Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-04-06
Further Testimony Heard by the Commissio
in Regard to Its Leases.


Further Testimony Heard by the Commission
in Regard to Its Leases.
The commission-Messrs John T. Lehman
John A. Hamilton and W. S. Thompson-re-
sumed their sessions this morning at the court
house.
The case Of Menekheim, lessee of property
west of the Globe Theater. was taken up Dr.
F. NJ. Creswell testified that he at one time oc-
cupied the north west corner of 18th and F
streets under a ten-years' lease and was asked
what was paid him for the lease.
Messrs Albert. Perry and others objected to
this inquiry, for it could not throw any value
on property in square 1923, as it would lead to
an endless inquiry.
The commission sustained the objection.
Mr.. Switzerland, for Menekheim, noted an
exception.
A. i. Taylor testified that he was the agent Of
Joseph A. Smith, who owned the Menekheim
property. Menekheim purchased an interest
in the property and Menekheim made a lease
from September. 1888, for five years, which
was changed to ten years. The changes were
made along in May. 1890.
Mr.. Garrett. representing Mr.. C. C. Duncan
son. the present owner of the Menekheim
lease, was about to cross-examine Mr.. Taylor
when Mr.. Switzerland, for Menekheim, made
objection to any testimony being offered on the
The cross-examination was allowed to pro-
coed and Mr.. Taylor repeated his testimony in
chief, being positive that the original term was
five years.
HIS BEER BUSINESS INCREASED
Charles Dates, superintendent of Heurich's
brewery, testified to selling goods to Meme
kheim: that the business had increased within
the past two years.
The commission said that the inquiry should
be as affecting the value of the lease.
Mr.. Dates said that he knew something of the
business from the beer sold by him. Mr. Meme
Rheims rental was. s75 per month and it was
very low. and he knew it would be difficult for
him (Menekheim) to get another place The
good will was worth from 81 500 to 81. 900, and
the lease-S9CO per year-Rbout 81. 900.
On cross-examination witness said he based
the value OF the lease on seven years term.
He had considered the damage to his building.
DR.. Madison NJ. Bruell was called to testify
that Joseph A. Smith was patient in Garfield
Hospital as accounting for his absence.
Mr.. c. G. Duncanson testified that he OBJ.
tanned an option on the Menekheim property in
May, $780, from Joseph G. Smith and knew
nothing Of the lease until he had bought the
property. He produced the abstract Of title.
After he had bought the property Mr.. Menekheim
and Col. Cook called on him and showed him
the lease, which he left with him. He found it
was on part of lot 10 when he bought part of
lot o and he never acknowledged ii.
On cross-examination MIR. Duncanson said
that the property was sold to Mr.. Smith in
1881 and he had general knowledge of the
property.
THE STABLE PRoPERTY.
The case of John Simmons, lessee Of the
stable property on 18th street, was called.
George w. Huguely testified that the stables
could accommodate over fifty horses; that Sim
mons had, he believed. the third lease ON the
premises. running three years from May next
and it was worth q, 900.
John Simmons testified that he valued his
lease at $1,000 to $1,000 and the rental was
worth SIPS to Sl50 per month.
C. W. Huguely estimated the value Of the
lease at - 500 to 5000.
Thomas Geary testified that the value Of the
lease was about that given BY Mr.. Huguely,
n, 900 to 81, 900.