Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1888-11-28
Bay-Windoyy Fayoritism


II is greatly TO be regretted that In the csss
Of the United States vs. Cole all the points and
facts underlying il could not ha~e beer
brought out and passed upon by the courts. &C
that il could have been decided on lbs res
merits and the principles involved finally sns
satisfactorily settled. But a studious effort
has been made throughout 10 prevent the pub
lie from understanding the true inwardness Of
the case. In the first place. the opinion Of the
attorney, as given 10 the Commissioner waa
based on a Perversion or misconception Of the
facts, and dwelt upon technicalities and minor
points instead of graphing with the broad
spirit.
Then, for example, il has been alleged in be-
half OF the defendant that the structure COM
planned of is merely bay window, and not Q
separate building. An examination Of the walls,
30 far as built, viii show that this Is not the
fact. 1t is no part of the original building, aa
pretended, but entirely distinct from it, differ.
emf IN style and appearance, and manifestly in
tended TO be used Independently Of the present
residence when so desired.
Again in their reply TO the complaint fled
IN behalf OF the people, the Commissioners
sert that the permit In this case authorizes no
greater projections than have been allowed 20
Others" IL this clubbing averment is In
tended to mean no greater projections than
have been allowed to some others il is doubt
less true; but il il is meant to convey the idea
tnat no more favors or greater privileges have
been granted in this case than have been ex-
tended TO the public generally, then the state
ment is deceptive.
1t is well known that the building regulations
as published are rigidly enforced against the
great majority, and il is equally notorious that
fragrant exceptions thereto have been made in
favor OF select few; and the instance under
notice is one Of the most outrageous Of the i'm
defensible lot. IL has been stated on high au-
thority that In this particular case the building
inspector proposed to strictly adhere 10 the
printed regulations, when the matter was
transferred from his hands to those OF his Off,
cial superiors, who promptly overruled his de-
cislon and granted the coveted favor
This sort of thing, Mr.. Editor, is what the
public complains Of, and of which il has the
just right, as il is also its duty and the duty OF
the press, to complain. No objection is made
or likely TO be made to the erection Of any
decent-looking bay-window. tower, or fight
OF front doorsteps built in conformity with the
generally applied rule II is giving o. one
that which is denied to others, having equal
claims, that makes the trouble, and weakens
the confidence OF the public in the administers
ton of the District government.
The writer is not of those who conceive them
selves aggrieved by what Mrs. Cole desires TO
do, for he is not affected directly or indirectly
by either her success or her defeat and what Is
said herein is therefore said ia no unfriendly or
biased spirit toward her. She has endeayored
to get what few others have been lucky
enough TO obtain. but what has been denied 20
citizens generally. If she holds it she will be
fortunate above the majority; if she must finally
give it up she has no just ground for COM
plant. since she knew she stood in an excep-
tlonal position from the start, and that any ex-
penditures she made in consequence were made
at some risk The main point in view is 20 stop
favoritlsm, If possible, and 10 secure in future,
III possible, Equal RIGHTS FOR ALI.
Nov % SS