Evening Star Newspaper, December 28, 1882, Page 2

2 CITY AND DISTRICT. OPPOSED TO Mu. OLMSTEAD. A Sintement Submitted to the Senate District Committee. REASONS GIVEN FOR THE OPPosITION—THE “REAL ESTATE POOL” TRANSACTIONS AGAIN BROUGHT CP—THE COMPLAINT OF CITIZENS OF EAST AND SOUTH WASHTNGTON—MR. OLMST! AND TE “WEST END,” 4c. ent has been Submitted to Sen- tairiaen of the Senate committee istrict of Columbia, under the heading asons why J. F. Olmstead should not be Along s ator | on the or: ‘uctions of a i property owners of East with sw for m, we hel mination of t * committee l agree with us in the at he ought not te beeoniirn t the oppos' on pers wt not ev ; but the prin- ie belief that not t PMINISTE which, it i ence is mad Citizens of and di imy the s exist. sed upon the late board of the I . Iti utive and been made tie the Distriet from one certai zs and ~peculators.” sents from 2 yy the Dis- . Y goes on to say, “at the time of the last s it, more than one-half of the population re: gy east of 6th street west: and during these eleven years that half has had practically norepresentation or voice in the District government or the management ot its affairs, for although Messrs. Blake and Cluss Were appointed from just east of that line, the former held the position fer but a few moaths and the latter was interested with Shepherd and Eiltourn in batiding the block fronting on Far- square and Connecticut avenue, in the art of End.” As shown by the if south of the Mall and residents, who, with street west. have District A similar instance of ntation we venture to “where in the United “Acer trict nt ssn) all west of the € true to the nt, pro r ‘an ded for the equal representa- tions of all sections, a principle disregarded, it is stated ever since the board of public works Was created. It is asserted tiat since the fir: appointment of Commissioners in 1874 every single one has been appointed from that little on known as the “West End.” with the ex- ception of Mr. Dent i he was from George- town. Mr. Olmstea¢ a'so from the “West End,” and the writers protest for that reason a@xainst his coufirmation as unjust tothe rest of the District. THE REAL ESTATE POOL. “We protest furt the statement con- tinues, “bécause he “was, and still is, part and parcel of id ‘real estate pool,’ under whose influcace for whose b fit the great bulk of ali the money for street tmproyements was then and still is being expended in the north- west quarter, to the de all the rest of govern: the District.” As p m extract is fiven from the testin ‘of Mr. Hallet Kilbourn ‘fore the “real e: our” committee, in Ss that Mr. Olmstead Ibourn & Latta, the firm had purchased all the interest inthe pool. Extracts are given also from the teatime in the suit of Kilbourn & Olmstead . to the effect that Mr. 0! ad became notwithstanding Ment to the contrary him published in 1 The siatement th Mr. In the in w with ® STAR of the 23d inst. Ger the heading GRAPH BY HIM He Siar Interv! the star route I don't ted route. I testimony in the Imeet him. I were star ease. have ne Ilikea er ask $0 Ie {t is a sort ofan to meet a Heady and he Ih the court re- e of their bo ice and t. of ve in the Ser- We want a man act with the ~one who in his ass shall be ‘good fe is of a Sunday is one unit to be the we His nomination Figures are given t sition that nearly provements and has been nonstrate the propo- money for street in roving the water supply northwest section, bool was and still is in- of the $25,000 . tor improving the Hill not a cent of r the purpose : expended in the of @ steam pump for the use of a tizen. wAD' “whieh has bre we may pr quote the lan: Man Olnstead, who urzed a ge ®0n to invest in the purch pehire avenue, ‘hecau duced the © ve oO get another good slice. We t 1 up the boom on Counectient avent and now We are going io start it on New Ha shire avenue.” fhe statement avers that there sidents of otner Sections of the cityare made to four or five times their iust proportion of taxes, wh! the taxes are exy J in the western s i becaus there has been no real estate assess ent since 1878, the favored section pays taxes ‘at but little over one-fourth the actaal value ot | the real estate, while in the eastern section prop- erty pays taxes at a rourth more tian its value. ‘THE VIEWS OF PRESIDENTS MAYES AND GARFIELD. “The justice of our claim to a voice in the board of Commissioners,” the statement con- tinues, “was recognized by President Hayes, who tendered the appointment to a gentleman residing east of the Capitol, but who, unfor- tunately, could not accept it under the law. He Was subsequently induced to appoint Major Morgan. Soon after President Garfield was in- augurated theforegoing facts as tothe Inequality Of the appointments and the Juprovements were Pisced before him, and. although at firet pede isposed to wave us a’ with at ‘Surely it could perk dad Bo fltetenck be ex- ‘as to what particu- Commissioners eftre; be- fore we left the White House he called one of bo meee back and tendered him the place, unfo tunately he could not accept it. Had Garfeld lived we should have had no to the pres- | ng as they | known | and have been | occasion for this protest, for he would have ap- pointed one Commissioner from the disfran- chised portion ot the District. and one whose hands were clean from all contact with real estate pools, star route, and all other rings.” After setting forth that ineffectual attempts _ had been made to place the facts cited before \the proper House committees the statement closes by saying: “Please remember that It Is by the’ action of Congress that we are denied the right of any voice in the selection of our rulers, and that once they are confirmed we are utterly | helpless. ‘The papers have stated that Senators of this committee said that it rested with the people of the District to say whether this nomi- nation shouid be confirmed, and that if they had objections they should present them to the com- mittee. That. gentlemen, we have now done. It remains for you to say whether our protest shall be heeded or not.” = i Fire Chief Crenin’s Invention. HE PROPOSES TO REVOLUTIONIZE THE PRESENT | SYSTEM OF FIGHTING FLAME | FLAGRATIONS AND REDU' THE MINIMUM, | An invention that proposes to revolutionize tif entire system of extinguishmg conflagrations is a matter of considerable interest in this city, as well as elsewhere. Yet this is what Mr. Martin Cronin, chief at the District fire depart- ment, claimed, ina talk with a Sta reporter yesterday, for his recently-granted patent for an “improvement in fire-extinguishing engines.” This Is the name under which the patent was nted, and it describes exactly what it is, for Mr. Cronin has simply invented a means of sing in a more extensive and eneral way the al substances which are universally recoz- nized as the most effective fire extinguishers | that have been devised. reply to a questi by the reporter as to the character of his new invention, Mr. Cronin said “As you know, in all the so-called fire extin- zuishers now in use, either gas or air pressure b chemical substance out, are run separate and independent from s. My plan is to make each engine the ordinary fire extinguishers a8 well as todo the heavy work at large fires that is now done by the steam en- gines, This is accomplished by forcing from a reservoir or tank a stream of chemical liquid In combination with a stream of water or in a pure state alone. I can use a chemical stream and a water stream, each separate, at the same time and at separate points, if necessary, or I can combine both streams together. : “How would you manage to get a supply of nemical liquid?” asked the reporter. ‘There could be a central reservoir or tanks rged with the chemical liquid placed in the ely built sections of the city, and at con- venient points, and on the occasion of a fire. the enzines could be attached just as now is done to the water plugs. There could also be porta- ble tanks on wheels that could be conveyed to any point.” yuld you use the same chemical liquids | now employed as fire extinguishers?” asked the | reporter. 7 “Certainly,” replied the chief, “anf of the well known chemical liquid compounds could be j used. The only thing that my invention pro- | poses to do is te utilize the steam engime in forcing these flame subduers when they are needed. In the present extinguishers, small nozzles are used while I propose to use nozzles of the same size as are now employed by the fire department for the passage of water.” | “What are some of the advantages of your in- | vention?” continued the reporter. “Well, I will tell you,” responded the chief. “One engine, either singly or in combination | with the compound hose pipe. can be managed | so that it will do more effective work on a fire in four or five minutes than 1s done in as ma ny hours under the present system; in other words, | that one engine using chemicals will be as effec- tive as fifteen using water. 1am satisfied that with the new system in use large tires will be impossible, and that instead of fires burning out, as at present, they will be extinguished. The chemical substance is much more powerful | and effective than water, and by its use the losses from fires in cities will be reduced to a minimum.” ° The High School Boys. ANNUAL ON OF THE PIONEER CLASS—OF- FICERS ELECTED FOR THE YEAR—TOASTS AND SPEECH ‘THE CLASS OF 1880. Last night, the “pioneer” clasa of the high school, the class of “’78,” held its fifth annual reunion at thenew high school building. Among the members of the class present were C. A. Barker, Cavour Bohrer, Henry B. Bolton, Geo. F. Casilear, Frank T. Chapman, John H. Fow- ler, Emerson W. Hawk, Alex. T. Hensey, Angier B. Hobbs, H. L. Hodgkins, R. L. Johns, Chas. R. Luce, Return J. Meigs, Frank B. Noyes, C. B. Rheem, Andrew J. Lamb, Arthur Middleton, Geo. A. Prevost, W. B. Robison and Bertis B. Thompson. Asinvited guests there were present E. A. Paul, principal of the high school; J-Ormond Wilson, superintendent of public schools, and Messrs. B. G. Lovejoy and B. H. Warner, of the | Board of School Trustees. The officers elected | forthe ensuing year are :-—F. B. Noyes, presi- |aent; R. L. Jolins, Ist vice president; B. B. hompson, 2d vice president; C. A. Barker, 3d vice president; H. L. Hodgkins, secretary; W. B. Robison, assistant secretary; H. B. Bolton, treasurer; C. B. Rheem, orator; A. J. Lamb, ed- itor; A. B. Hobbs, assistant editor; B. B. Thomp- son, delegate to central committee of the alumni association. Mr. Howard L. Hodgkins, the ed- itor of the ng, Tead an exceedingly able and interesting paper, in which were embodied letters frem several absent classmates, one being ES BY FIRE TO guished himself for bravery during the recent cruises of the Corwin in the Arctic se The company then pro | ing hall, where an elaborate repast was served, | under the caterership of Freund. | After the coliation several toasts were made and responded to. In reply to the first one, | | oThe Py ‘ipai of the Boys’ High School,” Mr. A. Paul responded in a graceful speech, in whieh he sI ed the progress of the school from its orizin to the present time, and e: plained the future plans for the institution. Mr. ‘mond Wilson replied to the toast “The Public Schools of Washington,” in a short, brisk and witty speech. “Mr. B. G. Lovejoy, who has been an espe friend of the high school, responded in a felicitous manner to the toast “Our Alma Mater.” In reply to the toast to “The Board of School Trustees,” Mr. B. B. Warner responded with one of his happiest efforts. During the course of his remarks he adjured the class to work on, “tor who knows | Derhaps some day some of you may the rank of successful business or man; past the rank of profonnd scholar or scientist, to that pinnacle of human ambition— atrusteeship in the school board.” After the qquet the orator of the evening, Mr. R. L. ns, delivered an eloquent speech. After a ‘y enjoyable time spent in social intercourse the company separated for another year. of the boys’ high school of the class of ’30 was | held at Wonn’s hall last night, nearly all of the | members responding. The election of officers re- | sulted in the re-election of nearly all of the former incumbents. Supt. Wilson, Trustee Lovejoy and E. A. Paul called during the even— ing ond made addresses. Elections of Harmony Lodge, N the following office: oble grand, Wm. 1. Hatchinson; vice grand, J. Alexander Edgar; financial secretary, Henry Stewart; recording { Adam L. Trastees—Wm. Young, Wm. T Bright, p A. Cawood, A. L. Rose, Henry Stewart; ives to Grand Lodge, Madison Davis, y. Thompson, George A. Green, Win, ung, Wm. P. Allan, Henry Stewart, Wm. T. Osficers. ) Mazenenn Encampment, No. 4, I. 0.0. F., has cted the following officers: Chief patriarch, mes Alex. Edg high priest, George A. | Green; senior warden, James Fullalove; junior idmore; scribe, Wm. P. iJ | warden, John W. Atlan; pear John E. Herrell. joward Division, 8. of T., last evening elected the following officers: W. P.” M.D. aca, W.A. M. P. Hagar; A. R. 8., Della E. Wilson: FS. Silas Boyce; treasurer, S. A. Cha| man; chap- lain, N. B. Milliken; conductor, W. F. Huntress; assistant conductor, 8. J. Seaman; 1. 5., 0. B. Ballard organist, W. T. or Moi ernon Lodge, No. 5, K. of P., last evening elected officers a8 follows: John A. Frank, P. C.; Ambrose D. each Frank, V. C.; Henry Yenny, P.: John T. Moling, M. of John M. Kline, M. of F.; W. P. Bateman, M. at A.; representatives to Grand : Past chan- cellers, A. J. Guaning, John M. Kline, John T. Moling, W. H. Douglas and M. Wal! A. J. Gunning, W. H. Douglas John T. Bevens. The Grand Lodge, F. A. A. M. oficers last night as follows: son, W. G. M.; F.C. Rey W. D. Ge 52 RR. Wi 8. W. Benjamin Wiliaren B ; Wm. L: Lowery, grand treasurer; Wan. 1 M grand secretary; Charles Hi pad estae ai cueciaas —_.—___ Henry C. Kiesel -arteond, ‘sin datualter and has gone to Mexioo, from Lieut. Reynolds, U. 8. N., who distin- | jed to the banquet: | The second annual reunion of the graduates | ), I. O. O. F., haselected | | | cust oe seembiie ASHIN CIVIL SERVICE BEFORM . Provisions of the Pendleton Bill as it Passed the Senate Yesterday. The Pendleton civil service bill, which passed the “Senate yesterday, sets out in the preamble’ that all citizens duly qualified should, as far as practicable, be allowed equal opportunities for securing appointment, employment and promo- tionin the subordinateciyil service of the United States, and, the government should have the largest choice among those likely to answer the requirements of the public service. This end is to be attained by open and uniform competitive examinations. The bill authorizes the President to appoint, with the advice and consent of the Senate, three commissioners, to constitute a civil service com- mission, not more than two of whom shall be of. the same political party, and they must hold no other official place under the government. Each shall receive a salary of $3,500 a year and neces- sary traveling expenses. It shall be the duty of the commission, first, to ald the President in preparing suitable rules for carrying this act into effect, and when said rules shall have been promulgated, it shall be the duty ot all officers ofthe United Statesin the departments and offices to which any such rules may relate to ald in all proper ways in carrying said rules and any modifications thereof into ef- fect; second, and among other things said rules shall provide and declare, as nearly as the con- ditions of good administration will warrant, as follows: (1.) For open competitive examinations for testing the fitness of applicants for the pub- lic service now classified or to be classified here- under. ‘Such examinations shall be practical in their character, and so far as may be, shall re- late to those matters which will fairly test the relative capacity and fitness of the persons ex- amined to discharge the duties of that service Into which they seek to be appointed. (2.) That all the offices, places and employ- ments so arranged or to be arranged in classes shall be filled by selections according to gr: from among those graded highest as the resull of such competitive exanifnations. (3.) Ap- pointments to the public service aforesaid in the departments at Washington shall be apportioned among the several states and territories and the District of Columbia upon the basis of popula- tion as ascertained at the last preceding cen- sus. Every application for an examination shall contain, among other things, a statement under oath setting torth his or her actual bona fide residence at the time of making the application, as well as how long he or she has been a resident of sald place. (4.) That there shall be a period of probation before any absolute appointment or employment aforesaid. (5.) That promo- tions shall be from the lower grades to the higher on the basis of merit and competi- tion, (6.) That no person in the pub- lie service is for that reason ufder any obligation to contribute to any po- litical fund or to render any political service, and that he will not be removed or otherwise prejudiced for refusing to do so. ) That no person in said service has any right to use his official authority or influence to coerce the po- tical action of any person or body. (8.) There shall be non-competitive examinations in all proper cases before the commission. When competent persons do not compete, after notice has been given of the existence of the vacancy under such rules as may be prescribed by the commissioners as to the manner of giving no- tice, competition may not be found practicable. (9.) That notice shall be given In writing by the Appointing power to said commission of the per- sons selected for appointment or employment from among those who have been examined, of place of residence of such persons, of the ction of any such persons after probation, of transfers, resignations and removals, and of the date thereof, and a record of the same shall be kept by said commission ; and any necessary ex- ceptions from said nine fandamental provisions of the rules shall be set forth in connection with such rules, and the reasons therefor shall be stated In the annual reports of the commission. The commission is required to make an an- nual report to the President for transmission to Congress. It is authorized to appoint a chief examiner, who shall be paid $3,000 a year and his necessary traveling expenses. Tie Presi- dent Is to appoint. a secretary. whose salary is to be @1.600, and the commission may employ a stenographer, who 1s to be paid while actually engaged at the rate of 1,600 a year, and a mes- senger, who Is to be paid at the rate of #6000 year. The commission is required to s® at Wash- ington, and in one or more places in each state and territory where examinations are to be held. Not less than three persons in the official service of the United States in the states where exami- nations are held are to be designated as exam- ining boards, and they are to hold their sittings at places convenient and inexpensive for appli- cants to attend berore them, and public buildings are to be used for holding these examinations. The Secretary ot the Interior is required to pro- vide convenient rooms in Washington for the use of the commission. It 1s provided that any commissioner, ex- aminer. copylst or messenger, or any person in the public service, who shall willfully and cor- ruptly defeat, deceive or obstruct any person in respect of his or her right of examination. or who shall willfally, corruptly and falsely mark, grade, estimate or report upon the examination or proper standing of any person examined hereunder, or aid in so doing, or who shall will- fully and corruptly make any false representa- tions concerning the same or concerning the person mined, or who shall willtully and corruptly furnish to any person any special or secret information for the purpose of either im- proving or injuring the prospects or chances of any person s0 examined, or to be examined, shall be di ed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction theréot shall be punished’ by a fine of not fess than #100 nor more than 1,000, or by imprisonment not less than ten days nor more than one year, or by both such fine and impri ent. xty days after the passage of the act the Secretary of the Treasury is required to arrange all the clerks and other employes in the 8 service into classes, and the Postmas- months from the passage of the act no pe son shall be admitted to any of these classes or be promoted from one class to another until he has passed an examination, or 1s specially exempted therefrom under the provisions ot the act. But persous honorably discharged from the military and naval service are not to be deprived of the preference accorded them under the existing law. No officer nominated by the President shall be required to pass an examination. No recommendation of any person who shall apply for office or place under the provisions of the act which may be given by any Senator or member of the House of Reprosentatives, ex- | cept as to the character or residence of the ap- plicant, shall be received or considered by any perron concerned In making examination or ap- pointment under this act. No person habitually addicted to intoxicating drinks is eligible to ap- pointment. The provisions relating to political assess- ments have been heretofore published. No Senator or Representative in Congress, or any officer or employe of the two Houses, or any person connected with the executive or judicial departments, or with any branch of the civil, military, or naval service is permitted to solicit or receive money for political purposes from any other person employed in the public service, and no person is permitted to enter a public build- ing for this purpose. The penalty for violating these provisions is @ fine not exceeding $5,000 or imprisonment not exceeding three years, or both, in the discretion of the court. ‘khe Vote by Which the #il! Passed the Senate. The yeas and nays in the Senate on the pass- age of the bill are as follows: Yeas—Messrs, Aldrich, Allison, Anthony, Bayard, Cameron, of Penasylvania; Cameron, of Wisconsin; Chileott, Cockrell, Coke, Conger, Davis, of Illinois; Davis, of West Virginia; Ed- munds, Frye, G: id, George, Gorman, Groome, Harrison, Hawley, Hill, Hoar, Jack- son, Jones, of Florida; Jones, of Nevada: La- mar, Lapham, Logan, Miller, of California; Miller, of New York; Morrill, Pendleton, Platt, Plumb, Rollins, Sewell, Vest, Walker, Win- dom—39. LE ah Call, Jonas, McPherson, Mor- Messrs. Blair, Hale, Dawes, Saunders, Butler, Johnston, Kellogg and Sawyer, who would have voted aye, were paired with ‘Me Beck, Maxey, Williams, Pugh, Voorhe: Pyiaes , Maxey, Willlams, 001 ance and Cam m4 Hee den, who would have voted no. Gals ae ‘The Star Routers Trying Judge Wylic. ‘From the Baltimore Americen. The trial of Judge Wylie, on the charge of speaking~ disrespectfally about the star route Ws progreasing slowly. Judge Robert Ti 's rulings are rather severe. It is feared that he may fmprieon Judge Wylie for te Revenue Collector Lewis Buckner states that the receipts trom the sale of tobacco Wasuinoton, D. C., Dec. 28, 1883. The letter ‘on the “Free Bridge Question,” which @ppeared in Saturday's Star, signed “Nous Verons;” is simply a mass of misstate- ments. The att approved February 23, 1881, appropriating $140,000 for the eoustraction of a free bridge does not, as asserted by this corre- spondent, specify the ‘‘Three Sisters” asa site for this. i, but says ‘‘at or near George- town,” thus leaving its location wholly at the discretion of ‘the Secretary of War. Again, he certainly erra fn claiming that a road of an easy grade of one foot to the mile can be constructed from the Three Sisters west to Falls Church. The plateau which overlooks the Potomac on that side is over 300 feet above tide water, and must be overcome with a costly road inside of two miles, thus giving @ grade of more than 150 feet tothe mile. Again, a bridge on the aque- duet piers will not cost 300,000. I will agree to erect a first-class iron bridge thereon for $55,000, leaving $85,000 for purchase of the piers, under the bridge act; of the $140,000 appropriated by it. Inasmuch’ as the letter in question corre- sponds throughout with above misstate- ments it is a waste of time and space to discuss it or its mud slinging at the gentlemen engaged In removing the obstacles in the way of a free bridge. Messrs. Sypherd and Lacey are old journalists, and will take care of themselves, I presume, if needs be, without de- fense from me. I wish, however, to say that I am very famil- iar with this ‘free bridge question,” having been directly connected with it since the fight opened, six or eight years ago. I was employed by Capt. Lacey at that time to make the pre- liminary survey of the river at Three Sisters, and, subsequently, the site near the Aqueduct, as well as to run a line of levels up Spout run— the rayine which breaks through the bluff at the Three Sisters, and up which the roadway must be constructed should the bridge be built at this pcint. In the light of my experience as a railroad engineer and professional bridge-bullder, included in which is the construction of the B. & P. R. R. bridge over Eastern branch, I must in candor say that Capt. Lacey haserred in one particular in his conduct of the free bridge contest by not confining the bridge site to the foot of High street at Georgetown. At this point the cost ot construction will be far less than at either of those above the Aqueduct. The engineer department estimate of $220,000, if taken as the oriterion of cost at the Three Sts- ters, is certainly much above that required for the High street site, as Iam confident that at it the cost will not exceed $140,000. The surveys made near this point under the direction of Hon. John 8. Barbour, president of the Virginia & Midland R, R., show that a railroad bridge, with a draw, across to Analostan island will not coat to exceed $100,000, which, if correct—and we have no reason to suppose otherwise—leaves a wide margin of the 140,000 for the less costly wagon bridge. No one is better aware of these facts than Capt. Lacey. He so stated them to the Secretary of War in my presence, and yet at the same time asked that bids be advertised for upon the bridge sites which had been surveyed by me above the Aqueduct bridge. which request Mr. Lincoln granted, This was done in alleged deference to the wishes of the business men of George- town. But I hold that these gentlemen have no right whatever to wnterpore between the people and an immediate free bridge. While all admit that the Aqueduct canal trunk ts an infamous nuisance and should be summarily condemned in public Interests, yet Georgetown Is not taking nor has since the passage of tie bridge act, taken a 8tep or contributed a dollar toward its destruction, but to the contrary has used every energy to force the building of a bridge a full half mile above the line of public and govern- ment travel to ‘Arlington and Virginia. This desired bridge ot her's at the Three Sisters necessitates an additional appropriation of $80,000, which Congress never will grant so long as the fact remains that $140,000, the amount already appropriated, 1s abundantly ample to build a first-class bridge and draw at or near the foot of High street. If Georgetown is inclined to be patriotic, let her grant permission for the building of this bridge. « HAS. Briss, C. E. ———_~.-__ “The Free Bridge Question.” To the Editor of Tae Evexnc Sar: I know not by what authority the statement in last Saturday's Star is made by one singing himself “Nous Verons”—that seven-elghths of the people of the county want the free bridge at the Three Sisters. IT should like to know, also, what county “Nous Verons” refers to; it certainly is not Alexandria, and I doubt greatly it one-fourth ot the people of Fairfax county wish a bridge located at that point. . The fact is evident that “Nous Verons,” like many others, would iike a free bridge to be built across the Potomac for _his ‘special accom- modation, regardless of the fact that a bridze at that point would be of no practical benefit. to three-fourths of the residents of Fairfax and Alexandria counties. Another statement in the samearticle that “after possession 1s had of the piers it will cost twice as much to build a bridge there as at the Three Sisters, on account of the greater span ot the river at that point,” is all bosh! What 1s the use of making sucha random state- ment to any one with eyesight and an ordinary stock ot intellizence that a bridge can be built with the necessary supports at the Three Sisters at a cost of one-half the amount to build a bridze on the splendid plers already con- structed at the Aqueduct, to say nothing of the expense of grading a toad from the Three Sisters to any accessible point of road on the Virginia side, is the wildest kind of a scheme. “We are told that a road could be constructed through a beautiful and picturesque country with an easy grade ofnot more than a foot to the mile and at a very trifling cost.” This state- ment for accuracy is on a par with its predeces- sors, aud speaks well for the knowledie and Judgment of the writer; why, before making such a statement did not the writer endeavor to make himseif acquainted with the obstacles in the way of a bridge at the Three Sisters, by a personal observation. If he had walked over the ground once and not trusted to some one to tell him, he probably would not have written such decided nons The Chain bridge, a fine iron structure, crosses the river about two-and- a-half miles above the Aqueduct and forms a means of communication with Washington and Georgetown to all the people of Loudoun and upper Fairfax counties, and for the accommoda- tion of the people of lower Fairfax and Alexan- [dria counties, we certainly do not want the bridge located at a point above the present Aqueduct bridge. I speak advisedly when I say that I express the opition of three-fourths of the residents in the vicinity of Washington and of nearly all who would, of necessity, have to cross the bridge. ttIn answer to the query in regard to Messrs. Sypherd, Graham and Lacy, I would state that they are gentlemen whose judgment is most ex- cellent, and whose actions are governed by their practical knowledge of the wants of the majority of the residents on this side of the river, and who, regardless of the opinions of a few residents of Falis Chareh and vicinity, would like the bridge located where it would be of the greatest beneflt. Since the goyerument granted a charter to a railroad campany) to rebuild the Long Bridge, it, on account of the proximity of the track, is unsafe for vehicles to pass unless drawn by horses thoroughly accastomed to the steats cars —consequently. of little use to the majority of people. This bemg the case, nearly all the fesl- dents of Alexandria county are interested in the location of this free bridge, and desirous that It should not be located above the Aqueduct. Ita bridge were to be built at the Three Sis- ters It would be au act of great injustice to the people of Atexandria county, as It would result ina great expensé tothe county for a road to approach tHe bride at that point. We have had foo many wild ideas advanced at random on thissubject. The sooner there isa disposition of: this outside element to act ad- visedly with those who represent the wishes of the majority in locating the bridge at any rea- sonable place, we may by concerted action, have some influence in bringing this matter to a speedy and satisfactory termination. Free Bripos. oe More About the Commissioner. To the Editor of Tax Evenmne Stan: We are well aware the place of District Commis- sioner requires 8 man famillar with the wantsand needs of the District, and one who is able to judge of the relative values of real estate, &&.,&c. If President Arthur contemplated appoiniing Mr. Hancock to that office, it was because the gentle- man tn question could fill tin every particular, ind pluck. Why es » tntegrity a cock @ graceful compliment? Is st just that our President should be accused of anges senti- mental sppointment to any position? Gen. cock does not wish to be paid tor his defeat was. due to his po! t'e: sires to be District not know that Mr. Hancock desir: Commissioner, but we do know and believe that bi: ment to the " h we hope wilt be mede by Mr. Olmstead aot being. ote firmed, would give entire satisfaction to the peo- of the ee Te we ‘of the District Alpha Tau Omega. = THE MEETING AT THE EBBITT HOUBE. The session of the Alpha Tau Omega Society was resumed this morning at the Ebbitt. After the transaction of routine business the oration was delivered by Prof. Thos. F. Gallor, of the University of the South. AMONG THE OFFICERS AND DELEGATES PRESENT are the following: Thomas G. Hayes, W. G. chief, Maryland; T. F. Gallor, W. G. chaplain, Tennessee; Dr. M. D. Humes, W. K. E., Mary- land; J. R. Anderson, jr., W. K. A., Virginia; Walter T. Daniel, W. G. scribe, New York; W. H. Lamar, jr, W. @ U., Alabama; W. W. Owens, W. G. sentinel, Georgia; J. B. Green, W. H. chancellor, Maryland. High council—Rev. 0. A. Glazebrook, Virginia, chairman; Prof. A. I. Branham, Georgia; Prof. McN. DuBose, Ten- nessee; Sylvanus Stokes, Virginia; N. Wile: Thomas, Pennsylvania; orator, Rey. Prot. T. F. Gailor, Tennessee. Delezates — Tennessee, Omega, H. M. Garwood; Tennessee. Alpha Tau, M. A. Glazebrook; Virginia, Alpha Alpha, T. A! Johns; Georgia, Alpha Beta, R. N. Holland, Georgia; Alpha Zeta, W. B. Birch, J. W. Single- ton; Alpha Delta, Thos. Radcliffe; Georgia, Alpha Theta, R.'B. Brooks; Aipha Eta, T. M. Vance; Virginia, Beta, J. M. Allen; Virginia, Alpha, H. D. Campbell; New York, Alpha Lambda, C. F. Pearis; Penn- svivania, Alpha Rho, W. D. Ainey: Virginia, Delta, W. E. Addison: Pennsylvania, Alpha fota, M. L. Horne; Maryland, Psi, J. B. Green; Penn- sylvania, Tau. H. J. 8. Vandervort; Pennsylvania, Alpia Upsilon, W. Baker, L. Dewitt Gerhardt, W. W. Kribbs, . J. Kasten, H. E, Harman, W. H. Jordy; Vir- ginia, Phi, 8. G. Brent; Pennsylvania, Alphl Pi, T. A. Anderson; Kentucky, Mu, Grant Green,jr; Virginia, Epsilon, J. R. Eversole; New York, Alpha Omicron, J. E. Church; Ohio, Alpha Nu, J.C. Harriss. Visiting member E. P. Alex- ander, iB Ga.; H. A. Davis, Pa.; P. H. Weich, Pa.; J. E. Mason, Va.; J.C. Staley, Md.: Arthur Lee, Va.; J. Q. Lovell, U.S Leonard Mau- bry, Va.; Geo. M. Darow, Neb.; Thos. D. Stokea, Thos. M. Norton, and J.'K. M. Norton, Va.; W. C. Eustis, D.C.; J. H. Addison, Va.; Prof. Page, Tenn.; Arthur B. Elliott, Ga.; Dr. R. 1. Robertson, Va.; W. H. Staley and H. H. Hamill, ————— Reported Attempt to Kidnap a Wash- ington Boy. SENSATIONAL SCENE IN AN ALLENTOWN, PA., cnurca. A special dispatch to the Philadelphia Press from Allentown, Dec. 26th, says: “An attempted abduction of a boy 14 years of age in the Zion’s Reform chureh last evening during the celebra- tion of a Christmas festival, caused considerable sensation. Three years ago alady named Dennis came to this city from Washington, D.C. She was in poor health, and about 18 months ago she died. She brought with her a son named Archer, who, since his mother's death, has lived in the family of Jacob Scholl. Last evening Mrs. Scholl and the boy went to Zion’s Reform church, and while interested in the exercises, they were approached by two men, who, by sheer force, attempted to take the boy away. Naturally there was a scene and the cries of the boy and ins. Scholl caused great commotion in the crowded church and the ushers promptly came to the rescue and ejected the attempted abauctors. It is said that one of the men was A. B. Dennis, the guardian of the boy, and the other man, it {s sald, belongs in Easton. The boy is possessed of considerable property located in Washington and he has recently brought action to have Dennis removed as guardian and have another person act in his stead. As the guardian must file an account ot his ward’s affairs on the 29th inst., it 1s believed that the attempted forcible abduction had something to do with the matter.” WHAT THE RECORDS IN THIS CITY SHOW. The register of wills’ books and records show that on August 30, 1879, the will of Sarah A. Dennis, deceased, was filed with a petition of Anatole B. Dennis for letters testamentary, in which it is set forth that the testator died at Allentown, Pa., whither she had gone on a visit; that the personal estat: 610 G street southeast: that she left four chil- dren—the petitioner, Henrietta C. B. Bennett, Thos. B. Dennis,and ArchieC. B. Dennis, thelatter now about 15 years of age, asalsoa husband,Thos, Dennis, who resides in Chicago. The will was admitted to probate here August 30, 1879, on which letters testamentary were issued to Anatole B. Dennis March 12 following, on giving bond in @600. The will bequeathed to A. B. Dennis a lot on 3d street, ween C and D southeast, with the proviso that he should pay the funeral expenses and they should not be- come chargeable on the two houses on G street, between 6th and 7th streets southeast, which she bequeatled in trust to Joseph A. Reppetti for the support of Archie B. Dennis, an invalid son, till he became of age, &c. On December 1st, inst., Mrs. Henrietta B. Bennett, one of the daughters, (by Mr. Hosea B. Moulton,) petitioned for the removal of Anatole B. Dennis as executor and guardian of Archie B. Dennis, and to require him to file an account. She alleges that Anatole B. Dennis has, since the death of tne deceased. collected the rents of the houses, $25 per month, and has made no return whatever, and has failed to pay the board and expenses of Archie for over 18 months, and he is using the money for his own support. With this petition is also filed a letter of Archie B. Dennis, dated Allentown, November 22d, last, to his sister, the petitioner stating that, being over 14 years of age, he has a right to select his own guardian; that his brother has not acconnted as his guardian, nor paid a cent on account of lis boarding to Mr. Scholl, and he now owes him $234, and requests her to file a | n to secure her appointment as guardian. is petition being filed a copy was served on Anatole B. Dennis, who accepted service on De- cember 4th, the retura day to show cause, being the i5th, and on the latter date the time was extended to the 29th. —— Amusements, NaTioxaL TueatTeR.—‘‘Around the World in Eighty Days” is well suiteg to the holiday sea- son and is reaping a rich harvest. The leading characters are well sustained and the spectacu- lar and mechanical effects are gorgeous. Mile. de Gillert and Mile. Turri lead the ballet with great success. “Around the World in Eighty Days” will be continued daring the week. Forp’s Opera Hovse.—‘The Passing Regi- ment” is full of witty dialogue and amusing sit- uations. The characters are well impersonated and the performance is a success. It will hold | the boards for the remainder of the week. THEATER CoMIque.—The unusually interesting program arranged for the holidays at the Comigue 1s meeting with deserved success, and crowded houses are the rule. Dime MuseuM.—The new museum isnow open. daily, with living curiosities and wonders, anda grand performance both afternoon and night, arranged to please ladies, children and family parties. The juvenile vocalists, Punch and Judy, and the magic performance are very good. Sxatine Rink.—The ever popular Rink was the scene of quite an ovation last night,the occa- sion being the presence of the Columbia Boat Club by special invitation of the genial director of the Rink, Mr. 8. A. Curtis. The smooth sur- face presented a brilliant appearance, with its myriads of graceful skaters, and pendant at one end of the building was a large banner inscribed “Columbia.” Next Wednesday the same cour- tesy will be extended to the National Rifles.and on ‘Tuesday the first game of polo of the season will be played. FIFTEENTH STREET PRESBYTERIAN Cacren.— The Rey. Hagh M.Browne will lecture here Fri- day evening, Dec. 20th; subject, “The Nezro consisted of furniture at |- Christmas Ent«rtaimments. ‘There was a large attendance yesterday at the Christmas festival of the Industrial Home school. Through the efforts of the lady mana- gers the tree had been supplied most bountifully with gifts which were distributed after the ren- dering of the program, consisting of declama- mations, ‘dialogues and music. Mr. Stock- bridge, jatendent, had cl of the exer- cises, and Rey. Mr. Colburn opened the meeting with prarer. Speeches were made by Measra. C. M. Matthews, W. W. Curtis, J. B. T. Tupper, B. H. Warner, John Hitz, and L. Abraham. Among those present were Mrs. Tupper, Mrs. BI ford, Mrs. W.W. Curtis, Mrs. H. 4. Willard, and Miss McPherson. The exercises of the Ryland Chapel Sunday school were of the most interesting character. They consisted of an excellent program, for which great credit is due to the committee of arrangements headed by Miss Cora Walker, also to the superintendent, Mr. Fred. A.’Gee, forthe energy aud promptness with which it was carried out. The leading features were a burlesque band by sixteen mastersand misses,and “Mother Goose” cantata by ten boys and girls in costume; solos by Mr. James Taylor and Miss Annie Yeat- man, and recitations by Misses Annie Dyer, Nan- natte Howell and Addie Tune. The dressing was picturesque and tasteful. There was no | delay or confusion in the progress of the exer- | cises from first to last. Among the many pres- | ents given were a beautiful gold-headed cane to | the pastor, Rev. Richard Norris, and an elegant | card basket and beautiful ring to Miss Addie | Stahl, the organist. Refreshments of ice-cream, cake, confectionery, ete., were furnished to the | entire audience as a fitting finale of the enter- tainment. The Christmas entertainment of the children of St. John’s parish was held yesterday after- noon and was very interesting. The rector, Rev. Dr. Leonard, was presented by Dr. Rey- burn, superintendent of the Sunday school, with | ahandsome case of books, and the assistant ministers, Revs. Potter and Reazor, and Mr. MacLeod, the organist, were each presented with beautiful illuminated cards, A Christmas entertainment was given last evening at the Memorial Lutheran church. The children enjoyed themselves hugely. The fes- tivities closed with the distribution ot a pile of boxes containing Christmas remembrances for the little ones. The Christmas celebration at the Church of the Reformation, on Capitol Hill, last night, was largely attended. A pleasing program was car- ried out. The children were entertained with some very attractive stereopticon views of Pal- estine and Europe. The Christmas festivities at Grace M. E. church Were largely attended. It wasa regular old- fashioned celebration witha Christmas tree, each little one getting a suitable cift. ‘The scholars of the Bethany Free tte Waste school, conducted under the auspices of the ington Froebel society, hada Christmas el talnment Tuesday afternoon at Spencerian ness College hall, and all the little ones delighted with the attentions shown them. The Christmas-tree exercises of the Sunday- school of the Western Presbyterian chureh were held at the church Tuesday evening. Addresses Were made to the children by Rev. Mr. Wynkoop, the astor, and Mr. Sinith, the superintendent of the hool. Ir. Sweetman was presented with an album by the FoUNE ladies of his class. Christmas day the venerable widow of the late Rev. Dr. Tustin was most kindly remembered by his many friends. She was the reciplent of thirty- eight presents. Pomological Points, QUERIES ANSWERED BY THE ORACLES OF THE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. “How should pears be prevented from rot- ting at the core?” was the first question that Mr. Saul, the president of the Horticultural So- ciety, drew last evening trom the question box. “There 1s only one way that I know,” responded Mr. Saunders, with a smile, ‘and that Is, to eat them before they rot.” Mr. Needham suggested that they should be picked and allowed to ripen In a cool, dry place. Mr. Saunders said that if the question was how to keep them for a long time, then un- doubtedly the best way wasto pick tnem before they were ripe. But us the question stood his first answer was the correct one; for.in the course of nature, pears were bound to rot at the core sometime. Mr. Saul argued that the question was not properly worded, but he thought that the best way of keeping for a long time was to pick them when they had fully matured ana be- fore the ripening process began. Mr. Saunders said that the only definite rule on the subject was that all pears should be gathered when the seeds began to color. FERTILIZERS FOR PEAR TREES. The next question was “What fertilizers are best forthe pear tree, and will any manure cause or prevent their rotting?” In the discuasion that followed it was devel- oped that rot as a disease seldom affected the Pear as it did the peach or plam. The rot atthe core was In the course ot nature. Little or no manure was needed on a good pear soil, which was described to be a well drained clay. The planting of rye in a pear orchard in the fall and ploughing it in In the spring was considered be- neficial in the way of fertilizing. It was also suggested that ashes and iron rust had proved beneficial. THE PROPAGATION OF FRUIT TREES. The next question, “What is the proper time and method for propagating fruit vines trom single eyes?” gaye rise to an interesting inter- change of views. It was stated that any time between now and April Ist would do, but that the best time was in November, when the plants were pruned. The best condition for planting is when the cutting is placed in warm earth with the topincoolair. During October the average temperature of the earth is 10° higher than the air. The reason why one-eyed cuttings were so difficult to grow is because the cutting is so short, but if the moisture is preserved the short cutting will grow equally as well as the large. This is attained by covering the top of the cutting with chareval-dust, sand or tan-dust. Mr. Saunders said that he knew aman who got out a patent for raising cuttings with single eyes, aud the teature ot the patent was to cover them with four inches of tan-dust. He had been doing this for years and the idea was not a new one. ee The Suit Against Trustees. To the Editor of Tar Evewmne Stan, Your enterprising reporter went too far In briefing for your issue of the 26th inst. certain unsworn papers filed in a suit by Miss Harrover for damages against the trustees for the sale of her turniture under the deed of trust. Miss H. and her attorney, Mr. Webb, well know that I was not present and had nothing to do with moving the furniture or the sale, being sick at the time. Mr. Dowling, the auctioneer, informs me that Miss H. was present at the sale and ex- pressed herself as specially pleased with the management and — realized. Furthermore, in justice to Mr. Luckett, the trustee who at- tended to all the details in person, I will say that it ts claimed by the magistrate and attorney that every step taken by Mr. Dutrow to realize his loan was regular, legal, and after due notice. Mr. Webb (whose cilent, the landlord, realized over 2600 duehim out of the proceeds of thesale} himself knows the proceedings were all regular, and will soon find it convenient to withdraw papers in the suit W. Wairaker. ee Heal Estate Sales. Thomas Dowling has recently sold the following Teal estate:—Paris of lots 11, 12 and 18, in aquare 297, improved by a two-story frame house, located t hs 3 for 3 or trustee, lotnurubered 3 ead the north Seventy-five 81— ‘were Gentile.” Heis a native of filer tea gradu- ated from the Collegiate Department of Howard University, a'so trom the Theological Depart- ment of Princeton, N.J. He has just returned from a three years'sojourn in Europe, and will sall for Liberia in Februar; CONGREGATIONAL CuvRC Rev. Joseph Cook will deliver his second lyceum lecture on Wed- nesday evening, January 3d. Subject, “The re- lgious signs of the times.” ea SvICIDE OF A GRapUATE oF West Po! in_ the presence pany. He wasa graduate of West (01 ly alteutenant {i Pacing! Og was compelled to resin ‘on account of dru enness and misconduct. His suicide is attrib- uted to drink. A BrutaL Prize Frowt.—Relsenhousen Gilsone, who Boo ins 8 pa Ler beng a Bewoastle, in oe of . At the end purse $800. round Gilsone failed to come housen was declared Dia, to estate of Joshua Pierce, for 7 cents per foot; for Leonard Mackall, administrator, the un- expired term of a lense for 99 years, from April ist, 1816, of premises No. a stree D.C. to Dar- w Plater, in Hoimead’s addition 10 D, ther with the improveme: Svoda: between E fl ial ae LETTER FROM KEW YORK. A Bobemian’s Chrictmas in New ~orhk= Among the Churches—' and Living Present—' Play. Occasional Correspondence of Tare E¢bhwra Stam. New Yorx, December 37. The only enjoyment in this city fora In the holidays is to stroll through the drop in at places of interest and become a looke on of ofhers’ pleasures, follies and sorrows, Christmas moruing was unusually bright agd mild, and this attracted hosts ot people into the 0 would otherwise have grambled at home. The absence of the stages and vehicles of traffic made all the avenues inviting to pedes- tilans, and Broadway, which on week days be- 1 14th Is almost given over to trade, wag Christmas day filled with men, women and children, In holiday garb, enjoying the unusual privilege of ite broad sidewalks. All true believers sought the two extremes of Srmbolistic places of worship, St. Patrick's Ro- man Catholic Catbedral, way up 5th avenue, to OM Trinity, way down Br vated railroad furnished better fac! ting to THE MOTHER CHTRCH, Trinity, was your correspondent's selected place to hear the Christmas eerviées, The in its heaven-towering spire were ringing familiar anthems as 8 tall, handsome, newly. uniformed policeiaan most politely opened the | South door of Trinity's side entrance with a manner indicative of “lote of room and to spare.” Once in the vestibule, the next begatied | individual, with the next in rear, and #0 on, tke | atale of bricks, pushed forward into the aide extending across the church In rear of the three long lengthwise aisles, where stood humanity en masse, the fi ost corner acting as @ w in parting the And that was all. pew-owners were comfortably seated, with room | to spare, and back of them stood acrowd of well-dressed women and Intelligent-looki | men, the greater part of whom were attracted more by curiosity tosee the patrof golden candle- | Sticks presented by Mrs. Astorthanany sympathy | with the beautiful Christmas services of the Episcopal church. Sitting foam there was none, end standing room was fast becoming too uncomfortable for endurance. The alternative was a retreat while there was yet foom to move the crowd for space in which to make an 4 By slow stages the door was at last reached an again opened by the handsome policeman, who did unbend from his dignity enongh to look a smiling “I could have told you so” of most pro- voking character. Reflecting that x word orthodox’churches were not made tor Boheme jana, and regretting that the faraway Cathedral was not chosen Instead, as achurch of Rome, like an omnibus, always room for one more— the varlous tombstones in Trinity churchyard stood suggestively prominent as something to gather thoughts from if not objects of worship. TRINITY CHURCHYARD. Most prominent in the yard, south side of the church, are the tombs ot “Alexander Hamil- ton,” “aged 47 years,” only, and that of Capt. Lawrence, the hero of the Chesapeake, during it's Qght with the Shannon on Lake Erie, and whose dying words “don’t give up the ship,” are now historic. The gay, gallant, audacious Gen. Phil. Kearney lies in old Trinity church> yard, also Robert Fulton, and under a tall granite shaft are the bones of those Americap. soldiers who died in such misery on the English prison ships in Waleabut bay. Trinity parish has six churches In different parts of the city, and one of them ts ST. Pat not very far from Trinity, further up Broadway, “This church is free in ail parts of It,” answered acivil renter to inquiry if a seat could be had. Mayhap the additional hint of “our ancestors having worshiped here in Revolutionary times,” and thereby claiming a right, had some efficacy in securing a privilege. Beit what it may, the Bohemian was not turned from St. Paul's, an@ Ustened most attentively to excellent from an immense choir, but not with so pleasure to the reading of prayers, whose beauty an@ sptrit of devotion was rar away with, in the race horse speed with which @ young divine made way with them. The pews where Gens. Washington and Gates sat are pointed out, and it is easy to people the broad aisles ge forms of Rag Mncag Ace | and 4 women who figured in New months President Washtt held fay be On a tablet set into the frontof St. reser recorded that “by order of vers. Yar nyt this monument’ was erect: to vy, of age 4 General lontgomers, who fell in storming Quebea, 1975," and “that his remains ile within the chancel.” There are many revolutionary heroes buried in 8t. Paul's chu ch-yard, which eurrounds the church. One slab records the “death of Thomas Swords, late of his Britanio M ‘s 55 Regt. of foot, who died 1780.” Another as the death of “Major Jolin Lees, a Revolution- ary Soldier from Georgia, who died in A’ 17%." The slab which covers him les close that of “ Major Job Sumner, of the Revolution, his friend, from Massachusetts, who died Sept., 1796, and from whom death did not separate him.” Not far away is the grave of “Joho Holt, Printer to the State, from Virginia, who died aged 64, in 1784.” The walk up Broadway showed many shop windows beautifully decorated, either the arrangement of their special wares or with ev- ergreens. One store, possessed of two large a windows, had in one life figures of little girls in pretty street at play in the snow, and in the other, a little girl descending from a snow-covered porch, and @ youth in his tiny cutter, with a young ogre holding his steed; a young reindeer waiting take a drive, while beyond the gate boys were playing in the glistening snow, he theaters on Broadway were just opening for matinees, and crowds who had no ordinary week days were hurrying in. At one theatel y as two hundred boys, well di probably “call” and “checks” were filing in order into the opened door. GRACE CHURCH. By the time Grace church was reached that aristocratic denomination was coming out, and the opportunity for seeing dress and fashion was very good. It is, however, not good teste to dress for church, and the bon ton of religion only wear plain dresses, with an expensive wrap, or an extravagant bonnet, neat showy bonnet, dress and wrap all on the one woman. Tigh ritual ‘Episcopal churches Sold crening high rita: ul scrvicns, which are eitenhed ig evergboay whe do not go to t THE PASSION PLAY AGATE. The attractions at all the theaters are better than is customary for Christmas week. The new attraction is to be “The Passion Play” of Mr. Morse, which: is only waiting for the com- pletion of the building, to be produced. Several notable divines have importuned the mayor to prevent this representation, on the ground that it fs irreverent. Mr, Morse, who has spent a dozen years in Jerusalem and other parte of the Holy Land studying localities, customs incident to the Sayiour’s time, claims that he has not one thing in it to shock the most devout A reply was yesterday received by the Senate from the Postmaster General to iil : 4 wat _— ©