Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1885-01-17
The Roadway Must be Kept Clear.

To the Editor of The EVENING STAR:
The question of keeping the roadway of Penn
sylvania avenue clear of pedestrians as well as
Of vehicles, on Inauguration day, after the pro-
cessiOn sta2 haze started towards and from the
Capitol, as well as how best TO accomplish this.
should claim the attention OF the committee on
public order beyond slmost any other that may
come before it. for the reason, principally, that
the entire effect of the parade will be spoiled if
the street is allowed possession of the multi
tude as on the day OF the Inauguration of the
lamented Garfield. Moreover, it is asserted
that the police force augmented as at present
asked Of Congress will not suffice to keep the
street clear; that 5000 men OF determination
would be required for the purpose. and that
even then wire fence on both sides the street
would be necessary. Besides, the regular police
must. in part at least, protect the outer and
inner portions of the city. Granted that these
requirements are correctly estimated. the ex-
pense for the necessary force would be nothing
when compared with the result. The parade is
the great feature OF the day after all and the
many thousands coming to Washington will do
SO simply TO witness the display NOT to hear
the inaugural address. since but small part of
the population Of that date can get within half
mile OF the sound of Mr.. Cleveland's voice
Better Tar would be a clear street giving all
chance to see the inaugural pageant. than balls
banquets, &c, in which but comparatively few
which only the more hardy can stand the chill
night air
When the convenience ofall is the convenience
OF each, and rice UeTsd. there should be no OBJ
lection TO the employment of the most practical
Die method TO secure ''consummatiOn deyoutly
TO be wished" In this instance the keeping
the roadway clear on Inauguration day land the
same on February 2lst.) As suggestion. this
might possibly be effected by stationiug bat
TALON OF regulars or uitia,-(nfantry)-
- q at arra of-af
distance between each two men. These guards
can fall ia az the rear of the column as each
picket or guard section is passed; and while by
this method the sidewalk lockers on would
each and all have full view of the procession
the feature in itself would be one OF the most
interesting of the display.
IL Is also suggested that the procession en-
ploy the south side Of the avenue going to the
Capitol and the north side coming back. the peo-
PIE being allowed the space between the houses
and car tracks on tile opposite side of the
parade. The picket line or guards as also the
people, could sh from one side the avenue TO
the other after the procession has passed down
The STAR. which reaches so many thousand
readers outside, as well as in WASHINGTON has
for several years lifted its powerful voice against
the prostitution Of tie roadway OF the avenue
TO the uses Of the pr0cession-tramp but I'M
happily thus far. has heard only the echo
thereof, since the occasion of It's last remarks on
the subject was made. unpeasantly memorable
D. even greater street, rush than previously
Too much praise cannot be awarded your Jour
ma, however, for the interest il has mani
Tested IN this matter, since IL has Inspired con-
certed demand among the law-abidiug citizens
OF asnington FOR clear streets on occasion of
display by troops OF other marching bodies.
Yrs, OLD SUgsCRIsER