Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-02-21

nave q ost 10 Tie 10 and "A STAR that II they
VIII follow. as the wise men of old had
followed star. viii lead them TO prosperity
and success. One thing of which he wanted TO
remind his hearers WAS the fact that when they
legislate they are legislsting not for themselves
alone but for the whole land. for sooner or
later all the people of this broad nation come
on TO Washington. Baltimore can run itself as
suits Itself and has perfect right to say 10
every one else that IL they don't like its way OF
running things they can stay away. This same
condition of affairs does not hold true Of
Washington. for il is u CITY that belongs 20 all
alike. We must all work for the capital Of the
future, city broad and cosmopolitan and beau
tiful.
In few DAYS the Californian will be here
and the gentleman from Kentucky, and they
VIII bring their appetites with them. They want
TO walk right up to the bar and not sneak be-
hind screens. Is there anything in that 10 hurt
the gentleman from Maine who wants to take his
in his room?
This will be the home of the composite
American, and he will be the finest man IN the
world"
COMMISSIONER DOUGLASS
Commissioner Douglass made pleasant ref
erence to Mr. Parker us his successor. and then
went on TO give some figures TO show how the
city has prospered during the four years in
which he had been connected with il in an Off
cial capacity.
IL L remember Alright. he said this is the
third or fourth elegant affair of the kind under
the auspices of the board of trade that we have
been privileged to attend. At each succeeding
banquet we have been able to congratulate tie
country at large, well rs ourselves as resi-
dents, upon the substantial progress and pros
perity of the capital Always from the early
days Of the Union the center of free thought
and free institutions (civil and religious)
IN the civilized world, We are fast becoming
similar center for advanced thought
In science. literature and the economic as well
as the esthetic arts. These high and attractive
considerations added to the usually comforta-
BILE climate have been and constantly secur-
ing for us a steady stream of cultivated, indie
pendent citizens, who in turn add in their new
houses to the architectural beauty and extern
sion OF the city. Having been in a position for
the past four years to notice somewhat in de-
tail this progress and prosperity have gathered
together the following few figures. which will
give you briefly definite idea of what the Dis
trict has been doing in the material way:
During the last four years there erected
in the District l0639 buildings, of which 9.O75
were dwelling houses. The estimated cost Of
these improvements go, 81. 253. As the
estimated cost furnished the building inspector
will average at least 20 per cent below the
actual cost of the houses when COMPLETED, the
amount expended in building improvements
during the period mentioned not less than
$50. DOC, 900.
There were seventeen new school buildings
erected, IA s-room buildings. 4-room build
ing, L Groom building and 2 30-room high
school buildings, at total cost of $685., 600
These buildings accommodate between five and
six thousand pupils.
During the four years there were thrty-four
miles Of streets paved, making the total number
miles of paved streets 17O}..
The fire department was improved during
this period by the addition of one chemical en-
CINE, one fire company and a new truck COM
pany and house. Four old-style steam fire en-
gines were exchanged for the latest improved
engines and two aerial turn-table trucks were
also added.
The improvement in the police corps has
kept pace with the other departments in num-
beers and character.
In 1889 that force numbered $40 men. This
number has been increased TO 49, a gain OF II3
men, or 35 per cent
Now in some things, most happily, we have
not been increasing at an equal ratio. For in
stance, there has been no proportionate increase
IN crime. prosperous community is always
an amiabe one.
There was no increase in the number of bust
ness failures.
The number of divorces and elopements has
not increased.
We do not have TO report any material in
crease in the number of places where strong
drink Is sold. but there is every prospect of an
increased license tax being levied on this I'M
popular traffic.
and there is no increase in the number of inyes-
legations, cyclones or destinations to fill or con-
Time in Office.
This shows good, healthy condition. both on
the debit and credit side of our account And
here | am reminded that The EVENING Sr.R
informs us that Capt. Rossell. the present
efficient Engineer Commissioner of the District
is to leave the service for business life This
will be great loss to the municipality The
captain has endeared himself to all of us by his
genial, frank manners. and also by his excep-
tlonal abilities. though not educated TO the
law soon saw that he had very apt talent for
legal thought and points aud / found that one
of his ancestors in New Jersey Was celebrated for
legal acumen and requirement. Another case
OF heredity or. as the popular phrase has it.
blood will tell. One thing is sure, whenever
our ways do part. the memory of the two wears
association Will be to me one Of unmixed
pleasure and unbroken confidence. He goes
under sense of duty to a large family and for
no other reason but that of his personal choice
To be and not TO be District Commissioner is
an ever-recurring rub TO shakespeare
noted little mcnosyllable in this city, but did
not know, Mr.. Chairman, when / accepted YOUR
kind invitation that We were TO appear here
| somewhat in the characters of Girofe and Gil
| rofa. Certain il is. however, that We are twins
in mutual esteem and ali good purposes for the
District.
A friend at my elbow tells me that Won were
unanimously confirmed Commissioner this
afternoon. Allow me to congratulate you upon
that action and to anticipate for the District
many happy consequences.
REPRESENTATIVE MEREDITH
Following Commissioner Douglass Mr.. Parker
called upon Mr.. Meredith, member Of Congress
from Virginia, to say few words. MIR. Mere
dith said that when he looked upon the board of
trade he knew he was looking upon a set of men
who have the welfare OF the city at heart. In
addressing them he felt that he must at once
congratulate them and condols with them; con-
graduate them on the fact that the president of
the board of trade had been raised to a seat in
the District government. where he could do even
more for the good Of the town and its people;
condole with them beceuse Mr.. Hemphill, who
lad presided with SO much ability and grace
over the District committee in Congress. and
who had accomplished SO much for this city in
times past, would after the 4th OF
March cease to be a member OF the
House. As Roman of old would
have said that all roads lead to Rome, so he
could say, as a true American, that all roads