Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1878-04-12
BEAUrIFYIEG TIE CITY.

------
The Proposition Taking Definite Form---
Citixens' Committee Appointed.
The influential citizens who have lately
interested Themselves in the endeavor to de-
wise means whereby the city of st. Paul may
be beautidsd, and em5.llished, met last
evening according to notice, at the chamber
of commerce.
But little had been done at the previous
meeting, the attendance being of the
smallest, and the Rev. DR.. Dana late of
Norwich, Connecticut, from whom the sup
porters of the movement expected some
valuable suggestions, being unable to be
present.
Mr.. w. NJ. Rogers having been called to
the chair, the meeting proceeded to grapple
with the business before them.
There were present Mr.. w. D. Rogers, DIR.
B. O. Sweeny. Mr.. McC lellan, DIR. Schifman,
Rev. DR.. Dana, Gen. r. w. Johnson, Sher-
if Becht, Col. Hewitt, Col. Griggs, Major
Bond, Mr.. DeGraw, Mr.. T. n. Metcalf, and
Mr.. 81. Trott
After few remarks from General John
son, Rev. DR.. Dana was called upon to offer
some suggestions as to the manner of setting
to work in the business on hand. The rev.
erend doctor spoke at length as to his ex-
perience in his native town of Norwich and
other towns in Connecticut, with regard to
public improvements. He said the principal
point attended, to was the identifying and
adding to the natural beauties OF wild, un-
improved places, and particularly, by bring
ing the matter prominently before the
public to elevate the popular
taste, and thus. induce individuals
70 hNfh o,,I &0 bo;,
endeavors to improve their own property
and household surroundings.
In answer to question by Gen. Johnson,
the speaker stated that the necessary funds
should be raised by the voluntary subscrip-
| tons of citizens, and said it was surprising
how organizations of this kind developed
the latent taste and public spirit of place,
and little care and attention will make an
immense. difference in the appearance of the
openings of streets, vacant spaces, &c.
Such improvements render town more
attractive to strangers, and in many ways
assists its prosperity, and very small out
lay, judiciously expended, would amply re-
pay itself in very short time.
A question was mooted as to whether
Migrants could be employed on the projected
works, but Col. Griggs was of opinion that
this could not be done without State Law
| to the effect. He was in favor of the APP
pointment of a committee, and was OF
opinion that the public would cheerfully as.
sist with funds.
Col. Hewitt spoke at some length ON the
many advantages of arousin 6 general atten.
ton to the question of adding to the physi-
cal beauties and attractions Of the city, and
mentioned several eye-sores, which he
thought little care would remedy
He thought there should &C
out from this meeting such az
expression on these subjects as will open the
eyes of the outside public to the benefits
arising from identifying their dwelling
houses, which can really be done in most in:
stances with very little expense and trouble
Finally, on the motion of Col. Griggs, the
following gentlemen were constituted com
mittee of nine to investigate ways and means
and report thereon at the next meeting
Mr.. j. w. McClung, (chairman,) Rev. D
Dunn, Col. Hewitt, Drs. Sweeny and Shift
man, Major Becht, Mr.. j. P. Pond, Mr.. L
M. Metcalf, and Col. D. A. Robertson. :
After the appointment of the above com
mittee the meeting adjourned till next Thurs
| day at 1880 o'clock P. NJ.