The national Republican., 1867-05-22
TIE FUTURE OF FwAsHINGTON

nat hho 10 ho
certain as the fact that the world moves I;
but what that future is, or is to be, is
quite another question. When we examine
our position geographically and note our
precise relations to other parts Of the
country and to the whole country. we can
readily comprehend the advantages which
must accrue TO us from this relative situa-
ton. Washington is accessible from oil
points, and other and more complete
routes Of travel to and from the capital
of the nation will soon be added TO those
we already have This is certain at no
distant day. We lie on the direct line of
the Central Pacific railroad, which is Ger.
tain to be completed to California during
the next two or three years. We shall
then have by rail direct communication
with all the great centres of commerce and
business in every part Of the land. We
grasp the Atlantic by means Of the Poto.
mac, which is navigable TO our very doors.
The iron rail will soon ally us to the Pa
cifc, and then we can go North, South,
East or West upon all the great central
lines Of travel. A few hours will set us
down in st. Louis, and few days in San
Francisco, and thence we may take ship to
the Sandwich Islands, Japan or China
With all these means Of communication
and intcr-cOmmunication, with a climate
the very best on the continent, with city
as healthy as can be found OF its size in
the world, with all the natural advantages
il has for trade and commerce, and added
to all this the fact that it is surrounded by
country that has as many natural advan-
tageS rs any in the world, and besides all,
that It is the national capital, why may we
not conclude that Washington must be-
come one Of the chief cities Of America,
and that too at an early day.
In speaking of the growth and prosperity
Of Washington, we mean a healthy and
vigorous growth. We want no mushroom
growth; no fungus development; but q
certain and sure enlargement in every de-
partment of business; activities which ac-
companies healthy progress and insures
substantial prosperity. This may be more
or less rapid, as we avail ourselves Of our
opportunities, and use them in Ga intelli-
gent and sensible way. There is much
soundness in that practical axiom which
declares that there Is q tide in the affairs
Of men, which. taken at the food, leads on
to fortune; neglected, all is lost, and lost
forever. This time is now ours. The
war precipitated Washington into sort
Of transition state, and our people are now
working out in business life here, the les
son that was partially taught us while the
conflict was going on. Some have pre-
dIcted that Washington will necessarily |
fall TO its former status, and be content to
Jog along as sort Of hotel and boarding.
house town for the accommodates of
Congressman and those drawn sene ON
public or private business with the Gov
ernment. There can be 70 bsea more ab.
surd and false then t,,nls; for whatever may
be the advant". ges which accrue to us as a
people rom these sources, still we have
outside and beyond them all, elements Of
power and prosperity not dependent upon
any such huctuating contingencies. In
and of ourselves we have means and op
portunities for development which, If w
seize upon and use as wise men should, W,
may establish a large, Independent ant
wealthy city, whose power shall be felt anG
whose greatness shall be acknowledged.
Let the business men and capitalists
among us ponder upon these things
and act wisely and energetically, and the
fruits Of all such action will be seen to in
crease in u fourfold ratio.