The Sunday herald and weekly national intelligencer., 1891-05-31
THE FUTURE OF WASHINGTON.

What Southern Correspondent Has to
Say About the National Capital.
Cor. New Orleans Picayune
Enthusiastic Washngtonians are indulging
in prophecies and visions Of the future extent
and magnifcence of the National Capital,
which are as fascinating as the structures of
the imaginative artist who builds castles in
Spain. This city, they say, is to outstrip the
capitals of the old world in beauty, and to
rival in population Paris, Berlin, or Vienna.
The prophecy of beauty may be said to have
been fulfilled, for there can scarcely be found
in the world lovelier city than Washington,
especially when adorned with the rich Iuxu-
rance of spring. There are grander and more
imposing cities, but none more beautiful.
Such is the verdict of all who behold Wash
ington at this season. With the advent of
spring, the parks and the avenues of trees
burst forth, as If by maiic, into an opulence
of verdure that is amazing. There are up
wards of 10000 trees within the city limits,
and the effect of such an arboreal display can
be better imagined than described.
These dreamers who believe in the unlim-
tied possibilities of the National Capital pre-
figure q city which, twenty-five years hence,
is to embrace territory equal in extent to
bounds million inhabitants. They foresee
the erection of magnificent buildings and the
palaces of millionaires upon the surrounding
hills, and suburbs thickly settled with the
villas and country seats of wealthy Washing
tonians. 1t is true that the population of
Washington has increased 100000 since 1870,
when it was 131, 600; it is also true that rich
syndicates have bought up large tracts of land
wit fhn - ro1,,
proved them and divided the ground into lots
and building Sites The whole country within
radius of ten miles of the Capital is being
plotted and subdivided, and if dwellings
should be built on all of these tracts the Dis
trict would have more houses than New York
ITSELF This is not commercial or manufac-
turing city, and probably never will be, SO
that the great increase in population antici-
pated, which is to overrun and build up the
suburbs, must come from without. The Dis
trict of Columbia is pleasant place of resi-
dence, which is being sought annually by peo-
pie of means, but, of course, it is not likely
that enough rich people will come here to add
very largely to the population. 1t is estimated
that within the last five years upwards of
S1O,000,000 have been expended in the pur-
chase and Improvement of suburban property,
and there is great amount of money now
tied up in the real estate.
Washington will undoubtedly become
great educational centre. Already it is well
supplied with important institutions as
the ancient Georgetown College, the Colum-
bian University, the Catholic University. The
Methodists are to build large national col
lege here, and the Chautauqua society is now
erecting number of fine buildings at pic
turesque spot On the Potomac, few miles
above the city. Several Government build
ings in process of erection-the Congressional
Library on Capitol Hill, the City Post Office
and the Naval Observatory-will add mate
rally to the architectural beauties of the Cap
ital. When the national park and geological
gardens on Rock Creek are established the
suburban attractions of the city will be
greatly increased. Many private residences
of imposing size and elegance are to be
erected by wealthy men who have recently
made their homes at the Capital.