Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-05-25
GETTYSBURG'S FIELD.
Secretary Lamont Appoints a Com
mission to Mark the Lines of Battle.
A SERIOUS DETACHMENT
Already Made by the Trolley Railroad. Ac-
cording to the Report Of Maj. Davis, Who
Has just Returned-work Has Been
Rushed Within the Past Two Weeks.

Secretary Lamont has determined to do every
thing in his power for the preservation Of the
historic battlefield at Gettysburg, Pa, but
finds himself considerably handicapped by the
limited rights of the government in the
matter. He took his first decisive step in the
matter today by the appointment of a
commission to execute the provi-
sion OF the sundry civil bill of
the last Congress appropria ting $4,000 to pre-
serve and mark the lines of battle at Gettys-
burg and has enjoined on the commission the
necessity Of promptness in the matter.
GOOD COMMISSION.
The commission is an excellent one and the
members were selected because Of their para
mount fitness for the service required. They
are Col John P. Nicholson of Philadelphia,
Mr.. John b. Batche!der Of Boston and Geu.
VIM. H. Forney Of Alabama. Mr.. Nicholson Is
a merchont Of high standing in the
city OF brotherly love and has always
taken special interest in the Gettysburg
battle field. He is the recorder general OF the
Loyal Legion and is the president OF the Penn
sylvania monument commission, which super
vised the erection of the many beautiful monu-
ments at Gettysburg concentrating the
deeds Of Pennsylvania soldiers on that
bloody field. It Is conceded that the
work Of Mr.. Nicholson in the matter
nave O6en surpassed DOtQ ne aOQ
Mr.. Batchelder served with honor during the
civil war on the Union side.
Gen. Forney was formerly q member Of Con-
gress, and he commanded a brigade OF the
Army OF Northern Virginia. which took
a conspicuous part in the battle OF
the field and is interested in Its
preservation. Mr.. Batchelder is the
historian Of the battle 30 there can
be no question as to his competency. He
is brother Of Quartermaster General Batch
elder.
MAJOR DAVIS HAS RETURNED.
Major Geo. ". Davis Of the judge advocate
generals department returned to Washing ton
last night and is engaged today in
the preparation OF his report, which
will be submitted to Secretary
Lamont this evening. Ee was sent TO Gettys-
burg Tor the purpose Of making personal in
spec.ion Of the present condition of
the land as result OF the operation of
along the lines of the battle. He is nat
urally averse to talking about the mat
ter in advance of the submis ON
OF his report to the Secretary. but it is
known that he regards the work already
done by the trolley company, as a
line is in the form of loop and runs close
along the lines Of the battle. The exca-
walton for the road bed, which is
nearly completed, constitutes the main
spoiiation. The road is nearly nine miles in
lengrh and tho ground has already been
having tine foundation. The principal spolia-
ton 3 along the front Of Eancock's position,
marking the high tide of the re-
beliion 1t was here that Tickett's
men met with their fatal repulse. Consider
able changes have resulted III the vicinity OF
DrYils Clan \xlFra r,vrt fiub TING VA
on those memorable days Of July.
RUSHING THE WORK
MAJ. Davis found evidence that the principal
portion OF the work o. construction had been
done within the past two weeks. Extra labor
was employed and The work vas expedited as
much rs possible. clearly indicating
the purpose o. the contractors to
prevent any outside interference with their
work. Tie worst has teen done, and it is
questionable whether it is not now too late to
apply a remedy.
THE QUESTION OF JURISDICTION.
The question of the jurisdiction OF the gov
eminent in this matter is still unsettled. 1t is
commended by some that as the land
used by the trolly company is
private property and as the government does
not own n foot o. land i'll the vicinity it is
powerless 20 interfere III the premises.
Inc 1oliONltS Is tnc teAt OF secretary La
mont's order appointing the commissions:
WAR DEPARTMENT.
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY.
WAsuIyGToy. Nay %. 1888.
Order No. -. Col. John T. Nicholson OF
Pennsy-vani Col. John B. Batchelder of Massa-
chusetts, and Gen. William II. Forney of
Alabama are appointed a commission, under
the authority given by act of Congress
approved March 8. 1898. and they are
directed to taIe such immediate Steps as
the laws permit to preserve the lines
of battle at Gettysburg Pennsylvania.
and to report to the Secretary of War on or
before July 20 next definite plan for execut-
ing within the limits of the appropriation, the
further provisions of that law relative to the
Gettysburg battle field.
Until otherwise ordered the compensation of
the commissioners is fixed at $40 Der day EACH
when actually employed. and travelling ex-
penses. DANIEL s. LAMONT,
Secretary OF War.