National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1884-03-26
TWO ANGRY GENTLEMEN.
Commissioners Edmonds and West Found in a
Very Bad HumOr.
They Wrongfully Imagine Themselve,
the Victims OF Personal Attacks.

Commissioners West and Edmonds wero
discussing some important matter whom a
REPUBLICAN, reporter entered their Office
yesterday.
whats in your paper this morning."
asked Mr. Edmonds.
Considerable district matter" replied the
reporter.
"Yes," said Gen. West. with a laugh, "there
is, and you can say that the REPUBLICAN, has
damaged the property s per cent. by its at
tacks on us and the district affairs"
Both gentlemen had evidently descended
from the high perch of assumed indifference,
for they then and there waxed eloquent over
the universal outrage" Nr. Edmonds had
mo time to read newspapers and discuss the
contents" but he would say that If the papers
would cease trying TO pick flaws in the form
of district government and turn their at
tention to advocating Bome good measure
it would be better for the people. when 1
came here" said he, my whole heart was in
tho management of the affairs of tho people,
but you papers do not seem to appreciate my
good motives If you are really apprehonsive
for the welfare OF tho people, why do not you
suggest remedy for the evils? We are do
ing our utmost to keep our heads above water,
but 1t would seem that every one is against
us. Here the other day tho President signed
claim against us, and there arc hundreds
like 1t to follow. II all of these claims are
allowed we will be swamped in a abort timo.
Congress treats our communications to IL with
marked indifference, and IL does not seem to
understand the affairs of the district in tho
least If IL thinks IL Is treating us with
kindness by allowing old claims and putting
large expense ON the people l cannot SEQ
where it is. Our interests are not consulted
by congressman, and every day they are doing
more to do us injury than good. AS foria
change in the administration of the affairs Of
the district, the good residents and congress
are the best judges Of the merits and demcrits
of the various forms of government. There
are some residents who would not stay here If
we had suffrage Extensive improvements
are wanted in the district, and If there Is any
wasteful expenditures of money congress is
responsible for it. If the editor Of your paper
will come to sec me and point out some remedy
for the evils Of the present form of govern
ment, instead of continuing his warfare
against us, he will DO doing infinitely more
good than he is doing at present"
~ expect to see property taxed at 81 por
cent if this thing keeps on" said Gen. West
"WhyY
'Well congress Is burdening us with heavy
debts that we will hardly be able to pay, and
heavier taxation will be necessary to meet
the obligations. Your paper is helping this
on by your arraignment of our affairs. Why,
In the house on Monday a member objected
to having communication read from us,
because no held we had no right to be
heard although district business was being
discussed Congressman read newspapers
and your paper has placed us In the light
of a lot of 'popinjays,' and the consequence
is that when we go up there we are snubbed
and our communications treated with
contempt. l used to take great interest in
the affairs of this city but now, how can 1,
when we are ridiculed and held up to public
gaze as nonentities? have done my best in
the interest of the people Of this city, and if
thought was not wanted here l would
resign Immediately"
"How about holding open sessions general,
that all might know what is being done ?''
why, we do everything in open session.
There is no secrecy about US. If a citizen has
grievance he is at liberty to be heard at all
times, and If he is not satisfied with our de-
cision we grant second hearing"