National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1874-07-17
THE DISTRICT COMMISSION.

| APPOINTMENT OF NEW OFFICIALS
| CURRENT NEWS FROM COLUMBIA
BUILDING.
Yesterday morning there was an unusual
quiet prevailing at Columbia building. The
outside element had evidently spent its force,
and the new officials in the several depart
ments were given time and opportunity to con-
slider the serious work before them. The
morning hours were devoted to a considera-
ton with Lieut.. Hoxie of the unexecuted con-
tracts, Zone hundred and seventeen in num-
| ber,) and the conclusion was reached that
some must be discontinued, the preference
| being given to sewer contracts, such as are
necessary to complete work now in progress!
| No definite conclusion was reached.
Mr.. Thomas NJ. Plowman was appointed
deputy inspector of buildings, vice B. B, Cur
rem, removed.
During the afternoon there were quite a
number of visitors called on business and held
interviews with the Commission.
The most important of these was a gentleman
who held a claim against the District govern
mcnt secured by certain bonds as collateral
security. For this he, of course, demanded
payment in cash, but could get no definite an
swer from the Commission as to what course
they would pursue. The feeling, however
was that the sum appropriated BY Congress
would not hold out, and that the Commission,
instead Of recognizing any prepared claims,
would wait until the entire amount Of indebt-
edness had been ascertained, and then make q
pro rata distribution. This may lead to some
complications, as those residing here and hold
ing such collateral may, after the demand is
made and payment refused, conclude to reim-
burse themselves by the sale of the securities
they hold without regard to the action of the
Commission. -
On Tuesday evening the irrepressibleI John
Pope Hodnett called and had an interview
with the Commission in regard to certain
claims he held against the late government, in
the shape Of orders from laborers for alleged
services in securing the passage of the appro-
priation for their pay. During the talk it is
said Mir. Dcnnison took occasion to express his
opinion Of John, which is that he is an unmiti-
gated fraud. After some talk John was in
formed that he could leave his list, and that he
would be notified when the men were TO be
paid, but that il was hardly probable the Com
mission or its officers would act in the capacity
of collector for him. After this John took his
leave.
The principal talk about the building during
the forenoon was discussion Ofthe fact that the
Commission were preparing a new list Of Off
GERS, and the usual amount Of surmises in re-
gard to who the lucky ones would be. 1t
leaked out early in the day that the position of
collector would be vacated CY Mr.. Clephane
and successor appointed, statement verified
by the following letter sent 10 the Commits
sion:
"COLLECTOR's OFFICE,
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA,
''WASIIINGTON, July 16, RIA.
"GENTLEMEN: Understanding that II Is your
desire 10 make changes in the Offices Of the
District Of Columbia, and not wishing to en-
harass you, respectfully tender my resigHa-
tion Of the Office Of collector Of taxes, to take
effect on the Goth instant
81 have the honor to be yours. &c,
"LEwIs ClEPHANE,
Collector of Taxes, d. c.
''Ron. ". D'nnfs0R, h. T. Bloc, J. H. EstchuTa,
Cr",1HjSStJEtTS- &c. =
Among those who know the responsibility of
the Office and the competency Of the late in
cumOent there was but one opinion-that the
Commission, in deciding TO vacate the office,
had succumbed to mob clamor which did not
even represent its own votes, and had thereby
inflicted a grieyous wrong upon one of the most
trusted and worthy officials and citizens of the
District.
The following order will explain who are the
lucky ones: