The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-06-30

A committee representing the citizens of
Beruing. composed of J. L. Mosher, j. NJ.
Towle. n Keyser. and A. W. Mallory.
called on Commissioner Mcfarland yes r
day to present a petition from people living
in the vicinity, protesting against the re-
building of the Washington Aba,toir on III ;
site which it occupied prior to the fire Of
last Sunday. The petition is signed by j.
S. Meneshaw and go other residents CT
Benning. The petition follows:
An unforeseen burning has DESTROYED &c
q great extent the buildings and pan,
known as the Washington Abattoir. This
plant in active operation is nuisance to
the community Immediately surrounding it.
and we think it of the most intolei alb e
character. Therefore, We, the residents o.
Benning and vicinity, desire to enter our
solemn protest against the rebuilding o.
said abattoir on the grounds it now occu-
pies or in the vicinaSe.
We have suffered uncomp' ainirg y with
the odor from this place, which has be
not only offensive to US, but 10 the ma y
who avail themselves OF a car ride In oder
TO get a little fresh air. We think it is a
ton should be maintained in our ooaAun!-
". We therefore appeal 10 you 10 Protect
us in those rights which We are justly en-
titled to-"
In presenting the petition through Mr.
Mac!arland TO the Commissioners, tie con-
mittee said that they has: once before peti-
toned the authorities for the removal OF
the ahattoir when fire had Destroyed the
pI.-t, but were told that they were too ia,e
with their protest. as the permit had been
issued and the building begun. Now they
thought they were on time, AID they hopeo
their purpose might succeed.
Commissioner Macfarland told the COM
mittee that the matter had been called 10
his attention during a recent trolley ride ID
Eenrirg, and that he had asked for an OIL
cial report on the question Of the odor iron
the abattoir from the Superintendent CT Po-
lice. The report was handed TO the Com
missioner yesterday, and it, with the
petition, was referred TO the Health Ollie
for investigation and report
The report from the Police Department
requested by Mr. Macfarlard was submit
ted by the Superinte ndeat from Lieutenant
John Daley. OF the Ninth precinct. He
states that a nuisance which is detrim ntsl
TO health exists at the abI.toir near Ben
ming This he attributes to reducing
plant in connec ion herewith used for the
purpose Of COOKING the refuse from the
Strengthening and reducing the same 10 fe--
tilizer and grease. Continuing, Lieuten-nt
Daley says:
THE oaor from this plant is obnoxious
and almost unbearable TO the residents CT
Bennirs and Deanwco!, especially SO when
the winds are from the south during tie
summer months. and when the windows
and eoors CT the houses are open for let
ting in the air.
Tho oder from the hog pen of the Union
Stock Yards. ADJOINING the abattoir, is
nearly IS bad as t,.at Of the reducing plant
although there wcu,d he 10 complaint, ard
probably very little cdr. il proper care v a:
given to the pen ard if thsre was semi
weekly removal Of the refuse, which / an
Informed is allowed 10 remain and ccumu-
late fer ToIrths before bang taken aaay.
There ere also two drainage pipes iron
the reducing plant which empty into II
open sewer leading to the Eastern BraLc1
along Bennilg Road. and an odor like that
complained Of arises Iterefro1,, which. du-
ing a loag period of warm weather. is un-
bearabie 10 persons Passing along Baaning
Road. l would recommend that the plant
be removed to some pace not SO thickiy
settled as Benrins and Dsanwood."