Evening star., 1886-11-24
The Potomac Flats Title.


WHOLESALE VIRGINIA CLAIMANT.
The Baltimore Sun to-day says: It is stated
that Hon. Robert NJ. Mayo, of Westmoreland
county, Va, has filed q claim against the gov
ernment for all the reclaimed Potomac river
flats at Washington. The reclaimed flats at
present aggregate something over 200 acres,
and are valued at 81, 900 and upwards per acre.
The claim, If established, will also place under
his control the balance of the flats which il is
proposed to reclaim, aggregating over 1000
acres. Col. Mayo, 1t is said, makes his claim
for the nieces ana nephews OF Chief Justice
Marshall, who reside in FauQuier county, Va.
The story is one of unusual interest, and in
wolves interests of even greater value than the
reclaimed Potomac flats. The rights OF the
Dennie Martin, OF England, who was the heir OF
Lord Fairfax. Light Horse Harry Lee, Chief
Justice Marshall and other Virginlans bought
from Denny Martin the rights In Virginia de-
vised to him by Lord Fairfax. The case of
Denny Martin and his rights OF Virginia owner
ship is one of The most Celebrated In the court
records OF this country. This was the case in
which the supreme court of Virginia refused to
obey the Supreme Court of the United States.
NOTHING KNOWN OF THE CLAIMS AT THE DE-
PARTMENT OF JUSTICE.
No information has been received at the De-
partment OF Justice of 6ny new claims to the
Potomac fats The department has been pre-
pairing to bring the Kidwell claimants into
court, and In a very short time now the suit
will be begun. The law authorizing the suit
provides that all claimants there may be must
present their case when the matter comes into
the future. Everything is now In good shape,
and 1T Is thought at the department that the
question Of tille will be speedily settled.
The Fire Department Parade.
The parade and review of the fire department
will take place next Tuesday. Chief Engineer
Paris proposes to have the Commissioners re-
view the line ut the White House in conjunc-
tiOn with the President The Marine band has
been engaged Tor the occasion.
Senator Eslmunds Denies.
HE Is NOT PREPARING TO ATTACK THE ADMIN.
ISrRATIoN'S POLICY.
Washington Special to the New York World.
Senator Edmunds was seen this afternoon by
the World correspondent and asked If it were
true that he was preparing speech against the
administration, ana II he had contemplated at
any time during the winter making a special
attack upon the Presidents civil service policy.
Mr.. Edmunds said that there was rot word
OF truth in the report. He was not preparing
speech on that or any other subject. He had
not the remotest idea of preparing for any
special attack upon the administration.
The Senator's new house is at the foot OF
Massachusetts, avenue, the extension of which
has caused SO much talk. He asked what
he thought OF the gossip concerning the eXten-
sion OF this street, and the syndicate formed
over the Presidents country place to advance
properly pr values. al & Inc Senator said; Aid ~ wish to
criticism OF an opponent, but do not believe
in unfair criticism. Any attempt to blame the
President il this connection will surely tail.
am certain that he acted in good faith. / know
that the plan to extend Massachusetts avenue
and TO make park OF Rock creek valley, with
a road cutting through by Plerce's mills, came
up in Congress long before the President
thought of making purchase of a country
place. The opening Of Massachusetts avenue
had become public necessity. In my stay in
Washington have carefully abstained from
specializing in real estate. During the greater
part of my time here 1 have only owned my
place on Highland terrace, and intend to sell
that as soon as can. AS the city extended
wished to get place nearer the country, SO that
when my daughter and went out for horse
oack rides we would not have to go mile or
more over q dangerous asphalt pavement before
reaching the country roads. SO / came and
planted my cabin here on the outskirts of the
city. The extension of Massachusetts avenue
will be, TO y certain extent, q disadvantage 10
me personally, because it will destroy the quiet
Of my present home aud extend the city limits
far beyond me; but recognize the necessity
and propriety OF it In the natural growth Of
Washington. AS to the actions OF the District
officials who have purchased land about the
Presidents country place. have nothing TO
say, one way or the Other"