National Republican., 1875-07-26

given below regarding II. The suspension Oh tne
work upon the vast comprehensive system Of
improvements" inAugurated by the Board Of
Public Works was the result Of the efforts Of the
enemies ofproGress, many OF whom will be included
among those to be sstOnished by the Information
ferred to, as they have, no doubt confidently be-
lieved that the District Commissioners would not
dare to begin where the Board of Public Works LETT
off, and complete the contracts which were under
progress when Congress abolished the board. It
is, nevertheless, true that the Commissioners
have done all this, and more. 1t should be re-
membered, however, that the act Of Congress re-
tirfng the outstanding Indebtedness upon bonds
bearing the acknowledgement Of the National
Government left the way open for the compile
tion Of all necessary work, and in most cases the
WORK now being done is upon old contracts, re-
newed and made to embrace such additional
items as may hinge or dovetan upon the original
work, SO as TO render the original plan complete.
THE EASTERN SECTION OF THE CITY,
embracing the vast tract lying east Of the Capitol
building, was the locality most prominently neg
Iected and overlooked BY the Board Of Public
Works so far as the practical completion OF any
OF the plans for its Improvement was concerned.
To this locality the first and most extensive works
authorized by the Commissioners were therefore
directed. The Typographical beauty and import
ance Of this section Of the city for luxurious aud
retired resdencesis being more forcibly developed
and proven each day. Already the section more
adjacent to the Capitol, which was improved by
the Board Of Public Works, rivals in the elegance
CT its buildings that of the most aristocratic
squares in the "West End" This portion of the me-
tropolis, as is known, was intended by the found
ers of our city to have been the heart and
centre Of the nations capital, but the convenience
to which Americans make every interest bend
of a greater proximity to the old town on our
western extreme with its Wharfage facilities, SC,
threw the tide Of population TO the west Of the site
Of the Capitol, and these high grounds OF ad-
yantageOus living on our eastern border remained
unoccupIed, and are only now beginning to induce
population and invite capital. This section Of the
city is divided north and south by Pennsylvania
avenue along which the Washington and George
town railroad runs Several squares north of this
is East Capitol street, one Of the most magnificent
IN the District; along this the Metro
poli8n street rum and still north OF this, at
H street, is the track Of the Columbia Railroad
Company. Thus, in convenient proximity one TO
the other, the eastern section Of the city is inter-
sected by three street railroads. which conformity
connect il with any and every portion Of our busi
ness centres. Its numbered streets, beginning at
the Capitol building, run north and south to its
extreme eastern boundary and its lettered streets
begin on either side Of Pennsylvania avenue and
run and west those south Of the Avenue to the
river being known as A, B, G, &c, streets south,
and those north Of said avenue being designated
as A, B, Z, &c, streets north.
THE IMPROVEMENTS
now being prosecuted by the Commissioners in
this section Of the city are very general and take
in most all its streets, emitting only the more
mote, where there are no residents demanding
their conveniences.
New Jersey avenue, the first street running
southward east Of the Capitol building, is now
being improved in its entire stretch 10 the river.
This fine avenue was improved in but two squares
Dy the Board OF Public Works, and the responsive
echo Of private enterprise upon these squares was
almost immediate, and they now present a rine
and inviting appearance. The work upon it is
being pushed, and the grading has nearly beea
completed, which may be considered the heaviest
part the job. 1t will be supplied with sidewalks,
carriageway, sewerage, gas and water, and on
the completion Of the new street railroad will be
easy Of access in its most remote portions.
First street east, south OF Pennsylvsdia ave-
nue., is also beng cut through from B street
southeast to its termination, the grading between
u and streets and near its intersection with
New Jersey avenue is very extensive, requiring
at these points from twelve to fifteen feet cut.
The squares more adjacent to the street cars have
already been built up, and private improvement,
are following the level made By the picks and
shovels Of the contractors.
Third street southeast has already been re-
duced to a uniform grade, provided vita side
walks, street lamps, &c, and though no carriage
way has yet been laid, the grading has been done
and the street is psssable for vehicles in its en-
tire length.
Fourth street southeast has been completed
with q substantial carriageway Of granite blocks,
sidewalks Of brick, sewerage to the river, street
lamps, &c, and Is occupied by residences
throughout, and is one Of the most frequented aud
desirable streets east Of the Capitol.
The lettered streets which intersect those al
ready mentioned at right angles south of the
Avenue, viz, b, d and E, are also being reduced
to uniform grades and supplied with all improve
ments The grading has mostly been completed
and the force Of workuen are busily engaged
upon the sidewalks, which will be completed prior
TO the approach Of the rainy season. These I'm
prOTeLeUts centre around one OF the most inviting
parts of the city, Just in proximity to Providence
hospital, St. Peters church and Lincoln school
house. Capital is already responding with its
contributions, and private residences are being
built, remodcled and renovated, to be in Keepiug
with the future Of the locality.
Sixth street east, from A street southwark TO
the river, is being provided with pavement and
sewerage. large force is vigorously employed,
and a modern carriag geway will be laid as carly
as possible.
NCrth Carolina avenue, from New Jersey ave-
nue eastTardly, is also being graded, paved, &c,
TO ecnloTn to the interlaeing streets already de-
seTibed.
N street southeast, the line of the proposed new
street railroad which is to connect Uniontown
with the centre Of the city, is being graded from
Third to Tenth street southeast, and will be 9TH
erWise put in readiness for the coming railroad
track which VIII be belt line Of the entire south
srh Section Of the city, whose inhabitants are now
.n..TT-.
transportation" the importance Of which has
lately become great national question. These
improvements, with street-car facilities, will do
much to redeem this long -forsaken portion Of ex-
treme South Washington from obscurity, and 1T
It for Immediate occupation by the lab0ring classes
who are daily being forced out of growing Sec
tions by the increasing values of property, de-
manding rentals beyond their ability to pay.
IMPROVEMENTS IN NORTHEAST WASHINGTON
While these extensive changes are beingimade
on the south side Of Pennsylvanis avenue, the
section more Immediately overlooking the beauti-
full Potomac which washes its southern boundary,
the work is being pushed even more extensively
and vigorously in the northeastern section, which
extends from Pennsylvania a'enue northward to
the line WHARF the skirting Of hilIsdes and beau
tifu groves of oaks remind the spectator that the
city limits passed and he Is In the native fields
commonly called the country.
East Second street northwsrd, from street. is
being graded and supplied with sidewalks, sew
erage, sc. and terraced parking which Will rem
der it inviting when finished.
Third street east has been reduced to grade and
supplied with sidewalks, good cobbIstone car
riageWsy has also been laid, and the street ap-
pears neat and uniform, and is already well built
up.
Fourth and Fifth streets northeast have been
graded in their entire length and furnished with
pavements, and the enbsnkments have been con.
Verted into o terraced parking, the work of i'm
proving which cannot be completed until fall
Eighth street northeast Is being supplied with
sewerage from street northeast southward.
Eleventh street northeast has been graded and
supplied with sidewalks, and work is in progress
upon the earriageway, which is nearing compile
tion. This street, though remote, is beng rapidly
built upon, and Will largely repay for the i'm
proyements, as II forms one Of the routes of the
proposed street railway. The lettered streets,
beginning with B street nertheast and intending
street, are All under Improvements from First
street eastwardIy to their termini. Sidewalks
are in progress upon most Of them, but the car.
riageWays, which will generally be macadam,
have not yet been begun. These streets are be.
ing rapidly supplied with private residences Of
neat and uniform style, and they offer special
Inducements to persons Of limited capital to se.
cure home.
MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE NORTHEAST.
being continuance Of the grand boulevard which