The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-05-28
HACKER MENTIONED
FOR ASHFORD'S JOB
Commissioners Ca stin G
About for a New In
Spector of Buildings.

Speculation was rife today concerning
the appointment of a successor to Snow
den Ashford. Inspector of Buildings, who
was selected yesterday by the Commits
sioners for the position of municipal
architect. Commissioners AIacfarland dis
sentlng-
In deciding upon a man for the office.
which is considered one OF the most
important under the District govern
ment. Commissioner Judson is giving
consideration to the name Of Morris
Hacker. former superintendent Of
county roads. and now chief engineer
Of the Ohio Railway Electric Company.
with headquarters at Lima, Ohio.
Mr. Hacker resigned his position with
the District March p. 1907 While his
present salary is in excess of that Of
the Inspector of Buildings. It is under
stood that he desires to return to Wash
ington-
Mr.. Hacker entered the service of the
District as assistant engineer July II.
1888, and was for time in charge Of
Rock Greek park. He was promoted TO
superintendent of county roads June 4,
1901, in which position he made an ex-
celient record, and his resignation was
accepted with regret by the Commits
sioners. He was born in Philadelphia,
and was graduated from the University
Of Pennsylvania with the degree Of civil
engineer. Later he took special course
in a technical school in Switzerland
Among the employees of the District
whose names are under consideration
are Thomas J. Francis. assistant lnspec-
tor of buildings; Harry B. Davis, in
spector OF plumbing. and John T. Healy,
an inspector in the office Of the inspee-
tor of buildings.
Commissioner Judson said today that
= definite decision would probably not
be reached for a week or ten days.
Although frankly admitting that he
was disappointed in the appointment OF
Enowden Ashford, present Building IN
spector, as municipal architect, Presi-
dent James +. Oyster, OF the Board Of
Education, said this afternoon the school
authorities would lend the new archi-
teot every cooperation and that al
differences would be forgotten in the in
terest of Washington's school children.
MY fight against the appointment Of
Ashford, said Captain oyster, was
not a personal one. but we did know
that the schools had not received what
they deserved at his hands in the past
and the boapd felt that from our view
point a better man could be named. L
an disappointed, OF course, in the re-
suit but the interests Of $1,000 school
children will be subservient with me to
any oLner I6ellng.
Admires Commissioner.
II have great admiration for. and
faith in. the administration OF Engineer
Commissioner Judson- Under his direc-
ton. I believe that Mr.. Ashford may
now accord the school more cOnsidera-
ton than in the past. On the whole,
we feel that our efforts have been
crowned with success and that better
day is in sight. We have assurances
that in future the Fire Chief ana the
Health Department are TO be consulted
in the planning of school buildings. This
is All we could ask
Mr. Ashford was warmly cong-atulat-
ed today by his friends. His appoint
ment came yesterday afternoon after a
three-hOur conference between the Com
missioners, and was upon a divided
vote Commissioner mcfarland voting
against the Building Inspector, and Com
rnissioners Judson and West for him
President Oyster made a final appeal
prior 10 the meeting IN the interest Of
Architect Oscar Won Nerta, who had the
hacking of the school authorities. Mr.
oyster said today that his opposition
WIS not based upon any criticism OF Mr..
Ashford's professional ability, a thing
about which he had no expert lCnowI-
edge, but was the result of former DIFF
ferences between the Board Of Educa-
ton and the Building Inspector over re-
pairs and school building specihca lions.