Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-01-07

American war while Major LOCKER was
absent with his company in Porto Rico, and
his administration of that office SO
satisfactory, it is stated, that the Commits
sioners from the outset were Inclined to
consider favorably his appointment to the
place
The transfer of Mr.. Richards is in the ma
ture of a promotion. AS assistant engineer
in charge of street extensions he is a
monthly employee of the District at month
ly salary of 500, or 81, 400 a year. His
salary as surveyor of the District will be
5000 a year.
Mr.. Talcott as Assistant Engineer.
1t is understood the Commissioners have
offered to Assistant Surveyor Talcott the
position of assistant engineer in charge of
street extensions, formerly held by Mr.
Richards 1t is believed that Mr.. Talcott
will accept the place, which will be a pro-
motion for him, as his salary as assistant
surveyor is 81 800 year In the event the
per diem employees of the District who are
regularly employed, are placed on the an
nual rolls the regular salary of the as
slstant engineer in charge of street ex-
tensions Will likely be fixed at 50 200 a
year This amount the Commissioners
nave requested for the position. The House
subcommittee on appropriations has an
announced that the proposition of the Com
mlssloners to place the regular per diem
employees on the regular roll has been
agreed 10 by the members of the committee
and it is believed the matter is settled.
AS surveyor of the District Mr. Richards
VIII continue to have something to do in
connection with street extensions. "a work
In which he has been considered as especial
ly efficient in the past
Col. Biddle's Compliment.
In recommending the appointment of MT.
Rlchards as surveyor Engineer Commits
sloner Biddle made the following statement:
1 move the appointment Of Mr. William
+. Richards, at present assistant engineer
IN charge of street extensions. to the posi-
tlon OF surveyor of the District of Column
hia, vice Henry B. LOCKER, deceased Mr.
Richards was surveyor of the District of
columbia during the absence of the late
Henry II. LOCKER at the time of the SPAN
ish-American war
His present duties, in connection with
street extensions, subdivisions condemna-
ton of land, etc, have so closely connected
MIN with the Office of the surveyor that
the appointment is promotion in the same
line of work. Though regretting to lose
MIN from his present position, where his
services. as well known, have been extreme
ly valuable to the District, ! am Of the opin-
ion that the promotion is well deserved and
that he Will make most efficient sur
yeyor"
Commissioner Macfarland approved the
recommendation with the following indorse-
ment: Il take pleasure in approving the
~ for his works sake
Commissioner West also approved the ap-
pointment and Col. Biddle's statement
Native of Delaware
William P. Richards, the newly appointed
surveyor. was born in Milford. Del, March
IA, 1866. and attended the public schools of
that city. He entered Lehigh University in
1884 and graduated from that institution in
1888, with the degree of civil engineer. I'm
medately after his graduation from Le-
high Mr.. Richards was given a position
under Capt. VIM T. Rossell former Engi-
neer Commissioner of the District in the
improvements on the Mississippi river He
was connected with these improvements I'M
til November, 1891, when he resigned his
position as United States surveyor of the
third district. Mississippi river, to accept a
position as assistant engineer in charge of
street extensions in the District of Column
bia, under Capt. Rossell, who was then En-
gineer Commissioner of the District. Mr..
Richards was brought to the District, it Is
stated, for the express purpose of planning
and executing the permanent system of
highways in the District.
While Major LOCKER was absent in Porto
Rico during the Spanish war Mr.. Richards
was appointed to the position of surveyor
| of the District as stated, but when Major
LOCKER returned to his position Mr.. Rich