The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1872-12-30
Wash ingtOn.

THO Washington Republican,, commenting
upon hat this paper had to ray about The
adaligan system OF Improvement Of that
city Row being carried out, makes state
lncnt which is creditaLlc 10 Washington,
and will surprise every one. We remarked
that the Federal Treasury was IN eyer-reldy
resource for the Federal capital, and would
relieve the citizens of that place from hetyy
taxation for public improvements. The Re
puJiicua states that during seventy years
the figures Of the Federal Treasury show
"that the Government has paid only ten per
cent. Of the moneys expended in public
improvements here ithercl, while the citi-
"zcus have paid the remaining ninety"
This is most Crcditablc to the people of
Washington. We are sure that it was
eminent paid much more towards the inA-
proycmcnt Of their city, and we. for on..
would have considered it quite proper that it
should have done so.
Washington city is the national capital.
TO q good degree the national reputation ror
enterprise, civilization, and refinement is
Involved in the appearance of that city and
generous spirit amongst the people would
justify the Government IN liberal cNprndi-
lures Tor its Improvement aud Identification.
But the fact brought out by the ReIubii-
can strengthens the argument which we en-
dcavored to present 10 our readers aS to the
manner in which great cities were built
The people o: Washington, and not the Go
Veramcnt, are improving that city. What
warrants their vast expenditure of money in
improving place which might we'll lie lG'
proved ut the national expense? Why
the growth Of population, the enhance
ment OF the value of property through
the agency of the improvements made
by tile money raised by taxing the pco.
pie. OF course this makes the example
more pointed and striking. Washington, SC
far from being an exception to general rule
Is exactly IN example to the very point OF
the argument we have been long addressing
to the people Of Richmond. The people OF
aclty may increase their wealth by improving
their towu-bv increasing Its comforts and
the facility of communication between its
extremes. Nothing else pays such a pcopl,
better and faster. The policy Of liberal and
systematic improvement in the grades o.
streets and in the general ornanentation o
Il city brings directly the remuneration to tht
city government for every dollar expended
and difiuses amongst the people more tina;
ample reward for every cent paid in take:
towards such improvements.
Washington is i solid example. Look al
its rapid growth. The Government La.
not done it all. The people - the city have
achieved it, in great degree, by their own
energy, forecast, and liberality. They have
done wonders, and their present plan Of
grading aud general Improvement will, III
ten years, make their city one of the grand
est on the continent We make the pre-
dlction with no doubt that it will lie veri
fled. The people of Washington show
something OF the sagacity of the second
NAPOLEON. lie extended the bou!evarO>
around Paris, giving the propcrty-lolucr>
ten per cent. upon the value OF their propert,
before the improvement and taking for I'll,
Government all excess. The result was i'm
menso gains to the Government from th
enhanced value and rents Of the improvct
property. The example was good, and al
communities which judiciousiy follow it vii
be rewarded by aSimiiar result.