Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-07-12
THE PLAN APPROVED.
Commissioners Favor the Issue of
Bonds for Improvements.
THE WORK THE ENGINEER COULD Do.
Many Business Men Heartily In
dorse the Bond Proposition.
SHO ULD BE NO DELAY.

ULD BE NO DELAY.
Property owners from all over the city are
calling upon the Commissioners and speaking
good word for the proposition to issue
SlO,OOO,0 900 worth Of bonds for the pur-
pose of carrying out at once all needed
improvements. The Commissioners themselves
have become welded to the idea, and all Of them
are in favor Of the scheme. Engineer Com
missioner Powell said this morning that he was
in favor Of the proposition. With a fund Of
0,000, 900 ITO draw upon he said his department
could work wonders. The system Of sewer
age as recommended by the sewerage commits
sion could be carried out at once the high
areas Of the city could have better water sup
ply the streets could be extended and improved,
and, perhaps, something could be done toward
the improvement of Rock Creek PARK. He was
doubtful, however, about the District shoulder
ing the entire amount but thought as the i'm
provements would benefit the property Of the
United States that it should bear its share of
the expense.
WHAT COMMISSIONER ROSS SAYS.
In conversation today with reporter Of THE
STAR upon tho subject Of the District issuing
S10, 900 900 worth Of bonds for the completion
Of several much-needed improvements Com
missioner Ross said:
~ am glad The STAR has taken the initiative
in this matter. 1t is one Of the most import
ant questions that has ever been presented
to our community. There can be no
question that there should be an expendi-
ture equal to the amount named in the
immediate future. This is the capital OF the
United States and the rules Of economy which
apply to inferior municipalities have no
jurisdiction here. The entire District Of
every way with what is fitting for
the national capital We need a municipal
building, more school houses more fire engine
houses and an improved sewer system aS once.
These and the extension Of the streets and high
ways ought not to await the slow
processes which have hitherto prevailed.
All Of the citizens will agree to this, and the
only question that will arise will be as to
whe ther the presentation of this scheme to
Congress and its adoption will in anv way i'm
pair the subsisting equitable arrangement
whereby the United States bears one-half
OF the total cost OF all improvements. The
Commissioners will carefully consider this mat
ter and will invite objections and advice from
the citizens at large"
GENERALLY AvoRED BY CITIZENS
Many business men who always take . deep
interest in whatever pertains to the prosperity
and welfare Of the District are out of the city,
but those seen by STAB reporters today were
generally favorable to the bond proposition.
Mr.. B. H. Warner, president Of the board Of
trade. said; 81 am sure a majority of the board
OF trade will favor the Glover proposition.
The plan is a good one and will really not
add at all to our burdens, as the enhanced
value which will be given property by the ex-
penditure Of so large an amount of money will
increase the revenue by way Of taxation to a
sufficient extent not only to pay the interest,
but to accumulate q sinking fund toward pay
ing the principal.
"The people Of the United States, as well as Of
the District, would be largely benefited in hav-
ing added attractiveness and healthfuiness
given the capital city. Such q scheme helps
give enjoyment to the present generation and
makes our heirs pay something on account of
the inheritance they derive from us. II Con-
gress will provide that these bonds can be taken
as security for the circulation Of national banks
they can be hoated at 81 per cent.
Money for proper public uses gives health,
beauty and happiness.
Put me down as favoring it as the only true
plan for the early and comprehensive improve
ments Of our already great CITY,"
UNwIsE ECONOMY TO DELAY
Mr.. ". S. Thompson said that he had not
given this particular proposition any thought,
but still in general way he realized
that it was important that something of the
kind should be done. He knew that it was
an unwise economy to delay the opening Of the
streets through the suburbs and making the
other needed improvements. Because these
things were not done the value of property was
deprecated and the natural development of
the suburbs delayed. No doubt that some wise
solution of the matter could be reached and
if it was thought that the money should be
raised by bond issue he was in favor Of that.
He thought. however. that it would be found
bonds could be placed bearing q lower rate of
interest than per cent. and perhaps it would
not be deemed necessary to have such large
amount Of money as SIC, 900 to spend
in a lump, but only SO much could properly
be expended in the course Of q single season.
Mr.. Thompson said that these and other aues-
tions could be considered in formulating the
matter for presentation to Congress. but on the
general idea that these Improvements should 20
on he thought that there was no difference of
opinion.
APPROVE THE PLAN.
Mr.. c. J. Bell, the president Of the American
Security and Trust Company: Il am heartily
in favor of the plan, provided that the entire
debt is not saddled on the District. The Dis
trict has suffered heretofore by unjust appro-
prtations, the half Of which should have been
borne by the government. ] would rather not
have the improvements than to have the Dis
trict bear the entire burden. There can be no
doubt that $4,000. 900 expended now over
period OF five or ten years would accomplish
more than twice that amount utilized fve or
ten years from this time
Mr.. n. W. Burchell-"Most decidedly do 1
approve of the plan. consider it very happy
thought on the part Of Mr.. Glover and hope
that il will meet with success"
Mr.. w. b. Gurley, real estate agent: "The
idea is heartily approved by me and it would
seem that any one who has the interests Of the
District at heart must indorse it. The opening
Of 10th street and Connecticut and Rhode
Island avenues will be most beneficial When
this is done the prorerty owners whose
land is between these streets will
improve their property so as to be in
accord with their surroundings. The bonds
should be made for a long period, SO that those
who will derive the benefits from the
improvements will bear some Of the burden of
payment There will be no difficulty in having
the bonds disposed Of. think the plan is one
OF the best things that was ever proposed, and