National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1874-07-18
DISTRICT ITEMS.
YESTERDAYS WORK AT COLUMBIA
BUILDING.

BUILDING.
About Four-and-a-half street there was the
usual crowd of interested lookers-on yesterday
during the hours of the session of the Commls-
sion. The rulers came early, and then starter
on a tour of inspection to the site Of the rev
Northern market, and also to the Se,7age
square market. They expressed no Positive
opinion upon the subject, but quietly received
the written report of the Northern market
commission, giving in detail their proceedings
since organization, which will be carefully
looked into. They then went into executive
session, looking over and debating answers to
the many communications before them.
During the meantime several persons who had
special business were admitted. About ESQ
o'clock they had got through with the work,
and all who wished to see them were admitted
About O'Clock they sent out TO see whether
any more were in waiting, and finding none,
they nut on their little hats and coats, took
possession of the office carriage and proceeded
to the Arlington.
About noon Lieutenant Hoxie and his assist
ant Mr. Bodfnch, started out to inspect the
work, and at 4 O'Clock they had not returned.
Il Is stated that it is the intention of the Com
mission to revoke fully one third of the exist
ing unexecuted contracts, including many upon
which work had been commenced. Hearing
this, or fearing it, several who have important
contracts now in progress have retained the
services Of Mr.. W. A. Cook, and in the event
OF being interfered with, he will contest the
right Of the Commission to do so before the
courts.
Another question which is now attracting at
tention and causing discussion is whether the
twenty per cent. reduction shall affect the pay
~ ~ i~HcreEs As per diem employees, 1t is said
Jhat under the ruTv -LSah nhtains in the seye-
raj Government Departments they cannot be
classed among those whom the law was intend
ed to reach. The Commission will probably
refer the matter to Mr.. Stanton for his opinion.
Thus far there have been about five hundred
applications for position under the Commits
sion, which have been duly Endorsed and filed.
Among the regular visitors to the building is
A. NJ. Green, who comes early, stays late, and
does nothing.
In the other portion of the building 1t looked
rather quiet. Mr.. Vinson, the newly appointed
auditor, did not appear to take possession of
work being done. In the comptroller's Office
clerks are still busy on the various pay rolls,
with fair prospect of having them completed
next week. In the old Office Of the register one
of the comptroller's clerks was dealing out IL
censes to those who needed them. The water
registrar granted few permits to open streets,
and in the collectors Office SIS, 023 81 was paid
in for taxes. Mr.. Cook will not take poses
sion of the Office until the Goth instant, the
date of Mr.. Clephane's resignation.
Yesterday morning Comptroller Baker, who
has been charged with the duties heretofore
exercised by the commissioners Of the asylum,
paid an official visit to that institution, in order
that he might become acquainted with the
business routine. He was received by Super
intendent Hodgson and shown through the en-
tire building, and posted by him as to the de
tails of its management. On departing he ex-
pressed himself pleased with the manner IN
which the institution is CONDUCTED.
/ was Tqmqred yesterday that an effort was
being Made to have Superintendent Wilson re-
moved, but it is hardly probable that the Com
mission seriously entertain a proposition to re-
move this most efficient official.