Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-01-08
DISTRICT GOVERNMENT.
PROPOSED ASSESSMENT Rrroaxs.

Mr.. c. d. Hemingway has written a letter 70
the Commissioners calling attention TO what
he believes TO be evils in the present assess
ment law. He suggests that one officer should
have the control of assessments. Il suggest"
he writes, ''that the work Of assessment be
left entirely TO the assessor, and that he be
held wholly responsible for the proper per-
formance OF that work, and especially not
subject to interference from any outside quar-
ter; that he have under him such clerical
force as is necessary, and a permanent board
OF sub-assessors. Appeals from the acts of
the sub-assessors should be made TO the as
SCISSOR, who shall decide those appeals. With
the ultimate responsibility thus placed on one
Official he could be removed by the appoint
ing power whenever his incompetency or mis-
conduct was shown, and under such circum-
stances 1t is probable there would be but few
occasions for citizens to appeal to the courts.
also suggest that the assessments be made
annually or biennially instead of triennially."
THE DISTRICT AND THE LIEN LAW.
1t has been held by the attorney of the Dis
trict that a mechanic's lien cannot be placed on
public or District building. The District
however, protects itself against possible liens
arising from the Encouragement, dishonesty,
or misfortune of contractor by a provision
in the contract and bond. making the bond run
three months after the completion of the build
ing. clause to this effect is inserted in every
contract for @ building Inspector Entwisie
said to STAR reporter that he thought private
WoulQ save themselves trouble
and expense by requiring a similar bond. The
clause. rs stated in the printed stipulations is
as follows: Good and sufficient bonds to the
United States in penal sum equal to the esti-
mated amount of the contract with sureties TO
be approved by the Commissioners of the Dis
trict of Columbia, and TO be held for the space
of three months after the delivery of the build
ing, will be required from all contractors. guar
anteeing the District against all liability on ac-
count of liens filed in pursuance of existing
law. and that their contract will be strictly and
faithfully performed to the satisfaction Of and
acceptance by said Commissioner
MIDwINTER BUILDING oPERATIoNs.
Much work on the streets and elsewhere that
would otherwise be delayed till spring is being
pushed to completion during the continued
mild weather. Inspector Entwisle said to-day
that he had no recollection of such season as
this since the winter of 1928 In that year he
said the winter did not begin until the LIST OF
February and il continued until the LIST of Nav
He recollected that ON the 2lst of March there
was terrific snow storm and the snow was 2Ik
feet deep, so deep that he could not get to his
work on the 22d. Mr.. Entwisle said that the
brick work of the Arthur place school house.
commenced December Is, was about completed,
and the weather was such that the work on the
22d and street school building will be begun
soon. Builders all over the city were not only
pushing old work to completion. but were be-
ginning new work. There had been no more
time lost during the winter. he said. than there
would be in summer on account of rain.
MISCELLANEOUS.
j. 7. Pritchard and others recently requested
the Commissioners to require that all future
subdivisions on a line with Michigan avenue
extended be made with view of the extension
of this avenue. The Commissioners have re-
Piled that the suggestion will receive favorable
action.