The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1874-06-11

CilCIC IL w UOUIl SllcS.
But as the Chief Justice lays down the law, ar
gument would be thrown away, addressed to
the point already decided.
Correspondence of The Valley Virginian
Letter from WashingtOn.
IMPROVEMENT OF THE CITY-REpoRT OF
JUDGE POLAND CONFIRMAToRY OF THE
4 ACTION OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS.
AND "A COMPLIMENT TO IT'S POLICY.
WASHINGTON, D. G., June 6, 1874
A committee was raised at the present Con-.
gress, charged with the duty of inquiring into
the relations between the Federal Government
and the local government Of the District of
Columbia, and the extent and character of the
mutual obligations in regard to municipal ex-
penses, and expenditures. At the head of this
| committee was placed Judge Poland, one Of the
most distinguished men in Congress, and an
eminent Lawyer, who made, a few days since,
a most interesting report. rendered the more,
so by the recent proceedings against the Board
of Public Works.
The reasoning OF this remarkable State-pa-
per cannot fail to stir the pride and the patriot
ism of every citizen who shall see it, and it is
to be hoped that the press will give it the widest
circulation.
| The report shows that the selection of a par
tcular territory as a seat of government, and
| the giving to Congress OF absolutely exclusive
| jurisdiction over it, originated in the highest
national purposes, as the committee say. is
necessary to bestow dignity, and indepen-
dence upon the governments
On this point the conlmittee quote Mr.. Mad
lson, from the FeGara,ist, as follows:
"Wlthout 1t, nCtu only the public authority
might De lnts;,nted and its proceedings be inter
raptei with impunity, but dependence of the
members of the General Government on the
state comprehending the seat of government,
for the protection in exercising their duty,
might bring Oh the national councils an impu-
tation of awe, or influence equally dishonora-
/ BILE to the Government, and Unsatisfactory to
/ the other members of the confederacy. This
consideration has the more weight as the grad
ual accumulation of public improvements at the
/ stationary residence of government would be
i too great public pledge to be left in the hands
OF single State, and would create so many OBJ
stacles to removal Of the Government as still
further to abridge its necessary Independence
! The committee show also from the history of
the subject that it was the purpose of the foun-
ders Of the Government, to invest the national
capital with a high magnificence. 1t was not
only designed las the Supreme Court said in a
certain case) to s'last in prosperity-cdpitolt
imnao5ile saeWm''-but the committee say:
s'The Federal city was to be temple erected
to liberty, toward which the wishes and ex-
pectations OF all true friends of every country
would necessarily be directed, and, considered
under such Important points Of view as evident
ly controlled the minds Of the founders it could
not be calculated on small scale. Everything
about it was to correspond with the magnitude
OF the object for witch it was intended. It fore
saw far distant future when it was to be the
centre OF a continent under one form OF GOV
eminent looking to it for its laws and for its
protection. 1t was to be city where all ill-
/ prOveman made and expenses incurred were
to be for the benefit of the whole people,"
The report then quotes from the history of
i the national appropriations for the capital from
the spaciousness and large number ofits streets
and avenues, and the large area of the public
reservations, amounting to more than one-half
Of the city, that it has been a purpose never
| lost sight OF by the country, to make the ma
tional capital one Of the most magnificent cities
| of the world.
To this end, the committee recommend the
adoption Of some fixed system of relative APP
preparation by the Federal and local govern
ments as being most equitable. and most likely
to accomplish the objects desired.
They say: sit is believed it would be much
| wiser and much more economical, both to the
national and local governments, to fix upon a
definite sum OF proportion to be contributed by
| both, and that it is more important that these
4 appropriations should be made regularly anc
upon some welf-defined principle than that they
/ should be large. Such a course, had it been a.
! dopted in 1870 and steadily pursued toward the
capital, would have made it to-day the most
beautiful city in the world and such a course
now, steadily pursued, will make it so at no
very distant day.
| 1t will thus be seen that the original purpose
Of making the Federal capitol 1.-THE most beau
tiful city in the world but specified plan is
suggested of making it so in the future, as rap
idly as the finances Of the nation will alow
1t will this appear that the much-abused
Board of Public Works, in its action, since the
organization Of the body, has but carried out
the policy started at the beginning of the gov
eminent, and never abandoned, Of making the
national capitol great, magnificent and beau-
iiful city.
The ready conception of Mr. Shepherds
mind at once comprehelded this policy. He
saw very far into the milestone, and what his
sagacity saw, and his patriotism approved, his
courage executed. He deserves, not the re-
proach, but the plaudit and the gratitude Of
| the nation.
1t is thought that Judge Poland's Re-
port will have the effect of securing large
appropriation by Congress fol- tie City.
| CLINTON.