National Republican., 1875-11-20
lr aRrAr1,rpnPrANc I.

THE GREAT IMPORTANCE
attach to It, and the knowledge have that
large number Of intelligent citizens as well as
strangers concur IN my views In relation to IT.
1t is not proposed by any means to actually ex-
tend and open these streets and avenues, any con-
siderable number of them, at once, but TO make
new survey and plat Of the District, covering at
least the northern and eastern portion OIL so as
70 extend the present lines o. streets ana
District. AS was stated in the communication
referred to, there are many urgent reasons for -
SPEEDY ACTION IN THE MATTER.
/. The present limits Of the city are speedily
filing up. The increase Of our population in the
last decade was over eighty per cent, and the
present annual increase, 1t is judged, cannot be
less. Population is already speading beyond the
being plated and occupied without any general
system or reeyenee to uniformity with the present
plan Of the city. Soon we shall be surrounded
with network OF miscellaneous streets and
squares which have been surveyed and plated
and named after the fancies Of individuals who
the highest possible price for as many square feet
Of ground as they can sell. In the next ten years
we shall have new city outside OF and north
and east OF the present boundaries. without
some restriction upon the present method Of lay
ing out new streets, the beauty Of the present
streets and avenues viii be sadly counter-oal-
aneed by the results Of the present suburban en-
terprise of interested persons. Some OF our main
avenues and streets must, in time, be extended as
the public convenience demands, and then, per-
hsps, at vast expense and great Inconvenience.
Let IL not be q common saying In the next genera
tion that the old city Of Washington is very beau
tful, ard It is TO be regretted that the past gen.
GRAFTON did not SEQ the Importance of extending
the original plan while 1t was practicable TO do
SO. Such new survey and plat would be notice to
all, and an acceptable guide to many persons
who wish to improve their property in harmony
with
THE PRESENT PLAN OF THE CITY.
2. Such extension would result in an imme-
diate demand Of property owners for the opening
and improving OF such streets as would give IN
creased facilities for cheap and direct cQmmuni-
cation between the city and the surrounding
country. We have at present throughout the
District o system of rambling expensive country
roads that cannot too soon be dispensed with In
this manner.
8. The yaIue of suburban property would be
much enhanced, and great portion OF IL, now
comparatively uDproductiye, would be available
as capital for business purposes, In the shape OF
lots and squares to sell or to raise money upon.
If this should prove true It would open new
source Of revenue for the support Of the District
government. II could not fail TO give new I'M
pulse to. the present healthy growth and general
Improvement 80 marked throughout the entire
District.
There are many other sound reasons which VIII
suggest themselves readily, such as cheap homes
and country air, and what We now feel greatly
the need Of, accessible by direct and well-im-
r-oved streets and avenues,