Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-09-03


county, ILL.,, and is about forty-eight years of
age. His father served in Congress from ILL.,
nois for six years in the SOS. Mr.. Ross came
here in June, 1870, to be married. He welded
then the daughter of Mr.. Frank
lin Tenney, the proprietor OF the
National Hotel. In the following year
he removed from Illinois to this city, and has
since made his home here. When in Illinois
he attained some prominence az a lawyer, and
served two terms in the state legislature He
has practiced his profession successfully dur
ing the twenty years he has resided in this city,
or at least until three years ago, when he en-
tered official life as postmaster of this city. He
was appointed to that Office by President Cleve-
land to succeed Mr.. Conger, and still holds il.
He has been a professor in the GEORGETOWN
University Law School for some years, and has
for several years been a member of the school
board. He Is at present president Of the board.
Mr.. Ross first wife died several years ago,
leaving him with two children. He married
about two years ago Q lady of PittsburR and
has a happy. pleasant homo in this city. Per-
sonally the new appointee is popular. He 10 .
member OF the Columbia Democratic Club. His
excellent management Of the city post office
and his capable discharge of his duties in other
capacities give assurance that he will make an
honest and efficient Commissioner. He has the
knowledge of District law desirable in Com
missioner. and his even temper and good judy
ment will enable him to deal with the public
acceptably. In these respects be closely resem-
bles his predecessor, Mr.. Hine, whose resigna-
ton Of his position has caused 30 much regret
in the community:
WHAT Mn. ROSS sAys ABOUT IT.
When STAR reporter called on MIR. Ross at
the city post office the newly appointed Com.
missioner was as calm as if he did not realize
that he had Just been constituted one.third of
the District government. Mr.. Ross was not ex-
actly surprised at his appointment but ex-
pressed considerable regret at giving up the
postmastership.
Il very naturally consider it great honor, ~
said Mr.. Ross. Ito be named for the RESPONSE
ble position Of Commissioner but il will be
with the greatest regret that will give up the
post Office. My relations here have been Of the
most pleasant character, and especially have /
received every courtesy and assistance from the
department. just at present the city post
office is an especially interesting department
in view OF the new buildings contemplated,
not only for the main Office, but for several of
the branch offices. The new position will also
render it necessary for me to give up the
school trusteeship. have been greatly inter-
ested In our public school system and consider
that there Is no more important department In
the District government.
In regard to the cOmmissionership I did not
make the slightest effort to secure the appoint
ment The first intimation that l received
that my name was even being considered was
yesterday morning, when the President re-
quested me to call on him at the White House.
did 80 and We chatted for some time The
President did not say he intended to appoint
me and considered that he simply wished TO
do what might be called looking me over
mot having thought of the appointment
have naturally not had time to consider any Of
the points Of difference between my prede-
cessor and the Engineer Commissioner. / shall
simply go into the office with the determination
to, act to the best Of my ability for the
good of the city and the people
interest, but for the entire community.
Having made no pledges to any one, and having
no interest in any cli1ue or division, shall be
entirely free to act as think is for the very
best interests Of the District"
Mr.. Ross had nothing to say as to his proba--
bio successor, either at the post Office or
as school trustee. He remarked, however. that
the city post office was in q fourishing condi-
ton, over four hundred employees being en-
gagged in the building. The new Commissioners
also thought that it would be an excellent idea
to have the Commissioners moved to the new
city post office building when erected.
At THE CITY POST OFFICE.
At the city post Office this afternoon some of
the officers and employees were 10th 10 believe
the statement that Mr.. Ross had been norni-
mated as District Commissioner, and some
doubts were expressed as to the acceptance Of
the appointment This feeling has its origin
in the deep interest Mr.. Ross has taken in pro-
noting the efficiency Of the post Office. In
fact he had stated few days ago to afriend
that his present ambition was to remain at his
post the full term and see the workings OF the
office brought as near perfection ~ it 10 possi-
BILE to have such an Office.
COMMISSIONER HrSE COMPLIMENTS Hrs SUCCESSOR.
1t was rumored early in the day at the. Dis
trict building that the President had nomi-
mated Mr.. John w. Ross to succeed Mr., Hipe
as Commissioner Of tho District Of Columbia
but no definite news was received until ]
o'clock. A STAR reporter was the first 70 &C.
quaint the Commissioners Of the fact. Commits
sioner Hine was in Commissioner Douglass room
ut the timo Of the announcement and when TEE
STAR reporter asked Mr.. Douglass what he
thought Of the appointment he said: "Ask Mr..
Hine, as he takes his place, and let's hear what
he has to say first" Commissioner Hipe said
Tho appointment Ii an excellent one and thu
President has shown great judgment In hil
selection. Mr.. Ross 10 . capable and efficient
gentleman and Il In every way qualified . GET
along pleasantly ct the Dish let building"
Turning to Commissioners Douglass TEE 6rAx
reporter asked him for his vtsws and with I
smile Mr.. Douglass rspested the above vsf'
batin.
COL aosznf TRUSTS rHxns vrlL n no slso.
Across thu hall in The engineer Department
Col Robert wss busily engaged With his shisI