Evening star., 1932-09-28
EDISON HON0RED
BY TRADE BOARD
Half Century of Public Serv.
ice Praised by Member.
ship Committee.

The half century of public service
rendered by John Joy Edison was lauded
yesterday by the Membership Commit
tee of the Washington Board of Trade
as it opened Fall season of activities
designed to enlarge the scope Of in
f1uence and work of the organization.
The 87-year-old charter member Of
the trade body was paid tribute for un-
ceasing efforts for improving the situa-
ton of Washington residents and for his
long career as an active member and
leader of the Board of Trade.
Mr.. Edison responded with an inspira-
tional address in which he outlined
some of the major objectives of the
Board of Trade, signalling national
representation for the residents Of
Washington as one deserving Of the
most ardent consideration.
There Is every reason why We
should have voice in our Government
and no reason why we should not" he
declared The exercise of the fran
chiSe Is one Of the most sacred duties
of oul Republic"
Organizations Praised.
In this connection, the veteran civic
worker praised the work of the Board
of Trade and other organizations for
enactment by Congress of the enabling
legislation. He also commended the
consistent efforts devoted to this end
by Theodore w. Noyes, chairman of the
Representation.
Bespeaking earnest attention to the
problems of home ownership, Mr.. Ed
son declared that if every citizen of the
United States owned his own home
there would be no disloyalty in the
country.
He contraSted the membership of 500
of the Board Of Trade in its early days
with the present roster of about $500,
and pointed out that the large mem
bership noN gives the work of the or
ganization greatly increased influence
and opportunity for public service.
Present and former officials of the
Board Of Trade joined in paying honor
to the work Of Mr.. Edison. Among
these were E. J. Murphy, George Pitt,
e. c. Brandenburg. E. c. Graham, w.
w. Everett and George Offutt, all for
mer presidents; and Milton F. Schwab,
William r. Ellis, Luther w. Linkins,
John Saul, Charles j. Waters, Charles
F. Crane, H. Clifford Bangs, c. j.
ent chairman Of the committee.
Apostle Of Public Service"
Robert j. Cottrel, executive secretary
of the Board of Trade, in brief sketch
of the career of Mr.. Edison, pointed out
he had won recognition as an apostle
of public service" because of his mani
fold activities in the interest of the pub
lie. locally and nationally.
Mr.. Edison, he pointed out, has been
a leader for many years in the move
ment for civil service reform and played
a prominent part in achievement of
many objectives for the benefit of Gov
ernment employees and the Govern
ment itself.
Reformation of the Washington sys-
tenn of property assessments also was
attributed largely to the work Of Mr..
Edison. His long association with the
public welfare work and his activities
in bringing about a codification of the
laws Of the District also were cited.
Mr.. Burdette announced that the
committee now is seeking to enroll 500
new members for the organization. The
following were announced as group
leaders: Hollis B. Fritts, A. w. Lee,
Wilbur N. Baughman, Richard D. Stim-
son, Milton F. Schawb and A. c.
Smith.