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

the cost Of the cheapest of that kind Of i'm
In paving alleys viiriiied brick has been used
almost exclusively, as has been done for the
past three years. This pavement continues to
give satisfaction to the people interested.
onder the law the Communist oners have the
right to lay sidewalks, put in sewers and pave
alleys without the consent Of the property
owners and tax them With one-half the cost,
provided these works are necessary for the pub
Tic health, safety or comfort. The bulk Of the
expenditures for paving alleys has been made
health officer that such pavement Is necessary
for the public health
The results of the permit work appeal per-
haps. more directly to the citizen than any
other appropriation under the engineer de-
partment. This is the emily method by which
alleys can be paved in the District. The fund
is also used in many cases for the laying of
sewers, which the District would have to lay
soon, and which are in this way obtained earlier
and at less cost to the District. The same may
be said OF sidewalks.
EXTENSION OF STREETS AND AvrSuys.
A bill is now pending in Congress to estab-
lish system Of streets. avenues and highways
throughout the District outside the cities Of
Washington and Georgetown, with the aim tos
extend the present arrangement Of the city OF
Washington throughout the District Of Column
bia With the many irregular subdivisions now
existing it will be a labor Of much time and
careful thought TO SO lay out these extensions
as to make harmonious whole, and it is hoped
by the Commissioners that either the bill now
pending or one OF the same purport may be-
come a law at the present session Of Congress.
PARKING COMMISSION.
The trees Of the city and county form one OF
the most beautiful features Of the District Of
Columbia. The care of these trees and the ex-
tension Of the same come under the parking
commission, composed of three gentlemen. who
have served since 1871 without compensation.
Their recommendations have been followed by
the Commissioners and have proved BY the re-
suits their wisdom. The area and number
Of trees to be cared for is constantly increasing
and 1t ia hoped that the increase asked for in
the present appropriation bill can be granted
by Congress.
SURVEYORS OFFICE.
This Office should be made salaried one, and
not, as now, supported by fees. The invaluable
records Of this office should be cared for as
they are needed in the courts on almost all oc-
casions for verifying the city lines and boun-
DIARIES OF lots. Liberal appropriations should
also be made for the care OF them, also for in
dexing and copying them.
BOARD OF EXAMINERS, STEAM ENGINEERS.
The work OF this board has been satisfactory
and of great value. 1t is believed BY the Com
missioners that the work should be continued.
INSPECTOR OF ASPHALT AND cEMENrs
The Commissioners desire to invite attention
to the very interesting report of this officer
During the past year he was sent to the Island
OF Trinidad, from which all the asphalt used in
the District is obtained. He has continued his
laboratory tests, and some new features have
been introduced and careful studies made of
the nature and applicability of asphats and ce-
ments.
STEAM RAILROADS.
The solution of the railroad problem in the
District still remains an open question. Sew
eral plans and bills are now under considera-
ton by Congress. and it is hoped, not only in
the interest of the citizens of tine District. but
in the interest OF the travelling public and rail-
roads as well. that appropriate legislation may
be obtained at this session.
STREET RAILROADS.
The replacement of the old rail by the ap-
proved grooved rail is about completed An
other great advance That has been accom-
phshed during the fiscal year is the change of
motive power of the Washington and George
town Railroad Company. The lines Of this
road, both in Georgetown and Washington, are
now operated by cable. While minor inconve-
niences and stoppages have occurred. due to a
lack OF familiarity with the system on the part
of the employees, vet general satisiact ton is ex-
pressed by orr citizens with the increased fsciii-
ucs luIEISutu. NO OiHtT TOdu mas Vet adopted
the new motive power, but it il expected that
in the near future the Metropolitan road will
use some modern system. The Rock Creek
railway. within the city. have their plans made
for putting in an underground conduit for the
transmission OF electric power. and the Ecklng-
ton and Soldiers Home railroad on that por-
ton of their route where overhead wires are
forbidden use the storage battery system. 1t
would seem advisable that with the new motive
power the roads should be required to pave the
portion of the public streets for which they are
responsible with the same material as that used
In the other portions OF the same street.
ROCK CREEK PARK.
Unexpected DELAYS have occurred in the es-
Enlistment of the Rock Creek Park. which
was provided for by Congress two years ago.
Until it is established the Commissioners OF The
District have no control of it. 1t is understood
and believed that an early decision of the
United States Supreme Court will settle all
differences now existing, and that during the
coming fiscal year the park will become an
established fact.
ROCK CREEK TUNNEL.
The resolution of the United States Senate
requires the Engineer Commissioner of the
District of Columbia to report plans and esti-
mate cost for arching over Rock creek within
the boundaries of the city, and tunnel
ing, II necessary. This is a study of great
magnitude, for which no money was appro-
priated. With limited assistance from the
sewer department the project is now being
studied. and the Commissioners deem the same
Of great Importance.
UNDERGROUND WIRES.
No action was taken in the last session Of
Congress for the further placing Of electric
wires underground, the report Of the board Of
electrical experts having been received too late
for digestion by that body. 1t is believed BY
the Commissioners that the only method Of
causing the electric wires to be placed under
ground is by directing the removal Of those
above ground by some fixed date, say one year
from the passage of the law, and placing a
penalty on the failure Of any company to so re-
move their wires, and in the same Law should
be embodied the conditions annder which the
company should be allowed to place wires under
ground.
SEWERS AND SEWAGE DISPOSAL.
For several years the increase in population
and buildings in the District has advanced with
great rapidity. Sewer facilities have not been
given to meet the demands Of the new popula-
ton and improvements During these years
the amounts appropriated for sewers have been
small, and at the present time it is absolutely
essential for the health Of the District that lib
eral appropriations be made. The climax seems
to have been reached in this department
There have been during the past fiscal year
In the District cases OF typhoid fever and diph.