Evening star., 1897-08-17


went into the office of b. B. French, COM
missioner of public buildings and grounds
and was shortly appointed to the position
of assistant surveyor for the county of
Washington.
Elected in 1857.
At the election of 1857 he was made sur
veyor. which position he has continued to
hold. with the exception of the four years
from 1867 to 1871. In 1870 he re-established
the grades of the city, and in 1871. under
the administration of Governor Shepherd,
he levied the special taxes.
The location of the reservation along the
line of Pennsylvania avenue, from 18th
street to Rock creek was in his charge.
and Washington Circle was laid out by
him in 1854. He also laid out the CAPITOL
grounds and reconstructed the reserva-
ton back of the Executive Mansion He
rade the surveys for the arsenal, and, as
stated above. has been identified with all
of the more important improvements since
he came into office. He was regarded by
the Commissioners with great favor and
looked upon as a thorough surveyor.
Commissioners Compliment Him.
The Commissioners, in accepting the resig-
nation of Mr.. Forsyth, wrote him the fol-
lowing letter today:
THE Commissioners have received and
hereby accept, to take effect on the 18th
instant your resignation of the office of
surveyor in and for the District of Colum-
bia, which you have voluntarily rendered
for the reason that your failing health IRE
cludes your further attention to the duties
of the position.
The Commissioners regret the circum-
stances which render it necessary for you
to withdraw from the public service, but
take great pleasure in assuring you that
YOU will leave the office with the general
respect of the community for personal quail
tiles. and for the fidelity and professional
skill with which you discharged the duties
of municipal surveyor during a period OF
more than forty years, and that the best
wishes of all will be with you in your re-
tirement.'
The New Surveyor.
Mr.. Henry B. LOCKER, the new surveyor.
has been the assistant surveyor ever since
the law was passed creating that Office,
and it has all along been understood that
he was put in training to succeed Mr.. For
syth, at the proper time. in this technical
office, so important to the interests of the
District and to property holders. Mr..
LOCKER, when appointed assistant. was
leading civil engineer in the District, and
for years had been engaged in his private
practice upon most of the important work
here. Because of this and his exception
ally good, accurate and conscientious work,
he was strongly urged for the place by
nearly all of the prominent business men
here. of all parties
At that time many desired his appoint
ment to the surveyorship, but he was not
willing to take the place while Mr.. For
syth was able to carry on the Office. and
he was, therefore, recommended and ap-
pointed the assistant. Mr.. Forsyth, feel
ing now that he would be unable to satis-
factorily perform the duties of the posi-
tion in the future, Mr.. LOCKER becomes his
successor. He has earned his promotion
which is in the line of civil service reform,
and which is justified by his fofmer work.
which his record shows.
His Qualifications.
Mr.. LOCKER is a young man, under forty
years nf age. and has had the advantages
of scientific and practical education, as
we'll as training in his profession of civil
engineering. He is the eldest son OF for
mer Paymaster General LOCKER of the
navy, and is and has been for many Years
a citizen and resident of the District. True
principles are recognized and maintained in
this appointment. and Mr.. LOCKER has the
Endorsement Of leading business men and
citizens Of the District. as well as being
the unanimous choice of the Commission
ers. The salary is 5000 per annum.
Mr.. Forsyth, the venerable retiring sur
veyor, goes out with honor and the repu-
tatfon of years of faithful service and with
the kindly esteem and regard of his fellow
citizens. He has expressed confidence that
Mr.. LOCKER will prove to be a fit and
worthy successor In the important and re-
sronsible position Of surveyor cf the Dis
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