Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-06-12

TO MAKE RIGID INQUIRY
PLAN OF COMMISSIONERS
Give Orders That Every Building in
Course of Construction be
Thoroughly Inspected.

Following the verdict Of the coroner s
jury last night. fixing the blame for
the collapse of the apartment building
at 10th and p streets on Snowden Ash
ford. inspector of buildings, District of
Columbia he was today suspended from
duty pending an investigation by the
Commissioners of the building depart
ment.
Prior to the inquiry. which promises
to be one Of the most rigid and search
ing ever conducted by the Commission-
ers. every building in course of con-
structiOn in the District is to he thor
oughly inspected to determine it's safety
and practicability.
This action was prompted by testi-
mony offered during the Sc -sions of the
coroner's inquest. The inspections will
be conducted under the personal super
vision of Capt. William Kelly, assistant
engineer commissioner. and Alfred NJ
Poynton, deputy building inspector.
To Act as Building Inspector.
TdIclS, superintendent OF con-
struction in the office of the building in
spector, has been designated by the Com
missioners to perform the duties of in
spector of buildings until further order
The suspension of Snowden Ashford has
caused comment. with particular refer
ence to it's significance and ultimate re-
suit.
1t was by recommendation of Maj. Nor
row, Engineer Commissioner. Mr.. Ash
fords direct official superior, that the lat
ter was suspended. Such action followed
conference of two hours with Mr. Ashford
this morning. The suspension was agreed
on by all of the Commissioners at an
executive board session in Commissioner
Vests office following Maj. Morrow's talk
with the building Inspector
1t WAS then also formally decided TO
have all the buildings now being con-
strlcted inspected and to institute an in
yestisation of the building department.
The Commissioners We're in nearty ac-
cord regarding the steps mentioned.
Not Intended as Reflection.
In making the motion that Mr.. Ash
ford be suspended Maj. Morrow said lie
did not want it taken as reflection on
the character or conduct of the latter.
The order. it was explained, calls for only
a temporary suspension.
The date for the investigation has not
been set. 1t will probably not be started
for at least a week Neither have the
lines on which it will be conducted been
definitely settled The Commissioners
will sit as inquisitors and judges and will
be assisted in framing questions by the
corporation counsel and Capt. Kelly.
Assistant United States Attorney Turner
will be In daily attendance and the pub
lie will be invited to be present and par
ticipate in the proceedings.
Mr.. Ashford today said the verdict OF
the coroner's jury was complete sur
prise to him. He added the remark that
the iury evidently regarded 1t essential to
hold some one. and declared he was III Ho
way to blame for the collapse
Force Is Inadequate.
IT have always contended that my
force of inspectors was inadequate TO
cope with conditions properly, MI ASH
ford went on to say, and have repeat
edIv not only asked for more men but
have asked for notifications in the
building laws that would tend to better
the conditions.
..Nbat 1 consider 'as mOSt necessary In
tho xyav Of new laws for my DEPART
,nevt IN the examination of all con-
tractors and builders and licensing the
Same. That fs the only way we can rid
the community Of incompetent and un-
desirable persons engaged In this busi-
ness.
rs there any law that gives you au-
thority to refuse permit applied for by
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