Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-02-12
BINGHAM'S TRANSFER
THE CHANGE WAS MADE AT RE
QUEST OF THAT OFFICER.
What is Said Relative to the Recent
Order to Bring Colonel
Symons Here.

The officials Of the War Department oe-
cline to discuss the case OF Colonel Bing-
ham, in charge of public buildings and
grounds who. as stated in last evening
Star. is to be transferred to duty at Buff
falo. further than to say that Colonel
Bingham was relieved at his own request
and that his relief from duty here in
wolves no reflection whatever on his cnar-
acter or his administration of the analrs
of his office. It was learned further that
Colonel Bingham himself presented the
matter Of change In the once OF cohl-
missioner of public buildings and GROUNDS
to the President as long ago as last Sep
TENDER.
He told the President at that time that
he had filled the Office about SIX years.
which was longer term than that OF any
of his predecessors, and that he felt that
it was about time for him to take up otner
duties more appropriate to his profession
as a military engineer. He left the matter
entirely in the hands of the President, now
ever, making it clear that he was perfectly
willing to remain If the President desired
1t.
The Presidents disposition in the matter
was shown by the fact that he never indl-
Gated the least desire for change IN the
office, and affairs continued on as before
until few days ago, when Col. BlnSnam
again brought up the matter with Gen.
Gillespie, chief of engineers, and insisted
other station be granted if possible. There
upon the matter was again presented 70
the President, together with list of avail
able officers of the engineer corps prepared
by Gen. Gillespie.
The. President concluded to grant Col.
Binghams request. which was considered
perfectly proper. one under all the circum-
stances, and scanning the list of officers,
he indicated Major Symons as the officer
for the place.
During Major Symons service at Buffalo
he was prominently identified with the
movement for the construction of a deep
and in that way was brought into frequent
contact officially and socially with Mr..
Roosevelt who was then holding the office
of governor of New York.
Maj. SymonS is therefore we'll known to
the President. and meets the usual require
ment Of the office to which he Is assigned,
in that he has the personal esteem and
friendship Of the President, for whom he
Is frequently required to act in personal
and confidential capacity.
The duties of the officer in charge Of
public buildings and grounds are officially
stated as follows:
In charge of public buildings and grounds
in the District Of Columbia. with the rank
of colonel. In charge of the preservation,
care and safety Of buildings occupied by
the War Department in the District Of Co
luINDldS OF government teleSrdpn line con-
Meeting the Capitol with the various de-
partments and the government printing Of
flee; Of the portion Of Potomac Park be-
tween the tidal reservoir and the Washing
ton monument grounds and 18th street and
Virginia avenue northwest and Maryland
avenue and 14th street southwest; OF the
banks of the Potomac river from the north
line Of the arsenal grounds to the southern
curb line of street south; of the building
on 10th street northwest, Washington, D.
c.. where Abraham Lincoln died: Of such
matters connected with the erection Of the
statue of General Sherman as may properly
devoive upon the War Department.
OF the erection Of a monument OF the
birthplace of Washington, and the con-
struction of an iron-piie dock at the mouth
of Bridge creek. Virginia, and of tie cree
ton in the National Military Park at Get
tysburg. Pa. Of the memorial tablet to
Abraham Lincoln. Executive and disburs-
ing officer of Grant statue or memorial
commission and of Mcclellan statue COM
mission In charge of erection of pedestal
for statue of Rochambeau and disbursinss
officer of appropriation for same. In charge
of monument at Fredericksburg, Va, to
the memory of Gen. Hugh Mercer
By virtue of special act of Congress
the officer filling the office of public build
ings and grounds has the rank, pay ana
emoluments of colonel in the army: