Evening star., 1937-07-07

admitted in so short a time! I am
rather proud Of that"
Mrs. Mason stopped short here and
ran upstairs with the easy grace Of
q girl in her teens. Returning, she
handed us the clubs original consti-
tuition and bylaws. Just notice some
OF our aims" the ex-president
chuckled-" development Of our homo
grounds, protection OF wild flowers,
birds and forests A bit ambitious,
don't you think? Any one who has
ever seen the gorgeous rhododendrons
and azaleas of North Carolina will
understand our enthusiasm for con-
servation. though. Much of our sue
cess" she added generously was due
to the late Mrs. U. G. Speed, who be-
fore her death became power In tho
national horticultural world"
Modesty Is but one of many ouali-
ties that make Mrs. Mason the thor.
oughly delightful person that she Is,
She Is gracious, kindly and amiable,
too. Has happy faculty for thinking
OF others needs instead of her own.
Even asked If We wished to know her
age. Greater amiability hath no
woman than this! Home, office and
social duties combined don't leave
much time for anything else, but tho
Masons do manage to see their g.
month-old grandson, residing here,
severa! times a week-and wish that
another youngster, In Boston, lived q
bit nearer
This IS the first Summer since 1922
that Mrs. Mason has not gone to
North Carolina. A six-week motor
trip through the British Isles is the
program for this vacation. Leaving
Washington tomorrow, she and her
husband sail from New York on July
10. A car will meet them at Plym-
outh and then-"just rest and the
English countryside and avoiding the
cities" said Mrs Mason. I'm going
to try to forget everything connected
with my job"
IRONICALLY enough, 1t was the
success Of the movement for repeal
that first radically shortened her
vacations. The Alcoholic Beverage
Control Board was established for the
District Of Columbia and Mrs. Mason,
together with George w. Offutt and
Isaac Cans, was appointed to mem.
bership in February, 1884. Was re-
appointed for four-year term in JAM
uary. 1887, much to the satisfaction
of every one concerned.
1T Is difficult to give a picture OF
the boards activities" said the only
woman member, because OF their
wide scope and the ramifcations Of
the act empowering it. Briefly. We
pass on all applications for liquor
licenses and have absolute power In
the issue or denial Of them. Once
Issued, We can revoke them for Just
cause. The licensee can then appeal
over our findings direct to the District
Commissioners. A suspension Of over
30 days can be appealed, also, but
for any under that period, our word
is final. We can recommend. but
cannot make regulations governing
the liquor industry. New rules must
emanate from the Commissioners, as
must also any change in the existing
ones"
We asked If some rather ticklish
questions didn't arise sometimes,
"Oftener than that. should say"
she answered But We do try to
consider carefully every angle Of every
question This thoughtful though
laconic reply reminded US OF the recent
remark Of = prominent social service
worker. Il have seen engaged in
social work = good many women un-
trained in that field" she said Some
of them make fairly successful thing
Of it, too. But never have I seen
one who worked as conscientiously at
1t as Mrs. Mason does. She tries to
view the problem from all possible
angles, is quick to see her own mis-
takes and rectify them and insists
that sllcomers be treated equally. 1t
Is impossible to overestimate the
importance Of that last. Yes, she is
. splendid person for the place"
Mrs. Mason says simply, Il try to
give my Job the best that Is in me-"
A.