Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1872-01-31

to be made in the grade of the street. The con-
tractor had thirty or forty horses and carts en-
ployed. Inquiry was made, and il was then
ascertained that the change in the grade was to
be made. The square upon which witness re-
sided was in a terrible condition for a long
time. Witness had to lower his service pipes
twice, and would have to do again; had
several times been without gas or water in HE
house on account of the change. The trees in
that locality were fine large ones; there are none
there now. Witness did not know what the new
grade had cost him; had made no estimate. The
pavement was to be of asphalt; did not know
who had the contract for the job. The side
walk in front of witness house was taken up
two months since at least. The grade in the
street had been changed while the work was in
progress. Never heard anything from the pro
test against the work filed with the Board OF
Public Works. After hearing nothing from the
Board OF Public Works. sent the protes; to the
Legislature.
BY Mr.. Chandler.-Under the old city gov
eminent the street was in a bad condition on ac-
count OF the sewer being put down; witness did
not know II any OF the property-holders on
street took part in the injunction proceedings
After the injunction was laid, the Board o
Public Works stopped work. Before any work
was commenced upon street il needed trim
ming and gravelling. There was no pavement
upon It. Property upon this street was dali. L.
was quite retired street. The improvements
when completed might enhance the value o,
property thereon. Witness did not know. He
rr6ftred the street as il was originally.
BY Mr.. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS MIR. Shepherds
houses were benefited by the improvement
more than other property. Those nearest 18th
er 18th street.
BY Mr.. Crebs Some of the property holder,
did not sign the protest. Thought Mr.. Shep-
herds houses were built with the view of
change in the grade. Thought they would have
been more improved Ii the cut towards Eth
street had been less. This was a matter of opin-
ION, however. The property on the whole stree;
might sell for more. Property there had al
ready advanced in value. Witness some time
since offered lot for $3.50; had lately sold il
for $1,000.
BY MT. Eldridgc The reputation OF the street
for healthfulness prior to the improve Id ents was
not good. The drainage would make the cellars
on the street less damp.
BY MIR. ROOSevelt:-PrOpertv throughout the
city had increased in value. Witness had no OBJ
lection to improving the city. Did object to
The street Improvements; owned property ia
other portions OF the city. Thought the i'm
provements generally had tendency TO appre-
ciate the value OF property.
BY Mr.. Eldridge: knew nothing OF
any fraud or corruption on the part OF officials
In making the improvements.
BY MIR. Chapman Thought the property
holders on street would rather have the street
back to its original condition. The property
below + street which was filled up by the dirt
from street was improved.
Columbus Alexander, sworn Witness owned
property upon Z street between 18th and 18th
street. about 40 or $50 front feet. Thought hjs
property had been materially injured New
York avenue in the rear OF his property was row
being cut down so he could not get in the back
way WIN Ills coal ana WOOD. The brick wall
put down on street was worthless, the mortar
was crumbling out in many places. Thought
the improvements would cost witness from 500
to slo". ON 10th street where witness owned
property he had pavement put down two YEAR,
ago at a cost of 500, which had all been taken
up 10y the Board of Public Works. The Board
OF Public Works had never answered one OF the
letters of witness to them.
BY Mr.. Chander:-Witness did not think his
property on + street had increased in value
Had sold some of his vacant lots on + street
Of foot \ Al.
the same price five wears ago. Witness wa
anxious 10 sell all his property, because n,
thought it would be injured by the improve
mentS c0nte plated Paid last wear between
six and seven thousand dollars general and spe
cial taxes: Owned over 100000 worth OF prop
crty in this city.
BY Mir Riddle:-Lime kilns owned by witnes
would he ruined by certain Improvements, a.
The section where they were located would b,
flied UP.
BY Mr. Eldridge:-Did not know if il was tn,
purpose of the Board of Public Works TO restore
the sidewalks which they had taken up. Knew
OF some cases where the board had restored the
SIDEWALKS Paid general and special taxes
amounting to four or five thousand dollars
the year previous. Witness knew of no dis
honesty on the part Of any member of the Board
OF Public Works, although had made inquirs
about them. Mr.. Vanderburgh told witness that
the change OF grade was being made by author
ity OF Mr.. Emery. Did not intend to paw the
taxes for the change OF grade on street; would
resist them through the coults.
by Mr.. Harmer The sale which witness
made of his lots on F street was upon the cOndi
ton that the purchaser shall paw the taxes
witness did not know what his proportion of the
taxes were; could not find out.
Mr.. Eldridge Il generally find out what m,
taxes are.
Witness thought his property was not improved
as much as Mr.. Shepherds, because that of tn.
latter was on the desirable side Of the street
Did not think the property on F street woulC
sell for any more on account of the improve
ments. Witness lived on the street 20 wears and
was rever sick.
Question by Mr.. Eldrdge e." Mr.. Alexander,
has not the sentiment OF the people changed
since they have seen the improvements ?'
Answer" Among the non-taX- payers il has,
O." Suppose yOu had no taxes to paw, what
would he your sentiments ."
A" think should join that ring" Laugh
ter.
Witness thought he had to bear one-third OF
the cost of improvement.
MIR. Chipman:-One-si1th of the cost only is to
re paid for by the property on each side of the
street.
Witness went TO Magruder to see the contract
for the work on street. Did not ask any mem
her of the Board OF Public works what the cost
would be. Witness was referred to a man to &c;
the information, but cOnld not find him in
Thought the money went into the pockets o.
many OF those who approved of the improve
ments.
The committee then adjourned until to-mor
row morning at ten o'clock.