Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-12-05

Commissioners therefore earnestly urge tina,
some legislation like that proposed in the two
bills above referred to. or in the Mcmillan Sen.
ate bill of the last session. be enacted BY THU
Congress at an early date.
BATHING BEACH.
The report Of the officer in charge Of the
bathing beach indicates an increased apprecia.
ton Of the value Of that public convenience
during the past season. The facilities afforded
were used to the fullest extent whenever the
weather was suitable. The construction Of the
permanent fence at the danger line and the en-
pioynent Of patrol boat rendered the use Of
the beach by all classes nearly absolutely safe
as human continuance could make it. The
beach has attained high regard in the public
estimation, which is evidenced by the wide
spread expressions in favor Of it's continuance
and enlargement. The superintendent OF the
beach reports plan for It's Improvement with a
view to increasing its capacity and attractive
ness. If Congress should find this plan too
elaborate and expensive provision should at
least be made for continuing the present slope
of the bottom within the danger line as far out
as permanently deep water and placing thereon
q suitable covering of sand, together With pro-
vision for the employment Of a superintendent
Of the beach and necessary attendants.
FLOWER MARKET.
AT the last session Of Congress the Senate
passed bill to establish a flower market in the
District Of Columbia in response to the popular
request for place Of this kind. The Florist
Club of this city approved and urged the pro-
ject and the Commissioners cordially recon-
mended it. The improperly of scattering the
flower stands throughout the market and ada
cent to meat and fish stands as is the necessary
condition Of affairs at present. is apparent, and
the Commissioners again earnestly recommend
the furtherance Of the project as one in the in
terest OF large AMI growing business and the
prospective public improvement Of both an
ornamental and useful character.
WORLDS COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION
In a former report the Commissioners rec
commended that proper appropriation be
authorized and fixed by Congress to secure a
representation Of the District OF Columbia at
the celebration in Chicago in 1893 of the dis
covery of America. The Commissioners have
since estimated for an expenditure,of $4,000
on the part of the District, and earnestly hope
that it is not too late to secure the appropria-
ton for this purpose. The capital of the nation
in which an exposition Of this kind is held is
assuredly entitled to representative exhibit.
STREET CLEANING.
The street sweeping and cleaning service is
now being performed efficiently as the
amount appropriated therefor will permit. The
Commissioners have asked for increased appro-
priations on this account for the next fiscal
year and hope for liberal consideration thereof
by Congress in order that the reputation
of the District for clean streets may be MAIN
tanned
The report Of the superintendent, herewith
submitted. shows the detail working of the sys-
tenn and also the necessity for an increased APP
preparation for the next fiscal year.
SUNDAY LAW.
The Commissioners have several times rec
commended the enactment of law to prohibit
the pursuit of ordinary secular occupations on
Sunday as being in the interest OF public
morality and comfort. That day holds n CEN
We believe. be safely disregarded in our mu-
nicipal legislation.
NEW MUNICIPAL BUILDING.
1t is discreditable to the nation and to this
community that the municipal government at
the national capital is obliged to resort to the
use of rented building for Office accommoda-
tons.
Prior to the establishment Of a single govern
ment for the entire District the offices Of the
city of Washington at least were housed in
building which comported with the business
demands and with the dignity OF the munich
pality which they represented. When the Dis
trio, government was first organized, in 1871
the governor of the District voicing the COM
mou sentiment OF the community, made the
following suggestion in his message of May l5
1911, TO the legislative assembly of the District,
viz:
1T is tn ,refore recommended that measures
be taken for the transfer and sale to the gov
eminent of the United States of the citv's in
terest in the building known as the city hall.
The increased business of the courts requires
the occupancy Of tine entire structure for that
purpose. 1t is suggested that site for new
building. sufficient for the accommodation Of
the territorial government. can be secured upon
some one of the government reservations in
the city of Washington, and that the proceeds
of the sale of the city's share in the city hall
building will go toward defraying the expense
of the proposed new structure"
Congress. recognizing the insdequacy of the
old city hall for the accommodation both of the
courts and municipal Offices appropriated S75,-
000 to purcha the interest Of the District in
this building. and restricted the use Of said
money to the erection of separate municipal
building.
An appraisement was made of the Districts
interest in the city hall at SIS. 900, the law pro-
viding that the same be applied by said Dis
trict only for the erection Of a suitable building
for the District Offices.
The money was drawn by the treasurer Of tho
board OF public works. but was not expended
for the specific purpose for which the appro-
priation was made. The money. il now treated
as n portion of the revenues of the District and
SCI aetoe ioE INC puIposc HtsHueu, WOuiu 20
far to form nucleus Of fund to be devoted
to the original purpose.
In this effort to get a suitable municipal
building for the capital of the nation the Com
missioners have had the sympathy and support
Of the people of the district.
In our estimates for the next fiscal year we
have recommended the appropriation of $780,
900 to begin the erection of a building The
whole should cost not less than 5000, 900. Our
opinion is that the proper place for its erection
is between 9Th and It'll streets on the piece of
land belonging to the District, lying immedi-
ately in front Of the Center market 1t would
there be central, readily reached by street rail-
way and other lines Of city transportation. be
an ornament to the principal avenue Of the
city and stand on ground already acquired by
the District.
The schedule Of the cost Of city halls in
thirty-fve of fifty of the largest cities in the
United States, prepared by the census office. is
significant AZ to the propriety and per capita
cost of such buildings. The schedule shows
that:
The average cost per capita for city halls
in thirty-fve Of fifty Of the largest
cities in the United States a. shown by
the eleventh census is'......... S2S0
The average cost per capita in the Dis
trict of Columbia for such o building
costing $500, 900. estimated population
$50 900, would be ............ zoo
A building costing $500. 900. .... 1.20
Again Ne urge the propriety and necessity
for proper municipal building for the capital
city.
STREET AND ROAD PAvEMENrs.