The Washington herald., 1913-08-20

| ing. The session commenced about the
middle of the afternoon and did not ter
inmate until 6:lS o'clock. Just before the
| Commissioners came from MIR. Siddons'
office DIR. William Tindall secretary to the
Board of Commissioners, emerged with
his arms full Of documents and books.
Mai. Sylvester Gives Aid.
The Commissioners hurried from the
office and drove away I'm a carriage in
search of Mr.. Kalbfus. but failed to
locate him. Mai. Richard Sylvester. chief
of police. then was requested to desig-
nate an officer to serve the order upon
the assistant assessor.
Mr.. Kalbfus' house at ISIS Twenty
eighth Street was found closed up. and
il was learned that the assistant assessor
was at his summer residence at Halpine.
Md. on the Rockville line. The police
man, late In the evening. succeeded in
locating Mr.. Kelbfus and serving the
order upon him. Mr.. Kalbfus had no
statement to make.
As soon as the order had been served.
the Commissioners notified Mr.. Oyster
to appear at the District Building at
once. Late in the afternoon he had been
notified of his appointment as successor
TO Mr.. Kalbfus. and had Immediately
sent in his resignation as clerk at the
War Department.
Mr.. Oyster was sworn into office just
at 10 o'clock by DR.. William Tindall
at the District Building In the presence
of the Commissioners. He declined TO
make any statement following the
ceremony.
Advocate of Single Tax.
Mr. Oyster is a loyal Democrat and
an ardent advocate of the single tax.
For many years he has been a member
of the Typographical Union and the
Central Labor Union, playing a promi-
nent part in both organizations. He
has been identified for some time with
various citizens associations and the
Federation of Citizens Associations.
and has taken an active part in civic
movements. For a number OF years he
has been intensely interested in assess
ment and taxation matters in the Dis
trict. and has worked persistently for
necessary reforms and the enactment
of legislation that would benefit the
citizens of the District.
Mr. Hogan, attorney for Mr.. Kalbfus.
was notified of the Commissioners or
der late last night by a representative
of The Herald. He said he had heard
nothing of the action and had not been
in communication with his client.
in issuing this ORDER" he said, "the
Commissioners not only have violated the
plain letter of the law. but have put
themselves in the position OF absolutely
defying the provisions of the law. As
promptly as papers can be prepared. the
Supreme Court of the District will be
given an opportunity TO decide upon the
validity of the order. In behalf of Mr..
Klabfus. shall seek a mandamus TO re-
store him to his position as assistant as
SCISSOR"
Mr.. Hogan expressed great surprise
when told that the order had been served
upon Mr.. Klabfus.
How did they reach him. he in
quired.
When told of the Commissioners press
ing a policeman into service. he said:
Fine business; why didn't they call
out the militia?''
The dismissal of Klabfus follows close
upon the request made of the assistant
assessor that he submit his resignation
OF his own accord. He absolutely de-
clined to follow the suggestion. He was
at the District Building all day yester-
day.