Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1874-04-11
Washington In 1889 and I'm 1874.

Inc Wisconsin State Journal has an interest
ing letter. written it says, by ga prominent citi
zen Of Madison, now in Washington" from
which We take the following:
WASHINGTON CITY, April g 1874
Editors Of the .OGTndi:-The writer hereof
having now been in this city for over a week
and through the kindness OF friends, had Al
opportunity, to observe at least the osftsids of
things in general, and having been familiar
with Washington as q locality, as we'll as in its
relations to the country, since 1899, and there
lore somewhat able to make comparisons of,
ana appreciate the difference in, its condition
ana appearance, past and present, takes the
liberty of giving you some OF his Impressions.
IN 1859, w asbington was mere village, 10:
so large, think, as Georgetown, with the old
capitol and many of the public buildings bart
ly completed, and the grounds and city proper
~ very near the avenue, but little improved
and lying very uneven and rough with MANY
low places, receptacles Tor surface water and
drainage from the surrounding region. and, on
The whole, most unsightly, sckly, and dreary
looking place. Most OF the real property WAS in
the hands ola few Old fOgies, with absolutely
no disposition to improve or sell it. The streets
generally were wagon tracks, and the public
grounds commons. Most of its growth since and
improvement, for over thirty years had been
slow and labored and without auy general plan
or system, and mostly caused by the action OF
Congress, and all the time the city and District
had been petted and spoiled by the care of the
general government, and exempt from the ordi-
nary burdens of local government and improve
ment. When 1t was organi Zed into a territorial
government, with Governor and Legislature
ana representation in Congress of il own, il was
RENTED to its own resources and self govern
mt, and for the first time awoke to the neces-
sity and propriety of improving the streets,
walks, public grounds and general surround
ings, suitable to the capital city. Tho man for
such time, seemed, PrOvideDtislly, to have
been gradually developing in young man Of
the city, poor ana without frie nds or patronage,
who fret began his career as a mere empleye and
mechanic, as a. gas filter and plumber, and who
IN short time, by honesty, industry and study
WIN remarkable energy and executive ability,
became leading business man and operator,
ms man is the present Governor Shepherd OF
thls District. He projected and ha. so far car
Iled out, one of the graadest systems Of city
improvement ever conceived. The whole CITY
mas been placed upon an even aud regular
grade, the low places filled Up and elevation
cut down, some ninety miles OF streets op5ned
ana paved, partly with the Nicholson and partly
by asphaltum. with wide walks and avenues
puollc grounds and parks improved and orna.
mented with grass plots, shrub5ery and fouu-
talns; lts sewerage and drainage perfect, and
the health, beauty and comfort of the city per-
manently secured. Washington is said by
those who by travel know, to contain Capitol
and other public buildings, the most beautiful
and substantial in architecture, and the most
imposing, appropriate aad convenient in the
world, and Its situation upon the Potomac with
its surrounding scenery, is magnificent, and
.nanks 10 GOV; shepherd, 1t now has the finest
sueets and walks In the world, and for the hrst
time, as become worthy Of being our capital.
III the Governor and those under him have been
lavish Oh the city moneys and securities, they
certainly have not Incorporated q dollar in
the Improvement OF the city, for all the works
are OF the very first order in STYLE, and con-
sructi0n, and must have cost an enormous sum
Oh money honestly spent, but whether any of
the fuDd has been diverted. is a O question now
oeing Investigated, but the general opinion
here IL, that the affairs of the Governor will
as we'll as able.
Corresponding to the material improvements
above named, still greater and vastly more
important Improvement in our capital city is
clearly Observable to one who has known it in
the past, viz: In its social morality. There is
now no more, and L think less, intemperance
mere I'd an in any city of its size in the country
not only In the permanent citizenship, but In
those employed in Official stations
Ihere Is now seen about the hotels and public
places very little that is offensive to Christi.n
gentle man. and gambling, drinking and other
social vices seem to be taboOed by common con-
sent, and, for wonder, Wsshin gton is quite as
pure in morals and manners as other places.
Many eminent and worthy families OF cul-
lure and taste, from other cities and places
nave taken up their permanent residence here
ana congressman and officers of state generally
nave their own families with them and the
tone OF washington society is now very ele-
vateu ana excellent This was formerly a most
dangerous place for young men in cierkships
ana for inexperienced Congressman, but it Is
now quite otherwise, and it seems to be per
vaded by an atmosphere of good and reforming
lDnut noes and of moral health.