Evening star., 1915-01-24
DISTRICT BUILDING.

Farewell luncheons to retiring Dis
trict officials have occurred with great
er frequency during the last year than
perhaps IN any period of equal length
In the history of the municipality. The
luncheon given Judge Siddons at the
Raleigh Wednesday marked the second
tine within the past twelve months
tnat retiring Commissioner had thus
been honored by officials and employees
OF the local government. Capt. Mark
brooke. former assistant engineer com
was the guest of honor at a
similar event last fall. prior to his de-
parture for the Philippines
Frederick C. Lee. secretary to Engi-
neer Commissioner kutZ, and Thomas
]. Fisher of the electrical department
are contestants for the honor Of con-
trlputlng the most entertainment at
these luncheon gatherings. Lee has be-
come famous for his humorous poems
written especially for such occasions.
Fisher shines as a comedian. AT We'd
nesdays luncheon he appeared sue
cessively in the uniform of a police
man. soldier and fireman and recited
poems written in honor of Mai. Syives-
Ter, capt. Julian Schley and Fire Chief
Wagner.
There have been so many changes of
late In the personnel of the board OF
commissioners that the advent of o
new member to the board does not
create the interest among District en-
pioyes that such events have occasion
ed in the past. The District building
personnel has accepted for granted
that the Senate will confirm the nomi-
nation of Louis Brownlow as success
sor to Former Commissioner Siddons
and does not anticipate that there will
be any confusion I'm the directing Of the
affairs as a result of the
sioner.
Mr.. Brownlow's qualifications for the
commissionership have been SO we'll ex-
plotted that there is no doubt in the
minds OF those who are employed by
the local government that he will lll
the position with distinction
The departure of former Commission.
er Stddons was matter of keen regret
not only to the heads of the various
branches of the municipality, but to all
those engaged in the District service.
During his administration a Com
missioner, extending over a period of
year and a half. he won many friends
in the District building by the spirit
OF uprightness and fair play with which
he approached all questions coming be-
fore him for determination.
Amos Steele. formerly secretary to
Mr.. Siddons. will be retained as secre-
tary by Mr.. Brownlow. in the event of
the latter's confirmation. Mr.. Steele
has been in the District service COM
paratively short time. but, like the for
mer Commissioner whom he served.
has made mahy friends in the District
building.
Walter Maximillian Bastian, for two
years clerk in the office of DR.. Will
liam Tindall. secretary to the Com
has been made secretary to
Judge Siddons Mr.. Bastian is a grad
uate of Georgetown University Law
School and member OF the District
bar
Alonzo Twecdale, District auditor.
addressed the City Club Of Baltimore
on a new auditing system
District officials are much in demand
as speakers before this club. Commits
sioner Newman having addressed the
club week before last.
c. A. Proctor. formerly of the engi-
neer department and at one time a
well known local athlete, visited
friends in the District building last
week. Mr.. Proctor is making his home
in Detroit. Mich, where he is connect
asphalt plant. He has held
this position for twelve years. this
plant being the first of its kind ever
in this country.
Jack IL West, clerk in the electrical
has rendered his resigna-
tfon, to take effect February !. Mr.
Vest has had more remunerative po-
sition offered him by local business
firm.
W. J. Latimcr, assistant engineer in
the surveyors office, was absent last
week on account of illness.
E. p Goucher has been appointed
editor for this weeks issue of the
a weekly paper published
,y the members of the surveyors Of
ice.
John II. Sherman, superintendent OF
Weights, measures and markets. Was
lbsent from his office one day recently
IN account of illness.
Philip H. Ward. coupon clerk in the
,ffice Of the collector Of taxes, return
ID to his desk Wednesday after an
illness of two days.
A.. S. Lay, assistant inspector OF
,alves in the water department. was
confined to his home by illness two
lays last week.
]. f. Moore, secretary to Capt. Julian
;chley has been ON leave several days
preparing for the mid-year law exami-
,ations at George Washington Uni
'ersity.
A. A. Judges. clerk in the Office of
he auditor, is confiped toShis home by
illness.
c. D. Herman, clerk in the health
has been called to New
york state on account of the illness OF
lis father.
r. A. Doleman. a graduate of Technt-
al High School. has been appointed a
craftsman in: the sewer department
,s4 i,-rs -