The Washington times., 1894-09-15
CONCERNS OF THE DISTRICT
Sharp Words Between Commissioner
Truesdell and A. BurgdOrf.
THAT MOONLIGHT SCHEDULE
It Is to Be the Subject of COnference-Trial
Board Cases viii Soon Be Taken Up-Dif-
ference Of Opinion with Reference to Car
Fenders-Military Visitors Coming.

Commissioner Truesdeu and A. Burgdorf,
OF No. sos New York avenue northwest, in
dulged in a somewhat animated colloquy in
the board room of the District Commission
ers yesterday afternoon. and some plain
speech was employed by both gentlemen. Mr..
Burgdorf was a member of delegation Of
property-owners in the block between Ninth
and Tenth streets, on New York avenue
northwest, that called to protest against the
execution Of the present plan of improve
meEts on the avenue.
The delegation expressed decided opposi-
ton to the removal of the parking without
also removing the trees. and in the course of
the discussion Mr.. Burgdorf said he wanted
it 10 be understood that had it not been for
the Interference OF one OF the Commissioners
while the bill was pending before Congress
the residents between Ninth and Tenth streets
would have had the benefit of the same pro-
vision in removal of the parking that was
given between Thirteenth and Fifteenth
streets, and ne thought the Commissioner had
no business to make any suggestion. Com
missioner Truesdell, who was acting as presi-
dent OF the board in the absence of Mr.. Ross,
interrupted Mr.. Burgdorf and said that while
he disclaimed any knowledge Of the alleged
Interference, he proposed to say that If a
Commissioner felt that any legislation was
either for or against the public interest, he
not only had the right 20 20 to Congress with
his opinion. but il was bis duty 10 do so. and
no man had any right 10 come bsfore the
board with any such criticism.
'IfyOu think, Mr.. Burgdorf, said Mr Irues-
deli. that the Commissioners sit here merely
to do what Tom, Dick and Harry tell them TO
do, YOU have misconceptIon OF what their
duties are"
NO. l DO not misunderstood what their
duties are. - retorted Mr. BurSdori. land 1
disagree with you as 10 the right OF a citizen
10 crtieise the action OF a member OF the
board, when that action conflicts with his
interests. The Commissioner had no business
tOinterlere in this matter.
TOLD THAT HE EXCEEDS HIS PRIVILEGE.
Capt. Derby, who was present to represent
the Engineer Commissioner, then said: ''AIr
Bursdori. you have twice made that remark,
and the Commissioner has Just told you It is
not justified"
1lr. BurgJ0rf persisted IN expressing his
views oil tue matter. and Commissioner Trues-
dell again ilterposed by saving that II be
came yhere 70 make unbecomiug remarks he
was exceeding his privileges.
Under the last appropriation bill the sum
of lH5 600 was allowed for assessment and
permit work. with the provision that "a suf-
icieu- amount thereof NAV be applied 10 and
expended for the immediate removal OF the
parking except trees. and paving the space
iu the center OF New York avenue between
Ninth and Tenth streets northwest. and one
half ul the cost thereof shall be assessed
against she adltting property, under the
usual conditions.
Tie del cation, which included William F.
EeaUe-. William Hahn. Charles Edmonson,
A. Elr-5lr' Samuel Bryan as the represent
..r 4
ing the estate of Joseph Began. and Thomas
Francis, who elGimCl 10 own at least three
f.urls OF the square Do question. desired to
know J, the trees cannot be removed under
the act quoted from. but the Commissioners
demonstrated the impractcability OF the
proposition. and the gentlemen decided TO
petition the Commissioners 20 suspend the
improvements until the matter can be either
brought before Congress or other satisfactory
conclusion reached.
The probabilities are. as was stated in their
presence. that ID the work is suspended the
money Will be used elsewhere and the New
York avenue Improvements VIII await an
other appropriation. There are great
many sections where the expenditure will
find a ready acquiescence.
The papers IN several important cases that
were before the police trial board recently
viii be reviewed by the Commissioners within
q few days
Col Truesdell's attention was called yester-
day to the paper filed during his recent alb
seHce by the counsel for the five policemen
connected with the Fat Men Beneficial As
sociation, who appealed for reinstatement
after their dismissal from the force. and he
was asked If the action of the board was con-
sidered to have been final
Presumably. yes; but, of course. we shall
consider what the counsel have to say. We
shall adhere 10 the purpose not to admit oral
arguments in the case, but will examine the
papers filed.
THE CAR FENDER QUESTION.
The adoption Of a car fender for use by all
the street railways Of the city, and incident
ally the powers and duties of the Commits
sioners in the premises, occupied the atten-
tion OF the Commissioners and the attorney
for the District at a conference held yester-
day morning. The attorney holds to the
opinion that the Board OF Commissioners
should select fender and compel each OF the
railway companies 10 use that particular fen
der ia eguipping its cars. Can't. Powell, the
Engineer Commissioner, said that the board
did not quite agree with the attorney. The
Commissioners think the several companies
should make fair test Of all the improved
tenders with a view TO determining which is
the best but that when il is ascertained which
Is best adarted Tor the work every company
clha44 I+ 9illiElth TO attach kleil.
Nessrs. Henry C. Winship. president OF the
Georgetown Gas Light Company. and John
r.. Mclean. president Of the Washington Gas
Lirht Company. have been invited 10 an
early conference with the Commissioners Of
the District with a view % establishing a def
mite schedule for street lighting. and to dis
. continuance @ the moonlight schedule
s.. A. Thomas. president Of the United
States Electric Light Company. has also been
of
Commissioners at the earliest practicable
a's Do arrange Tor @ diseCntiuuance Of street
lighting for municipal purposes during day
light, with t1e object 0f reducing the cost Of
same.
B. II. Graham. master % the Eastern Mar
EaL. iu q Better % tire District Commissioners.
reElFcs Tire Question relative 90 dealers in the
uaIEsl lrgiu- produce outside and selling
tls same from -h.ir stands. the matter hay-
Ing been the =l. est OF e recent circular-iet-
Ter ig iLe market masters. and says: The
section appears 60 merit the disapproval OF
some or tG- Euek--er dealers. who base their
d.sapproyal upon the fact that ''what are
known a. inside dealers in this (Eastern)
Market have been buying fruit and vegetables
0f the producer fresh every morning. II this
law IL enforced they Will have to buy their
goods the day before, or, what Is infinitely
worse. TO buy OF the commission merchants
fruit or vegetables which are from twenty
i0ur 10 lorty-eight hours old. 1t is, therefore.
requested that this section be suspended as to
the Eastern Market"
E..f4 TIA ny