Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-06-30

The board Of trade, In heartily indorsing
yesterday the bond-issue project. acted
wisely in commencing the general prin-
ciple OF a bond-issue instead Of express
ing an opinion concerning the minute de-
tails OF the proposed bill. and IN calling at
tentfon to the proportionate contribution of
the national government to all parts Of the
proposed improvements as a vital feature
OF the legislation as Endorsed by the board.
The sentiment of the board was practi-
cally unanimous on the general principle
involved. whereas there were some differ
ences of opinion in respect to certain de-
tails. By the course pursued the board was
enabled to act as a unit and to give all the
force to its declaration which comes from
the presentation OF an undivided front, while
members were left uncommitted In respect
to matters of detail. like the hours and pay
OF laborers to be employed. the degree of
minuteness with which the Commissioners
should be required to indicate in advance
the character and location of improvements.
and other similar questions.
1t would clearly have been inadvisable to
indorse the pending bill in all its details
while the measure was still in its formative
stage in many respects. The Commissioners
have themselves submitted a number Of pro-
posed amendments for consideration by the
House committee. Details. IL Endorsed by
the board yesterday, might, at the Commits
sioners' request or with their consent. be
changed tomorrow, to the embarrassment
of the board through the implied reflection
upon the wisdom of its original indorse-
ment.
The second section Of the resolution en-
phasizes one OF the most admirable features
Of the proposed legislation. Under the ex-
listing street-extension law the national
government Is exempted from any share in
the cost Of street improvement beyond
Boundary street.
The influential citizens who secured this
law. permitted 1t to be passed with this
Objectionable provision, only when they
found that 1t was impossible. under the ex-
listing circumstances. to get it through the
House in any other shape, and they accom-
panied their assent to this legislation by the
assurance to other citizens that they would
secure correction Of this gross injustice
by subsequent amendment. Now, for the
first time, a large appropriation is asked for
suburban street extension. and contem-
poraneo1sly with the request these citizens
seem to indicate their readiness to meet
their pledges with respect to a change Of
the existing unjust law. This resolution &C.
centuates the fact that a piece of correc-
tive legislation is now proposed which is Of
tremendous Importance to all the interests Of
the capital In the restoration and mainten-
ance. intact, of the principle of proportion
ate contribution. and makes ii clear that
this change of the law is as important a
proposition and vital a feature of the
project as street extension itself
Washington works for suburban street
extension on the same basis of expenditure
mat prevails in respect to street improve
ment In other parts OF the capital. and not
on basis which constitutes a perpetually
threatening and dangerous precedent In re-
spect to the financial relations of the rest
Of the federal District toward the national
government.
The crusade now organizing Is for % a.
= bond issue for sewer completion, CD a
change in the law exempting the national
government from financial obligations in
respect to the greater Washington Of the
near future. which lies outside of existing
Boundary street, and CD bond issue for
comprehensive urban and suburban street
extension and improvement, the suburban
work being conducted only on the basis of
the changed law. This program Of public
work is a noble and attractive one. Now
for long pull. and a strong pull and a
pull all together,