The Washington times., 1894-08-11
RACING FOR A Big PRIZE
Nany Candidates in the Handicap for
the Three ASsessOrships.
SOME OF THE ASPIRAI. rs
Commissioners Very Reticent as to Who Have
Applied-Colored Men Also Present Their
Claims-ProbabilitY That the Lucky Ones
Will Be Announced Some Time Next Week.

II does not often fall TO the lot OF the Dis
trict Commissioners to have within their gift
three offices. each paying 5000.
1t is enough to make the mouths water OF
all that noble band of spirits who seek an op-
portunity to serve their country with incl
dental revenue for themselves. Nor is it at
all surprising that the richness of the prizes
has stimulated the ambition to possess one OF
them in each individual offlce-seeker's breast,
and that they are after it with all the ardor
and perseverance ordinarily expended in
such a quest.
Three offices. paying $3.50 month, with
all the dignity and appurtenances thereunto
appertaining-three assistant assessors for
the District of Columbia. What makes the
matter all the more exciting is the fact that
the appointment of these officials is for
little appendage in the vay OF clerk TO the
board of assessors, salaried at 81, ZOO a year,
for the which the proper numher of applicants
is not lacking.
Securely locked in some place OF safe-keep-
ing controlled by the Commissioners rest
scores OF applications from men prepared TO
strike till the last armed foe expires, so 10
speak. They will never give up the fight un-
til the moment when somebody's hopes will
be brought to full fruition and others
blasted by the announcement OF the names OF
the men who are to he assistant assessors for
four years. Who the men are that compete
for these places the Commissioners will not
saw 1t would not be fair. they declare, to
make the names public, though they do not
attempt to explain wherein the unfalrness
thar yrn IN
the men are TO whom important public and
private interests are TO be intrusted.
SOME OF THE CANDIDATES.
Nevertheless. a number of the leading as
pirants are known. First and foremost there
is Billy Dicksor-everybody calls him
Billy or Old Reliable-the name OF whose
friends is legion, and than whom no man
comes more fully indorsed. Then there is
Thomas Dowlinc, of auctioneer fame. who
from his practice OF knocking things down,
hopes to succeed in the present instance.
Ga!en Z. Green, well-known real estate
agent is also in the race. backed by any num-
ber OF adniring friends. c. J. Frizzell and
Evans Tucker are put forth as the representa-
tiyes and champions OF the northeast section,
and are Loyalty supported by Its residents and
property owners. Then there are s. I. G..
Morsell, a retired merchant. possessing the
confidence of many. as the Inducements on
his papers show: W. b. Gourley, popular
stockbroker: Dr. Z. w. ". Griffin. at present
the assistant assessor, who with hessrs. Nor
sell and Gurley. served on the ooard
of equalization and review. and who.
il is generally believed. will be rewarded
by the Commissioners for his long and
faithful service with one of the appointments.
In fact il is thought that he and Mr.. Morsell
have been virtually decided upon. and that
the choice of the third assessor lies between
Mr. Gurley and Al. I. Hensey.
The latter gentleman. who is perhaps the
Youngest of the candidates. is native of the
District and is the son of Thomas G.. Hensey,
the real estate broker in whose office he has
acquired valuable knowledge oil the values OF
District real estate His appointment is in
dorsed by a host of the prominent merchants
and business men of the city. and several
members of Congress have also interceded in
his behalf.
CoLoRED AsPIRANTs.
Meanwhile the colored residents and prop
erty owners have not been idle in putting for
ward the claims OF men of their race. They
say that the negroes own a great deal OF real
estate in the District, and on this account, as
well as by reason OF their numerical proper
tions In the population. they are entitled to
consideration. Foremost among the coored
applicants is John F. Cook, formerly col
lector OF taxes, a large property holder and
man universally respected. Another candi-
date is Daniel Murray. one Of the assistants
to the Librarian of Congress. who is u highly
respected gentleman and comes well Endorsed.
The Commissioners, it is thought, will not
long delay the appointment OF the three OH
ciaIs, as 1t is important that the board should
get to work as soon as possible. For this
reason knowing ones predict that the appoint-
ments will be announced not later than We'd
nssday or Thursday Of next week.