Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1874-10-02
Views of Commissioner EIow unoa
DislrfcG Affairs

Commissioner Blow, who has recently re-
turned fTOm a visit to Missouri, in conversation
yesterday with a representative of TIE STAR
stated IL substance that there is no CITY in the
country in better circumstances, or with better
prospects, all things considered, than Wash
ingtOn. Other cities are heavily burdeued with
taxes to pay for their public Improvements, and
they have no rich partner, as this city has, to
help them out The rate Of taxation here ia
really not 30 excessive when compared with the
rates IN many of the large cities. If the people
here think the general gOvernmen Mt has not
Gone its share in the furnishing of means TO
improve the streets and avenues, they should
not forget that vast sums have been expended
in establishing the seat OF government here.
The most practical thing now "a for the people
TO come ~ promptly with their taxes, thereby
reducing the debt, inspiring confidence in the
public securities and enabling the Commits
siOners TO show 70 Congress a. clean a sheet as
possible. II this - done there need be no fears
as to the part the general government will here
after take.
The citizens OF this District have already done
nobly in the way of public Improvements, by
which they have set at rest for all time the cues
ton OF the removal Of the seat of governmest
There is really no argument left for the sdvo-
Gates of the scheme; the mud holes aud dust
heaps have disappeared, the Old canal nuisance
obliterated; and, in place Of them, we have
clean streets and cutters, pleasant drives and
walks, and attractive lawns and parks. Public
spirit ard thrift seems to pervade generally,
notwithstanding there is a general depression in
business throughout the country. But these
periodical depressiOns are always remedied by
cessation Of the csuss, which is extraYagance,
and return TO habits Of economy. In these
matters corporations and municipalities are
30 ha
TO repair broken fortune. an individual has
only 10 practice habits of economy and frugalI-
", and, with the proper energy, he is sure TO
put himself on his legs again.
The citizens of this District have now 4 bean
ufUl city spread out magtc-like before them,
and 20 the wonder and admiration of visitors
from the states and from abroad. They should
nov maintain this public spirit BY the prompt
payment Of taxes, and their rich partner will
not let them suffer
There appears, says Commissioner Blow to
be growing sentiment OF pride in our national
capital. The people OF the states look upon
the city Of Washington as a common homestead
or heritage, and they feel 3 Willingness and de-
sire that the general government shall do its
share toward making this city a metropolis wor-
thy Of this great natiOr.
a pressing want now il good hotel accommo-
cations. This is q matter Of very great impor-
lance to the prosperity Of this city, which
should by all means be foremost in this branch
OF enterprise, as it il coming year by year to be
the great social as well a. political center.
a better class OF private residences is also
wanted, bot, IN this particular, very fair start
has already been made which should not be
abated, a. there can be TO doubt that the de-
mard tOI them will hereafter be almost without
limit.
The Commissioners are anxious to encourage
the prosperity of the national capital to the
utmost extent OF their power, which at present.
Is limited to the means supplied by the tax
payers themselves. Every dollar of their money
will be placed where it will 10 The most good
IN redeeming the public credit.
hi. Blow stated that hereafter he will be At
Ms post daily ami be happy 70 meet the citizens
Of tie District