Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1884-06-04
The National Capital.


Our national capital has always been the sub
ject Of pretty free criticisms, mostly Of an
adverse character, and has contributed very
little to the pride with which Americans regard
their country and its institutions. While the
large cities Of the states have had their COM
mercial Importance, the local interest Of wealth
and enterprise to assist In identifying and
building them up, Washington has depended
almost exclusively upon the bounty ofthe genera
government and the caprices Of political
fortunes and favors. In the old days
before the war, when the doctrine Of state
rights prevailed more extensively, it was
particularly neglected. little aspirations Of 9
national pride anmating Congress to do more
than provide the necessary public buildings.
which for years In an unfinished state stared out
over an ill-kept and struggling village. At that
aime, IL the national capital was to be REGARDED
as an epltome of our culture and civilization 1t
did little credit to us al people, either in q
social or political aspect Within twenty wears
great change has been wrought in the out.
ward appearance Of the city. Thanks to the
generosity OF Congress, revolution has
marked It's character and rendered 1t more in
harmony with the dignity of the nation In its
architectural effects and the adOrnments of
Its thoroughfares and public grounds Money
may have been spent injudiciOusy in many cases.
but in the general result the feelings Of the cit-
zen are changed from those of humiliation at
the aspect of the city in ante-beum DAYS to those
of satisfaction in its present progressive state.
The course Of the government has inspired pri-
vate owners of PROPERTY, until now Washington
may vie with the capitals Of the world In many
OF those features that make lasting impression
for good upon the citizen and the stranger. and
are material as ev1ncing the culture, taste and
progress Of the people. When one compares the
city of to-day with that Of 20 years ago. though
1t is not now what it should be. he feels that a
great stride has been made in building I'D the
theirs of the republic. =
When our government was founded there were
many ideas of political and commercial deyelOp-
nent that time has not only failed to realize but
has changed in other directions. Among them
was the idea that Washington should be a rem
resentatve American capital, combining the no
lltical, intellectual and social culture Of the
Union. But farther than those qualities at
tach to the transient circles of population sur
rounding, and dependent upon the different ad-
ministrations, they have not existed in any very
eminent degree or for any permanent length
OF time. But there is, and we trust fast grow
Ing, another Washington than that which we
see On mere casual visits, at public receptions.
where politics dominate society, or read of in
the newspapers. Beyond the realm Of political
strife and partisan associations is purer sphere
OF intellectual and social life, which does not
intrude into the public gaze. but, nevertheless.
is exercising genial influence upon the per.
manent character of the city. The writers Of
books to sell, who represent, perhaps to the
life in some respects, the abnormal political
condition Of society, know little or will tell
little OF the better side. which shows that
all is not a crude civilization or seethipp
mass of politics with It's show. it's smartness, its
patriotism no deeper than party feeling or love
of Office. Washington is more likely than ever
to become the residence of persons OF wealth
and distinction ip the land, attracted by the en-
HANGED beauty of the place and its situation, the
cosmopolitan character of its population, the
opportunities for literary and political study
and observation and the associations higher
than sordid politics that cluster around the seat
OF government of great and intelligent peo-
pie. May we not hope that in the future its
name will not be synonym for the mere head
quarters of the political party in power, but as
the representative capital OF all that is highest
and noblest in our political, intellectual and
social existence as natfOn2