called by appointment on Senator Stewart at the Hoffman House. Mr. Newlands was with him. The Senator developed a project for a Commission to be entrusted with large plans for laying out the outer parts and suburbs of Washington of which he suggested that it would be best to make me chairman, naming me as such in the bill. I said that I could not accept such a position; it would oblige me to be oftener and longer in Washington than I could afford to be. The head of such a board should be a resident of the city. There was about an hour’s discussion of the subject. I favored a Commission of three; one of whom would be the head of the office, resident in Washington, a professional man, giving all his time to the business, President & Executive. After a preliminary discussion, certain fundamental principles should be agreed upon and surveys and plans made under the direction of the President. The other two members should meet from time to time with the President, as a Council for discussion, revision and action on plans. This proposition was favorably entertained. It was thought that the President shd receive $7000 a year; the other members $5000. The Senator doubted if “the Democratic House” would vote as much. I suggested that Captain Roessel would probably be the best President, and (supposing I declined the office) this was assented to. Who else? Hammond Hall, Edward Clark, Jenney, Burnham and Hunt were suggested by me [446]and discussed. Hunt was most favorably considered. I promised to find how he would be disposed. Barret was also named and favored by Mr Newlands. I said that I thought it probable that I would accept such a position; if it did not call me very often to W, and hold me there very inconveniently; but before engaging to do so I should need to know the terms of the act; to consult my partners, and to have a personal understanding with Capn Roessel as to the organization and division of duties. Senator Stewart said that he would like to have the subject further debated at a meeting to which he would invite perhaps eight men, in Washington. He mentioned Mr. Foster of Riggs & Co as one, and, I think, the Chairman of the Senate & House Committees on the District of Columbia, Capn Roesell(?) & others. I said that I was obliged to leave at this point, and it was understood that I would stop in Washington in from one to two weeks as I returned from Biltmore.