Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1935-02-23
SILENT TRIBUTE
TO WASHINGTON
Special Period Each Birth.
day Proposed to Oldest
inhabitants Group.

Praising the influence of George
Washington not only on this Nation
but on the world, Gratz E. Dunkum
yesterday proposed to the Association
OF Oldest Inhabitants that a definite
period should be set aside on Wash
tngton'S birthday each year when all
Americans should pause from one to
flve minutes ito give thanks to God
for George Washington"
Such a Nationwide pause, even II
for one minute only, would have more
practical effect, the speaker thought,
than any other kind of tribute.
PraiSing Washington as States
man, citizen beyond reproach, hus-
band in which there was no guile, and
a man among men," the speaker de-
clared that the personal character of
George Washington is the greatest
asset that has been given to the
American people"
Character Declared Needed.
Defining sharp distinction between
reputation" and character" Mr..
Dunkum declared that what America
needs today is character"
The farewell address of Washington
was characterized as containing, next
to the Bible, more wisdom than any
printed page" An outstanding quota
ton from this address was declared
by the speaker to be the first Presi-
dents reference to national lnstltu-
lions finding their indispensable sup
ports in religion and morality"
The farewell address was read by
Jesse c. Suter.
John Clagett Proctor read an orig
inal poem on George Washington.
Frank K. Sanderson sang THE
Wayworn Traveller" "Duna," and a
Negro spiritual, accompanied by Mrs.
Sanderson. They also led community
singing of patriotic songs.
MIR. Proctor Presides.
Mr.. Proctor, vice president, presided
in the absence of the president, Theo-
dore w. Noyes. In a communication
to the association, read by Mr.. Suffer-
Mr.. Noyes expressed regret at being
unable to attend. He characterized
the occasion, celebration of Washing
tons birthday, the greatest day in
the associations calendar, in which
Washington the city honors with
peculiar enthusiasm Washington the
man, who founded the city, protected
it and which bears his name"
On motion of Mr.. Dunkum, the
association unanimously sent to Mr..
Noyes resolution expressing best
wishes for health of his family and
appreciation of the message.
Vice President Proctor referred to
Mr.. Noyes' service as president OF the
organization since May 6, 1908.
Duhamel Welcomed Back.
James F. Duhamel, corresponding
secretary of the association, was well
coined back after long absence fol-
lowing an accident in which he had
been injured by an automobile. Mr..
Duhamel presented a number OF old
fire-fighters' relics, the gift of Linden
T. Harris of Philadelphia.
Frank Bowling, marshal of the or
ganization, presented two bricks from
the old Union Hotel. now being de-
molished. He announced also the
gift of an antique door bell, presented
by F. F. Einwaechter. of 705 Washing
ton boulevard, Baltimore. The bell
had been in the same family for about
30 years. Cigars for the celebration
yesterday, Bowling announced, were
the gift of Miss Alice j. Goddard and
Fred D. Goddard of Georgetown.
A written proposal from Mrs.
Mahlon Pitney of the Dupont Circle
Citizens Association against use of
soft coal in the city, as cause of the
smoke nuisance drew protest from
George E. Sullivan, who said the Old
est Inhabitants should not discrim-
mate between the various kinds of
fuels, as the Government had never
done so. The association referred the
proposal to a committee headed by
Mr.. Sullivan for investigation and
report.
Wreath Placed.
Mr.. Proctor reported that the asso-
citation had placed floral wreath at
the foot of the Washington Monu-
ment.
Eleven new members were elected:
William NJ Slater, Philip H. Gum
brecht, Patrick H. Gallagher, Claude
Leon Pickens, Walter B. Patterson,
Gus Kahlert, George H. Tyson, Charles
Demonet. George Thomas Berkley,
Sigmund Silverberg and Horace J.
Phelps
Invocation was pronounced by DR..
George Fiske Dudley, rector of st.
Stephens and the Incarnation Epis-
copal Church.
Refreshments were served at the
close of the ceremonies. The Enter
tainment Committee, headed by j.
Eliot Wright. chairman, included
Frank W. Bowling, James F. Duhamel,
Fred A. Emery, Percy B. Israel, B. F.
McCauley. Elra c. Palmer, John
Clagett Proctor and Theodore w.