The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1873-05-24
Health and Comfort by Expansion

dense communities is the invention OF the
railway. That enables men 10 live far from
| their places of business, and thus the pres
| sure of population upon the centres of trade
| is relieved, while the families Of the business
| men and manufacturers are enabled TO ENJOY
the fresh air. natural scenery, and spacious
grounds of the country. The streel-ca1
| railway accommodates all who thus dwell
| in the neighborhood of cities. while the
| more extensive lines afford the independent
| and wealthy with Il yet more expansive and
| more retired and varied scene for enjoy.
| ment.
This new agent has promoted the growth
of cities beyond all precedent. Every promi-
| ncnt city in the Union has recently taken
measures for extending its streets and its cor
noratc authority. We have frequently re-
! ferred to these proceedings in different
cities.
Baltimore is now looking to IN early en-
| tension of her boundaries. The citizens OF
Baltimore county are getting ready for enter
ing the city. They are laying out their
grounds in streets and planting trees and
placing crrbs and cutters along them IN
order to sell lots and make things to conform
to the plan of the tourishing city of which
their property will soon be a part. This is
wise and sawaciollS. Such landowners see
ahead, and instead of preparing TO resist an
neyation are getting ready for it As the very
best thing for their benefit. Their example
is worthy Of the emulation Of all people who
live upon the borders of big city.
The extension of the corporate limits of a
city under the social revolution brought
about by the railway gives to the city the
advantages of room and fresh air and the de-
lights of semi-rural life. while it secures to
the people of the vicinity the protection OF
police and the benefits of light, water, &c.,
after they have lost the comforts OF rural Sc
clrsion and retirement. Everybody Is bcnc-
flied. Business is conducted with increased
yiror, derived from exercise and change Of
air daily. families are happier and healthier
for their relief from dusty and compact
streets. and lapdhoders pocket large profits
by the sale OF lots.
This is one way to build cities. ENpan-
sion gives life and vigor to the lungs OF the
city, and they throw the vital impulses TO
every extremity with increased power.
Richmond is sadly in want of expansion
in the southern direction. She can never
be free with her heart beating against dead
wall. She wants breath, and she wants room
to WELD her limbs. Her right arm is, as it
We're, tied.
Expansion and we'll graded ways are now
indispensable to every city having any pre-
tensions to growth and any expectations of
Increased commerce. We must make our
boundaries symmetrical and wide, and our
streets must be laid off with reference TO IA
cilitating communication. Intercourse be-
tween the people in all parts must be easy.
Nothing less will de. 1t is only injurious to
those who now live to postpone what is in
evitable. Sooner or later it will be done
The present generation would be better off
to share the advantages of such improve
ments, and the city loses every day as long
as they are delayed the great benefit she
must derive from them when made.
We invite the attention of our people to
the grand examples of other cties-particu-
larly of Washington. 1t would be Il great
advantage to our public interests if many of
our best informed men would spend some
days in that city to contemplate the incalcu-
liable benefits of a wise system of street
grading.