Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-12-07

Il
city are found old subdivisions made as the VA.
rlous tastes OF the owners for the time being
dictated. The new Subdivisions are required
TO conform with the general plan of the city OF
washington except where the topography rem
ders deviation necessary. These subdivisions
must be made to conform also to the irregular
subdivisions, and to put the two together prop
eriy Is IN some cases well nigh impossible.
ihe owners of property nlong the line Of Con-
necticut avenue extended have presented to
the District this avenue from near Rock creek
to the District line. 1t seems proper that the
omitted piece between this extension. so dedi-
Gated, and the city, should be provided for at
once The extension of 18th street proper
from Florida avenue to Morris street in accord
ance with the street plan was provided for in
the last appropriation bill. The proposed Rock
creek Park, bordering upon the proposed ex-
tension of this street, renders it expedient to
provide by legislstion for the extension Of this
street through the irregular subdivisions north
OF Florida avenue. Other instances of Q SINH
lar character might be enumerated.
1t would seem that the time had arrived when
by proper legislation arrangements should be
made for the rectifcaton, so far as may be
possible, of the older subdivisions and the ex-
tension to the District line of the avenues and
such principal streets 10Th, North Capitol
and East Capitol streets. bill with this end
in view was introduced in Congress last session,
but no action on it was taken by that body.
NEW BRIDGES.
1t is recommended that a new bridge be built
across Rock creek along the line Of Massachu-
sets avenue extended and one to replace the
old bridge across the Eastern branch known as
the Anacostia bridge.
1t is urged that the surveyors Office be made
salaried one, and that adequate appropria-
tons be made for the care OF the invaluable
records now in that office.
RAILROADS.
As to steam railroads the report has this to
say: ''The steam railroad problem has not yet
been solved, and the Commissioners renew
their recommendation for legislation to obviate
the troubles both to the people and to the rail-
road companies themselves. Many bills have
been proposed. and many reports made to the
Commissioners on this subject, and it is hoped
that early legislation may be had"
Regarding street railways the Commissioners
say:
During the past year the street railways Of
the city have made rapid progress in changing
from the old rail to the improved grooved rail
The Washington and Georgetown Railroad
Company is changing its Pennsylvania avenue
and 14th street lines from horse power to cable,
the new tracks being paved with sheet asphalt
This greatly improves the appearance OF these
two highways and also makes it better for We
hicles. The tearing up of the streets incident
to these improvements has caused considerable
inconvenience, but the end promises to justify
the means in enabling the railroad companies
to furnish increased facilities and comfort of
travel and In lettering the condition Of l4th
street and Pennsylvania avenue"
The Commissioners urge legislation giving
them the powers Of the mayor of the late cor
poration Of the city of Washington with respect
to proceedings for the condemnationO of ground
for the purpose Of opening alloys in the city,
which powers the Supreme Court of the Dis
trict has decided. the Commissioners did not
inherit. They ask also that proceedings Of this
no furo AZ foG nv md fbair
cessors since the revocation OF the charter Of
the corporation be ratified.
The Commissioners renew their Recommended
tons for the construction of a tunnel in the
valley OF Rock Creek between Lyons mill and
Pennsylvania avenue, and the filling in Of the
low portions Of the grounds between the cities
OF Washington and Georgetown. Early action
is urged on the recommendations of the board
Of electrical experts convened by act of Con-
gress to consider the subject OF putting electric
wires underground. They urge also, in ac-
cordance with Capt. Rossells Recommendation,
that they be given authority to make regula-
tions respecting the width of tires of vehicles,
as 1t is believed that an unnecessary amount of
abrasion of the surface of the asphalt pave
ments is caused by the narrowness of tires.
SEWAGE DISPOSAL
Speaking of the subject of sewage disposal,
which was treated at some length in Capt.
Lusk's report, printed in Saturdays STAR, the
Commissioners say: The Commissioners feel
it their duty to invite especial attention to the
necessity for entering promptly upon the con-
struction of an adequate system Of sewage dis
posal. 1t has been thoroughly demonstrated
that much valuable property in the low grounds
of the city is constantly threatened with in
undation from the river, while local flood
ing is likely to occur in the same region
from the fat grades of the existing sew
ers. The lower par. Of Rock creek and
the sewer canals are fast developing into
nuisances and the Anacostia river itself must,
in short time. show evidences of pollution
from sewage.
Since the work Of construction will occupy
several years the Commissioners believe that
the exercise of q wise forethought requires the
necessary funds to be provided without delay
by the issuance of bonds. or by loan from the
United States, repayable in annual installments,
with interest The estimated cost is "a. 0C0. 900.
1t is believed that life. property and the public
health alike demand prompt action in this mat
ter.
Capt. Lusk's Recommendation for the estab-
lishment of a new high-service water system to
serve the portions of the District lying outside
of Washington are strongly urged. Much of
the suburban area, the report says, will be
greatly retarded in its DEVELOPMENT unless it
can be assured of sufficient water supply. The
Commissioners have, therefore. included in
their estimates for 1893 an item looking toward
the establishment Of the necessary high-service
system.
1t is urged that provision be made at the
earliest possible opportunity for lighting the
streets all of every night without depending
upon the uncertainties Of predicted moonlight