Evening star., 1923-04-04

tSontlnued from First PaEe.)
from the board was quite a shock to
me. / had hoped he might continue
to serve the usual term of an Engi-
neer Commissioner, which would have
carried him beyond the time when my
term expires.
I'm his leaving US the District loses
one of the best men that ever filled
the important place Of an Engineer
Commissioner. Gifted with extraordi-
nary executive ability, quick to grasp
defatisable worker, and possessed of
that tactful skill which enabled him
to meet and deal with the people,
made him most valuable executive.
My association with him will always
miss his wise counsel. With the abiI-
ity to handle with skill and judgment
any project, irrespective of its magni-
tude, there is no doubt that Col. KEEL
Ter will add TO his long list of
achievements in the new field Of his
labors.
I'VE are fortunate in that Maj. Bes-
son. who will act after the colonel
leaves US. is by reason of his long
experience in the engineer depart
ment, so we'll qualified to continue
the work and carry on the progress
sive policies inaugurated by Col.
Keller"
Trlbute to Colonel.
Commissioner Oyster also spoke in
high terms of the colonel.
He said: "It Is a source of deep re-
gret to me to learn that Col. Keller
is going to leave US. But I am sure
his new task will bring him deserved
rewards. l have admired the energy
and devotion Col. Keller has ex-
hisited has, e. in his service here and !
to the residents Of washington.
II have always found him fair
minded and reasonable in the dis
cussion Of public problems, and !
know that he has in every instance
had the best interests of the nations
capital city at heart Although his
period OF service with US has been
brief. he has accomplished much"
Regrets Colonel's Departure.
IT regret the departure of Col.
Keller from the District government"
said Charles A. Baker. president Of
the Federation of Citizens Associa-
tions. because believe he has work :
ed In season and out OF season for
the best interests OF our city.
the Engineer Commissioner, for he
has been an eff1cient, hard-working
official. II will be dificult to find q
successor who will labor more ardent
ly for the welfare of the capital than
Col. Keller has done.
The colonel has devoted the
greater part of his life to the service
OF his government and ! feel that he
is entitled to better his condition
now"
Praised by Senator Harrison.
THE resignation of Col. Keller as
one OF the District Commissioners is
Senator Pat Harrison of Mississippi
today. Senator Harrison has taken a
keen interest in District affairs.
1T 10 natural that one endowed
with his exceptional ability and long
experience should have been sought
eSntinusd @ Senator DGHsr Hsrr,.on Hi,
study of navigable waters and
knowledge of engineering, togethe er
with his far vision and good common
sense. Mt him for larger duties
He has made most painstaking q
and conscientious District officiai and
It will be difioult to fll his place No
informed In all the details incident
to water-power development than Col.
Keller. AS one in charge during the
war Of the development and utili-
zation OF our water power, espe-
ciaily at Niagara, he proved his worth
and because Of the confidence the
War Department placed in him the
government relied upon and accepted
his advice. His friends in Congress
as we'll as the District, I am sure
wish him much happiness and larger
returns In his new work"