
we, please have no trouble OF
any kind; work should run smooth
", and everything will be just Ike
home"
~ will try to keep up the work
as have done in the past, but you
will help me keep rn the fight, ant
make the burden on my shoulders a:
light as you can. | do not feel my
age, but still the years have gons
by, and the next occasion that my
friends will be gathered at, may oe
around the box that will lay ms
away. This will perhaps be soon. bu'
when that time comes ! will bs
ready to go. | hope there and ther
to meet all of you where there vii
be eternal life for US all. I thanf
you."
Mr.. and Mrs. Alexander were "a
home informally last evening ant
were the recipients of teiegrams
Flowers and personal congratuiation:
.4rom many friends on their fifty