Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1869-10-30
THE PAVING QUESTION:

IL appears tnat oy taxing advantage Of the
delay on the part Of the Bsard Of Aldermen
the lew persons who originally opposed the
paving of Tenth street, between l. and M. have
al last succeeded In getting majority Of those
owning property thereon to protest agains,
the contemplated Improvement. Under our
prm OF government, we suppose no fault
should be found with the Coun ellis II they obey
the Will OF these greater number of dead
weignts instead of needing the wiser wishes of
me smaller number Of progressives, who seek
10 improve the city and increase the value of
all the properly in their locality. II is but
right that the voice OF the majority should
govern. 1t Is therefore all the more to be re-
GREETED that the majority are not always right,
as we are convinced they are not in this in.
stance. On The contrary, those who opposed
this work have made, in our opinion, one of
the grayest mistakes Of their lives.
IL they consulted their true interests. the
people Of Washington would, instead of seek-
ing reasons why pavements should not be land.
and urging the generally fallacious plea that
they cannot afford their share OF the necessary
expense, be an unit in their favor; and they
would, If need be, economist in every other
direction, or even borrow the msney in order
to carry out the work with the least possible
delay. This would be sound policy, not only
IN general sense, as improving the city and
increasing its attractions, but in q direct way,
As largely enhancing the value of their own
possessions In the vicinity thus improved; for
nothing, we take ii, can be more certain than
that the value Of any piece Of property in front
of which proper street pavement has been
laid is at once increased In value more than
double Its share of the cost Of tina I'm prove
ment
But here is another consideration connected
with the subject which should not be over.
looked. LatterIy there has been a disposition
manifested On the part OF persons of means
and culture residing elsewhere to invest in
properly here, with the view partly of aiding
in developing The resources and advantages of
the city, and with the purpose also of erecting
spacious and elegant residences in which to
make thsir homes for at least portion of each
year This gratifying movement is doubtless
due in large measure to the delightful eli.
mate, the beautiful suburban surroundings
and the unequalled social attractions of Wash.
Ington; but the promises heretofore held ont
that tie long-looket-for era Of improvement
was TO be inaugnrated, and something done
toward n king the city what it can and ought
TO be made, had quite as much to do In
influencing CAPITAL and taste In this direc-
ton. Such at least is the statement given
TO US IL more than one instance. And we
now cesire TO tell our people plainly that
actively In making at least some of the long
and sorely- needed improvements, not only
will other persons of the class named be de-
TERED from making investments here, but those
who have already invested will be for getting
lid of their bargains At any prIce, and shaking
the dust Of Washington from their feet for
ever. More than this, men who have been
born ana bred here, whose all is conferred here,
and whose lives and means have beef en-
PlOyed IN building up and beautIfying the city,
are losing heart and interest in their uphill
work. and are casting abont with q view TO
locating elsewhere, where their efJris will be
better rewarded. This is no idle fancy, as will
be found out all too soon, unle IS there Is a
change for the better, and that right speedily.
Things have nearly reached that pass when
thepeople of Washington must choose between
improving the city and fencing II in. Reader,
which are you for