Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1873-05-03
WhatShOu1d be Done with the SlauSfl.
ter Houses I'm Washington and
GsRORWRfAvrpnp

Among the many measures inaugurated by
the present energetic and beneficial regime
looking to the improved health and comfort of
the citizens OF Washington, as well as the en-
beliishment Of the city, no decided action has
been taken, as far as the writer has informa-
ton, with regard to the permanent disposal and
location OF the slaughter houses. which are
scattered about in various parts of the city,
principally in the vicinity of Rock creek and
Boundary street. In some instances the saugh-
ter houses disfgure q neighbOrhOod and infect
the air In localities that otherwise would invite
improvement by their beauty and salubrity.
Prompt action should be had for both sanitary
and economical reasons for their removal be-
yOnd the city limits. But where should thew
be allowed to 60? Their existence at conve-
nient distance from the city and at q point ac-
cessible to droves OF cattle Is necessity. Should
they by authority Of the District government
or by common consent. remove to some point
directly north of the city, the blood and other
peculent and excremental matter and the gases
resulting from the decomposition of animal It's
sues, would seep and eoze over and through the
soil and down the slope into and through the
city. They would also still be in the lire Of and
which, as at present impelled, seem to move
and flourish In nOrtherly direction. The
interests OF most Of the suburban resi-
dents, of health and influence, would op-
pose such a location Of the slaughter houses
The hill sides west OF Georgetown are objec-
tiOnable on account of their too great distance
from the chief centers of distribution, whether
public markets or green groves, and the other
side OF the Eastern branch pre- ents the same.
and the further disqualification that is too far
from the deJOachmsnt of the western roads by
which cattle chiefly reach this market.
There remains the southern bank of the PO-
tomac river, which is recommended by every
advantage Of position, and negatively BY al!
the arguments that operate against the other
named localities. IL the District authorities
had jurisdiction on the south side Of the river,
legislation would be advisable to unite all the
Strengthening business, g Is done BY the num-
pal authority Of several European cities, and to
locate 10 al OH fer
ing establishments are called, at some suitable
point for this purpose on this (the southern)
side OF the river. Here should be found the
cattle-yards, depots for grain and forage, ac-
short, all the facilities for cattle exchange, on
a scale Commensurate with the present pOpula-
ton of Washington and Georgetown and with
capacity for indefinite enlargement, 80 as to
But as the District authorities have not the
necessary Jurisdiction and can only 30 act as to
drive the slaughter houses out of the city limits
and of those localities in the county of Wash
ington where their presence is Objectionable
would it not be wise for the butchers them
selves to form an association with a view to a
permanent and advantageous location for their
business All considerations point to the Vir-
which are a. once desirable and attainable in
the location OF such an establishment as the
proposed Abdttoir. Tho lands are cheap and
On Ss sw ns
shall have forced tho surplus POI ation Of q
rapidly increasing city over 10 IL virginis
side, such IN arrangement will not be - FEAST
for the initiation Of the enterprise suggested;
the realization Of which by Q worthy and thriy.
ing class Of our citiseDs would mark another
step in our rapid progress towards the culmi-
people; which is and should be 10 make wash
ington the modern city ofthe United States.
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