Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1874-09-09
THE GROWTH OF WARRINGTON.
Its Future Prospects

Probably no city of the United States since
the war has made snch gigantic strides in pro-
gress as our own. Nearly every department of
industry has received an impetus, and business
in its varied pursuits has increased ten fold.
Increased resources animated desires for addi-
tioDal facilities which tend to make city great,
ard hence We find day, thanks to the iron
will of some of our citizens, a city whose great
ness consists not only in its being a political
cFnter, but which possesses advantages which
strike the eye OF the capitalists and invite TO il
class OF population who, with their wealth and
business tact. contribute yearly to enhance its
growth and prosperity. There is nc comparison
between Washington as IL now is and Washing
Ton In ante bettUm times. The chronic croakeTs,
who like the weeds spring up to check the
growth of progress, must admit this fact. Our
broad avenues aud wide streets well paved, sa-
lubrious climate, additional water and rail
facilities, the improved system of sewage, our
educational institut ions. and other features
have combined to place the capital OF the nation
nitely superior in others, to the metropolitan
cities of Europe.
Notably the evidence of rapid growth is the
RISE OF REAL ESTATE.
A very few years, indeed, has brought about a
revolution in this market. Property has almost
doubled, and in some instances quadrupled
within a span. The waste places in the north
western section of the city formerly turnei
over to cows and base ball clubs has become
studded with some of the handsomest resi-
with hundreds eff residences which have been
reared within the last few years. Looking due
north we find that comfortable rows Of houses,
block upon block, have been put up and occu-
pied by good class of tenants. South Wash
iDgtoD, too, shows large number Of neat and
comfortable new houses with cosy surround.
ipgs. Yesterday a reporter of The STAR called
in upon Fitch & Fox, the well-known real es-
tate dealers. The inquiry was made If the
change in the form of government had inter
fered with the operations Of the real estate
market?
Mr.. Fitch stated that in comparison with last
year the transactions were not es large, which,
however, he did not think attributable to the
change of the form of government This sea-
son has been universally dull, not only here but
Id New York, Chicago, Philadelphia and Gin
tirely to the late financial panic. With our own
dealers IL was further aggravated by the Con-
gressional investigation into District affairs.
The market, however, is now gradually recoy-
ering from its effects, and already renewed
demand Is springing up for fine residences by
gentlemen of means.
q. How do prices of property compare with
one year ago?
A Prices as a general thing are about the
same as year ago, in some cases higher and
some lower, the latter occurring principally in
cases where owners find il necessary to realize
on their property at OF ce.
O., What do you think fair rate of taxation
A. AS a firm we believe should Congress do
its duty in the matter of meeting its fair share
OF the current expenses of the District say one
ment, at most per cent on a revised assessment
similar to that in vogue in most cities would
provide a sufficient revenue to meet all our cur
rent obligations.
Q. In what particular section of the CITY has
an impetus been given to real estate trans
action?
A. The tendency of Improvements is north
west as in the case in most cities-say west of
7th street-although much is being done by
individual enterprise and in exceptional cases
in other parts of the city. LIE Droit park might
be mentioned in this respect and the operations
of Moses Kelly near Benning's bridge.
q. Has the virtual abrogatlOn of the sewer
tax enhanced the value of property?
A. The abTogatiOn of the tax in q direct form
is popular with property holders, but it has not
enhanced the value of property. We have no
doubt however that the prices of all property
well situated will year by year advance-never
faN back.
q. Have we enough houses of cheap rents to
accommodate our population?
A. While there are enough houses at some
distance from the departments ami the business
portion OF the city OF cheap rents say about $50
per month there is a great lack OF residences
worth about $50 per month more centrally
located. Such houses need have little ground
about them, but should possess the modern con.
veniences.