Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-02-17

IL Is not my purpose TO delay FOR any length
OF time the regular toasts to be responded to
by eminent gentlemen who deserve and will re-
ceive your attention. 1 must say, however
that the Washington board of trade looks for
ward with pleasurable anticipation to these an
nual enjoyable banquets. We meet through
the year to discuss in a concise, brief way ques-
tions of business We meet tonight to forget
business. We meet that we may meet and well
come to our board eminent men and the dis
tinguished national legislators who shape our
legislation, and to whom, under our present
form OF government, we are dependent for ap-
propriate legislation.
1t is hardly necessary for me to say that the
Washington board Of trade is the representa-
tive organization Of Washington, that our rolls
bear the names Of those who have been closely
identified with the marvellous growth and pros
perty OF our city 1t is fitting, therefore, that
we should meet once year, that we should
have as our guests those who represent in
Congress, that we should talk of a city that we
have all done so much for, that has done so
much for us and that the people of the entire
country are SO proud of. 1t is gratifying to
note that sentiment respecting our city and
people has materially changed during the last
decade.
1t is within the recollection Of the younger
members of this board when we were regarded
as mendicants whose existence depended upon
the patronage of the government and the
liberality of Congress- This has never been
earlier years.
Let me occupy a moment of your time with a
brief statement of what our city has done for
itself and the general government.
First, it must be remembered that the United
States owns one-haif Of all the property in the
District, on which it pays no taxes and on
which, prior to 1878, it never contributed any
thing for the support Of our local government
When the capital was located in Washington
our citizens donated fve-sevenths of all the
Ia, -, then oft nfW 4
avenues, 81 per cent of the entire area; for
parks and reservations, SAL acres. Ore-half of
all the city lots were given to help erect public
buildings and to open and improve streets. Up
to 1885 the citizens (the population at that time
had only reached 10000 had expended for
street improvements mostly around public
buildings. S430,0 900, the United States 500 COO
From 1850 10 1878. almost century, the United
States expended aside from public buildings)
less than e6,O0O,OOO. the citizens S45, O0O, 900.
From 1879 to 1887 our people invested in new
| buildings S32. 600 900. they paid a direct tax
| of $4,000 for the war of 1872, fitted up build
| ing for Congress when the Capitol was burned
| and rendered loan of $500, 900 to rebuild the
public buildings, which Congress accepted.
| During the last war we paid a direct tax of
We have paid an internal revenue tax OF
| Sc, asa 907, and, in one year, twice as much as
any of the territories, except Dakota, and more
| than either Alabama. Arkansas. Maine,
| Mississippi. Nevada, South Carolina or Vermont.
| We supplied our share OF volunteers for the
war of 1872 and the Mexican war. In the late
| war we furnished our full quota and 1871 per
| cent over, while but seven states filled their
quota and but one equaled the District In
| the late war the first volunteers were citizens
| of the District.
The government has given to the states $685.
000,0 600 in money. 10000, 600 acres of public
lands for schools and l55, 00O, 600 for rail
roads. The District OF Columbia has never been
given dollar or an acre OF ground: Our pop
ulation is now about 100000. The assessed
valuation Of our property is S153, 49,, Sal, on
| which we are taxed 81. 2S0, 109S4
1t must not be thought that We do not ap-
preciate the benefits that have resulted from
| the millions that have been expended by the
| general government in the erection of public
buildings. Nor are we unmindful of the fact that
| since 1878 the government has borne her share
| of expenses Nor have we entirely lost sight of
| the fact that several millions of our money has
been sunk in an effort made by the government
| to give us q better water supply. We are thank
full that we are permitted to pay half OF the ex-
pense of National Geological Park and that
| on the same terms and conditions We hope to
have great National Park. new
| city post Office is already an as
| sured fact, and we arc enjoying the anticipa-
| ton of a new building fer District purposes.
The bill for the extension of streets and ave-
| nues, prepared by the board of trade. has me,
with favor in Congress, and our broad streets
| anu avenues are reaching out 10 the DlStricl
line. New bridges spanning OUT rivers
| connecting us with new picturesque suburban
| drives. Already We have become great art
educational and scientific center. Washington
is destined to be-if not already-the ideal city
| of the world.
To you, gentlemen Of the National Congress
do We look for continuance OF that liberal
patriotic spirit which makes our city great and
our country proud Of its capital.
| In the name Of the Washington board oil
trade welcome you to this banquet.