The Washington times., 1894-11-23
CONCERNS OF TEE DISTRICT
John B. Brady Named to Succeed
the Late ThoS. B. EntwisIe.
THE DISTRICT ENGINEER WORK
Capt. Fiobeger, Assistant to Commissioner
Powell. Submits His Annual Report
Some Important suggestions-The Fire
Engine House Misconstruotion.

The Commissioners settled the question of
filing the vacancy in the offIce OF building
inspector, as confidently prophesied in yester-
days TIMES, by naming John B. Brady for
the position. Mr.. Brady will qualify on Sat
urday. He was the recipient of numerous
congratulations during the day. and grace
fully and feelingly acknowledged the same
with thanks.
From the expressions of citizens who have
commented upon the appointment, which
may be take n as fair index of general senti-
ment, the selection has given universal salts
faction. Mr.. Brady's promotion is step in
the civil service reform line; he was the choice
of leading architects aud builders throughout
the city; was indorsed by the Federation OF
Labor, and his record has been such as to in
sure to tho public the services OF competent
inspector.
Mr.. Brady was born in this city, and is in
the forty-hfth year of his age. He has, by
arduous study and application, made himself
the master of his profession. He began busi-
ness life with Baldwin Brothers, and was later
associated with S. 7. Morsell, at present
member of the board Of excise, and subse-
quently was in the employ Of Charles Ed
N onston, with whom he remained until ap-
pointed to position with the building in
spector, a little more than eleven years ago.
That appointment was made without soltcita-
ton upon his part, and so, 1t may be said,
was he present one. Mr.. Brady was in the
position OF an applicant only IN the sense that
he announced his purpose TO accept it II it
were rendered.
The new inspector said yesterday that the
selection OF his successor as assistant inspec-
tor was entirely in the hands OF the Commis-
sioners, except in the conting ncy that he
should be asked for suggestions. 1t was
matter to which he had personally given no
thought as vet and nothing would be done, he
inferred, until after his induction into his
new position.
The Office of assistant is of as much i'm
portRnce in many respects as that OF the chief.
The occupant ofthe position must be equipped
with full knowledge of architecture and know
the technical details of engineering, as ap-
piled to building. and be able TO make his
own computations in proving the correctness
of any plans that may be presented. 1t Is not
at all probable that the appointment will be
made from the ranks of the present office
force. The Commissioners will, tbs believed,
| select man with the necessary qualifications
| from the outside.
ger filed his annual report with the board
Yesterday. He aludes TO the fact that all
! block asphalt now used in the District are
supplied from a local factory, by means of
which the price of the product has been ma
teraliy decreased. The composition has also
been improved. Total amount OF asphalt laid
! last year was Sc sos square yards.
| The passage by Congress at its last session
| of provision requiring all sewer and water
! connections TO be made before paving is done
| is strongly commended as preventing useless
cutting of new pavements and preserving
them. A similar provision should be made as
to underground con1uits for electric wires,
especially for District use.
He refers with regret 10 the fact that ap-
proprlatons for street paving have been
materially decreased. the current appropria-
ton being less than at any time since the
formation of the present District govern
ment. He calls attention to the necessity for
securing larger appropriations for the i'm
provement OF suburban streets and also for a
slight increase in the fund for grading streets
and roads.
For the paving of alleys and repairing side
walks under the permit system, about S10a,-
900 was expended last year. The mIlage of
county streets ard roads under supervision
is about 800 miles. The opening of new
suburban streets has diverted large portion
OF the appropriation from the ordinary county
roads. In view of the fact that large pro-
portion of the suburban streets are unpayed
an increase in the appropriation is needed.
The total OF bridges under supervision is
sixty-five, with a total length of one and
three-fourths miles. Many are old and build
of wood, and require constant repairing
These should be replaced with more modern
structures. The sum OF SS,771.Sl was ex-
pended in repairs to bridges, about one-hah
of which was devoted to putting a new floor
in the Aqueduct Bridge; and another item
was the purchase Of material for new steel
bridge at street, over the James Creek
Canal.
The total area of subdivisions recorded
during the year was 26s.9 acres, and included
West Takoma, Ingleside, Cleveland Park,
Scheutzen Park. Connecticut Avenue Heights,
part of Youngsborough American University
Heights, and Deanwood.
The work OF the parking commission has
reached the point where the further planting
of trees is almost prohibited by lack OF appro-
priation. If there is one feature of the Ma
tionai Capital. Capt. Fiebeger says, which ap-
peals to the admiration of visitors, it Is the
magnificent trees that. line its streets and
avenues, and he urges that the appropriation
be increased. 1t is recommended that some
eminent landscape engineer be procured to
prepare plans for the improvement OF Rock
Creek Park.
In regard to overhead wires Capt. Fiebeger
says that as the system is not likely to be
abandoned for some time ne would suggest
that legislation be sought to correct some of
its defects.
He says: "If the police powers of the Com
missioners were extended so as to give them
control over the maintenance and erection of
all poles, and the companies were compelled
TO unite their lines where possible, much of
the complaint against the obstruction of
streets and alleys by poles could be avoided.
In the center of the city. upon such streets as
G., F, and Pennsylvania avenue, between
Seventh and Fifteenth streets and the inter-
secting streets, the business must warrant
the companies putting all main lines under
ground, and they should be compelled to do
+ so, while in the unimproved or sparsely built
up sections 1 believe overhead wires should
be allowed, with poles in the alleys, if pos
sibIe.'
The hearing mentioned in yesterdays TIMES
was given by the Commissioners to Con-
tractor Thomas and others interested In the
adjustment of the responsibility for the misht
! of the new Northeast engine house. Mr.. Won
/ Herbel.s comedies with the contractor in
| placing the blame upon Surveyor Forsythe
| Mr.. Brady, the building inspector, expressed
/ the opinion, however, in the conference that
a careful builder will always verify the sur
vey prior to the commencement of structure,
and his judgment, he says, will be indorsed
! by contractors everywhere. He is OF the
| opinion that Mr.. Thomas should have salts
fed himself that the lines were correct. By