Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-13
TO REVEAL METHODS
Mai. Ball Promises Some In
teresting Testimony.
WANTS A PUBLIC HEARING
Requested to Resign From His Dis.
trict Office.
CHARGES FILED AGAINST HIM
Assistant Superintendent of the
Street Cleaning Department
for Past Three Years.

AS a result of request made by the
District Commissioners for the resigna-
tion of Maj Newell Ball, assistant super
intendent of the street cleaning depart
ment, some Interesting sidelights may be
thrown on the operations of the street
cleaning department. The resignation
which is asked for, will take effect Feb
ruary oS.
Maj. Ball said this morning that he
hoped that a public hearing on the
charges against him would be granted
by the Commissioners. He declared that
he could promise that some interesting
testimony regarding the methods of the
street cleaning department would be pre-
sented. AS to the features of that tes-
not feel he was at liberty to talk at
present.
Asks for Public Hearing.
Mai Ball this morning sent to Com
missioner West a request that he be fur
nished with copy of the charges against
him. and that the Commissioners suspend
action in his case until he can be given
a public hearing.
Il have nothing to conceal, said Mai
Ball this morning, 'and l have requested
that a public hearing be held SO as to
show just what I have done during my
connection with the street cleaning depart
ment. | am not dependent on my posi-
ton as assistant superintendent of street
cleaning, but l think that Justice to my
self and to my friends demands that | be
accorded the fullest investigation of my
conduct. and l intend to fight against
having my clean record blotted.
Maj. Ball said that he did not know
upon what grounds his resignation was
asked for, but that he had requested Com
missioner West for "a copy of the charges.
1t is understood that when his resignation
was requested it was announced that
charges had been filed against him by
the superintendent of street cleaning, but
the details of the charges We're not eX-
planned.
Not Accused by Wood.
Owing to the absence from the city OF
Commissioner West. who has supervision
of the street cleaning department, little
about the action of the Commissioners
in the matter could be learned this morn
ing James Nj. Wood, superintendent Of
street cleaning, was reticent when asked
about the matter and gave no informa-
ton to clear up the mystery which now
surrounds the request.
Supt Woods said that Maj. Ball. resig-
nation had been requested by an official
higher up. and that he did not know upon
what grounds the request for Maj. Balfs
resignation was made When told that it
was understood that the charges had been
filed against the assistant superintendent
of the department he said that no
charges were instigated i'll his office.
He said that he could throw little light
the matter. as the action had peen
taken by higher official.
Mai Ball has been assistant superin
tendent of the street cleaning department
for several years, having been appointed
To the position January IL. 1906. After
the resignation of John Twohey. super
intendent OF street cleaning, in July, he
was made the acting superintendent un-
til the present incumbent was designated
by the Commissioners in November. He
has many friends in the District building
and the news that his resignation had
been called for was great surprise to
them