Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1886-04-17
SOUTH WASHINGTON'S FUTURE
The Growth OF the SOuthwest-A Talk
with Mr.. A. f. Barker

WAeM nAEs <As 1s 00EA&Hs
II have built about seventy-five houses In
this part of the city," said Mr.. A. F. Barker as
he sat in his home in South Washington talk
ing with a STAR reporter.
"You must have great faith in South Wash
ington?" suggested THE STAR reporter.
IL have" said Mr.. Barker. 'Durfng the past
six or seven years have built about $3.50, 900
worth of houses, including those am now en-
gagged in building. These houses have, be-
lieve, enhanced in value during that time over
100000. Ground that was worth only so
cents a foot when commenced building six or
seven wen years ago is worth now sI25 and $3.50
whom have come down from the northwest to
building. The Gunton estate has built many
houses here, and others have been building
also. You see," continued Mr.: Barker, spread
building operations have been confined to
the ridge on the north side OF the rail-
Of sse sna 18th
locality. It is sugar-Ioaf shaped hill, about
centering gradually from all directions to q
graceful culminus at 10th street and Maryland
avenue where it commands a range Of attrac-
cut of. An attractive feature OF this portion
OF Washington is its healthfulness. Strangely
q most erroneous prejudice exists against South
Washington in this respect. Still the records
and maps of the health department show the
southwest to be more healthy than any other
Washington is swampy or low. The southwest
Is not without its architectural or scenic land
marks. The Washington monument is seventy
1eet 10 the left OF the boundary line that sepa-
rates the southwest from the northwest. The
most beautiful half OF the parks stretching
from the Capitol to the river, the congressional
the National Museum, the new Medical
Museum Muse, the Agricultural department and
"There is no doubt" said Mr.. Barker. 'that
the railroad has kept back great many from
this part of the city. It does not affect us much
In this portion between Virginia avenue and
the Smithsonian grounds. l am building now
nearer the railroad than ever did before The
houses l refer to front on reservation 1O1,
through which the railroad passes. have
never sold house to q person who does not
believe that the railroad will be removed some
DAY. II the railroad is removed this will, with
out doubt, become one of the prettiest spots
In Washington. 1t has many natural advant-
ages, besides being near the center OF the city.
''Th1s reservation 1Ol," observed Mr. Barker
referring to the map, corresponds exactly with
Mount Vernon square in the north. You see It
lies between the same streets, 9TH and 9th, and
size as Mount Vernon square, and is naturally
as we'll located. Still it has been neglected,
ana does not present very attractive appear
ance. Col. wilson, the commissioner of public
buildings and grounds, has surveyed it, and
will ask in his next annual report tor an appro-
pr1atfon to beautify 1t. When the Potomac i'm
provements is completed, with its drives, lakes
gardens and fountains-the fowery dream
which the near future is sure to realize
road tracks from Maryland and Virginia
avenues, Will be more urgent than ever.
Maryland avenue, which passes through this
nication between the Capitol and this riverside
park. Indeed there seems to be no other direct
approach to the park. With the avenue rid of
the railroad and concerted it is easy to imagine
what a splendid boulevard 1t might be made.
look Ior all this, and more, in the future of
south Washington, The strange unreasonable
ness with which old settlers cling to traditions
prejucicial to the island may soon be turned
to profit by enterprising men OF wealth, who
see the southwest as it is and is to be- A few
keen spectators are already buying up vacant
lots which prejudice and the railroad compa-
MES have combined 10 reduce to minimum
figures"
SUNDAY SHAVING CASE APPEALED.-This
morning in the Police Court, Mr. Thomas Miller.
counsel for Rudolph Sauer, CHI Urged with keep.
alter examining the case he thought that the
proper way to proceed was to let the case go
to the Criminal Court on appeal and there have
now ready to take judgment. The court inn
posed a fine Of $50, from which he appealed.
X. Bligh sold to Peter NJ Dubant lot No. IL, in
square No. 294, fronting Ii feet on 18th street
northwest and SO feet inches on G street. for
$4,000 cash.
The FIRST APPEARANCE OF PUBLIC OPIN-
IoN-The success of "Public Opinion" the
new periodical which made its first appearance
to-day seems to be assured from the start,
geographically it is perfect, being printed on
book paper from clear and handsome type. It
is twenty-iour pages this week, containing
very broad and exhaustive range of opinion on
the Irish question, the new Morrison tariff bill,
civil-service reform, the Blair educational bill,
the strike and arbitration, electricity and in
ventors, finance and commerce, and score of
other topics All the opinions quoted are
Cleaned from the editorials of the II n
tive newspapers and periodicals OF the country
including those published in foreign languages.
These opinions are given just as they appear,
and the paper shows a remarkable freedom from
political bias or prejudice. There certainly has
never been published in this country paper
which gave as faithful a reflection of current
American thought. and it will prove Invaluable
to any intelligent. person who desires to know
not only what one or two papers think Of public
issues and questions, but what the whole press
OF the nation in fact, what public opinion thinks
of them. "Public Opinion " is now on sale at
all the hotels and news stands.