New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-04-23

Samuel Davidson. no faIrer domain could have been
found Cian the territory located in Washington, proc
lamatiOn-" nj Jones Point. being the upper
part Of Hunting Creek I'm virginia. al an angle OF
40 degree, Of north. and running I'm direct line
ten miles for the first line; then beginning again al
the same Jones Point, and running another direct
line at right angles to The first across the Potomac
ten miles for the second line, running two other
direct lines OF miles each The one crossing the
eastern branch aforesaid and the other the Potomac
and meeting each other in point The plot. ten
miles square, was named the Territory OF Columbia
BY the three Commissioners, Thomas Jefferson. Daniel
Carroll and Daniel Stuart. who were appointed by
President Washington for the surveying and laying
out Of the Federal city.
Maryland and Virginia willingly coded their rights,
but the four land holders whose farms had capvat'd
the eye OF Washington were not 80 easy 10 deal WITH
The Commits aoners instructed 10 negotiate for
the purchase Of the lands, and after considerable
time were successful with all the owners but David
Burns One by Carroll, Young and Davidson
surrendered their lands terms by which The
owners conveyed to the United States considcra-
ton that when the whole should b. surrendered and
laid of city the original proprieors should re-
tain every other lot. the remaining lots Ia hc Sod
by the Government from time to time and the pro
cecds to be applied TO the improvement Of the place.
This was all very well far as the land would go
10 make the site for the capital city. and II was
not In IT," The Commissioners cond make no I'M
preston on the hard-hcadcd scotchman whom they
could not persuade 10 part with his precious pos
sessions Burns had no mind 10 give up his 1Arm lot
city. though a city destined To De- the most "auii
hl In the world. When the Commissioners had
failed In negotiations they declared nothing short Of
President Washington's personal efforts would move
"Dayy Burns" There the coveted acres, ana
Washington at brought his powers OF persuasion
10 bear Farmer Burns. He made his way 10
Burns Mansion" and there. seated on n rustic
bench shaded by the big trees that st spread their
branches over the roof, he talked business to The
master-0f the situation. one can fancy the fa'h'r
Of his COunry-a stately figure rs Invariably
pctur,d. In knee brcechcs, silver buckles. velvet
wastcoat, lace runcs aud powdered wig-gvins formal
speech 10 the sturdy scotch farmer In homcspun garb
but none the less dispenser OF favor TO the Pres
dent.
II not visit, but repeated visits, Tor
obstinate Mr.. Burns" as Washington called him.
held out with remarkable irmness. Their" were fr"
quent sittings on the rustic bench. and many areu
men,s In favor OF the bargain 10y Washington. and
logic TO convince Farmer Burns Of the advantage
which would result In turning his farm INTO civ
lots. on one OF these visits II Is said Birns replied
sharply suppose you think people here are going
10 take every erlst that from you aS pure
grain. Bit what would You have been II yon hadn't
married the Widow Custis >! II Is not surprising that
after many interviews even Washington. with his
eluable temper and selfcontrol. lost his patience
lie finally gave Farmer Burns TO understand that he
had been authorized 10 select site for The capital,
and said
Mr. Burns. have selected your farm rs part
Of the ste and the Government will take H. trust
YOU will, under the circumstances. enter INTO an
amicabe agreement"
Then the President left obstinate Mr.. Burns" To