The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-10-25

estimates and the amounts actually appro-
priated by Congress. In this way the list
is growing from day to day and it is not
expected that any revisions will be made
from the finished list as passed oil by the
Commissioners.
In this connection ii may be stated that
the aggregate estimates reported t. en-
gress last year by the Commissioners
were sl,521. 1921. This amount, il va;
thought by the Commissioners, was nee1-
Ell for the proper conduct of affairs for
the current fiscal year. The Apr pria-
ton made by Congress. one of the most
liberal ever received, was s., 3, 22S 81, or
$1S5g4 less than the amount eSt!na ed.
By items contained in the other app!o-
priation bills So, $50 .5S1.15 was aopropria-
ted mostly for special objects, while the
sum OF $3.50. l20 was appropriated for t. 9
opening and extension Of streets wa ca
was paid wholly cut CT the Distli reve-
nues, the larger sums being divided half
and half between the District and the
United States Government.
1t is understood that the Commss sion
ers are being actuated in making up
their estimates this year only by tn, &C
tual needs Of the District, and are net
considering the probable action CT Con-
gress or whether the estimated revenues
of the District Will be sufficient to pay
one-half CT the amounts asked for.
The Commissioners think that Congress
should be informed through the annual
estimates of the amounts of money aci-
ually needed for economically carrying on
the municipal government and for the
permanent growth and progress of the
District. The Commissioners have ar
rived at the conclusion that nothing is to
L.
of the District in the estima ties. and they
are this year framing the list, it is sup
posed, on larger scale than heretofore.
Whether the aggregate count will be S.
coo, 900 or whether it will approach s9,000,-
Goo is not known, but it is probable that
the amounts asked for will reach some
where between these figures.
Information received from apparently
trustworthy sources goes to show that the
coming list CT estimates will include
nearly all the additional help and en-
largement Of office which the heads Of de-
partments have asked for. 1t is under
stood that the Fire Department will come
in for a considerable increase in estimat-
ed appropriation, for the purpose of es-
tablishing new engine company, truck
company and an increase of 10 per cent in
the salaries of the firemen. 1t is a note
worthy fact that these men who are on
duty long hours and who incur great per-
sonai danger in the performance of their
work are underpaid in the District of Co.
lumbia. The Commissioners are agreed
that they should have an increase of pay,
and it is expected that they will endeav-
or to bring it about.
1t is believed that the Commissioners
have approved the recommendations of the
Superintendent of Police by including in
the estimates the requisite amounts for the
increase of the police force to the point of
efficiency.
1t is understood that the Health De-
partment will also have larger estimates
to carry out some of the projects which the
Health Officer deems needful to the i'm
provement of sanitary conditions. 1t is
also understood that estimates for several
new schoolhouses and a larger sum for
street improvement will be asked for.
The Commissioners are not, of course,
aiming at any extravaganza in the matter
of public expenditures, but are seeking to
acquaint Congress with the idea that city
of 27S,oC0 population and territory of six
ty-two square miles has of necessity large
and increasing wants, reaching for the ifs
cal year of 1902 to at least sS,0oo,00o.
Daniel 0'C. Callaghan, of 612 Street
northwest, acting as attorney for William
B. Marche, recently wrote to the Com
missioners claiming damages for injuries
received by mare falling into a manhole
in alley of square 7S6. Mr. Callaghan in
forms the Commissioners that the mare
stepped upon the cover Of the manhole
and that it tilted with the weight OF the
animal and that she fell into the hole,
causing severe injuries which necessitated
her being in the care of a veterinarian for
about ten days.
After a full investigation of the matter
by an inspector, whose report shows that
the injuries to the horse were much less
severe than claimed, the Commissioners
have voted TO inform Mr. Callaghan that
they do not see their way clear to allow
the claim for the damages.
William A. Heindle engineer OF the An
acostia and Potomac River Railroad Com
pany, recently made application to the
Commissioners for permit to erect four
automatic signals on poles along their line
from Anacostia to Congress Heights; also
to string copper wire from one end of the
double track on Monroe Street to the end
of the line on Congress Heights c. B.
Hunt, the Computing Engineer, reported to
his chief ON the application that no reason
appeared to him why the application should
not be granted
Walter c. Allen, the Electrical Engineer
in considering the request reported to the
Commissioners recommending that per-
mission be granted as asked il being ex-
pressly understood that these wires are to
be used only for the purposes set forth in
the application. namely, 10 operate auto
matte signals and for no other purpose
Mr.. Allen also states that his recommen-
dation is based upon the judgment of the
frry,a y,air -tc.h
of the company will admit of such construc-
ton.
The Commissioners yesterday received a
communication from Charles ID. Walcott,
requesting an item in the annual esti-
mates of the Commissioners for the i'm
provement of Lanier Avenue on Lanier
Heights. He states that he is owner of
lots 80 and 81. Lanier Heights. and that
a few years ago he planted trees with the
intention of building a residence. but that
owing to the uncertainty about the i'm
provement OF the avenue he was obliged
to give up the idea.
Mr.. Walcott states that there are sew
eral owners beside himself who are anx-
ious for the improvement. and he says
that they are unable to build because the
grade of Lanier Avenue is not yet ostab-
lished.
The request has been noted for con-
sideration in making up the final esti-
mates to the President and Congress.
Col William NJ. Black. former Engineer
Commissioner Of the District called on the
Commissioners yesterday to pay his
respects and to shake Old friends by the
hand Colonel Black is in Washington OH
leave to attend to private business. having
come from Cuba few days ago where he
is in the Engineer CORPS under COMMAND
of General Wood. Colonel Black was En-