Evening star., 1947-04-15
I0deu Smith Honofed
For 33-Year Service
lin Trade Board Post

OdelI s. Smith, "a, who is retiring
as chairman of the Public Order
COMMITTEES of the washington
Board Of Trade after more than SO
years OF service In that position,
Was given testimonial by COM
lmittee members last night.
Presented by Charles H. Bates, q
vice chairman of the COMMITTEES, the
testimonial described Mr.. Smiths
tenure In office as "unequaled, not
merely in point Of time, but even
more in achievement ."
Your example has been a con-
slant source of inspiration to every
one OF U.s., the testimonial stated.
Through you, our committee has
been made a living thing today.
With the aid Of your leadership,
the Police and Fire Departments
of Washington have been raised to
Ia combined force now unsurpassed
In quality and efficiency anywhere
in the Nation"
In his presentation speech, Mr..
Bates said Of Mr.. Smith: Never
was there truer man or a finer
one. His loyalty and pride
in Washington have been q gem
beyond comparison. He Is a credit
to the city and the Nation"
Honor Comes as Surprise.
Unaware that the dinner meeting
in the Continental Hotel was to in
clude the presentation, Mr.. Smith
overcame his surprise to reply that
If anybody ever enjoyed being chair
man OF committee, I have"
A native Of New York, Mr.. Smith
has made an impressive civic and
business record since becoming a
member Of the trade group in 1898
He is now director and secretary
treasurer Of the Norfolk Washington
Steamboat Co., the Home Mutual
Building and Loan Association and
Glenwood Cemetery. He also Is di-.
rector and secretary to the board
OF the National Bank of Washing
ton.
He is a member of the Foundry
Methodist Church. Alpha Delta Phi
fraternity, the Washington Trans
portation Club and the Association
|of Oldest Inhabitants. He is on the
Membership, Education, and Ma
tional Representation Committees
|of the trade group and is a member
|of its board of directors.
Mr.. Smith previously had served
as assistant director of the Home
Defense League in World War I,
director of the Criminal Justice AS
sociation, director and president of
the Washington Traffic Club, and
trustee of Casualty Hospital.
During the meeting, Mr.. Smith
heard reports on the police and fire
departments, after asking for in
stitution of the three platoon system
for the latter group.
Advantages Outlined.
Harry ]. Miller, chairman Of the
subcommittee on the fire depart
ment. outlined advantages of the
system which he said would bring
younger men into the department.
John F. Hillyard, chairman of the
subcommittee on the police depart
ment, reported that Maj. Harvey G.
Callahan, superintendent, wants an
addition Of more than 100 policemen
year, until the force numbers $500.
Another speaker was Representa-
tive Hebert, Democrat, of Louisiana
a member of the House District
Committee for the last seven years,
who said, sit was fortunate day
for me when asked to be put on
the committee"
He emphasized the importance Of
selling new members of Congress
on the idea that Washington Is
their city as much as it is yours"
and nothing is too good for it."
CAS- long as Congress insists on
running the city government, then
1t is Congress responsibility to give
you all the things you deserve" he
said.
Mr.. Hebert paid tribute to the
Board of Trade for its role in the
development OF the city.
A new chairman for the Public
Order Committee will be announced
May l. Last nights meeting was
the last of the administrative year.