Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-04-26
DISTRICT HIGHWAYS.
Some Of the Best and Some Of the WORT
I'm the World.

I'm the World.
SENATOR M'MrLLAS GIVES TIE RESULTS OF HIS
PERSONAL EXPLORATIONS ALONG THE COUNTRY
RoADs-HE SAYS THEY ARE BADLY CONSTRUCTED
AND SHOULD he MADE OF BETTER MATERNAL
"Did It ever occur to you that there are in
the District of Columbia some Of the best
paved streets in this country, perhaps in the
world?" THE STAR reporter to whom Senator
Mcmillan addressed the inquiry admitted that
some such idea had struck him.
Ibid it ever occur to you," continued the
Senator. "that there are no worse roads any
where than those within the District limits?'
Without waiting for . reply the Senator
went on:
SOME OF THE vILRsr BraHwAYs
"Some Of the vilest highways have ever
had any experience with are adjacent to this
beautiful city-here where everything should
be as a model for the rest Of the country. For
some time past have been investigating local
roads, and the result Of my explorations is by
no means complimentary to those who
are responsible for the construction and
maintenance of the great driveways. Along
these arteries flows great stream OF country
commerce; sluggishly, perhaps because the con-
dtions are all adverse to speed. On Saturday
crossed from the Bladensburg road to 7th
street and succeeded only because had an ad-
mlrabie team OF horses. Again and again have
found Lincoln avenue in a most disgraceful
condition, particularly that portion of it which
lies between the city and Glenwood cemetery.
THE ROAD TO ARLINGTON.
ION Sunday I had occasion to drive over to
Arlington, and there similar conditions pre-
vailed. Responsibility for that road rests in
the War Department. understand. but bad as
the highway is. for much of the distance from
the bridge to Fort Myer it is better than many
OF the roads which arc under the supposititious
care OF tho District authorities. But, in spite
OF its superiority. hundreds Of people were
compelled to walk through the woods
because travel on tho strangely constructed
road was painfully laborious and unreasonably
slow. In one place l saw a light wagon so
firmly stuck that muscular and willing horse
could not move it. After long spell of dry
weather presume the way would be passably
good. but 1t Is not enough that it be fit for
travel only under circumstances which would
make any road tolerable; it should be in first
class condition all the year round.
THE TRAVEL NEXT SEPTEMBER.
"During next September hundreds Of thou
sands Of people will visit historic Arlington.
Should the meteorological conditions be propi-
tious the visitors may 90 and return with com.
parative comfort, but if there chances to be q
shower then the pilgrimage to Arlington will
he anything but pleasant memory to an i'm
mense number OF strangers. Something
should be done, and done soon.
WHY THEY ARE POOR
"Why are the roads so poor? Because they
are not constructed properly. 1t is not given
to every man to know how a road should be
built Road making is scientific something
to which many Of the best minds have been
applied. 1t is thoroughly understood in Eu-
rope. There the people learned long ago the
value Of solid highways, which can be used in
all varieties Of weather. Here the alleged road
member dumps cart load of clayey earth into
a depression, fattens it out with u shovel and
imagines his duty done.
The construction and repairing Of roads
should be controlled by man who thoroughly
understands the business. It is my purpose to
interest myself i'll an endeavor to provide the
District with roads of the best possible type.
Washington is rapidly becoming the model
city, but 1t will be FAR short Of anything like an
ideal center OF population unless good hard
limestone macadam is substituted for the pres
ent mud streaks."