National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1874-04-11
grandes. sys.ems Of city Improvement. ever

grandest systems of city improvement ever
conceived. r
The whole city has been placed upon an even
And regular grade, the low places filled up ana
ESleEations cut down. some ninety miles Of streets
opened and paved: partly with the Nicholson
and partly by sphaltum, with wide Walks ana
avenues, public grounds and parks improved an9
ornamented with grass plots, snruooery I suu
fountains; It's sewerage and drainage pele ~.
and the health, beauty and comfort OF tne Guy
permanently secured. Washington is SAID, ny
those Who BY travel know, to contain Capitol
end other public buildings, the most oeaut1ul
and substantial in architecture, and the most
imposing, appropriate and convenient ID the
world, and its situation upon the Potomac,
with its surrounding scspery, e magnificent,
the first time, has become worthy Of being our
capital. II the Governor and those under him
have been lavish Of the city moneys and securi-
ties, they certainly have not misappropriated o
dollar IN the improvement Of the city, for all
works are Of che very first order in style and
construction, and must have cost an enormous
sum Of money honestly spent, but, whether any
Of the fund has been diverted is q question now
being Investigated, but the general opinion here
is that the affairs Of the Governor will bear the
closest scrutiny, and that he is honest as well
as able.
The climate Of this region, though healthful
and agreeable, is not so far different from ours
in Wisconsin as to be very apparent. 1t is not
so intensely cold in Yinter, but It is damp and
disagreesbie; and the month Of Msrch--this
year, at lesst-has been no better here than
with US, and April LIST passed through the pleas
ant changes of snow, sleet, and rain; but the
grass Is getting green and the trees are bud
ding.
Corresponding TO the material improvements
above named, q still greater and vastly more
important improvement in our capital city is
clearly observable to one who has known 1t In
the past, viz: in its social morality. There is
now no more, and think less, intemperance
here than In any city of its size In the country,
not only In the permanent citizenship, but In
those employed 10 official stations.
There Is now seen about the hotels and pub
lie places very little that is offensive to Chris
tisn gentleman, and gambling, drinking and
other social vices, seem to be tabooed by COM
mon consent, and for O wonder Washington is
quite as pure In morals and manners as other
places. ..-n
Many eminent and worthy families, Of cul-
ture and taste, from other cities and places,
have taken up their permanent residence here,
and Congressman and officers Of state generally
have there own families with them, and the
tone Of Washington society is now very elevated
and excellent. This was formerly most
dangerous place for young men in clerkships
and Tor inexperienced Congressmen, but It is
now quite otherwise, and It seems to be per-
yaded by an atmosphere Of good and reforming
influences and of moral health.
I thought to write all wished for in one
communication, but will not be able, and win
give you the rest in installments, If you please,
and in my next Will speak of Washington some
what in its political aspects. o.