, 1874-06-28
against it. 1t is rather curious that the Profess
tant members took no part in the debate. Tho
bill wss thrown out by 251 to 292.


| THE NATIONAL CAPITAL.
The legal relations between the United States
and the territory set npart and known as the
District Of Columbia, have very properly attract
| ed the attention OF the country, and should
| result in clear and defined policy. The Con-
stitution OF the United States contains, among
the enumerated powers of Congress, this pro-
vision:
To exercise exclusive legislation in Ill cases what
soever such District {not exceeding ten miles
square) may, By cessdons Of particular States and
the acceptance Of Congress, become the seat Of tho
Government Of the. United States.
The purpose Of the founders OF the Govern
ment was to separate the political capital Of the
nation from the commercial or manufacturing
capitals. The founders Of the Government in
tended :o =void the evil which had prevailed in
other countries, where the Government was
menaced and overawed By the population Of q
great metropolis. This was to be government
Of law, and the Government Was to be protected
in the performance Of its duties by the public
respect, and not by force or the prese nee OF q
standing army, which Of itself might be used as
a means Of destruction. That this seat of Gov
ernmont should be removed from tho jurisdic-
ton of any one or moro States, and should be
absolutely under the jurisdiction Of Congress,
WAS felt to be imperative necessity. Mr.
Madison, writing in the Federa:ist, explaining
and defending the clause, said:
Without 1t. not only the public authority might be
insuted and its proceedings be interrupted with i'm
punity, but dependence Of the members Of the Cen
eral Government the stte comprehendiug tho seat
Of Government for protection in the exercise Of their
duty. might bring the National Councils IN tmputa-
ton of ave. influence cqually dishonorable to the
Government, and dissasfactuty to the other members
Of the Confederacy. TAis consideration has the more
weight, the g1aluz accumulation Of public improve
Inents at the stationary residence Of Government
would be too great public pledge to be left IN the
hands Of single State and would creato SO many OBJ
stacles to removal Of the Government still further
to abridge its necessary Independence.
The subsequent action OF Congress confirms
this view Of tie original purpose. The seat Of
Government was located in what was then
primeval forest, the only inhabitants residing IN
farm houses widely separated. The original
Washington now stands. The lands for the
Capital CITY were purchased unde er the condition
that the city should be laid of by the Govern
ment with streets, squares, ETC., under the direo
ton Of the President The President was to
select from the lands so laid OF all the squsres,
tracts, and other portions OF the territory as he
might deem proper for the uses OF the Govern
ment, aud the remaining lots, ETC., were to be
~,
original prop1etors The lots thus obtained by the
Government we're to be sold from time to timo,
and the proceeds were to constitute fund from
which the cos. OF the original plan OF improve
nent WAS to be paid
The Government was thus made absolute own
er in fee simple not only OF all the large reBer-
'ations and public squares. blocks. ETC., but OF |
he streets and avenues and one-haH the build
ng lots in the city. The Government also re-
aimed the absolute right to regulate, from time |
0 time. the. materials and style Of all private |
buildings in the city. The plan Of the city |
!doptel was exclusively made in reference to the
ny convenience OF the people who might reside
here. The city was laid OF upon
Gale previously unknown in any country.
10 population Of any mere political city
ould be expected ever toimprove and maintain it
pon such plan The avenues and streets we're
I width, and p?Aced at euch extraordinary an
les, as to preclude all thought Of trade and COM
aerce. These st1 eets and avenues are also in
ercepted by immense reservations for public
SO. destroying all continuity Of any thorough
are on which business might be attempted.
here are $50 miles Of streets and avenues, and
hese range from 30 to 160 feet in width-the
treets and avenues actually embracing one-half
he area Of the city. The extent Of this part Of
he plan may be judged from tbs following COM
arative area Of the streets to the whole area of
number Of cities:
Per cent. |
~