National Republican., 1883-09-14
Currcnt transactions at the Various Dis
trlCt Omccs.

Current Trnnsnctions at the Various Dis
trict Omocs.
Building permits were issued yesterday TO
John L. Voigt to make repairs at 923 @ street
northwest, to cost $500; John McDermott, to
build two brick stores and dwellings, corner
of Fifth and X streets northwest, to cost
1000.
A liquor license was granted to E. c. Reed
yesterday.
Tho commissioners have directed tho attor-
ney to commence suit against fourteen real
eatate dealers who have not made their
proper returns of sales to the collector of taxes.
A sidewalk is to be laid to Glenwood ceme-
terry.
Commissioner Edmonds is expected to re-
turn from his vacation tomorrow.
The inspector of buildings asks for S35,OOO
to repair school houses in his estimates for
next year.
Tho commissioners have accepted the bid Of
Messrs. johnson Brothers for furnishing
Cumberland coal, at $500 per ton, for the
school houses.
Tho collections from water rents during
this fiscal year have been as follows: During
July, S63, ,lO1.07; during August, S33, 3,S65.4S;
during September, to date, S3,53507; the total
being $iOO,562.25. The water main tax be-
iug--$SGO during July $l90 during August,
and S23 thus far during September.
The inspector of buildings has been re-
qucsted to examine into the present condition
of the school buildings rs regard their safety
from fire and facilities for escape in case OF
such disaster. Superintendents Wilson and
Cook will report ut the next regular meeting
of the school board what steps have been
taken to facilitate the escape of the children
from the large buildings in case of fire. The
recommendations made by the safety commits.
sion last year having been carried out, and
the new school buildings being constructed
with fire proof stairwGys and wide halls, the
schools compare favorably with those of any
city in the country in regard to the precau-
tions against fire and means Of exit in the
case of panic.
Attorney Riddle has submitted an opinion
| in reference to taxation of the Columbia hos
| pital property, in which he says: The Ian
! guage of the charter eXempts its property
| from all assessments for general or special
tax while it is the owner of it. That act
does not relieve it of the servitude of taxes
general or special which had already ac'
cruod. These become liens upon the prop
erty, and may be enforced against the prop
erty itself, in the hands of the hospital
| do not think they should be enforced against
| property the title of which is in the United
States without some legislation by congress
Although do not think conveyance to the
| United States strips it of the lien, have
grave doubts whether the lien can be en-
forced. l would not attempt it without bet.
ter advice, if the title is in the general gov
ernment. For all general taxes due before
March 49, 1873 the hospital is liable also
for all special assessments before then due
The bill for special taxes dated March
| 1873, says that interest is to date from Feb
ruary /, 1873. If that is correct this assess
ment was charge on the property when thu
title accrued to the hospital, and the distric
should have it from that corporation.