Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-11-05
Defects Said to Have Been Discovered
in the Law.
CONGRESS MAYBE ASKED TO AMEND IT
insufficient PaaRSSsion for Collecting
Assessments.
OTHER DISTRICT AFFAIRS

Doubt has been raised as to the efficacy
of some portions of the highway act,which
provides for permanent system OF nigh
ways in the District, and the District Com
missioners are said to be somewhat anX-
ious over the matter. The constitutionality
of the law in several respects has been Sc
riously questioned, and the Commissioners
have, it is understood, decided to ask Cor
gress to amend the act at the next session.
First of all. the Commissioners are not
satisfied that the method of collecting the
assessments provided by the law is suffi-
Gent. The section referred to is not clear
1t reads follows: when confirmed by
the court the assessment so made shall be
lien upon the land assessed, and shall be
collected as special improvement taxes in
the District of Columbia have been collect
ed since February 81, 1871, and shall be
payable in five equal annual installments,
with interest at the rate of per centum
per annum from the date of confirmation
of the assessment by the court"
Then there Is clause which provides
that one-half of the damages shall be as
sessed against the land benefited thereby
1t is well known what view the courts have
OF such provisions, and there is consider
able doubt as to the constitutionality Of
such a clause.
The Commissioners have discussed this
matter, and it is Understood that the. at
request Congress to change the law in some
points.
A Star reporter sought an interview with
Attorney Thomas upon the subject, but he
declined to be interviewed. The matter be-
lCnged to the Commissioners, he said, and
II they desired to give out any of the facts
the reporter could get them at the District
building. Application was made to the
Commissioners. but they respectfully de
clired to say anything on the subject.
Sewer Bids Accented,
The bids opened October "a for the con-
struction of sewers have been accepted by
the Commissioners as follows: The pro-
poSal of I. NJ. Leher q Son. Easton. Pa,
for the construction of a sewer in Brook
land; Andrew Gieeson, for constructing the
henesaw avenue sewer: these being the
lowest and best received.
Water Assessnents Cancelled.
The Commissioners have ordered that
water main assessments be Cancelled
against the following lots, on account of
the decision in be Balrgdorf case: Lots Is
and 10, square 1D2S: lot $, square 30; lot
lS', block -; lot II. block H. Brookland;
lot I, block II. Bsoakland, and lot l. Bunker
Hill road, Brookland.
Bridge Keeper.
G. 3. NJ. Rit.hsE shas been appointed
bridge keeper on the temporary roll at so
per month, vice r. D.. Mcclure, deceased.
Cement Sidewalk.
A cement sidewalk t}las been ordered laid
in front of 1Fl6 Massachusetts avenue
northwest and in. front of 1900 n. street
northwest under the provisions Of the per-
init system; estimated cost, $3.50.
Alley Sewer.
1t was also Ordered that a sewer be con-
structed in alley between South street, the
Chesapeake and Ohio canal, 3lst aad i32d
streets Square 1iSsY under the provisions of
the permit system, at an es timated cost of
$42l.
Absentee Market Dealers.
Owing to the continued absence of the
market dealers and their neglect to occupy
their stands. the Commissioners have is
sued an order providing that such negli-
gence In future shall work forfeiture of the
stand after one days notice has been given
20 the market masters. In case of sick
ness. or for some good and sufficient rea-
son, the market masters are authorized TO
waive this order.
A Troublesome Railroad Crossing.
A serious condition of affairs exists at
the crossing of the Belt Line railroad over
the tracks of the Baltimore and Potomac
railroad on the line of 18th street, where it
intersects with Maryland avenue. Some
years ago the street railroad company put
CT the steam railroads has worn the frog
down to a dangerous point, and the au-
thoriteS fear that a serious accident will
result there unless the place is immedia teiy
repaired. The street railroad company re-
fuses to repair the crossing on the ground
that it should be done by the steam rail-
road, which is responsible for its condition.
The crossing has been examined by the
general inspector, and he reports the condi-
lions there as alarming. The pavement in
| the immediate vicinity of the crossing is
| loose. the frog is badly worn, and there is a
| general sagging. Underneath the crossing
a large water pipe runs north and south.
| This is leaking, and the ground is soft.
Unless something is done at once to correct
| the defects serious accident is likely TO
! result The railroad company insists that
| as the frog belongs to the Belt Line COM
pany that concern should stand the ex-
pense. 1t is likely that the Commissioners
| will examine the matter and issue an or
| der compelling one or the other company
| to fix the crossing.
| The dangers arising from this crossing
are manifold. A railroad train is likely TO
| be derailed at this point. or a street car in
| crossing may get caught and its passen-
gers exposed to great danger by incoming
| and outgoing trains.
Building Permit.
| A building permit was today issued to
| John L. Weaver for the construction of
five two-story and basement brick dwell
| iEgs at Nos. 1923 to 1886 18th street north
| west to cost $4,000.
| Club Licenses.
The first liquor licenses of the new license
year We're issued today to the Metropolitan
and Army and Navy clubs. These two clubs
failed to make application at the beginning
| of the year on account of the decision of
Judge Miller in, the Press Club case. in
which he held that clubs were exempt from
| the operations of the, law. The police, how
| ever. were directed to proceed against these
| clubs together With the others that failed
| to take out license. and, rather than have
the police interfere. they paid the license
fee under protest and received their license
| forthwith. - or,
Police Appointments.
The Commissioners have appointed j. n
| Offutt private on the police force, having
satisfactorily served his proba tionary term
| of twelve months. John B. Anderson has
| been appointed an additional private on the
police force for threefyears for duty at the
| National Geological Park.
Engi sieer Licenses.
| Engineer licenses Fave been granted to
1 the following: First class, Isaac G. Small.