The evening times., 1900-03-23

The Commissioners recently received
from a number of citizens of Northeast
Washington a protest against future per-
mits being granted to circuses to occupy
the Malone lot, North Capitol and
streets. The note of protest was signed by
o. II. Budlong, who claimed to represent
the citizens living in the vicinity of the
Malone lot. The note stated that ''it be-
comes necessary for our future protection
against the encroachments Of a noisy. un-
welcome rabble that congregates around
our homes at such times, as well as the
filth brought there and left on our streets
and sidewalks, that a protest from these
people (the residents) be filed in your Of
flee against the granting OF future permits
for shows and circuses on the said Malone
lot"
In rendering his opinion upon the mat
ter, Andrew b. Duvall, Attorney for the
District of Columbia, said: Il have duly
considered the protest OF O. II. Budlong
and others against the issuance of license
for a show or circus on the Malone lot,
which you referred to me for opinion,
whether the Commissioners have authority
to amend section a. Article XIII, of the
Police Regulations, which provides That
no circus shall hereafter be located, op
Grated, or conducted on any lot or open
space without the written consent of a
majority of residents within two squares in
each direction from the place where such
circus is proposed to be located so as to
require the consent of all the residents di-
rectly opposite the designated lot or space
and of two thirds OF the residents in the
adjacent two squares on either side.
Congress, by its joint resolution ap-
proved February %, 1892, authorized the
Commissioners to make and enforce all
reasonable and usual police regulations as
they may deem necessary for the protec-
tion Of lives, limb. health. comfort and
quiet OF all persons and the protection OF
all property within the District of Column
bia.'
THE location of a circus or show is fit
subject for police regulation.
Il am of the opinion that the Commits
sioners have authority to amend the above
named police regulation in the manner in
dicated. if in their judgment the public
comfort and quiet and the protection Of
property require it,
Major Sylvester Chief CT Police also sub
mitted statement to the Commissioners in
which he strongly urged that the circIses
be made to go farther beyond the city lin
its where there were less people and more
room
Commissioner Wight's endorsement upon
the matter was as follows: Il agree with
the Major and Superintendent Of Police
that exhibitions OF circuses and similar en-
tertanments should not be held within the
city limits where there will be objections
in the neighborhood. but should be held at
some point more remote. Due attention
should be given TO the question CT the ia
oilities for reaching the circus grounds and
of the returning home OF the large crowds
of people that may attend.
II am not prepared 10 as yet recommend
that these entertainments should be ex-
cluded from the city. but submit the matter
for the consideration Of the other Commits
sioners. | think however that until such
action may be taken il would be we'll To
modify the regulation referred to by re-
quiring that the consent shall be Obtained
of all the residents directly opposite the
space on which such show or exhibition is
10 be given and of twO-thirds proportion Cf
the residents in the adjacent two squares
on either side"
1t was stated at the offices Of the Com
misSioners that beyond doubt the approval
OF Commissioners Beach and Ross would
follow and that the granting Of permits 20
circuses in the city would probably be
stopped by the Police Department in ;he
future.