Evening star., 1940-04-20
Madison Memorial
lis Urged for Capital
AT 5. A. R. Session
Dies Committee Proised
For PubIicizins Dangers;
Officers Installed


Erection of a James Madison Me-
mortal in Washington in recogni-
ton of the fourth Presidents out
standing service to America was
urged at the 50th anniversary meet
ing OF the District of Columbia
Society, Sons Of the American Revo-
luton. last night at the Mayt1ower
Hotel
In tracing his organizations early
history and that Of allied patriotic
groups, Selden M. Ely, senior past
president said the society should
make a major effort to bring about
construction of a lasting tribute 10
Madison.
During his speech, Mr.. Ely praised
the Dies Committee Investigating
un-American activities. He said the
society already had been aware of
the 'insidious purposes" Of groups
working from within and without >
but that the Dies Committee had
made the public conscious Of these
dangers.
Quotes Noted Americans.
Mr.. Ely read statements from
Americans who played an important
part in the Nations history. These
quotations, he said, clearly show
that the Societies of the Sons Of
the American Revolution are COM
posed OF men representative of all
parties and from every section Of the
Union. They are, we are, brought
together in sympathic and friendly
association for purely patriotic pur-
! poses"
I'VE must not exercise ourselves
too much" he continued, about
more OF less temporary partisan
| differences, but we must seek deeply
to understand and promote such
movements as will extend individual
opportunity, growth and initiative.
and enable us progressively to live
better as we may be associated politi-
cally as an all inclusive mass under
a representative government"
In outlining the society's history,
Mr.. Ely listed the early presidents
of the patriotic organization as
David D. Porter, the naval officer
and diplomat; Gen. Adolphus w.
Greely, the noted Arctic explorer,
who served two terms: Gen. Joseph
c. Breckenridge, and G. Brown
Goooe, the scientist, both of whom
also served twice
Mr.. Ely recalled, too, that the
Sons of the American Revolution
and the Daughters of the American
Revolution have worked in close
harmony for the past half century
New Officers Installed.
The program also included the
installation of new officers. headed by
DR.. Clifton P. Clark, president. who
was ushered into Office by the re-
firing president, Chalmers Seymour
Mcconnell, who rounded out his
second term. Others installed were
DR.. W. Harvey Wise, jr.. senior vice
president; Wade H. Ellis, second vice
president; C. Leonard Brown, third
vice president: Benjamin D. Hill. jr.,
secretary; Mcdonald Miller, assist
ant secretary Harvey B. Gram, jr.,
treasurer; William w. Badgley. re-
elected registrar; Craig L. Reddish,
assistant registrar, and DR.. John
D. Wolcott, John F. Little and the
Rev. Samuel NJ. Croft, who were
reelected historian, librarian and
chaplain, respectively.
Maj. Harry A. Davis was re-
elected as trustee for the term end
ing April 10. l943 Installed as men,
bers of the Board of Management
for the term ending the same date
were Mr.. Mcconnell, Thomas C
Washington, jr., Maj. Gen. Amos
A. Fries, Clark B. Cummings and
Laurence V. Benet. Francis M
Hoffheins was installed for the term
ending in 1912.
Announcement was made of a
special exhibit by the Library OF
Congress of a collection of docu-
ments and data of the Revolutionary
period in honor of the S. A. r s
golden anniversary The exhibit will
remain open through May, making
it available to members of the
S. A. R. National Congress meet
ing here next slonth.