Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-04-06
LADUE PLEDGES
DISTRICT SERVICE
New Engineer Commissioner
Has Good knowledge of
Technical Problems Here.
BY j. A. O'LEARY.
STAFF Correspondent of The Star.

GOVERNORS ISLAND, N. Y, April
Elm an informal message to the
people of Washington today, Col. VIII
liam b. I4adue, newly appointed En-
gineer Commissioner, pledged the best
service of which he is capable and
invited the full cooperation of all
groups Of citizens during his admins
tration.
The new Commissioner said that In
his opinion Washington as it stands
today is the most attractive city he
has ever seen, but declared himself
in sympathy with the movement to
continue its development along ply
steal lines TO make it more beautiful
capital city.
viii Study Problems.
az think every one in the United
States wants to see Washington Deau-
titled" said Col. Ladue, land l would
be in favor of anything within reason
looking to that end"
AS to the merits of important Dis
trict legislation that will be pending in
the next Congress and as to issues on
which he will be called upon to act at
the District Building, Col. Ladue nat
urally was not in a position TO ad-
vance definite opinions, inasmuch as
he has not resided in Washington for
IA years.
The new Commissioner said that he
would give early and careful study 10
such matters as merger Of the street
railway systems, national representa-
ton for the people Of the District ana
similar problems on which he wants
I,;,n,anJf fully hQfOTR
discussing them.
Familiar With Projects.
Since Col. Ladue resided in Wash
ington he has made several brief WIS.,
its to the city and he displays rath-
err unexpected knowledge of the physi-
cal makeup of the District and of its
engineering service.
In his present assignment Col. La
due not only has had charge of New
York harbor work, but has been d.
vision engineer, supervising all Army
engineer districts from Maine to the
District of Columbia. In that capacity
he has followed rather closely the
building of Washington's new $4,000
600 water supply from Great Falls to
Dalecarlia Reservoir, is conversant
with the data now being prepared for
1yOnSIGES OII LtIS Dl OlJOSCd AlAlPA wv
ment of the Washington Channel river
front. opposite Potomac Park, and
has a working knowledge of what is
being done to reclaim Anacostia flats
into a parkway along the eastern edge
of the District.
Col. Ladue appeared anxious to ac-
quaint himself with the work of the
Public Utilities Commission, of which
he will become ex-officio member, as
soon as possible. While his term of
service here will not begin until June
%, he indicated that he would en-
deavor in the meantime to familiarize
himself with the laws under which the
Utilities Commission functions.
Interested In Schools.
He also displayed an interest In
the school building program now
under way and expressed the be-
lief that the District has made some
admirable additions to its school
facilities.
''By the way, is the Force School
still in use on Massachusetts avenue?"
the colonel asked. Informed that it
is he recalled that his two children
attended that school when he was
living in Washington from 1909 to
1913 and that his daughter, Miss
Louise Ladue also was a student at
Western High School. The new
commissioner will be accompanied
to Washington by his wife and
daughter. His son, Lieut.. Laurence
K. Ladue, u. s. A, is in the 9th
Cavalry at Fort Oglethorpe, Ga.
Col. Ladue has a calm, quiet nature
with an affable manner that makes
a visitor feel at home. He is fond of
his pipe and bears out the reputation
his friends have credited to him of
being a diligent worker at what
ever task is before him.
appointment Was Surprise.
He said the news of his appoint
ment had come to him a few days
ago as a complete surprise, and then
he added:
IT feel very much honored by the
appointment. / regard 1t as a very
important and honorable position and
one that carries with it great responsl-
bilities. / want to say that shall
enter upon my duties with the fullest
recognition of the responsibility as
well as the honor. l hope to have
the fullest cooperation of all civic
and trade organizations in studying
these problems and will welcome sug-
gestions in connection with them.
II feel a strong sense of response
CONTINUED on Page 5. Column %