National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1874-12-03
TIE OLDEST LYHtBTTINTS.

THE OLDEST L-NIABIIANTS.
The regular monthly meeting of the Oldest
Inhabitants Association was held yesterday in
the Criminal courtroom. The attendance was
unusually large, many being present who have
not attended meeting for some time past Dr.
]. B. Blake, the president occupied the chair.
He stated he was very happy to see so many Of
the members present. J. Carroll Brent, the sec
rotary, gave each cordial welcome, and after
general Handwriting the meeting was called to
order, and after the reading Of the minutes Mr..
EaIlan presented to the society the following
from the Washington Gazette, dated July II,
1871:
an atrocious murder, aggravated by the addi-
tional crime Of robbery was on the 9Th or 7th day
sCfbe nreseDt month committed IN the county OF
Alexandria and District Of Columbia, on William
SeavCrs, late of this city; and whereas the apprc-
hCpsion and punishment OF the murderer or muir
Serers or his or their accessory or accessories,
will be an example due to Justice and humanity,
and every way Salutary in its operation, have
tiOD, hereby eXhOrting the citizens of the United
States and particularly those Of the District and
requiring all officers according to their respective
stations. to use their utmost endeavOrs to appre-
bend and bring the principal or principals, acces-
sorry or accessories to the said murder to justice;
and do, moreover, offer reward Of 500 for each
principal, if there be moro than one, and $50 for
each accessory before the fact, If there be more
than one, who shall be unprecedented after the day
Of the date hereof and brought to justice, to be
paid upon his conviction Of the crime or crimes
2fOTesaid
In testimony whereof have caused the seal of
the United States to be atfixed TO these pres
snts, and signed the same with my hand.
Done at the city of Washington the 10th day OF
July, A. j. 1921, and the Independence OF the
JAMES MONROE.
by the President:
JOIN Quincy ADAMS.
Secretary Of State.
Five hundred dollars will be given to any per-
son who shall afford information whereby the
murderer OF VIM. Seavers can be brought to pun
ishment. The subscribers, in their individual as
well as their official capacities, feeling sOlcitOus
that the dreadful villain should receive the pun
ishment due to an offence Of such enOrmity, and
also an anxiety for the preservation Of the peace
and the good government of the District, Will pay
the above reward to any person by whose agency
the murderer shall be convicted.
SAMUEL n. SNALLwOOD.
Mayor OF Washington.
CHRIsTOPHER NEAL,
Mayor Of Alexandria.
JOHN PETER
Dr. Blake spoke in connection with the above,
paying glowing tributes 20 the efforts Of the Pres
fdcnt and the mayors to bring the guilty parties
M. Thomas made a few remarks, and said he
never passes the scene Of the murder but what he
thinks Of the occurrence. He pictured the scenes
about the spot, and spoke Of the excitement Gre
atCd at the time.
A resolution in respect to the memory of the
late Jacob Hines was offered and adopted. The
deceased member was an old and valued citizen
Of the District, having been resident since the
u.
went out to defend the capital during the war Of
1872.
Nj Thomas moved that Mr.. Mast be empOw-
cred to make all arrangements for the annual
visit 10 the President OF the United States on
January !.
The motion led TO a discussion, and many of the
members thought there were no arrangements
necessary to be made.
DR.. Blake thought il was duty to be performed
topay the respects Of the sOcietytO the President
He asked all to turn out on that day.
Mr.. Clark did not think IL was so necessary
that the members of the society should visit the
President. At one time Chief Executive was
looked uDOn rs the servant Of the people, but
things have changed He thought that It should
be left with tho members to say whether they
desired to make the visit. Paying such high
tribute TO the President he thought was uncalled
for. He next started of or the constitution, but
before preceding far Mr.. BOhrer interrupted
him by moving that sufhcient notice be given the
members Of the society TO prepare for the visit.
He was opposed to the remarks mnde, and did
NOS want the society to be made political tnGti-
tuition.
Mr. Clark replied that men were entitled 10
the privilege Of expressing their sentiments.
TIE motion was then adopted.
Mr.. Clark called up his resolution, submitted
1t q previous meeting, to amend the constitution
N order that persons residing in the District
tbirty-three years and fifty years of age may be
come members of the association. (Thc time now
allowed is forty years q Tcsldent)
Considerable debate followed, and the rcs0ln-
ton was rejected, after which the meeting ad.
TOUTned.