Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1882-05-20

From the Brooklyn Eagle.
After spending several days in Washington
| in communication with the head of the parking
commission, looking into the reports of the
District for Information In relation to the ex-
penditnres from year to year, on account OF the
department, becoming better informed by per-
sonal examination as to what has been ae-
cOmplished in the direction of health. comfort
| and beauty by tree planting and the creation of
small parks, / am more than ever convinced of
the Importance of this matter in connection
with the future of Brooklyn.
Let me be understood in the outset as not en-
pertaining for one moment the idea of entering
into competition with Washington or any other
city. only hope that in time we may be able to
compare favOrably with many might mention
We are not at present in the condition, fnan-
cially, to warrant other than preparatory steps
toward future development. But now ia the
| time to plan the campaign. to organize, to find
! the best men willing to devote their time and
services as members of such q commission to
| frame and SECURE the passage of laws by which
to clothe them with authority to carry on their
work, to educate public appreciation and sup
port by the planting of one avenue or street at
least, II unable to do more the first year. It is
specially important that steps should be taken
at this time, in view of the completion of the
bridge and such changes as may result from an
addition to our population, the opening of new
streets and avenues.
Washington has been styled the Getty of mag
nificent distances" 1t has no rival TODAY in
this country, and is said by foreigners to be un-
surpassed in many respects by the leading cities
avenues is double that of Paris. Berlin. Boston.
Philadelphia. and almost the same In respect to
vienna and New York. You can drive for miles
over asphalt pavements, kept in perfect order
around you succession Of beautiful and costly
residences in every style of architecture Trees
dSi6 for
In front Of the houses, bright flowers in the
windows, small parks at intersections of the
streets. circles surrounded by marble or gran
lite, filled with grass and Towering shrubs.
In the center statue of some distinguished
statesman or general. On to the Soldiers
Home, a charming spot. with miles Of winding
roads, fine buildings occupied by those worn out
or disabled in the service of their country: its
beautiful graveyard, the silent resting place of
thousands who have fought their last battle
From the summit of the hill magnificent view
OF the capital and its beautiful buildings. the
Potomac winding away as far as the eye can
REACH on its banks many spots of historic in
terest. Can such drive be had in BROOKLYN or
New York, such comfort in riding and at the
same time so much to please? l am sure that
after such an experience any one who passes
through Fifth avenue to the park, gazing upon
row after row of brown stone mansions, solid
exhibitions of wealth, will wish in his heart that
twenty years ago the street had been lined from
Madison square up with elms, to break the mo-
nOtOny, if not to afford shelter from the SUM-
1t must be remembered that the present con-
dtlOn OF the city is not the result of gradual i'm
prOvement extending through series of years
1t is largely due to the force of character and
brilliant conceptions of one man. who like Ba-
ron Haussman, could stride on despite all OPP
position to the attainment of the grand end in
view. When we recall the fact that scarcely
more than ten years ago many Of these peauti-
ful avenues were little better than barren wastes
it seems like magic A large sum OF money was
expended. and it is claimed there was corrup-
ton in the disbursement, but we can point to
similar instances nearer home, only that in
such cases there IS little to show for the outlay.
They have splendid streets, good sewerage.
abundant supply of water, spacious markets.
and what interests us most at this time, thor
ough system in respect to tree planting and
creation of small parks, one of the most attrac-
tive features of the city. The work in this d.
recttOn has kept pace with the advance of i'm
provement under the direction Of the Parking
Commission, Of which William R. Smith, esq, is
from the master spirit of the board of improve
ment. After listening to the recital of COM
plants made by the penny wise and pound
FOOLISH" Shepherds only reply was, ''Smith,
drive things" man SO enthusiastic in this
matter that it is no uncommon thing for him to
start OF before breakfast and go long distance
to inspect tree that has been reported as need
ing attention. He and his associates serve
without compensation. Under their direction
upward Of 81 COO trees have been set out In the
streets and avenues. The trees have been raised
In reserve garden provided by the city govern
ment, enabling the commission to have supply
on hand which can "be moved and set in place
in few hours without loss Of vitality by expo
sure OF roots or from the casualties resulting
from heightened transportation" (Have we no
place available for like purposes in Prospect
park p They are planted twenty five feet apart
affording over 100 miles of shade, in the pleas
ure and blessings Of which poor and rich share
alike. Two dollars and fifty cents covers the
cost OF tree, expense Of digging the hole plant
ing and boxing. space three feet by six or
more is left clear OF brick or other stone. Each
street Is planted with the same variety of tree
SO as to secure NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. being given
to surrounding conditiOns-as for instance in
damp locations preference being given to the
carolina poplar. which in the absorption Of
miasmatic exhalations bears a strong resem-
blance to the eucalyptus, which cannot be grown
so far north.
In early days so little attention was given to
matters OF public improvement that the streets
were mud holes, swamps abounded members of
Congress and others sickened from malaria and
washington was good place to get away from.
In 1882 "a it was no doubt thought extravagant
to expend in each Of those years 81 900 in plant
ing trees on Pennsylvania avenue and improving
Presidents square. 1t was not till 1871 that the
great change was fnaugurated. Owing to the
manner In which the accounts were kept for two
or three years following, have been unable TO
obtain the amount expended for tree-planting.
In 1874 the sum appropriated to the park COM
mission was $1,000; 1855, $50, 1S1. IL; 1876 to
IT. s2S,S $50; 1877 to '78 IS, 03S.49; 1878 to 70,
So, $500; 1879 to 80, $14 729 SO; 1880 to 81,
$15.280, and to June so. 1882. $4,000.
The increase is largely due to cost Of labor,
new boxes and other expenses incidental to the
care Of the number Of trees already set out, as
well az those added each year as called for by
the extension of streets and avenues. super
intendent Is employed at salary of 81 500 with
deputy at S700. Now. to what extent is the
city benefited? Thousands of people from all
parts OF the Union and abroad are to be seen in
Its streets, some to remain during the session Of
Congress, others on short trips of pleasure;
hotels and private boarding houses are con-
stantly crowded; an immense amount of money
in the aggregate expended by strangers. The
permanent population has made rapid increase
since 1870, and is now upward of 10000. SEN
atOrs and Representatives have built splendid
houses for their own use or to rent The in
come has increased, the bonded debt reduced.
In respect to general health the percentage
of deaths is no doubt less than in many
cities less stringent in respect to mortality
records Having inquired Of Theodore Mead,
Md. medical sanitary inspector, a gentleman
who has devoted much time aud thought to the