Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-01-01
THE STARS ANNUAL REPORT.
Local History Of Twelve
Month.

Condensed Local History Of a Twelve
Month.
WHAT 1888 HAS BRoUeHr AND WHAT IT HAS
FAILED TO BRINa-ApvANcEs AND RELApsFs,
BENEFITS AND pIsAsrERs-MoRAL, INTELLEc-
rUAL AND MATERIAL GROWTH OF THE CAPITAL
The year which closed yesterday has been
full of events of local interest which. as far as
space permits are summarized in The SrAR's
annual report now submitted.
THE crrY's POPULATION AND ITS DEAD.
The heavy percentage Of increase in popula-
ton with which Washington mas been favored in
recent years has been maintained dur
ing 1888. notable event Of the year
was the taking of the police census in
July. which showed the population Of
the District to be 21s, 157. The increase is due
partly to the accession of large number Of
residents, men of wealth, of science, Of literary
or artistic tendencies, from all parts of the
country. drawn here by the capitals numerous
attractions a winter residence; partly to the
natural increase of the permanent population;
and partly to the diminished death-rate of the
year. The improvement by way of decrease
in the death-rate has been especially notable
among the colored people, the large mortality
among whom in previous years has overcome
the invariably favorable showing of the
death rate among the whites. The city
has fully justified the tribute to its
healthfulness prom ounced by DIR. Busey, at the
American medical congress- Most of the years
increase has been through accessions to the
city's permanent population. Washington is
no longer merely an abiding place for transients
but substantial city, among the leaders in the
republic in population, and growing with west
ern rapidity.
Among the city's losses of 1888 by death may
be mentioned W. W. Corcoran. Washington's
millionaire benefactor; Chief Justice Waite,
Gen. Sheridan, who Is counted as of the city.
though he did not die within its limits: Francis
Miller, Or. A. Y. p. Garrett, j. C. Mcclure,
1hos. J. Fisher, i. y. Burritt, W. H. Tenney,
Gen. T. b. Alexander. Rear Admiral c. Il.
Wells and Rear Admiral Edward Simpson.
This being DISQUALIFICATION year the Dis
trict has had its
QUADRENNIAL TASTE OF Politics
in the election of delegates to the republican
and democratic nominating conventions. The
republican caucuses endedin tremendous row
between the colored politicians at the Willard
Hall convention. and in rival sets of delegates
at Chicago. The feud between the colored
leaders. Carson and Chase, caused divided
celebration OF the emancipation anniversary, as
we'll as the lively struggle in the republican
cancuses, and finally brought them to blows
rival delegates. The democratic caucuses
were comparatively tame. As voting every
fourth year for delegates to nominating con-
ventions constitutes the only kind of elections
in which Washingtonians may participate. the
most excitement possible was extracted from
the exercise OF this glorious privilege. big
democratic ratification meeting was held before
election, and a republican parade after the re-
turns came in. The DISTINGUISHED Washingto-
mans contributed money to the campaign
funds OF both great parties, and charges of the
illegal expectation of men from the city into
Close or nelghboring states were made against
both organizations. II was decided by a vir-
gina court that Alexandrians who come to
Washington and go into some ordinary and
presumably permanent business here cannot
vote in Virginia. In the last quarter Of the
year the city turned with enthusiasm from pol
ities to business. An interest in politics which
is largely philosophical and contemplative. and
cannot express itself in votes. is not particu-
larry engrossing. 1t was stated that the move
ment in real estate was quickened after the
election and the verdict in favor of change
of administration.
The political topic of greatest local
nTest abiding was the tha. Of lS'r er
ser-ice reform. 1t is important to Washing
tor as giving stability and security to an intel
par of the year an extension of the classified
ser-ice was made by President Cleveland.
Thsre was much talk concerning civil-service
reform and general disregard of its spirit
during the presidential campaign. After the
election the clerks found themselves in a con-
diti'n of uncertainty but the competent ones
hav, been gradually treasured BY the ex-
pressed opinions and pledges of the President
cleo, and by his reputation for firmness in
keeping his word. The action Of the repub-
hcals in the House in defending the civil-ser-
vicelaw against democratic attacks has also
fha 81 KS To hnl hot thar
President viii not be without the support Of
his party in his effort to carry out his pledges
and % run the government on sound business
principles.
LAWS FOB THE DISTRICT.
Congress, the legislature of the Dis
trict and common council and board of
aldermen Of Washington, in 1888, one
of Its sessions being the longest in its history
passed just "a measures relating 10 local mat
tiers, outside OF the appropriation bills. which
contained some general legislation of import
ance levelled against the overhead electric
wires OF these 27 measures, 5 incorporated
new railway companies, one authorized the
construction of bridge across Rock Greek at
Woocley Lane, one prohibited pool-selling In
the cities OF Washington and Georgetown and
removed the book-makers just beyond
boundary street, one made inaugura-
ton day legal holiday in the
District. and the remaining 10 provided for
extending time for payment OF arrears OF taxes
making Decoration day q legal holiday. closing
an alley, amending law concerning writs Of
summons, completing contract of sale of
lands. authorizing Baltimore and Potomac
railroad TO extend a side track, changing loca-
ton of certain alleys, referring claims of
Samuel Strong to arbitration. Incorporating a
reform school for girls. regulating record of
wills, regulating subdivision of land, allowing
German Lutheran congregation to sell part of
Its cemetery, correcting records Of District in
relation to certain real estate. authorizing
Richmond and Danville road to Law certain
tracks. regulating tax sales. amending charter
OF Capitol. North y and South Washington
railroad. prohibiting sale of edulterated food,
changing route of Anacostia and Potomac
river railroad, and regulating admissions
to the institution of the Association
Of the House of Mercy and providing
for the appointment of police matrons.
In making these laws most of them of trifing
importance, Congress is held with truth to
have worked with unusual industry in its ca
paclty as District legislature. But it has left
diminished weightier matters of District iu-
terest. such as proposed legislation concerning
the railroads, the street railways, the gas COM
panies. the police force and police court,
suburban street extension, the liquor ques-
ton, new post-ofice and District government
building, &c, DC. Nothing definite and final
has been accomplished in giving the District a
modern code of laws, or even a revision cor
recting the inconsistencies of existing law.
DISTRICT LAW Is STILL CHAOS.
But with the development Of Washington into
great city gradually increasing attention
has been given to its concerns by Congress.
The House durinp the year determined IN set