The Evening critic., 1882-09-04
COMMISSIONER WEST.
His Return TO Washington What
He Says of the Alleged Imbroglio


Commissioner West returned to Washington
Saturday evening, and tho following Interview
with him was published in this mornings
Republicans;
"Your visit North has boon tho subject of
much comment here. May ask what was the
object of your tourneyW -
~ have been on a short trip for recreation.
The secretary OF tho Commissioners has been
always apprised Of my address.
''Have you been to New York 2"
boat TO train, only"
uDid you see the President -
mo; nor did / have any idea OF doing So"
'what is your version Of what is called tho
District imbroglio p"
"whatever differences Of opinion oxlst be-
tween myself and my colleagues are not OF
the public, nor do think that 1t would pro-
mote the interests OF the people OF Washington
glad to see that the Republican has beon con
eervative on the subject"
"But have you nothing further that We may
cay as coming from you on that matter"
"NothinR."
"what are your views about tho conduct of
tho affairs OF the District Govornmentr'
"They need moro system, order, and
greater regard for the laws of Congress, an In
Innate and moro cordial understanding with
the Treasury Department. The Treasury not
only controls the expenditures OF tho revenues
from taxes levied upon the people OF washing.
ton, but is the guardian OF the full moiety OF
the amount needed and contributed py tho Ma
eyes, but Congress dictates these contrlbu'
lions and expenditures
"Truo, and for that reason every effort
should be made by those having charge OF the
District Government to cultivate and comont
tho now very satisfactory relations existing
with Congress. We must mako friends whore
luto devotion to the substantial interests OF the
District. Everything else must be left out of
tanned but what both political parties In Con-
gress will continue their confidence and inter-
est in the AFFAIRS OF the District"
"Would making political machine rs II
is called, of the District Government promote
those relations, do you thinkr"
"By no means"
'so have seen, but hope that am not so
short-sighted. have but one idea-to i'm.
prove upon tho efficiency and economy OF the
Government, OF which have been honored as
one OF It's administrators. II any man stands
In the way OF those objects there Will be no
hesitation on my part In advocating his ro.
moyal, whatever may be his politics, and 1
shall expect in this the cooperation Of my col
leagues, as we'll as their assistance In tho
choice Of such men as shall, from their known
character and residence among the people Of
Washington, command their confidence"
"what is the first subject now inviting your
attention.
"The compilation of the estimates of the
revenues and expenditures for the fiscal year
commencing July 1, 1888. BY law these are
REQUIRED to DO submitted by the Commission.
by the subordinate Departments are TO be laid
before the Commissioners on tho 10th OF this
month, and their consideration will give us
ample occupation at present.
"will you have any legislation to recon-.
mend to Congress for Its action next winter af.
fecting District affairs 2"
az hope that we will be able to formulate
| plans for new assessment OF property, q bet.
ter system for tho collection of taxes, a more
effective penal code, and some Improvement
upon tho existing civil CODE"
=" Do you think taxation can DO reduced ?"
81 am not prepared TO say as to that JUS yet.
The people Of Washington and tho National
| Government can be assured, 80 far as my cf-
| forts can contribute to that end, that every
| dollar collected from the citizens or appropri.
ated by Congress shall be returned, without
discount, either In services, labor, or material
We can command the best ability and we shall
expect zeal, efficiency and integrity through
| out all branches OF the District Government
| reduced rate OF taxation, resulting from
such principles and from the measures have
rerSrred To Is not an S eyen doos
appear to be much politics In your pro
| gramme?"
"Only to the extent that we'll conducted
| government Of this city, ordered by men o.
| the Republican faith, must In the main re1ec
credit upon the party now dominant In the
ment is not what 1t should be; 1T is run b,
| cliques and rings, inside and outside, contrar!
| to tho true interests OF the people. There ar
men in It who should not be there and mel
outside whose connection with 1t should b.
terminated. Touch one Of them and the CT.
OF political prescription becomes convenient
| DuJ uO nOb btiltNb tielr W Sioui
their shortcomings with the mantle OF Dc
mocracy Will avail them, nor that they will
ind favor with the party whose livery the,
assume to don for n purpose. There are goot
men in tho District government belonging L
both political parties who stand in no dreat
OF being disturbed, while both those parties
and all other Influences combined ought no
to be sufficiently powerful to keep mon theri
unless they deserve TO BIO retained
| Commissioners West ut His Desk.
General West returned to his oi1ice at tn
Columbia Building this morning and resumed
his desk, and took up at once the bushes
which had accumulated during his vacation
| A CRITIC representative called upon the Com
missioner at his ofllce and found him busll,
engaged with his papers. Mr.. West had litti
| to say in addition to what is contained In tn
above interview, but corroborated It's state
| ment as accurate.
From Mr.. Vests remarks 1t was eviden
| that he had returned for business, and that
Strengthening out of the many tangles IN Dis
trict AFFAIRS will date from the timo OF his al
| rival.