National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1881-03-26
Some Observations on Washington.


Some Observations on Washington.
Washington is not commercial or
manufacturing city. It's progress does
not solely depend upon the business ele-
ments that are necessary for the pros
perity of other cities. This being the
Capital of the Nation, here is centred the
vast machinery of the United States Gov
ernment, wherewith the national affairs
of over fifty millions of people are con-
Quoted. This requires the residence here
of thousands of Government officials and
employees. The expenditures here to
carry on the vast Government business
amount to a large sum. A general compu-
tation of this matter estimates that some
thing over 81, 100000 is expended here
monthly (about $20,000,0OO per year,,
which amount is disbursed throughout
the community, and forms an important
element of the business basis of Wash
ington's prosperity. This continues
through dull as well as good times and
therefore local business interests here are
not subject to the total stagnation which
afflicts other cities.
The Government disbursements that
monthly permeate throughout the COM
munity are a permanent flow of leaven,
which promotes the prosperity of the en-
tire District of Columbia. The destiny of
Washington is fixed. It's progress, de-
Velopment, and prosperity is insured by
the whole country. As the United States
increases in population, wealth, and
power, SO will its National Capital enlarge
with its Nations growth. Other cities
have rivals in their commerce and manu-
factures; Washingtonisa alonethe Nations
Capital. While other cities have certain
limited districts of country tributary to
their prosperity, the whole country, in
the matter Of Government business
(which is yearly increasingly, contributes
to the advancement of Washington.. The
officers of the army and navy, appointed
for life, are rapidly securing permanent
homes for their families in Washington.
The recent regeneration of the condition
Of the National Capital from its former
Eth and responsiveness TO the present
grand appearance is attracting to our
midst persons Of wealth and culture from
all sections Of the country, and foreign
governments are making permanent in
vestments here in official residences for
heir Ambassadors. Every immigrant
who lands on oTr shores, every acre of
land located, every vessel sailing to our
ports, every homestead occupied, every
manufactory established, every mine
opened-in short, every increase of the
industrial interests of the country en-
larges the Government business at Wash
ington.
There never was better time to make
judicious investments Real estate is the
true basis Of all money wealth in the
world, and the safest and most enduring
fortunes result from investment therein.
Sometimes it is not so rapid in its results
as stocks, bonds, &c, but experience in
chattel securities throughout the country
is having the effect to again call atten-
ton to substantial real-estate invest
1nents, and no American city presents
such superior inducements in that regard
as Washington, especially since the
United States has taken absolute charge
Of its government affairs, and thus guar
antaes its stability and prosperity.
The United States is responsible for its
future control and management; this
puts its prosperity beyond all doubt, AID
assures and guarantees its progress and
deS=eionment nv the whole mower af the
entiR Nation, and thus secures progress