Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-07-10
FOR IMPROVEMENTS.
Mr.. Glover Proposes an Issue Of
District Bonds.
COMMISSIONER PARKER FAVORS IT.
Prominent Citizens Discuss Import
ant Matters.
EXTENSION OF THE STREETS.

An interesting discussion took place in the
board room at the District building this morn
ing, in which several prominent business men
took part The matters discussed were Of
general Importance. First Of all the
general discussion of the extension
Of streets was taken up and Mr..
Glover urged upon the Commissioners the i'm
portance of extending Connecticut avenue in q
straight line. He said that was one Of the most
important improvements now before the people,
and it should be commenced at once.
Mr.. H. P. Waggamsn called the attention Of
house in the middle Of the street, and asked if
there was not some way to stop it.
Commissioner Parker stated that the parties
had been notified that the building Of this
house was in the middle Of the street and the
permit for the same had been revoked. One
thing was certain the Commissioners would not
allow any house. no matter how much it cost,
to stand in the way of the extension of Con-
necticut avenue.
The extension Of Massachusetts avenue and
18th street were next talked of. Mr.. Glover said
that OF course the extension Of these streets
involved considerable expense and it was not
to be expected that Congress would step right
in and appropriate all the money neces-
sary to do the work. 1t was, however. Of para
mount importance that these streets should be
extended at once, for property values were
daily increasing. and in ten years the cost
OF the work would be doubled. Then there was
the reclamation and improvement Of Rock
creek. Capt. Derby said that the engineer de-
partment had about concluded not to convert
the creek within the city limits into q sewer,
and intercepting sewers would be built to carry
of the sewage. He was of the impression that
a handsome drive on each side Of tho creek
would be the most acceptable improvement.
ISSUE BONDS.
Mr.. Glover, turning to Commissioner Parker,
said: Look here, Parker, there are many
great and necessary improvements to be made.
We all know that the pen,iriousness Of Con-
gross will not admit Of their improvement within
any reasonable time. Now, if you Commits
sioners could get from Congress authority to issue
$40. 900 900 worth of bonds at per cent
interest and 90 ahead and do these works it
would not only bea great saving to the District,
but wonderful stride for the city"
Commissioner Parker was very favorably
disposed and said the scheme was a good one.
COMMISSIONERS PARKERs VIEWS.
Commissioner Parker. after the general talk
was over, speaking on the subjects mentioned
and others, said to a STAR reporter:
81 do not believe District matters will be
considered at the extra session Of Congress.
u
session. With the limited appropriation
for 1893 the Commissioners find
themselves very much crippled. The
necessities Of the District are far greater than
the appropriation. Washington has made
rapid strides in the spreading out process
millions of money has been expended by in
dividuals in opening up and improving su-
burban subdivisions.
These improvements have not been limited
to the donation of ground for public high
u - -
paving streets and putting down sewers and
water mains.
'As result Of this, taxation has been largely
increased. The county has a right to ask that y
portion, at least Of this money should be spent
in front OF the property. This calculation en-
braces all sections Of the District save the
southwest, which is bounded by the river.
CONGRESS MUST GRANT INCREASES.
eve must ask Congress for needed in
creased appropriations for sewer and water
extensions The estimates for street improve
ments should be enlarged. Our county roads.
which are picturesque and which are a great
summer comfort, should be improved. We
need very particularly q new municipal build
ing. Our present quarters are cramped, i'll ar
ranged and a standing disgrace to the country.
There is hardly private business office in town
that is not more decent and convenient
1.-The capital Of the nation should have q
model municipal building. The bill for a per-
manent system Of highways gotten through
Congress after so many years Of hard work will
involve the expenditure Of large amount OF
money.
FAvORs BONDS.
II am in favor Of asking Congress to authorize
the issue Of bonds bearing low rate of inter-
est to mature. say in forty years or more.
These bonds would be readily taken
work under this bill could be pushed
with more vigor and no hardship by way Of in
creased taxation would result to our people.
The whole country is proud Of Washington and
will indorse any Congress that deals generously
and fairly by u.s."