Evening star., 1918-04-17
WASHINGTON CITY AS IT WAS
IN THE DAY OF LAFAYETTE
Life Of Gen. Weiehtman, an Early Mayor,
Subject Of Paper Read Before Co.
lumbia Historical Society.

try. and 1t was read by Allen c. Clark,
president of the Columbia Historical
Society, at a meeting of the society
in the gold room of the Shoreham Ho-
tel last night
Mr.. Clark read a paper on the life
Of Gen. Roger Chew Weightman,
mayor OF Washington, whose admin
istration began in 1924 and during
which the capital received its memora-
BILE visit from the man who had been
George Washington's principal assist
ant IN the military operations neces-
tfnent.
Gen. Lafayette's Visit Recalled.
The capitals greeting to Lafayette
was tho most lavish and whole-hearted
It has extended to any visitor. Mr..
der was forced to respond to many
toasts. of which the most prophetic
was the one quoted. 1t was given at
a banquet at the Willard Hotel ten
dered him by Congress.
While the banquet was in progress
an old revolutionary soldier burst into
the hall and, rushing up TO Lafayette.
asked il he did not remembe-' him as
the man who had carried the general
from the battlefield when he was
not only remembered but called his
benefactor by name. Congressman
were so pleased by the incident that
they saw to it that the old soldier was
put up in style" at the Willard and
that he remained there during the
stay OF Lafayette, retiring each even
ebriation,.: ~ ~ y
Mayor weightman was the pivot
Wheel Of the machinery that arranged
Il 4
the general on behalf Of the capital,
delivered several toAsts and addresses
and directed the program generally.
Mayor a Versatile Citizen.
This early mayor Of Washington, Mr.
Aliens paper showed, was a printer,
soldier, statesman, librarian and all
round good business man and citizen
He was born in Alexandria in 1887;
early engaged in the printing business
IN Washington; was one of the de-
tenders of the Capitol when the Brit
ish burned it; was elected by the coun-
Gil to fill a vacancy in the mayorship
In 1894; ran for the Office against
Thomas Carbery, in 1926, and was
elected; became chief clerk CT the pat
ent office after retiring as mayor; was
made major of the District militia
and held other important posts.
During Mr.. Weightman's time the
question of the rights. or rather re-
tricted rights, of Washingtonians as
American citizens often came to the
front. overshadowing interest in every
other subject.
Mr.. Clark quoted from William Bid
die Shepard, a member of Congress in
1885. who in a speech on the floor of
the House discussed the nations duties
toward the District.
Nations Duties Toward District.
"In the plan originally adopted by
the government for the city of Wash
ington," said Representative Shepard
the width and extent of the streets
were upon scale greatly beyond the
necessities of any resident population
which will ever be found there.
"All this was done doubtless to
crafty the national pride or for the
accommodation of the public; why,
then. should not the nation pay for
these extensive tastes?
largest proprietors of real estate
within the CITY, and yet they have
paid comparatively nothing toward the
improvement of the streets. while indi-
vidual owners of lots have paid more
than 100000. 1 can perceive no prin-
ciple which can justify the government
in not paying along with other prop
critics for the improvement of streets,
which add to the value of their prop
erty, particularly when the govern
ment claims the right of property in
the streets. points their direction and
describes their dimensions, matters
over which the corporation of Wash
ington can exercise no control, but are
the passive instruments of the people
Of the United States.
IF the United States had paid in
proportion to the property they hold
within the city. as other properties
have done, their proportion toward the
expenses of the city since the year
1902 would at this time amount to
more than the entire debt of the COR
poration.