Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1888-10-01

disagreement This precludes the use of sheet
footwalks and demands some form OF
BLOCK PAVEMENT.
The asphalt block and tile sidewalks which have
been laid in the city are great improvement
over brick, but are not entirely satisfactory, as
the blocks and tiles are too small GOOD Tagging
OF medium size, well laid, would be satisfac-
Il is deemed possible that S s xrSinlisi
stone tagging can be made which viii
fulfill all requirements, and TO this end expert
term1ne the cost and best mode OF manufacture.
The artificial stone tagging can be produced OF
OF varying strength according to the Qualities and
quantities OF the material used. IL can be laid with
varying beds, according 10 the locality and the
reasonable, as seems probable, IL may furnish the
solution OF the sidew Xix question, 1 have strong
hopes that II Will There are many cases through
dated, and uncomfortable and dangerous for pass
ers These should be replaced, and would there
fore recommend that the sum Of $4,000 be appro-
prtated for the replacement OF existing brick
sidewalks with those OF an improved character
whenever the commissioners may deem 1t proper
W 10 50 Ior tne pubic health, safety or comfort
CURR
"The kinds Of curb laid In the city streets last
year were the ordinary 5"x20" bluestone curb of
which 2S,S39 feet were purchased and set; the
ordinary G'x20 granite curb. OF which 8 800 feet
were purchased and set; special granite curb,
set, and combinatlon-curb gutter and electrical
conduit OF artificial stone, OF which 7,O783 feet
varieties which have been laid throughout the
city. The bluestone curb is Objectionable on
account OF It's color and the ugly and unsightly
discoloratiOns with which 1t is affected when ex-
posed TO the weather. believe that the use Of
this curb should be reduced to the least possible
amount Its only advantage is its cheapness by
Delng cheaper by about 20 cents per foot laid than
the variety OF granite curb. This in square OF
700 ieet long would amount TO S16O. winch is
S sun Price e. 70 pay Tor the much handsomer ap-
the 6'x2V granite curb, as well as the 5"X20"
Diue-stone curb, are laid on a narrow base,
In violation OF the most ordinary scientific prin-
ctpes and In consequence they settle un-
equally. The S"x8" special granite curb was
procured and laid as an experiment. 1t was laid
on base or hydraulic concrete IL inches wide,
and inches in depth. The success OF the expert
ment has been undoubted. The curb has kept It's
pearance During the present year a large part Of
the curb to be used will be OF this character and
1t is intended that hereafter 1t SHALL as far as pos
siDie, Supersede all other kinds. The combination
cur0, gutter and electrical conduit OF artificial
stone mas stood well, is In perfect alignment, and
presents very handsome appearance IL has
been laid on street southwest, between LIST and
Sd; on Massachusetts avenue northwest, between
North Capitol and New Jersey avenue; on Dunn
barton street, between Goth and Goth, and Ver-
mont avenue; and on 17th street, between Rhode
Island avenue and Vermont avenue, and on 17th
and 18th streets, between p and Q. The use
OF the artncial stone for curb Is such departure
from ordinary practice, that / have not felt pre-
pared to recommend it until o longer time has
passed over that already laid. No use has been
made OF the electrical conduits as there have
been no wires to place therein. 1t Is probable
That small additional amount Of this curb will
De laid this year TO continue the experiment
"The appropriation for repairs to concrete pave
mentS for 1888 and 1889 Is $685. The concrete
pavemenIs OF washington increasing rapidly
from year to year, demand a constantly Increasing
amount 10 keep them In repair, and 1t is urgently
requested that sum OF not less than $780, 900 be
is5o i0r the work i0r the year 1883 and
TO RESURFACE PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE.
Il desire TO invite earnest and special attention
to the necessity for making special provision for
pennsylvania avenue from the Capitol to the new
War, state and Navy Department building. This
ment is in a wreUched condition, and is In most
places so worn as TO be beyond repair by the
method OF patching. The only way by which
and presentable condition is by removing the
present and replacing 1t with another
constructed more In accordance with the dictates
Ofexperience. A combinatlon wearing surface-coat
can De laid 0n existing hydraulic concrete base
winch will be free from the disagreeable wavy
mated that the work will cost 1920 600, and it Is
requested that this sum be appropriated Tor the
purpose.
IN THE STREET DEPARTMENT
the total amount OF material furnished and labor
performed under the compulsory permit system
was $32,5O.77, and under the ordinary permit
system $39.soS.49, or a total of S72,366.26 The
amount OF appropriation for 1888 and 1889 is
$4,000, and Its expenditure is coupled with the
condili0n that One-half OF the cost OF ali work
shall De charged 70 abuttIng property. This pro-
Vision Is wise one, and WORKS well in practice 1t
TENDS 10 keep down the wholesale requests for
improvements by making applicants pay much
larger snare OF the expense than they did under
tne old system. All the money appropriated Will
De expended and much more could Oe expended
with great advantage u the city. This is inc only
tund by which the improvements OF alleys can be
accomplished, and by IT the Commissioners are
enabled To produce excellent results from a sani-
tary point Of view.
DANGERS FROM UNCLEAN ALLEYS.
''There is large part OF the population OF Wash.
ington living in alleys, some Of which are I'M
proved, but many are deficient In the improve
ments which tend to cleanliness ana health
Many alleys are without sewerage or paving, and
nlthy Stops are thrown out to soak into the
ground and drain on as best they may. These
fostering nuiSanceS are not visible TO The pubic in
driving about the city, UuJ they are visible To the
inspectors Of this department and OF the health
department., and are the subject OF report ana
The good health and good name OF the city
demands that the alleys should be kept In good
way 10 accomplish THIS is to prOvlue these alleys
with the necessary modern adjuncts to
civllizatiOn, water-supply, sewers and pavements.
Iostered and multiplied in consequence OF these
hldden lOathsOne alleys. TO guard against any,
thing OF the Kind would respectfully and ear
nestly recommend that very hOeral apprOpria-
tons be made Tor their Improvement The SUN of
ut least should be Appropriated for permit
work, The larger part OF which would be used In
Improving alleys under the compulsory permit
system. would also invite your attention TO the
oeslraDiilty OF securing additional legislation
whereby penalty can be Imposed on deIlnQuenJ
assessments made under the provisions OF this law
Inc same penalty as Is now prescr. bed for dehn-
quent general taxes should be imposed on these
assessments.
COUNTRY ROADS.
"There Is nothing which adds more to the de-
STABILITY OF Washington as q place OF residence
than well-constructed, smooth, wide country roads
ahd suburban streets over which people can COM
IortaOly ride and drive for health and recreation
ana which open up pleasant sections OF country
Where people OF limited means can build homes
this class OF public improvements and respectfully
recommend that u sum not less tnan $225 600 be
appropriated Tor constructing county roads and
SUBURBAN streets schedule OF The work RECON-
Mended Is submitted IL shows the following TO be
the roads and streets asked TO be improved.
Improving Suburban Streets.
eth ST. east, extended 10 Bunker Hin road,
grading, &C.: $4,000
ing, &C.: ;..:...:....:.:......... 10000
grading, &C. .........,, 6OOO
jackson Sc, Anacostia, grade and regu-
late.- ............... ......... 1000
Jefferson st., AnacOstia, grade and regu-
Washington ST., Anacostia, grade and reg. WV
14th st: extended, complete paving 70 top '''
OF hill. .............. 10000
ass 81 wes,, bouhoary 10 Michigan ave.. 5000