The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1848-02-14
CITY AFFAIRS.
City Improve ments.

Mr. EDITOR: appreciate the motive which prompted
the note OF " H." under date of the 81 instant The
anxiety not being confined correspondent or two
but, on the contrary, participated IN by the greater pof
ion OF citizens, induced 10 ask with the hope
Of extracting some further information from one who
appears TO speak semi officially. upon what grounds he
makes the confident assertion that at the proper time
the steps being taken by the city councils
the canaltIade will be made known, and when known,
be found ample and satisfactory for such undoubtedly is
his meaning Has there been such an expression OF pub
lie opinion either regards the proper time the
tent OF the 10 be used in orier this trade,
as 10 warrant unqualified assertion This is not
question OF temporary importance, to which
hasiy or selfish legislation apply. The existence Of
the city, as a city, is based upon ii. At present. very
life blood is supplied by the general government Re-
move from the District, and what becomes OF the city
Take from the population which derive their support
directly and indirectly from the federal treasury, and what
aspect would the clly OF Washington present. But will
not enlarge upon this is felt and acknowledged by ALL
that, without legitimate of wealth. our i'm
porance but co-eXsten WITH and dependent upon the
seat of government remaining hereour increase regu-
lated by the increasing expenditures of the several de-
partments
The various resolutions submitted to the councils
have noted That by Capt Easily adopted and approved
9th December last, is limited single object leaving
the committee to whom II referred discretion nor
latitude to embrace IN their Investigations augh else than
the specific Improvement named therein. The resolution
is one OF inquiry; and the intentions OF the mover are
boldly proclaimed corresponding with the enlarged views
entertained by that gentleman.
The objects of the resolution of Mr. Halliday of the
10th ult. not clear. An inference might be drawn
that the officer charged with the execution of the laws
failed in his duty, an that in desiring greater authority
to render 'prompt the execution of improvements
thozed and also their execution the required
By iap' the mover intended to cast censure upon our
worthy Mayor. | do not, however, attribute any such
ed by any contemplated movement the part OF the city
councils known to your correspon lent but of which the
public as yet unacquaintei. n preamble explanatory
would have been acceptable, AMI a!orlel much greater
relief than the note OF "II above referrel to-
We cannot commence too soon. The ''prnper time" is
now and, preliminary measure, let ample statistics
be ga,he:el the fullest testimony prepared, and place
within the reach OF The humbest citizen LIT one and
all be made acquainted with the benefits which must
result from the contemplated improvements, and the fears
anil doubts Of the skeptcal will he changed into
thusasc conviction that have within our reach am.
pie Of enargng city, increasing population
extending almost in definitely trade an commerce
bullng up ,nnfactures-in fne, that all the elements
Of wealth ard prosperity in our midst To develop
these requires hut proper attention on the part
OF our city authorities; and hope to greater prompt
and activity than has yet been exhibited The pub
lie look with excctant though jealous AMI scruin-
ling eye up everv nent OF city government
referring this subject, AMI will be content only with
measures commensurate with its magnitude. G.