Daily evening star. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1852-1854, 1853-05-05
EVENING STAR.
THURSDAY, MAY 5, 1853.
ISLAND IMPROVEMENTS.

ISLAND IMPROVEMENTS. :
We are convinced that the part of Wash
ington known as the "Island," has been
neglected by the National and City Gov
ernmeats. 1t is not for US to say that this
Is or has been intentional on the part of the
authorities; that it is or has been dictated
by desire to aid other parts of the me-
tropolis at the expense of that part. Be
this as it may, the fact is undeniable, that
the residents on the Island have not enjoyed
those advantages in the way of public i'm
provemeut, as whole, to which they think
themselves justly entitled.
There are several places in this quarter
of the city which demand immediate atten-
ton. In = few days-the l lth inst.-there
is to be a sale of eligible city lots in that
direction. We are informed that these
lots belong to or at least are at the disposal
of one Of the Banks of Washington. We
would respectfully enquire if it might not
be for the benefit of all concerned-espe-
cially of the stockholders of that Institution
If they were to, turn their attention at
once to certain street improvements on the
Island that are imperatively called for.
We will name some ofthese most noticea-
BILE at this time:
l. The large mud hole on Virginia ave-
nue., between 9th and 10th streets.
2. The other ditch Of filth near the Eps
copal church.
8. The still water area on the corner of
A street and Virginia avenue
These places are all disgusting nuisances :;
and as the warm weather advances they will
become really dangerous to the health of the
citizens.
With regard to the filthy deposit on a.
street, we are informed that the place has
already been presented by the Board Of
Health as public nuisance. The efficient
City Councils have very properly taken it
in hand, and authorized the Street Commits
sloner to proceed in the premises that
worthy officer has in turn directed the Sur
veyor to proceed with the work of filing up
the mud pond in question; and he, with
commendable caution and prudence, has
been waiting two years for correct estimate
of the actual expense. Economical Sur
veyor! He has no idea of wasting a single
farthing of the peoples money; and who
can blame him? That estimable gentleman
will please excuse us for asking if he is in
making out the estimates Of his own salary?
We merely ask for information.
Since we commenced the preparation of
this article, we have been politely informed
by his honor the Mayor that the necessary
steps will be taken at the very next meeting
of the city government to empower the Sur
veyor, or other necessary officer, to proceed
at once in etfecting these much needed im-
provements. That is all the people ask
That is all they will hold their public SER
wants accountable to them for at the next
municipal election. We have no doubt that
the Surveyor, the Commissioner, the Island
members of the city government, and all
others concerned, will do all they can in the
premises. 1t is certainly for their own in
terest to do so, as it is for that of the citi-
zens at large.
Another Improvement on the Island is
the lighting of = street, with oil lamps, for
the present, down to the gates of the Arse
nal. This reform is much needed, especially
in the winter. The people demand it, and
they will have it.
RAILROADS TO WASHINGTON.