National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1884-03-26
To the Commissioners.

The district commissioners entirely mis-
apprehend the position Of The NATIONAL
REPUBLICAN, in its publication of abuses in
the administration of district affairs. They
seem to think that the paper is making per-
sonal attack on them. Nothing could be fur
thor from its intention. 1t has no desire to
attack the commissioners, either collectively
or individually. 1t has made y" govern
ment, although its position upon the ques-
ton of suffrage is we'll known.
What it has spoken against-and its
words have had considerable effects the
methods employed by the commissioners
in the transaction of public business. 1t
insists that this business shall be transacted
openly, SO that every citizen shall have an
opportunity to protest against any specific
action If he so desires. The star chamber
method of elaboration and action is what is
complained Of, and it is what has impaired
the confidence of the citizens of the district
in the disnterestedneSs and integrity of their
rulers.
A conspicuous instance Of evil resulting from
the secret action of the commissioners is the
agreement made by them with the Baltimore
and Potomac Railroad company in September
last by which the company was permitted to
lay additional tracks upon Canal street and
to use that street between South Capitol and
Second streets east as q storehouse for their
cars and freight depot. The first public
knowledge the citizens had of tho permission
granted was after the agreement between the
commissioners and the representative of the
railroad company had been signed. Does any
one suppose that If there had been full and
free discussion of this matter the agreement
could have been signed without indignant
and vigorous protests by the property owners
and residents in that locality?
True, there is clause in the agreement
which provided that the forms should be rat.
flied by congress; but of course the company
did not wait for any such ratification. 1t
Immediately put down tho additional tracks
and tho citizens and property owners in that
locality have been compelled to endure the
wrong for months.
The commissioners complain that they
are snubbed by congress. Is it not barely
possible that this is because congress is unable
to determine whether they represent the in.
terests Of the district and Its citizens or simply
make such recommendations as their own
personal views may dictator
The NATIONAL REPUBLICAN regrets OK.
ceedngly that the commissioners should have
lost their temper on its account but wishs
to say emphatically that the unrest and
distrust on tho part of tho citi.
zcns will not DO quieted or re.
moved until the commissioners shall
have stated public meetings at which all new
business shall be presented and properly 70.
ferred, and at which all final action shall be
taken. These meetings should DO attended
by the three commissioners and then the re-
porters could obtain all the information nee
esSary and properly place it before the public.
Under tho present regime if newspaper
desires to furnish its readers with report Of
all the business acted upon by the commits.
sioners a reporter would have TO be attached
to each member of the board, who should
follow him up from the time he enters the
office until the hour of closing.
Our advice to the commissioners is to cease
whining over their treatment by congress to
stop asserting that criticism of their actions
constitutes personal attack upon themselves,
and TO reform their methods of trsnsacting
business by throwing open their doors
having no concealment, no star chamber ac-
ton, and endeavOr to convince the COM