The evening times., 1896-06-22

One space has been rendered by Col.
Wilson, superintendent OF public buildings
aud grounds, for the use of young America
on independence Day.
The Commissioners fear that, if ac-
copied, it would be impracticable To con-
fine the crowds likely to assemble there
within the limits, aud this objection is
believed TO hold ag gainst many other reser-
vations.
The grounds rendered by Col. Wilson
are those between b street and the gravel
road north of the Monument and between
Fourteenth street aud the gravel oval east
of the north carp pond.
While acknowledging the courtesy of
the offer, the Commissioners decline it, for
reasons stated, and ask for the use of
Garfield Park
The garbage contractor has been given
pcrRiission TO dredge aud clean out the dock
at the foot OF Twenty-seventh and streets
north west aud to repair he wharf, in order
to afford better facilities for the transfer
of garbage from the carts TO the scows.
This does not cover any permit to dump
any dredgiugs or other refuse into the
river.
GIVEN AUTHORITY.
The Commissioners have authorized the
United States Electric Lighting Company
To erect a pole in the alley running north
aBa south in square iS6, and To run the
necessary overhead wires to connect prem
| iSss t the southeast corner of Sixth and ii
streets northwest on condition that the
cables are run in groove made IN the
pole and properly covered, SO as 10 pre-
yent contact Herewith.
Permit was also issued to tile Postal Teie-
graph Company to rebuild its line located
principally on woodicy road. from Tenth
street and Florida avenue to Wuodley and
Tcnlcytown roads. the location and kind of
poles to be subject To the supervision oil the
engineer department.
An interesting question. which viii IN
vClve the refund of certain fees collected
since 1894, is likely Ia he presented to the
| Commissioners soon, US the result of their
| rider. lately issued, IN UouiiiCauon oi the
order of December 20. 1898, assessing a
fec Of ; i for permit authorizing Tie cree
| tiun or replacement OF each telegraph or
telephone pole demanded by the business Of
| the several cumpanics in the District.
1t was always a matter OF contention
| bet ween the corporations and the Dis
| trict government whether or not the Com
missioners had any authority to make an
order such rs that of December, 1898, to
| charge 81 tor each pole 10 be set or
! replaced. and not long ago the Western
! Union Telegraph Company renewed lis
! objections to the payment of the fee in
| Il case where about $40 was collected.
THE COST PER POLE.
The company did not object TO paying Il
| fee for permit. because its issuance IN
| VOWED some expense. which, in tic iudg-
| ncnt of the officials. should be reimbursed,
| but where q single permit embraced more
| than one pole it was the habit of the Dis
trict government to add dollar TO the
! cost for each pole above one, and this the
| company regarded as tax.
| The Commissioners finally came to that
| view, and on the L 9Th instant amended the
| order so that but 81 should he charged
| for each permit, whether Ii shall authorize
| the erection or replacement of one pole
| or twenty or one hundred.
This modfiCa. ion is made retroactive COW
ering the full period in which the former
| order has been operative, and the next