Evening star., 1938-06-30
AN|SPRA|SED
FORD.c.PROCRESS
More Than 700 at Farewell
Banquet in Honor of
Engineer Commissioner.

community was heaped high upon
Col. Dan I. Sultan last night at the
Willard Hotel, In honor of his four
year tour of duty as Engineer Com
missioner Of the District. which ends
In September.
More than 700 persons from the
Federal and district governments,
business. banking and organized labor
joined in testimonial dinner "by the
people of Washington" Ten speakers
paid him tribute. Snow White" and
others sang for him.
Responding frankly in tears, Col.
Sultan admitted his voice trembled,
his forehead was covered with perspi-
ration, but said he: my heart is full
Of JOY"
Charles H. Tompkins, contractor,
was general chairman, and Col Don.
H. Sawyer POSTMASTER. Tributes were
presented by Senator King, Democrat
Of Utah, chairman of the Senate Dis
trict Committee; Chairman Melvin c.
Hazen of the Board of Commissioners
OF the District; DR.. William McClel-
Ian, engineer and president of Poto-
mac Electric Power Co.; Robert v.
Fleming, president of Riggs National
Bank; Francis G. Addison, jr., pres
ident Of the Washington Board Of
Trade. and John Locher, president of
Washington Central Labor Union.
Silver Gift Presented.
Chairman Thompson characterized
Col. Sultan as "the man we love ana
respect" and presented him with
huge silver bowl and serving tray on
behalf of the assemblage.
The bowl was inscribed: Pre-
sented to Col. Dan l. Sultan in recog-
milton and appreciation of his inspir-
ing leadership and untiring efforts in
the service rendered by him to the
people of the District of Columbia
during his term as Engineer Commits
sioner August %. l934-September 6.
1888, Sultan testimonial dinner, June
20. 1888"
Toastmaster Sawyer presented to the
guest Of honor this drama of the
occasion, 6 moving panorama of friends
gathered to do honor to a great man,
who has worked so hard to make
this city the most substantial and the
most beautiful capital in the world"
Commissioner Hazen declared we've
never had Commissioner who com.
pares with this man leaving U.s."
Work Stands as Monument.
Listing briefly many of the public
works completed or started during the
tour Of duty of Col Sultan. Commits
sioner Hazen said: These monu-
ments he has built will be here as long
as the city lasts. We want it to be
the most beautiful city. and he has
contributed much to It," The public
works would stand as monuments to
Col. Sultan, Commissioner Hazen said.
Throwing out hint that he himself
may retire pretty soon," Mr. Hazen
indicated that Col. Sultan plans to
stay on the job at the District Build
ing up to the end of his tour Of duty,
and not to take the last 80 days in
leave.
Senator King referred to the retir-
ing Engineer Commissioner as AN
able public servant" who had given his
time and services for the promotion
of the public welfare" So much con-
struction now faces the District, he
said, that I'VE need men of genius,
men Of ability, and OF vision, to plan
wisely for the Capital Of the Nation"
He added: 1--WE part with sorrow and
wish him success in the future"
Praised in Two Roles.
Speaking as an engineer, DR.. Nc
Clellan praised the ability of Col. Sui
tan, both as an engineer and admin
1strator, in the particular job where he
was faced with difficulties in the midst
Of civic, social and political forces"
Col. Sultan had conducted his work,
declared DR.. Mcclellan, so that the
city was very much better for his
being here" and leaves the city with
the profound respect Of his fellow en-
gineers."
I'VE all regard him as an engineer
par excellence, who can organize and
get things done in the midst of con-
dltions not always easy Of accomplish
ment. You have measured up to our
fondest hopes" he told the guest of
honor. Your life among us has added
luster to your career. You furnish the
charming example Of a gentleman un-
afraid"
Paying tribute as "a citizen and
friend" Mr.. Fleming praised the Com
missioner's service to the District in
the period of reconstruction follow
ing the dark days of 1888"
Not only were all projects carried
forward expeditiously, eficiently and
with fairness" declared Mr.. Fleming,
but also with an eye to the protection
Of the interests of the Federal Gov
ernment and of the citizens of our
community. Courtesy. fairness and
efficiency have been characteristic Of
Col. Sultan throughout his term OF
ONCE.
Touches on Wide Popularity.
Il believe he has so won the conf
dence of our people that If they had
the privilege of electing an Engineer
Commissioner he would be their unan-
imous choice for many years to come"
He paid personal tribute to the social
graces Of both Col. and Mrs. Sultan as
members of the community, and well
coined them back with assurances Of
'the warm handclasp of deep and sin
cere friendship"
Speaking for the Board Of Trade,
Mr.. Addison told Col. Sultan: mo
Engineer Commissioner has been more
helpful and cooperative with busi-
ness interests than YOU" The presence
of representatives of industry, enter
prise, employers and employees at the
banquet, Mr.. Addison said. testify
more eloquently than anything I can
say"
Mr.. Locher, who was greeted several
times from the floor by a hopefully
prophetic voice saying: Hello, Mr..
Commissioner" praised Col. Sultan by
declaring I'VE have never had his
superior and few his equal" The
Commissioner had always been most
ao1,vfAofye and d>vSaarra S,s A>n1irr