Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1879-10-21
The Commissioner Question.
SAYLES J. BOWEN HARD AT WORK AGAIN FOR A


SAYLES J. BOWEN HARD AT WORK AGAIN FOR
TEAT.
With the return Of the President returns the
question of the present organization Of the
board of District Commissioners. The signs
have been all along that determined effort on
the part Of some of the citizens of washington
is to be made to effect change. All inaugural
movements in this direction have been directed
to securing the substitution of some other officer
on the board for its president, Captain Phelps.
The President before leaving for the west had
determined to make change shortly after his
return to the city. Subsequent representations
made, induced him to withhold the execution OF
that determination; if not, as some understood,
to postpone it altogether. On this point, how
ever there is nothing definite. The reporter of
THE STAR to-day in search of official informa-
whole matter remained in statu quo from the
last publication on this subject made In this
paper: That is, that the President has
not decided to , remove Captain Phelps, +, put
of the part of the bona tide citizens Of the Dis
trict, and to have their views on the subject.
There have been many papers filed at the White
House on this subject during the Presidents
absence. The most OF them urge change,
while but two recommend the appointment OF
any one in Captain Phelps place. These two
Bowen, and petition, signed by nearly every
Senator and many members of the House, for
the appointments of x-Sergeant-at-Arms French.
Tas Waste Papers a the q pab funds ehanSe anS msmag faae
agement upon the part Of the Commissioners.
One has slips cut from the various Washington
papers urging a change. This paper is signed
by A. Watson. Another communication Is from
Prof. Wilcox, protesting against the appoint
ment Of Sergeantat.ArmS French. 1t is under
stood that Mr.. Benjamin SeverSon has number
Of papers on file containing arguments for
change. A request Is also on file that the Pres
ident give audience to delegation of fifty citi-
zens in behalf of Sayles j. Bowen. This request
is signed by A. K. Brown, chairman. They will
probably have audience tomorrow. In this con-
nection the following circular, dated the 18th,
which has been circulated pretty extensively
among the business men and Others Is Of in
tereSt:
sat meeting Of citizens interested in effect
ing change in the District commiSSionerShip
you were selected as one of delegation OF rep
resentative republicans for the purpose OF call
ing upon the President to urge such change,
and to press the name of Hon. SayleS j. Bowen
for the position. 1t is confidently believed that
by proper and united effort, it is possible a
the present time to secure the appointment of at
least one commissioner for this District who Is d
republican, and a person in whom the citizen
have confidence. Believing you to be in sym
pathy with the movement, you are requested to
meet the delegation at the Riggs House mex
White House. where the delegation will be grant
ed an interview with the President pei appoint
ment. Very respectfully,
"D. NJ. DAVIS, Secretary"
Although but two applications have been filed
for Commissioner Phelps place. which Is not yet
vacant, there are plenty more. 1t Is evident that
that there are no less than fifty bona de citizens
OF Washington who show the incpient signs Of
candidacy.