The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1850-08-27
Shade Trees Again,


We have often alluded to the subject of
shade trees, in connection with identifying our
own city. Some may feel inclined to regard
this as very small matter, when there are
other improvements of so much greater i'm
portance. But we are not disposed TO view
it, especially as the planting of shade trees is
SO little expense, as subject of trivial i'm
portance. We look forward TO the passage
OF few years, and in imagination we see Ev-
ansville in two very different conditions. The
first is that it will certainly present, if there
be not some action among our citizens in this
particular OF shade trees, more than there has
been. We see all the city what the business
streets alone should be-naked, so far as trees
are concerned, the dwellings standing stark
and drear, and the handsomest buildings in the
city looking less beautiful than the cottage
mid clusters ofvines and flowers, and beneath
the wide spread arms of trees. Everything
looks parched and dusty, and the eye grows
weary and feverish in looking up long streets
OF bare buildings, and the body sickens at the
thought of traversing them beneath mid
summers sun. The ST. ranger thinks the city
good place for business, but what misera-
bly, desolate place for fring. He looks
around for more pleasant location-a place
where he cannot only increase his capital
but enjoy tor if he comes among US, he To-
Gates here with the idea that men only live
here to make money, and he must Go the
same.
But Evansville may be made TO assume
another appearance, and in imagination we
see her what in reality she can be readily
made. one of the most beautiful cities in the
West Every street OF residence is an aven-
ne Of green trees, shading from the hot sun
houses and sidewalks, and throwing retiTd-
GU around the former, which makes every oc-
cupant feel he is not subjected to the inqu'si-
tive gaze of neighbors and the public. All
things look refreshing and beautiful, and the
city bears as high reputation for its handsome
appearance, as in the other view she seemed
graceless and homely.
Now, as there are many persons who VIII
not spend dime in thus identifying the city,
or 90 to the slightest trouble in ornamenting
and rendering more comfortable their resi-
dences by planting shade trees we give pub
licty to a plan which has been suggested u.s.
and thus submit it to citizens. 1t has been
proposed that on every street where two
thirds of the property holders signify their de-
sire, the City Council shall cause at the prop
er season to be planted suitable trees and
that said property holders be taxed each hl'
proportionate share of the expense. This
would secure uniformity. and by making it
wholesale business, render the expense light
er than otherwise it would be OH each resi-
dent. No citizen having the good fhis OWL
beloved city at heart, could certainly Object
to this. We regard it as almost as necessary
tax as one levied for the improvement o
streets and pavements-and there is 10 othe
improvement which proportonaly TO the ex
pense. is so calculated to actually raise TIT
value Of property. We could point to on
house in this city whose actual value in TIN
eyes of nine out of ten, has been essene'
fully one-thlrd by the necessary removal @
the shade trees in front oft! And yet thos
very trees most likely never cost fifty cents
or two hours trouble in planting, or one hour
attention thereafter. Some OF the most beau
tiful Eastern cities have acquired their nam
as such simply from their shade trees
They are worth more than fine houses, espe
cielly in city laid off with the uniformity
this, in identifying and adjoining. Let III
therefore. claim the attention of the city en-
of the city fathers to this subject. We sh;'
at least see what men think so little OF the
own city, as to refuse for it and their ow
benefit few dimes. They should b
known.