Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-11-13

great republic so boundleSs in resources as
our own. y
Some Local. Coalitions.
Until within the past few years the
energy and independence which have mark
ed the growth of other cities have been
sadly wanting here, and the necessity Of
combinations and united action on the
part of business men to create new at
fractions for capital, thus inducing the 10
cation and emploment'o1 individuals. has
not been fully appreciated. During the last
| decade there has been al unusual growth
In population Of very high order. because
| of our exceptional attractions as a place of
residence and resort. Many of the occu-
pants Of magnificent residences have, how
ever, local interests elsewhere, which IT Is
their pleasure and duty to foster.
mo mean proportion Of those who dwell
here do so because they regard this city as
the most desirable place in which to spend
the larger part of their time. They own
some real estate, but most Of their invest
ments are made elsewhere, and their IN
come is produced by enterprises Carried on
outside of the District. Social engage
ments when here and the desire not to be
encountered with any cares they can avoid,
deters them from active participation in
our local affairs. The larger percentage or
office holders are SO much engaged during
the day as to prevent them from becoming
interested in outside matters, and so, with
| population unequaled IN intaiilsence IN
to properly thrive on the wonderful OPP
portunities Washington possesses.
1.-The depression in all branches Of bust
ness. which has prevailed throughout the
country for some time past, has also been
severely felt here. and the large number OF
persons who are now out OF employment
presents a situation which In ecuIar
manner suggests broad and earnest action
on the part of all who have the best IN
terests of our city at heart.
individual Energy Needed.
IT do not at all overlook the fact that the
presence Of the general government mere
and the constant and regular payment OF
salaries to it's employees has been source
of relief not enjoyed by other communities.
l do, however, desire to call attention to the
fact that no appropriation or government
aid can give to our District what is sup
piled only by magnetic enterprise and ener-
gy which have built other great cities to
gigantic proportions since the general gov
eminent found its home here.
Chicago the second city of the republic;
ST. Paul Minneapolis, Cleveland, Cincin-
natl and dozens of other thrifty cities were
not dreamed of when Washington selected
this location for the chief city Of the re-
public. They have grown because those
who located within their borders determined
that they must be built up by united effort
and the growth of numerous enterprises
which should attract the investment Of
capital and the services of those who wish
to reap large results.
"Of course, the peculiar situation here
has made the chief mission Of the board Of
trade in the past the proper representative
Of the interests.of the city before the sever
al committees Of Congress, and its work
has been successful and effective. 1t does
seem to me, however, that with the most
careful attention to work in this direction,
there are other fields that might properly
be occupied in the future. A few days since
special committee was appointed to con-
slider the question of promoting manufac-
lures which would not be detrimental to the
city in any direction, but would tend to
add to its prosperity. Whatever is done
must be done by individuals. and there are
few men OF large means who can be relied
on to aid by contributions to the establish
ment of Industrial plans.wIthout the PROS
poet OF an early dividepdpppon their invest
Some Large achievements.
I'VE have numerous Natural advantages
which are in favor of sGch enterprises. such
as direct communicated with the coal
fields by railway and caaRl. and the water
power Of the Potomac river, the value of
which is hardly understood by our people.
The fact that we have competing lines in
several directions and--thats others could
be easily constructed are all In favor of
this city. u1Hq..
Baltimore. our near neighbor, has risen
to commercial greatness- and power with
fewer advantages Than We possess. Our
city has, however, steadily progressed, and
to demonstrate this flctII mention few of
the larger improvemehts) which have been
made within tie past ME YEARS since the
board of trade was organized.
The Washington and Georgetown Street
Railroad have completed the laying of the
cable system; the Georgetown anu Tenley
town, the Glen Echo the Brightwood and
Rock Creek railroads have been construct
ed; the lexington and Soldiers Home. Ana
costa ana Belt Lines have made large ex-
tensions; the Columbia railroad is now lay
ing a cable system, and the Metropolitan
is equipping with electricity. The Ralti-
more and Washington boulevard and rail-
road are in the course of construction. Sew
eral other lines have been chartered ana
viii soon be commenced.
The Northern Liberty Market has been
changed into an elegant lecture and music
hau. holding between 5000 and 10000 peo-
pie, thus supplying a long felt want. Sew
eral large buildings have been erected by
private enterprise, notably the Union build
ing on G street, several new buildings by
trust companies and banks, the Cairo and
several other datS are being constructed or
are being finished. The new post office
building has peen commenced, the Con-
gressiondl Library building is rapidly ap-
preaching completion, the trustees of the
Corcoran Art Gallery are erecting a new
and magnificent gallery, the Shoreham,
Normantl!e and Cochran hotels have been
constructed.
Advance of the City.
Ground has been purchased by the
united states for a national park. A large
amount of work has been done in reclaim
ing the Potomac fats, and the whole river
front has been greatly improved. A new
and elegant line of steamers between Wash
ington and Norfolk has been established
Various resorts along the Potomac have
been originated or improved Two new
daily papers have been started Thousands
OF houses have been erected-many of them
OF superior character-wfthin a radius of
ten miles from the Capitol building, and
their occupants In many ways contribute
to the growth of this city, as they are pa
irons OF Its stores and institutions. The
Catholic University has erected new
building; the American University has pur-
chased site ard Is actively pushing it's
claims for success. The Eastern Presby-
terrain and a number Of other churches
have been erected. Several large public
school buildings have also been located In
different sections of the city. A new Cath
olic cathedral Is in the course Of construc-
ton. Ground for an Episcopal cathedral
has been donated and the erection of such
a building is assured
1.-The secretary has enumerated what has
been accomplished by the board during the
past year, and you will get many details
from the reports Of the committees during
the year ending June 80, 1894. Notwith-
standing the general shrinkage in values,
its taxes We're increaS ad col pDO