Evening star., 1897-03-18
ROSS AND DO D G E
They Are Both Urged for District Commis-
sioner.
Delegation of Citizens Associations
Call Upon the President I'm
Their Behalf.

Late yesterday afternoon the joint COM
mittec of the various citizens associations
OF the District called upon the President
and presented to him memorial recon-
mending the appointment of W. c. Dodge
ana John ". Ross. both of East Washing
ten, as District Commissioners. The inter
view with the President was short Gen
Birney was at the head of the delegation.
and Informed the President, who made III
quiries that the appointment of either man
would be acceptable TO the committee, II
both could not be appointed.
Previous TO the visit to the White House
there was a disagreement between the
members of the delegation. DIR. w. A
Croffut objected to the wording of the
memorial, which was drawn up at meet
ing a short time before the delegation went
to the White House. Dr. Croffu; argued
that Mr. Dodge's name was to be present
ed first or in other words, that he was TO
be first choice between the two men Cen
Birney declined to consider this view, ana
announced his intention to present TIC
names of the two men an equal foot
irg allowing the President to pick between
them. DIR. Croffut, backed by Lorin Chap-
pei and Josiah Millard. Withdrew refusing
TO accompany the committee j. d Crols-
SAINT, who appeared soon afterward, agreed
with DR.. Croffut.
The delegation was composed of the fol-
IL
way. Evan H Tucker. president of the
Northeast Washington Citizens Assocla-
ton: w ]. Frizzell, w W. Hall, W. e.
Henderson. president of the Ecking'on
C:tizens' Association, Henry Barton. NJ j.
Brown Samuel Walker, James P Edwards
ard r. F. Bradbury.
The memorial presented TO the President
Is as follows
To the President:
Sir: The undersigned, a committee ap-
pointed by a mass meeting of tax paying
citizens of the District of Columbia, resid-
ing in East and Southwest Washington, re-
spectfully state:
That they represent the interests of citi-
zens residing in the eastern and southern
parts of the District. and nine citizens as
sociations organized both IN the city and
the county to look after the welfare OF
those sec tions. and also TIE Interests of the
citizens who are not members OF the asso-
Citations
That from 1874. when he people of this
District were deprived Of the elective fran
ChiSe. down to the p-eSan, hour, all the
District Commissioners bus one, who held
the position but part of term. and nearly
all the other high District officials have
beer appointed from the northwest section,
shown by the accompanying map from
that section west of 18th street west ana
north of F street north, which section does
not contain one-fourth of The population OF
the District
That such discrimination is volative of
the principles OF home sula and equal rep
reservation. and Is manifestly unjust
As the Commissioners under tire law have
the making of the health, police. building
and plumbing resula ,ioIs and also the
preparation of the estimates for District
taxation and revenues-sayins where school
houses shall be built, fire engines located,
sewers laid, streets improved, water and
light supplieI-in short nave the power to
regulate all those matters which materially
affect the interests and well-beiug of the
citizens. it is highly important that as far
possible all sections shall be represented
In the board of Commissioners
We therefore most respectfully ask that
one of the TWO vacancies in the board OF
District Commissioners shall be filled by
sppoin tment from the eastern and southern
portions of the District. and as the custom
Is to appoint one republican and one dem
ocrat as the civil Commissioners. We pre-
sent you the names of two well-known
citizens. hoping you will nominate one or
the other Cf them.
We ask the appointment of William c.
Dodge. republican, for the following rea-
sens
l. Because he is thoroughly familiar with
District affairs, and with all parts of the
District. he having resided here for thirty
seven years. assiduously studying it's needs.
=. Because he is a public-sp:rited citizen,
taking great interest in public affairs. and
always working for the general welfare.
which he has greatly promoted
3 Because he is not interested directly or
Indirectly in any corporation, syndicate or
ring. but. on the contrary. has invested all
lis means in permanent improvements,
which help TO build uD the city and pay
taxes
i Because his honesty and moral char
acter are above reproach and unquestion-
able.
. Because he is, and from the founda ton
Of the party has always been, an active
working republican.
g. Because TO his Investigations and re-
ports. more than to those of any other
citiz"n, is due the reduction In the price Of
gas whereby the householders of Wash
irgton have been greatly benefited.
We ask the appointment of John W. Ross
democrat. for the following reasons:
J. His practical familiarity with is.ricI
affairs. gained by six years experience in
their administration. makes il most desir-
able 70 retain him in the new board
His Integrity. honor. ability and free
dom from all entangling alliances or SYM
paihies with interests likely TO seek special
municipal legislation have never been ques-
Toned. and are unquestionable.
; His irupartiaiity between the different
sections OF the District is recognized by the
people generally. We neither ask nor ex-
peci special favors for East and Sou1h
Washington, but could rely upon Commits
si1ner Ross not 10 discriminate against ours
or any other section.
J. He is a lawyer OF high standing and
competent to deal with the numerous per
picking questions of District administra-
ti0n.
o He enjoys the respect and confidence
al Ia Of