Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1886-10-29


be spared, and Introduces some points that are
not pertinent to the case so far as its discus
zion in the columns Of THE STAR il concerned,
yet on the principle of fair play, which 1t al
ways aims to observe, room Is given to-day to
the communication of &c. t." warmly favor
ing the extension OF Massachusetts avenue.
The position of The STAR on this subject aud
upon the general question involved in it Is
easily stated and easily understood. This Jour-
nal In, as its readers we'll know, always and
strongly in favor Of any measure which will
tend, directly or remotely. to the improvement
and prosperity of Washington. and it stands
ready To advocate any movement in that direc-
ton when IL can be forwarded without sacrific.
ing other interests that for the time being seem
to be more important, or interfering with other
work of greater necessity. It does not seem to
THE STAR that there Is any pressing need for
the extension OF Massachusetts avenue at the
present time, although 1t does not fail To see
that in many respects the proposed improve
ment would be an important and desirable one.
The argument OF "G. T." that it can be doue
cheaper now than at any time In the future Is
worth nothing. The same reasoning can be ap-
piled, and with much greater force, to many
other projects that have been and will be
brought forward for the improvement OF the
city in other directions, and in other ways.
Neither Is his reference to the OF paving the
avenues and streets within the city limits APP
Pile, BILE to the case under discussion. That
work was for the improvement of thoroughfares
already laid out and long dedicated To public
use, and the proper paving Of them was ALSO
lutely necessary for the benefit, convenience
and comfort of the whole community having
occasion to 20 from one part Of the city to
another. The Massachusetts avenue extension
cannot by any charity of construction or license
In reasoning be regarded on any such foot
ing
Whether, under existing laws, the District
Commissioners have the power to carry on the
work al proposed at the present time, The
STAR II not su fflciently ad wise d. That Is for
them TO ascertain. But their duty does not
end at that point They are equally bound by
their obligations to the community whose in
terests are committed To their care, to carefully
inquire and cautiously determine whether, all
things considered, it is wise and just exercise
such authority, even il il shall be found to exist
The mere TACT that money may be found avail
able Tor the purpose does not demand or Justify
its expenditure II a real necessity therefor can
not be clearly established. The condition of the
District treasury and the financial ability of the
majority of our citizens are not such just now
as TO warrant large OUTLAWS tor a work that
serves no other immediate purpose than to
create q splendid drive way for carriages and
bring fine building sites that are now compare
lively inaccessible, into market at largely en-
HANGED values.
AS to the cost Of public Improvements of this
character: 1t Is not likely that any method will
ever be found, as none has yet been devised
whereby the expense OF making them can be
apportfoned to the satisfaction of everybody
The STAR Is, however. clearly and firmly of the
opinion that il the owner of a piece Of prop
erty may recover such an amount as q Jury
may say he h entitled to fo- any damage done
10 IL by any public improvement, he should
also be made to pay toward the cost of such
improvement such sum as a jury may decide to
be fair and reasonable, in view OF benefits con-
ferred or values enhanced in consequence
Anything less than this Is unfair and unjust to
tax-paying citizens, no matter what the law
may be, and no matter whether the party
affected be . syndicate an individual a mil
fonaire or . pauper. 1t may be remarked
furthermore, that If the laws al present in force
in the District do not provide for the assess
ment and collection of benefits as well "a the
assessment and payment OF damages in sucl
cases, the authorities can much better serve tile
community by securing the passage Of a statute
containing these equitable provisions than in
hastily pushing forward expensive works that
are not required BY public needs, AID which
are opposed by a large majority oi fair-minded
citizens solely on that account