Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1877-11-27

gfess to prepare.a government for the Dis.
trtct, In their bill for that purpose, which,
mifted to the consideration of Congress.
We again call the attention of Congress TO
the principle involved. That principle is the
duty OF me United States to pay lis just pro-
portion OF The District expenses, as we'll be-
cause OF It's interest as a property holder in
The District, as OF the extraordinary and ex-
cep,ional expenses incident to the mainte-
nance OF the District government in its sew
eral departments, inclusive of its heavy
debt, incurred in the Improvement of its
avenues, streets, &C., all resulting, in large
tai of the Nation. Until fair adjustment of
the proportial contribution by the United
states TO the support OF the District be de
termined, the means of the District tn main
tain and make the improvements necessary
to meet its wants, as the National Capital.
Will be, as now, inadequate, and the ability
functions satisfactorily, will be seriously inn
paired. When to these considerations there
is added the injustice to the property hold
eIs IN re , tnem 70 pay, OF these expen-
general and special, the proportion exacted
from them, the justice Of the United States
mskang eariy PROVISION for the permanent
clear for argument. We hope that Congress
will, during its present session. provide ALI
the necessary legislation in the premises.
In our last annual report, we called the at
tentfon of Congress to certain legislation
which we deemed important 10 the District
ana again invite Its consideration TO some
Of the matters not acted upon, referring to
our last report for further statements re-
specttng them.
First. The abolishing of the Board of Sink
ing r urd commissioners, and the transfer
OF their duties to proper officers OF the Treas
ury Department.
Second. The revision and amendment of
Inc municipal ordinances ofthe District, con-
slstlng OF the ordinances of the cities of
Washington and Georgetown and the Levy
Court OF the county of Washington.
Third. The prohibiting of any subdivision
OF real estate on which due lakes are unpaid,
or the entry of such subdivision in the public
records of the office of the Surveyor mill
such taxes are paid.
Fourth. The comforting of proper authori-
ty upon the Commissioners. or their sue
cessOTs in office, aud the making of suitable
appropriations by Congress, in aid of the
District resources, TO enable the Commits
sfonerS TO purchase sites and erect suitable
buildings for the uses of the police and ire
owned by the District held for such uses, but
not suitable for them, such as the Central
Guard.hCuSe and lot on Louisiana avenue
and the station house corner of X aud Ninth
streets, and all other real estate owned by
the District not needed for government pur-
poses.
Fifth. The making of a new census i'm the
District, especially in Washington. for the
public interests generally, and especially
those connected with the public schools The
last census of the District was taken in 1870
In closing this Report, we but discharge
our duty In commenting the interests of the
District to the careful ard kind treatment Of
Congress.
Very respectfully,
w. DENNISoN,
=. Il. PHELPS.
THOS. Ii. BRYAN,