National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1875-02-20
RETROCESSION,
Opinions Of Georretovu Kerctauts,


The question Of retroceding Georgetown back
to Maryland has been the subject OF much discus
sion within the past month, and to ascertain the
feeling Of the people Of this city on the project,
two meetings have been held; at neither was
there q fair representation Of the citizens oil
Georgetown. The NATIONAL REPUBLICAN, mas
kept its readers possed on what was done at these
meetings by Publishing full and accurate reports
Of the procee IiuEs To ascertain the views OF the
Of THE REPUBLICAN was sent 70
that city yesterday and obtained the opinions OF
large portion Of that class, and the following
submisteds
THOMAS C. WHEELER.
Asa ussrchapt and resident Of the city, he felt
a.deep interest in Georgetown, and was oesiTous
that she should prosper. He thought the nEs
men IN the city would como forward, much gooo
would be accomplished. He was opposed to retro
cessJon, and could not see that the least dement,
would be derived from change.
JOSEPH AND 5. Z. LIBBEY.
These gentlemen stroRely opposed change 70
m Nv a few discontented people. 1t was to them
mater that had given them but little concern.
There was time when they strongly oTS Tca
poration of Georgetown they had changed tneH
minds. Annexation of Georgetown to Washing
ton would be satisfactory TO them and penent
to the CITY. BY going back to Maryland they
ecuId not see that any good results would follow,
but on the other hand do harm, and the agitation
evil.
EVANS LYON
had very strong objections to retrocession and
could sec no good reason for its agitation. He
favored annexation to W Rshington on the ground
that 1t would be the means of lessentng the taxes
much more than by going to Maryland. TINS
ing men.
ADoLPHUs H. PICKRELL
had not much faith in the retrocossion movement,
and thought 1t was foolishness; He did not think
much good could be accomplished oy the cnHnge'
He was satisfied to remain where he was.
ROSS RAY
did not think the change would result in a great
amount of good to Georgetown, and that she had
better remain where she was. He did not take
much stock in the recent meetings on the subject.
J. @. AND J. N. WATERS
had never given the subject their thoughts. They
were perfectly Indifferent about it.
JOHN MARBURY, JR.,
thought the agitation was a waste of time and
perfect nonsense. If Congress would pay the
debt Of Georgetown he would be willing TO 20
back to Maryland. But Congress has no idea OF
doing this, and therefore he has no idea OF going
back to Maryland. He favored annexation with
Washington and thought 1t would be productive
Of good.
p. L. MOORE
was opposed to retrocession, and thought George
town had better be satisfied in the District. He
wanted to reap the BENEFITS paid for by George
town. Retrocession would not 6eneht George
town regarding taxation. He had taken no stock
in the recent meetings on the subject. II George
town remains with the District she will receive
Congressional aid, but if she goes to Maryland
she will be cut of.
THOs. W. BOWLING
wanted to go back to Maryland. He thought
that nothing could be lost, and a great deal
would be gained by going back.
MARK YOUNG
favored retrocession, and thought Georgetown
would be benefited by the change.
A. H. HERR
had no faith in the movement, and thought 1t
would not be the least benefit to Georgetown to
90 back to Maryland. He desired annexation
with Washington, and further thought Congress
would not consent to GeOTgetown's retroceding,
and that her citizens had better be satisfied,
FRANCIS wHEATLEY
opposed retreeession, and favored annexation to
Washington, as being productive Of much good.
wHRATLEY BROS.
considered the recent meeting held as being fool
ish, and could see no benefit in going back to
Maryland. They desired annexation.
CAPTAIN JAMES GODDARD
felt deep interest in Georgetown's welfare, and
desired to see her prosper. By going back TO
Maryland he thought her interests would be bet
ter preserved.
JOSEPH l. sIMMs
thought the movement would result in much
good. Maryland controlled the Water-pOWer and
the canal, and the State would aid in utilizing
that power.
Many other citizens and business men of George
town were consulted as to their views regarding
retrocession, and the major portion of them ex-
pressed their belief that the condition Of their
city would not receive any benefit by being placed
back in Maryland, but strongly favored annexing
her to Washington.
The plea put in by the movers in the recent
meetings TO the effect that the water-poHer in
Georgetown would be utilized did not receive
much favor, as Maryland now had this power
and she has never done anything very wonderful
towards utilizing this power. The whole move
ment is looked on, as stated in THE REPUBLICAN,,
as a farce, and ere long will break its own neck.
Further, some Of the gentlemen who were pres
ent at the retrocession meetings stated that they
were at the hall out of curiosity, and with no in
parties to the project.