Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-08-20
THE NEW REGISTER OF WILLS.
Mr.. Levi r. Wright Nominated to Sue
coed Dorsey Clasett, RssiSnsd.

Mr.. Levi p. Wright Nominated to Sue
coed Dorsey clasett, Rssigssd.
That very desirable position-rssister Of
wills for the District Of Columbia-wiii soon Be
IN the hands OF a republican, for Yesterday
afternoon the President sent to the Senate the
nomination Of Levi p. Wright to be register Of
wills. vice Dorsey Clagstt, resigned.
In general way the nomination was q good
deal of . surprise, but it caused no astonish-
msnt to either Mr.. Clagstt or Col. Wright for
the formers resignation had been in the Presi-
dents hands for more than six months, while
Col Wright was % sure Of being appointed
that before he left for vacation In the Adiron-
dacks he instructed friend to telegraph him
when the nomination was made.
THE APPorSTEE's CAREER HERE.
Col. Wright Is one of the best-known resi-
dents Of this city. He came here in 1878 and
has always been prominent in local matters.
Prompted by the dirty condition Of what
asphalt paving there was in Washington at
that time he invented and put into practical
operation the strset-sweeping machines now In
use, aud which WILL IL given half chance, do
the Notwithstanding job very thoroughly.
sweeping contract and during his admnistra-
ton there was practically no complaint. After
the contract passed into other hands Col
Wright established the Merchants Parcel
Delivery Company. but recently sold out his
interest therein, and at present has no active
occupation.
COL wRIoHr's war RECORD.
He won his title during the war of the rebel
hon. A New Hampshire man by birth. he was
in business in Massachusetts, when Sumter was
fred upon. He immediately raised an artillery
command, was appointed q colonel and Or
dered to report to Gen. Sherman. His active
military record is remarkably good, and whom
Sherman gave the national songsters a theme
by marching through Georgia" Col Wright
had charge Of all transportation.
Al the close OF the war lac went to Chicago
and busted himself in numerous profitable en-
terprises. The great fire Of Chicago swept
| away much Of his worldly goods, but it did not
discourage him. He WAS one of ChicagO's po-
| lice and Are commissioners appointed to reor-
ganite both departments Immediately after
the fearful conAagration subsidized A
sojourn OF ono year in South America followed
and then the colonel came to shis city. He has
been one Of the busiest of men when repub-
lican president was on the eve of being inaugu-
| rated. Thousands Of the visitors who come here
quadrennially are indebted to his activity as
chairman OF the committee on public comfort.
THE OFFICE IN EXCELLENT CONDITION.
Those who have had business transactions
with the Office of the register of wills during
Mr.. Ciagetts incumbency speak in the highest
possible terms Of his management and Of the
close personal attention he gave the Office.
New systems have superseded antique methods
| In every department., and what was once u
difficult task now causes no more trouble than
tho mere looking up Of an index. Everything
that would simplify the work OF searchers after
testamentary information has been done, and
when Col Wright takes charge OF the Office he
will have no reason 10 find fault with its con-
ditiou.
Mr.. CLAGETT's JANUARY INTERVIEW WITH THE
PRESIDENT.
Mr.. Clsgett, who has filled the position Of
register OF wills since August %, 1886, received
q notification from President Harrison last
evening that his successor had been nominated
On the 9Th OF January last, in obedience to Q
| request from Private Secretary Halford, Mr.
Clagett called to see the President The inter-
view. At the suggestion Of the President, was a
confidential one The President stated that he
had been visited by number Of persons in the
interest OF certain parties who wished to succeed
him (ClsgetD and asked the incumbent as TO the
condition Of the Office. Mr. Clagett frankly in
formed the President that at that time the
work Of reorganizing the Office was in progress
and that he would prefer to leave it in good
| shape, stating that his work in that direction
would be completed in a few months. The
President remarked that in that case he would
defer action. The date suggested by Mr..
Wright. the appointee. enters upon the duties
| Of the Office Mr.. Ciagett will have the satisfac-
ton Of knowing that its affairs will be in the
best possible shape, the work all being done
right up to date.
THE OFFICE FORCE.
The Office 10 reckoned TO DO worth o., 900 per
annum from fees. bnt frequently in the cases
| Of small, estates some Of the fees are only paid
pro rata, il at sll. The present Office force
consists, besides the register of DEPUTY reQis-
| ter, DIR. Griffith, who has held the position for
| sixteen years; two clerks, two cOpyists and q
messenger The number OF copyists, however,
il increased or decreased as the necessities OF
the work require.
AN ERRONEOUS IDEA
has grown up since the nomination yesterday
OF Col. Wright to DO register of wills for the
District that the President and his appointee
were personal friends. 1t is doubtful whether
the President would know Col. Wright il he
saw him. The latter has been to the White
House but once and has no more acquaintance
| with the Chief Magistrate than any American
citizen has right to have.