The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1873-12-04
Editorial Correspondence.
WASHINGTON. D. c.. Deer /. '73

The first thing that attracts the attention
Of the visitor to Washington is tho msrvel-
Dus improvements which have been inaugur-
ated and consummatsd. The magnificent
streets, substantially paved, extending through |
all portions Of the city, now embracing with |
in it's limit, what were known few years a.
go as extensive marshes and swamps, indi-
cate the expanded idea which have govern
ed in the devisement of plan for the improve
ment of the city, destined in the results to
make the American Capitol the most attract
i've and beautiful seat of government in the
world. Some idea of the extent of the inn
provements now in progress may be gather
cred from the following extract from the re-
port of the Board of Public Works.
In asking attention to the accompanying
reports, giving in detail the operations of the
past year, the Board point with pride and
satisfaction to the vast results accomplished
in the i'm provement of the seat Of govern.
ment since the date Of their appointment
During the period that has INTERVIEWED two
of the three main sewers have been compile
ted and have stood the test of the heayi-
est rain storms that have occurred in this lat
itude. One hundred and twenty .three mile
of sewer, varying in size from thirty feet
to six inches, have been constructed; nearly
two hundred and eight miles of sidewalks,
and upwards Of one hundred and fifty seven
miles of improved roadway have been laid
while the grading has amounted to the enor-
nous aggregate of three million three hun
dred and forty thousand cubic yards VAL
liable experience has been gained in respect
to pavements, and upon this subject the re-
port of the Chief Engineer gives informa-
tion of interest and value. Since October,
1871, more than thirty miles of water mains
have been put down, and nine miles have
been lowered and relaid to suit new grades.
During the year which has just termina-
ted, thtrty-nine miles Of gas mains have been
laid, and the number of public lamps in
creased to 1854 Materials to the amount
of 1874, 482 have been issued through the
Superintendent of Property 1912 buildings
have been erected under the inspection Of
the Board; 6,236 trees have been set out
and %, $40 prepared for the next season.
The Eastern Market house has been CON-
pleted at cost, including the ground, Of
$4,000, while the Northern, Nortl eastern
and Western Market buildings are in pro-
cess of construction. The handsome and
costly bridges connecting Washington and
ished. and the LiEnean Hill road, Rock creek
has been spanned with substantial wooden
bridge resting on stone abutments.
It appears from the report of the Treasurer
that from July 1, 1871, to November. 1873,
the total receipts have been $14, 789, 692 IS.
The expenditures for the same period have
been $13, 286, 455 81, leaving balance. of
$1,483, 237.18.
The contracts entered into by the Board
number 951, and, deducting the amount os
timsted for the water services and chargea-
BILE directly to property aggregate $13 ,5O1,
162.49. Of this sum there remain to be ex-
pended, for the completion of the work un-
der contract. $1636, 037 81. -
The Indebtedness of the General Govern
ment to the District of Columbia, on account
of Improvements, as shown in the statement
hereto appended, is as follows /.
For work in and around Government reser-
vations and public buildings $573, III IS
For work on avenues 1,056,574 36
For main sewerage 254o. 6el 81
e-- .tt.. $4,17O,427 "a
Some of the citizens of Staunton complain
because O. the apparent injury to property
by reason Of the altering Of the street lines
and reducing the grades, but if they could
witness the utter disregard Of old landmark
in Washington-the tearing up of pavement,
cutting away yards, the depression of the
streets, leaving tenements perched upon in.
accessible eminences, and the general upturn.
ing of old things to make way for the pro.
gressive spirit that pervades the authorities
here, they could regard themselves as highly
favored. The most costly public buildings
are invaded to the verJ taking down of the
entrances, the streets and pavements~eveled
unmiudfuI of everything but the the beauti-
fca,ioa and harmonious symmetry of the
general system.
1t is thus that Washington City is destin-
ed to be the pride of the nation aud the a.
greeting and esthetic boquet Of the world.
And the people will sanction a generous
patronage by Congress to aid. in carrying
out the courageous and magnicen purpo-
SEES Of the city. ESQ., .. ..
The war feeling growing out of the Vir-
ginius affair has Loot its cfereseEce, in con-
sequence of the concession of the Spanish
government to the demands of the United
States. These are: LIST. The deliverance over
to the United States of the Virglnius, and
the salute Of our flag placing the vessel in
the same condition it was when captured
End. The restoration of the surviving mem
bers of the crew. 3rd. Suitable indemnity
GO the families of the slain, and 4th, the pun
ishmeut of the perpetrators of the outrage.
The admission by the CASTELAR, government
of the wrong done, and the ability to COM
ply with the concession made, are two differ
ent things. In order to enable the Madrid
government to communicate formally its de-
sire to the Cuban authorities, and have time
to execute its agreement with the United