The times., 1899-04-01
AID FOR DISTRICT SOLDIERS.
An Appeal on Behalf of the Unem-
pIOyed Voluuteers.

An Appeal on Behalf of the Unem-
ployed voIunteers.
District Commissioner Ross has inter
ested himself in the honorably discharged
soldiers of the First District OF Columbia
Volunteer Regiment, and is endeayorine
to secure employment for many who are
without work. Speaking to a reporter yes
terday afternoon, Mr. Ross said that many
OF the soldiers who returned home last
fall are just now recovering from illness
contracted during their stay in the tropics
and are seeking something 10 do. He
has been instrumental in securing work
for many of them, but the number that
remain idle is yet large
The District government has taken back
those who left their positions to go to the
war. and has also given permanent en-
pioyment TO seven volunteers who had
not been previously employed. Applica-
tions are made almost daily for work, and
in view Of the fact that the list is con-
stantly growing and few are being given
work, Mr. Ross has prepared list which
he hopes will meet the eye of some who
are in position to extend assistance The
list is contained In the following state
ment given to the press by Mr. Ross yes
terday afternoon:
Among the members of the District Volunteer
Regiment who have fled applications for employ
ment in Commissioner Ross Office are to be found
one experienced lawyer, intelligent and able, a
frst-class mechanical craftsman, two good book
keepers one combining stenography and type
writing Herewith, several typewriters, three very
capable young with college educations two
real estate clerks, an experienced shipping clerk
several experienced clerks and salesrnen, two
travelling salesnen, an elevator man. four ma
chinists, locksmith and bellhanger, presSlnan,
a boiler maker, an iron construction worker, a
blacksmith, two firemen, a granite cutter, an
undertaken, jeweler, tile setter, tinners, paint
ers, carpenters, cement PAYERS tesmsters, coach
men, drivers, ,expTessmen, and many young men.
some of whom are well educated and capable OF
filling responsible positions Of clerical char
acter, and Others who could fll positions as
watclmen, messengers, etc.
The District government has, besides taking
back into its employ all who gave up their posi-
tions TO accompany the regiment, given perman-
ent employment TO seven of these young men, and
temporary employment at various times to q
vast number OF them. In response to a circular
letter addressed 10 the large employers of the
city Messrs. Woodward & Lothrop, the Columbia
Railroad, and one or two other firms have given
employment TO one or more of the volunteers.
Late yesterday afternoon Commissioner
Ross sent the following letter to Hon. John
r. Proctor, President of the Civil Service
Commission:
! Will be greatly Obliged to yon II You will
direct one Of your clerks to forward to me de-
finite, condensed information as to what oppor-
tunities are given 10y existing law to the honor
ably discharged soldiers of the First District of
Columbia Regiment 10 obtain positions under the
civil service in the District. | have an impress
sion that preference given by the laws of
Congress to soldiers of the war OF tine Rebellion
but not posted with regard 10 the status OF
the pTivstes and officers OF the war with Spain.
am induced TO trouble you in this regard by
the large number Of worthy young men, many OF
whom have families dependent upon them. who
lost their business and employment which they
had prior TO entering the service, and whose ap-
every daS