Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1866-01-15
OF DISTRICT IMPORTANCE

On Saturday, Secretary Harlan, of the Inte-
rior Department, and Messrs. IngersolI (chair-
man). Cobb, Welker, Mercur, Shanklin and
Hart, of the House District Committee accom-
panied by Mayor Wallach, Thomas f.. Lloyd
Esq, President of the Board of Aldermen, and
Engineer Cluss, went over the whole line OF
the proposed canal improvement recommend
ed by Mayor Wallach in his communication to
the Secretary of the Interior.
The party first visited the Arsenal where
they were received by Col Benton, who ac-
tant government improvement of James creek
now being carried out so successfully under
the direction of William Wise, Esq.
From thence they proceeded to the point at
Virginia avenue where it is proposed to make
the connection between the James creek canal
and the city; and after obtaining a thorough
insight into the important ends as a sanitary
measure and as means Of transporting gov
ernmental freight to be obtained by this con-
nection and improvement, the party proceeded
on tour Of inspection along the line Of the
canal and extending their trip far as the
Georgetown and Alexandria canal aqueduct
bridge.
Col. Benton gave his opinion very decidedly
in favor of the canal improvement and con-
nectOn as being Of great Importance to Gov
eminent in affording transportation to both the
Arsenal and Navy Yard, thus avoiding the te
dious and expensive carriage necessary on
Government supplies, especially on such heavy
articles of large consumption as coal, iron and
stone, now carted from Georgetown to those
points. As the result of their very thorough
investigation, Occupying the larger portion of
the day. the committee came to the unanimous
conclusion to favor the passage of a measure
for carrying out the canal impro vement on the
plan indicated, under the direction Of a COM
mission of engineers, the cost to be borne Jointly
by the city and the Government.
The members of the District Committee made
very favorable impression ON the minds of
all with whom they came in contact as clear
headed, energetic business men, well qualified
TO deal with the important measures in relation
TO District affairs likely to come before them
They naturally expect the District 10 do its
share in the desired work Of Improvement, but
express themselves as convinced that Govern.
ment has an important share also TO shoulder
under its relations TO the District.
The important street improvements carried
out by the city, as in the case Of the handsome
pavements on AZ street, + street. &C., &c.
elected much complimentary remark from
them. and il is evident to us that any such
marks of a disposition by the city to carry out
permanent and desirable improvements will
receive prompt recognition and COOP Grafton al
the hands OF Congress
At all events, the thanks of the community
are due to Secretary Harlan and the House
Committee for the interest in District affairs
manifested by this visit of careful personal
inspection. The people of the District ask
nothing at the hands of Congress but legislation
founded on intelligent knowledge of the re-
quirements TO be met, and the proper appor-
tiOnment of burdens upon the Government
and the District respectively.