Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-01-01

Appointment of New Commissioners.
Advance Toward Solving Grade Cross
ing Problem.
Important Changes in Banking Institu-
lions.
Trading Stamp Decision.
Raid On and Defense of Civil Service.
Change of Commander Of National Guard.
The Decker-Cisneros Reception.
Disbarment of John Wedderburn.
Burning of Central Power House.
New Motive Power for Capital Traction
Company.
Changes in Police Department.
The Search for Dorsey Foultz.
Suicide of Charles l.. Barber.
Defalcation at Columbian University.
Murder Mystery at Laurel.
Killing of Judge Claughton and Viola
Gusts.
Suicide of Miss Herbert.
The Killing of Zephania Jones.
Arrangements for National Educational
Association Convention.
Proposed Modification of Street Exten-
sion.
The Inauguration.
The Inauguration Of President Mckinley,
which took place in March, was accompa-
MED by great display and impressive cere-
II onies on the part of the citizens of the
District The sum of $4,000 was guaran-
teed by popular subscription, and it's eX-
penditure and all arrangements for the
IL auguration ceremonies placed under con-
troll of an executive committee, of which
Charles j. Bell was chairman. The occa-
slon surpassed all previous ones in the sue
cess attained The inaugural ball was no
table for the magnificent decorations of the
pension court, where it was held. and the
concerts following, 1t drew enormous
crowds. The surplus over the expenditures,
amounting to several thousand dollars, was
ordered invested for the benefit Of the
charity fund distributed by the metropoii-
tan police.
The Washington board of trade March
s recommended change in the date of in
auguration day from March to April 30.
March 23 Senator Hoar introduced a joint
resolution in the Senate to change the date
as desired.
District in Congress.
The year has not been prolific of Dis
trict legislation in Congress. The regular
session closed March 4, and nothing of To-
cal interest was done at the extra session.
The laws enacted during the regular ses-
sion were as follows: To permit railroads
to occupy additional parts of streets during
inauguration; granting the use of public
reservations and space during the inaugu-
ration; extending the time for the Ecking-
ton and Soldiers Home and Belt Railway
companies to replace horse by rapid transit
power; authorizing the use of government
flags for the inauguration; to provide for
the payment OF certain claims against the
District by drawback certificates; to au-
thOrize survey across the Eastern branch
In line with Massachusetts avenue extend
ed eastward comforting jurisdiction upon
SuDrere iiSnnSa nf
the property of insane persons.
Public Buildings.
Several efforts were made during the
year to get new government printing
Office. The inability of the House and Sem
ate committees on public buildings and
grounds to agree on site prevented ac-
ton. Bills were introduced providing for
the purchase of different Sites and hear
ing was held before the House committee
January 10, but there the matter ended.
The new Corcoran Art Gallery was opened
February 3d.
The new Congressional Library building
was completed during the year and opened
to the public. The removal of the books
into the new building was made In the sum-
mer and fall, and when Congress reassem
bled the new library was In full operation.
Work was continued on the new city post
Office, and the end of the year finds the
building nearing completion. 1t was de-
c1ded to remove the Post Office Depart
meut to this building, neceSsitatng changes
in plans for the interior. A new superin-
tendent was appointed, and a number OF
defects in the building were found.
A bill was introduced in the House Jan
uary ~ to erect a statue to L'Enfant.
At meeting of ex-soldiers and sailors
March 81 an association was formed for
the purpose of erecting monument to
commemorate the services of the private
soldier and sailor! u
District Affairs.
The new year of 1897 opened with an
order of the Commissioners prohibiting
the crying of Sunday papers. A mass
meeting was held inisWillard Hall and
condemnatory resolutions passed, but the
order was not revoked. President Cleve-
land named Mr.. IF. p B. Sands for COM
missioner Of the District to succeed Conn
missioner Ross, but he was never con-
firmed, Commissioned, Ross being renom-
mated by President Mckinley April IA,
together with Mr.. John B. Wight.
Captain VIM. NJ. Black succeeded En-
gineer Commissioner Charles F. Powell.
police census was ordered, and it's COM
pletion showed an increase in population.
The Commissioners endeavored to learn
the politics OF the District employees.
Street sweeping matters occupied the at
tention of the Commissioners and term Of
new contract was limited to two years in
view Of the probability. of Senator Nc
Millan's bill becoming law, which would
put the work under the control of the
Commissioners. Street sweeping contract
awarded was to Albert Daggett for a COM
bination of hand and machine systems.
The coal dealers of the city filed charges
against thu seaier Of weights and meas
ures. and some time later he was removed
and William c. Haskell appointed sealer
and John d. Miller assistant sealer. Notice
was given of the intention If the post Of
fee authorities to extend the free delivery
service outside the city limits. A PROPOSE
ton was made to purchase the contending
interests for the purpose of acquiring the
water power at Great Falls. Judge Kim
ball expressed himself freely upon the girls
reform school. An opinion was rendered
whereby the Commissioners were author
lied to have emergency printing done by
local firms. An important conference was
held between the Commissioners and the