Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-10-20
DISTRICT GOVERNMENT.

ton. The next performance will be duly an
nounced.
DISTRICT GOVERNMENT.
SHOULD BE ATTENDED TO.
The janitor Of the Arthur School has laid be-
fore the Commissioners q statement Of facts
concerning the condition Of the basement Of
that school. He says that during the summer
the basement has been flooded with water COM
ing through the trap on the north side of the
building and it his belief that the sewer chokes,
backs the water up and forces the filth and foul
smelling contents Of the sewer through, the
trap. During an unusually hard rain he says
he has seen the water boil up to the height Of
twelve inches or more. The Commissioners,
realizing the importance Of immediate action
in this case, referred the matter to the
inspector Of buildings, who reports today that
he personally examined the building
and finds it in excellent condition. The sewer
was not INSTRUCTED and no offensive odors
exist in the building. If there is back-up Of
water in heavy storms he says it is caused by
the main sewer in the alley not being sufficient
in size. 1t is understood, however, that the
Commissioners will order further investiga-
ton OF the premises.
WHO OWNS THE TRIANGLE?
An interesting problem in regard to subdi-
visions of land was recently submitted to the
Commissioners for solution. 1t appears that
the house located at the southwest corner of
New York avenue and 14th street northwest
does not occupy the entire angie, but
leaves vacant triangular space Of
eleven feet on 14th street by about
ten feet on New York avenue. Mr.. Alfred
Richards, the owner Of the property on which
the house is situated, in 1883 made a subdi-
vision. which included the space in question.
these
Z. Mr.. Brooke Mackall, the owner of the
remainder Of lot No. 7, now asks
the Commissioners to approve Of a SUBJ
division proposed by him which would
include the triangle in question. The situation
proved too knotty one for the Commissioners,
and they were obliged, upon advice Of their at
torney, to refer the applicant to the courts,
whose decision will be awaited by the public
as well as the claimant with considerable in
terest
THE WASHINGTON ASYLUM.
The report Of Intendent Stoutenburghs of
the Washington Asylum was submitted to
the Commissioners today. Attention Is
called to the urgent necessity for larger
appropriations for the support Of the insti-
tuition, which Is rapidly growing. He
SAYS the condition Of the male work house
has not improved over that of last year. The
construction of the bath and lavatory rooms
has helped the sanitary condition of the build
ing considerably, but the bad construction,
faulty planning and over-crowded condition of
the work house still remain, and 1t is imperative
that new building, at a cost OF SIS, 900, be
erected. This building should contain about 800
separate cells and be constructed that wings
could be added without spelling the exterior Of
the building. The present building can then be
used overflow aims house, and the old col
ored women now kept on the top floor could
be comfortably and safely cared for. The aims
house is in fair condition, except plumbing and
bath arrangements, which should be renewed.
During the year four gangs Of the male pris-
oners have been employed in grading streets.
The total amount earned by convict labor Of all
kinds aggregated SAL. 778.
In order to make this branch of the instit,l-
ton more perfect Mr.. Stoutenburgh says 1t is
necessary to increase the number of guards.
In a recapitulation showing the credits due
the institution for labor and material the items
aggregating s45. 1862. ~ are mentioned.
SPECIAL ASSESSMENT OPINION
An interesting and important opinion has
been rendered by the assistant attorney for the
District, Mr.. S. T. Thomas, In relation to spe-
cial assessments. Some time ago upon the
recommendation Of the engineer depart
ment the Commissioners ordered certain i'm
provements TO be made under the provisions of
the compulsory permit system, which, as Ia
known. provide that one-half Of the cost be as
sessed against the abutting property, the other
half being paid by the District. One feature Of
the work was for dressing and resetting old
curb. After the work had been completed
special assessments were issued against the prop
erty, as is customary. One Of the owners
protested against the assessment, basing his
reasons on the fact that his was not q proper
case under the provisions of the compulsory
act. SO the case went to Mr.. Thomas for a
legal opinion, and today he returned the papers
with the recommendation that the assessment
be cancelled.
He says that according to the records Of the
special assessment division no new curbing was
laid in front Of the premises which forms the
subject Of the discussion, and that all that was
done was the redressing and resetting Of old
curbing. As this was not new curb within the
meaning Of the law he regards the assessment.
il based on the resetting Of old curb, as void.
HOLIDAY AT THE DISTRICT BUILDING.
The Commissioners have decided that to-
morrow is q legal holiday and the District
building will be closed. They were somewhat
in doubt about it and referred the question to
Assistant Attorney Thomas for his views. The
latter promptly responded that under section
1913 Of the Revised Statutes, d. c., the Pres
ident's proclamation makes tomorrow q legal
holiday in this District.
The Commissioners have revoked the whole
sale liquor license Of Herman Oppenheimer,
1895 It'll street northwest, on the ground that
he has violated the law and regulations in re-
gard to the sale of LIQUORS under such license