Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1881-12-10

GREAT IMPORTANCE OF THE WORK
In his late message TO Congress, the President
has made an important recommendation in regard
10 the Potomac flats, which we hope our legisla-
tors Will take into serious consideration and act
early In the present session. We publish to-day in
furtherance of the recommendations above re-
Ierred TO, letter written last February by Mr..
ono. w. Garrett, during his visit to Europe, and
20 our fht Mr. S0r
since 10 private gentleman, by whom it has been
handed to US and in view OF the good its publication
may accomplish we feel confident that neither Mr.
Garrett nor Mr. COrcoran will object tn our laying
IL before our readers The views suggested by Mr..
Garrett merit consideration OF members of Con-
gress, and OF every good citizen who feels an In
terest In the welfare Of the city:
mr.. n, co,oov ROME, February q; 1881. :,
We expect to go to Paris, and to stay few weeks
in England, and hope to see you at home in May
next.
was glad to note by a newspaper flor which. II
am indebted to you, thank you0 that Yourself
and other leading citizens of Washington had
called on President Hayes in regard to urging Con-
gress to make appropriations Tor the reclamation
or the low lands covered by the Potomac, and to
construct for that river clear, straight, unob-
! much regretted, when called with you at the
White House, a few days before I sailed, that we
conversing. as We designed, with him on this i'm
pOrtant subject have been for years deeply Inn
pressed pres with the exceeding great necessity for
tnlS invaluable Improvement, for the purpose of
securing the health and increasing the prosperity
and progress of our national capital have availed
OF many opportunities to urge the subject upon
the attention OF Representatives and Senators and
members OF the Cabinet. also had the pleasure
OF full conference with President Hayes In regard
Washington must be relieved of these malarious
sWampS, which are the origin of much cOnstitu-
tlOna debility, OF fever, and summer pestilence.
You and your cO-adjutors must ultimately succeed
In securing for Washington what London has so
advantageOuSly realized through its Thames en-
bankment and Paris by its embankment Of the
Seine.
Surely the city-the capital of our Republic
where those must reside for large portion of the
year who make and administer laws for the gov
eminent OF fifty millions OF people, at no remote
creasing always. should be free from all dangers
to health which can be avoided Our capital
home for our legislators and those entrusted with
the great functions OF the government aud it
should become, too, wholesome and attractive as
country.
As question of purely economic science, how
wise Will 1t be for the nation to do all that is prac-
ticaDle TO promote the health OF its Representa-
tives, as all know that, without the strength which
results from health, the brain falls to accom-
pllsh its best work. Therefore, In protecting and
preserving health-fntellectual power, capacity
and usefulness are enlarged, beyond doubt. Wnen
these submerged lands are reclaimed a sea-walI
of proper elevation erected, and an unobstr,ltnI
deep channel established, to carry safely with
out the risk of inundatlon, all the waters OF the
river, ana when the present reservoir OF miasma
and disease has been changed lat cost iDsignif1-
cant in view OF the benefits and great frjaa ion
'hde III pt dt once ana 1Or all t1rp), to
magnificent park, embracing the government
reservations, extending throughout to the border
OF the Potomac, and spreading from the Capitol to
the home OF our Presidents, our country will pos
sesS capital, healthful, splendid, with public
buildings, and surroundings for the people, not
only unexcelled. but unequalled by any in the
world The grounds, convenient and accessible
to all-the poor and the rich-beautiful, adorned
with fountains and groves of shade trees, and
with flowers, Will be benediction forever to ALL
Their pure air and charming landscape their nat
ural beauties heightened by works OF art, illus
trating our national history and progress, with
statues OF tllustriouS citizens and patriots, will
prove perennial fountain OF health, instruction
and happiness for all generations.
am happy that you, who have so long aided
the people OF Washington through your beneficence
and philanthropy, are now assisting in securing
Tor that community the greatest blessing they can
possibly receive. trust you viii live TO see the
accomplishment Of this grand improvement. /
am sure you viii add, by your energetic services
10 aiding to secure this great object, further title
20 the grateful regard of your fellowcitizens and
fellOw-cOuntrymen.
Mrs Garrett and my daughter join me In kindest
reIneinDranceS to Miss EUstis, yourself and your
grandchildren.
am, dear sir, with best wishes, faithfully yours
GaR