Washington sentinel. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1856, 1855-05-24
O. o IN m aaieateD.
The city surveyor.

The oflce OF Surveyor is one whose administra-
ton requires professional attainments and expert
ence, and we believe there are a large number OF
intelligent voters who would wish to know which
OF the nominees possesses the requisite fitness for
the office. The comfort and convenience of each
citizen, as well the general health of the city,
is, in a measure, dependent upon the competency
OF the officer having charge OF its grading, drain
age, and sewerage. The expenditure which the
Government is now making for revision Of the
grades by our able and trusty fellow citizen,
Randolph Coyle, esq, would never have been re-
CURED, nor would the mistakes in grading, now
past remedy, have been made, had the fitness OF
the man for the post, instead of mere party claims
been the test in selection.
). i. Albert, esq, who has received the nomi-
nation OF the Union party, is man in every way
fiji for the post. His childhood youth, and early
manhood have been passed in Washington. He
is identified with the citizens Of this metropolis
by early association, family interest, and proies-
sional reputation. Embracing the profession OF
eng'n at the early age of eighteen, he has for
eight or nine years been an ardent and assiduous
student of his profession in practice and in theory
He has been at various times engaged in canal
and railroad works, river and harbor surveys, and
river and harbor improvements.
In l849 he was employed by the War Depart
ment as assistant engineer in survey Of the
Potomac from Georgetown to the Long Bridge
to ascertain the causes of obstruction in the navi
cation of the river and the best method fimp-ov-
ing it. He made the triangulation, soundings
and map of thsfver; supplied the data for esti-
mating the causes and mode of removing the OBJ
structions; made an estimate for the partial re-
moval of the causeway, leaving sufficient al
intervals to form foundation for piers, and an
estimate of the cost Of pier-brdge. He also
made an estimate of the expense Of a suspension
bridge at the islands above Georgetown known
as the Sisters.
In 1850 he was employed by the War Depart
ment as assistant engineer for the survey Of a
route by James creek for an extension of the cana
to the arsenal for the establishment of coal
depot and other purposes. The interests of the
city would be greatly benefited by the adoption
of this measure.
In both the works just mentioned Mr.. Albert
acted assistant to Capt Graham, and that
gentleman s illness and confinement from wounds
received in the Mexican war threw almost the
entire burden of the feld-work plans and esti
mates upon Mr.. Albert, which fact is mentioned
| in Capt. Graham report.
In 1851 he was employed as assistant to Col
Hughes in the survey of Rock Creek for the in
PRODUCTION of water into the city. Lieutenant
Reynolds shared with Mr.. Albert the active field
labors. The creek was surveyed for ten miles
from St. Johns Church, and the practicabity OF
the plan ascertained. The Potomac was finally
chosen in preference, as furnishing more abun-
dant supply of water The Typographical map,
country will always be Of value to the city In
his report COL Hughes compliments Mr.. Albert
upon ''his zeal, industry, and intelligence in the
performance of his labors.
For two years past, and until within the last
few months, Mr.. Albert had charge Of the survey
and improvements Of the navigation of Tar river
in North Carolina. The improvement was by
dredging and dams, and called into play the
highest practical and theoretical knowledge of his
profession. He also made survey and map OF
Beaufort harbor, which was published by order OF
the Legislature of the State. His position in
North Carolina was highly responsible and honor
able, and he enjoyed the confidence and respect
of some of the most eminent men of the State.
In all these works he proved himself skilful
and accomplished engineer. He also manifested
in marked degree the qualities specially re-
quired in City Surveyor, accuracy and industry.
In Mr.. Abert's well-known integrity and upright
ness of character there is guarantee that what
ever responsibility may be entrusted to him will
be discharged conscientiously and to the utmost
of his ability.
The party who have nominated him may well
be proud of candidate whose character and
reputation have only to be scrutinized to bring
forth their merits ENGINEER,