Evening star., 1934-01-02
URGE PREFERENCE
Be GIVEN FINLAND
Oldest Inhabitants Take Ac-
tion at New Year
Meeting.

Devoting most of its time to chron-
icleS of the year, 1888, and consloera-
ton of the early days Of Washington,
the Association of Oldest Inhabitants
of the District of Columbia in its New
Year meeting yesterday at Old Union
Engine House. called on the new ad-
ministration to give tariff preferences
to Finland because it was the only
foreign power to pay its debt to this
country in full.
The association adopted the Fin
land resolution on motion Of James F.
Duhamel. He proposed that we in
sist and urge that our Government
offer extra reductions in tariff duties
on imports from Finland and take
necessary steps that are possible to
promote trade with the said Republic
of Finland and to enhance the pros
perity of its people Copies OF the
resolution will be sent the Secretary
Of State. chairman of the House Ways
and Means Committee, the Senate
Finance Committee and the Minister
from Finland.
Proctor Reviews Year.
John Clagett Proctor. ChroniCler and
vice president Of the association, en-
tertained the association with his
chronicles OF the year. He reviewed
important events particularly pertain
ing to this city. touching only slight
ly on national affairs.
"A bull ran wild in Petworth and
the fire department was required to
to catch it." said Mr.. Proctor, of
February 4, which reminds us OF our
bOvhood days when all sorts of animals
ran wild in the streets Of Washington"
He reported the cherry blossoms 'at
{f,o
bank crisis here early in the year,
praised President Roosevelt. hoping
that the new deal policies would bring
the country back to prosperity and
concluded his "reminiscences with
brief appropriate poem.
"Old Time Riots" Recalled.
Mr.. Duhamel read a paper on "Old
Time Riots" in this city referring to
the battle of Bladensburg turmoil
over race riots. abolition difficulties,
rivalry between cid volunteer fire
companies.
THE organization of the Metropolitan
Police System in 1861 was a great step
towards civic order" said Mr.. Duhamel,
land the paid Fire Department elimi-
mated another prime factor. The break
ing out of the war carried into the
NOTInGIn anu DOulIltlA AIlll4tS llIC
belligerent youths who were always
ready for a spat and it was the custom
of the authorities to deport each week
the disreputable loafing element that
the war brought and left on the city"
The Battle of Bladensburg started
discussion which was engaged in by
John R. Nahoney. Mr.. Proctor, Mr..
Duhamel and others.
30 Members Lost by Death.
Secretary-Treasurer ]. Eliot Wright
reporting that the association had lost
20 members by death during the past
year. and had gained only II, with a
net loss Of Il, called on members to
launch a membership campaign.
Elra G. Palmer promised that in cele-
bration of his 18th birthday in March,
he would entertain at the March meet
ing of the association on violin which
had figured in the program at FOrd's
was shot. He invited certain members
who had recently demonstrated their
abilities at old time dances, to give an
exhibition with him at the March meet
ing. Among those invited were John
Clagett Proctor. B. T. McCauley and
Frank w. DoWlng.
The old fire bell belonging to the
association was rung in celebration OF
the New Year. by Mr.. Dowling.
Theodore w. Noyes, president OF the
association, presided.