Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-06-24
DISTRICT AFFAIRS.
I .amissioner Parker Talks on the
Garbage Question.
COLLECTIONS ARE REGULAR.
He Thinks the Service 10 in Good Condition,
but Looks for Improvements-Changes In
Onces-The Contagious Hospital Again
Other Local Anairs.

but Looks for Improvements-Changes In
Omces-The Contagious Hospital Again
Other Local Affairs.
Speaking Of the collection Of garbage Com
missioner Parker said today that he regarded
the service as more efficient and satisfactory
than it had been since the contract was orisi-
nally let to Mr.. Clarke.
by legal assignment" said Mr.. Parker,
''the Commissioners now deal direct with the
National Sanitary Company. This avoids q
shifting responsibility and is more businesslike.
The reduction plant Of this company. located
at the foot Of South Capitol street,
is in successful operation, and, the
company say, is capable Of reducing
double the amount of garbage they now receive.
There are no unpleasant odors arising from
this plant and the city is relieved Of the almost
intolerable nuisance which has heretofore ex-
listed at the wharves when the garbage has been
shipped down the river on scows. The
Commissioners have nearly completed ar
rangements for daily collection of the garbage
covering the most important parts Of the city.
The citizens should not forget, however, that
the responsibility does not rest entirely with
the Commissioners nor the National Sanitary
Company. 1t is in their power to render material
aid to the service by having the garbage always
accessible. careful investigation shows that
many complaints come from those whose gar
bage is not accessible. The collector should
not be expected to wait the pleasure of the
servant. who might feel inclined to take
her own time in responding to the call Of the
garbage man. In most other cities garbage is
placed on the sidewalk or alley at certain hours,
when it can be readily collected without the
delay Of pounding for open gates. We are on
the very eve of our hottest weather. Our citi-
zens should, therefore, cooperate in every way
possible to protect the comfort and health of
the city.
From a sanitary standpoint doubt if the
District was ever in as good condition. Under
the direction OF the health officer an eff
cient force has for several months
been making a thorough and SYSTEM
alto house-to-house inspection, over
500 squares having already been inspected
Thousands of nuisances have been abated and
owners of property have been compelled to
replace old plumbing and earthen closets with
that which is now most approved.
Under the health department the alleys are
now being disinfected. OF course it is inpos-
sible to make all the conditions entirely ats
factory, as all sections of the city are not sup
piled with sewerage facilities The Commission
ers are spending every dollar in this direction
that is appropriately by Congress and are pushing
the work with all possible vigor. On the LIST of
July an additional number of inspectors will be
detailed for duty in the suburbs and suburban
towns, so that the county and all sections will
fare alike. In this work of general cleaning up
the Commissioners have been ma
terially aided by the Sanitary League.
Through the discussions of this ASSOCIATION
our people have become alive to the necessity
and have more readily aided the authorities.
Should cholera unfortunately reach our coun-
try would have no fears SO far as Washington
is concerned.
''The rigid enforcement Of the milk regula-
tons has also done great deal of good. and
the inspection Of the wells and the closing of
many which were unfit to be used as a drinking
supply has, believe, done a world Of good"
NEW SIGNATURES NOT REQUIRED.
Those liquor dealers who held licenses under
the old law. but who surrendered them and paid
the additional license fee as required by the law
of March 8. 1893, and who desire to continue
under the new law, will not have
to get the signatures Of residents
and property owners to their appli-
cations next year. This Is the gist
of an opinion rendered by Attorney Thomas
today in reply TO an inquiry Of the excise board.
This Is an important opinion to many liquor
dealers, who rather than be subjected to the
trouble OF again getting the signatures Of a ma
jority Of the resident and property owners on
the street adjacent to the saloon will forfeit
the additional fee filed with the new applica-
ton. Then again there are many cases where
the temperance people have exercised such an
influence over the surrounding residents and
property owners that it would be a difficult
matter to again get their signatures.
WANT IT PAVED.
The citizens and property owners Of land
abutting on the ten-foot alley situated in square
1862, between street and Oregon avenue and
New Hampshire avenue and 18th street north
west. have sent petition to the Commissioners
praying that the said alley be paved with
asphalt block or vitrified brick.
oBsTRUcTING TRACKS.
With reference to the dirty condition Of 9Th
street between Maryland avenue and streets
southwest, Superintendent Davis Of the street
cleaning department SAYS in q letter to the
Commissioners today that this is one of the
most difficult sections Of the city to get at on
account Of car distractions on the tracks of
he save. received but three sweepings during
the past six months because of these obstruc-
tions. 1t will hereafter be cleaned by hand.
LADY's COMPLAINT
A lady complains to the Commissioners to-
day Of the annoyance and insults she il sub
jected to from the hack drivers who stand near
the Peace monument.
WANT SEWER.
The owners and residents on Kenyon street
between 18th and 14th streets extended have
petitioned the Commissioners for pipe sewer
on both sides of that street.
THE POWER TO PARDON.
The attorney for the District has decided that
the Commissioners have no power to pardon
persons convicted Of habitual drunkenness
COMPLAINTS AND REQUESTS. -
Senator German has requested the Commits
sioners to reinstate Officer Mendenhau on the
police force.
H. L. Swords complains to the Commissioners
that carts and wagons passing Hillyer place
drop considerable dirt on the pavement, keep
ing It in dirty condition.
G.. W. Merrill has requested the Commits
sioners to grant him permission to locate a
wood and coal yard on lots and in square 10
OF lexington.
WASTED PETITION.
Several hundred citizens Of the northwestern
section OF the city together, with a number of