Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1879-10-22
The District Commissionership.


The Sayles j. Bowen delegation called at the
White House to-day shortly after twelve O'Clock.
There seemed to be some hitch with this body
during the early portion of the day. By ten
O'Clock two or three Of them were waiting at the
Riggs House corner in the drfzling rain. AS the
straggler or two until at twelve O'Clock about
thirty were present. Some half dozen were
colored. Mr. A. K. Brown, the chairman, u
marShalled his forces and marched them to the
White House. THE STAR reporter was at first
well received by them until the head men found
out who he was. They then shut up like CLAIMS
and refused to give the names Of those present,
and furthermore informed him that he could
not get anything of their audience with the
President. The President received them in his
business room.
WHO WERE THERE.
They filed in and ranged around the walls
with Mr.. Brown near the President. Among
them were o. S. B. Wall, DR.. VIM. Brackett, C.
G; Smith, Rev. Henry Bale Bailey, ,i. g. A. Ta.ender,
o. D. Barrett, Captain Slater, DIR. Beall, George
Holmes, Charles Peters, Architect Starkweather,
NJ. M. Holland, Lewis Clephane, Joseph Hodg-
son and P. P. Cunningham. After settling him.
self in his shoes
MIR. BROWNE LED OFF
with written speech. He complipented the
President on his administration of the affairs Of
the nation, and said that if the Presidents
recommendations to Congress should be carried
out the District would be all right. He then
said he had no doubt that the President intended
to make a change In the DISTRICT government,
and that he could furnish evidence which would
show the necessity for change, but would not.
1t was unnecessary. The object of the visit was
to urge the name OF Sayles j. Bowen as District
Commissioner, assured as they were that at least
one change In the board was to be made. He
spoke for the republicans OF the District. In
conclusion he eulogized Sayles j. Bowen; said
that most of those present were under him
under the old form of the District government,
and read a letter from democrat, j. FL. Russell,
saying that while unable to call with the dele
CATION, he was in sympathy with the movement.
Mr.. Browne omitted to read the signature Of
this letter until reminded of it by the President
Mr. o. D. Barrett followed in a speech urging
SayleS j. Bowen'S appointment. NJ. NJ Holland
also spoke in MI. Bowen's behalf. He
SPOKE FOR THE CoLORED REPUBLICANS,
he said. His people did not ask for a Commits
sioner who should be one OF them, but wanted a
Commissioner who would be in sympathy with
them and would show them some consideration
and be something OF friend to them. This Mr..
Bowen was. He concluded by reading petition
for Mr.. Bowen's appointment, ''signed by Fred
erick Douglass, Prof. j. NJ. Langston, Dr. Purvis
and Others"
THE PRESIDENT REPLIED
as follows:-'I recognize the propriety of your
calling and making the representations you have,
believing, as you do, that change should
be made and that Mr.. Bowen should be appoint
ed. like TO be informed on all such matters. I
will consider your remarks and the papers you
leave and hope to decide correctly"
The delegation withdrew.