The evening times., 1896-02-06

Company, Mr.. W. Kesley isehOepf, mana
ger, is alleged to be in debt over $50 900.
Notice was yesterday served upon the
conpany's attorney that this amount had
been standing long enough, 1t was past
due and must be settled at once.
The money is the aggregate of awards
made by a condemnation commission OF
business men OF this city of property
near lexington. so
Coupled with the egatlons OF catering
to the stoniachs OF several of the jury In
condemnation proceedings in Maryland
is the assertion that having secured awards
in the District this schoepf cont rolled
company is now evading payment of the
amounts confirmed by the courts OF this
city.
Condemnation proceedings in the District
are different from those in Maryland. Ap-
plication is made 10 the court for a CON-
mission. which takes testimony as TO the
value of the land. etc. II is said to be harder
to handle some of the men who have COM
posed condemnation commissions In WASH
ingtOn, and for that reason other measures
are used to secure n low valuation favor
able TO the railroad companies.
A month ago condemnation proceedings
were asked for property located in the
vicinity OF lexington. Judge Bingham ap-
pointed on the commission Messrs. N. w.
Burchell. II. Bradley Davidson, and John s.
Sworunstcdt.
GOOD AWARD WAS MADE.
After much taking OF testimony they con-
deinned land from the District line to the
Metropolitan Branch OF the Baltimore and
Ohio. The aggregate OF the awards was
over 100000.
The property owners had twenty days in
which TO take an appeal. At the end of
The twenty days they decided to accept the
award. The railroad company acquiesced
in the amount awarded and made no appeal.
This legally closed the contract. and ac-
cording To recent judicial decisions was
perfectly binding on both parties to respect.
The failure to appeal was evidence that they
intended paying the award and that the
owner would accept the same.
But what is troubling the owners is that
the company shows little inclination to
settle for property which has before been
valuable.
The uncertainty Of the outcome is weigh
ing on their minds. Not knowing what else
TO do, one man has rented his house on the
return only half the price of rent. The
question is being asked. '' Do they intend 10
pay u.s." and the reply is heard, Cannot
tell; perhaps some time
WHAT KIND OF BUNCo is IT.
There are those, however, among the
owners OF the condemned land who say
they must have their money right away II
is not right To subject them to the uncer
tainty and whims OF n railrvad corpora
ton, who. if they have the noney, should
pay over without delay, and II they have
not the money should not have entered pro-
ceedings. INK Nrty
The'naturai question: artsrs, "what BEN
eft could the company hope to gain by
della wing payment''
Is it because they intend TO change their
route and enter Washington by different
course, where the landFis cheaper. OF is it
because they are temporarily financially
embarrassed. or is II because they hope to
tire out some OF the owners.in accepting
a lesser amount for a prompt settlement
rather than wait for Il tards one?
The latter is believed to b. the trIe rea-
son. 1t would be securing small payments
without treats Of terrapn. cigars and Har-
vey meals. 1t would necessitate no outlay,
merely the exercising of patience.
The owners are aware OF the company's
intentions and are stiff in opposition. They
have more than once asked fer settle
meDt. and have each time received the an
swer. IAN right: l will fix it up soon-as
soon as can see SO and so. Come around
next week"
This is becoming uresOme, and yesterday
notice was verbally served on Mr.. Ridout.
representing the company. that it must
come to time at once and make payment
in a day or two. II is proposed TO fight
the railroad in court if it tries'to back out
now, after the securing of the award.
The owners who come in for a share of
the $4,000 are Thomas F.. Rushton. Mrs.
R. II. Harris, Mr.. E. HoGe. Kate DoDahue,
Nelson E. Luckey and the Northwest Eek
iDgton Improvement Company.