Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1872-03-15
Memorial of Property holders to Con-

The following memorial is being very numer-
ously signed by prOperty-hOlders and those in
ttrested in the progress and welfare Of the
Ii trict:
To 'ht Senate aud House Of Representatives. Of tie
thtttd States Of AneTtcG IN Congress Gssem,ted.
The undersigned citizens of the District "
Columbia respectfully represent that they are
residents and property holders in said District
holding no office and interested in no contracts
hereunder, and that they feel deep interest
in the puhlc improvements thereof.
Since the location OF the capital in Washing
ton city. little or nothing has been done towards
the Improvement OF its streets, aud otherwise
developing its natural beauties. The condition
OF the c alital OF great people, now assuming
rIoHinen5 place amoHg The nations of the
but highly discreGitGbIe.
Circumstances to which we need not refer lead
to this condition OF the city. TO rene ~ this
evil, the citizens, without distinction of party,
applied to Congress for an Independent terrific
nal government. Congress granted our petit
ton, and our people without the all of the
federal government, undertook to make our
city worthy of its position as the capital of our
country. To accomplish this great object ii
became necessary to grade, pave. park and
sewer our streets; TO make communication be-
tween the different sections practicable ana
easy, and to conduct the increased business of
a largely increased population.
To co this money was necessary; nor cOnld we
undertake and accomplish the self-imposed task
with the revenue derived from ordinary tax
alton; nor could the work be delayed from wear
To year Tor this purpose. Ii was therefore re-
solved TO create a loan for that object, aud to
pay Oft the debt by a small sinking fund.
To this end the District Legislature Passed
bill early last season, but those opposed 10 the
policy of creating the debt in the manner pro-
posed, obtained an injunction from our court
by which means the work was DELAYED until
late last fail, and before what had been begun
could be finished. the severity of the weather
stopped its further prosecution, leaving oar
streets and sidewalks in a most unsatisfactory
condition. and now at the commencement of
me second season for labor, we find the author
tues embarrassed by an Investigation which
promises to be greatly prolonged and out OF
winch IN our judgment no good can possibly re-
suit. We therefore respectfully but earnestly
request Congressto close the pending inyestiga-
non as soon as 1t can be done in Justice to the
Interests involved, in order that the Board of
Public Works may proceed with the improve
ments of the District Errors of judgment NAV
have ard dOubtlessly have occurred vet we be-
heve the system of improvements commenced
VIII greatly benefit and ornament the entire
District; add to the comfort, health and pros
perity of our people. and make Washington
city in some measure worthy of The name il
bears and the position il holds As the CAPITAL of
our country. Ii it shall appear necessary to
guard the Interests of the public by further re
strlctions, in the expenditure of the public
money or the creation of Offices let this be done;
but we beg your honorable body not to post
rone the public improvements alreaCy com.
menced, and which we consider 50 important
to the interests of all parties.