Evening star., 1886-10-18

The proposition to extend Massachusetts, ave
nue. through to the Tenleytown road is received
with favor, and even though obstacles may be
met with which will temporarily interfere with
1t. the improvement is certain to be made in
time because both the city as q community
and the owners of property along its line will
be largely benefited By it. 1t Is Just as well,
however, that a work of this character, whose
results will affect future interests even more
than those of the present time, should proceed
somewhat slowly, and after every point in
volved has been duly considered and provided
Tor. The projected extension is a matter of too
much Importance to be undertaken hurriedly
and pushed forward in a hap hazard way. If
the work be laid out properly and carried for
ward Systematically, with proper regard for
future results as a whole, this already fine ave-
Due can be made the most splendid thorough
iare In the world. II the opposite course is pur.
sued, an almost irreparable Injury will be done.
Certainly two or three points ought to
be considered and definitely settled be-
fore the work is entered upon. In the
first place, the whole width of the present
street should be extended. and its present
arrangement Of space and appearance pre-
served as far as possible. In the second place.
IL should be carried forward nearly in a
straight line as the conformation OF the country
10 be opened will allow. In this way only can
the integrity of the avenue be maintained. In
the third place, and this Is by no means the
least important point-and 1t is perhaps the
most vital consideration, all things taken into
account-the approach to and crossing of Rock
Creek should be treated cOmprehensively and
generously. The grade OF the roadway should
be so disposed that there will be no material de-
preston in the line where the valley Is crossed.
The bridge ought to be raised SO high as not to
break the line of grade at that point, ard at the
same time it should be of the same
width as the avenue itself, from building line
to building line, so that, viewed from whatever
point, an unbrolxen surface Will be presented.
The point last named is perhaps the most ST.
Tious one 10 be considered in the matter, as il
will also be the most costly feature of the pro-
posed improvement. 1t should. therefore, not
be hurried over a slight matter. or lightly
dismissed because OF the great xpense involved
y bridge OF this character is not only an essen
iial part of the projected extension if it is to be
properly made. 1t will also be an imposing and
beautiful object, from any point of view, and it
would make particularly attractive feature in
the landscape should the proposed Improvement
OF the Rock Creek valley be made, as it undoubt-
ediy will be at no distant day. Ii a mistake BE-
made here it will be almost impossible 20 cor
rect it in the future, and the whole work had
better be delayed for a half a score of years than
To risk defects which will be not only bleIniShes
10 the eye, but obstacles to travel and interfer-
ence with future Improvements. And the work
should not only wait until il can be carried out
upon a proper SCALE but ii should not be done
ut the expense of other improvements of more
immediate urgency and general importance to
tile people oi the District.