Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1886-02-03
THE NEW AQUEHGcr TUNNEL.
why the work Has Been 0aspenaeA-
The Need OF m Imaediate APPr0pri.
Alton.

The active prosecution Of work on the tunnel
was suspended January 81, and all engineers,
inspectors, &c, have been discharged or laid on
until more funds are available. When the con-
tractors are paid for the work performed during
January and all outstanding obligations are
discharged there will be remaining about
$500. It's intended TO use this money az
long as IL will last in keeping the pumps going
70 prevent the tunnel filling with water. At the
present state Of the work this might be very
disastrous, involving heavy additional ex-
pense. 1t has appeared best TO tho officers in
charge of the work to retain the small balance
70 prevent damage as far rs practicable until
congress can have time to act. This money
VIII keep the pumps going about q month,
wnen, II no appropriation Is made, nature must
The statement published about inquiries at the
treasury showing considerable money yet
available for the work is q natural error and
arises no doubt from the fact that there is in the
treasury to the credit OF the work about
Soo.Ooo, which, however 10 due the contractors
on rhea percentages, and is not available for
There seems to be no question but that the
money for the completion of this work should
question seems TO be as TO the advisability OF
a sritr the present contractors TO go on
Tine to Ss ooe tina.
cess Of that 1t first contemplated. This
question would naturally be considered by the
secretary OF War. and IL would seem eminently
proper for Congress in appropriating the money
TO call his attention to the Question and request
him to investigate and decide it.
Inc suspension OF work throws out OF en-
pioy ment q great many men who must
either lay out OF employment until the work is
| on the New York aqueduct, where skilled tun.
mel men are in demand. 1t is very desirable TO
and it is hoped that there will be as little delay
as possible by Congress in granting an appro-
priation to continue the work.
Judge Merrick's Nomination.
Senator Edmunds and Pugh called upon the
| President In relation to the appointment OF
Judge Merrick upon the District bench, and
| advised him OF sentiment existing
In the committee against the appoint
ment on the United States bench of men whose
| age would soon ut them for retirement. The
| President merely said that Judge Merrick had
given satisfaction, and did not indicate whether
or not he considered his age an objection.
Vestry aud Rector.
| DIR. ELLIOTT, THE PASTOR OF ASCENSION
CHURCH, ASKED TO RESIGN BY THE vEsTRY.
The vestry Of Ascension church at meeting
on Monday decided, by q vote of five to two, to
request the resignation Of the rector, Rev. John
H. Elliott, do. All the members were present
| with the exception Of one, Mr.. w. w. Corcoran
| This action has been communicated to DIR.
Elliott, but as yet he has made no response. and
it is not known what he will decide TO do. He
| has numerous friends in the congregation and
| the vestry, and this action is learned with ne.
greet. A week ago the vestry informed the
rector that they had under consideration
step OF this character, and before the
meeting on Monday a protest was re-
| OF the congregation, the Sunday school and
pew holders, against any movement looking
towards the dissolution of the relations of pas
tor and people. Members of the vestry state
that while this protest was received with re.
spect yet, they considered that their opportuni-
| ties OF knowing the condition and needs of the
| church were better than those less Intimately
| associated as no
| ton was the expression of their deliberate con-
| viction, they adopted it. This was done with
| out any personal unfrieudly feeling towards
| the rector, but simply for business reasons be-
| cause they believed that the material welfare
| of the church aDd its spiritual advancement
demanded change in the rectorship. The
| financial affairs OF the church were much in
| vOlved, although the mortgaged debt had re-
Gently been provided for, still there was a large
| floating debt.
The friends of DR.. Elliott, however. state that
| they think be has been a very efficient rector,
| and that they would be sorry to see him leave
| the church. They say that the pews are
not grown as much as it should, it is mainly
because people have been deferred from coming
to the church by the debt. 1t is stated further
| that action on the part OF the vestry had its
origin I'm the removal of Henry Wise Garnet
from the superintendency of the Sunday school
| and that the personal feeling then provoked is
now coming TO the surface. They think that
| the members of the congregation will refuse to
indorse the action of the vestry.
1t Is stated that If the congregation refuse TO
1ndorse the action of the vestry that the MEM
bers of the latter will resign and allow new
members to be elected to conduct the business
| OF the parish.