Evening star., 1886-11-27
THE REAL ESTATE MARKET.
The Agitation OF the Street Extension
Question Before Congress.
NEW STREET CAR ILNEs-THE GROWTH OF THE
CITY AS SHOWN BY THE BUILDING STATS
TICS-NEw BUILDINGS ERECTED, &C.


NEW STREET CAR IINEs-THE GROWTH OF THE
CITY AS SHOWN BY THE BUILDING STATS
TIcs-NEw BUILDINGS ERECTED, &C.
There is a good deal of discussion in real es-
tate circles just now to the probable policy
of Congress in regard to the extension of the
streets and avenues of the city. The action OF
The commissioners In the preliminary steps
already taken for the opening of Massachusetts
avenue and 18th street seems To be regarded as
the beginning of system which will result in
| introducing to the surrounding country the
streets OF the city and their regular continue
tion. There is, however. considerable oppOsi-
tion to what the Commissioners already have
done. and no doubt an effort will be made to
have an Investigation by Congress of the pres
ent administration of District affairs. There
are also those who are in favor OF the extension
OF the streets, but think that the judgment dis
played in selecting these peculiar streets was
District: This latter class will also
join the opposition If an opportunity
the Commissioners being called upon to defend
their policy before "A committee of Congress. The
fear is expressed that in the event of a congress
sl0nal hearing and the usual diverse expression
OF views which is customary te elicit from the
citizens of the District relative the needs of the
District that the mem bers of Congress will avail
themselves OF the opportunities OF the occasion
and reach the conclusion that, 1t Is impOsSi-
bic to determine what the citizens want, that
legislation. Ii is proposed by some that an
effort be made to obtain from as many of the
leading and prominent citizens of the District
as possible their opinion as TO the extension of
the avenues and streets and submit a petition
which will be presented by a committee in per-
son. There will be no effort made to have
public meeting, but everything in this line will
be done privately. OF course 1t is expected that
any suggestion that may be presented to Con-
thought that the mmittee of Congress can de-
termine what weight TO attach to the various
representations of The needs OF the District.
Some are inclined to think that it would be
better to open the streets gradually, which
would obviate the necessity OF asking for such
large sum OF money as would be necessary In
order to make the Subdivisions already partly
Improved conform with the plan of the city.
They say that it will cost more to extend the
streets through LIE DrOit park and Meridian
Hill, for instance, than through the large ex-
tent of country to the east and west, because
owners and contains improvements. 1t is
argued, however, that the longer the delay the
greater will be the expense, and that it is inn
portant 10 begin at once.
NEW STREET CAR LINES.
The policy Of having more street railroads in
the city will also be revived during this session
of Congress and the friends Of the cable road in
tend to urge upon Congress the granting of the
privileges, which the company sought TO obtain
at the last session. The shortness OF the session.
however, is not regarded as favorable for Di s.
trict legislation OF any kind. 1t Is stated that
Congress will be asked TO grant a charter for q
western boundary OF the city along and T
streets-a track TO be placed on each street. 1t
Is claimed that there is great need for a cross
town line In this locality and that there will
be little opposition offered, as the streets
are only partially paved aud the people want
SucE a road.
THE NEW OWNERS OF KALORAMA HEIGHTS.
The Philadelphia gentlemen who bought
Kalorama Heights will probably not begin any
of their contemplated improvements until next
spring. The title is now being examined and
as soon as that work is concluded the money
will be paid over, as 1t was q cash sale. There
are eight gentlemen forming this syndicate, all
Wnom are said to be men Of means and we'll
known business men of Philadelphia. Mr..
Buliett, who represented the Others In the sale,
Is a banker: MIR. Tyler. another member, is the
preSiden; OF the Fourth Street National bank
and the receiver OF the Shenandoah VAL
ley railroad. One OF these gentlemen, in
conversation few days ago with citizen of
the District, said that the purchasers were all
well satisfied with their bargain and that no
shares in their property were for sale. The pro-
eeedlngs for a PARTITION OF the property among
the heirs, which were begun recently before the
auditor of the District court nave not as yet
resulted in any decision. Alter the title Is
looked up and the partition is made some
Bomford heirs to get possession Of the acre of
land which surrounds the old family vault. 1t
Is expected that the subdivision OF the property
and the opening up OF the streets viii not,
therefore, be begun before next spring.
THE GROWTH OF THE CITY.
No separate record was kept Of the building
permits issued each year until the present form
OF government was established, and therefore
nothing of this character can be shown except
In general way tor the years prior to 1874.
During the period of the board of public works,
when there were q large number OF new build.
tngs erected, the Information may be found
here and there in the reports. but no separate
record Is In existence. The following table
gives the information as to the growth of the
city from the year ending June Goth, 1875, to