Evening star., 1896-11-13
THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Interest in the Discussion Over Probable New
Commissioners.
Indications of a General Sentiment
Favorable to the Selection Of the
Best Men Obtainable.

There are very prominent indications i'm
local business circles using that term in
the very broadest and most comprehensive
sense, that general combination of in
terests will be formed for the purpose of
designating and securing the appointment
OF successors to the present Commissioners
OF the District of Columbia when their terms
OF onice expire. In all quarters and they
are many, where a reporter of The Star has
prosecuted his inquiries regarding the eA-
pected changes I'm the personnel of the local
government, there has been but one opinion
discovered, and one desire expressed; that
the very best men obtainable shall be an
pointed to the Offices and that these men
should be selected solely with a view of
their qualifications for conducting the busi-
ness OF the national capital on a sound and
sensible business basis, without fear or
IaVer OF any one whose interests may lie
"itnln the District boundaries.
The Succession to Mr.. Ross.
1t Is not known, of course, whether or
NOT PRESIDENT Cleveland will exercise his
ErerosauVe OF either reapponting or
appointing successor to Mr.. John
W. Ross. who is now the president
of the beard of District Commission
ers, and whose three years term of office
that he will Mr.. r. Ross Perry has been
very prominently mentioned in this con-
nection, but today Mr.. Perry stated TO a
star reporter that under no circumstances
"ouid ne accept such an appointment He
appreciated the fact that II is a very deli
cate matter to decline position not tender
co. put explained that he is not and will
not under any circumstances be q can
dldate Tor the position. The connection of
ms name with the matter. therefore. he
SAYS was wholly unauthorized by him.
Inc sentiment in favor of the return OF
Capt. Rossell as Engineer Commissioners,
seems TO grow stronger the succession
to Engineer Commissioner Powell is con-
sidered.
1t is pointed out with what is regarded
as great force that Capt. Rossell is init
mately f. miliar with the needs of the
District. snd is closely acquainted with
the residents of Washington and would
come thoroughly equipped for the position,
while another engineer officer if desig-
mated to succeed Maj. Powell, would be
compelled to devote a very large portion
of his term of office to familiarizing him
self with his duties and securing a proper
understanding of his real relation with
the population he would be called upon, in
measure to govern.
President McKinley's Appointment.
The successor to Col Truesdell will be
appointed by President Mckinley, and the
latter will fortunately bring to the impor-
tant duty an already generous intimao y
with the ational capital and its require
ments.
The name of Mr.. Chaplin Brown is promi-
nently mentioned in connection with the
place. 1t will be remembered that on a
former occasion. where there va
cancy in the board of Commissioners a
number Of citizens strongly urged Mr..
Brown for the place. 1t is believed the
same influences will be brought to bear in
John B. Wight is very favorably discussed
as an appropriate man for the position, and
his energy and wide acquaintance with the
people of the District and the needs of the
community are being commented upon in
a complimentary way. Dr. A. p. Fardon's
name is frequently heard in connection
with the Commissioners Office. and many
people are talking of eX-Commissoner
Douglass.